Crypto in Saudi Arabia: Balancing Caution with Innovation

Sep 15, 2025

Ghada Ismail

 

Cryptocurrencies have evolved from niche tech curiosity to global financial phenomenon in just over a decade. As Bitcoin, Ethereum, and an increasing number of altcoins draw in investors, developers, and policymakers alike, governments are increasingly active in the digital asset ecosystem, not only to regulate it but to join in.

 

From China's digital yuan to Bitcoin as a form of tender in El Salvador, countries are experimenting with blockchain-based currencies in very different forms. In the Gulf, the UAE is already well ahead of the pack as a regional hub for crypto. So, Saudi Arabia?

 

With the Kingdom raising its bet on new tech, financial infrastructure, and digitalization as a component of Vision 2030, the idea of a national cryptocurrency or, at least, a blockchain-based coin with public utility, appears more prescient than ever. Is the time right, though, for Saudi Arabia to print its own crypto coin?

We'll explain what a cryptocurrency is first, and how it contrasts with a CBCC before getting into it.

 

What Really is a Cryptocurrency

A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that uses blockchain technology to secure and confirm transactions. Most cryptocurrencies, unlike government-issued and controlled fiat currencies, are decentralized; they are not dependent on central powers. Bitcoin, launched in 2009, was the first and remains the most well-known example. Others like Ethereum, Solana, and Ripple have since emerged with specialized use cases, from programmable contracts to super-fast cross-border payments.

What sets cryptocurrencies apart is that they are peer-to-peer: Payments can be sent directly between users without the involvement of intermediaries like banks. They are also typically supply-capped, which makes them attractive to those who see them as an inflation hedge. But they are highly volatile, unregulated in most places, and have been criticized for their use in speculative trading, fraud, and money laundering.

 

CBDCs and Cryptocurrencies: A Major Distinction

Even as both employ blockchain or distributed ledger technologies, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and cryptocurrencies are fundamentally different.

• A CBDC is central bank-issued and guaranteed. It is a tender of law, like cash or traditional bank deposits, but digital. CBDCs are intended to be stable, controlled, and part of a country's monetary system. It's intended to mimic and perhaps replace cash's role.

• Whereas a cryptocurrency is typically private, unregulated, and not a legal tender, its value is determined by the market forces rather than by a central authority, and it's more of an asset than a currency.

In essence, CBDCs aim to bring state-controlled money into the digital sphere, whereas cryptocurrencies threaten it. Some governments have embraced crypto cautiously, while others are building CBDCs as an indigenously safe and sovereign alternative to the digital currency revolution.

 

Bitcoin and Ethereum: The Cornerstones of the Crypto Ecosystem

Bitcoin and Ethereum remain the two most recognized and widely adopted cryptocurrencies around the world. 

Bitcoin, often referred to as digital gold, was the first cryptocurrency to gain mainstream attention, valued for its decentralized nature and capped supply of 21 million coins. It’s often seen as a store of value and hedge against inflation, especially in markets where traditional currencies face volatility. Its prominence has helped open the door for greater awareness and interest in digital assets across the region.

Ethereum, on the other hand, has carved out a unique position beyond just being a cryptocurrency. Its blockchain powers a vast ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps), smart contracts, and innovative financial tools, such as Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). With its ongoing transition to a more energy-efficient proof-of-stake model, Ethereum continues to attract developers, investors, and regulators alike. 

 

The Global Landscape: Central Banks Go Digital

In order to know where Saudi Arabia stands, one needs to look outward. Over 130 countries, accounting for more than 98% of global GDP, are considering the development of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), as per the Atlantic Council's CBDC Tracker. China is in the lead, with the e-CNY already being extensively tested. The UAE and India, meanwhile, have initiated their own pilot programs, particularly for cross-border transactions.

Specifically, this is not just a matter of keeping up with innovation. It's about maintaining control over monetary policy, gaining payment infrastructure, and financial inclusion, especially as decentralized digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to grow in popularity and volatility.

 

How Saudi Arabia Is Navigating the Crypto Space

Saudi Arabia has thus far addressed cryptocurrencies with a cautious and measured approach. Neither the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) nor the country's currency has legalized cryptocurrencies as a form of payment, and crypto trading is not officially regulated. Saudi citizens and residents do use international crypto markets, albeit often through foreign websites. SAMA has neither banned crypto nor done so for its currency, though it has cautioned citizens about unauthorized use. Despite that, social media views suggest growing local interest, particularly among young Saudis.

