PIF expands global asset management partnerships with multiple deals

Update PIF expands global asset management partnerships with multiple deals
In a statement, PIF announced that upcoming FII events will feature its Asset Management Forum as a central component, elevating discussions and insights on both local and global stages. Shutterstock
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Updated 31 October 2024
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PIF expands global asset management partnerships with multiple deals

PIF expands global asset management partnerships with multiple deals

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s wealth fund signed multiple memorandums of understanding with top international institutions at the eighth Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s asset management sector. 

The Public Investment Fund Asset Management Forum was also featured as a central platform at the event, drawing over 300 industry leaders, government representatives, and fund managers.

MoU with FII Institute

Through an MoU with the Future Investment Initiative Institute, PIF established a partnership to make the Asset Management Forum a key feature of future FII events.

This move is intended to bring critical discussions about Saudi Arabia’s asset management sector to the forefront on both local and global stages. 

Key topics addressed at the forum included the evolution of Saudi capital markets, the role of artificial intelligence in portfolio management, and the development of emerging local asset managers.  

The forum also celebrated the graduation of the inaugural class from PIF’s Portfolio Management Development Program, aimed at upskilling talent to meet the growing demands of the industry.

Abdulmajeed Al-Hagbani, head of securities investments at PIF, said: “Strong and dynamic capital markets are an integral part of financing Saudi Arabia’s ambitious economic growth plans.”

He added: “PIF is committed to driving innovation and diversifying the range of investment products and initiatives to reshape the capital market.”

Deals with Japanese institutions

PIF signed agreements valued at up to $51 billion with five leading Japanese financial institutions, namely Mizuho Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, and MUFG Bank, as well as Japan Bank for International Cooperation and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance.  

These agreements are designed to strengthen financial collaboration, facilitating two-way capital flows through debt and equity investments. This reflects PIF’s strategy to enhance global financial connectivity and encourage mutual growth opportunities in finance, investment, and sustainable development.

Partnership with Hong Kong Monetary Authority 

In a significant step to reinforce economic ties, PIF also signed an MoU with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to establish a $1 billion investment fund. 

The fund, targeting companies with connections to Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, will focus on manufacturing, renewables, fintech, and healthcare sectors.  

This partnership aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by supporting the localization of industries within the Kingdom, promoting highly skilled job creation, and enabling Saudi access to Hong Kong’s deep financial resources and industry expertise.

Collaborations with Brookfield, State Street, and Mizuho 

Further expanding its international partnerships, PIF signed agreements with Brookfield Asset Management, State Street Saudi Arabia Financial Solutions, and Mizuho Financial Group. 

The MoU with Brookfield establishes the Brookfield Middle East Partners platform, a private equity vehicle dedicated to investments in the Kingdom and the broader region. 

Agreements with State Street and Mizuho will see the development of new investment products that enhance Saudi Arabia’s position in the global asset management sector.  

These collaborations represented a concerted effort by PIF to introduce diversified investment opportunities and bring innovative products to the Saudi market. 

The collected agreements are part of PIF’s broader strategy to position the Kingdom as a global asset management hub, reinforcing the nation’s standing in international capital markets and attracting foreign expertise to support sustainable economic growth.


Closing Bell: TASI ends higher at 10,808  

Closing Bell: TASI ends higher at 10,808  
Updated 21 September 2025
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Closing Bell: TASI ends higher at 10,808  

Closing Bell: TASI ends higher at 10,808  

RIYADH: The Saudi stock market started the week higher on Sunday, with the benchmark Tadawul All Share Index adding 27.99 points, or 0.26 percent, to close at 10,808.68.   

Market activity saw 166 gainers against 76 losers, with a total of 272.83 million shares traded at a value of SR4.74 billion ($1.26 billion).  

The parallel market Nomu also advanced, rising 58.35 points, or 0.23 percent, to 25,349.27, with 41 stocks ending in positive territory while 38 declined.  

Meanwhile, the MT30 index, which tracks the performance of the 30 largest companies by market capitalization and liquidity, edged up 2.24 points, or 0.16 percent, to close at 1,401.03.  

On the sector front, MBC Group led the gainers, climbing 10 percent to SR35.42, continuing its rising streak from last Thursday after the Public Investment Fund’s acquisition.   

