The 13th Saudi Trade Finance Summit wrapped up in Riyadh on November 18, 2025, drawing top leaders from finance, industry, and government to discuss growth strategies amid global changes. This two-day event highlighted Saudi Arabia’s push for stronger trade systems, innovation, and economic resilience, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.
Key Highlights from the Summit
Experts shared fresh ideas on building scalable finance models. Dr. Said Alshaikh kicked off with a keynote on the Kingdom’s 2026 economic outlook, focusing on turning global risks into opportunities for steady growth.
Speakers like Eng. Majid Al Rafae stressed finance’s role in boosting industry and energy sectors. Afzal Hussain Mohammed Nakheeb talked about creating strong systems for long-term progress across fields. Attendees praised the mix of talks and networking that sparked real business ties.
The event saw over 400 decision-makers, including bankers and tech providers. It built on Saudi Arabia’s recent economic wins, such as doubling its economy to $1.3 trillion since Vision 2030 started and raising non-oil sectors to 56 percent of GDP.
One standout session explored digital tools in trade finance. Panelists noted how fintech can cut costs and speed up deals, vital as Saudi trade hits a 59.7 percent GDP ratio.
Industry Leaders Share Positive Feedback
Participants called the summit a top spot for insights and deals. Sean Bowey from Saudi Awwal Bank rated it a perfect 10, citing high-quality talks on local and global trade issues.
Salim Patka of BinDawood Holding said he returns yearly for fresh, useful ideas that aid company growth. Zia Mustafa from Arabian Medical Products Manufacturing praised the interactive panels sharing best practices from various regions.
Mohmed Etman of FlyAkeed described the networking as outstanding, leading to potential partnerships. He called the event perfectly tailored to Riyadh’s rising role in global finance.
Abdullah Alsultan from Tarmeez Capital noted strong client talks, marking their second year of gains from the platform.
These views show the summit’s real impact, tying into broader trends like Saudi Arabia’s $575 billion partnership with the US in 2025, up from new investments.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The summit tied into Vision 2030’s success, with 85 percent of targets met so far. It spotlighted Riyadh as a hub for global events, following recent forums like the Fortune Global Forum and Connected Banking Summit.
Discussions covered resilience against volatility, with a focus on diversification. Saudi Arabia plans to grow its economy further, aiming for more foreign investment and trade deals.
Here are some key outcomes shared at the event:
- New strategies for digital trade finance to handle global risks.
- Plans to boost industrial growth through better funding access.
- Calls for stronger ties between banks and tech firms for innovation.
- Insights on sustainable practices in energy and manufacturing.
Attendees left with actionable steps, like using AI for faster transactions, amid Saudi Arabia’s push to become a trade powerhouse.
Links to Broader Saudi Initiatives
This summit connects to other 2025 events in Riyadh, such as the Tourise Summit, which secured $113 billion in tourism deals, and the Cityscape Global, with $43 billion in real estate agreements.
These gatherings show Saudi Arabia’s strategy to attract investment. The Public Investment Fund’s assets reached $1 trillion in 2025, despite some profit dips from big projects.
A table of recent Saudi economic milestones:
| Milestone | Details | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Size | Doubled from $650 billion to $1.3 trillion | Since 2016 |
| Non-Oil Share | Increased to 56 percent of GDP | 2025 |
| Company Relocations | 675 firms moved regional HQs to Riyadh | 2025 |
| US-Saudi Investments | Reached $575 billion with $267 billion new | 2025 |
| Trade to GDP Ratio | Stands at 59.7 percent | 2025 |
Such data underscores the summit’s role in driving progress.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Global volatility remains a hurdle, but speakers outlined paths to resilience. They urged more focus on green finance and supply chain strength.
The event also highlighted fintech’s rise, with firms like FlyAkeed showing how tech can transform travel and trade. Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia eyes more international partnerships, building on deals with the US, UK, and others.
Experts predict continued growth, with events like this fostering the needed dialogue.
If this article sparked your interest in Saudi Arabia’s economic rise, share it with your network or drop a comment below on what trade finance trends you see coming next.
