If our previous article outlined the contours of Saudi Arabia’s new model—built on the synergy between Biban as a factory of innovation and TOURISE as a marketplace of experiences—then the 22 billion riyals announced at Biban 2025 mark the official activation of that factory at full capacity.
This number isn’t merely the outcome of signed agreements; it is the financial oxygen that will transform entrepreneurial ideas into companies ready to meet the demands of the future being shaped by the tourism sector.
What Monsha’at accomplished at this forum goes beyond event organization—it is financial engineering for the economy of tomorrow.
When we examine the details of the 22 billion, we don’t see random lending; we see targeted, strategic financing.
The alignment of Saudi Arabia’s major banks—from Riyad Bank and Al Rajhi Bank to Arab National, Alinma, AlJazira, Banque Saudi Fransi, SNB, and Bank Albilad—is not a coincidence; it is a declaration that the entire financial sector is placing its full weight behind Vision 2030’s mandate to empower small and medium enterprises.
The real genius lies in going beyond traditional bank financing.
Agreements with Saudi Aramco—through the Tomooh program—connect these SMEs to the Kingdom’s largest industrial supply chain.
Meanwhile, collaboration with the Social Development Bank ensures the developmental and social dimension of entrepreneurship.
And the Reef Academy partnership channels innovation toward a vital and strategic sector: food security and agriculture.
Here, Monsha’at is not merely funding; it is building a complete ecosystem—guaranteeing a startup its financing, its client base (Aramco), its social backing (SDB), and its specialization (Reef).
This is where the integration with TOURISE comes back into focus.
A tourism sector aiming to attract 150 million visitors cannot rely solely on global hotel chains.
It requires thousands of innovative SMEs in tech, unique hospitality experiences, smart logistics, and artificial-intelligence applications that humanize the tourism journey.
The 22 billion riyals are a direct investment in local suppliers who will deliver these services—turning mega tourism projects from static assets into living experiences.
What we are witnessing is not merely the success of a forum—it is the maturity of Vision 2030’s strategy itself.
We have moved from drawing the vision to building the mechanisms.
Biban is no longer just a conference; it has become an exchange for ideas and capital.
TOURISE is the marketplace awaiting the output of that exchange.
The 22 billion riyals are, quite simply, the bridge connecting the two—a testament that Riyadh is not merely planning the future, but financing its construction today.
And when Riyadh finances the future, it does not just write history—it designs it.