It was followed by Abdullah Saad Mohammed Abo Moati for Bookstores Co., which advanced 8.70 percent to SR40.98, and The Mediterranean and Gulf Insurance and Reinsurance Co., which increased 7.14 percent to SR16.80.   

East Pipes Integrated Co. for Industry rose 6.81 percent to SR117.60, while Arabian Contracting Services Co. gained 5.99 percent to SR92.95. 

On the other hand, Dar Alarkan Real Estate Development Co. fell 5.84 percent to SR15.79, while Saudi Real Estate Co. dropped 4.95 percent to SR15.17.   

Thimar Development Holding Co. slipped 3.51 percent to SR44, Saudi Ground Services Co. lost 2.63 percent to SR43.68, and Alahli REIT 1 Fund edged down 2.39 percent to SR6.54.  

On the announcement front, Saudi Vitrified Clay Pipes Co. said it signed an agreement to sell its second plant in Riyadh, which produces vitrified clay pipes and related fittings, for SR45 million to Al-Mutahidah Al-Namothajiya Industries Co.   

The company said the sale is expected to generate a capital gain of SR20.1 million and proceeds will be used to fund operating activities.  

Its shares closed at SR26.72, up 0.6 percent.  

Dar Al Majdiah Real Estate Co. clarified that the updated Executive Regulations of the White Land Fees, issued by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, will not have a material impact on its financials or operations.  

The company highlighted it had already settled SR1.7 million in fees and noted invoices of SR3.3 million remain under objection with authorities.  

Shares of Dar Al Majdiah ended at SR12.96, down 1.37 percent.  

Ladun Investment Co. also stated that the implementation of the newly amended White Land Tax Regulations will have no material impact on its financials.  

Shares of the company rose 5.45 percent to SR2.9.  

Separately, Al Moammar Information Systems Co. announced the signing of a SR60.54 million contract, including VAT, with Emdad Solutions for ICT to provide IT services over a 36-month period.   

The company said the agreement is expected to have a positive financial impact starting from the third and fourth quarter of 2025.  

Shares of MIS closed at SR134, gaining 0.6 percent.  


Singapore and Egypt to explore free trade agreement as leaders witness broad cooperation deals 

Singapore and Egypt to explore free trade agreement as leaders witness broad cooperation deals 
Updated 21 September 2025
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Singapore and Egypt to explore free trade agreement as leaders witness broad cooperation deals 

Singapore and Egypt to explore free trade agreement as leaders witness broad cooperation deals 

RIYADH: Singapore and Egypt have agreed to explore the feasibility of a free trade agreement, with both countries seeking to deepen economic ties and leverage their respective strategic advantages.   

The agreement was reached during President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s official visit to Cairo, where he met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi ahead of the 60th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2026.  

Singapore and Egypt have a longstanding foundation for economic cooperation, anchored by a Bilateral Investment Treaty signed in 1997 and in force since 2002. 

The agreement ensures fair and equitable treatment for investors, free transfer of returns, and access to international arbitration. 

 In 2006, both countries issued a Declaration of Intent to negotiate a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, reflecting a shared ambition to deepen trade and investment links. These initiatives laid the groundwork for current discussions on a formal free trade agreement. 

According to the new statement issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Both Presidents agreed that it was timely to explore the feasibility of a free trade agreement between Singapore and Egypt to take advantage of the two countries’ complementary strengths and their strategic locations.”   

Bilateral ties, which began in 1965 when Egypt became the first Arab country to recognize Singapore’s independence, have since expanded across sectors, including health, maritime, education, and technical cooperation.  

President Tharman and President Al Sisi “welcomed the expansion of bilateral cooperation into new areas such as the health sector, agri-research, technical education, capacity building within government, and smart ports and the maritime sector.”   

They also witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding covering a range of areas including economy, maritime transport, health, agri-research, micro, small and medium enterprises and startup development, capacity building and social protection.  

One MoU on maritime field cooperation between Singapore Cooperation Enterprise and Egypt’s Ministry of Transport – Maritime Transport Sector aims to create “an interactive digital map for the MTS that includes logistics corridors, sea, in-land and dry ports, planned and operating logistic areas as well as licensed storage sector and industrial zones.”   

