Background

Established to unify and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s development financing ecosystem, NDF plays a vital role in mobilizing strategic funding across key sectors. As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with its Vision 2030 transformation plan, efficient global investment management has become more essential than ever.
Northern Trust, a globally recognized custodian and investment-management institution, brings decades of expertise in handling complex portfolios for sovereign funds, pensions, and major financial entities.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

• Value of the MoU: SAR 12 billion (USD 3.2 billion).

• Investment Management: Northern Trust will oversee a global passive equity portfolio for NDF.

• Custodian Role: Northern Trust becomes the official custodian for NDF’s assets, ensuring secure recording, reporting, and safeguarding.

• Working Group Formation: A joint team will be established to explore new investment strategies and innovative financial products.

• Objective: To enhance efficiency, diversify assets, and maximize long-term, sustainable returns.

Why This Agreement Matters

1. Strengthening Vision 2030 Goals

This partnership directly supports Vision 2030’s mission to grow Saudi Arabia’s financial sector and improve the long-term sustainability of development funds.

2. Improving Transparency & Operational Efficiency

By consolidating custodial duties under Northern Trust, NDF enhances transparency, simplifies asset oversight, and reduces administrative burden.

3. Broadening Global Investment Reach

Managing a global passive equity portfolio diversifies Saudi assets, helping balance risk amid global market volatility.

4. Building Institutional Capacity

With a world-class financial partner, NDF accelerates its transformation into a globally competitive development finance institution.

Opportunities & Challenges

Opportunities

• Access to global markets and investment innovation

• Improved long-term returns for development initiatives

• Stronger governance and risk-management structures

• Enhanced credibility in the global financial community

Challenges

• Market volatility affecting passive equity investments

• Complex implementation of new investment products

• Ensuring continued alignment with national development priorities

What This Means for Saudi Arabia

This agreement positions Saudi Arabia as a forward-looking player in global finance. By leveraging Northern Trust’s expertise, NDF reinforces its ability to channel resources into key development sectors while protecting national assets.
It also signals the Kingdom’s intent to integrate more deeply with international financial markets, setting the stage for sustainable economic growth and stronger global partnerships.

Conclusion

The $3.2 billion agreement between the Saudi National Development Fund and Northern Trust is more than a financial deal — it’s a strategic milestone. By enhancing investment management, strengthening governance, and aligning with Vision 2030, this partnership will help shape Saudi Arabia’s long-term development strategy and global financial presence.

Key Takeaways

• NDF and Northern Trust sign a $3.2 billion investment and custodial agreement.

• Northern Trust will manage a global passive equity portfolio and safeguard assets.

• The deal improves transparency, governance, and investment diversification.

• It strongly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 financial transformation.

The heart of Saudi Arabia is charging up once again as Riyadh prepares to host the fourth edition of the EV Auto Show 2025 — the Kingdom’s largest exhibition dedicated to electric mobility and sustainable transportation.

Set to take place from October 27–29, 2025, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the event promises an electrifying experience with new car launches, cutting-edge technology showcases, and futuristic mobility solutions.

A Global Gathering of Innovation

The EV Auto Show Riyadh 2025 will bring together over 120 exhibitors from 35+ countries, all under one roof. Leading electric vehicle manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers, and clean energy innovators will showcase the latest advancements shaping the EV industry.

Among the major highlights:

• The luxury SUV “ROX ADAMAS” will make its official Kingdom debut.

• Lucid Motors will unveil its new flagship electric SUV model.

• Exhibitors will present the newest battery technologies, fast-charging systems, and smart mobility apps driving the future of transport.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

The event perfectly aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and promote sustainable development.

With local EV production increasing and charging infrastructure expanding, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a leader in clean mobility across the Middle East.

Recent research even suggests that 40% of Saudi consumers are now considering buying an EV, compared to less than 1% two years ago — a clear sign of how fast the market is growing.

What Visitors Can Expect

The EV Auto Show is more than just an exhibition — it’s an immersive experience for both industry professionals and the public. Attendees can look forward to:

✅ Live demonstrations of new EV and hybrid models
✅ Interactive charging station displays and battery tech showcases
✅ Conferences and expert panels on EV adoption, financing, and infrastructure
✅ Networking opportunities with automakers, investors, and policymakers

Building a Complete EV Ecosystem

Beyond cars, the show emphasizes the entire EV ecosystem, including:

• Battery recycling solutions

• Local workforce training initiatives

• Smart city integration

• Digital mobility platforms

This broad focus ensures that the EV transformation extends far beyond vehicles — into manufacturing, education, and innovation sectors.

