萝莉视频

Capital Markets Forum 2025 to drive growth and innovation in global finance

Capital Markets Forum 2025 to drive growth and innovation in global finance
The 2025 forum will feature three days of discussions, presentations, and networking. Shutterstock
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Updated 18 February 2025

Capital Markets Forum 2025 to drive growth and innovation in global finance

Capital Markets Forum 2025 to drive growth and innovation in global finance

RIYADH: 萝莉视频 is set to host the fifth edition of the Capital Markets Forum from Feb. 18 to 20 in Riyadh, uniting leading financial experts in the capital and highlighting the Kingdom鈥檚 position as a key economic hub.

Organized by the Saudi Tadawul Group and held under the patronage of the Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Financial Sector Development Program Committee, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, the forum will convene top policymakers, business leaders, and industry experts to discuss key trends and developments shaping the nation鈥檚 capital markets.

With a strong focus on the evolving financial landscape, the event will be held under the theme 鈥淧owering Connections,鈥 and is set to unlock new investment opportunities, foster strategic partnerships, and further position the Kingdom as a key player in the global capital markets ecosystem.

Saudi-based economist Talat Hafiz told Arab News that the forum 鈥減rovides a vital platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, explore emerging market opportunities, and shape the future of capital formation.鈥

He added: 鈥溌芾蚴悠碘檚 capital market continues to demonstrate strong momentum, with increasing investor participation and a dynamic regulatory environment that supports the sustainable growth of the financial market.鈥澛

Hafiz also underlined the increasing global interest in the Kingdom鈥檚 market: 鈥溌芾蚴悠碘檚 capital market continues to attract global demand, driven by its market depth, regulatory advancements, and strong investor participation.鈥

Agenda for 2025 Forum

The 2025 forum will feature three days of discussions, presentations, and networking.

Day one will commence at the KAFD Conference Center with an official opening and welcome address, followed by sessions including 鈥淭he Annual Economic Sprint: Navigating New Economic Frontiers,鈥 where experts will analyze macroeconomic trends and growth trajectories.

Additional key discussions will include 鈥淭he Capital Horizon: The Middle East as the New Capital Market Nexus鈥 and 鈥淭he Capital Crystal Ball: The Future Landscape of Capital Markets.鈥

The inaugural day will conclude with the 2024 Saudi Capital Market Awards presentation, recognizing the achievements and contributions of market participants across various categories.

The second and third days will occur at the Four Seasons Hotel, featuring sessions on capital management systems, market insights, and investment strategies. Industry leaders from DirectFN, Awqaf Investment, Nahdi Medical Co., and Sahm Capital will discuss how companies adapt to economic shifts.

Key projects such as Liqaa and Edaa Connect will be highlighted, providing attendees with insights into emerging financial technologies and data-driven investment approaches.

The final day will focus on data access, financial analytics, and transparency in capital markets, featuring presentations from Wamid and S&P Global.

Additional discussions will explore global economic outlooks, fintech advancements, and the increasing significance of environmental, social, and governance considerations in investment strategies.

The gathering will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including high-ranking government officials, top executives, and global financial leaders. Among them is Khalid Al-Faleh, minister of investment of 萝莉视频, who will provide insights into the Kingdom鈥檚 economic strategies and monetary policies.

The event will also welcome Poppy Gustafsson, the UK minister of investment, and Sarah Al-Suhaimi, chairperson of Saudi Tadawul Group, alongside Khalid Al-Hussan, CEO of the group.

International financial leaders such as Bonnie Y Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, and Nandini Sukumar, CEO of the World Federation of Exchanges, will contribute their expertise on global market integration and regulatory advancements.

Additionally, key figures from major financial institutions, including Roland Chai, president of European Market Services at Nasdaq, and Scott O鈥橫alia, CEO of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, will share their perspectives on capital market trends and investment opportunities.

