Bank AlJazira returns to debt market

Bank AlJazira is tapping the local debt market to shore up its capital base, announcing its intention to issue SAR-denominated additional tier 1 (AT1) sukuk via private placement, it said in a bourse filing. The Tadawul-listed lender appointed AlJazira Capital and Al Rajhi Capital to quarterback the offering under its SAR 5 bn program.

REFRESHER- AlJazira’s last AT1 issuance saw it raise USD 500 mn under its USD 1.5 bn program back in September 2025, pricing the perpetual, five-year, non-call notes at a 6.50% yield and listing them in London.

Saudi joins global AI partnership

Saudi Arabia joined the Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), a G7 initiative hosted by the OECD, state news agency SPA reports. Represented by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, the Kingdom became the first Arab nation to join the 46-member partnership, allowing it to take part in international discussions on AI standards, governance, and policy.

Why it matters: This is a signal to investors that the Kingdom is aligning its AI governance — safety, ethics, and data — with G7 standards. The membership is expected to boost the global tech community’s confidence in the Kingdom’s regulatory environment and attract investors, major tech companies, and entrepreneurs.

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