Marriott Bonvoy and Alrajhi Bank Launch New Travel Rewards Credit Card in Saudi Arabia

Egypt has submitted a new state offering program to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of its ongoing economic reform efforts, Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk told Al Arabiya Business.

Kouchouk said the program focuses on three to four major offerings during the current fiscal year (FY) in the financial, insurance, airports, renewables, and logistics fields.

He added that a major divestment deal will be announced soon, referring to anticipated transactions in the renewable energy, communication data centers, and mobile towers sectors.

Kouchouk noted that a new debt management strategy will be unveiled in December, focusing on extending the average debt maturity.

The minister confirmed that the government debt has been reduced by nearly 10% of gross domestic product (GDP) within two years, reaching 85% now, with a goal to bring it down to 75% within three years.

He also said Egypt is in talks with Kuwait, Qatar, and several European countries to convert part of its debt into investments, though discussions remain in early stages.

Additionally, Kouchouk mentioned that Egypt still has a chance to attract $2.5 billion in international bonds until next June.

He further confirmed that the fifth and sixth IMF program reviews will be integrated into the current economic reform framework.

According to the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook, the fund raised its forecast for Egypt’s real GDP growth in FY 2025/2026 to 4.5%, up from its July estimate of 4.1%.

SAS, the market leader in Data and AI, has partnered with DIB, the world’s first Islamic bank and the largest in the UAE, to upgrade its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) platform and advance financial crime compliance capabilities, deployed on SAS hosted cloud services, supported by Microsoft. This strategic collaboration, announced at GITEX 2025, reflects DIB’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving regulatory requirements and leveraging advanced technologies to ensure compliance with the global standards and meet industry-specific compliance requirements. 

Recognizing the rapid advancements in regulatory frameworks and the increasing complexity of financial crime, DIB is advancing to SAS Viya 4 – a cloud-native, AI-powered analytics platform running on Microsoft Azure– building on its longstanding relationship with SAS. The upgrade will not only modernize compliance operations but also support the bank’s broader digital transformation agenda.

Abdul Waheed Rathore, Group Chief Compliance Officer at DIB said: “Safeguarding the integrity of our operations and maintaining customer trust are foundational to everything we do. In today’s increasingly complex regulatory environment, our partnership with SAS reflects a strategic move to elevate our compliance capabilities which equips us with greater agility, precision, and insight to proactively combat financial crime, while reinforcing our enterprise-wide commitment to strong governance and risk resilience.”

As part of this transformation, DIB will implement SAS’s Financial Crime Analytics — an advanced suite powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) — to strengthen its ability to detect and mitigate financial crimes. The platform will deliver faster, deeper insights, empowering the bank to proactively detect, assess, and mitigate financial crime risks with greater accuracy and efficiency

“SAS is proud to support DIB in advancing its financial crime strategy and digital compliance ambitions,” said Michel Ghorayeb, Managing Director, SAS UAE. “Our advanced analytics, AI, and cloud technologies are designed to empower leading organizations like DIB to remain resilient against emerging financial crime threats while ensuring operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Deployed in cloud with SAS-hosted managed services, we are offering a combination of technology and expertise to deliver exceptional results and safeguard DIB’s customers.”

Imane El Majdoubi, Enterprise Commercial Director, Microsoft UAE stated: “At Microsoft UAE, we are proud to support DIB’s digital transformation journey by providing secure, scalable, and AI-powered Azure cloud capabilities. By partnering with SAS and DIB, we are enabling advanced analytics and compliance solutions that help DIB proactively detect and mitigate financial crime risks, while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence.”

This upgrade is part of DIB’s continued investment in future-ready compliance infrastructure and innovation-led transformation. It reinforces the bank’s long-term commitment to operational excellence and regulatory resilience, while aligning with the UAE’s national vision to position itself as a global hub for financial innovation, transparency, and governance leadership.

Saudi Aramco can sustain crude oil production at 12 million barrels per day (bpd) for a year without incurring additional costs, Chief Executive Amin Nasser said on Monday.

Saudi Arabia holds a substantial share of the world’s spare oil capacity – idle supply that can quickly be brought to market.

