Syrian Strategic Forum Launch Dinner marks the official inauguration of the Syrian Strategic Forum (SSF), bringing together a selected group of members, sector experts, and invited guests, including senior stakeholders and strategic partners, as well as representatives from development and productive sectors, academia, international organisations, and the media. The evening will introduce SSF’s…
Micro-sized and small enterprises (MSEs) and freelancers are expanding rapidly in Saudi Arabia, contributing to employment generation, economic diversification and the Kingdom’s competitiveness. MSEs, freelancers and start-ups play a particularly important role in peripheral areas – they may be a backbone of the economy in smaller cities, towns and remote regions. As digital platforms…
The Social Development Bank (SDB) will host the second "Entrepreneurship & Modern Business Practices Forum" (DEVEGO). This interactive national event will focus on practical knowledge and networking to empower entrepreneurs at every stage, from inspiration to leadership. Topics will include the future of entrepreneurship and freelance work, along with enhancing support for small and emerging…
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy places digital transformation at the centre of economic diversification. Financial technology (fintech) solutions, particularly digital payments, are helping to expand financial inclusion, stimulate innovation and strengthen the private sector’s contribution to national development.This publication analyses the evolution of the Kingdom’s fintech ecosystem,…
On ways to attract capital and accelerate recovery and production plans Which factors should be weighed in determining where limited public investment should be targeted for humanitarian assistance in 2025? MOHAMMAD SAFWAT RASLAN: The first priority is to focus on projects that directly affect daily life: electricity, water, transport access and other basic infrastructure. Much of this infrastructure…
Sharjah has engineered a transformation into a leading hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the MENA region. The emirate’s success is powered by a uniquely integrated ecosystem that seamlessly connects talent development at institutions like the American University of Sharjah (AUS), venture creation and mentorship through the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), and scaling…
On rebuilding trust, driving reform and fostering growth How much has the Ministry of Finance changed since your arrival earlier in 2025? MOHAMMED YISR BARNIEH: We are committed to rebuilding trust between the ministry, the private sector and society. When I arrived, we faced a deteriorating financial environment, weak institutions and a system of corruption and bureaucracy. My first initiative…
On navigating an economic reawakening and emerging potential What makes this period an especially important moment for economic and social development? MOHAMED HAYKAL: As Syria emerges from a long period of dictatorship and lawlessness to rejoin the free world, it is undergoing a profound transformation. I have returned many times since what most Syrians refer to as the liberation. During these…
The cultural and creative economy generates 3.1% of global GDP and supports over 30m jobs. Its scope spans film, music, fashion, heritage and museums, with multiplier effects across supply chains and services. Yet, despite its scale, the sector is often grouped with media or leisure, limiting visibility and complicating benchmarking. Trends such as digitalisation, immersive formats, and alignment…
