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's Vision 2030 has earmarked $65 billion for healthcare transformation, while the UAE is emerging as a global medical tourism hub, expected to welcome 500,000+ health travelers annually by 2025. ETHealthworld.com
• [New] Saudi Arabia is emerging as a regional leader, thanks to initiatives under its Vision 2030 plan that emphasize nanotechnology and composites for energy storage and lightweight transportation components. Precedence Research
• [New] Regional AI adoption is projected to contribute $320 billion to the Middle East economy by 2030, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia capturing the largest shares. #1 Futurist Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Work, F
• [New] By 2035, Saudi Arabia is expected to be a regional leader in nanomaterial-enabled clean technologies, contributing significantly to CNT demand growth across energy, defence, and construction applications. EIN Presswire
• [New] Saudi Arabia's vast unconventional resources could be developed using similar technological approaches and partnership strategies that ADNOC has successfully implemented. Discovery Alert
• [New] Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 program allocated USD 20 billion for education sector transformation, including significant investment in technical and vocational training. Emergen Research
• [New] Saudi Arabia seeks to deepen ties with Silicon Valley ecosystem, foster the growth of the digital economy, and drive the transition into the intelligent era in alignment with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.
• [New] Saudi Arabiq reduces Nigeria's 2026 Hajj slots, tightens health rules The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria says Saudi Arabia has reduced Nigeria's Hajj quota and introduced new, stricter health regulations for intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 pilgrimage. Radio Ndarason International
• Saudi Arabia's involvement in events globally underscores the impetus of Vision 2030, which aspires to elevate Saudi Arabia to the top tier of global tourist destinations. Travel And Tour World
• Building on the GCC trend, Saudi Arabia has projected real GDP growth of 4.6% in 2026, supported by expected gains in non-oil activity. Arab News
• Qualcomm last month announced a new series of AI data center chips, saying that Humain, an AI firm founded by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, will be a customer. Global Banking & Finance Review
• The regional momentum extends beyond the UAE, with Riyadh standing out as the global leader in technology and innovation, reflecting Saudi Arabia's sustained investment in entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and digital governance under Vision 2030. Off Plan Projects
• Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 features a national network of autonomous vehicles, EVs and charging stations. Los Angeles Times
• Oil prices have stayed unexpectedly stable around USD 70/b, enabling most GCC states to maintain fiscal surpluses into 2026. / Saudi Arabia MUFG Research
• The ability to produce cost-competitive green hydrogen powered by its own ultra-low-cost solar will be the next major validation point for Aramco's energy transition strategy. / Saudi Arabia EnkiAI - Find the right insight
• Industrial automation, artificial intelligence and technology-driven pilgrim management will take center stage at the Global IoT Congress this week, highlighting Saudi Arabia's push for digital transformation. ArabNews
• Google Subsea's planned $400 million network will run between India and Italy avoiding Egypt by travelling overland through Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Middle East Research and Information Project
• The scale of the projected oversupply started to swell in April, when Saudi Arabia and its partners in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said they would begin reviving idle oil production far faster than scheduled. financialpost
• Electronic Arts is going private in a massive $55 billion deal led by Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and Affinity Partners. Invision Game Community
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Last updated: 17 November 2025