UAE’s Al-Futtaim commits $2.7bn to Saudi Arabia to support Vision 2030 goals 

UAE’s Al-Futtaim commits $2.7bn to Saudi Arabia to support Vision 2030 goals 
The new commitment builds is projected to create more than 1,000 jobs. Getty
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Updated 29 October 2025
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UAE’s Al-Futtaim commits $2.7bn to Saudi Arabia to support Vision 2030 goals 

UAE’s Al-Futtaim commits $2.7bn to Saudi Arabia to support Vision 2030 goals 

RIYADH: UAE-based conglomerate Al-Futtaim has committed SR10 billion ($2.6 billion) in new investments over the next three years in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its long-term partnership with the Kingdom. 

The announcement, made at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, highlights the group’s focus on localization, talent development, and diversified economic growth, the company said in a press release. 

The new commitment builds on Al-Futtaim’s existing SR5 billion investments in Saudi Arabia and is projected to create more than 1,000 jobs. 

The conglomerate’s commitment is part of the broader wave of strategic investments being unveiled at the FII, a platform that has facilitated more than $250 billion in deals since its inception less than a decade ago. 

Marwan Shehahdeh, group director, corporate development at Al-Futtaim, said: “Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 demands an approach that goes beyond mere deployment of capital. It requires partners who bring operational expertise, regional experience, and a genuine commitment to building from within.” 

He added: “Our SR10 billion pledge is a tangible expression of our confidence in the Kingdom’s potential and our readiness to actively contribute to its economic diversification and innovation agenda.”  

In September, Al-Futtaim acquired a 49.95 percent stake in Saudi Arabia’s Cenomi Retail in a $689 million deal. 

The partnership aims to develop omnichannel, AI-driven, and customer-centric retail experiences, expanding access to international brands and elevating the consumer landscape in Saudi Arabia. 

Through its insurance arm, Orient Insurance, the group is supporting financial sector resilience and economic inclusion by offering customer-focused insurance and financing solutions. 

Al-Futtaim is also expanding its real estate portfolio to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation, creating integrated developments that foster community connectivity and enhance quality of life. 

“Our strategic investments are a commitment to fostering a dynamic ecosystem where innovation flourishes, local talent excels, and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is realized through collaborative effort,” Shehahdeh added. 


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 
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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.