The sector grew at nearly twice the global rate of 4.1 percent and significantly above the Middle East average of 5.3 percent, reflecting increased investment and policy focus under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy beyond oil.Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb said the growth underscores the impact of sustained investment in destinations, infrastructure and connectivity, adding that the sector is delivering measurable economic returns.

Saudi Arabia has already exceeded its earlier target of attracting 100 million visitors and is now aiming for 150 million annually by the end of the decade. The sector’s $178 billion contribution accounts for nearly half of the Middle East’s total tourism GDP, positioning the Kingdom as the region’s largest market.

International visitor spending rose 8.2 percent in 2025, compared with a global average of 3.2 percent, highlighting strong inbound demand. The WTTC said business travel was a key driver, with spending increasing by more than 55 percent, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a hub for corporate events and investment activity.

WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said the region’s performance demonstrated the sector’s importance for economic growth, employment and international connectivity.

Across the region, the United Arab Emirates recorded tourism GDP of $68.5 billion, while Jordan and Oman each posted growth of 5.5 percent, with international visitor spending reaching $8.5 billion and $4 billion respectively.

A surge in investment linked to artificial intelligence is reshaping Britain’s real estate market, as demand for data centre infrastructure drives up land values, strains electricity networks and fuels speculative development activity.

Across the United Kingdom, industrial landowners, property developers and investors are repositioning sites to attract technology firms seeking locations for large-scale data centres.

The shift is being driven by anticipated spending from major technology companies including Google, Microsoft and Nvidia, which have pledged billions of dollars toward digital infrastructure.At the centre of this transformation is the Wilton International site in northeast England, where disused land once tied to the declining chemical industry is being repurposed for potential AI data centre development.

The site benefits from existing energy infrastructure, including grid connections and on-site power generation, making it an example of what industry participants describe as “powered land.”Owned primarily by Sembcorp UK, a subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries, the Wilton site is being marketed in partnership with developer Digital Reef to attract a hyperscale tenant.

Such tenants—large cloud computing providers including Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft require significant and reliable power supplies to support AI workloads.Industry participants say the defining requirement for AI data centres is access to electricity rather than proximity to financial hubs, allowing development to shift away from high-cost urban centres such as London toward less expensive industrial or rural areas.

According to construction analytics firm Barbour ABI, plans for 119 data centres have been submitted across Britain, spanning locations from former industrial facilities to repurposed commercial sites. This surge has led to a sharp increase in applications for electricity grid connections.

Data from Britain’s energy authorities show that demand for grid connections rose by 460% in the first half of 2025. Applications to connect to the high-voltage network reached 96 gigawatts, with an additional 29 gigawatts requested for local networks. For comparison, the country’s total electricity generation capacity is estimated at around 72 gigawatts.

The National Energy System Operator reported that approximately 140 data centre projects are currently in the connection queue, representing around 50 gigawatts of demand. The volume of applications has extended waiting times for grid access to between 12 and 15 years, creating a bottleneck that industry participants say is delaying viable projects.

The backlog has also been exacerbated by speculative applications. Some landowners have sought grid connections without confirmed planning approval or end users, leading to the emergence of so-called “zombie projects” that occupy capacity in the queue without clear development prospects.

In response, the operator has proposed reforms to prioritise projects deemed strategically important, including data centres, and to filter out speculative demand. A similar approach applied to renewable energy projects previously reduced connection requests by half.The scarcity of grid access has significantly altered land valuations.

According to Savills, industrial land in London typically sells for between 4.5 million and 6 million pounds per acre. Sites suitable for data centres can command between 8 million and 15 million pounds per acre, reflecting the premium attached to reliable power supply.

Comparable trends are evident in the United States, where real estate adviser Colliers reports that powered land can sell for more than twice the value of standard industrial land, with even higher multiples in established data centre markets such as northern Virginia and northern California.

Developers are increasingly adopting unconventional approaches to secure power access. In one case, a project acquired by Equinix obtained a grid connection by partnering with a battery storage developer and converting its allocation to suit data centre requirements.

Equinix plans to invest approximately 3.9 billion pounds in the development, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and operations targeted for 2031.However, securing a connection does not guarantee timely access to power.

Industry executives report instances where connection timelines have been delayed by more than a decade, forcing developers to explore alternative energy solutions to maintain project viability.Despite the surge in proposals, Britain lags behind other markets in actual project delivery.

Data compiled by DC Byte indicates that only 7% of tracked UK data centre projects are under construction or completed, compared with 46% in Germany, 40% in France and 24% in the United States.High industrial electricity costs and regulatory challenges have further complicated development. OpenAI recently paused plans for a large data centre in northeastern England, citing concerns over energy pricing and regulatory conditions.

Nonetheless, industry stakeholders maintain that underlying demand for AI infrastructure remains strong. At the Wilton site, existing grid capacity of 240 megawatts, combined with on-site generation from gas, biomass and waste-to-energy facilities, provides a foundation for expansion. Plans include integrating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, with the potential to scale capacity to one gigawatt.

