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] The establishment of a PGE smelter and BMR in Saudi Arabia would align with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative to develop the Saudi mining and minerals industry to become the third pillar of Saudi Arabia's gross domestic product. MarketScreener
• [New] Dubai has announced plans for multi-gigawatt renewable additions by 2030, and Saudi Arabia recently unveiled major solar and hydrogen capacity goals under Vision 2030. tradearabia
• [New] Despite the global energy transition, the region - led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia - is expected to maintain leadership in hydrocarbon supply while rapidly scaling wind, solar, battery storage and digital transformation initiatives. tradearabia
• [New] Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global hub for future mobility through its Vision 2030 initiative. Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence (KSI)
• [New] Saudi Arabia continues to project stable GDP growth of 4% although slightly increasing inflation levels are projected, from 2.2% in 2025 to 2.7% in 2026. WTW
• [New] Saudi Arabia is doubling down on height with a planned Trump Tower in Jeddah and the $5 billion Rise Tower in Riyadh, expected to be the first to reach 2 kilometers, or 6,562 feet in height. Newsweek
• [New] Intelligence indicated the Houthis even considered a ground operation - a wild card notion of sending fighters towards Israel's southern border, perhaps via a smuggling route or by infiltrating Jordan from Saudi Arabia. Israel Brief
• [New] Saudi Arabia now views regional fragmentation not as an abstract risk but as an unfolding reality with direct national security implications. The Soufan Center
• [New] Recent escalation between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in southern Yemen reflects a more profound rupture rooted in diverging threat perceptions, regional ambitions, and competing visions for the Red Sea and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The Soufan Center
• [New] Cybersecurity spending across the GCC is rising at double-digit rates, with board-level oversight now standard practice to ensure organizations remain secure in an era of escalating threats. / Saudi Arabia Sapience
• [New] Saudi Arabia is set to advance transactions involving airports and desalination assets, while the UAE will likely continue monetising select DEWA - and AD Ports-linked assets. PwC
• [New] Efforts in the UAE and Saudi Arabia have paid off, as both countries now rank among the world's leading countries for planned and active GPU clusters, with substantial new capacity expected to come online in 2026. PwC
• [New] Saudi Arabia is aiming to become a cashless society and achieve 70% cashless payments by 2030. Xebia
• [New] Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's AI Strategy 2031 are embedding artificial intelligence into logistics, finance, retail, and government services. Sapience
• [New] With a target to have 525 FinTech companies by 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leading hub for financial innovation in the Middle East. SDK.finance - White-Label Digital Banking Software
• [New] Saudi Arabia's FinTech sector is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by Vision 2030's ambitious digital economy goals, strong regulatory support, and a booming demand for digital financial services. SDK.finance - White-Label Digital Banking Software
• [New] Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Finance has approved its 2026 borrowing plan, with projected financing needs of USD58bn which it expects will cover its projected deficit of around USD44bn, plus principal repayment of around USD14bn. Emirates NBD Research
• [New] 2026 Middle East Trajectory: The Red Sea's development as a superyacht destination will accelerate, with Saudi Arabia's marina infrastructure projects in Sindalah Superyacht Marina and the Red Sea Project expected to accommodate 50+ superyachts by late 2026. Lumenautica Yacht Signs
• [New] Saudi Arabia is positioning mining as a major economic pillar by 2035, led by Maaden's expansion across phosphate, aluminium, copper and emerging critical minerals. PwC
• [New] Saudi Arabia says it will soon host a dialog between Yemen's main players. Al Jazeera
• [New] Saudi Arabia anticipates record spending in the water sector, and will require at least 20 GW of new renewable power per year. JD Supra
• [New] Saudi Arabia is pushing to reform its economy and cut its reliance on the sale of hydrocarbons to generate its revenue as part of its Vision 2030 programme. The National

Last updated: 19 January 2026