Saudi Ministry of Culture signs MoU with Asyad Holding for Riyadh cultural landmark

Saudi Ministry of Culture signs MoU with Asyad Holding for Riyadh cultural landmark
Announced at the Cultural Investment Conference 2025, the project is part of the government’s push to attract private sector investment into the Kingdom’s cultural sector and strengthen Riyadh’s position as a regional cultural hub. SPA
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Updated 30 September 2025
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Saudi Ministry of Culture signs MoU with Asyad Holding for Riyadh cultural landmark

Saudi Ministry of Culture signs MoU with Asyad Holding for Riyadh cultural landmark

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture signed a memorandum of understanding with Asyad Holding, leading a consortium that includes Spark Lab Saudi Arabia and Lamar Investment Holding, to develop a multi-purpose cultural landmark in Riyadh. 

Announced at the Cultural Investment Conference 2025, the project is part of the government’s push to attract private sector investment into the Kingdom’s cultural sector and strengthen Riyadh’s position as a regional cultural hub.

The agreement aligns with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s National Culture Strategy, which aims to make culture both a way of life and an economic driver, supporting Vision 2030 goals to diversify the Kingdom’s economy.

The landmark will house a talent and business incubator serving film, music, theater, and visual arts enterprises. It will offer access to tools, equipment, and spaces for production, innovation, and creative development, while helping cultural entrepreneurs market their work and expand their reach. 

The initiative aims to boost the sector’s sustainability and create new investment opportunities with strong economic potential.

Under the MoU, the consortium and the Ministry will also collaborate on developing new programs to foster sectoral growth and establish partnerships with leading companies and international experts in cultural industries.

The agreement represents one of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to encourage private sector participation in the cultural sector, creating diverse investment opportunities that maximize the value of cultural assets and advance the objectives of the National Culture Strategy.


Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector posts strong growth as PMI hits 60.2 

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector posts strong growth as PMI hits 60.2 
Updated 04 November 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector posts strong growth as PMI hits 60.2 

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector posts strong growth as PMI hits 60.2 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy accelerated in October, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index climbing to 60.2, its second-highest level in more than a decade, signaling strong business growth momentum. 

The latest survey by Riyad Bank and S&P Global showed a sharp improvement in operating conditions across the Kingdom’s private sector, underpinned by solid demand, rising employment, and robust output growth.  

The October reading, up from 57.8 in September, highlights the sustained momentum of the non-oil economy as Vision 2030 reforms continue to drive diversification away from crude revenues. 

Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative in October, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim said the Kingdom’s gross domestic product is expected to expand by 5.1 percent in 2025, supported by continued growth in non-oil activities. 

Commenting on the latest report, Naif Al-Ghaith, chief economist at Riyad Bank, said: “Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector recorded a solid improvement in business conditions in October, with the PMI rising to 60.2, marking one of the strongest readings in over a decade.”  

He added: “The acceleration was driven by broad-based gains in output, new orders, and employment, reflecting sustained demand momentum and continued strength in the non-oil economy.”  

Al-Ghaith noted that the latest survey results also indicate a strong start to the final quarter of the year, supported by both domestic and external demand. 

According to the report, the pace of growth in new orders received by non-oil companies accelerated for the third consecutive month in October, with 48 percent of surveyed firms reporting higher sales. 

Participating companies attributed the sales growth to improving economic conditions, a growing client base, and increased foreign investment. 

Output and employment also expanded sharply during the month, with job creation rising at the fastest pace in nearly 16 years.

Al-Ghaith said the persistent rise in new export orders highlights the growing competitiveness of Saudi firms and the progress achieved under ongoing diversification initiatives. 

“The rise in demand encouraged firms to expand production and workforce capacity at the fastest rate since 2009, as businesses expanded capacity to meet new workloads. Purchasing activity and inventories also increased, while suppliers’ delivery times continued to improve, reflecting efficient coordination and resilient supply chains,” he added.  

October data indicated a sharp rise in input costs for non-oil firms, driven mainly by wage increases from salary revisions and bonuses. 

On the outlook, companies remained optimistic, citing strong market demand, ongoing project work, and government investment initiatives. 

“Optimism is underpinned by solid domestic demand and the momentum of ongoing projects. Although some concerns persist around costs and competition, sentiment overall remains strongly positive, reflecting confidence in the economy’s continued expansion and the strength of the non-oil private sector,” concluded Al-Ghaith.