Biban Forum 2025 concludes with over $10bn in agreements 

Biban Forum 2025 concludes with over $10bn in agreements 
The forum attracted more than 100,000 visitors and generated agreements exceeding SR38 billion ($10 billion). SPA
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Updated 22 sec ago

Biban Forum 2025 concludes with over $10bn in agreements 

Biban Forum 2025 concludes with over $10bn in agreements 

RIYADH: The Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, or Monsha’at, concluded the Biban Forum 2025, held over four days under the theme “Global Destination for Opportunities.” 

The forum attracted more than 100,000 visitors and generated agreements exceeding SR38 billion ($10 billion). 

On the first day, 21 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, launching initiatives worth over SR22.3 billion to support entrepreneurship. The second day featured 22 additional agreements and five initiatives aimed at empowering small and medium enterprises. 

The third day included 11 agreements, with launches exceeding SR7.6 billion to finance entrepreneurial projects, while the final day saw four cooperation agreements and initiatives valued at nearly SR8.1 billion.  

Monsha’at also honored the top five entrepreneurial universities in the Kingdom, along with winners of the event competitions and key financing entities for 2024.

The forum included agreements with organizations from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, India, Sweden, and France, aimed at fostering international cooperation and investment. 

More than 200 local and international speakers participated in discussions on artificial intelligence, sustainability, and finance, with attendees engaging in over 80 workshops, 2,150 consultations, and 1,000 mentorship sessions. 

The Biban Forum is one of the largest entrepreneurial platforms in the Kingdom, focused on empowering entrepreneurs, supporting SMEs, and enhancing national economic competitiveness.  

Since its inception, the forum has served as a key meeting point for entrepreneurs, investors, decision-makers, and enabling entities, featuring programs that address all aspects of the entrepreneurial journey, from establishment to growth. 


Yalla Group to open regional headquarters in Riyadh 

Yalla Group to open regional headquarters in Riyadh 
Updated 26 sec ago

Yalla Group to open regional headquarters in Riyadh 

Yalla Group to open regional headquarters in Riyadh 

RIYADH: ’s push to attract global technology and gaming firms gained momentum as Yalla Group Ltd. said it will establish its regional headquarters in Riyadh. 

The new office, slated to open in the first half of 2026 at Roshn Front, will anchor Yalla’s operations in and the wider Gulf, the company said in a statement. 

The announcement follows a meeting in Beijing between Yalla’s leadership and Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation and the Arab Esports Federation. 

The facility is expected to strengthen Yalla Group’s presence in and leverage the Kingdom’s growing digital and entertainment ecosystem. 

The move comes as Riyadh accelerates efforts to attract multinational firms through its regional headquarters program, which offers tax incentives and procurement advantages. More than 780 companies have received licenses to relocate their regional bases to the Saudi capital, Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said at the Future Investment Initiative in October. 

Quoting Prince Faisal, the press release stated that “Yalla Group’s decision to base its regional head office in Riyadh underscores international confidence in the Kingdom’s expanding digital economy and its robust ecosystem for creative industries.”  

He added that the move would broaden the Kingdom’s gaming landscape, create new opportunities for Saudi talent, and support the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to position as a regional leader in digital entertainment and technology. 

The new headquarters will serve as a central hub for managing Yalla’s operations and partnerships across and beyond. It will also enable the company to forge closer ties with local stakeholders, develop localized gaming content, and foster collaboration across the Kingdom’s entertainment ecosystem. 

Saifi Ismail, president of Yalla Group and CEO of the Riyadh regional headquarters, said: “The opening of our new headquarters in Riyadh marks a strategic milestone in Yalla Group’s expansion plans in the Saudi market. It demonstrates our commitment to contributing to the development of the Kingdom’s advanced digital landscape.”  

He added: “Our new office will serve as the core from which we will manage our operations across , enabling us to forge stronger partnerships and drive growth within an integrated technology ecosystem that fosters innovation.”