Financing to micro, small and medium enterprises through the SME Bank's programmes rose 11.4% to SAR 4.98 billion in Q2 2026, from SAR 4.47 billion a year earlier. The cumulative total through indirect lending and the Kafalah guarantee programme reached about SAR 139 billion since 2006, reaching more than 145,000 businesses, and Riyadh region took 44.4% of it.
Since Q2 lending increased to SAR 4.98 billion, the SME product head should focus more on promoting guaranteed loans in regions outside Riyadh, where their share is still low.
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Expo signs its first venture
Expo 2030 Riyadh signed a SAR 3.2 billion joint venture agreement with Mohammad Al Habib Real Estate Co. to develop and deliver "Expo Village," an integrated residential community and the organiser's first joint venture. The project will comprise 2,300 residential units for about 5,500 residents, directly connected to the Expo 2030 Riyadh site via Expo Station, King Khalid International Airport and Riyadh's transport network.
By choosing a SAR 3.2 billion joint venture instead of a standard construction contract, Expo 2030 Riyadh is sharing development risk with a partner rather than just purchasing a completed building. This approach suggests the village is designed to last beyond the event.
Ten billion in Paris
Deals expected to be signed between Saudi and French entities at the Saudi–French Roundtable Investment Meeting in Paris exceed $10 billion, spanning advanced industries, transport and logistics services, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. The Crown Prince attended alongside French officials and business leaders.
ُhe four named sectors are advanced industries, logistics, AI and digital infrastructure، energy is not among them, which is what a diversification agenda looks like once it reaches the deal table.
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.