It also includes provisions for capacity building and exploring project funding.  

A second MoU on promoting economic partnership, signed between SCE and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, “provides a broad framework of cooperation in the ports and maritime sectors, capacity building, cybersecurity and digitalization.”   

It will also “facilitate cooperation envisaged under a separate agreement between SCE and the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone on a feasibility study to transform West Port Said into a Smart Port.”  

In the area of enterprise development, an MoU between SCE and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups Development Agency will establish a framework for close cooperation with the aim of supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.  

Collaboration areas include the “digitalization of Egypt’s MSME National Platform, advisory on Egypt’s National Strategy for MSME and startups development, and capacity building.”  

The Ministry of Social and Family Development and Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity signed an MoU on social protection, outlining cooperation in knowledge exchange, enhancing technical expertise and capacity building, strengthening institutional collaboration, and supporting policy development and best practices in the fields of social services, family and child development, women’s issues, and social enterprises.  

In health, the Ministry of Health and Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population agreed to collaborate in fields such as the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, management of hospital health information systems and quality assurance, innovative healthcare solutions, healthcare supply chain, research and development in medical biotechnology, aged care policy, green transformation and eco-friendly health facilities.  

Agricultural cooperation is also being advanced through an MOU between Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory and Egypt’s Agricultural Research Centre.   

It supports joint efforts to improve the productivity and resilience of large-scale rice cultivation” on reclaimed desert land and promotes the “development of climate-ready rice varieties that have increased tolerance for heat, salinity, droughts, floods, and diseases.”  

Finally, the Civil Service College and Egypt’s National Training Academy signed an MOU to strengthen public sector capability through the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the fields of public sector leadership, governance, and administration including facilitating thematic study visits by Egyptian officials to Singapore.  

President Tharman also thanked President Al Sisi for Egypt’s facilitation of Singapore’s humanitarian assistance for Gaza since November 2023.   

The ministry noted that “Singapore was the first foreign country that Egypt has allowed to deploy doctors in Egyptian hospitals to provide specialist medical care for Palestinian civilians.”  

To mark the upcoming diplomatic milestone, President Tharman extended an invitation for President Al Sisi to visit Singapore in 2026.  


Qatar’s economy rises 2% on non-oil strength

Qatar’s economy rises 2% on non-oil strength
Updated 21 September 2025
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Qatar’s economy rises 2% on non-oil strength

Qatar’s economy rises 2% on non-oil strength

JEDDAH: Qatar’s economy expanded by 1.9 percent in the second quarter of 2025, fueled by a 3.4 percent rise in non-hydrocarbon sectors, official data showed.

The National Planning Council reported on Sept. 21 that real gross domestic product reached 181.8 billion Qatari riyals ($49.9 billion) at constant prices, up from 178.5 billion riyals in the same period last year. Non-hydrocarbon activities accounted for 65.6 percent of real gross domestic product, with value added climbing to 119.3 billion riyals from 115.4 billion riyals a year earlier.

The growth underlines the effectiveness of Qatar’s economic diversification initiatives under the Third National Development Strategy and Vision 2030, reflecting wider trends across the Gulf region.

A World Bank report released in June projected GCC economic growth of 3.2 percent in 2025 and 4.5 percent in 2026. 

Within the non-hydrocarbon economy, the fastest-growing sectors in Q2 2025 included agriculture, forestry, and fishing (up 15.8 percent); accommodation and food services (13.4 percent); arts, entertainment, and recreation (8.9 percent); wholesale and retail trade (8.8 percent); and construction (8.7 percent).

These gains reflect ongoing investment in tourism, services, and specialized infrastructure, further boosting the private sector’s role in the economy.

“In total, 11 of 17 economic activities recorded positive real growth in Q2 2025, demonstrating the resilience of Qatar's economic base. Service-related sectors such as accommodation, food services, and entertainment continued to expand strongly, reflecting sustained momentum in tourism and domestic demand,” the official news agency reported.