Event Details

📍 Venue: Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center
📆 Dates: October 27–29, 2025
💻 Registration: Free for visitors via the official EV Auto Show website

Final Thoughts

The EV Auto Show Riyadh 2025 isn’t just a car event — it’s a glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s sustainable future. With world-class launches, global exhibitors, and a strong commitment to innovation, this show highlights how the Kingdom is charging ahead toward a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future of mobility.

Saudi Arabia has taken another bold step toward building a knowledge-driven economy with the launch of the “Mostaqbali” program, a groundbreaking national initiative that aims to train 50,000 Saudi citizens in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital skills.

This visionary move strengthens the Kingdom’s pursuit of Vision 2030, placing innovation, digital transformation, and youth empowerment at the core of its economic development.

What Is the Mostaqbali Program?

The word Mostaqbali translates to “My Future”, reflecting the program’s mission to equip Saudi citizens with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Developed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in collaboration with Oracle and the National eLearning Center (NeLC), the initiative leverages the FutureX platform to deliver specialized online learning experiences accessible across the Kingdom.

 Program Highlights

 Why the Program Matters

1. Bridging the Skills Gap
   The initiative addresses the growing demand for tech and AI specialists, ensuring that Saudi citizens are prepared for the jobs of the future.
2. Supporting Vision 2030
   By investing in digital education, the Kingdom moves closer to achieving its goal of becoming a regional hub for innovation and technology.
3. Encouraging Gender Inclusion
   Women are strongly encouraged to participate, reflecting the government’s focus on empowerment and equal opportunity.
4. Building a Competitive Workforce
   Upskilling the local population helps reduce reliance on foreign expertise and creates a self-sustaining digital ecosystem.

 Strategic Impact

The Mostaqbali program represents more than just training — it’s a national transformation strategy.
By equipping tens of thousands of Saudis with AI and digital skills, the initiative will:

• Foster innovation and entrepreneurship across industries
• Boost employment opportunities in high-demand tech sectors
• Strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading digital economy in the Middle East
• Encourage global companies to invest in the Kingdom’s growing digital landscape

 Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the potential is immense, successful execution will depend on:

• Ensuring equal access to participants in remote areas
• Maintaining high-quality instruction at a large scale
• Providing career pathways after certification
• Continuously updating curriculum to match evolving technology trends

The long-term success of Mostaqbali will be measured by how effectively these new skills translate into sustainable job growth and innovation-led industries.

The Bigger Picture

The Mostaqbali initiative perfectly embodies the spirit of Vision 2030 — a Saudi Arabia that is globally competitive, digitally empowered, and driven by the creativity and talent of its people.

By prioritizing digital literacy and AI education, the Kingdom is not just adapting to the future — it’s defining it.

 Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia’s launch of Mostaqbali is a powerful statement:
The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

Through this initiative, the Kingdom is empowering its citizens with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead in the digital age — transforming both lives and the nation’s technological landscape.

In a groundbreaking move toward shaping the nation’s digital future, The Energy & Water Academy (EWA) has announced the launch of Saudi Arabia’s first industry-integrated diploma in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Developed in collaboration with DataVolt and Innovatics, this initiative marks a key milestone in aligning education with the evolving demands of technology-driven industries.

About the Initiative

The new diploma aims to equip Saudi students and professionals with practical, industry-relevant skills in areas such as:

• Machine Learning
• Big Data Analytics
• Artificial Intelligence Applications
• Data Engineering and Modeling

Unlike traditional academic programs, this diploma integrates real-world training and industry projects into its curriculum. Students will gain hands-on experience working alongside experts from DataVolt and Innovatics, bridging the gap between classroom learning and practical implementation.

Empowering the Next Generation of Saudi Talent

This initiative directly supports Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes innovation, technology adoption, and workforce development. By launching this program, EWA aims to:

• Create a skilled local workforce ready for the digital economy.
• Reduce dependence on foreign expertise in emerging technologies.
• Prepare Saudi youth to lead the transformation of the energy and water sectors through AI and data-driven solutions.

Through a combination of academic rigor and professional training, participants will be prepared for high-impact roles in industries where data and technology are reshaping the future.

Industry Collaboration: A Key to Success

The partnership with DataVolt and Innovatics ensures that this diploma program stays aligned with the latest technological trends and industry needs. Students will not only learn theory but also participate in live projects, gaining exposure to real datasets, analytical tools, and AI models currently used in the field.

