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] By embracing AI, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its economy and creating new job opportunities. Meer
• [New] Saudi Arabia's insurance industry is forecast to experience substantial expansion over the next several years, with gross written premiums anticipated to climb from SAR 75.9 billion in 2024 to SAR 129 billion by 2030. Insurance Business
• [New] As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 goals for sustainable water management and the United Arab Emirates implements its Water Security Strategy 2036, regional governments are prioritising innovation to ensure long-term water resilience. Industrial Compliance
• [New] The rising demand for health-driven, digitally enabled and locally relevant products reflects a deeper transformation underway, one that aligns closely with the ambitions of Vision 2030. / Saudi Arabia PwC
• [New] Digital Transformation Policies: Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia and national fintech strategies in Africa boost BaaS ecosystems. MarkWide Research
• [New] Saudi Arabia plans to build 11 new stadiums as part of its controversial hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. dezeen
• [New] Saudi Arabia: As part of its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to become the world's largest supplier of hydrogen. Hydrogen Newsletter
• [New] The Jafurah Gas Project, one of the largest unconventional gas developments in the world, is designed to expand Saudi Arabia's gas production capacity by over 60% by 2030. Ainvest
• [New] Diversification: By investing in both gas infrastructure and renewables, Saudi Arabia is creating a more resilient energy portfolio, reducing geopolitical and economic risks. Ainvest
• [New] Saudi Aramco and BlackRock ink a $10 B infrastructure deal for the Jafurah gas project, central to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 energy diversification. Ainvest
• Ecotourism presents an opportunity to create jobs, protect natural heritage, and position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable tourism. Travel And Tour World
• Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 150 million visitors by 2030, yet the real measure of success will lie in the exceptional experiences provided and the lasting impact created. Travel And Tour World
• By fostering local entrepreneurship, Saudi Arabia can align its ecotourism efforts with its broader goals of economic diversification and social inclusion, as outlined in Vision 2030. Travel And Tour World
• Looking to countries like Panama, where tax incentives are tied to sustainability, or Australia's model for engaging tourism operators in coral reef preservation, Saudi Arabia could adopt similar strategies to build a thriving, eco-conscious tourism industry. Travel And Tour World
• AI could add more than $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030, including $320 billion in the Middle East, with contributions of more than 12% of GDP for Saudi Arabia and 14% for the UAE. The Washington Institute
• Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 includes a substantial investment in digital health, with RPM as a core component. Market Data Forecast
• Saudi Arabia seeks security through equilibrium, believing that its ambitious Vision 2030 transformation requires a predictable environment insulated from geopolitical shocks. Middle East Institute
• Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 includes a USD 40 billion investment in healthcare infrastructure, aiming to reduce medical travel outflows and attract 1.5 million inbound patients annually by 2030. Market Data Forecast
• Saudi Arabia's National AI Training Program, developed with AWS and the PIF, aims to upskill 100,000 professionals by 2026. Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, trave
• Saudi Arabia swiftly followed, embedding AI within Vision 2030 and establishing the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, trave
• Saudi Arabia announced it will introduce a mandatory AI curriculum at all public education levels starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Alexander M Sidorkin

Last updated: 08 September 2025