As of May 2022, roughly 3 million Saudis, or 14% of the country's population aged 18-60, were actively engaged in the cryptocurrency market either by owning cryptocurrencies or trading them, according to a survey conducted by the KuCoin exchange.

 

The report also found a growing wave of interest among the general population. A further 17% of the survey respondents were defined as "crypto-curious," which demonstrated a high likelihood of investing in cryptocurrencies over the next six months. The findings reflect a growing trend of crypto adoption across Saudi Arabia, among young, technology-literate users interested in decentralized finance and alternative investments.

 

Rather than rushing to adopt or ban cryptocurrencies outright, Saudi regulators are moving slowly to understand the space and see how things go. In 2022, SAMA recruited a head of CBDC development, suggesting growing institutional focus on digital currency design. The Kingdom began to meet with FinTech founders and blockchain startups through regulatory sandboxes, testing digital financial products in a sandboxed environment.

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) also has an interest in asset tokenization, and it appears that blockchain technology could find a niche in Saudi Arabia's financial future, even though there is no plan to switch away from cryptocurrencies for the time being.

 

Project Aber 

Beyond private sector momentum, government-backed initiatives are also shaping the region’s digital finance landscape. One notable example is Project Aber, a joint initiative launched in 2019 by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) to explore the feasibility of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) for cross-border payments. The project aimed to assess the potential of distributed ledger technology (DLT) in enhancing the efficiency and security of interbank transactions between the two countries.

 

Over the course of a year, Project Aber involved six commercial banks—three from each country—in testing a dual-issued, wholesale CBDC used exclusively for settlements between participating banks. The initiative successfully demonstrated that a DLT-based solution could streamline cross-border payments by reducing transfer times and costs, while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. The findings, documented in the Project Aber Final Report, have contributed to the global discourse on CBDCs and have informed subsequent initiatives, such as Saudi Arabia's participation in Project mBridge, which seeks to further develop cross-border CBDC applications.

 

Why It Might Make Sense for Saudi Arabia to Begin Thinking About a Crypto Coin?

1. Facilitates Vision 2030 Objectives

The Kingdom is taking aggressive steps to diversify the economy and embrace digitalization. A Saudi crypto coin would place the country at the forefront of the international Web3 economy and portend welcome openness to innovation from next-generation fintech.

2. Financial Inclusion

An officially approved crypto coin, or one made accessible by a mobile phone, might draw more of its citizens, and in particular the unbanked and underbanked, into the formal financial system. This would have particular potential among youth and rural women.

3. Enabling Cross-Border Trade

Since intra-GCC trade and remittances are significant in the region, a Saudi digital coin would facilitate easy cross-border payments, reduce costs, and promote economic integration, especially if complemented by neighboring digital currencies.

4. Reporting Global Investment

A Saudi crypto initiative - properly regulated, transparent, and Shariah-compliant - can attract global crypto firms and investors, solidifying the Kingdom's status as a regional fintech hub.

5. Aligning With a Young, Tech-Savvy Population

Over half of Saudi Arabia's population is less than 30 years old, and digitally native generations are more likely to explore alternative assets such as crypto. Addressing this increasing demand with a domestically created coin might serve to capture and direct local interest.

 

What Could Hold It Back

1. Regulatory Uncertainty

While progress has been made, Saudi Arabia's crypto regulations are still in their infancy. The CMA and SAMA issued warnings against trading unlicensed cryptocurrency assets. A state-issued coin would need to have a holistic legal and financial setup to prevent confusion.

2. Price Volatility and Monetary Policy Risks

Most cryptocurrencies are inherently volatile. Would the Saudi coin be pegged to the riyal? Would it be a stablecoin? Such design choices would have deep implications for monetary policy and public trust.

3. Finance and Misuse Risks

Crypto coins, if not monitored well, can be misused for money laundering, tax evasion, and capital flight. It would be crucial to be AML/KYC compliant and aligned globally.

4. Infrastructure Readiness

Blockchain networks require cyber resilience and technical infrastructure. The success of the coin would depend on robust platforms, secure wallets, user awareness, and reliable internet connectivity across the country.

5. Cultural and Religious Considerations

Similar to all financial innovations in the Kingdom, any cryptocurrency would have to be Islamic finance-friendly. Interest, speculation, and asset backing issues would have to be addressed carefully.

