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VC funding more than doubled in 2025
PLUS- Riyadh Metro Line 2 extension is coming online in six years
Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Happy hump day.
The midweek point brings with it a meaty issue that builds on the theme of the month — looking back at the year that was, and looking ahead at the year that is just getting underway.
The big story of the day is about Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a leader among emerging venture markets, ranking second among EVMs in terms of funding raised in 2025. The top title went to Singapore last year, but Saudi’s jump in venture funding came despite a downturn in funding among EVMs.
Today at a glance
News
M&A Watch
IPO WATCH
TASI’s correction year
The telecom sector was the only gainer of the year
Almasar Education bucks a bruising year for Saudi IPOs
Around 21.4 mn shares changed hands across 41k trades worth SAR 450.4 mn
Gigaprojects
Falcon’s Flight at Qiddiya makes headlines
The park’s New Year’s Eve debut gathered thousands of visitors…
Gigaproject contract awards reach USD 196 bn -Knight Frank
Diriyah Gate has awarded USD 3.7 bn in contracts as of August 2025
Newsmakers
Coffee With: Yusef Alyusef, managing director at Alvarez & Marsal Saudi Arabia
Yusef Alyusef is a managing director and partner at Alvarez & Marsal in Riyadh, where he leads work in tax policy,…
My morning routine
Folk Maritime’s Poul Hestbaek unpacks growth plans for 2026 amid volatile global trade
We spoke with Hestbaek about their ongoing projects in the Kingdom and their regional expansions
Regulation
Legislation Watch
New Statistics Law centralizes authority, strengthens data confidentiality
The legislation introduces fines up to SAR 500k for data…
Regulation Watch
Beneficial ownership rules get an overhaul
Subsidiaries of listed companies are exempt from the updated disclosure…
Cabinet Watch
Gov’t to adopt flexibility in pursuing goals, Crown Prince says in Shura speech
PLUS: Financing for Blackrock’s Jafurah investment locked in?
Royal Court
New governors, deputy ministers appointed in latest royal decrees
Jazan gets a new governor — Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz…
Startup Watch
Global VC outlier
The surge was driven by strong local VC participation and rising international interest
Geothermal tech Strataphyn bags USD 6 mn in seed funding
Strataphyn will channel the funding into advancing its technology
Mnzil secures over SAR 44 mn in a Series A funding round
The round was led by Founders Fund with participation from COTU Ventures
Lifestyle
MrBeast brings his challenges to life in Riyadh + Six Flags Qiddiya City to open on 31 December
The zone will be open through 27 December, operating from 4 pm to midnight on weekdays and until 1 am on weekends.
EVIQ to roll out EV charging solutions for Lotus owners. PLUS: Riyadh Season signs up top Youtuber MrBeast
ALSO: Al Etihad Cooperative Ins. maintains Moody’s rating
Your guide to Ramadan cultural events and night markets
Five events and night markets to visit during the holy month