French investment in Saudi Arabia surges 180% amid strengthened bilateral ties 

French investment in Saudi Arabia surges 180% amid strengthened bilateral ties 
Updated 21 September 2025
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French investment in Saudi Arabia surges 180% amid strengthened bilateral ties 

French investment in Saudi Arabia surges 180% amid strengthened bilateral ties 

RIYADH: Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih underscored the deepening strategic alignment between Saudi Arabia and France during his address at the French-Saudi Economic Roundtable in Paris.  

He highlighted the significant progress achieved in fostering bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in the realm of foreign direct investment. 

Saudi Arabia and France are strengthening economic ties, with non-oil trade surpassing SR20 billion ($5.33 billion) in 2024. The partnership was further reinforced during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit in December, when both sides endorsed a strategic partnership roadmap and signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a Strategic Partnership Council. 

On his official X account, Al-Falih wrote: “I delivered the opening speech at the French-Saudi Economic Roundtable in Paris, in which I spoke about the strategic alignment in visions and the achievements accomplished.” 

He added: “What confirms the strength of our investment relations is the 180 percent increase in the volume of French direct investments in Saudi Arabia over 5 years, reaching €16 billion ($18.79 billion).” 

The surge in French investment follows a flurry of deals and opportunities across multiple sectors. In June, Saudi and French entities outlined potential investments exceeding SR10 billion ($2.6 billion) in the aviation sector, including airport infrastructure, air navigation, ground support technology, workforce training, and digital solutions. 

During the Saudi-French Investment Forum in December, Al-Falih noted that bilateral trade exceeded €10 billion, with roughly €3 billion in French investment inflows in 2023, bringing total accumulated French FDI to around €17 billion.  

This growth reflects the success of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic reforms, which have streamlined the investment environment and encouraged foreign firms to diversify into industrial, commercial, and service sectors.   

The collaboration between Saudi Arabia and France spans various sectors, including energy, infrastructure, and technology.  

Notably, during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Riyadh in December, TotalEnergies and EDF Renewables were awarded significant solar energy contracts, totaling 1.7 gigawatts in capacity. These projects are part of Saudi Arabia's ambitious goal to achieve 130 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. 


MODON, French pharma BPI sign $100m deal in Sudair Industrial City 

MODON, French pharma BPI sign $100m deal in Sudair Industrial City 
Updated 21 September 2025
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MODON, French pharma BPI sign $100m deal in Sudair Industrial City 

MODON, French pharma BPI sign $100m deal in Sudair Industrial City 

JEDDAH: French pharmaceutical company BPI has signed a SR375 million ($100 million) agreement to establish its first manufacturing base in Saudi Arabia, securing a plot in Sudair City for Industry and Business. 

The deal, signed with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, also known as MODON, under the patronage of Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef, covers a site exceeding 51,000 sq. meters. MODON Chief Executive Majid bin Rafid Al-Arqoubi attended the signing ceremony, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

BPI’s facilities will produce pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary use, medicinal herbs, surgical dressings, chemical sugar, and blood sugar monitoring devices.  

The investment aligns with the National Industrial Strategy and Vision 2030 goals to position the Kingdom as a regional hub for biomanufacturing and medical innovation.  

“MODON aims to attract new industrial and logistical investments across its industrial cities through allocations that include land, ready-made factories, and projects that support the development of infrastructure and services, contributing to industrial and economic growth,” SPA reported. 

Established in 2009, Sudair City spans 16.9 million sq. meters and hosts 421 industrial facilities, marking a 12 percent increase in 2024, with more than 34,000 employees working across the food, chemical, metal, and machinery sectors. 

In a separate initiative, MODON signed an agreement with Asas for Developing and Operating Industrial Cities and Takween Information Technology to establish a Center of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence.  

The initiative is part of MODON’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of modern technologies in the industrial sector, supporting the country's industrial ambitions by enhancing the digital economy and boosting competitiveness. 

The AI center, attended by Al-Arqoubi and Takween CEO Ahmed Sulaiman, will also streamline administrative processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure compliance with best practices and regulations, while fostering innovation and continuous learning in artificial intelligence. 

MODON currently manages over 8,000 factories across 40 industrial cities in the Kingdom and offers advisory services through platforms including Indeel, which provides open data and investment opportunities, and guidance on Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to enhance production and efficiency.