 

Conclusion

Implementing a national cryptocurrency is a bold endeavor, and Saudi Arabia has the resources to make it work. It has the funds, the ambition, the cyber infrastructure, and an increasingly technologically savvy citizenry. A Saudi cryptocurrency would have the potential to increase financial access, propel cross-border innovation, and solidify the Kingdom's leadership in the digital economy.

 

But it must be a strategic, safe, and vision-driven step. If not regulated, openly schooled, and in harmony with national values, the detriments may outweigh the benefits.

Whether by way of a digital riyal, expanded build-out of Project Aber, or wider regulation of crypto, Saudi Arabia can take the lead in Islamic-compliant, digitally driven finance. The question is not whether the Kingdom will digitalize. It's when and how.

 

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Latest Experts Thoughts

Dawud: Cybersecurity, AI drive digital transformation in Saudi Arabia, Egypt

Mohamed Ramzy

 

The technology landscape in the Middle East is witnessing an unprecedented boom, driven by massive investments in digital infrastructure and a strategic shift towards the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). With this momentum, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as the primary defense line protecting data and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Spire Solutions emerged as a key player in this rapidly growing landscape and one of the leading distributors of cybersecurity, data, and AI solutions in the region, with a robust presence across the Gulf and Egyptian markets over nearly two decades. As Saudi Vision 2030 targets accelerate and Egypt advances digital transformation pathways, the company aims to deepen its operations and expand investments in both markets.

Sharikat Mubasher held an interview with Anas Dawud, General Manager for Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Lavent at Spire Solutions, to discover the company’s expansion plans, its role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and driving digital transformation in Egypt, the role of the regulatory ecosystem in bolstering growth, and the company’s plans across the cybersecurity and AI sectors.

 

Spire Solutions has a long-standing record in the region. Could you highlight the company's key milestones and current solutions it focuses on?

Spire Solutions was founded nearly 19 years ago, with an initial focus centered on cybersecurity as a value-added service across the GCC, Egypt, and North Africa. To meet the needs of these rapidly evolving markets, we expanded our portfolio to include data and AI solutions, establishing a strategic integration between information security, data analytics, and intelligent technologies. This comprehensive package now defines our IT services offered to clients.

 

Speaking about the Saudi market, how do you assess the company’s operations amid the Kingdom’s significant momentum?

Saudi Arabia is our largest market. We have been operating in the Kingdom for over 15 years, and now serve a huge client base of more than 1,000 customers, including diverse government entities and large companies. Our main goal is to ensure robust protection of the IT environments of these organizations.

Geographically, we currently cover 18 cities across the Kingdom through a specialized team of engineers and consultants. We also aim to expandi our team in the Western Region, in line with our plan to open a regional headquarters in Riyadh soon.

 

How has Saudi Arabia’s regulatory environment contributed to driving Spire Solutions’ growth in this sector?

Governance and regulations put in place by Saudi regulators have been the cornerstone for our business growth, setting clear frameworks for cybersecurity and data protection standards. This boosted demand for our solutions across pivotal sectors, whether financial, banking, or governmental, while ensuring companies operate within a protected, regulated market.

The sector is witnessing a great momentum, backed by several supporting entities, notably the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and many other entities.

 

Spire Solutions recently participated in the inaugural AI Everything MEA 2026 summit. How do you see the growth opportunities in the Egyptian market compared to other markets in the region? 

The Egyptian market is very promising, driven by a genuine, tangible shift from the government and the private sector towards comprehensive digital transformation.

Companies and banks have shown significant awareness of the need to integrate AI into their work cycles. Spire Solutions has been operating in the Egyptian market for more than 10 years, and we believe that the current movement in digital transformation and AI paves the way for us to boost investment and expand the reach of our technical services and consultancies in the coming period.

 

Does Spire Solutions plan to launch new projects in Egypt soon?

Spire Solutions is in ongoing talks with local partners to form successful partnerships. We recently held high-level meetings with leading Egyptian entities and have several strategic projects in the pipeline that we will announce soon.

I would like to emphasize a key point regarding our business approach in Egypt. We do not engage directly with the end-user; rather, we work through strategic partnerships with system integrators. However, we provide support to end-users through consultancy services and technical training.

 

The entrepreneurship sector in the region is experiencing significant momentum. What role does Spire Solutions play in supporting startups?

Supporting startups is at the heart of our strategy. We are committed to providing them with specialized technical training, enabling access to markets, and helping them build effective customer relationships.

We believe in the importance of working alongside entrepreneurs who are developing innovative solutions. Through this approach, we have supported a number of startups that have successfully established a strong presence across the region.

