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] In 2026, Thales plans to recruit 150 people in the Middle East and Africa with 60 in the United Arab Emirates and 30 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. BusinessGhana
• [New] Structural reforms, progressive regulations, and national strategies such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's economic diversification initiatives have positioned centers like Dubai and Riyadh at the core of international wealth flows. Khaleej Times
• [New] Saudi Arabia's conversion of its electricity sector from oil to gas and renewables could trim another 100,000 bpd from its domestic oil use in 2026. The National News
• [New] Should Iran achieve a nuclear defence capability, its regional neighbours, such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia or Egypt, would have a strong incentive to balance that potential. GIS Reports
• [New] Infrastructure modernization and logistics expansion driven by Sinopec will create ripple effects across construction, transport, and manufacturing. / Saudi Arabia Farmonaut
• [New] Data insight: Renewable energy projects may account for up to 32% of new Sinopec company Saudi Arabia deployments by 2026, opening further opportunities in associated infrastructure and grid development. Farmonaut
• [New] Futuristic initiatives implemented by major Middle East and African economies such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 has outlined criteria for industrial technological development which is expected to drive the demand and usage of lidar products in next-generation solutions. Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence
• [New] Saudi Arabia intends to leverage its young and vibrant population and centralized governance ecosystem, hosting events and attracting investment to become a leading exporter of data and AI by 2030. IAPP.org
• [New] Saudi Arabia has unveiled its annual borrowing plan for 2026, a move that underscores the growing maturity of its fiscal policy and its ability to align ambitious expansion under Vision 2030 with long-term financial stability.
• [New] Saudi Arabia's digital finance leap is not just about going cashless. Xchange by Money20/20 Middle East
• [New] Additional Gulf state procurements appear probable within 12-18 months, potentially including Saudi Arabia or UAE seeking diversified counter-UAS portfolios amid evolving Houthi drone threats. Drone Warfare
• [New] Saudi Arabia will be investing US$ 600 billion in the U.S. to further strengthen bilateral relations with Washington. Manara Magazine
• [New] MENA will continue to attract robust infrastructure investment across rail, power, digital, and water - especially desalination-driven by ambitious project visions in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt. Passle
• [New] Although a tenth nuclear-armed State may not emerge in 2026, it is highly likely that countries such as South Korea and Saudi Arabia will move closer to developing the technical means - and the political motivation - to build a bomb. Just Security
• [New] Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is not merely a national reform agenda. The Voice of Africa
• [New] Etihad Rail's 900 km community will prolong throughout the UAE, from the border of Saudi Arabia to the border of Oman. GCC Railway
• Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in biometric solutions as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to diversify its economy and enhance citizen services. Precedence Research
• Saudi Arabia has placed obesity prevention at the center of its health reform agenda under Vision 2030 and the Healthcare Sector Transformation Program. Blitz
• Saudi Arabia, where more than a quarter of adults are obese, has made obesity prevention a priority under its Healthcare Sector Transformation Program and Vision 2030. Arab News
• Saudi Arabia's $100 billion aviation investment under Vision 2030 includes provisions for advanced air mobility infrastructure. Halldale Group

Last updated: 23 February 2026