This industry-integrated approach represents a modern educational model — one that turns knowledge into applied innovation and accelerates the journey from learning to employment.

What It Means for Saudi Arabia’s Future

The launch of this diploma reflects a clear commitment to building a knowledge-based economy powered by innovation and data. As industries across the Kingdom increasingly adopt AI and data analytics, the demand for trained professionals will continue to rise.

By nurturing homegrown talent, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional leader in data science and AI, ready to harness technology for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

Final Insight

The introduction of the country’s first industry-integrated Data Science & AI diploma is more than an educational achievement — it’s a vision of the future. A future where technology, talent, and innovation work hand in hand to drive national progress.

Saudi Arabia is not just preparing its youth for tomorrow — it’s empowering them to build it.

Introduction

Canada and Saudi Arabia are strengthening ties in the field of innovation, technology, and investment. From September 28 to 30, 2025, Canada’s Innovation Delegation visited Riyadh to explore partnerships that go beyond traditional trade. The initiative, organized by Inovia Capital and the Embassy of Canada, brought together Canadian startups, venture capital firms, and research institutions to connect with Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem.

Why Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive transformation under Vision 2030, focusing on:

• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
• Green Technology and Smart Cities
• Investment Diversification
• Startup and Talent Development

The Kingdom’s commitment to technology makes it a natural partner for Canada, which is already recognized as a global leader in AI and research.

Key Engagements

During the delegation’s visit, Canadian representatives met with several influential Saudi entities, including:

• Public Investment Fund (PIF)
• Neom and Sanabil Investments
• King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
• The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
• The Garage (Saudi’s major innovation hub)

This created a platform for collaboration on projects ranging from enterprise AI to smart city initiatives.

Goals of the Delegation

1. Build Innovation Bridges – Connect Canadian expertise in AI and venture capital with Saudi Arabia’s emerging innovation landscape.
2. Support Responsible Growth – Align Canadian G7 priorities on ethical AI and digital governance with Vision 2030 goals.
3. Diversify Partnerships – Shift Canada–Saudi relations from resource trade to knowledge-driven sectors.
4. Nurture Talent Exchange – Explore opportunities for research collaboration and skilled workforce development.

Opportunities and Challenges

Opportunities:

• Expansion into the Middle Eastern market for Canadian firms.
• Saudi access to Canadian expertise in AI, machine learning, and R&D.
• Potential for joint investments and startup scaling.

Challenges:

• Aligning regulations and data governance frameworks.
• Adapting to cultural and business differences.
• Ensuring projects are inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.

What This Means Going Forward

This visit represents a strategic shift in global tech diplomacy, with Canada and Saudi Arabia working to establish long-term partnerships. Success will be measured through:

• Launch of joint pilot projects
• Investment commitments from both sides
• Growth in academic and research collaborations
• Development of talent pipelines and innovation hubs

Conclusion

The Canada–Saudi Arabia Innovation Delegation is more than a diplomatic mission—it is a bridge between two countries aiming to lead the future of technology. By combining Canada’s expertise in AI and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030, both nations are poised to create a lasting impact on the global innovation landscape.

Introduction

The Eastern Province Municipality has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Silver Award for Best Use of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainability at the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2025. This recognition highlights the region’s commitment to harnessing advanced technologies to build smarter, greener, and more efficient cities.

Driving Innovation Through AI

At the core of this success is the municipality’s GSAT™ 25 smart monitoring system, a comprehensive platform that integrates:

• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Drone surveillance
• High-definition video analytics
• Geospatial information systems
• AI and machine learning powered by MLOps practices

This innovative system enables real-time monitoring of urban operations, improves efficiency in service delivery, and supports decision-making with data-driven insights.

Recognition of Visionary Leadership

Mayor Fahad Al-Jubeir credited the region’s digital transformation team for their tireless efforts in leading this initiative. Their work reflects the municipality’s broader vision of creating a smart, sustainable, and citizen-focused environment that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

Why This Award Matters

Winning the Silver Award is more than just a badge of honor — it represents a shift towards sustainable urban governance. Key outcomes include:

• Smarter resource management with predictive maintenance and rapid response to incidents
• Environmental sustainability by integrating AI with ecological data to minimize waste and emissions
• Enhanced citizen services through faster, more transparent digital solutions

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the achievement is significant, challenges remain. The municipality must ensure:

• Strong cybersecurity and data governance
• Continued investment in digital infrastructure
• Active community engagement and trust building

Looking forward, the Eastern Province aims to expand AI applications into traffic management, energy optimization, and waste collection, making the region a role model for smart cities worldwide.

