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] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• Current Trends: The UAE and Saudi Arabia are showing the highest growth rates, driven by their focus on cutting-edge medical services and smart-city technologies that could incorporate BCI for smart home control. Verified Market Research
• Saudi Arabia is going to play a major role by repurposing some of the technology it uses to drill and extract fuels from the ocean floor and land for orange hydrogen. Forbes
• In the race to make electronics smaller, faster, and more efficient, scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia have achieved a breakthrough that could reshape the future of microchips. Interesting Engineering
• Saudi Arabia is transforming its defence ties with the U.S. into a driver of industrial growth under Vision 2030, requiring 60% local content in major contracts and pushing American firms to establish joint ventures and maintenance hubs domestically. Middle East Space Monitor by AzurX
• In addition, 600 tons of clean energy a day will be produced by the world's largest clean hydrogen plant in NEOM by 2026 and 30% of Saudi Arabia's land and sea will be under protection by 2030, equal to the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf combined. Innovation Zero MENA Congress 2025
• The SGI's objectives of reducing carbon emissions by 278 mtpa by 2030, planting 10 billion trees over the coming decades equivalent to rehabilitating 40 million hectares of land and protecting 30% of Saudi Arabia's land and sea by 2030 are ambitious targets but a good start has already been made. Innovation Zero MENA Congress 2025
• The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which manages $1 trillion, plans to issue its first euro-denominated green bond. Winssolutions
• Saudi Arabia, Russia and six other key members of the OPEC + alliance are likely to agree to raise crude output when they meet virtually on Sunday, with analysts divided over the size of the expected hike. Yahoo News
• Saudi Arabia's second national air carrier Riyadh Air is expected to launch in 2025, with plans to serve 100 destinations by 2030. United States Department of State
• Trusting historic patterns, assuming that Saudi Arabia's closeness with the U.S. will neutralize the risks, or relying on repeated assurances from Riyadh, is dangerous. EurAsian Times

Last updated: 27 October 2025