Speaking at the Energy Intelligence Forum in London, Nasser projected global oil demand would rise by 1.1 million to 1.3 million bpd this year, and by 1.2 million to 1.4 million bpd in 2026.

Nasser said Aramco’s extraction costs stood at $2 per barrel of oil equivalent (boe) for oil and $1 per boe for gas.

“We are determined to remain dominant in oil thanks to a massive resource base, low costs, and one of the lowest upstream carbon intensities across the industry,” Nasser said.

“We also see resilient demand, and the pressing need for long-term investments in supply is now widely accepted.”

ARAMCO SCALES BACK CAPACITY TARGET

The Saudi energy ministry ordered Aramco in January 2024 to u-turn on a maximum sustainable capacity target of 13 million bpd, reinstating the earlier 12 million bpd target that had been in place before March 2020. The International Energy Agency estimated Saudi Arabia’s spare capacity at 2.43 million bpd in August, out of the 4.05 million bpd held by OPEC+. Saudi Arabia produced more than 9.7 million bpd of crude that month.

The International Energy Agency estimated that Saudi Arabia’s spare capacity was 2.43 million bpd in August out of the total 4.05 million bpd spare capacity held by OPEC+. Saudi Arabia produced more than 9.7 million bpd of crude in August.

Aramco, the world’s top oil exporter, still views chemicals as a strategic growth area, even as rivals such as Shell and Exxon Mobil scale back operations.

“Despite the current downturn, chemicals remain a key long-term growth area, with our proven strengths in both feedstocks and conversion,” CEO Amin Nasser said.

The company has been expanding its downstream and petrochemical portfolio to diversify revenue.

On October 9 it gained majority control of Petro Rabigh by acquiring a 22.5% stake from Sumitomo Chemical. In July, it bought a 10% stake in China’s Rongsheng Petrochemical for $3.4 billion, securing access to a 400,000 bpd refinery.

It is also building an $11 billion petrochemical complex with TotalEnergies at their existing Satorp refinery in Saudi Arabia expected to produce 1.65 million metric tons annually of ethylene from 2027.

TotalEnergies said last month it is expanding in Saudi Arabia due to competitive feedstock and energy costs, even as it closes some European operations.

Esterad Investment Company (Esterad) has announced the official launch of Esterad Capital, a newly established Category 3A asset management firm headquartered in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), Esterad Capital aligns with Esterad’s growth strategy to expand its regional reach while maintaining strong governance and investment discipline.

Esterad Capital has been established as a regional investment platform, reinforcing Esterad’s commitment to building a stronger footprint in one of the region’s most dynamic financial hubs, said a statement.

The new DIFC office will serve as a gateway for strategic partnerships and will provide enhanced access to international capital markets and investment opportunities.

The launch marks a strategic milestone in Esterad’s regional expansion plans and its ambition to enhance its presence in key financial markets across the GCC, it stated.

“The launch of Esterad Capital marks a pivotal step in our growth journey and reflects our long-term vision to position Esterad as a leading regional investment platform,” remarked Ahmed Abdulrahman, the Chief Executive Officer of Esterad and Chairman of Esterad Capital.

“DIFC provides a world-class regulatory and financial ecosystem, and this strategic expansion will enable us to work closely with a few select families and HNWIs, strengthen our relationships with international partners, and pursue new opportunities in private equity, real estate, and alternative investments in the UAE,” he stated.

Abdulrahman pointed out that by leveraging DIFC’s robust legal and regulatory framework, coupled with its international connectivity, the company aims to enhance deal origination, accelerate capital deployment, and serve the investment requirements for strategic investors who can co-invest with Esterad.

Esterad Capital will focus on the origination, structuring, and management of investment opportunities across multiple asset classes, including private equity, real estate, and other strategic investments, in line with Esterad’s disciplined investment philosophy, he added.

The Government of Sharjah, through its Finance Department, rated Ba1/BBB–/AAA (Moody’s/S&P/Lianhe), has mandated banks for a potential Panda Bond offering.

