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Here’s what we’re tracking today
Emerging markets grapple with new global realities at AlUla
PwC on pivot to quality growth | USD 2 tn diversification plan is getting an update | Camels get passports
Monday, 9 February 2026
Good morning, ladies and gents
Today’s big story is the AlUla Conference on Emerging Markets, where global policy makers discussed the fragmented landscape as emerging markets face global volatility. While these economies still drive global growth, participants warned that debt risks and geopolitical friction are a legitimate threat.
Today at a glance
News
IPO WATCH
Nomu is getting its first 2026 newcomer
Proceeds will be directed primarily toward expanding the aesthetic medicine…
TASI’s correction year
The telecom sector was the only gainer of the year
Gigaprojects
Saudi is gunning for holidaymakers over pilgrims in its tourism revamp
Luxury giga-projects anchor a strategy to attract repeat holidaymakers, but…
Shifting the gigaproject focus
Neom remains strategic, but no longer dominates capital allocation
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
How Saudi’s new regulations could help spur supply in a crunched warehousing market
Setting up new warehouses — as well as operating existing…
Cabinet Watch
Growth + consolidation incoming for ins. sector
The strategy comes as the sector has long been dominated…
Royal Court
New governors, deputy ministers appointed in latest royal decrees
Jazan gets a new governor — Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz…
Startup Watch
Mersal Media Capital kicks off with SAR 5 funding
The company focuses on developing investments in digital media
Global VC outlier
The surge was driven by strong local VC participation and rising international interest
Fortress mode
AI funding surged to USD 150 bn in 2025, driven by a narrow cluster…
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
