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 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
• [New] Oil revenue will dip thanks to lower prices in 2026 even as Saudi Arabia will keep production at more than 10 million barrels per day, while we expect a more modest rise in non-oil income than presented in the 2026 budget. The National
• [New] Saudi Arabia remains committed to its Vision 2030 diversification programme, but officials have signaled a more cautious approach as lower oil prices have constrained budgets. The National
• [New] The Middle East & Africa region presents emerging opportunities, especially in countries with mountainous border zones and rugged terrain such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia and others. ReAnIn
• [New] The key factor in the regional dimension of the Sudanese conflict is the fierce rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia and between MBZ and MBS over who will be the dominant power broker across the Arabian Peninsula and Red Sea. Martin Plaut
• [New] In a statement on Friday, the foreign ministers of Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia warned that deteriorating conditions in Gaza had left nearly 1.9 million displaced Palestinians particularly vulnerable. Al Jazeera
• [New] A quantitative survey conducted as part of the Tenity and The Majlis report polled over 29 fintech industry participants in Saudi Arabia, and found that 66% of respondents identified wealthtech and investment platforms as the fintech segment with the highest growth potential for 2025-2027. Fintechnews Middle East
• [New] Strong local backing and alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reinforced Riyadh's ambition to serve as a global platform for next-generation mobility innovation. Automobility
• [New] Delta Air Lines in late 2026, Delta will fly nonstop from Atlanta to Riyadh, making Saudi Arabia a direct, one-flight journey for U.S. travelers. Yahoo Life
• [New] Saudi Arabia has a unique opportunity to shape the future of MMA through governance, athlete welfare, and global partnerships. A&E Magazine
• [New] Special attention will be paid to how Saudi Arabia can become a key destination for medical tourists from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Saudi Arabia is expected to emerge as a prominent country, as it is using technology as a national growth engine, not just a business tool. Precedence Research
• [New] Strategically, we expect to see more sovereign AI projects, where nations like Saudi Arabia and Japan build their own domestic data center clusters to ensure data residency and national security. The Chronicle-Journal
• [New] Saudi Arabia's security outlook for 2026 reflects a landscape defined by interconnected risks and opportunities: shifting regional conflict patterns, cyber-led threats, societal change, and strategic economic transformation. CENTRALNE BIURO WYWIADU

Last updated: 12 January 2026