Bank of China is the lead underwriter and bookrunner. Credit Agricole (China), JP Morgan Chase (China), Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Bohai Bank, Citic Securities, Export-Import Bank of China and Shenwan Hongyuan Securities are joint lead underwriters and bookrunners.

The Government of Sharjah last tapped the Panda bond market in February 2018, issuing RMB 2 billion ($316 million), making it the first Middle Eastern issuer to enter China’s domestic bond market.

CrediMax, a leading payment solutions provider in Bahrain, said it has become the first in the kingdom to introduce Visa Commercial Pay, virtual corporate card platform, a next-generation digital solution designed to transform how businesses manage expenses, enhance security, and gain full financial visibility.

Visa Commercial Pay is ideal for businesses of all sizes – from startups managing tight budgets to large enterprises controlling hundreds of employee cards, said CrediMax in a statement.

With instant virtual card issuance, real-time tracking, and robust security, it streamlines operations, cuts costs, and drives transparency – making corporate finance simpler, smarter, and strategic.

CrediMax CEO Ahmed A. Seyadi said: “We are redefining corporate payments for the digital era. Businesses today need flexibility, control, and security – all delivered in real time. Visa Commercial Pay provides a smarter way to manage corporate spend, empowering finance teams to operate efficiently while giving employees a seamless payment experience.”

“By being first to launch this solution in Bahrain, CrediMax is helping businesses embrace global Fintech trends and gain a competitive advantage,” he stated.

Ahmed ElKaffass, Visa’s Country Manager for Bahrain, said: “Visa is committed to supporting Bahrain’s digital transformation, and our partnership with CrediMax is a perfect example of that commitment in action.”

“Visa Commercial Pay directly helps local businesses operate more efficiently and securely, which is essential for driving growth across the wider economy. By enabling seamless B2B payments, we are helping to build a stronger, more resilient digital ecosystem for the Kingdom,” he added.

Oman’s $1 billion USD Reg S seven-year long fixed rate sukuk has been priced at 4.525%, representing a spread of 60 basis points over the US Treasuries.

The initial price thoughts (IPTs) were in the area of +95bps over US Treasuries.

The issuance, structured as Sukuk Al-Ijara, was launched under Rule 144A / 3(c)(7) and Regulation S Category 2 format, and will be listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market.

The obligor, the Government of Oman, is rated Baa3 (Stable) by Moody’s, BBB- (Stable) by S&P, and BB+ (Positive) by Fitch. The expected issue ratings are aligned with the sovereign’s long-term ratings from Moody’s and S&P.

Emirates NBD Securities, a subsidiary of Emirates NBD, has expanded its trading services, giving investors direct access to key GCC financial markets.

This expansion provides investors with a single and seamless entry point into some of the region’s most active exchanges, according to a press release.

Operating on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), and Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), the unit is extending its platform to Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

The move comes as Gulf capital markets are gaining significant traction, driven by strong economic activity.

Economic diversification initiatives, regulatory reforms, and relaxed foreign ownership rules secure new opportunities and attract strong interest from both local and international investors.

The Gulf region’s initial public offerings (IPO) activity has also stayed strong, enhancing liquidity, widening participation, and making cross-border investment easier than ever.

Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking, Emirates NBD, said: “Being the UAE’s only bank-backed broker to offer full GCC access sets us apart and gives clients confidence that their investments are supported by one of the region’s strongest financial institutions.”

Hessa Al Mulla, General Manager, Emirates NBD Securities, added: “With this expansion, they can reach every major market in the GCC through a single app and a dedicated brokerage team.”

During the first half (H1) of 2025, Emirates NBD posted 12% year-on-year (YoY) higher net income valued at AED 23.90 billion.

Amir Hanna was named Best Investor Relations Professional in Kuwait.

This recognition underscores NBK’s leadership in advancing professional standards and best practices in the field of investor relations.

The award reaffirms the Bank’s commitment to delivering transparent, timely, and value-driven disclosures to all stakeholders.

National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) was distinguished with two prestigious accolades from the Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) during its annual awards ceremony in Oman. The event, sponsored by the Muscat Stock Exchange, brought together leaders of GCC stock exchanges, decision-makers from global investment funds, and a wide network of investor relations professionals and experts from around the world.