Developers estimate that achieving this scale could require investment of approximately 15 billion pounds over the next decade. Discussions with potential tenants are ongoing, with project backers expressing confidence in long-term demand driven by the adoption of AI technologies.The expansion of data centre infrastructure is increasingly viewed by policymakers and industry as central to economic modernisation strategies.

However, the pace of development will depend on resolving constraints in energy supply, planning approvals and infrastructure capacity, which continue to shape the trajectory of Britain’s AI-driven real estate market.

The Philippines becomes the 13th member of Pax Silica, a programme designed to safeguard the full spectrum of the technology supply chain, including critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, computing and data infrastructure.

The initiative forms part of the Trump administration’s broader economic strategy to reduce reliance on rival nations and deepen coordination among allied partners. Other participating countries include Australia, Finland, India, Qatar, South Korea and Singapore.

The planned industrial hub will be located within the Luzon Economic Corridor, a key economic zone encompassing Manila and surrounding regions with established manufacturing capacity. The Philippines, Japan and the United States have also committed to increasing infrastructure investment in the corridor under a trilateral framework agreement.

“It is intended to serve as a staging point for a purpose-built platform for allied manufacturing,” the State Department said, adding that both countries aim to reinforce supply chains across semiconductors, electronics and other critical sectors.

The project underscores strengthening ties between Manila and Washington under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has moved to deepen cooperation with the United States.

The Philippines, a former U.S. colony, has also taken on strategic importance in Washington’s efforts to counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.

The budget outlines a fiscal deficit target of 4.3 percent of gross domestic product for the coming financial year. This trajectory aligns with the broader goal of steadily reducing the debt burden while maintaining sufficient room for productive spending.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that fiscal consolidation will continue without compromising development objectives. The strategy focuses on strengthening domestic manufacturing, boosting infrastructure, and reinforcing India’s resilience amid global volatility.

Revenue projections in the budget take into account the impact of recent tax reforms and moderated economic expansion. Nominal GDP growth is estimated at around 10 percent, which is expected to support gradual improvement in government receipts.

Net tax revenues are projected to grow steadily, supported by improved compliance and broad-based economic activity. At the same time, non-tax revenues, including dividends and surplus transfers, are expected to provide additional stability to the fiscal framework.

Despite revenue constraints, the government has maintained a strong focus on capital expenditure. Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of the budget, with record allocations aimed at enhancing long-term productivity and employment generation.

Capital spending for 2026–27 has been raised to a historic high, reflecting confidence in its multiplier effect on the economy. Investments in roads, railways, urban development, and logistics are expected to stimulate private sector participation.

The budget also increases long-term, interest-free loans to states for capital projects. This move supports cooperative federalism and enables states to accelerate infrastructure creation tailored to local needs.

Spending priorities highlight a shift toward sectors that enhance self-reliance and competitiveness. Electronics manufacturing, construction, rare earth development, and strategic industries have received focused attention.

Revenue expenditure growth has been kept measured to ensure efficiency. Allocations for essential subsidies related to food, fuel, and fertilizers remain substantial, ensuring support for vulnerable sections while maintaining fiscal prudence.

Overall government expenditure is set to rise moderately, with capital outlays growing faster than routine spending. This composition is intended to deliver stronger economic returns and support sustainable growth.

Market participants have closely watched the borrowing programme outlined in the budget. While higher borrowings may influence bond markets, the clear fiscal roadmap provides reassurance about long-term stability.

The budget underscores continuity in policy direction, emphasizing growth through investment rather than excessive consumption-led spending. This approach aligns with India’s broader development vision and macroeconomic objectives.

By maintaining a tight leash on unproductive expenditure and prioritizing infrastructure and manufacturing, the budget seeks to create a durable foundation for growth. It reflects confidence in India’s economic fundamentals and reform momentum.

In summary, the 2026–27 budget represents a balanced framework that addresses immediate fiscal realities while investing in future capacity. The emphasis on discipline, growth, and resilience positions the economy to navigate uncertainty with stability.

The company has chosen three leading investment banks, including Axis Capital, Ambit Capital, and Avendus Capital, to guide its upcoming initial public offering (IPO), which is expected to raise up to $568 million.

Vertis aims to seek regulatory approval before December and is targeting the first quarter of 2026 for its official listing.

The decision reflects growing investor confidence in India’s robust infrastructure and capital markets. As Indian stocks continue to perform near record highs, the timing of the IPO highlights a favorable environment for large-scale offerings.

This year alone, Indian companies have collectively raised around $16 billion through public listings, positioning the country as the world’s third-largest market for IPOs.

Vertis Infrastructure Trust, which is also backed by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, is structured as an infrastructure investment trust (InvIT).

These trusts have emerged as popular investment vehicles, allowing both domestic and global investors to pool funds into revenue-generating infrastructure assets such as roads, power projects, and utilities.

This approach helps investors earn stable long-term returns while supporting national development projects that strengthen India’s infrastructure base.

The company currently manages assets worth approximately $3 billion, indicating its solid position in the infrastructure sector.

Vertis’s planned IPO aims to expand its investor base, improve liquidity for existing stakeholders, and enable it to invest in additional large-scale infrastructure projects across India.

