Global Scans · Saudi Arabia · Weekly Summary

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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's involvement in events globally underscores the impetus of Vision 2030, which aspires to elevate Saudi Arabia to the top tier of global tourist destinations. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Building on the GCC trend, Saudi Arabia has projected real GDP growth of 4.6% in 2026, supported by expected gains in non-oil activity. Arab News
• [New] Qualcomm last month announced a new series of AI data center chips, saying that Humain, an AI firm founded by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, will be a customer. Global Banking & Finance Review
• [New] The regional momentum extends beyond the UAE, with Riyadh standing out as the global leader in technology and innovation, reflecting Saudi Arabia's sustained investment in entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and digital governance under Vision 2030. Off Plan Projects
• [New] Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 features a national network of autonomous vehicles, EVs and charging stations. Los Angeles Times
• [New] Oil prices have stayed unexpectedly stable around USD 70/b, enabling most GCC states to maintain fiscal surpluses into 2026. / Saudi Arabia MUFG Research
• [New] The ability to produce cost-competitive green hydrogen powered by its own ultra-low-cost solar will be the next major validation point for Aramco's energy transition strategy. / Saudi Arabia EnkiAI - Find the right insight
• [New] Industrial automation, artificial intelligence and technology-driven pilgrim management will take center stage at the Global IoT Congress this week, highlighting Saudi Arabia's push for digital transformation. ArabNews
• [New] Google Subsea's planned $400 million network will run between India and Italy avoiding Egypt by travelling overland through Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Middle East Research and Information Project
• [New] The scale of the projected oversupply started to swell in April, when Saudi Arabia and its partners in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said they would begin reviving idle oil production far faster than scheduled. financialpost
• [New] Electronic Arts is going private in a massive $55 billion deal led by Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and Affinity Partners. Invision Game Community
• Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia plans to produce 60 GW of renewable energy by 2030, including 12 GW of new solar capacity and a broader 130 GW renewable portfolio combining solar and wind. Minute Mirror
• The former minister highlighted the strength of Saudi Arabia's $20 billion creative industries sector, which is projected to grow to 3% of GDP and reach $48 billion by 2030. ArabNews
• As gaming and AI become national priorities under Vision 2030, innovators like Al-Yahya are proving that creativity can be both playful and purposeful. / Saudi Arabia ArabNews
• Liebherr-Transportation Systems will provide HVAC systems for Stadler's new Intercity DMUs, ensuring passenger comfort on Saudi Arabia Railways' east-west corridor. Global Railway Review
• The aggregate higher revision was driven by growth in Saudi Arabia, the Arab world's largest economy, which is forecast to grow 4% in 2025 and 2026, up 0.4 and 0.1 percentage points, respectively, because of Opec +'s unwinding of voluntary oil production cuts. The National
• Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative includes substantial investment in tourism infrastructure and outdoor recreation facilities, with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage allocating SAR 180 billion for destination development. Emergen Research
• As a leading member of OPEC, Saudi Arabia will aim to strengthen cooperation with Russia in the energy sector. Valdai Club
• Saudi Arabia has made waves in the eSports industry, hosting major tournaments including the eSports World Cup, and it will also host 2027's planned Olympic esports Games. BBC News
• Saudi Arabia's fintech sector is transforming under Vision 2030 and Finnovex 2025's collaborative momentum, aiming to become a global innovation hub. Ainvest

Last updated: 10 November 2025