NBK received the award for Leading Corporate for Investor Relations in Kuwait, while Mr. Amir Hanna, Group Chief Communications Officer at NBK, was named Best Investor Relations Professional in Kuwait.

This recognition underscores NBK’s leadership in adopting world-class standards of transparency and professionalism in investor relations, reinforcing its position as a leading financial institution in the local and regional banking sector, while further strengthening the confidence of the investment community and stakeholders in the Bank as a trusted partner.

The awards recognize companies and individuals who excel in investor communication and uphold the highest standards of corporate governance. Winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation of their investor relations programs, and based on a comprehensive survey of analysts and professional money managers.

Transparency and disclosure are measured by the clarity and comprehensiveness of information shared with investors and the public, adherence to corporate governance best practices, and the quality of annual and quarterly reports and investor presentations. They also encompass the effectiveness of communication channels with investors, ranging from conferences with investors and analysts to the use of digital platforms.

The criteria also cover the responsiveness to investor inquiries, the ease of access to information and the investor relations team, the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into disclosure and strategy, as well as the adoption of innovative communication methods aimed at enhancing the overall investor experience.

These awards reaffirm NBK’s unwavering commitment to adopting best practices in investor relations and stand as a testament to its leadership in delivering transparent, high-quality disclosures to all stakeholders. The recognition by the investment community highlights the Bank’s ongoing efforts to enhance communication with shareholders and analysts, while reinforcing market confidence and strengthening trust within the investor community.

NBK has consistently upheld the highest standards of governance and transparency, demonstrating clear excellence in investor relations through its ongoing efforts. The Bank maintains an open and continuous dialogue with investors, organizes regular presentations, and is committed to publishing comprehensive financial, annual, and sustainability reports that offer clear insights into its performance and strategic direction.

As a non-profit organization, MEIRA is dedicated to promoting best practices in investor relations while enhancing the reputation, efficiency, and appeal of capital markets across the Middle East.

Arthur D. Little (ADL) has released new findings demonstrating that water must be recognized not only as a natural resource but as a key driver of economic activity and national resilience. With the Middle East home to 6% of the global population but holding less than 1% of the world’s renewable water resources, adopting economic valuation methodologies as part of broader

water management strategies to ensure lasting access for generations to come is becoming increasingly important particularly for GCC countries facing decline in non-renewable water resources.

International case studies illustrate the practical impact of using economic valuation of water in making policy decisions. In Jordan, agriculture consumes nearly 60% of water resources, yet a comprehensive water valuation study showed that prioritizing high-value crops such as cucumbers and strawberries over low-value, water-intensive crops like alfalfa could raise the average economic value of water nearly threefold, from JD 0.40 per cubic meter to JD 1.10. 

Cyprus provides another example, where the economic value of water of the critical water resource; Akrotiri aquifer, was calculated at CYP 4.07 million annually vastly exceeded the cost of conservation measures required. These findings supported the decision to replenish the aquifer with treated wastewater, validating a significant investment in long-term supply security.

In South Africa, valuation of industrial water use calculated an average value of ZAR 369.10 per cubic meter, far higher than prevailing tariffs. This insight encouraged policymakers to consider tariff adjustments that promote efficiency without undermining industry. In Australia, the impact of groundwater usage on the national economy was quantified at AUD 6.8 billion annually using the economic value of water, underscoring water’s role as an economic enabler of national prosperity.

Of particular relevance to the Gulf is Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive national water valuation model, which incorporates both use and non-use values across all water sources; groundwater, surface water, desalinated water, and treated wastewater. This framework has become a cornerstone for national planning, awareness raising, and conservation decisions, providing a benchmark for the wider region as it balances growth ambitions with resource stewardship.

“Assigning measurable value to water enables leaders to make informed decisions that deliver the greatest benefit to both people and economies,” said Nick Strange, Principal in the Energy, Utilities & Resources practice at Arthur D. Little Middle East. “For the GCC countries, adopting these methodologies can strengthen national resilience, foster innovation in alternative water sources such as; desalination and reuse, and ensure that every cubic meter contributes to sustainable growth.”

