Saudi Arabia was the largest single contributor to emerging-market US dollar ESG debt issuance excluding China, at 20.9%, ahead of the UAE at 17.8%, and outstanding GCC ESG debt exceeded $72.9 billion at the end of Q3, up 18% year on year, with sukuk making up 43%, according to Fitch, which expects issuance to rise from Q4 2026.
Saudi Arabia holds a 20.9% share, making it the main issuer of emerging-market ESG dollar debt. With sukuk making up 43% of Gulf issuances, the Islamic structure is now a key attraction. If you lead debt capital markets at a Saudi bank, present ESG sukuk to clients as a standard financing option rather than just a way to boost reputation.
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Fifty days and 6,681 riyals
Saudi Arabia's Musanad platform reported that in H1 2026 the average domestic worker recruitment period was 50 days, at an average cost of SAR 6,681, with the service running across 39 countries. The platform handled more than 122,000 service transfer requests and more than 450,000 insurance contracts, working with approximately 6,164 approved external offices, and expanded wage payment channels to 16 digital options.
The state has made this market measurable, with transfers exceeding 122,000. Focus on preparing for customer transitions rather than prioritizing first-time recruitment.
The insurance market doubled
Saudi Arabia's insurance market reached SR84 billion in 2025, up from SR42 billion in 2021, effectively doubling in four years. Health and motor insurance accounted for 89% of premium growth, with health insurance alone contributing to 68% of that increase. Growth is decelerating sharply: 26.9% in 2022, 22.7% in 2023, 16.3% in 2024, 10.7% in 2025.
The market doubled in four years while its growth rate halved twice, from 26.9% to 10.7%, as the sector moves from expansion into maturity, where the next phase competes on retention rather than acquisition.
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.