 

How do you see the future of AI and data sectors in key markets in the region by 2030?

Data volume is growing continuously and rapidly, making data science and analytics an essential pillar of organizational resilience, serving as the engine that guides companies' investments and helps navigate emerging challenges.

Today, AI plays a crucial role in promoting this process by providing faster and more accurate data protection. We aim to expand beyond Egypt and the GCC to enter specific markets in North Africa within the coming period.

With the accelerated pace of digital transformation in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, opportunities are abundant for cybersecurity and AI companies. Spire Solutions, guided by a clear regional expansion strategy, focuses on building local partnerships, knowledge exchange, and upskilling talent, ultimately enhancing organizations’ readiness to address evolving challenges in the digital landscape.

 

Translation: Noha Gad

Smart Kingdom: How AI Is Powering the Next Generation of Saudi Mega Projects

Kholoud Hussein 

 

Saudi Arabia’s mega projects were conceived as symbols of economic diversification. Today, they are becoming test beds for something even more transformative: artificial intelligence embedded at scale.

From predictive construction systems to AI-managed urban mobility, the Kingdom’s flagship developments are not merely large in size or investment value. They are increasingly designed as intelligent ecosystems. Backed by the policy framework of Saudi Vision 2030 and coordinated through institutions such as the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), AI is moving from experimental pilot to core infrastructure layer.

With mega projects collectively valued in the trillions of dollars, Saudi Arabia is positioning artificial intelligence not as a supporting tool, but as an operating system for next-generation cities, tourism hubs, logistics corridors, and industrial zones.

 

AI as a National Priority

Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions are not confined to individual developments. In 2020, the Kingdom launched the National Strategy for Data and AI, aiming to position the country among the top 15 global AI leaders by 2030. Officials have repeatedly emphasized that artificial intelligence is central to economic competitiveness.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has described technology and innovation as pillars of the Kingdom’s diversification strategy. Meanwhile, SDAIA President Abdullah Alghamdi has stated that data and AI are “key enablers of economic growth and digital transformation.”

According to official projections, AI could contribute an estimated $135 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030, representing roughly 12 percent of the national economy. These figures underscore why mega projects are being built with AI integration from inception rather than retrofitted later.

 

NEOM: Building an AI-Native City

Perhaps the most visible example is NEOM, the $500 billion smart city development in northwestern Saudi Arabia. Designed as a fully connected urban environment, NEOM integrates AI across energy management, transportation, water systems, and security infrastructure.

Within NEOM, THE LINE represents an ambitious experiment in AI-driven urban planning. The linear city will rely on predictive analytics to manage traffic flows, optimize energy consumption, and coordinate autonomous transport systems. Digital twins—virtual models of physical infrastructure—allow planners to simulate real-world conditions before construction is completed.

AI algorithms will monitor energy demand in real time, automatically adjusting renewable energy generation and storage systems. In practice, this reduces waste and improves grid resilience. In urban mobility, AI-enabled platforms are expected to manage autonomous vehicles and high-speed transit networks with minimal human intervention.

The result is an environment where infrastructure decisions are driven by continuous data analysis rather than static planning assumptions.

 

The Red Sea Project: AI in Sustainable Tourism

Sustainability is another arena where AI is reshaping Saudi mega developments. Red Sea Global, developer of the Red Sea Project, has embedded AI into environmental management systems.

The destination aims to operate on 100 percent renewable energy. AI-powered monitoring systems analyze weather patterns, guest flows, and energy consumption to optimize operations while minimizing ecological impact. Smart desalination plants use machine learning to improve efficiency and reduce carbon intensity.

By using predictive analytics, operators can anticipate peak visitor demand and adjust services accordingly, limiting overuse of sensitive natural environments. This model reflects a broader shift: AI is not only about efficiency but also about environmental stewardship.

 

Qiddiya and Predictive Operations

Entertainment and sports infrastructure are also being transformed. Qiddiya Investment Company is developing one of the Kingdom’s largest entertainment cities, integrating AI for crowd management, safety monitoring, and real-time operational analytics.

Advanced camera systems and computer vision technologies help detect congestion patterns and enhance security oversight. Predictive maintenance tools monitor ride systems and facilities to reduce downtime and prevent mechanical failures.

For mega venues hosting international events, AI-driven analytics enable dynamic pricing strategies, optimized staffing, and personalized visitor experiences.

 

AI in Construction and Project Management

Beyond the final user experience, AI is reshaping how mega projects are built.

