Saudi holdings of US Treasury bonds hit 9-month high with $117bn in September

This notable increase, which marks a nine-month high for the Kingdom, has propelled the region to the 17th spot among the largest holders of US Treasury bonds as of September. Shutterstock
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Updated 19 November 2023
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Saudi holdings of US Treasury bonds hit 9-month high with $117bn in September

RIYADH: Saudi holdings of US Treasury bonds reached $117.1 billion in September, up from $112 billion in August, further elevating its position in the global financial market.  

This notable increase, which marks a nine-month high for the Kingdom, has propelled the region to the 17th spot among the largest holders of US Treasury bonds as of September.  

A closer look at the investment distribution reveals a strategic focus, with $102.1 billion, or 87 percent of the total investment, allocated to long-term bonds.  

Meanwhile, short-term bonds accounted for $15 billion, comprising 13 percent of the Kingdom’s US Treasury bond investments.    

This move signifies Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in international financial markets, highlighting a keen understanding of leveraging sovereign wealth to secure and strengthen the Kingdom’s global economic position.  

Moreover, Saudi Arabia is the only Arab and Middle Eastern country among the top 20 major holders of US Treasury securities. 

The Kingdom held the 18th spot in July, experiencing a 1 percent increase after a three-month decline, reaching $109.2 billion.  

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia sustained its growth trajectory in October with a $3 billion increase compared to the previous month. 

At the top of the list, Japan reached $1.08 trillion in September, reflecting a steep decline compared to the $1.11 trillion recorded the previous month.  

China followed suit with $778 billion during the month, also marking a decrease from $805 billion in October.  

The UK secured the third spot, experiencing a decline from $698 billion in October to $668.9 billion in September.  

Furthermore, South Korea, in the 18th spot, observed a decrease from $117.8 billion in October to $112.9 billion in September. 

Germany followed, with an increase from $96.4 billion in October to $102.3 billion in September.  

Bermuda secured the last position with $88.5 billion in September, compared to $86.9 billion the month before. 

The total foreign treasury holders reached $7.6 trillion in September, marking a decrease from $7.7 trillion the previous month. 

In the last month, Saudi Arabia’s central bank reported a decrease in foreign security investments, recording an 11.5 percent year-on-year drop in September, amounting to SR997.9 billion ($266 billion). 


Global investors commit more than $3bn to King Salman Park as Saudi giga-project secures new deals

Updated 10 March 2026
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Global investors commit more than $3bn to King Salman Park as Saudi giga-project secures new deals

RIYADH: The King Salman Park Foundation has secured more than $3.8 billion in new private-sector commitments at the MIPIM 2026 real estate conference, including a landmark $3 billion fund backed by international investors to develop a major mixed-use district in the heart of Riyadh.

According to a press release, the announcements bring total committed investment in the 17.2 sq. kilometers urban regeneration project to over $5.3 billion across five major packages.

Launched in 2019 under Saudi Vision 2030, the development is designed to be the world’s largest city park and aims to boost green space, improve quality of life, and feature over 1 million trees and extensive leisure facilities.

A $3 billion metro-connected district

The largest of the two packages, designated Package 5, will see a consortium led by Kolaghassi Development Co. deliver a residential-led district with a total built-up area exceeding 1 million sq. meters. 

It will provide approximately 3,700 residential units, a K–12 school, around 300 hospitality keys and more than 100,000 sq m of Grade A office space alongside a wide variety of retail and dining offerings.

The development is supported by a Saudi-domiciled, Capital Market Authority-regulated fund managed by Mulkia Investment Co. that has attracted leading investors from the Kingdom and across the world.

Kolaghassi Development Co. will lead the project alongside Al Othaim Investment, one of the Kingdom’s real estate players, and RXR, a New York-headquartered real estate investor and operator.

“Securing investment of this scale, supported by international capital and expertise, is an important milestone for King Salman Park,” said George Tanasijevich, CEO of King Salman Park Foundation. 

$850 million cultural district package

In a separate announcement, the Foundation confirmed the award of Package 4 to a consortium led by Retal Urban Development Co., with support from a fund managed by SAB Invest.

The project has a total value exceeding $850 million and will host more than 600 residential units, over 140 hotel keys, and almost 50,000 sq m of Grade A office space, alongside curated retail and food and beverage experiences.

“This opportunity reflects the maturity of Saudi Arabia’s real estate investment landscape and our confidence in culture-led, mixed-use urban destinations as a driver of sustainable returns,” said Abdullah Al-Braikan, CEO and founder of Retal Urban Development Co.

Ali Al-Mansour, CEO of SAB Invest, said the fund structure brings together “long-term capital, experienced development partners, and a shared commitment to place-making excellence” while contributing to Riyadh’s cultural vibrancy and the Kingdom’s quality-of-life ambitions under Vision 2030.