Riyadh ranks 23rd globally in emerging startup ecosystems, thanks to strong government support, venture capital growth, and thriving tech sectors like AI and FinTech, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions and regional innovation leadership.
Vodacom Group has appointed Mohamed Abdallah as CEO of Vodacom International Markets and Vodafone Egypt. Expanding his current role, Mohamed will oversee operations in Egypt, DRC, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Tanzania under a unified leadership structure. This move supports Vodacom’s Vision 2030 growth strategy and operational simplification. Mohamed succeeds Diego Gutierrez, who stepped down after seven years leading international business.
Saudi Arabia sees 21.5% of internet users actively engaging with AI tools, led by young adults. This reflects Vision 2030-driven digital growth, placing the Kingdom among the world’s top AI adopters.
Gulf Business Solutions (GBS) has partnered with Huawei Cloud to offer secure, scalable cloud services in Saudi Arabia, supporting Vision 2030’s digital transformation. The collaboration will expand GBS’s cloud portfolio, helping public and private sector clients modernize IT infrastructure and drive digital change across various industries.
Cisco has partnered with HUMAIN to build Saudi Arabia’s AI infrastructure, aiming to create scalable, secure, cloud-based solutions to power the Kingdom’s digital economy. The collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and will position the country as a global leader in AI innovation and infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia is integrating AI and telemedicine to revolutionize healthcare, particularly in remote areas, as part of its Vision 2030. Initiatives like the Seha Virtual Hospital and AI apps are enhancing diagnostics and patient care. The digital health market is projected to grow from $3.2 billion in 2024 to $13.3 billion by 2031.
Tech startups in the UAE and Saudi Arabia face rising competition as international founders reshape the region’s landscape. Entrepreneurs are urged to demonstrate strong business models, adaptability, and market understanding to succeed. Key principles for success include motivation, intuition, courage, foresight, and inspiration to stay competitive and attract investment.
STC Bank, the digital banking arm of Saudi Telecom, has received an $800 million capital infusion to expand its services. The funds will enable the bank to offer a wider range of financial products, supporting its strategy to diversify and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by modernizing its financial sector.
Saudi Arabia’s transportation network set new records during Ramadan, with Haramain High-Speed Railway carrying 1.2 million passengers, a 21% increase from last year. Public transport, ride-hailing, and logistics sectors all saw significant growth. The TGA emphasized the success of coordinated efforts in supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Saudi Arabia’s transportation sector experienced record demand during Ramadan, with the Haramain High-Speed Railway carrying over 1.2 million passengers. Public transport buses, ride-hailing, car rentals, and logistics also saw significant growth. These achievements reflect the success of regulatory efforts and the country’s ongoing commitment to Vision 2030’s goals.