Saudi Arabia’s construction sector faces the challenge of delivering projects at an unprecedented scale. AI-enabled project management platforms analyze supply chains, labor allocation, and procurement timelines to mitigate delays. Predictive analytics help identify bottlenecks before they escalate into costly overruns.

Drone-based imaging combined with machine learning allows real-time monitoring of construction progress. This data feeds into centralized dashboards, enabling developers to compare projected timelines with actual performance.

Given that Saudi giga-projects represent investments exceeding $1 trillion collectively, even marginal efficiency gains through AI can translate into billions of dollars in savings.

 

The Startup Ecosystem: Local Innovation at Scale

While global technology providers are active in the Kingdom, Saudi startups are increasingly contributing to the AI ecosystem, supporting mega projects.

Companies such as Mozn specialize in AI-driven analytics and risk management platforms. Originally focused on financial crime detection, firms like Mozn are expanding into broader data analytics solutions relevant to infrastructure and enterprise clients.

Another emerging player is Quant Data & Analytics, which develops AI tools for predictive analytics and data intelligence. Such companies are well-positioned to serve government agencies and mega-project operators requiring localized AI solutions.

Saudi Arabia’s venture capital ecosystem has grown significantly, with AI startups attracting increasing funding rounds. Government-backed funds and accelerators are prioritizing artificial intelligence as a strategic vertical.

As mega projects mature, demand for specialized AI applications—ranging from logistics optimization to energy modeling—creates a substantial addressable market for domestic startups.

 

Human Capital and Workforce Transformation

AI integration also has labor market implications. Mega projects are serving as training grounds for Saudi engineers, data scientists, and AI specialists.

Under Vision 2030, workforce localization initiatives aim to equip Saudi nationals with advanced digital skills. Universities and research centers are partnering with mega-project developers to create AI-focused training programs.

Officials have emphasized that AI adoption is not about workforce replacement but productivity enhancement. SDAIA leadership has noted that building local AI talent is essential for long-term sustainability.

 

Economic Impact and Investment Outlook

The economic implications are profound. With AI projected to contribute $135 billion to GDP by 2030, mega projects act as catalysts, accelerating this contribution.

Investment in digital infrastructure, cloud computing, and data centers is expanding alongside physical construction. Saudi Arabia has announced multi-billion-dollar investments in cloud services partnerships to support AI workloads.

Moreover, foreign direct investment linked to technology partnerships continues to grow as global firms view Saudi mega projects as large-scale test environments for advanced AI applications.

Industry analysts estimate that AI-related spending in Saudi Arabia could grow at compound annual rates exceeding 25 percent through the end of the decade, driven largely by giga-project deployment.

 

Challenges and Governance Considerations

Despite momentum, challenges remain. Integrating AI across complex, multi-stakeholder projects requires strong governance frameworks. Data privacy, cybersecurity, and algorithmic accountability are critical concerns.

Saudi authorities have introduced regulatory standards governing data protection and AI ethics to ensure responsible deployment. This regulatory clarity may enhance investor confidence.

 

Finally, Saudi Arabia’s mega projects were initially defined by scale—record-breaking budgets, ambitious architecture, and expansive geography. Increasingly, however, they are defined by intelligence.

Artificial intelligence is embedded in planning models, operational systems, sustainability metrics, and security frameworks. It is shaping not only how projects are built but how they function long after completion.

If current trajectories continue, Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects may become global reference models for AI-integrated urban development. In doing so, they reinforce the Kingdom’s broader ambition: to transition from an economy built primarily on natural resources to one powered by data, technology, and intelligent systems.

 

What Is ‘Asset Turnover Ratio’ and Why It Matters for Startups

Ghada Ismail

 

Most startups don’t fail because they lack ideas. They fail because they misjudge how efficiently they turn what they own into revenue.

In the rush to grow, founders often focus on how fast money is coming in, while paying far less attention to how hard their assets are actually working. Office space sits half-used. Software tools pile up. Teams expand faster than output. On paper, the startup looks like it’s growing. In reality, its engine may be inefficient.

This is where the Asset Turnover Ratio quietly steps in. It doesn’t care about hype, valuation, or future promises. It asks one simple, uncomfortable question: How much revenue are you actually generating from the assets you already have? For startups operating on limited capital and tight runways, the answer can be revealing, and sometimes alarming.

 

What Is Asset Turnover Ratio?