The findings emphasize that water valuation is not a theoretical exercise but a practical policy tool. By embedding it into decision-making, GCC countries can align raw water tariffs with true resource costs, improve water efficiency in agriculture and industry, and prioritize conservation and infrastructure projects that deliver the highest long-term returns. Embracing the economic value of water in this way can help guarantee lasting access to the fresh water needed to sustain industries, economies, and entire populations.

Trading and investing platform eToro announces today that it has partnered with Lean Technologies, a fintech infrastructure platform, to provide instant AED bank transfers to customers based in the United Arab Emirates.

This partnership makes eToro one of the first global multi-asset investment platforms in the UAE to leverage a locally regulated open-banking provider to offer secure, instant AED funding. By linking their eToro account to their local bank, UAE-based users can securely deposit funds in seconds without leaving the eToro app. This eliminates tedious steps like filling in card details and switching between apps, reducing unnecessary friction and the risk of manual error, significantly streamlining the funding process.

Doron Rosenblum, EVP Business Solutions at eToro, said: “We’re proud to be one of the first global investing platforms to bring instant bank transfers to customers in the UAE. Open banking is a powerful innovation that’s transforming how people move and manage their money. By integrating this capability, our users will benefit from a faster, easier, and safer funding experience. It’s another key milestone in our mission to make investing simple and transparent for everyone.”

George Naddaf, Managing Director at eToro MENA, added: “eToro and Lean are both regulated by Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). The partnership reinforces eToro’s commitment to working with trusted, locally regulated partners to enhance the user experience for customers, as well as reinforcing the UAE’s rapidly growing fintech ecosystem.”

Omar Hamada, VP of Sales & Partnerships, said: “Our partnership with eToro ensures that their customers in the UAE can fund their accounts instantly and securely, without the friction or cost of traditional payment methods. By embedding Lean’s infrastructure, eToro has streamlined the entire process, giving users a faster and safer way to move money. It’s exactly the kind of impact we aim to create; empowering leading platforms to deliver simpler, more reliable financial journeys to their customers.”

This initiative adds to eToro’s broader localization initiatives in the region, including the opening of its Abu Dhabi office, the addition of stocks listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market, and integrating the national identity platform UAE PASS into its onboarding process – all aimed at providing a tailored, relevant experience for investors in the UAE and across the MENA region.

From now until 31 December 2025, customers who use instant bank transfers to deposit AED into their trading account will enjoy zero conversion fees when converting AED into USD on their deposit.

In line with its commitment to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a leading global trade and investment hub, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) hosted a high-level delegation of heads of chambers of commerce from the Balkan region at a meeting at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi. The interactions focused on reviewing opportunities for economic and trade cooperation and broadening investment partnerships that support sustainable bilateral growth.

Strengthening Economic Relations

The delegation engaged in discussions with ADCCI on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade and investment. Both sides agreed on the importance of joint efforts to open new markets, launch future projects, and consolidate partnerships that serve shared interests and support sustainable growth.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside representatives from key national entities and private sector. The Balkan delegation included presidents of the chambers of commerce from Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, North-West Macedonia, American Balkan, and Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF).

The Balkans stand as a key partner for the UAE in its journey toward sustainable development. Non-oil trade between both sides has expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 8.7% over the past five years, reaching nearly US$1.9 billion in 2024.

Imports from the region reached an impressive US$1.3 billion, reflecting the strength of enduring partnerships with Romania, Slovenia, and Bulgaria. These nations continue to play a pivotal role in supplying the UAE market with essential commodities, including wheat, timber, and vital medicines. Meanwhile, the UAE’s non-oil exports have demonstrated exceptional growth, recording a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5%. Albania, Romania, and Croatia have emerged as key destinations for UAE exports, particularly aluminum, and steel products. Additionally, re-exports have experienced robust expansion, rising at a CAGR of 9%, fueled by dynamic trade in vehicles and advanced technology.

This strong performance underscores the resilience of the economic partnership and sets the stage for even deeper collaboration across a range of sectors, including agriculture, clean energy, technology, and logistics. Such progress further cements Abu Dhabi’s position as a strategic gateway for trade and investment, both within the region and on the global stage.

