Momentum 2025 opens in Riyadh to drive next-phase global development financing

Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, vice chairman of the board, used his welcome address to underscore the conference’s global relevance. AN photo
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Updated 09 December 2025
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Momentum 2025 opens in Riyadh to drive next-phase global development financing

  • Over 100 speakers from 120 entities meet to shape next-generation financing ecosystems

RIYADH: The Global Development Finance Conference Momentum 2025 opened in Riyadh on Tuesday, signaling the start of what senior officials described as a transformative new chapter in the Kingdom’s development financing landscape.

The three-day gathering, organized by the National Development Fund, comes under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who chairs the NDF’s board of directors.

Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, vice chairman of the board, used his welcome address to underscore the conference’s global relevance and its role in shaping the future of sustainable development finance.

“From Riyadh, the NDF presents a forward looking vision across development sectors, bringing together distinguished speakers and experts from around the world, marking a renewed momentum for sustainable development,” he said.

Al-Tuwaijri added that the conference aligns with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 as the Kingdom accelerates its efforts to transform development-focused ideas into impact-driven initiatives.

With more than 100 speakers representing over 120 local and international entities, the event positions itself as a global forum for building a dynamic financing ecosystem that supports key sectors, Al-Tuwaijri noted. Momentum 2025, he said, convenes leading voices in development to translate ideas into actionable solutions.

“Today, we enter a new phase of development financing, one centered on impact, diversity and sustainability, dedicated to empowering human capital while enhancing quality of life,” he underlined.

“We prove to the world that the ambition of this nation knows no limits. In our country, dreams do not remain dreams, they become realities,” the official added.

Al-Tuwaijri also highlighted the conference’s role in strengthening cooperation across Saudi Arabia’s network of development funds and banks, as well as enhancing partnerships with international development finance institutions and both public and private sector leaders. These collaborations, he said, are essential to ensuring optimal deployment of resources in support of Vision 2030.

Held under the theme “Leading Development Transformation,” Momentum 2025 aims to unify efforts, maximize developmental outcomes, and foster sustainable growth across vital sectors.

By hosting the event, the NDF reinforces its position as a central enabler of national development through its affiliated funds and banks.

Across its three days, the conference is set to serve as a hub for dialogue and knowledge exchange on the evolving landscape of development finance and its role in advancing the ambitions of Vision 2030.


Closing Bell: Saudi main market sheds 85 points to finish at 11,098 

Updated 17 February 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi main market sheds 85 points to finish at 11,098 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index closed lower in the latest session, falling 85.79 points, or 0.77 percent, to finish at 11,098.06. 

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index declined 0.63 percent to close at 1,495.23, while the parallel market index Nomu dropped 0.91 percent to 23,548.56.  

Market breadth was firmly negative, with 42 gainers against 218 decliners on the main market. Trading activity saw 226 million shares exchanged, with total turnover reaching SR4.5 billion ($1.19 billion).  

Among the session’s gainers, Tourism Enterprise Co. rose 9.40 percent to SR15.02. SHL Finance Co. advanced 4.51 percent to SR16.00, while Almasar Alshamil for Education Co. gained 3.56 percent to SR23.88.  

Dar Alarkan Real Estate Development Co. added 3.03 percent to SR19.70, and Banque Saudi Fransi climbed 2.61 percent to SR19.30. 

On the losing side, Almasane Alkobra Mining Co. recorded the steepest decline, falling 6.61 percent to SR96.

Al Moammar Information Systems Co. dropped 5.14 percent to SR164.20, while National Company for Learning and Education declined 4.60 percent to SR124.30. Saudi Ceramic Co. slipped 4.14 percent to SR27.30, and Arabian Contracting Services Co. fell 4.12 percent to SR116.50. 

On the announcement front, Saudi Telecom Co. announced the distribution of interim cash dividends for the fourth quarter of 2025 in line with its approved dividend policy.  

The company will distribute SR2.74 billion, equivalent to SR0.55 per share, to shareholders for the quarter.  

The number of shares eligible for dividends stands at approximately 4.99 billion shares. The eligibility date has been set for Feb. 23, with distribution scheduled for March 12.  

The company noted that treasury shares are not entitled to dividends and that payments will be made through Riyad Bank via direct transfer to shareholders’ bank accounts. stc shares last traded at SR44.80, unchanged on the session. 

Separately, National Environmental Recycling Co., known as Tadweer, reported its annual financial results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, posting significant growth in revenue and profit.  

Revenue rose 53.5 percent year on year to SR1.24 billion, compared with SR806 million in the previous year. Net profit attributable to shareholders increased 68.4 percent to SR60.9 million, up from SR36.2 million a year earlier, driven by higher sales volumes and operational expansion.

Tadweer shares last traded at SR3.80, up 2.70 percent.