Alinma Bank raised its 2026 cost-of-risk target for a second straight quarter, to 0.55%–0.65% from 0.45%–0.55%, citing provisions for one customer after a major project contract was cancelled, and cut its ROE target to around 17% from 18%–19%. The same day, Arab National Bank lowered its cost-of-risk guidance to 0.30%–0.40% from 0.40%–0.50%.
On the same day, two banks in the same market saw their cost of risk move in opposite directions. This suggests that credit stress is affecting certain loan books rather than the whole system.
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Twenty-four thousand AI registrations
Saudi Arabia's commercial registrations in artificial intelligence reached 24,552 records, up 31% since 2025 and the fastest growth among Vision 2030 sectors, according to Ministry of Commerce data. Cybersecurity registrations reached 11,275, up 22%, virtual and augmented reality 13,853, up 21%, and e-commerce 52,241, up 9%, with the Kingdom having designated 2026 its Year of Artificial Intelligence.
A registration serves as a licence rather than a business. The fact that 24,552 registrations are increasing at a rate of 31% indicates that intent is developing much more rapidly than actual capability.
765,000 came for the falcons
The Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2026 closed after receiving 765,000 visitors in 10 days at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, with 1,450 exhibitors and brands on 200,000 square metres. A Mongolian falcon sold for SAR 1.4 million, the highest price in the auction's history, and auction sales exceeded SAR 7 million; the Al-Malwah race carried SAR 723,000 in prizes.
765,000 visitors alongside a single SAR 1.4 million falcon shows the exhibition serves a mass audience and a high-spending niche at the same time.
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.
