Cultural Development Fund to create first fashion investment fund

Cultural Development Fund to create first fashion investment fund
The fund will be managed by Merak Capital with the Cultural Development Fund as an anchor investor. X/ MOCSaudi
Short Url
Updated 30 September 2025
Follow

Cultural Development Fund to create first fashion investment fund

Cultural Development Fund to create first fashion investment fund

RIYADH: Under the patronage of Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, minister of culture and chairman of the board of directors of the Cultural Development Fund, CDF has signed an agreement to establish the Kingdom’s first dedicated investment fund in the fashion sector, with a total capital of SR300 million ($80 million).

The announcement was made during the Cultural Investment Conference organized by the Ministry of Culture at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh, held under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

The fund, managed by Merak Capital with the Cultural Development Fund as an anchor investor, will focus on accelerating investments in the fashion sector, including companies, brands, and innovative projects with high-growth potential. It will also target the development of supply chains and related services, while adhering to global best practices in asset and risk management.

The establishment of this fund underscores the Cultural Development Fund’s role as a center of excellence and financial enabler for the cultural sector, introducing innovative financing and enablement solutions that amplify the sector’s economic and social impact, in alignment with the National Culture Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.

The announcement was part of the inaugural Cultural Investment Conference — the world’s first event dedicated to positioning culture as an economic driver and an attractive sector for investment.

By introducing such landmark initiatives, the conference aims to support the growth of cultural industries and broaden investment opportunities, reinforcing the Kingdom’s vision of culture as a key contributor to economic diversification and development.


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 8 sec ago
Follow

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.