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] Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in biometric solutions as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, aiming to diversify its economy and enhance citizen services. Precedence Research
• [New] Saudi Arabia has placed obesity prevention at the center of its health reform agenda under Vision 2030 and the Healthcare Sector Transformation Program. Blitz
• [New] Saudi Arabia, where more than a quarter of adults are obese, has made obesity prevention a priority under its Healthcare Sector Transformation Program and Vision 2030. Arab News
• [New] Saudi Arabia's $100 billion aviation investment under Vision 2030 includes provisions for advanced air mobility infrastructure. Halldale Group
• [New] In Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 has accelerated digital financial services across retail, SME, and corporate banking. Fimple
• [New] National authorities such as Saudi Arabia's National Cybersecurity Authority and Dubai's Electronic Security Center are enforcing strict compliance frameworks, while enterprises are investing in advanced defence systems, risk monitoring, and governance structures. Sapience
• Saudi Arabia, the Arab world's largest economy, will lead the regional growth, expanding 3.9% and 4% in 2026 and 2027, up 0.1 and 0.2 percentage points, respectively, from the IMF's October estimates. The National
• Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and similar digital strategies increase regional competitiveness by allocating $100 billion to artificial intelligence and $21 billion to data centers. RaillyNews
• Saudi Arabia's execution of Vision 2030 will demonstrate whether economic diversification generates sustainable non-oil revenues. Foreign Affairs Forum
• Saudi Arabia's execution of Vision 2030 targets will demonstrate whether economic diversification succeeds in generating non-oil revenues capable of sustaining national ambitions. Foreign Affairs Forum
• The UAE is building for the future, and 2026 will see progress on initiatives like Etihad Rail, which will connect all emirates and link to Saudi Arabia, enhancing logistics. Middle East Briefing
• Despite the global wave of energy transition, the Middle East region, led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, is expected to maintain its dominant position in oil and gas supply while accelerating the advancement of wind energy, solar energy, battery storage, and digital transformation plans. FuTu News
• Saudi Arabia, too, is rapidly reducing its oil dependency in electricity generation under its Vision 2030 plan, increasing the share of natural gas and renewables. FinancialTribune
• Saudi Arabia and the UAE have signaled they will not invest in Gaza's future on Hamas's terms, a stance that bolsters Israel's position. Israel Brief
• Upon completion, Al Maktoum Airport is expected to be five times the size of DXB, with capacity for up to 260 million passengers annually. / Saudi Arabia Khaleej Times
• By 2030 AI is expected to account for 12.4% of Saudi Arabia's GDP and 14% of the UAE's GDP. JD Supra
• Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 138 new mining licenses in Nov (taking the total to 2719 as of Nov), reflecting its structural diversification strategy and building on a record increase in exploration activity during 2025. Nasser Saidi & Associates

Last updated: 09 February 2026