Mesc secures SAR 150 mn funding from Alinma

Middle East Specialized Cables (Mesc) renewed SAR 150 mn shariah-compliant credit facility with Alinma Bank, it said in a Tadawul disclosure. The updated agreement, which increases the original facility by SAR 50 mn, runs until the end of August 2028 and is backed by a SAR 165 mn promissory note. The cable manufacturer will use the funds to support working capital needs and secure bank guarantees.

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Sdaia launches the world’s largest gov’t data center

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (Sdaia) launched Hexagon, a 480 MW data center, in Riyadh, state news agency SPA reports. Spanning 30 mn sq ft, the Tier IV facility — touted as the world’s largest government-owned data center — signals Riyadh’s intent to own critical, physical AI infrastructure rather than relying solely on the private hyperscalers currently entering the market.

The facility is built to handle high-density AI computing in the desert climate, utilizing direct liquid cooling and renewable energy sources to meet LEED Gold sustainability standards. Sdaia projects the centralised infrastructure will generate SAR 10.8 bn in local economic impact and cut government operating costs by SAR 1.8 bn annually.

Flyadeal anchors in Madinah with five new routes

Flyadeal launched its fourth operational base in Madinah, it said on LinkedIn. The budget carrier expanded its Madinah operations by launching five new routes from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport — including Istanbul and four domestic links — bringing the airline’s total destinations from the holy city to 88 weekly flights.

Why it matters: The move signals a strategic push to centralize Saudi aviation infrastructure beyond Riyadh-Jeddah-Damman, allowing flyadeal to capture more point-to-point religious tourism traffic without routing through main hubs. By basing assets directly in Madinah, the carrier secures the operational flexibility to rapidly scale frequencies for Umrah pilgrims — a key pillar of its plan to triple its network and reach a fleet size of 100 aircraft and 100 destinations by 2030.

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