Saudi Arabia advanced its sustainable development agenda through 45 agreements worth SAR6 billion ($1.59 billion) signed at the development finance conference “MOMENTUM 2025”. The three-day event took place from 9 to 11 December at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, with the National Development Fund (NDF) organizing the conference under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who chairs its board.
The agreements aim to accelerate investment, empower the private sector, and unlock opportunities in priority sectors including SMEs, tourism, and sustainability. They also seek to strengthen institutional capabilities and enhance national competitiveness.
Strategic initiatives across sectors
The fund concluded two strategic agreements with leading global partners in technology and professional services, aiming to advance artificial intelligence (AI), data solutions, and digital transformation within the development finance ecosystem. The MoUs support innovation, improve service delivery, and increase the impact of development financing in the Kingdom.
The National Infrastructure Fund signed an MoU focused on unifying national development efforts to support SMEs. The plan includes designing a new developmental financing model that drives long-term sector growth.
Additionally, the Saudi SME Bank signed 19 cooperation agreements and MoUs valued at more than SAR3 billion to enhance integration between public and private entities and strengthen the Kingdom’s developmental finance network. The Tourism Development Fund signed six agreements with government and private partners. These deals exceed SAR4 billion in impact and expand financing solutions for micro, small, and medium tourism enterprises through the Tourism Enablement Programs.
Expanding cultural, human capital, and industrial growth
The Cultural Development Fund signed five credit facility agreements worth more than SAR63 million to finance cultural projects. Additionally, the Human Resources Development Fund concluded three agreements that support 2,191 Saudi job seekers across several sectors, with a value exceeding SAR324 million.
Moreover, the Saudi Industrial Development Fund signed a cooperation agreement with Saudi Railways Co. to identify opportunities that support industrial growth and increase local content. The Saudi Fund for Development signed five MoUs with national and regional partners, reinforcing cooperation in education, security, sustainability, and agriculture. The Investment Events Fund also signed a partnership agreement with Legends Global to enhance the events sector by leveraging international expertise.
The MOMENTUM 2025 agreements reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to building a diverse, sustainable, and inclusive economy. They bridge financing gaps, mitigate project risks, and create long-term value for citizens and companies. Moreover, they align national development priorities with global sustainability goals and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s leadership in green and inclusive growth.
