Saudi Export-Import Bank signs MoU with US EXIM to boost trade

Saad Al-Khalb, CEO of Saudi EXIM Bank, and Reta Jo Lewis, chair and president of US EXIM, attend the signing ceremony, held at the 2024 Future Minerals Forum.
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Updated 20 January 2024
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Saudi Export-Import Bank signs MoU with US EXIM to boost trade

The Saudi Export-Import Bank has signed an MoU with the Export-Import Bank of the US, focusing on fostering comprehensive collaboration, strengthening economic ties, and advancing trade relations between the two countries. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the 2024 Future Minerals Forum held in Riyadh, from Jan. 9 to 11.

The MoU outlines a framework for cooperation, collaboration, and sharing of expertise and resources between the two entities. Through this agreement, Saudi EXIM and US EXIM seek to facilitate trade financing, support exports, and promote investment opportunities in key sectors. The MoU also promotes knowledge and information sharing, capacity building, and the exchange of best practices, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness and growth of businesses in both Saudi Arabia and the US.

The signing of MoU is part of the Saudi EXIM’s initiative to establish guiding principles for enhancing cooperation and trade relations in the US market. This initiative focuses on facilitating the export and import of products and services, exchanging information and expertise, and offering support related to credit lines and facilities. These efforts aim to bolster the presence of Saudi non-oil exports in global markets, aligning with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and increasing its contribution to the gross domestic product.

Saad Al-Khalb, CEO of Saudi EXIM Bank, said the signing of the agreement is part of the bank’s commitment to contributing to accelerating global economic growth. This involves strengthening trade relations and enhancing the efficiency of export and import activities with global markets. Al-Khalb highlighted the solid foundations of cooperation and shared interests in the bilateral relations between the Kingdom and the US. He reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the ongoing collaboration to achieve common economic objectives, broaden trade and investment cooperation, and capitalize on promising opportunities, particularly in strategic sectors outlined by Vision 2030, such as mining, petrochemicals, manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, financial services, healthcare, and more.

Chair and President of US EXIM Reta Jo Lewis said: “We are thrilled to have successfully inked a bilateral MoU with Saudi EXIM. This milestone paves the way for a mutually beneficial collaboration between our respective banks. The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US has always been strategically important and we aim to further enhance and solidify this bond.”


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.