Saudi finance minister calls for flexible Arab cooperation amid global challenges

Mohammed Al-Jadaan at the meetings, organized by the Arab Monetary Fund, in cooperation with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development. X/@MAAljadaan
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Updated 10 April 2025
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Saudi finance minister calls for flexible Arab cooperation amid global challenges

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening joint Arab financial cooperation, with a leading minister emphasizing the Kingdom’s support for regional bodies.

At the annual meetings of the joint Arab financial institutions held in Kuwait, Mohammed Al-Jadaan highlighted the pivotal role of financial bodies in enhancing regional collaborative efforts.

The Kingdom’s finance minister called for strategic flexibility in their operations to better align with the evolving economic needs of member states amid shifting global economic conditions.

“During these meetings, I affirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for these institutions to achieve the common interests of Arab countries while emphasizing the importance of working according to flexible strategic directions that reflect the needs of member states in light of global economic conditions,” Al-Jadaan said on X.

The minister also took part in the 16th meeting of the Arab Finance Ministers Council, where he stressed the importance of assessing the impact of mounting financial, economic, and trade pressures.

He further called for the development of comprehensive frameworks to address these global challenges effectively.

“I highlighted the role of Arab Financial Institutions in providing technical support and developing studies and research to assist Arab countries in confronting these challenges,” Al-Jadaan said on X.

The minister spoke of the crucial contribution of Arab financial institutions in offering technical assistance and spearheading research efforts to support member countries in navigating economic uncertainties.

Al-Jadaan’s involvement in the meetings underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening the voice of emerging markets within influential financial forums.

Under Al-Jadaan’s chairmanship, the International Monetary and Financial Committee has prioritized amplifying the perspectives of developing economies, reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering inclusive global financial stability.

The establishment of the first joint Saudi-Kuwaiti Business Council in December exemplifies the region’s efforts to bolster economic ties and facilitate investment opportunities.

This initiative aims to enhance trade relations and economic integration between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, aligning with broader objectives of regional cooperation. ​

Assistant Governor for Executive Affairs at the Saudi Central Bank Abdulelah Al-Deheem also participated in the joint annual meetings, and posting on X said: “The areas of development, finance, and economic impact were discussed during the meetings. Future plans that contribute to achieving the sustainable development objectives were also reviewed.”


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.