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Talat Zaki Hafiz

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

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Driving SME growth and innovation in Saudi Arabia

Biban Forum 2025, one of the region’s most prominent gatherings dedicated to entrepreneurship, concluded last week in Riyadh, bringing together innovators, investors, enablers, and entrepreneurs from across the Kingdom and around the world on a single platform.

November 09, 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

Strong liquidity, digital progress define Saudi banking landscape

The Saudi Central Bank, known as SAMA, recently released its Monthly Statistical Bulletin for August 2025, providing an insightful snapshot of the Kingdom’s financial health, banking performance, digital progress, and macroeconomic indicators. 

October 13, 2025

Saudi Arabia’s counter-cyclical fiscal policy anchors economic stability

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance has released the Kingdom’s preliminary 2026 budget statement, projecting total expenditures of SR1.313 trillion ($350 billion) and revenues of SR1.147 trillion. 

October 06, 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 Arabia at 95 celebrates economic transformation

As Saudi Arabia marks its 95th National Day on Sept. 23, the Kingdom stands at the forefront of a historic economic transformation, driven by Saudi Vision 2030 under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

September 21, 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

US-Saudi trade is on the cusp of a transformative shift

US President Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, along with stops in other Gulf Cooperation Council nations, is poised to further strengthen economic ties with the region.

May 13, 2025