The Asset Turnover Ratio measures how efficiently a business uses its assets to generate revenue. It shows how much revenue is produced for every unit of assets owned by the company.

The formula is simple:

Asset Turnover Ratio = Revenue ÷ Average Total Assets

If a startup generates SAR 2 million in revenue and holds SAR 1 million in total assets, its asset turnover ratio is 2. This means the company generates SAR 2 in revenue for every riyal invested in assets.

In general, a higher ratio indicates stronger operational efficiency, while a lower ratio suggests that assets may not be used to their full potential.

 

Why Asset Turnover Ratio Matters for Startups

Startups rarely have excess resources. Capital is limited, margins are thin, and every investment—whether in people, technology, or infrastructure—needs to prove its value quickly.

The asset turnover ratio helps founders understand whether their business model is genuinely efficient or simply growing heavier over time. It highlights whether assets are actively contributing to revenue or quietly becoming cost centers.

For investors, this metric offers insight into execution quality. A startup that generates strong revenue relative to its asset base signals discipline, thoughtful scaling, and smarter capital allocation, qualities that matter far more than growth alone.

 

Interpreting High and Low Asset Turnover Ratios

A high asset turnover ratio often reflects a lean, well-optimized business. Digital startups, SaaS platforms, and marketplace models typically perform well because they generate revenue without heavy physical infrastructure. High turnover suggests that the startup is maximizing output from minimal resources.

A low asset turnover ratio is not necessarily a red flag on its own. Asset-heavy startups in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, or hardware development often show lower ratios, especially in early stages. The real concern arises when assets continue to grow while revenue lags behind, signaling inefficiencies or premature expansion.

What matters most is what happens next. Improving turnover over time indicates that the startup is learning how to scale more efficiently.

 

How Startups Can Improve Asset Turnover

Improving asset turnover is not about cutting costs aggressively. It is about making smarter decisions with existing resources.

Startups can focus on increasing revenue before acquiring new assets, delaying major capital expenditures until demand is validated, and outsourcing non-core functions instead of owning everything in-house. Regularly reviewing underperforming assets—whether tools, systems, or physical resources—also helps prevent unnecessary drag on performance.

Ultimately, the goal is not to own fewer assets, but to ensure that every asset actively supports growth.

 

Putting Asset Turnover in Context

No single metric tells the full story. Asset turnover should be viewed alongside profitability, cash flow, and growth indicators. A startup can be efficient but unprofitable, or profitable but inefficient. The real insight comes from understanding how these metrics work together.

For founders, asset turnover serves as a reality check. It keeps ambition grounded in execution and encourages smarter scaling rather than reckless expansion.

 

Wrapping Things Up…

At its core, the asset turnover ratio is not just a financial metric, but rather a discipline check.

It forces founders to ask whether growth is being built on smart execution or on accumulating more resources than the business can justify. High turnover reflects a startup that knows how to extract value before spending more. Low turnover, if ignored, quietly erodes runway long before cash flow problems become obvious.

In a startup landscape where capital is no longer unlimited, the businesses that survive will not be the ones that own the most assets, but the ones that use what they own best.

Alpha and Beta Testing: How Smart Startups Launch Without Guessing

Kholoud Hussein 

 

In the startup world, building a product is only half the battle. The other half is making sure it works in the real world. That’s where alpha and beta testing come in.

For early-stage companies, these testing phases are not technical formalities. They are risk-management tools. They help founders validate assumptions, uncover weaknesses, and refine user experience before a full public launch. Done properly, alpha and beta tests can mean the difference between a controlled rollout and a costly failure.

What Is Alpha Testing?

Alpha testing is the first structured round of product testing. It usually happens after internal development is complete but before the product reaches external users.

At this stage, the product may be functional but not polished. Features might be incomplete. The interface may still need refinement. Bugs are expected.

Alpha testing is typically conducted internally by the startup’s team, along with a small, controlled group of trusted users. These may include employees, close partners, advisors, or early supporters. The goal is to identify major technical flaws and usability issues before exposing the product to a broader audience.

This phase focuses on stability and core functionality. Does the platform crash? Do essential features work as intended? Are there obvious friction points in navigation?

Because the testing environment is controlled, feedback tends to be direct and detailed. Developers can observe user behavior closely, fix bugs quickly, and release multiple iterations in a short period of time.

For startups, alpha testing is about protecting reputation. Launching publicly with obvious technical failures can damage trust early. Alpha testing minimizes that risk.

What Is Beta Testing?

If alpha testing is internal, beta testing is external.

