Latest news with #TalatHafiz
Arab News
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Keeping our cities clean: A shared responsibility
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing recently launched an awareness campaign — 'Because It's My Country' — to promote compliance with municipal regulations across Saudi Arabia. The campaign aims to inspire efforts that enhance urban development, improve facility efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability. It is expected to positively impact the quality of life in Saudi cities, positioning them as ideal places to live. Key objectives include raising awareness among individuals and institutions about the importance of municipal regulations in improving the urban landscape. Additionally, the campaign highlights innovative, sustainable solutions for city growth while strengthening partnerships between the community and government entities. The campaign also aims to streamline procedures that encourage individuals and businesses to comply with regulations by leveraging modern technological tools such as Balady, an interactive platform that promotes community partnership and enhances service quality for beneficiaries by providing information that helps them make informed decisions, contributing to greater satisfaction with municipal services. Each of us must recognize the importance of our role in preserving the urban environment, keeping our cities clean, and enhancing their beauty — because our nation deserves to shine, always. The campaign aligns with Vision 2030, especially the Quality of Life Program, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a hub for sports, entertainment, and tourism, and into a country that ranks near the top of places people want to call home. It aims to enhance public awareness of the idea that the appearance of the Kingdom's cities reflects their inhabitants, embodying their culture and lifestyle. From this perspective, the campaign highlights the importance of keeping our roads clean and well-maintained, emphasizing our collective responsibility to protect them. The campaign underscores the undeniable truth that our homeland deserves to be even more beautiful, urging collective efforts to preserve its refined and civilized appearance. For example, this includes the commitment to remove construction waste and protect sidewalks and public facilities. It will also foster deep respect for the environment and a commitment to addressing any unsightliness caused by neglect. I firmly believe that adhering to municipal regulations is both a national duty and a fundamental societal value that everyone should uphold. Maintaining the beauty of our cities is a shared responsibility for everyone — citizens, government officials, business owners, and construction contractors alike. Each of us must recognize the importance of our role in preserving the urban environment, keeping our cities clean, and enhancing their beauty — because our nation deserves to shine, always. • Talat Zaki Hafiz is an economist and financial analyst. X: @TalatHafiz
Arab News
17-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Capital Markets Forum 2025 to drive growth and innovation in global finance
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is set to host the fifth edition of the Capital Markets Forum from Feb. 18 to 20 in Riyadh, uniting leading financial experts in the capital and highlighting the Kingdom's position as a key economic hub. Organized by the Saudi Tadawul Group and held under the patronage of the Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Financial Sector Development Program Committee, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, the forum will convene top policymakers, business leaders, and industry experts to discuss key trends and developments shaping the nation's capital markets. With a strong focus on the evolving financial landscape, the event will be held under the theme 'Powering Connections,' and is set to unlock new investment opportunities, foster strategic partnerships, and further position the Kingdom as a key player in the global capital markets ecosystem. Saudi-based economist Talat Hafiz told Arab News that the forum 'provides a vital platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, explore emerging market opportunities, and shape the future of capital formation.' He added: 'Saudi Arabia's capital market continues to demonstrate strong momentum, with increasing investor participation and a dynamic regulatory environment that supports the sustainable growth of the financial market.' Hafiz also underlined the increasing global interest in the Kingdom's market: 'Saudi Arabia's capital market continues to attract global demand, driven by its market depth, regulatory advancements, and strong investor participation.' Agenda for 2025 Forum The 2025 forum will feature three days of discussions, presentations, and networking. Day one will commence at the KAFD Conference Center with an official opening and welcome address, followed by sessions including 'The Annual Economic Sprint: Navigating New Economic Frontiers,' where experts will analyze macroeconomic trends and growth trajectories. Additional key discussions will include 'The Capital Horizon: The Middle East as the New Capital Market Nexus' and 'The Capital Crystal Ball: The Future Landscape of Capital Markets.' The inaugural day will conclude with the 2024 Saudi Capital Market Awards presentation, recognizing the achievements and contributions of market participants across various categories. The second and third days will occur at the Four Seasons Hotel, featuring sessions on capital management systems, market insights, and investment strategies. Industry leaders from DirectFN, Awqaf Investment, Nahdi Medical Co., and Sahm Capital will discuss how companies adapt to economic shifts. Key projects such as Liqaa and Edaa Connect will be highlighted, providing attendees with insights into emerging financial technologies and data-driven investment approaches. The final day will focus on data access, financial analytics, and transparency in capital markets, featuring presentations from Wamid and S&P Global. Additional discussions will explore global economic outlooks, fintech advancements, and the increasing significance of environmental, social, and governance considerations in investment strategies. The gathering will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including high-ranking government officials, top executives, and global financial leaders. Among them is Khalid Al-Faleh, minister of investment of Saudi Arabia, who will provide insights into the Kingdom's economic strategies and monetary policies. The event will also welcome Poppy Gustafsson, the UK minister of investment, and Sarah Al-Suhaimi, chairperson of Saudi Tadawul Group, alongside Khalid Al-Hussan, CEO of the group. International financial leaders such as Bonnie Y Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, and Nandini Sukumar, CEO of the World Federation of Exchanges, will contribute their expertise on global market integration and regulatory advancements. Additionally, key figures from major financial institutions, including Roland Chai, president of European Market Services at Nasdaq, and Scott O'Malia, CEO of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, will share their perspectives on capital market trends and investment opportunities. Highlights from the 2024 Forum The Saudi Capital Markets Forum 2024 was one of the largest conferences in the sector globally, with 4,200 participants and 640 investors from 41 firms. Themed 'Powering Growth,' it emphasized Saudi Arabia's role as a financial hub and provided a platform for major industry discussions and announcements. The event facilitated 15,000 meeting requests between investors, issuers, and market participants, reinforcing its role as a premier networking and investment platform. Several memorandums of understanding were signed, including collaborations to enhance environmental awareness, promote sustainability initiatives, and foster cultural development. A significant announcement was made on the launch of a Social Responsibility Index in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, further strengthening the Kingdom's commitment to responsible investing. Regulatory advancements were a key focus, with discussions addressing the potential introduction of a framework for follow-on share offerings, signaling progressive reforms in the nation's financial ecosystem. Additionally, Saudi Tadawul Group revealed the first-ever international edition of the forum, CONNECT Hong Kong, which took place on May 9, 2024. The event focused on strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and Asian capital markets, fostering international collaboration, and advancing market connectivity. Over the past three years, the event has generated over 25,000 meeting requests, attracted over 10,000 attendees, and drew more than 4,000 investors.
