Bank AlJazira returns to debt market, Saudi joins global AI partnership

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.