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Saudi Arabia's franchise market is thriving, accounting for nearly half of the MENA region's $30 billion market, driven by supportive regulations and economic expansion under Vision 2030. Franchise registrations surged from 185 to 1,788 in three years, with significant growth expected in sectors like food, retail, and education. Government initiatives and a clear legal framework are enhancing transparency and attracting both local and international investments, positioning the Kingdom as a leading investment destination.
UAE-based Klaim has secured $26 million in Series A funding to enhance its healthcare payment solutions, aiming for rapid expansion in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The funding, led by Mudassir Investment, will help streamline payment processes for healthcare providers, addressing financial strains caused by delayed payment cycles.
DP World and the Saudi Ports Authority have launched a SAR 3 billion terminal in Jeddah, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions by 50% over the next five years as part of a sustainability strategy. Adjacent to the terminal, the Jeddah Logistics Park will span 415,000 square meters, enhancing warehousing, distribution, and freight forwarding services, with completion expected by Q2 2026.
US President Donald Trump plans to visit Saudi Arabia within six weeks to finalize a $1 trillion investment deal, which includes significant military equipment purchases. Highlighting his strong ties with Saudi leaders, Trump noted the Kingdom's efforts to diversify its economy under Vision 2030, marking a deepening of economic relations between the two nations.
Saudi Arabia has attracted 2.5 million sports tourists over the past four years, driven by 80 international events, including the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which generated SR900 million in economic impact. The Kingdom aims to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, enhancing its role in global sports tourism while investing in infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. With a target of 150 million annual visitors by 2030, Saudi Arabia is committed to transforming its economy and promoting diverse sports participation.
In February 2025, MENA startups raised $494 million across 58 deals, a nearly fivefold increase from the previous year, with Saudi Arabia leading at $250.3 million. The fintech sector dominated with $274 million, while later-stage investments grew, highlighted by Tabby's $160 million Series E funding. Despite the surge, male-led startups secured 87% of the total funding, leaving only $200,000 for female-led ventures.
Saudi Arabia has attracted 2.5 million sports tourists over the past four years, bolstered by 80 international events, including the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which generated SR900 million in economic impact. The Kingdom aims to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, investing in infrastructure and sustainability as part of its Vision 2030 goals, targeting 150 million annual visitors by the decade's end. With a focus on youth and women's sports, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global sports tourism hub, enhancing its economic diversification efforts.
Saudi Arabia's SME Bank has launched the second phase of its agency model to enhance financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), targeting SAR 240 million by 2025. In partnership with crowdfunding platforms Manafa, Lendo, and Tameed, the initiative offers flexible financing options ranging from SAR 50,000 to SAR 1 million, with repayment terms up to 12 months and potential grace periods. Building on the first phase's success, which provided over SAR 88 million in funding, this phase aims to further support sustainable economic growth and facilitate access to financing for startups and e-commerce businesses.
Lebanon's private sector showed steady growth in February, with a PMI of 50.5, supported by increased new business, particularly from abroad. Optimism surged following the election of a pro-reform president, despite ongoing security concerns due to Israel's presence in strategic areas.In the UAE, the non-oil private sector maintained growth with a PMI of 55, reflecting improved business conditions and rising new orders. However, firms expressed caution over intense competition and limited job creation, which could impact future growth.
Tamara has secured a license from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) to offer consumer finance and buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services, expanding its capabilities beyond previous limits. This approval allows the company to provide financing solutions over SAR 5,000 ($1,333) and enhances its product offerings across Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait. Co-Founder Abdulmajeed Alsukhan highlighted this achievement as a significant step in delivering innovative financial solutions to meet customer needs.
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The information provided herein is generated by experimental artificial intelligence and is for informational purposes only.
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