Biban Forum 2025 concludes with over $10bn in agreements 

The forum attracted more than 100,000 visitors and generated agreements exceeding SR38 billion ($10 billion). SPA
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Updated 09 November 2025
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Biban Forum 2025 concludes with over $10bn in agreements 

RIYADH: The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, or Monsha’at, concluded the Biban Forum 2025, held over four days under the theme “Global Destination for Opportunities.” 

The forum attracted more than 100,000 visitors and generated agreements exceeding SR38 billion ($10 billion). 

On the first day, 21 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, launching initiatives worth over SR22.3 billion to support entrepreneurship. The second day featured 22 additional agreements and five initiatives aimed at empowering small and medium enterprises. 

The third day included 11 agreements, with launches exceeding SR7.6 billion to finance entrepreneurial projects, while the final day saw four cooperation agreements and initiatives valued at nearly SR8.1 billion.  

Monsha’at also honored the top five entrepreneurial universities in the Kingdom, along with winners of the event competitions and key financing entities for 2024.

The forum included agreements with organizations from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, India, Sweden, and France, aimed at fostering international cooperation and investment. 

More than 200 local and international speakers participated in discussions on artificial intelligence, sustainability, and finance, with attendees engaging in over 80 workshops, 2,150 consultations, and 1,000 mentorship sessions. 

The Biban Forum is one of the largest entrepreneurial platforms in the Kingdom, focused on empowering entrepreneurs, supporting SMEs, and enhancing national economic competitiveness.  

Since its inception, the forum has served as a key meeting point for entrepreneurs, investors, decision-makers, and enabling entities, featuring programs that address all aspects of the entrepreneurial journey, from establishment to growth. 


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.