Leaders Remarks

His Excellency Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry: “This meeting embodies Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building strategic partnerships around the world. Abu Dhabi has become a global hub for trade and investment, and a prime destination for companies and entrepreneurs. Cooperation with the Balkan countries is fully aligned with our vision to diversify the economy and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading business center.”

H.E Al Marzooqi highlighted the emirate’s flexible, diversified economy and its competitive, world-class business environment built on sustainability, innovation, and openness to international collaboration. These advantages, he noted, have made Abu Dhabi an attractive destination for quality investments and a driver of growth in renewable energy, advanced industries, technology, and the knowledge economy.

He pointed out that Balkan markets represent promising ground for expanding and diversifying UAE exports, offering national businesses greater access to new consumer markets in Europe. He underlined the Chamber’s role as a strategic enabler of economic development by promoting competitiveness, opening new markets, and attracting foreign direct investment. He explained that ADCCI’s 2025-2028 roadmap is designed to empower entrepreneurs and SMEs and enhance their contribution to the national economy in line with government strategies.

New Horizons for Cooperation

Valentina Marku, President of Albanian Business Council Abu Dhabi, and head of the Balkan delegation described the visit as the beginning of a new stage in cooperation with ADCCI, affirming that Balkan countries view Abu Dhabi as a strategic partner and a leading investment destination. He noted that the participation of chambers from across the region highlighted the UAE’s strong reputation in the Balkans and underscored Abu Dhabi’s pivotal role in deepening bilateral economic relations. He expressed optimism about advancing cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, technology, and healthcare, emphasizing that the UAE’s diversified and resilient economy serves as a model capable of inspiring growth throughout Balkan markets.

Sectoral Presentations

The forum also featured presentations by national institutions, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Emirates Development Bank (EDB). These partners showcased Abu Dhabi’s business environment, investment opportunities, and growth enablers for international companies.

Discussions covered emerging areas of cooperation such as advanced industries, automotive and auto components, AI-driven innovations, renewable energy (with emphasis on solar potential in the Balkans), digital technologies, blockchain, biotechnology, medical sciences, food and water security, and organic agriculture.

Towards Long-Term Partnerships

Both sides agreed that the meeting represented a significant step towards establishing long-term partnerships that will benefit both parties and create new opportunities for collaboration. The Balkan delegation praised Abu Dhabi’s advanced investment climate, while ADCCI leaders described the relationship as a model of economic integration and effective diplomacy.

Invest Saudi is returning to Expo Real in Munich this October to showcase billions of dollars worth of new investment opportunities in the Kingdom.

As KSA continues its unprecedented real estate transformation in line with Vision 2030, Invest Saudi will back in Munich, Germany from 6 to 8 October reconnect with the global real estate fraternity to further boost foreign direct investment into the country.

Joining the Invest Saudi delegation are the Real Estate General Authority (REGA) and Diriyah Company, with Smart Accommodation for Residential Complexes Company (sarcc) and Ajdan Real Estate Development Company making their Expo Real debut.

Invest Saudi’s participation at Expo Real 2025 comes three months before a new law allowing foreigners to buy property in the Kingdom comes into effect. From January, under the Law of Real Estate Ownership, non-Saudi companies and individuals can purchase residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural assets in designated zones.

KSA has an extensive construction spending plan as the country undertakes a wide range of new projects, including 2.5 million new homes and numerous world-class tourism, hospitality, and commercial developments to meet investor demand.

Almost 100 investor meetings took place with Invest Saudi and participating developers at Expo Real last year.

Fahad Al Hashem, Deputy Assistant Minister of Investment Development at the Ministry of Investment Saudi Arabia (MISA), said: “The Kingdom continues to redefine urban development with world-class destinations and awe-inspiring projects that set new standards in design, construction, and sustainability – unleashing investment opportunities worth billions of dollars.

