RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will become the region’s most active market for IPOs and private equity investment if government plans to boost the economy are successful, according to experts set to speak at Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference 2016 in May.
Recent projections by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) suggest that the Tadawul All Share Index will grow to 250 listed companies over the next seven years, up from its current total of 170.
An increase in the volume of IPOs — and particularly offerings such as the mooted listing of a stake in oil major Saudi Aramco — is likely to drive significant growth, in addition to the launch of a secondary market for SMEs.
Delegates will be able to learn more about the development strategy from an exclusive on-stage interview with Mohammed Al-Jadaan, chairman of the CMA, during the first day of the Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference.
In addition, a special panel discussion will examine national and international perspectives on the rise of private equity in the Kingdom.
Senior executives from Derayah Financial, Almarai, QNB Capital LLC, NCB Capital and Albilad Capital will take part, reviewing the progress made during the first year since the passing of new laws enabling qualified foreign investors (QFIs) to invest in listed shares.
As part of the efforts to boost the exchange, Saudi Arabia is also looking to increase transparency and improve communication with investors, recently announcing plans to ask all companies trading on the exchange to submit ownership disclosures for senior executives.
Tariq Al-Sudairy, MD and CEO of Jadwa Investment, who will speak on the Saudi Financial Roundtable at the conference, said: “Despite some challenging recent quarters, we see positive signs ahead for the stock market.”
The announcement of the National Transformation Plan will reassure investors of the government’s commitment toward structural economic reform, helping the private sector to make more informed and confident investment decisions, said the CEO.
“We view this year’s Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference as an important opportunity to discuss the transformative changes that are happening in the Kingdom,” he said.
The 2016 Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference is co-hosted with the Ministry of Finance and takes place at the Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh on May 3-4.
Other major speakers from the Kingdom include Finance Minister Ibrahim Al-Assaf, Economy and Planning Minister Adel M. Fakeih, Commerce and Industry Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and Labor Minister Mufarrej Al-Haqbani.
National Transformation Plan to boost investor confidence
National Transformation Plan to boost investor confidence
King Abdulaziz Airport among world’s busiest after record-breaking 2025
RIYADH: King Abdulaziz International Airport has achieved a new historical milestone, reaching 53.4 million passengers in a single year.
This is the highest number ever recorded at a Saudi airport since the beginning of air travel in the Kingdom, placing it among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger traffic, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The airport handled a total of 310,000 flights and 60.4 million bags, representing a 12 percent increase compared to 2024. It also handled 9.57 million Zamzam water containers and 2,968 cargo flights.
This achievement reflects the airport’s qualitative transformation and its position as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world. It also highlights its role in facilitating the movement of visitors and pilgrims, promoting tourism in line with the goals of Vision 2030, diversifying the economy, and providing a distinguished travel experience.
For his part, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. Mazen Johar, affirmed that reaching 53.4 million passengers confirms the airport’s high operational readiness and represents a pivotal milestone for moving to the next phase, in preparation for doubling this number, God willing, in the coming years.
He pointed out that this national achievement would not have been possible without the grace of God Almighty, followed by the directives of the wise leadership and the continuous follow-up from the minister of transport and logistics, the president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the CEO of Airports Holding Co.
He explained that King Abdulaziz International Airport is strengthening its position as a major aviation hub in the region through expansions, increased capacity, and improved services, supporting the objectives of the aviation program and aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. expressed his gratitude to the partners in success from various government and private sectors for their fruitful cooperation through a collaborative work system that contributed to providing the best services.