Highlights from the 2024 Forum

The Saudi Capital Markets Forum 2024 was one of the largest conferences in the sector globally, with 4,200 participants and 640 investors from 41 firms.

Themed 鈥淧owering Growth,鈥 it emphasized 萝莉视频鈥檚 role as a financial hub and provided a platform for major industry discussions and announcements.

The event facilitated 15,000 meeting requests between investors, issuers, and market participants, reinforcing its role as a premier networking and investment platform.

Several memorandums of understanding were signed, including collaborations to enhance environmental awareness, promote sustainability initiatives, and foster cultural development.

A significant announcement was made on the launch of a Social Responsibility Index in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, further strengthening the Kingdom鈥檚 commitment to responsible investing.

Regulatory advancements were a key focus, with discussions addressing the potential introduction of a framework for follow-on share offerings, signaling progressive reforms in the nation鈥檚 financial ecosystem.

Additionally, Saudi Tadawul Group revealed the first-ever international edition of the forum, CONNECT Hong Kong, which took place on May 9, 2024. The event focused on strengthening ties between 萝莉视频 and Asian capital markets, fostering international collaboration, and advancing market connectivity.

Over the past three years, the event has generated over 25,000 meeting requests, attracted over 10,000 attendees, and drew more than 4,000 investors.


萝莉视频鈥檚 Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace

萝莉视频鈥檚 Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace
Updated 20 August 2025

萝莉视频鈥檚 Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace

萝莉视频鈥檚 Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace
  • Shoura Island will welcome guests this year at 11 luxury resorts
  • Construction at the wellness-focused Amaala project is progressing rapidly

RIYADH: 萝莉视频鈥檚 Red Sea Global is considering a range of alternative financing options in the near future, including an initial public offering or converting assets into real estate investment trusts, according to its chief executive officer.

Speaking to Al-Eqtisadiah, John Pagano said no final decisions have been made, but emphasized the company鈥檚 focus on leveraging current momentum, with resorts now operational and more hotel openings expected this year.

Shoura Island, the flagship of the Red Sea destination, will welcome guests this year at 11 luxury resorts operated by global hospitality brands, including Rosewood, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, EDITION, and Raffles.

Construction at the wellness-focused Amaala project is also progressing rapidly, with core infrastructure complete and its first hotels nearing launch, Pagano said.

Six resorts have opened under the Red Sea destination so far, including Desert Rock and Shebara, which are fully owned and operated by Red Sea Global. The exclusive Thuwal Private Retreat has also been unveiled as the company鈥檚 third destination.

Red Sea Global has also launched residential offerings on Shoura and Ummhat islands, in addition to announcing Lahak Island earlier this year, which drew strong local and international attention, he said.

Amaala is set to open by year-end and will feature wellness and hospitality brands such as Jayasom, Six Senses, Rosewood, Equinox, and Clinique La Prairie. The destination aims to deliver experiences centered on healing, exploration, and renewal.


Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom鈥檚 cafe sector

Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom鈥檚 cafe sector
Updated 20 August 2025

Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom鈥檚 cafe sector

Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom鈥檚 cafe sector

RIYADH: 萝莉视频鈥檚 imports of Japanese matcha skyrocketed by nearly 900 percent in 2023 to 81,000 kilograms at a value at SR9 million ($2.40 million), up from just 9,000 kilograms in 2022, highlighting the rapid expansion of the drink鈥檚 market presence across the Kingdom.

The momentum continued into 2024, with imports totaling 46,000 kilograms worth SR7 million, reflecting sustained consumer demand and the growing role of matcha in the Kingdom鈥檚 cafe sector, Al-Eqtisadiah reported.

Cafes are capitalizing on the trend, with Jon & Vinny鈥檚 in Riyadh reporting weekend sales of 350 matcha cups per branch, making up 22 percent of beverage revenues, according to Al-Eqtisadiah.