“The updated law regarding non-Saudis owning property represents a significant shift towards greater investment openness. It has removed traditional restrictions that previously limited non-Saudis’ ability to own and benefit from properties within the Kingdom. This expansion allows non-Saudis to acquire property rights, whether through ownership or usufruct, within specific geographic areas, creating numerous opportunities that align with various objectives of property ownership.

“Upcoming global events like Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034 are boosting already unprecedented demand for real estate, creating a wealth of exciting opportunities for investors to become part of KSA’s future. The new foreign ownership law is a landmark development set to further deepen investor appetite. We look forward to returning to Munich in October to reconnect with the global real estate fraternity, build new partnerships, and create long-term collaborations that are pivotal to realizing Vision 2030.”

The Saudi Talks series of live seminars – now a regular feature of Invest Saudi’s participation at Expo Real and MIPIM – is also back on the agenda, bringing together government representatives, industry leaders and experts to discuss KSA real estate across a two-day program on 6 and 7 October.

Expo Real’s conference, running alongside the exhibition, also features a dedicated session on KSA’s evolving real estate landscape. The session is at 3pm on Tuesday, 7 October, with participation from Invest Saudi and representatives from real estate developers, consultants and giga projects.

The net foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into Saudi Arabia recorded an increase of 14.5 percent, reaching approximately SR 22.8 billion during the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same quarter of the previous year, when it recorded SR 19.9 billion.

However, net flows posted a decline of 3.5 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025, which amounted to SR 23.7 billion, the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) announced on Sunday.

The value of inward FDI flows in the second quarter of 2025 amounted to SR24.9 billion, a 11.5 percent decrease compared to the same quarter of 2024, when it recorded SR28.2 billion. It also declined by 4.1 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025, which amounted to SR 26.0 billion.

Regarding outward FDI flows, they reached approximately SR2.1 billion during the second quarter of 2025, a 74.5 percent decrease compared to the second quarter of 2024, which amounted to SR8.2 billion.

Outward flows also recorded a decline of 10.5 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025, which amounted to SR 2.3 billion.

Global debt hit a record high of $337.7 trillion at the end of the second quarter, driven by easing global financial conditions, a softer U.S. dollar and a more accommodative stance from major central banks, a quarterly report showed.

The Institute of International Finance, a financial services trade group, said that global debt rose over $21 trillion in the first half of the year to $337.7 trillion.

China, France, the United States, Germany, Britain, and Japan recorded the largest increases in debt levels in U.S. dollar terms, though some of that was due to a waning dollar, the IIF found. The U.S. currency has weakened 9.75% since the start of the year against a basket of major trading partners.

GLOBAL DEBT SURGE COMPARABLE TO COVID-ERA INCREASE

“The scale of this increase was comparable to the surge seen in H2 2020, when pandemic-related policy responses drove an unprecedented buildup in global debt,” the IIF said in its Global Debt Monitor.

Looking at debt-to-GDP ratios – an indicator of the ability to repay debt by comparing to what is being produced – Canada, China, Saudi Arabia and Poland saw the sharpest increases. The ratio declined in Ireland, Japan, and Norway, the report found.

Overall, the global debt-to-output ratio continued to move slowly lower, standing just above 324%. However, in emerging markets the ratio hit 242.4% – a new record after a downward revision on the last report in May.

Total debt in emerging markets rose by $3.4 trillion in the second quarter to a record high of more than $109 trillion.

BOND MARKET PRESSURES

Emerging markets face a record high of nearly $3.2 trillion in bond and loan redemptions in the remainder of 2025, the IIF said.

It warned that fiscal strains could intensify in countries such as Japan, Germany, and France, urging caution over so-called “bond vigilantes” – referring to investors who sell off bonds of countries whose finances they deem unsustainable.

“While government debt ratios rose sharply across emerging markets in H1 — most notably in Chile and China — market reaction has been stronger in mature markets this year,” the IIF said.

IIF WARNS OF RISING SHORT-TERM BORROWING

The report also highlighted concerns over U.S. debt, noting that short-term borrowing now accounts for about 20% of total government debt and roughly 80% of Treasury issuance.

That rising reliance on short-term debt could heighten political pressure on central banks to keep rates low, potentially threatening monetary policy independence, the report said.