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RIYADH: ��������’s Najran region has recorded a 56 percent increase in commercial registrations over the past five years, signaling expanding economic activity and growth potential in the southern province.

According to government data presented at the Najran Investment Forum 2025, business licenses in the region reached 39,000, accounting for around 2.3 percent of the Kingdom’s 1.7 million total records.

The forum, held from June 25 to 26 under the patronage of Prince Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, brought together government officials and private sector leaders to highlight economic prospects in the region. According to organizers, the event featured 53 project opportunities valued at over SR639 million ($170 million).

The southern province is emerging as a regional development hub under Vision 2030. With its mineral wealth, fertile land, cultural heritage, and growing logistics capabilities, it is positioned as a gateway for trade and business in line with the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals.

Speaking during the forum’s opening session, Assistant Minister of Commerce Abdulaziz bin Saud Al-Duhaim said: “Najran is an important region that abounds with diverse investment opportunities, based on its geographical location, natural resources, and competitive sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing industries, tourism, and others.”

He added: “We have reviewed and developed more than 110 pieces of legislation over the past few years, most notably regulations on companies, franchises, e-commerce, bankruptcy, commercial registration, trade names, and others.”

The region’s light transport sector saw the largest increase in new registrations, up 124 percent year on year in the first quarter to 536. The logistics sector followed with 111 percent growth, totaling 345 records. Registrations in civil protection equipment installation and maintenance rose by 26 percent, while storage facilities climbed 31 percent, reaching 717 records.

During his participation in the forum, Al-Duhaim also emphasized that the Ministry of Commerce has strengthened market regulations to protect consumers, monitor prices, and combat fraud and commercial cover-ups.

“We are working on a comprehensive consumer protection system, established a reporting center and a summons center, and launched the ‘Emtithal’ electronic inspection and monitoring system,” he said.

The assistant minister also noted that the National Competitiveness Center has worked with more than 65 government agencies, in partnership with the private sector, to implement over 900 economic reforms and recommendations aimed at enhancing business competitiveness. 

He added that 21 branches of the Saudi Business Center have been established to facilitate business start-ups and operations.

“The Ministry is working to develop and implement comprehensive strategies for the wholesale, retail, and professional services sectors, and to develop the services sector by leveraging new technologies,” Al-Duhaim said.

During the event, 14 cooperation agreements were signed between the Najran Chamber and various public and private entities to support local initiatives and business development.

Abdullah bin Ali bin Mohammed Al-Ahmari, assistant minister of industry and mineral resources for planning and development, who also participated in the event, noted that Najran is one of the richest regions in mineral resources, with the estimated value of untapped reserves rising from SR145 billion to more than SR227 billion.

He also emphasized the importance of developing mining-related manufacturing industries to maximize added value and boost exports.

In the same context, Abdullah Al-Dubaikhi, assistant minister of investment, discussed the province’s competitive advantages, noting that the area offers promising opportunities in mining, specialized agriculture, tourism, and education — sectors that require coordinated efforts among relevant authorities to unlock their full potential.

He noted that total projects registered on the Invest in �������� platform for the region amounted to approximately SR8 billion.

The forum aimed to showcase the area’s economic potential, attract quality investments, and provide an effective platform for engagement between local and international investors and government agencies.

“The ministry has been committed to addressing all challenges facing the business sector by developing legislation, facilitating procedures, and expanding financing programs and solutions that empower entrepreneurship and commercial establishments,” Al-Duhaim added. 

LONDON: Stock markets in the Gulf rose in early trade on Thursday, extending gains from the previous sessions amid rising oil prices as a ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to be holding.

US President Donald Trump hailed the swift end to the air war between Iran and Israel and said Washington would likely seek a commitment from Tehran to end its nuclear ambitions at talks with Iranian officials next week.

��������’s benchmark stock index extended its gains to a fourth straight session, rising 0.2 percent, with most sectors in the green. Oil major Saudi Aramco added 0.3 percent and Red Sea International climbed 3 percent.

Modular house manufacturer Red Sea said on Wednesday it planned to float its mechanical, electrical and plumbing subsidiary on the Saudi market.

Oil prices, a catalyst for the Gulf’s financial markets, were up 0.2 percent as a larger-than-expected draw in US crude stocks signalled firm demand. Brent crude was trading at $67.83 a barrel by 10:05 a.m. Saudi time.

The Abu Dhabi benchmark index rose 0.4 percent, aided by a 5.3 percent advance in RAK Properties and a 0.6 percent gain in Borouge.

Petrochemical company Borouge said on Wednesday it would collaborate with Honeywell on a project to deliver the petrochemical industry’s first AI-driven control room.

Dubai’s benchmark stock index was up for a fifth straight session, advancing 0.6 percent, pushed up by the materials, industry and finance sectors.

Tolls operator Salik gained 1.8 percent and Emirates NBD, the emirate’s largest lender, added 0.6 percent.

The Qatari benchmark index was marginally up, propped up by gains in the materials, utilities and communications sectors.

Vodafone Qatar advanced 1.2 percent while Qatar National Bank, the region’s largest lender, shed 0.3 percent.

Qatar Investment Authority and Canadian asset manager Fiera Capital have launched a $200 million fund to boost foreign and local investment into the Gulf state’s stock market, QIA said on Wednesday.