The cafe uses a premium Japanese blend priced at SR1,200 per kilogram. Similarly, Pro 92 Cafe said matcha lattes alone contribute 10.5 percent of total sales, consuming over 150 kilograms of matcha monthly across branches.

The broader green tea category 鈥 which includes matcha 鈥 accounted for SR74 million in Saudi imports in 2024, totaling 2.3 million kilograms. In comparison, 2023 saw 2.5 million kilograms imported at a value of SR79 million, Al-Eqtisadiah reported.

Cups of matcha are sold at prices ranging from SR16 to SR29, depending on the outlet. This price variation has spurred a growing home-preparation market, with local Instagram-based businesses selling matcha kits priced between SR110 and SR180.

Driven by health-conscious consumers and youth interest in Japanese culture, matcha is carving out a permanent share in the Kingdom鈥檚 beverage landscape.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878
Updated 20 August 2025

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878
  • MSCI Tadawul Index fell 0.02%, to close at 1,406.62
  • Parallel market Nomu lost 0.52% to end at 26,629.95

RIYADH: 萝莉视频鈥檚 Tadawul All Share Index edged down on Wednesday, slipping 3.64 points, or 0.03 percent, to close at 10,878.07. 

The benchmark鈥檚 total trading turnover stood at SR4.21 billion ($1.12 billion), with 95 stocks advancing and 148 declined. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index also dipped, falling 0.24 points, or 0.02 percent, to 1,406.62. 

The Kingdom鈥檚 parallel market Nomu lost 139.91 points, or 0.52 percent, to close at 26,629.95, as 35 stocks advanced and 55 retreated. 

Thimar Development Holding Co. was the session鈥檚 top performer, rising 4.47 percent to SR41.10. 

Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Co. climbed 3.4 percent to SR45.64, and Power and Water Utility Co. for Jubail and Yanbu gained 2.41 percent to SR40.80. 

Alistithmar AREIC Diversified REIT Fund recorded the steepest drop, falling 4.50 percent to SR8.06. Retal Urban Development Co. declined 3.95 percent to SR13.14, while Zamil Industrial Investment Co. slipped 2.94 percent to SR37.66. 

In corporate announcements, Sama Healthy Water Factory Co. reported a 27.19 percent decline in first-half 2025 net profit to SR3.51 million, compared with SR4.82 million a year earlier. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company attributed the fall mainly to unrealized foreign exchange losses, though it said core operational profit rose 23 percent on the back of higher sales and improved margins following the integration of a new raw material production line. 

Its share price fell 1.29 percent to SR2.29.  

View United Real Estate Development Co. posted a 132.11 percent increase in net profit for the first half of the year, reaching SR9.97 million versus SR4.30 million in the same period last year. 

The company cited a 104.77 percent jump in revenue, driven by stronger performance across most business segments, alongside the positive impact of off-plan and land sales, according to a Tadawul statement. 

Its shares, however, slipped 0.95 percent to SR6.24. 

Al Rashid Industrial Co. registered a 22.88 percent rise in first-half net profit to SR21.47 million, compared with SR17.47 million in the previous year. 

The company said the increase reflected stronger top-line performance and a 21.78 percent jump in gross operating profit, highlighting improved efficiency. 

Its stock advanced 9.18 percent to SR53.50. 


PIF launches 鈥榓zm鈥 program to equip Saudis for labor market needs

PIF launches 鈥榓zm鈥 program to equip Saudis for labor market needs
Updated 20 August 2025

PIF launches 鈥榓zm鈥 program to equip Saudis for labor market needs

PIF launches 鈥榓zm鈥 program to equip Saudis for labor market needs
  • Program aims to create pipeline of technically skilled Saudis to meet PIF鈥檚 investment needs
  • It will offer tailored training at competitive costs

JEDDAH: 萝莉视频鈥檚 Public Investment Fund launched a strategic program designed to build skills, address labor market needs, and support economic diversification to boost national talent. 

