The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s transformation towards a knowledge- and technology-based economy. The fund began focusing on e-commerce in 2018, capitalizing on the boom in this industry in the Kingdom. This move is part of a broader strategy to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its dependence on oil. The PIF has invested in several leading e-commerce companies, including Snapchat and Amazon. The fund also founded Noon.com, which has become one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the region. These investments have contributed to the development of the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure and enhanced its global competitiveness.

The Public Investment Fund and digital transformation in the Kingdom

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in driving digital transformation in the Kingdom. Here are some of the fund’s contributions in this area:

1- Digital investments: PIF has invested heavily in companies and venture capital firms specializing in emerging technologies and digital solutions, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and financial technology.

2- Developing digital infrastructure: The Fund has contributed to developing the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure by participating in communications and information technology infrastructure projects.

3- Strategic Partnerships: PIF has established strategic partnerships with major global technology companies and institutions to transfer knowledge and exchange expertise in digital transformation.

4- Digital transformation of sectors: PIF has made targeted investments to enable digital transformation in various sectors such as healthcare, education, tourism, and entertainment.

5- Supporting startups: Launch investment programs and funds to support and finance startups in the field of digital technologies and innovative technology.

These pioneering efforts by the Public Investment Fund have significantly contributed to strengthening the digital infrastructure and enabling various companies and sectors in the Kingdom to benefit from the opportunities provided by digital transformation.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and its contributions to e-commerce

1- The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has played a pivotal role in developing and stimulating the e-commerce sector in Saudi Arabia, as part of a broader strategy for economic diversification and digital transformation.

2- The fund’s most notable contributions include the establishment of Noon.com and investments in leading global companies such as Amazon and Snapchat, which have strengthened the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure.

3- These efforts have enabled Saudi Arabia to become one of the most promising markets in the field of e-commerce, both regionally and globally.

4- The Fund also contributes to developing the infrastructure necessary to facilitate e-commerce operations, such as communications networks and logistics services.

5. The Fund does not limit itself to investments, but rather adopts initiatives and programs to empower the technology sector and entrepreneurship, such as the Tamkeen Program.

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E-commerce in Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is making tangible efforts to support and enhance the e-commerce sector in the Kingdom through several initiatives:

1- Digital infrastructure: The government is investing in developing the communications and information technology infrastructure to enhance the country’s readiness for e-commerce, such as deploying 5G networks and improving internet access.

2- Acceleration and empowerment: Launching initiatives and programs to stimulate growth in the e-commerce sector and enable small and medium-sized enterprises and companies to enter this field.

3- Regulatory framework: Laws and legislation have been issued to regulate online buying and selling operations, including consumer protection and electronic financial transactions.

4- Incentives and incentives: The government provides financial and legislative incentives to encourage companies to engage in e-commerce and develop digital platforms and solutions.

5- Establishing the E-Commerce Authority: This government body was established to regulate and develop the e-commerce sector in the Kingdom.

6- Training and qualification: Investing in training and qualification programs to develop digital skills and e-entrepreneurship.

These efforts demonstrate the Saudi government’s commitment to developing and strengthening the e-commerce sector as a driver of economic growth and digital transformation in the Kingdom.

Public Investment Fund and Tamkeen Program to Promote Entrepreneurship

The Public Investment Fund’s role goes beyond investment; it also includes adopting initiatives and programs that foster digital transformation in the Kingdom. For example, the fund launched the “Tamkeen” program, which aims to develop the technology sector and promote entrepreneurship in this field. The fund also contributes to developing the infrastructure necessary to promote e-commerce, including fast telecommunications networks and logistics services.

Public Investment Fund and training and qualification programs for entrepreneurship and digital skills

Investing in training and qualification programs to develop digital skills and e-entrepreneurship has been a key aspect of the Public Investment Fund’s contributions to the digital transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:

1- Digital skills training programs:

  • He has organized training courses and capacity building programs in fields such as programming, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.
  • PIF has invested in establishing centers specialized in developing digital skills for Saudi citizens and youth.
  • These programs aim to prepare and qualify Saudi cadres for the growing digital labor market.

2- Supporting e-entrepreneurship:

  • PIF has launched initiatives and incentive programs to support and finance startups in the field of digital technologies and e-entrepreneurship.
  • Provide the necessary funding, mentorship, and guidance services to help entrepreneurs develop and grow their digital projects.
  • These efforts aimed to encourage a culture of innovation and digital initiative in the Kingdom.

These investments in training and qualification were essential to building a base of digital competencies and talents that support e-entrepreneurship and enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness in the digital economy. There are several ways Saudi citizens can benefit from the digital training and qualification programs offered by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Benefit from the digital training and qualification programs provided by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

1- Participation in specialized training programs:

  • Citizens can register and participate in training courses organized by PIF in fields such as programming, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.
  • These programs will provide practical training and skills needed to work in growing digital jobs.

2- Benefit from guidance and counselling services:

  • PIF provides advisory and guidance services to help citizens choose appropriate career paths in the digital field.
  • It also provides tips and advice on how to develop digital skills and build a successful career.

3- Joining e-entrepreneurship initiatives:

  • Innovative and ambitious citizens can benefit from incentive programs and funding available to develop their digital projects.
  • PIF supports startups in the field of digital technologies and e-entrepreneurship.
  • This will help them turn their ideas into successful businesses and create new job opportunities.

By taking advantage of these programs and opportunities, Saudi citizens will be able to acquire the necessary digital skills and launch successful projects in the Kingdom’s digital future.

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Conclusion on e-commerce in Saudi Arabia and the Public Investment Fund: The Public Investment Fund’s increasing focus on e-commerce reflects the Kingdom’s vision to build a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Thanks to these efforts, Saudi Arabia has become one of the most promising e-commerce markets regionally and globally. The Public Investment Fund is expected to continue its leadership role in driving digital transformation in the Kingdom.

Questions about the article: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund Leads the Way to the Era of E-Commerce by 2025


What is the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s investment strategy?

The Public Investment Fund’s strategy is a long-term plan and framework aimed at enhancing the Public Investment Fund’s role in boosting the gross domestic product (GDP) and developing the national economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.


What is the purpose of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)?

The Public Investment Fund has worked to stimulate the private sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by investing in new and promising sectors capable of creating job opportunities, developing capabilities, and enabling the local economy to compete regionally and internationally.


What is the impact of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)?

The PIF Impact works at the immediate, economic, and human levels to innovate and accelerate positive impacts. This approach is rapidly helping transform the Saudi economy and society in line with Vision 2030, the national plan to diversify the economy and create prosperity at home and abroad.


What is the e-commerce law in Saudi Arabia?

The Kingdom’s e-commerce system aims to protect online shoppers, stimulate and develop e-commerce activity in the Kingdom, and increase its contribution to the national economy, achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and enhancing the reliability of electronic transactions.


What are the fastest growing e-commerce markets in the world?

The Philippines leads the list of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets, with a growth rate of 24.1%. India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand follow. Despite being the second-largest e-commerce market in the world, the United States still ranks tenth in terms of e-commerce growth, with the market projected to grow by 10.5% in 2023.