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…
This report explores socio-economic transformation in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia, highlighting the region's strategic emphasis on community satisfaction, economic diversification and urban revitalisation. Al Madinah's commitment to citizen well-being is evident through a digital shift in public services, green space expansion and improved infrastructure, aligning with national…
The empowerment of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Saudi Arabia is key to driving economic diversification and resilience. The Kingdom has laid out strategic foundations to support MSME growth, recognising their role in creating a more dynamic and inclusive economy. By fostering an environment that enables MSMEs to expand, the country aims to unlock their full potential…
Click here to read our Saudi Arabia Economic Report and Investment Analysis 2024 online …
Interview: Joseph Rank, CEO for Saudi Arabia and Africa How localised is defence manufacturing, and what is the role of the private sector in this process? JOSEPH RANK: The private sector plays a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s defence manufacturing, as it is responsible for the actual production. The government can invest directly or through industrial participation programmes to incentivise this…
Interview: Alhamedi Alanezi, CEO and President, Arabsat How are advancements in satellite communication affecting global connectivity and the Kingdom’s ambitions in the aerospace sector? ALHAMEDI ALANEZI: Advancements in satellite communication are revolutionising global connectivity by enabling faster, more reliable data transmission across regions that were previously underserved or difficult…
Interview:Nabil Khojah, Secretary-General, Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority How does the establishment of economic zones contribute to diversification, and what role do these zones play in attracting foreign investment? NABIL KHOJAH: The creation of special economic zones (SEZs) is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030. These zones…
Interview:Hussein Fares, CEO, Abdulla Fouad Group How do you see Saudi Arabia’s current infrastructure development contributing to Vision 2030? HUSSEIN FARES: The pace of infrastructure development in the Kingdom has been remarkable. We have made significant strides across multiple sectors – from transport and logistics, to housing and utilities – all of which are critical to long-term…
Mohammed El Kuwaiz, Chairman, Capital Market Authority (CMA): Interview What steps can regulatory authorities take to encourage listed companies to align with environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles? MOHAMMED EL KUWAIZ: The CMA is developing a regulatory framework for green, social and sustainable debt instruments, alongside incentivising diverse issuances in the sukuk (Islamic bonds)…
Amid Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East, Taiwan Strait and elsewhere, global military expenditure increased 6.8% to reach $2.4trn in 2023 – the highest level ever recorded by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Saudi Arabia allocated approximately $75.8bn to its military that year, marking a 4.3% increase from 2022. This expenditure…
