Saudi Roundup: France-Saudi Investment Ties Accelerate

This weekly Saudi roundup spotlights the launch of a new tourism project in Abha, the growing Saudi-France partnership in AlUla, and the approval of over $112 million in funding for the Esports and Gaming Financing Program.

General Business & Economy

Saudi Arabia and France Extend AlUla Partnership to 2035

Saudi Arabia and France have extended their strategic partnership to develop AlUla through 2035. The extension was formalized through an agreement amending and extending the existing intergovernmental accord covering AlUla’s cultural, environmental, tourism, human, economic, and heritage development.

Saudi Breaks Ground on New Westin Abha Tourism Project

Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Aseer Region and Chairman of the Aseer Development Authority, laid the foundation stone on August 30 for the Westin Abha project, a major tourism development spanning more than 153,000 square meters. The project aims to strengthen Aseer’s tourism and hospitality sector and will feature 330 hotel units, 52 villas and chalets, and 78 residential units.

Fintech Lending to Industrial Projects Jumps 130% in H1 2026

Financing provided by Saudi fintech companies to industrial projects surged 130% in the first half of 2026, reaching a record SAR541 million ($144 million) as the government expands access to alternative funding for manufacturers. The financing increased from SAR234 million ($62.4 million) during the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.

SAL Unit Secures $666M Loan to Fund Logistics Zones in Saudi Arabia

SAL Saudi Logistics Services Company (SAL) said its subsidiary, SAL Zones Company, has secured a Shariah-compliant credit facility worth SAR2.5 billion ($666.33 million) from Saudi Awwal Bank to fund its logistics zones in Saudi Arabia. The 15-year facility is backed by a corporate guarantee and promissory notes, according to a statement submitted by SAL to the Saudi stock exchange.

National Development Fund Approves Over $112M to Support Gaming

The National Development Fund approved over $112 million in funding for the Esports and Gaming Financing Program, benefiting 82 entities across various sectors by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025. The funding supported the development of more than 127 games, helping drive the growth of the esports and gaming industry while enhancing the readiness and competitiveness of national companies.

Riyadh Launches Digital District to Become a Top 10 Global Tech Hub

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has launched the Riyadh Digital District, a strategic initiative designed to position the capital among the world’s leading technology hubs for digital talent, creativity, and entrepreneurship. The district will focus on attracting specialized technology companies and talent across six key fields: artificial intelligence and big data, cybersecurity, cloud computing and services, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and robotics and drones.

Technology & AI

Saudi 3D Printing Market to Reach $1.7B by 2034

Saudi Arabia’s 3D printing market is projected to more than quintuple to SAR6.47 billion ($1.7 billion) by 2034, driven by growing adoption across aviation, automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing. According to a report by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at), the market was valued at SAR1.20 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20.52% between 2026 and 2034.

Microsoft and HUMAIN Announce Strategic Collaboration to Advance AI in Saudi Arabia

HUMAIN, the PIF-owned company building full-stack artificial intelligence capabilities, has announced the first milestone in a long-term strategic collaboration with Microsoft. The collaboration will initially focus on two areas: integrating HUMAIN’s ALLAM models into Microsoft’s AI ecosystem and bringing together HUMAIN’s AI experts with Microsoft’s Forward Deployed Engineers to help organizations identify, develop, and deploy high-value AI solutions across Microsoft technologies.

Business Expansions

wfrlee.com Secures Formal Registration in Saudi Arabia as It Progresses Through TDF’s Accelerator

wfrlee.com, the “pay-as-you-stay” short-stay booking platform, has secured formal registration to establish its Saudi entity through an Investment Registration Certificate (Entrepreneur type). The milestone strengthens the company’s entry into one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets as it progresses through Cohort 6 of the Tourism Development Fund’s (TDF) Grow Tourism Accelerator Program, delivered in partnership with Plug and Play.

BNP Paribas Gets Saudi Registration for Regional Headquarters

French banking group BNP Paribas has received investment registration for a regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, adding France’s largest bank to the growing list of global financial institutions expanding in the Kingdom. The registration was announced after Saudi Investment Minister Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif met BNP Paribas Chairman Jean Lemierre in Paris to discuss cooperation, investment opportunities in the financial sector, and the bank’s expansion in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

EXPO 2030

France Becomes First Official Participant in Expo 2030 Riyadh

France has become the first country to sign a Participation Contract for Expo 2030 Riyadh, marking a key milestone in preparations for the six-month event and the formalization of international participation. The agreement establishes the framework for France’s participation, including the location and size of its pavilion, its theme, and the scope of its visitor and business experience.

Saudi Arabia, Bureau International des Expositions, Signs 'SEE Agreement' for Expo 2030 Riyadh

Saudi Arabia and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) have signed the “SEE Agreement,” establishing the legal and administrative framework governing the participation of countries and international organizations in Expo 2030 Riyadh. The agreement provides participating countries and organizations with support throughout the various stages of Expo preparations.