Saudi and UAE central banks pen insurance supervision agreement

Both central banks will also cooperate on the implementation of international standards in their markets (Shutterstock)
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Updated 19 September 2022
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Saudi and UAE central banks pen insurance supervision agreement

RIYADH: The Saudi Central Bank has signed an initial agreement with its UAE equivalent to create a framework for cooperation in the field of supervision and control of insurance in both countries. 

The institutions have agreed on joint work in the field of training and exchange of supervisory expertise, in addition to cooperating on the exchange of supervisory and regulatory information related to the insurance sector.

This includes information on rules of solvency, how to calculate technical provisions, investment policy rules, as well as procedures related to supervision, follow-up and enforcement on companies operating in the sector.

The memorandum of understanding also provides for the exchange of information related to suspicious activities, fraud in the insurance sector, money laundering and terrorist financing.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the 46th ordinary meeting of the Council of Governors of Arab Central Banks and Monetary Institutions, which was held in Jeddah, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 

It came following a recently concluded agreement between both countries, that aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of services and financial markets.

Both central banks will also cooperate on the implementation of international standards in their markets, particularly the International Financial Reporting Standards.

In addition to the standards issued by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors and the Islamic Financial Services Board. 

In July, the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, issued the standard insurance policy of professional indemnity for auditors of the entities supervised by the Capital Market Authority.

In cooperation with the CMA, the standard policy was issued in a bid to promote the concept of sustainability and reduce potential risks in the financial market, according to the central bank’s statement.

This was done in addition to setting the minimum acceptable standard that must be met within a professional indemnity insurance policy and protecting the rights of the entire parties to the contractual relationship. 

The policy covers indemnity for all the amounts the insured is legally liable to pay to others, due to any professional failure committed while providing professional services within the Kingdom.

This comes as part of the central bank’s efforts to improve financial services. 


Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector is a new economic engine between Riyadh and Paris, says ambassador

Updated 25 January 2026
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Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector is a new economic engine between Riyadh and Paris, says ambassador

RIYADH: Culture has become a fundamental pillar in bilateral relations between France and Saudi Arabia, according to the French Ambassador to the Kingdom, Patrick Maisonnave.

Maisonnave noted its connection to the entertainment and tourism sectors, which makes it a new engine for economic cooperation between Riyadh and Paris.

He told Al-Eqtisadiah during the opening ceremony of La Fabrique in the Jax district of Diriyah that cultural cooperation with Saudi Arabia is an important element for its attractiveness in the coming decades.

La Fabrique is a space dedicated to artistic creativity and cultural exchange, launched as part of a partnership between the Riyadh Art program and the French Institute in Riyadh. 

Running from Jan. 22 until Feb 14, the initiative will provide an open workspace that allows artists to develop and work on their ideas within a collaborative framework.

Launching La Fabrique as a space dedicated to artistic creativity

The ambassador highlighted that the transformation journey in the Kingdom under Vision 2030 has contributed to the emergence of a new generation of young artists and creators, alongside a growing desire in Saudi society to connect with culture and to embrace what is happening globally. 

He affirmed that the relationship between the two countries is “profound, even cultural par excellence,” with interest from the Saudi side in French culture, matched by increasing interest from the French public and cultural institutions unfolding in the Kingdom.

Latest estimates indicate that the culture-based economy represents about 2.3 percent of France’s gross domestic product, equivalent to more than 90 billion euros ($106.4 billion) in annual revenues, according to government data. The sector directly employs more than 600,000 people, making it one of the largest job-creating sectors in the fields of creativity, publishing, cinema, and visual arts.

Saudi Arabia benefiting from French experience in the cultural field

Maisonnave explained that France possesses established cultural institutions, while Saudi Arabia is building a strong cultural sector, which opens the door for cooperation opportunities.

This comes as an extension of the signing of 10 major cultural agreements a year ago between French and Saudi institutions, aiming to enhance cooperation and transfer French expertise and knowledge to contribute to the development of the cultural system in the Kingdom.

He added that experiences like La Fabrique provide an opportunity to meet the new generation of Saudi creators, who have expressed interest in connecting with French institutions and artists in Paris and France.

La Fabrique encompasses a space for multiple contemporary artistic practices, including performance arts, digital and interactive arts, photography, music, and cinema, while providing the public with an opportunity to witness the stages of producing artistic works and interact with the creative process.