Global Scans · Saudi Arabia · Weekly Summary

DRIVER: Saudi Arabia could see some tumultuous economic policy changes provoked by the lower oil price era and the emerging challenge from renewable energies. It also faces threats from Middle East turmoil.

• [New] Saudi Arabia, the Arab world's largest economy, will lead the regional growth, expanding 3.9% and 4% in 2026 and 2027, up 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points, respectively, from the IMF's October estimates. The National
• [New] Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and similar digital strategies increase regional competitiveness by allocating $100 billion to artificial intelligence and $21 billion to data centers. RaillyNews
• [New] Saudi Arabia's execution of Vision 2030 will demonstrate whether economic diversification generates sustainable non-oil revenues. Foreign Affairs Forum
• [New] Saudi Arabia's execution of Vision 2030 targets will demonstrate whether economic diversification succeeds in generating non-oil revenues capable of sustaining national ambitions. Foreign Affairs Forum
• [New] The UAE is building for the future, and 2026 will see progress on initiatives like Etihad Rail, which will connect all emirates and link to Saudi Arabia, enhancing logistics. Middle East Briefing
• [New] Despite the global wave of energy transition, the Middle East region, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is expected to maintain its dominant position in oil and gas supply while accelerating the advancement of wind energy, solar energy, battery storage, and digital transformation plans. FuTu News
• [New] Saudi Arabia, too, is rapidly reducing its oil dependency in electricity generation under its Vision 2030 plan, increasing the share of natural gas and renewables. FinancialTribune
• [New] Saudi Arabia and the UAE have signaled they will not invest in Gaza's future on Hamas's terms, a stance that bolsters Israel's position. Israel Brief
• [New] Upon completion, Al Maktoum Airport is expected to be five times the size of DXB, with capacity for up to 260 million passengers annually. / Saudi Arabia Khaleej Times
• [New] By 2030 AI is expected to account for 12.4% of Saudi Arabia's GDP and 14% of the UAE's GDP. JD Supra
• [New] Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 138 new mining licenses in Nov (taking the total to 2719 as of Nov), reflecting its structural diversification strategy and building on a record increase in exploration activity during 2025. Nasser Saidi & Associates
• [New] The strategic core of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to achieve economic, social, and cultural diversification, involves massive, multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and technology investments. Blacklane
• [New] For intra-regional investment, Middle East CEOs see the strongest potential in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt. PwC
• [New] The Arabian Peninsula is forecast to improve overall, with moderate surpluses potentially emerging in southwestern Saudi Arabia and Yemen by mid-2026, however, widespread exceptional deficits are forecast in Oman south of Muscat. ISCIENCES
• [New] Saudi Arabia is transferring some Vision 2030 project scopes to the private sector to avoid economic overheating and manage timelines. Economic Times
• [New] Saudi Arabia's JEC Tower is racing towards 100 floors, making it a step closer to achieving its projected 2028 completion date. New Atlas
• [New] Saudi Arabia represents the primary alternative supply source, maintaining maximum sustainable production capacity that could partially offset Iranian losses. Discovery Alert
• [New] In Saudi Arabia, where more than a quarter of adults are obese, especially women, the Ministry of Health and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority are making obesity prevention a priority under the National Health Transformation Program and Vision 2030. https://fastcompanyme.com
• [New] In 2026, work is expected to begin on the railway between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which is supposed to start operating in 2028. INSS
• [New] Saudi Arabia's domestic house ownership rate has climbed to approximately 63.7%, moving towards a government objective of 70% by 2030. Luxuo
• The establishment of a PGE smelter and BMR in Saudi Arabia would align with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative to develop the Saudi mining and minerals industry to become the third pillar of Saudi Arabia's gross domestic product. MarketScreener
• Dubai has announced plans for multi-gigawatt renewable additions by 2030, and Saudi Arabia recently unveiled major solar and hydrogen capacity goals under Vision 2030. tradearabia

Last updated: 02 February 2026