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Intelligence for the New World Economy

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Intelligence for the New World Economy
Semafor World Economy
Matthew Martin

Matthew Martin

Saudi Arabia Bureau Chief

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Saudi opens stock market to all

Lifting restrictions on investor access is part of efforts to revive the market.
A view of Riyadh.Mohammed Benmansour/Reuters

Gulf sovereign funds ramp up US bets

Investments into the US more than doubled as Gulf funds piled into US tech and the American economy.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia interact during the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington.Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Saudi unemployment rate hits highest in a year

The figures could be a sign that spending cuts by the government and Public Investment Fund companies are hitting the job market.
Riyadh skyline.Faisal Al Nasser/Reuters

$8,000 train ticket comes to Saudi

The 66-passenger train will offer one- and two-night journeys from Riyadh to destinations including Hail and the UNESCO-listed AlUla.
Luxury train interiorCourtesy of Dream of the Desert, Stephan Juillard

Prince Alwaleed nears $400 million deal for Saudi soccer team

The Saudi billionaire is close to buying a 75% stake in Riyadh club Al Hilal from the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund.
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal at Al Hilal match.Stringer/Reuters

QIA backs $7.4B Janus Henderson takeover

Gulf sovereign investors have increasingly looked to bet on some of the world’s biggest asset managers directly.
A view of Doha’s skyline.Mahmud Hams/AFP via Getty

KKR’s first Saudi deal signals private credit rush

The US investment firm is leading a refinancing of debt on a $750 million water treatment plant in Rabigh, on the kingdom’s west coast.

Universal Studios to build theme park in Saudi Arabia

Comcast Chief Executive Brian Roberts recently visited a government-backed entertainment district that could be home to the venue.

IMF urges speed of reform in Bahrain to bolster finances

The Gulf’s most-indebted nation needs to “accelerate the program of fiscal reforms” while keeping fiscal policy “tight,” said Jihad Azour, IMF Middle East and Central Asia director.

Saudi hotels are seeking bartenders amid loosening alcohol curbs

The job advertisements come as signs are mounting that the kingdom could further ease restrictions around alcohol sales.

Mubadala accelerates private credit push

The real estate debt fund will focus on the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the US, in the latest sign of Emirati funds’ continued appetite for private credit.

Gulf cash is coming for American entertainment

In Gulf leaders’ techno-optimist view, AI revolutionizes our lives, leaving us with more money to spend enjoying ourselves, including on entertainment.

Abu Dhabi top financial hub in the Gulf, new ranking finds

A new index of competitiveness from NYU Abu Dhabi’s Stern School of Business placed Abu Dhabi in 12th place, ahead of Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha.

Expat hiring boom sees Saudi remittances surge

As the kingdom’s foreign workforce has swelled, outbound remittances have risen to the highest levels on record, government figures show.

Fund managers pause Saudi investments amid growth concerns

While fund ownership of Saudi stocks hit a record high in 2025, growth has tapered in recent months.

China calls for deeper Gulf ties, urges free trade agreement

China’s foreign minister Wang Yi is lobbying for the signing of a deal that’s been in negotiation for decades.

Mideast Amazon rival noon raises $500M

Saudi PIF-backed online delivery platform noon raises fresh capital as it looks to IPO.

Private equity outstrips public markets, Carlyle execs say

US mom-and-pop investors will be able to access private equity funds “in the next year or two,” Carlyle’s chairman said at Abu Dhabi Finance Week.