Saudi Arabia eyes $31.6bn space economy as sector gains momentum

The Kingdom’s space market—focused on commercial services and infrastructure—was valued at $1.9 billion in 2024.
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Updated 13 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia eyes $31.6bn space economy as sector gains momentum

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s space economy reached $8.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $31.6 billion by 2035, according to a new study. 

The Space Market Report 2025, released by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, stated that the growth encompasses all value-added activities and industries derived from technologies and services, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 12 percent. 

The Kingdom’s space market—focused on commercial services and infrastructure—was valued at $1.9 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach $5.6 billion by 2035, supported by increased investment in technologies and infrastructure. 

The report aims to chart the growth trajectory of the domestic and global space sectors, while also supporting market development, enhancing competitiveness, and identifying investment opportunities. 

CST Gov. Mohammad Al-Tamimi stated that the strong support from wise leadership is accelerating investment, infrastructure development, and the enabling of national talents. 

He added that these efforts contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and aim to establish a competitive, sustainable space economy both regionally and internationally. 

Al-Tamimi also said the analysis is part of CST’s continued work to support the space sector as a new economic driver, contributing to the Kingdom’s global standing in technology and innovation. 

He described the publication as a valuable resource for decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs to understand future trends and promising growth opportunities in the sector. 

The study highlights several movements shaping the space industry, including the growth of Earth observation data analysis, infrastructure services, integrated communications systems, and advanced sensing technologies. 

It also notes the increasing development and deployment of small satellites and the expanding role of the private sector in both local and international space markets. 

Globally, the space economy is projected to grow from $687 billion in 2024 to $1.8 trillion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 9 percent. 

The global space market is forecast to increase from $176 billion to $377 billion in the same period, with a CAGR of 7 percent. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index extends gains as market opens wider to foreign investment

Updated 02 February 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index extends gains as market opens wider to foreign investment

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Monday, gaining 153.61 points, or 1.38 percent, to close at 11,321.09.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR5.85 billion ($1.56 billion), as 207 of the listed stocks advanced, while 55 retreated.

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased, up 21.20 points or 1.41 percent, to close at 1,524.18.

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu gained 278.13 points, or 1.17 percent, to close at 24,013.03. This comes as 43 of the listed stocks advanced, while 29 retreated.

The best-performing stock was Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries and Medical Appliances Corp., with its share price surging by 7.26 percent to SR28.94.

Other top performers included Rasan Information Technology Co., which saw its share price rise by 6.51 percent to SR144, and Knowledge Economic City, which saw a 6.25 percent increase to SR13.09.

On the downside, the worst performer of the day was Najran Cement Co., whose share price fell by 2.11 percent to SR6.49.

Almasane Alkobra Mining Co. and Saudi Cable Co. also saw declines, with their shares dropping by 2 percent and 1.88 percent to SR103.10 and SR166.80, respectively.

On the announcement front, Riyad Bank has announced its annual financial results for 2025, with the total income from special commission of financing reaching SR24.1 billion, while net income from special commission of financing amounted to SR12 billion.

In a statement on Tadawul, the bank said: “Net income increased by 11.7 percent mainly due to an increase in total operating income and a decrease in total operating expenses.”

The bank further noted that the rise in total operating income was primarily driven by increased revenue from fees and commissions, trading activities, special commissions, gains on non-trading investments, and other operating sources. This growth was partially tempered by declines in exchange and dividend income.

“Net provision of expected credit losses and other losses decreased by 15.8 percent due to a decrease in impairment charge of credit losses and impairment charge for other financial assets, partially offset by an increase in impairment charge for investments,” it added.

RIBL’s share price closed at SR18.18 on the main market, marking a 1.43 percent increase.