SUSTG.com / Research

Discover stories, topics, and more about Saudi Arebia faster.

Recent stories from sustg

MUST-READS

  • Saudi Arabia ranks third in global AI policy review, behind US, UK

    Saudi Arabia has been ranked third globally in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s AI Policy Observatory, behind the US and the UK.Al-Ghamdi added that the Kingdom’s AI Ethics Early Adopters initiative and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics were vital in enhancing trust in AI products and establishing ethical standards for AI practices and services. He said that ICAIRE, which is based in Riyadh and sponsored by UNESCO, had been selected as a regional and global partner for advancing the AI ethics agenda. Al-Ghamdi added that UNESCO had praised Saudi Arabia’s advances in the AI sector as part of a recent report evaluating countries’ readiness to adopt AI in accordance with ethical values and international standards.

  • Halo AI launches services in Saudi Arabia

    Halo AI, a Saudi-based AI-powered networking platform, proudly announces the launch of its innovative solution designed to revolutionise brand-creator collaborations. Halo AI uses artificial intelligence to connect brands with nano- and micro-influencers who have strong, authentic audience relationships in specific niches. Their unique expertise and genuine connections drive higher engagement rates, helping companies achieve better Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) as they scale their influencer marketing programs.

  • Saudi Arabia reveals Riyadh Declaration for inclusive AI

    Saudi Arabia today announced the Riyadh Declaration at the start of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024, hosted by the United Nations in Riyadh. Backed by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the declaration emphasises inclusive, innovative, and impactful artificial intelligence. It seeks to expand digital access, promote sustainability, and address global challenges. The declaration also highlights AI's role in improving digital literacy, fostering economic inclusion, protecting the environment, and enhancing public health.

  • Analysis: The hidden challenge of Saudi unemployment

    The rapid expansion of government employment has created a significant wage gap between the public and private sectors. Government jobs, with higher salaries and better benefits, have made it harder for private employers to attract top talent. This distortion threatens the competitiveness of the private sector — which must be fostered to achieve the economic diversification goals under Vision 2030. As the best talent gravitates toward government roles, the private sector risks being sidelined. Without a competitive labor market, it will struggle to drive innovation, productivity, and sustainable job creation. Reducing unemployment to 5% by 2030 is an ambitious and commendable goal, but its success depends on more than hitting numerical targets. Saudi Arabia’s true transformation will be measured not by how many jobs are created, but by how many are still viable a decade from now.

  • Saudi’s sovereign wealth fund PIF secures 15% stake in LHR

    While French private equity firm, Ardian has become London Heathrow's largest shareholder with a 22.6% stake. The combined 37.6% stake in LHR from Ferrovial and certain other FGP shareholders was confirmed in a deal on 12 December, which is reported to be worth a total of £3.26 billion. Turqi Al-Nowaider, deputy governor and head of international investments for PIF, described London Heathrow as a “vital UK asset and a world-class airport,” as he said the investment  is in line with PIF’s strategy to support sectors and businesses as long-erm patterns as part of its global portfolio of assets.

  • Saudi Arabian Real Estate: Beyond the Headlines

    In this report, we delve into the transformative potential of Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector, exploring why it is poised to become a cornerstone of the country’s long-term real estate value. While high-profile “giga-projects” like futuristic designs, luxury resorts, and preparations for the 2034 World Cup dominate headlines, the logistics sector offers compelling investment opportunities driven by strong fundamentals and government-led transformation. With the Saudi commercial real estate market projected to grow from over $20 billion in 2023 to $31 billion by 2028, this report identifies zones of opportunity, examines the macroeconomic drivers behind the logistics boom, and provides strategic insights to help investors navigate this dynamic and complex market.

  • Trump envoy discusses Israel normalisation with MbS in Saudi Arabia

    US President-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman earlier this week in what was the first meeting between the de-facto Saudi ruler and a member of the incoming Trump administration, Axios revealed on Saturday. Citing two anonymous sources, the US-based news outlet said that the pair discussed US-Saudi relations, Israel's war on Gaza and plans to forge a normalisation deal between Riyadh and Tel Aviv. Witkoff, a close confidant of Trump, has been tasked with the "clear aim" of securing a deal between the two US allies and making progress towards a Israel-Palestine peace agreement, according to Axios.

  • Saudi FM joins Arab, US diplomats in calling for new, inclusive Syrian state

    Jordan: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan joined top diplomats from the US, Turkiye, the European Union and Arab nations in Jordan on Saturday for talks on Syria following the ousting of President Bashar Assad earlier this week. Prince Faisal led the Kingdom’s delegation at the meeting, held under the auspices of the Arab League, which focused on supporting a Syrian-led transitional political process to address the challenges faced by the Syrian people. Discussions emphasized restoring Syria's national institutions, ensuring the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supporting the aspirations of its citizens for a secure and dignified life.

  • Saudi Arabia issues RFP for New Abha International Airport Project

    The Saudi Civil Aviation Holding Company (MATARAT) announces the Release of the Request for Proposal for the Privatization of the New Abha International Airport Project to Pre-Qualified Bidders. The new Abha Airport is designated to accomodate the region’s growing passenger demand while reflecting the unique architectural identity and heritage of the Aseer region. BY 2030, the airport is projected to accomodate upto 10 million passengers per year, with a capacity of upto 13 million passesngers per year anticpated by 2054.

  • Negotiators fail to secure drought deal at Saudi-hosted UN talks

    The 12-day meeting of parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), known as COP16, concluded early on Saturday morning, a day later than scheduled as parties tried to hammer out a deal. A press release on Saturday said the parties -- 196 countries and the European Union -- had "made significant progress in laying the groundwork for a future global drought regime, which they intend to complete at COP17 in Mongolia in 2026". The Riyadh talks came after the partial failure of biodiversity talks in Colombia, the failure to reach a UN deal on plastics pollution in South Korea, and a climate finance deal that disappointed developing nations at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.