The 鈥渁zm鈥 workforce development program was unveiled at a signing ceremony attended by Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan and PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, alongside partners from the Technical and Vocational Training Corp., Colleges of Excellence, Human Resources Development Fund, and Roshn Group. 

The launch underscores PIF鈥檚 role in advancing Vision 2030, 萝莉视频鈥檚 plan to transition to a knowledge-based economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. 

In a post on its official X account, PIF said it launched 鈥渢he 鈥榓zm鈥 program to empower national talents and equip them with the expertise and skills required by the labor market, thereby contributing to building a stronger and more diverse national economy, through a signing ceremony that included the program鈥檚 partners.鈥 

According to the sovereign wealth fund, azm aims to create a pipeline of technically skilled Saudis to meet the needs of PIF鈥檚 investments, portfolio companies, and ecosystem partners. It focuses on employer-driven skill development, with 80 percent of training based on hands-on, real-world applications. 

Under the program, PIF signed memoranda of understanding with TVTC and the Colleges of Excellence to manage and deliver training. The agreements cover curriculum development, contracting with local and international providers, overseeing registration and evaluation, and operating training facilities. 

鈥淔uture cooperation between Colleges of Excellence and the fund includes launching an academic entity under the azm program to serve as a specialized training body in developing technical and professional skills for Saudi youth,鈥 the Colleges of Excellence posted on its X account.

The fund said azm will offer tailored training at competitive costs, apply rigorous learner selection, and provide financial incentives to cover tuition. Employers partnering with the program will gain access to a job-ready Saudi workforce trained to their specifications. 

PIF said azm leverages its existing experience in delivering training across portfolio companies and taps into a broad network of local and international providers. It also benefits from strong ties with accreditation bodies and access to government funding mechanisms for workforce development.


萝莉视频 clears VistaJet as first foreign private jet operator聽

萝莉视频 clears VistaJet as first foreign private jet operator聽
Updated 20 August 2025

萝莉视频 clears VistaJet as first foreign private jet operator聽

萝莉视频 clears VistaJet as first foreign private jet operator聽

JEDDAH: Malta-based VistaJet is set to become the first foreign private jet operator allowed to fly domestic routes in 萝莉视频, after regulators lifted cabotage restrictions to liberalize the Kingdom鈥檚 skies. 

VistaJet鈥檚 approval comes less than four months after Saudi regulators, on May 1, scrapped rules that had barred international charter operators from offering domestic services 鈥 a move aimed at stimulating competition, improving service quality, and expanding the private aviation segment. 

The decision, announced by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, marks a major step in liberalizing 萝莉视频鈥檚 general aviation market as the Kingdom works to attract global investment and boost competitiveness under its Vision 2030 economic transformation plan. 

Awad Al-Sulami, executive vice president for economic policies and logistics services at GACA, said: 鈥淎uthorizing VistaJet as the first international private jet operator for domestic operations in the Kingdom is a milestone in enhancing the general aviation market in 萝莉视频.鈥 

He added: 鈥淭his step will foster greater competition, stimulate sector growth, and raise the quality of services for private aviation customers in the Kingdom and across the region.鈥 

VistaJet, which operates under a Maltese air operator certificate and is part of Dubai-headquartered Vista Global Holding, welcomed the decision as a breakthrough for the sector. 

鈥淲e are delighted to be working with the Kingdom of 萝莉视频 and GACA, reinforcing our commitment to offering clients reliable, flexible and trusted flying solutions through our global and regional infrastructure,鈥 said Mazen Obaid, president 鈥 Middle East at Vista. 

He added: 鈥淎s a Saudi myself, I am extremely proud and excited for this new venture, and of all the opportunities that I know we can achieve together. We very much look forward to hiring many local experts and investing locally.鈥 

The move supports GACA鈥檚 General Aviation Roadmap under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to position 萝莉视频 as the Middle East鈥檚 top aviation hub by 2030 and a global logistics connector between Asia, Africa, and Europe.