With the Indian government emphasizing sustainable infrastructure development, this move aligns with the country’s vision for long-term economic growth and modernization.

The involvement of major investment banks like Axis Capital, Ambit Capital, and Avendus Capital underscores the scale and potential of the offering.

These banks are expected to assist Vertis in structuring the deal, navigating regulatory processes, and ensuring a smooth entry into public markets.

According to market experts, the offering could attract significant participation from both institutional and retail investors, particularly given the trust’s strong financial backing and proven operational base.

The IPO also marks a growing trend among infrastructure investment trusts to tap into India’s vibrant stock exchanges. Out of the 27 InvITs currently operating in the country, only six are publicly listed.

As more private trusts explore public listings, the move is expected to enhance transparency, corporate governance, and investor confidence in the sector.

Vertis’s listing, once completed, would contribute to broadening the market and deepening the pool of infrastructure-focused investment opportunities.

Analysts view this development as a sign of increasing maturity in India’s financial ecosystem. The infrastructure sector remains a cornerstone of India’s growth story, supported by steady demand for transport, energy, and urban development projects.

By bringing in diversified investors through a public listing, Vertis can not only strengthen its capital base but also accelerate the pace of infrastructure creation, which plays a critical role in economic progress and job generation.

As India continues to attract foreign investors with its policy reforms and stable economic outlook, offerings like that of Vertis Infrastructure Trust reinforce the country’s status as a preferred investment destination.

The upcoming IPO is likely to set an encouraging precedent for other infrastructure funds looking to go public, demonstrating that strong governance and well-managed assets can create long-term value for investors and stakeholders alike.

In the coming months, as Vertis completes its regulatory preparations, market watchers will closely follow its progress.

The successful listing of the trust could further boost investor sentiment and contribute to India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its capital markets while building the infrastructure foundation for the next decade of growth.

The signing followed a highly anticipated summit between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Indian Premier in the historic city of Jeddah which is 80 kms away from the Holy City of Mecca.

Officials from both sides described the discussions as “brotherly,” a term that reflects more than diplomacy—it suggests a vision grounded in mutual respect and forward-looking ambition.

Energy and Sustainability at the Core

Half of the deal—$50 billion—is earmarked for energy cooperation, underscoring the sector’s centrality to the partnership. Two state-of-the-art Saudi-funded oil refineries will be built in India, aiming to reduce dependency on energy imports from third countries and enhance India’s refining capacity.

But this isn’t just about fossil fuels. In a signal of shared green ambition, energy giants like Aramco and SABIC will also collaborate with Indian counterparts on hydrogen production and renewable technologies.

There’s even a joint feasibility study in the works for a cross-border electricity grid, which could one day allow energy to flow between the two nations—a vision of sustainable interdependence rarely seen on the global stage.

Revving Up Infrastructure and Industrial Collaboration

Another $20 billion will be steered into infrastructure and manufacturing, primarily through the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Indian port cities and metro rail networks are expected to be key beneficiaries, boosting urban mobility and freight efficiency.

A standout initiative is the Bharat Mobility Corridor, which will connect key logistics hubs across India.

At the same time, over 40 Indian firms are preparing to set up their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification goals. It’s a two-way street of investment, jobs, and shared growth.

New Security Ties in a Changing World

With $15 billion allocated to defense and security, the deal also marks a significant turn in military cooperation. The establishment of a bilateral Defense Cooperation Committee lays the groundwork for joint military exercises and technology sharing, particularly in the rapidly evolving drone and surveillance sectors.

This level of military synergy signals more than a transactional relationship—it’s a long-term alignment in response to shifting geopolitical dynamics, from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.

Betting on the Future: Tech, Space, and Startups

The agreement also places a bold bet on the future. A $10 billion investment package will boost India’s innovation sectors, especially artificial intelligence, biotech, and space technology.

Saudi venture capital is expected to flow into Indian startups, fostering a tech pipeline that stretches from Bengaluru to Riyadh.

Four new MoUs related to space research were signed, including proposals for satellite launches and collaborative missions. The nations also announced joint initiatives in postal tech upgrades and anti-doping research, reflecting a broader embrace of science and ethics in global cooperation.

People, Culture, and the Soft Power Connection

Topping off the deal is a $5 billion investment in cultural and human exchange. Saudi Arabia has increased India’s annual Hajj quota to over 175,000 pilgrims, recognizing the deep spiritual ties between the countries.

In a unique cultural twist, the Kingdom is also investing in Bollywood, a move that not only celebrates Indian cinema but also enhances Saudi Arabia’s own cultural soft power.

Restoration projects for historical sites in both countries are on the agenda, reinforcing the idea that heritage and history are assets—not just artifacts—in diplomacy.

A Deal Measured in More Than Dollars

This isn’t just a $100 billion agreement—it’s a strategic realignment. It signals a world where oil partnerships coexist with clean energy dreams, and where security ties are reinforced with shared tech and cultural understanding.

As the Indo-Gulf axis grows stronger, India and Saudi Arabia are setting a precedent. Not merely as trade partners or defense allies, but as co-architects of a new regional order—one built on shared prosperity, mutual respect, and a future-oriented vision.