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- The Japan Association of New Economy (JANE) organized a workshop featuring the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) titled "Latest Trends in Business, DX, and AI in the Kingdom."
The Japan Association of New Economy (JANE) organized a workshop featuring the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) titled “Latest Trends in Business, DX, and AI in the Kingdom.”
The comprehensive workshop program included presentations covering Saudi Arabia’s ICT growth strategy, investment opportunities, the preferential measures available through the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) program, the business support framework based on the new investment law, and the nation’s startup support initiatives. Emphasis was placed on potential collaboration with Japanese firms in critical sectors such as AI, gaming, and environmental technologies, illustrating the Kingdom’s vision to be positioned as the premier business and innovation hub for the Middle East.
- Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks were delivered by Dr. Arwa Alrawais, Director of Digital Technology Department at MISA, and Mr. Motohiko Sato, Director of Global Affairs Department at JANE. Both parties underscored the critical importance of the strategic partnership between Japan and Saudi Arabia and the expansive potential for cooperation in the digital economy. - Session1 Unlocking Opportunities: Invest Saudi & ICT Value Proposition
Dr. Arwa Alrawais provided an overview of the growth strategy and investment opportunity within the ICT sector. She highlighted attractive entry opportunities for Japanese companies in priority areas, including AI, gaming, and e-commerce, noting the rapid technological advancements being propelled by major national projects such as NEOM. - Session2 Startup Saudi Program & Entrepreneurship Track
Ms. Afnan Ababtain, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at MISA, introduced “Startup Saudi,” the national startup support policy. She detailed the initiatives designed to establish Saudi Arabia as the Middle East’s central entrepreneurship and innovation hub. These initiatives include support measures for key sectors (gaming, sports, and health tech), synchronization with national projects, and institutional advancements tailored for foreign entrepreneurs. - Session3 RHQ Program
Mr. Alhassan Hamedaldean, General Manager of the RHQ Program at MISA, presented the RHQ scheme, which aims to designate Saudi Arabia as the regional headquarters for the Middle East and North Africa. He elaborated on the substantial benefits afforded to RHQ license holders, such as tax incentives, flexible human resource stipulations, and access to premium residency, clarifying how the program can be effectively utilized for strategic planning and regional governance establishment. - Session4 Investor Services & Licensing
Mr. Abdulaziz Aldegaither, Senior IR Manager at MISA, introduced the licensing system and robust business support structure authorized by Saudi Arabia’s new investment law. He detailed the comprehensive support MISA provides at every phase—from initial registration to operational launch and subsequent expansion—stressing the enhanced ease of market entry and regulatory transparency for foreign investors. - Closing Remarks and Networking
The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Arwa Alrawais, who extended her appreciation to all participants and conveyed strong anticipation for continued bilateral cooperation. A post-workshop networking session fostered vigorous exchanges among attendees from both nations.
This workshop served as an invaluable platform for gaining direct insights into Saudi Arabia’s investment climate and the latest trends in its digital transformation. Parties interested in the business environment of Saudi Arabia are invited to contact JANE for support and consultation. We are committed to providing assistance.
JANE remains dedicated to the continuous dissemination of intelligence on international business trends.