Saudi Arabia to unveil $2bn in SME initiatives at Biban 2025  

Saudi Arabia to unveil $2bn in SME initiatives at Biban 2025  
Scheduled for Nov. 5–8 at Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, the event will be held under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunities.” File/Supplied
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Updated 26 October 2025
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Saudi Arabia to unveil $2bn in SME initiatives at Biban 2025  

Saudi Arabia to unveil $2bn in SME initiatives at Biban 2025  

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority will unveil $2 billion in initiatives and agreements across technology, tourism, entertainment, education, and financial services at the Biban 2025 Forum 

Scheduled for Nov. 5–8 at Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, the event will be held under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunities.” 

The Kingdom has been actively expanding its entrepreneurial ecosystem under Vision 2030, targeting an increase in SME contributions to gross domestic product from 30 to 35 percent. With over 1.8 million SMEs currently operating, the government has implemented policies, funding programs, and strategic partnerships to support startups and attract international investment.  

In 2024, Saudi Arabia led the Middle East in venture capital funding for SMEs, securing roughly $750 million. 

In a release, Monsha’at stated: “The agreements and projects are expected to cover the technology, tourism, entertainment, education, and financial services sectors, enhancing integration between the public and private sectors and providing a stimulating environment for the growth and expansion of startups inside and outside the Kingdom.”  

It added: “This reflects the rapid development of the Saudi entrepreneurship ecosystem as a major driver of the national economy.” 

Biban 2025 will also feature international agreements with countries including Japan, South Korea, and Qatar, designed to attract regional and global companies to Saudi Arabia and position the Kingdom as a hub for startups and investment. 

“This will contribute to enhancing funding opportunities and building quality partnerships that support innovation and growth in the local market,” the release said. 

It added that the agreements seek to attract leading regional and global companies to the Saudi market, reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a global investment hub, foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurship, and establish it as a key destination for talent and startups worldwide. 

Through Biban 2025, Monsha’at is continuing to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem by launching targeted programs and forming strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. 

The initiative aims to enhance the role of SMEs in the national economy, promote innovation and growth, and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in building a thriving economic future. 


Saudi Arabia, China explore joint investment opportunities in advanced industries

Saudi Arabia, China explore joint investment opportunities in advanced industries
Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia, China explore joint investment opportunities in advanced industries

Saudi Arabia, China explore joint investment opportunities in advanced industries

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and China are deepening their industrial cooperation as the Kingdom accelerates efforts to attract high-value investments and strengthen global partnerships in advanced manufacturing and technology.

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources and Board Chairman of the National Industrial Development Center Bandar Alkhorayef chaired a meeting of the center with a delegation comprising leaders of more than 30 Chinese companies, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The two sides discussed ways to enhance industrial cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China and explored joint investment opportunities in several high-value industries, notably machinery and equipment, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Held in the Saudi capital, the meeting reviewed the Kingdom’s competitive advantages in the industrial investment landscape, the key enablers offered by the industrial ecosystem to facilitate investments, and promising opportunities across advanced sectors.

It also discussed avenues for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and innovative industrial solutions, in addition to cooperation in supply chains and other areas of mutual interest.

Several entities within the Saudi industrial ecosystem presented overviews of their capabilities and services to support industrial investors, including the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority, and the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, known as MODON, as well as the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, and the Saudi EXIM Bank.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Saudi industrial sector and a Chinese delegation led by the vice president of Tsinghua University, along with executives from around 30 Chinese companies specializing in industry and technology.

The gathering comes as part of the center’s efforts to strengthen international industrial partnerships, attract high-quality investments, and connect local and international investors with promising opportunities in targeted sectors — supporting sustainable industrial development and enhancing the sector’s role in diversifying the national economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030.