Columnist

Talat Zaki Hafiz

Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst. Twitter: @TalatHafiz

Latest published



Saudi Arabia’s Northern Border Region set for investment takeoff

The Northern Border Region stands out as a vital economic hub among Saudi Arabia’s 13 regions, contributing around SR27 billion ($7.2 billion) annually to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.

December 21, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s 2026 budget puts citizens first, growth ahead

The Saudi Ministry of Finance last week announced the Kingdom’s 2026 budget, outlining key economic and fiscal indicators, including the outlook for 2026 and the medium term, global economic trends, fiscal developments, and the main fiscal risks anticipated ahead.

December 07, 2025

Riyadh welcomes the world for FII9

Riyadh is once again stepping into the global spotlight as it hosts the ninth edition of the Future Investment Initiative, under the inspiring theme “The Key to Prosperity: Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth.” 

October 26, 2025

Leasing reforms to strengthen business confidence in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector is experiencing a historic transformation under Vision 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s broader drive toward sustainable and inclusive economic growth. 

October 19, 2025

Saudi Arabia charts a safe and sustainable nuclear future

In his address at the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. 

September 28, 2025

Saudi financial sector fuels Vision 2030 momentum

The Saudi Central Bank, known as SAMA has released its July 2025 financial and banking sector bulletin, highlighting continued resilience across key indicators despite global economic volatility.

September 10, 2025

SAMA’s report signals economic resilience and financial strength

The Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, released its monthly statistical bulletin for June, offering vital insights into the Kingdom’s financial health, banking sector performance, and key macroeconomic indicators. 

August 07, 2025

Eight years of remarkable Saudi Vision 2030 achievements

The International Monetary Fund has raised its expectations for Saudi Arabia’s economic growth in 2025 to 6 percent, up from the 5.5 percent predicted earlier this year. 

April 24, 2024