Beta testing involves releasing the product to a limited group of real users outside the company. These users represent the target market more accurately. They are not part of the founding team, and they interact with the product in real-world conditions.

Unlike alpha testing, beta testing examines more than technical performance. It evaluates user experience, product-market fit, and perceived value.

Key questions during beta testing include:

  • Do users understand the product without explanation?
  • Are they willing to pay for it?
  • Which features do they actually use?
  • Where do they drop off?

Beta testing can be closed, meaning access is by invitation only, or open, where anyone can sign up. Early-stage startups often prefer closed beta programs to manage feedback and maintain control.

This phase generates critical data. It reveals whether assumptions about customer behavior were correct. It also surfaces issues that internal teams may overlook, especially around user expectations and workflows.

The Strategic Role of Testing in Startup Growth

For startups operating with limited capital and time, alpha and beta tests are not optional. They are part of a disciplined launch strategy.

Testing reduces uncertainty. Instead of betting everything on a full-scale launch, founders collect evidence first. They identify weak points before marketing budgets are deployed. They adjust pricing models before scaling sales teams.

In lean startup environments, alpha and beta testing align closely with the build-measure-learn cycle. Each testing round provides measurable insight that informs product decisions.

Importantly, testing is not just about fixing problems. It is also about discovering opportunity. Many successful startups refine their value proposition during beta testing. Users may gravitate toward a feature that was initially secondary. Pricing strategies may evolve. Target segments may shift.

This flexibility is critical in early growth stages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Despite their importance, alpha and beta tests are often mismanaged.

One common mistake is rushing through testing to meet artificial launch deadlines. Compressed testing phases reduce feedback quality and increase post-launch risk.

Another mistake is ignoring negative feedback. Founders can become attached to product assumptions. Testing only works if feedback drives change.

A third issue is testing with the wrong audience. If beta users do not reflect the intended customer base, insights may be misleading.

From Testing to Launch

Alpha and beta testing are bridges between development and commercialization. They transform a product from a concept into a market-ready solution.

For investors, thorough testing signals discipline. For customers, it improves reliability. For founders, it provides clarity.

In competitive markets, speed matters. But controlled speed matters more. Startups that treat alpha and beta testing as strategic milestones, rather than procedural checkboxes, increase their odds of building products that not only launch successfully, but scale sustainably.

In the end, alpha and beta tests are about learning before scaling. And for startups, learning early is one of the few true competitive advantages.

 

From policies to platforms: How embedded protection reshapes Saudi insurance market

Noha Gad

 

The insurance market in Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly, becoming the largest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Propelled by the ambitious Vision 2030, the insurance industry is moving from a traditional, compliance-driven market to a dynamic, technology-enabled ecosystem that is ready for global competition.

During the first half (H1) of 2025, the Saudi insurance sector maintained solid momentum with insurance revenue rising 8.1% to SAR 34.7 billion, assets growing 4.5% to SAR 91.96 billion, and equity expanding 4% to SAR 28.4 billion, as stated in a recent report released by Milliman, the global consulting firm based in Seattle.

Another study conducted by Global Data, the UK-based consultancy firm, anticipated the Saudi insurance industry to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% until 2028, reaching SAR 83.7 billion. This rise, the study said, will be fueled by the Kingdom’s shift towards other sectors to reduce dependence on an oil-based economy, along with other factors, including a young, tech-savvy population, trillion-dollar infrastructure and giga-project investments, and a series of forward-thinking regulatory reforms.

Digital transformation serves as the primary catalyst. The adoption of emerging technologies demonstrates the market’s readiness for scaled digital operations. Insurers are leveraging AI-driven underwriting, exploring blockchain for claims processing, and adapting to a landscape in which consumers demand personalized and seamlessly accessible products.

Embedded insurance represents a fundamental shift in how insurance is distributed and consumed. In essence, it is the seamless integration of insurance coverage into the purchase process of another product or service. Instead of a customer having to search for a separate policy from an agent or a dedicated website, protection is offered, or even included, at the exact moment of need, within a digital ecosystem they are already using and trust. This model leverages technology, primarily application programming interfaces (APIs), to connect insurers with non-traditional partners like retailers, telecoms, fintech platforms, and mobility providers. 

It offers a win-win proposition for all parties: customers gain convenient and relevant protection without additional effort; partner companies create new revenue streams and deepen customer loyalty; and insurers access new customer segments and lower their acquisition costs. 

