Saudi IT firm MIS sells investment in OpenAI, achieves $3.4m gain

MIS invested $5 million in OpenAI after the Tadawul-listed firm approved the allocation of $10.7 million to set up a portfolio. Supplied
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Updated 24 February 2025
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Saudi IT firm MIS sells investment in OpenAI, achieves $3.4m gain

  • Impact of sale will be reflected in the first quarter of this year

RIYADH: Al Moammar Information Systems Co. has announced the sale of its entire investment in OpenAI, a US-based artificial intelligence research organization, for $8.4 million. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the sale has resulted in a positive financial impact of $3.4 million, as the cost price of the investment was $5 million. 

In January, MIS invested $5 million in OpenAI after the Tadawul-listed firm approved the allocation of $10.7 million to set up a portfolio through self-financing to invest in international AI companies to take advantage of the growth opportunities in the field.

In the latest statement, MIS said the impact of the sale will be reflected in the first quarter of this year. 

Established in 2015, OpenAI is globally recognized for developing ChatGPT, a generative artificial intelligence chatbot. 

Earlier this month, MIS announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Fransi Capital to explore and evaluate the feasibility of establishing an AI-powered cloud services business in the Kingdom. 

At that time, MIS said the new project aims to offer graphics processing unit-based computing solutions to support next-generation AI applications, machine learning, and high-performance computing in Saudi Arabia. 

In February, MIS signed a deal valued at SR227.8 million ($60.75 million) with the Saudi Data and AI Authority to carry out the expansion project for the Naqaa Data Center. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company said the project includes expanding the Naqaa Data Center in Riyadh to meet the growing demand for hosting, as well as expanding the capacity of the data center in digital technologies.

MIS also procured a contract from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health in January, valued at SR70.06 million to operate and maintain the digital infrastructure of 38 hospitals across the Kingdom’s southern and western provinces.

According to a Tadawul statement, the scope of the project includes the maintenance and operation of computers, printers, scanners, and operating software. 

It also includes supervising servers, information network devices, wireless networks, information security, communication systems, data centers, and their associated components.

In November, MIS announced that its net profit for the first nine months of 2024 reached SR121.56 million, representing a rise of 356 percent compared to the same period in 2023. 


PIF Private Sector Forum sees multiple deals across key sectors

Updated 14 sec ago
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PIF Private Sector Forum sees multiple deals across key sectors

RIYADH: The first day of the PIF Private Sector Forum marked the signing of several agreements spanning travel, entertainment, advanced manufacturing, innovation, urban development, and industrial sectors.

In the tourism, travel, and entertainment sector, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Public Investment Fund’s Dan Co. and Fresh on Table to expand the latter’s platform in Saudi Arabia, enhance cooperation, and establish consolidation centers in Dan Co.’s facilities across targeted cities.

Dan Co. also signed an MoU with DRB Arabia to collaborate on the development of the Tuaja Resort Community Center in Al-Ahsa, establishing a framework for cooperation between the two parties.

King Abdullah Economic City and Almosafer Travel and Tourism Co. agreed to a joint venture to support tourism promotion and destination marketing.

Cruise Saudi and FlyAkeed signed an MoU to strengthen initiatives in travel optimization and digital innovation, while FlyAkeed also partnered with Al-Ula Club to explore opportunities in automation and digital transformation. Additionally, the PIF and FlyAkeed signed an MoU to advance digital travel solutions and enhance service delivery leveraging FlyAkeed’s capabilities.

In urban development and livability, the PIF signed an MoU with ABB Academy to develop the Saudi workforce through targeted training programs. Another agreement with Saudi Tabreed will explore expanding high-quality district cooling solutions for large-scale developments, aligning with national sustainability goals. Fraunhofer IAO will collaborate with the PIF on waste management and innovative construction methods to support smart city development.

The industrial and logistics sector also saw multiple agreements. Nupco signed an MoU with Saudi Awwal Bank to strengthen healthcare supply chains, while Saudi Arabia Railways partnered with Siemens Mobility to localize manufacturing, develop the Kingdom’s rail infrastructure, and advance industrial capabilities. The Royal Commission of AlUla signed a deal with TASAMA to support its operational and strategic objectives.

In advanced manufacturing and innovation, Tasaru Mobility Investments signed multiple agreements with Masarat Mobility Park, Shin Young, JVIS, Benteler, Lear Corp., and Fangxin. Electric vehicle maker Lucid also inked deals with Benteler, JVIS, Shin Young, and Lear Corp.

Saudi Arabia’s first homegrown EV brand, Ceer, signed agreements with Mino, Natpet Schulman Specialty Plastic Compounds, Xinyi Glass, MK Tron, Sika, Saudi Controls, AVL, FEV, Zamil Trade and Services, Zamil Plastics, and Arabian Plastic Industrial Co. CEO James DeLuca highlighted that Ceer is set to sign 16 agreements valued at SR3.7 billion ($990 million) at the forum, noting that 90% of these are commercial contracts rather than MoUs.