New Leadership for Saudi Investment Portfolio
In a significant move for Saudi Arabia's economic future, Fahad bin Abduljalil Al-Saif has been appointed as the new Minister of Investment. The appointment, made by Royal Decree on February 12, 2026, sees Al-Saif taking over from Khalid Al-Falih, who will now serve as a Minister of State and remain a member of the Cabinet. This leadership change underscores Saudi Arabia's intensified focus on strategic capital deployment to achieve its ambitious economic transformation goals.
A Career Steeped in Finance and Investment Strategy
Fahad Al-Saif brings over two decades of experience across corporate banking, investment banking, and global financial services to his new role. Prior to this ministerial appointment, he held pivotal senior leadership positions at the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund. His responsibilities at PIF included heading the Investment Strategy and Economic Insights Division since 2024 and the Global Capital Finance Division since 2021.
At the PIF, Al-Saif was instrumental in driving the fund's long-term investment strategy, strategic asset allocation, sustainability framework, and artificial intelligence (AI) strategy. He also oversaw macroeconomic analysis to inform portfolio direction and capital deployment. Furthermore, he led PIF's comprehensive financing and capital strategy, managing diversified debt issuances across bonds, sukuk, and bank facilities.
His distinguished career also includes serving as an advisor to the Saudi Minister of Finance and being the founding CEO of the National Debt Management Center, where he played a crucial role in developing the Kingdom's sovereign debt strategy. Al-Saif has also held senior positions at SABB and HSBC Saudi Arabia and currently serves on several prominent boards, including as Chairman of AviLease, a member of the Board and Executive Committee of NEOM, and a board member of ACWA Power.
Aligning with Vision 2030's Economic Ambitions
Al-Saif's appointment comes at a critical juncture as Saudi Arabia accelerates its efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and strengthen global economic partnerships, aligning directly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The Ministry of Investment (MISA) is central to this national agenda, tasked with driving capital inflows, facilitating regulatory reforms, and promoting key sectors that contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Vision 2030 aims to diversify the Saudi economy away from its reliance on oil, boost private sector participation, and significantly increase foreign direct investments. MISA's mission is to position Saudi Arabia as a world-class investment destination, attracting and retaining investors while expanding their contributions to the nation's sustainable economic development. The ministry is responsible for:
- Enhancing the investment environment
- Identifying and developing investment opportunities
- Facilitating investor access to these opportunities
- Attracting foreign investments across various sectors
6 Comments
Bermudez
The appointment clearly aligns with Vision 2030's goals of attracting foreign investment, which is positive. However, whether this translates into sustainable economic growth that benefits all citizens, rather than just large projects, remains to be seen.
Eugene Alta
Focusing too much on FDI might neglect the growth of local small and medium businesses.
Noir Black
Al-Saif's deep financial expertise will surely boost foreign direct investment.
Habibi
Bringing in someone with such deep financial expertise is definitely a step in the right direction for the Ministry of Investment. Yet, the article doesn't detail how MISA plans to overcome existing regulatory hurdles that have historically deterred some foreign investors.
ZmeeLove
Excellent choice! His PIF experience is exactly what's needed for Vision 2030.
BuggaBoom
All this talk about 'Vision 2030' feels like a PR stunt, not real progress.