Conclusion

The Eastern Province’s Silver Award for AI in sustainability underscores the power of technology in shaping a smarter, greener future. By integrating innovation with sustainability, the region is setting a new standard for municipal governance — not just in Saudi Arabia, but across the Gulf and beyond.

This recognition is a stepping stone toward a future where cities are intelligent, efficient, and truly sustainable.

Introduction

The future of personal computing just took a bold leap forward. Saudi-based AI company HUMAIN has officially unveiled the Horizon Pro PC, a laptop built entirely around agentic AI. Announced at the Snapdragon Summit 2025 in Hawaii, the Horizon Pro promises to transform the way we interact with computers by embedding AI that doesn’t just respond—it acts proactively.

What Is Agentic AI?

Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence that can operate with a level of autonomy and initiative. Instead of simply answering questions, it can anticipate user needs, manage workflows, and make decisions with minimal human input. HUMAIN’s Horizon Pro is designed to showcase this paradigm shift in everyday computing.

Key Features of HUMAIN Horizon Pro

• Next-Gen Performance
  Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, the Horizon Pro claims speeds up to 100 times faster than human thought, enabling seamless AI-driven multitasking.
• HUMAIN ONE OS
  A custom operating system built around AI, offering a unified, adaptive interface that integrates productivity tools, communications, and personal assistance.
• All-Day Power
  Over 18 hours of battery life, zero-latency wake time, and up to 40% less power consumption compared to traditional PCs.
• Premium Hardware
  • 14-inch OLED display (2.8K resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio)
  • Up to 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD storage
  • WiFi 7 support and advanced thermal design
• Built-in Arabic AI Model (ALLAM)
  Horizon Pro integrates ALLAM, an Arabic-first large language model, capable of running locally for speed and privacy, with hybrid cloud connectivity when needed.

Why It Matters

 Opportunities

• Boosted Productivity – AI that proactively assists can streamline enterprise workflows.
• Language & Localisation – The Arabic-first ALLAM model addresses regional needs, supporting inclusivity in global AI development.
• Sustainability – Long battery life and reduced power consumption highlight HUMAIN’s focus on energy efficiency.

Challenges

• Real Autonomy vs. Marketing – How “agentic” will the AI truly be in practice?
• Pricing & Availability – HUMAIN has yet to confirm global pricing and launch markets.
• Software Ecosystem – Adoption depends on how well HUMAIN ONE OS integrates with existing apps and developer tools.

Broader Implications

The Horizon Pro reflects a larger industry shift: AI-first device design. Instead of retrofitting AI features into laptops, HUMAIN has built a system with AI at its very core. This hybrid local + cloud model also sets a precedent for future PCs—balancing privacy, performance, and scalability.

For Saudi Arabia, this launch underscores its ambition to become a global AI hub, supported by strong state-backed investment.

Conclusion

With the Horizon Pro, HUMAIN has introduced more than just a laptop—it’s a vision of the future of personal computing. By combining agentic AI, premium hardware, and regional language integration, the device could redefine how we use technology in both work and daily life.

Whether it becomes a mainstream success or remains a niche innovation will depend on execution, pricing, and global adoption. But one thing is certain: the era of agentic AI laptops has begun.

What the Agreement Covers

The deal is more than just a headline — it includes:

• Introduction of eVTOL air taxis for passenger and cargo transport.
• Pilot trials and testing to ensure safety and efficiency.
•  Exploration of local manufacturing opportunities within Saudi Arabia.
•  Development of a regulatory framework for integrating flying cars into Saudi airspace.

Why It Matters

This development isn’t just about luxury — it has real impact:

1. Faster Urban Travel
   Air taxis can significantly reduce commute times in congested cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.
2. Boost to Tourism
   Tourists may soon enjoy futuristic aerial rides over landmarks and attractions.
3. Green and Sustainable
   Since eVTOLs are electric, they support the Kingdom’s efforts to cut carbon emissions and promote renewable energy.
4. Global Leadership
   By adopting flying cars early, Saudi Arabia positions itself as a pioneer in future mobility solutions.

The Road Ahead

The project will first go through regulatory approvals and trial phases. If successful, commercial operations could begin in the coming years — making flying cars a normal sight in Saudi skies by the early 2030s.

