Aramco's World Cup sponsorship is expected to add $26.1 billion to the company's corporate value, about 43% of the $61 billion in total corporate value generated across all tournament sponsors, with brand value up roughly $1.08 billion and 2.3% growth, fourth among official sponsors
A leading oil company has proven its ability to drive brand growth through a football tournament, outpacing gains from its traditional extraction activities. This decisive shift highlights the evolving conversation around value and product, demonstrating that companies must adapt to stay relevant.
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Ten banks, SAR 73.58 billion
Combined nine-month net profit at the 10 banks listed on the main market rose 6.84% to SAR 73.58 billion, from SAR 68.87 billion a year earlier. Al Rajhi led with SAR 20.87 billion, up 13.3%, ahead of SNB at SAR 19.48 billion, up 4.57%. Q3 profit alone rose 4.8% to SAR 24.75 billion, and SNB's Q3 was down 0.29%.
Nine-month growth of 6.84% has slowed to 4.8% in Q3. The sector is still growing, but momentum is fading. If you manage strategy at a mid-sized Saudi bank, focus on leading in a specific segment instead of trying to match Al Rajhi's balance sheet.
Fifty-seven studies, twelfth session
The Riyadh Economic Forum will hold its 12th session on 12–14 October 2026 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, with ministers, public and private sector specialists, academics and business owners participating. The forum has presented more than 57 economic studies over its history, many of which became government initiatives and decisions.
if you want policy input rather than policy news, October is the window. Submissions and positioning happen before the session, not during it, so start now.
The surplus widened sharply
Saudi Arabia's trade balance recorded a surplus of SR61.52 billion in the second quarter of 2026, an annual growth rate of 62%. Total merchandise exports rose 4% year on year to approximately SR285.98 billion while merchandise imports declined 5% to SR224.46 billion, according to GASTAT data.
Trade finance teams at Saudi banks should focus less on the 62% surplus growth and pay more attention to the 5% drop in imports, since their fees come from the part of the business that has decreased.
