MUST-READS

• 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.

• Saudi Arabia Buys Stake in Blavatnik’s Streaming Service Dazn

  The sports investment arm of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund is buying a minority stake in billionaire Len Blavatnik’s streaming service Dazn Group, which holds the broadcasting rights of some of Europe’s top-tier football leagues. SURJ Sports Investment, a unit of the $1 trillion Public Investment Fund, and Dazn will set up a regional joint venture to help broaden fans’ access to live and on-demand sports content, according to a statement Monday. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, though Bloomberg News has previously reported SURJ would invest at least $1 billion.

• Announced at LEAP 2025: The Next Step for Saudi Arabia Financial Innovation

  The five-day event saw experts from across the financial market come together to discuss and learn about AI-driven financial services, investment platforms, strategic partnerships, fraud prevention and more. With attendees getting a greater understanding of what firms are doing to help achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goal, we wanted to share some of the biggest announcements made at LEAP 2025.

• Saudi Arabia declares February 22 as official holiday for private and non-profit sectors to mark Founding Day

  The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced that Saturday, February 22, will be an official holiday for both the private and non-profit sectors in observance of Saudi Founding Day. Founding Day marks the anniversary of the establishment of the First Saudi State by Imam Mohammed bin Saud in 1727, celebrating the Kingdom’s deep historical roots, national unity, and strong leadership bond that has connected Saudi citizens to their rulers since the founding of Diriyah as the state’s first capital. The occasion highlights the early Saudi efforts in establishing security and stability, which profoundly shaped Saudi society after centuries of division and instability.

• Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector grows at decade-high pace in Jan, PMI shows
  Saudi Arabia's non-oil business sector expanded at its strongest pace in just over a decade in January, driven by a surge in new orders and robust business activity, a survey showed on Tuesday. The seasonally adjusted Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 60.5 last month from 58.4 in December, marking its highest level since September 2014. Readings above 50 denote growth. The rapid growth was largely attributed to the fastest rise in new orders since June 2011, with the New Orders Index accelerating to a reading of 71.1 in January from 65.5 the previous month.

• WhatsApp calls reportedly activated in Saudi Arabia: Permanent change or temporary test?
  Many WhatsApp users in Saudi Arabia reported on Saturday that voice and video calling features had been activated after years of restrictions. However, there has been no official confirmation on whether this is a permanent change or a temporary test. The sudden activation has raised questions, particularly in the absence of an announcement from authorities. Technology expert Abdullah Al Subaie noted that this move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance telecommunications and digital infrastructure, potentially improving communication for users.

• KAUST leads efforts to kickstart an innovative cement industry in Saudi Arabia
  As part of efforts to support the Kingdom in diversifying the Saudi economy and creating innovative new industries, KAUST has announced the Future Cement Initiative (FCI) to guide cement manufacturing. KAUST, the Ministry of Industries and Mineral Resources, and the National Committee of Cement Companies form the core group of founding partners of the FCI. Saudi Arabia’s industrial sectors have surged by 60% over recent years, reflecting the country’s efforts to diversify its economy and position itself as a global manufacturing power. Many of these projects are cement intensive, and a primary goal of the FCI aims to improve the economic and environmental competitiveness of cement manufacturing in Saudi Arabia through the development of cost-effective approaches and innovative technologies. In turn, this will position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the Middle East region’s cement industry.

• Saudi Arabia bans use of ‘sponsor,’ mandates ’employer’ for government and private entities
  The Ministry of Commerce in Saudi Arabia has instructed both government and private entities to refrain from using the term 'sponsor' and instead use 'employer' in all official documents. The ministry emphasised that, according to Article 2 of the Labour Law, the term 'employer' refers to "any natural or legal person who employs one or more workers in return for a wage." This directive was conveyed through a letter sent by the Ministry to the Federation of Saudi Chambers, which subsequently issued a circular to chambers of commerce and industry across the Kingdom.

• Combating desertification: Innovative solutions highlighted at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

  The 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) has wrapped up with key discussions on combating desertification, building drought resilience, and achieving land degradation neutrality. The meeting, held in Saudi Arabia, brought together leaders, scientists, and stakeholders to confront the growing challenges of land degradation and its impact on vulnerable communities. Among the notable contributors at COP16 was a team of researchers from the Stockholm Resilience Centre (SRC), attending the conference for the first time. Their participation showcased how scientific innovation, local knowledge, and cross-country collaboration can pave the way for sustainable and equitable futures.

• Saudi Arabia announces Riyadh Declaration for inclusive, innovative and impactful AI for all

  He said the declaration focused on AI with its inclusive, innovative and impactful dimension, and emphasizes the need for use of AI technologies to enable digital access and enhance digital knowledge, as well as address global challenges and unleash global economic value. The declaration also emphasized the AI role in increasing digital accessibility and digital literacy, promoting sustainable development, protecting environment, improving public health, and boosting economic inclusion. Alswaha also pointed out that the Kingdom, under the leadership of the Crown Prince, has adopted a proactive approach in the field of AI, and stressed that the Kingdom's Vision 2030 is clear and based on the commitment to lead the global transformation in this field by example.

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