This week’s Saudi Round-Up showcases remarkable advancements in AI, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy.
General Business and Economy
Non-Oil Exports Reach $21.6B in Q1 2025
Non-oil exports surged by 13.4% year-on-year, hitting $21.6 billion in Q1 2025. Re-exports also jumped by nearly 24%, showing resilience beyond traditional export channels.
China remained the Kingdom’s top trading partner for both exports and imports. Machinery and transport equipment drove the rise in imports, indicating growing industrial and infrastructure demand.
Asir Region Secures $1.06bn, Total Investment Surpasses $6.6bn
The Asir region received a $1.06 billion boost, bringing total public investment to over $6.6 billion. These funds back 79 regional projects, with 30 already confirmed. A new investment vehicle was also launched to simplify land development and accelerate investor onboarding.
As part of a regional strategy focused on tourism-led growth, Asir aims to attract 10 million visitors annually by 2030, supporting Vision 2030’s decentralization and diversification goals.
Six Saudi Firms Join FTSE Russell Benchmarks
Six newly listed Saudi companies are being added to FTSE Russell’s global indices, a key milestone for firms aiming to boost global visibility and attract passive capital. The change, effective June 23, 2025, reflects growing investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s IPO momentum and financial reforms.
This strengthens Saudi Arabia’s presence in global equity benchmarks and aligns with Vision 2030’s goals to modernize capital markets and diversify income. However, all six stocks saw slight price drops immediately after the announcement.
Aviation
King Abdulaziz Airport Ranks Third in Regional Connectivity
King Abdulaziz International Airport was ranked third in the Middle East for air connectivity, based on flight frequency, network diversity, and traveler experience. This places Jeddah ahead of several major regional hubs, according to the Airports Council International’s 2024 Index.
This ranking reflects KAIA’s expanded role in international aviation and its growing integration into global airline networks. As part of Vision 2030, the development reinforces Saudi Arabia’s goal to become a leading logistics and travel hub.
Energy & Sustainability
Global Water Organization Launches in Riyadh with $6B Global Project Support
The Global Water Organization officially launched in Riyadh with founding states signing the Global Water Charter. The initiative aims to streamline international cooperation, promote water innovation, and finance critical water projects.
Saudi Arabia will fully fund operations for five years and host the GWO headquarters. With $6 billion allocated to support critical water projects worldwide, this initiative aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on sustainability and positions the Kingdom as a leader in addressing global water challenges.
WeRide Launches Robotaxis in Saudi Arabia
WeRide began testing Robotaxis in Riyadh and AlUla, marking a major step toward autonomous transport in Saudi Arabia. Backed by the Transport General Authority, the trials include Robobuses and cleaning vehicles, with services expected to go live commercially later this year.
Designed to meet last-mile transport needs in medical campuses and residential areas, WeRide’s climate-adapted technology aligns with Vision 2030’s vision for smart, tech-driven cities. This initiative not only enhances mobility but also sets a foundation for sustainable urban development, transforming how Saudis navigate their cities.
Smart Mobility Deal Targets 50M Annual Visitors in Diriyah
Diriyah Co. has partnered with South Korea’s Kakao Mobility to deploy digital transport systems and smart parking infrastructure across the Diriyah project. The aim is to manage mobility for up to 50 million visitors a year as the area transforms into a major heritage and tourism destination.
This smart mobility plan will begin with a parking pilot and expand into fully integrated systems connecting key locations in Diriyah, expected to contribute $5 billion to GDP and create 178,000 jobs upon completion.
Hospitality
Earth Hotels to Launch Design-Driven Resorts in Riyadh and Jeddah
Earth Hotels is set to debut in Saudi Arabia with two high-concept urban resorts: Earth Riyadh in 2026 and Earth Jeddah in 2027. With a total project value exceeding $202 million (SAR 757 million), both properties promise immersive, design-led experiences focused on sustainability and cultural connection.
Earth Riyadh will offer 86 creative spaces for both leisure and business travelers. Earth Jeddah, located on the seafront, blends hospitality and living with 289 rooms and apartments. These developments support Saudi’s tourism transformation by introducing lifestyle-driven hospitality that appeals to modern travelers.
Manufacturing & Industry
Saudi Arabia Launches Advanced Manufacturing Center
The Kingdom unveiled a new Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center to accelerate industrial transformation. The center focuses on Fourth Industrial Revolution tech, sustainable practices, and localization of production.
This initiative supports the National Industrial Strategy, which aims for 36,000 factories by 2035, boosting manufacturing efficiency, attracting investment, and scaling non-oil exports. It’s a major step toward economic diversification, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in innovative and sustainable industrial development.
Technology
HUMAIN Launches a $10 Billion Venture Fund
Saudi AI firm HUMAIN, backed by the Public Investment Fund, will launch a $10 billion VC fund to attract global startups in AI. The company has already signed $23 billion in deals with US tech giants and plans to lead in model training by building 6.6GW of data center capacity.
The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s goal to control 7% of global AI training by 2030. With chip design centers, real-time data security, and massive infrastructure plans, this move positions the Kingdom as a serious AI competitor under Vision 2030.
Startup Ecosystem Grows Over 200%, Tops Global Index
Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem recorded 236.8% growth, the highest globally, earning the title of “Country of the Year” in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. The Kingdom climbed 27 spots to rank 38th worldwide, becoming the only country to cross 200% growth.
Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam all improved their rankings among the world’s top startup cities, with Riyadh leading at 130% growth and excelling in transport, edtech, and food tech. This surge highlights the success of economic reforms aimed at diversifying the economy under Vision 2030.