SAUDI EXPATRIATES

Al-Falih made these comments during a panel discussion at the Development Finance Conference (MOMENTUM2025) in Riyadh on Tuesday.

He explained that this large flow of investment will come through many channels, including privatization programs, Ministry of Energy projects, major national companies like ACWA Power, and Aramco’s expansion in global blue hydrogen production and marketing. See Also: Saudi Arabia revised rules for identifying the beneficial owner

Al-Falih noted that Saudi Arabia and the region are witnessing a major shift in infrastructure development investments. He went on to point out that Saudi Arabia and Egypt work closely together to solve global problems, strengthen value chains, and enhance financial mechanisms.

The minister reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's dedication to the Paris Climate Agreement and noted that the country had surpassed its carbon reduction goals. Half of the electricity in the Kingdom comes from renewable sources, with the help of high-efficiency gas turbines and battery storage technology, as part of a well-rounded energy strategy.

On digital transformation, Al-Falih revealed major plans to make Saudi Arabia a global artificial intelligence hub. This will involve partnerships with top international companies and building advanced digital infrastructure for transportation, airports, and smart cities.

He also discussed the regulations supporting green finance in the Kingdom. The Debt Management Office has launched a green finance framework, the Capital Market Authority has issued rules for green bonds, and the Tadawul stock exchange is expanding the region’s largest carbon credit market, which is also one of the largest in the world.

Al-Falih said Saudi Arabia leads the Middle East in green finance and ESG initiatives, representing about two-thirds of all regional efforts. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) also supports this progress through sustainable financing tools, including 100-year green bonds. Recommend: More details about Saudi Arabia and Qatar High Speed electric train

Saudi Arabia's clear vision, strong plans, and enormous domestic market will shape future investment, infrastructure, and sustainable development, he said.

Al-Falih highlighted that Saudi Arabia offers high returns compared to developing countries while also having the strongest credit rating in the region, even higher than some G7 countries. International investors, including those from China, the G7, and major U.S. and European asset managers, find the Kingdom an attractive destination.

He said sustainable infrastructure is now a central part of the Kingdom’s plans. Four major airports will be included in sustainability projects, and desalination facilities will expand significantly by 2030 to meet rising demand from population growth and expatriates. The tourism sector is also important, with the Red Sea Project, with ACWA Power’s involvement—serving as a global example of advanced environmental development, along with green building projects, airport upgrades, and logistics center expansions.

Al-Falih said Saudi Arabia is close to becoming the 15th-largest economy in the world, supported by strong economic assets and deep partnerships with the private sector. He noted that both local and international partners play a real role in project implementation, not just investment. Most Viewed: Updated visiting Riyadhul Jannah schedules

He added that Saudi Arabia has a long history of delivering major projects on time and to high standards. With continuous innovation, strong ambition, and access to capital, the Kingdom is ready to lead the next stage of sustainable finance and global investment.