MUST-READS

• Saudi Arabia ranks first globally in government trust and future outlook

  Saudi Arabia ranked as the most trusted government worldwide, with a remarkable 87 percent trust rate, according to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer. This reflects the Kingdom's continued leadership in global trust indicators. This achievement underscores the success of Vision 2030 in strengthening institutional stability and governance, making Saudi Arabia a global benchmark for public trust. Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in future outlook, with 69 percent of citizens believing the next generation will be better off. This optimistic perspective starkly contrasts with less than 50 percent in most other countries, showcasing the positive societal impact of Vision 2030 and the nation’s commitment to sustainable development. In addition to maintaining its leading global position, Saudi Arabia outperformed several countries in trust indicators, including the United States with 47 percent, the United Kingdom 43 percent, and Germany 41 percent.

• Jadwa Investment Awarded Asset Manager of the Year at Saudi Capital Market Forum

  Jadwa Investment, a leading investment management and advisory firm in the Middle East, was awarded Asset Manager of the Year for 2024 as part of the Saudi Capital Market Awards announced at the Saudi Capital Market Forum last week. The award was presented by Eng. Khalid Abdullah Al-Hussan, CEO of Saudi Tadawul Group and Fahad Kordi, President of CFA Society Saudi Arabia, and received by Faisal Al-Rayes, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Asset Management at Jadwa Investment.

• Commentary: Saudi rise amid a tired Arab world

  Some senior figures in the Saudi royal family have played the role of firefighter- diplomats. A number of such people are still active today. These include Turki al-Faisal, the former ambassador to Washington and long-time Saudi intelligence chief, or Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the former ambassador and national security advisor. The two are important figures no doubt. Their interventions proved crucial. But people age and change, and the world moves on. This is not just an up-and-coming country, but one which plans to become a major regional power interacting with other players such as Turkey and Iran. It wants to prove to today’s world that it cannot be ignored. Is there anyone with the right mind who can downplay the importance of the Saudi factor when talking about OPEC? How many countries in the world can raise a trillion dollars when negotiating a deal?

• MENA private equity hits $27.6bn as Saudi Arabia leads growth

  Saudi Arabia overtook the UAE in 2023, accounting for 41 percent of transactions, driven by Vision 2030 and increased sovereign wealth fund activity. Together, both markets made up 68 percent of regional private equity transactions, with the UAE securing $13.5bn in deal value and Saudi Arabia $11bn. In 2024, Saudi Arabia contributed more than half of total private equity investment. Private equity activity peaked at 97 deals in 2022 before declining in 2023 and 2024. Deal volume fell 24 percent last year as investors adjusted to rising interest rates and weaker debt markets. While global private equity rebounded in 2024, MENA investors remained cautious, prioritizing strategic growth investments over leveraged buyouts.

• It’s a tough time for consulting globally. In big-spending Gulf states, not so much.

  According to Source Global, a UK-based research firm that tracks the consulting industry, the GCC consulting market grew 13.2% in 2023. Source Global's research found that in the more mature US and British markets, growth in 2023 slowed to 5.2% and 4.7%, respectively. In previous years, growth in both countries had been in double digits. Dane Albertelli, a senior analyst at Source Global, told Business Insider that the scale of growth in the GCC advisory market is "unprecedented" and that it has become "the place for opportunity and the place where these companies can make a lot of money." Albertelli said that data for 2024 has yet to be finalized but that the GCC market was expected to have accelerated by more than 15%.

• Saudi health ministry urges meningitis vaccine for Umrah

  Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has highlighted the necessity of receiving the meningitis vaccine for those intending to perform Umrah during Ramadan. It is part of efforts to enhance preventive health measures and limit the spread of infectious diseases, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Monday. The ministry urged the importance of getting vaccinated at least 10 days before traveling for Umrah to ensure the required immunity is achieved. It said that people vaccinated within the past five years do not need a booster dose, as the vaccine remains effective throughout this period.

• Saudi Arabia welcomes convening of Syria’s national dialogue conference

  Saudi Arabia on Tuesday welcomed the convening of Syria’s national dialogue conference, expressing hope that it would help fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people and strengthen national unity. In a statement carried by state news agency SPA, the Saudi foreign ministry emphasized the Kingdom’s support for rebuilding Syrian state institutions and achieving stability and prosperity for its citizens. The statement also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s “steadfast position in support of Syria’s security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”

• Secretary Rubio’s Meeting with Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud
  Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud.  The Secretary and the Defense Minister underscored the importance of strengthening the U.S.-Saudi security partnership.  They also discussed ways to jointly promote peace and stability in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and across the region, to include Red Sea security and freedom of navigation.  The Secretary highlighted the need to stand together against Houthi threats to regional security.

• Renewables Targets Boost Electricity Investment Growth in GCC

  Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Green Finance Framework set out targets for private and foreign investment in green energy generation, aiming for renewables to comprise 50% of output by 2030 (about 130GW), with about 60% of new capacity coming from solar and 40% from wind. Saudi Arabia also aims to replace inefficient oil-fired power stations with combined cycle gas turbines that can operate at over 60% efficiency. Abu Dhabi also plans to build 18GW of solar photovoltaic capacity by 2035. Both Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi are currently using a model where 60% of power project ownership is through companies directly or indirectly held by the government – for example, via government-related entities like the Public Investment Fund and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company – with the remaining 40% owned by international energy or construction companies.

• Hegseth Welcomes Saudi Defense Minister to Pentagon, Underscores Partnership

  Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth today highlighted the importance of the partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia while hosting that country's defense minister during a bilateral engagement at the Pentagon. Referencing the cooperation that took place between the countries during Trump's first administration, Hegseth pointed out that both nations worked together to pursue security and stability in the Middle East, as well as to combat terrorism in the region and increase mutual prosperity. "Today, our relationship is a critical center of gravity in a very turbulent world," he added.  Stating that ending the war in Ukraine is one of the president's top priorities, Hegseth said he wanted to thank the Saudi Kingdom for hosting conversations between top U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh, Feb. 18, 2025.  "And I also want to continue deepening and strengthening our partnership to pursue security and prosperity for both Americans and Saudis. So, I'm very much looking forward to a great discussion," Hegseth said.

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