As the Kingdom moves steadily towards Vision 2030 goals, this model of intelligent, integrated, and invisible protection is poised to play a pivotal role in revolutionizing the insurance industry in Saudi Arabia and transforming the sector from a passive financial safety net into an active, embedded part of everyday life.

 

Traditional and embedded insurance 

For traditional insurance models, insurers invest heavily in marketing and sales channels to push their products toward consumers, while customers must expend effort to find, compare, and purchase a policy. However, embedded insurance is seamlessly integrated into the customer journey of purchasing another product or service.

Finding good insurance means filling out long forms, getting medical checks, and waiting a long time. Embedded insurance transforms this by embedding protection into everyday digital flows, creating a frictionless, app-native experience without requiring a separate trip to an insurance site.

Embedded insurance uses partnerships to gain access to up-to-date data. This lets it offer exact, custom coverage that old-school insurance cannot match. 

 

Impacts of emerging technologies on insurance services in Saudi Arabia

The application of emerging technologies has significantly changed how insurance firms work in terms of speed and adequacy of benefit delivery. Key innovations driving this change are:

  • Machine learning (ML). Thanks to their ability to handle massive data, ML innovations can offer quick risk assessment, improved client back, and lower operational costs.
  • Big Data. Insurers utilize Big Data to progress decision-making, offer tailored insurance products, and enhance client experiences.
  • Blockchain technology. It significantly enhances transparency, reduces fraud, and streamlines processes.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) technologies provide real-time data for exact risk evaluation and proactive loss prevention.

Additionally, AI plays a strategic role in reducing uncertainty, improving risk measurement, and enhancing capital deployment. When applied correctly, AI can drive more granular underwriting segmentation, provide real-time portfolio and accumulation monitoring, and enhance smarter reinsurance and capital optimization.

Yasmina AI is the first AI-powered embedded insurance platform in Saudi Arabia, helping insurers eliminate the friction of offering protection. Trusted by over 67 online businesses and insurance companies, Yasmina AI helps clients deliver seamless coverage at the perfect moment to protect their customers.

The platform transforms how insurance is delivered across digital platforms by offering seamless API integration that enables digital businesses to provide personalized insurance at checkout in less than 48 hours.

Embedded insurance shows the visible change in how and where customers get protection, while AI-driven Insurance-as-a-Service(IaaS) is the invisible engine powering it all. Through this platform-based model, insurers can offer their capabilities via APIs to non-insurance brands. This transforms the insurer from a final destination into a behind-the-scenes enabler. IaaS platforms allow insurers to offer coverage to partners on a flexible, pay-per-use or subscription basis, making it ideal for the short-term, activity-specific coverage often demanded in embedded contexts.

In Saudi Arabia, this model is gaining traction, with major players and innovative partnerships demonstrating its real-world application. Rommana is the first IaaS platform in Saudi Arabia to offer comprehensive solutions that equip businesses with all the essential tools they need to effortlessly sell, manage, and renew insurance policies. Rommana’s AI-powered solutions help insurers transform insurance operations by automating claims, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency. Equipped with a comprehensive full-stack infrastructure, Rommana’s API ensures seamless connections, making the process both cost-effective and durable.

The integration of AI into the Saudi insurance sector is driving a profound dual transformation, making protection more personal, accessible, and proactive, and revolutionizing insurance’s technical core. These two outcomes are two sides of the same coin. Better risk assessment, powered by richer data and more sophisticated analytics, enables the personalization and fairness that customers increasingly demand. By analyzing vast databases, from shopping habits and lifestyle choices to driving behavior and health metrics, AI enables insurers to create highly personalized products that fit an individual's actual risk profile and needs.

In conclusion, the insurance sector in Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a defining force in the global financial landscape, moving decisively beyond the era of friction-laden paperwork and distant, transactional relationships. At the heart of this transformation is the convergence of two powerful forces: embedded insurance and IaaS. Embedded insurance revolutionized the customer journey, pulling protection out of siloed distribution channels and shifting it directly into the digital pathways of daily life transactions, from e-commerce checkouts to mobility applications and fintech platforms. Additionally, IaaS platforms provide the invisible infrastructure that makes this seamless integration possible, while empowering insurers to offer their core capabilities as modular, on-demand services.

The ultimate beneficiary of this technological revolution is the customer. By harnessing richer data and more sophisticated analytics, Saudi insurers can move beyond one-size-fits-all products to create coverage that is dynamically aligned with individual risk profiles and lifestyles.