Fintech lending to Saudi industrial projects rose 130% in H1 2026 to SR541 million, from SR234 million in the same period last year, with fintech partners expanding to seven from three. Fintech financing to the industrial sector reached SR774 million in 2025, up 36% from SR569 million in 2024 and SR317 million in 2023. The H1 2026 figure represents about 70% of last year's full-year total.
SR317 million in 2023 increased to SR774 million by 2025 and reached SR541 million by mid this year. This rapid growth does not reflect innovation but instead points to an ongoing gap in conventional credit.
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Fifty-five thousand homes
Talaat Moustafa Group's Saudi subsidiary signed a preliminary agreement with PIF-owned ROSHN Group to form a joint company exploring a mixed-use development in Riyadh expected to comprise more than 55,000 residential units, alongside retail, commercial, hospitality, entertainment, healthcare and education facilities. TMG Saudi will hold 51% of the joint company and ROSHN 49%, following a 7 June memorandum of understanding under PIF's urban development and livability ecosystem, part of its 2026-2030 strategy and the Kingdom's 70% homeownership target.
The minority stake shows that PIF is bringing in execution expertise. Developers who want to win Saudi residential projects should focus on improving their delivery track record instead of just acquiring more land.
Minus 3.3%, then plus 7.9%
The IMF's October World Economic Outlook projects the Saudi economy to contract 3.3% in 2026 and grow 7.9% in 2027, under a baseline in which the Strait of Hormuz begins reopening in March 2027. The Fund sees Saudi inflation at 1.9% this year, while the Ministry of Finance's preliminary 2027 budget statement projected real GDP growth of 12.8% next year.
The difference between the IMF's 7.9% and the ministry's 12.8% reflects two opinions about how quickly oil revenues will come back. The budget is based on the more optimistic estimate.
Instagram takes the ad riyal
Digital ad spending in Saudi Arabia rose 25% to about $300 million in the 12 months to July 2026, while impressions rose 15% to about 330 billion (Sensor Tower). Instagram led all channels at about $110 million, and Sensor Tower expects about $334 million for 2026.
Marketing spend is growing faster than impressions. If you are planning for 2027, expect higher cost per view rather than relying on this year's rates.