Conclusion

From smart cities like NEOM to futuristic air mobility, Saudi Arabia is not just preparing for the future — it’s creating it. This deal with EHang shows the Kingdom’s determination to lead in innovation, sustainability, and advanced mobility solutions under Vision 2030.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Gulf Research Center (GRC) recently hosted a high-level roundtable on “Saudi-German Relations”, bringing together diplomats, policymakers, and experts to strengthen dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Germany. The event highlighted opportunities for greater cooperation across diplomacy, trade, and policy.

Key Attendees

The roundtable, held at the GRC’s Riyadh office, featured distinguished participants including:

• Dr. Geza Andreas von Geyr, State Secretary of the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, leading the German delegation.
• Experts, academics, and stakeholders with a strong focus on Saudi-German ties.
• Representatives from the Gulf Research Center, serving as hosts and facilitators of the discussion.

Topics of Discussion

1. Diplomatic Relations

The dialogue emphasized the growing importance of Saudi-German diplomacy. Germany’s role in European affairs and Saudi Arabia’s strategic leadership in the Gulf were identified as key areas of mutual interest.

2. Economic & Trade Partnerships

Participants explored opportunities for expanding trade, investment, and industrial collaboration. With Saudi Arabia advancing its Vision 2030 diversification plans and Germany’s global reputation for technology and manufacturing, both nations see strong potential for economic synergy.

3. Strategic & Political Cooperation

The roundtable also examined ways to align on regional and global issues, from political stability in the Middle East to energy security and climate change.

Why This Matters

This event reflects more than just diplomatic courtesy — it marks a growing institutionalization of Saudi-German relations. Key implications include:

• Strengthened Bilateral Momentum – A clear sign of rising cooperation between Riyadh and Berlin.
• Shaping Policy & Partnerships – A platform to build joint initiatives in areas such as energy transition, technology, and security.
• Regional & Global Impact – Deeper Saudi-German collaboration could influence broader Middle East–Europe relations.

Conclusion

The Saudi-German roundtable hosted by the Gulf Research Center demonstrates how dialogue is evolving into structured, strategic cooperation. Both countries are looking beyond traditional diplomacy, aiming to build long-term partnerships across diplomacy, economy, and global policy.

As Saudi Arabia continues its modernization under Vision 2030 and Germany seeks stronger engagement in the Middle East, this roundtable lays a solid foundation for collaboration that benefits not just the two nations, but also the wider region.

This October, Riyadh will become the global hub for healthcare leaders, innovators, and investors as the city hosts the 8th Global Health Exhibition 2025. Scheduled from October 27 to 30 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, the event promises to highlight cutting-edge medical technologies, foster international collaboration, and showcase Saudi Arabia’s ambitious healthcare transformation under Vision 2030.

A Gathering of Global Scale

The exhibition will feature:

• 2,000+ exhibitors
• 500 international speakers
• 20+ country pavilions

This makes it one of the largest healthcare gatherings in the region, designed to encourage knowledge sharing and explore innovative health solutions.

Theme: “Invest in Health”

Held under the theme “Invest in Health,” the event is supported by the Ministry of Health and the Health Sector Transformation Program. It aims to position healthcare not only as a public service but also as a strategic sector for economic growth, investment, and innovation.

Showcasing Breakthroughs

The Global Health Exhibition will spotlight some of the most advanced medical breakthroughs, including:

• Robotic heart transplant procedures
• CAR-T cell therapy for cancer
• Pharmacogenetics for personalized medicine
• Mobile Stroke Units for rapid emergency care
• Virtual reality-powered medical training

These innovations highlight how technology and medicine are merging to redefine patient care.

Driving Vision 2030

The expo aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses on creating a sustainable, tech-driven, and patient-centered healthcare system. By combining investment opportunities with policy reforms, the event reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to transforming healthcare into a world-class sector.

Platforms for Networking and Learning

Alongside exhibitions, the event will feature:

• Leaders’ Summit
• Digital Health Forum
• Medical Excellence Forum
• CME-accredited workshops

These programs will allow healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and students to engage in meaningful discussions and collaborations.

Why This Expo Matters

• Global Collaboration: Over 20 international pavilions, reflecting growing worldwide participation.
• Expanded Scale: Exhibition space has increased by 40% compared to last year.
• Policy Meets Practice: From AI-driven diagnostics to healthcare investment strategies, the event brings real-world solutions to the forefront.

Conclusion

The Global Health Exhibition 2025 in Riyadh is more than an event—it is a movement toward redefining global healthcare. With its mix of innovation, investment, and policy alignment, the expo is set to leave a lasting mark on the future of medicine. Riyadh is not just hosting the world—it is leading the way in shaping tomorrow’s healthcare.