The Future of Saudi Investment & Ali Abussaud on Market Growth

In this engaging interview from SuperReturn Saudi, Ali Abussaud of Hala Capital discusses the resilient and evolving state of Saudi Arabia’s venture ecosystem. While global markets currently face tighter liquidity and cautious investors, Abussaud emphasizes that the Kingdom is standing strong. Rather than slowing down, Saudi capital is maturing into a highly sophisticated financial landscape.

Despite lengthened global fundraising cycles, Saudi Arabia continues to outpace many international markets. Hala Capital's own portfolio is a testament to this momentum; over the past two years, its companies have successfully secured capital across high-growth sectors like FinTech, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce. Looking ahead, the firm is raising a new fund dedicated to logistics, perfectly aligning with the Kingdom’s strategic ambition to become a premier global trade hub.

The conversation also highlights a major structural evolution: the firm's transition from "Hala Venture" to "Hala Capital." This shift marks their strategic expansion beyond traditional venture capital into private equity, private credit, and alternative investments, positioning them as a comprehensive capital house.

While massive government investments in infrastructure and giga-projects might temporarily tighten local liquidity, Abussaud views this as necessary sequencing—the foundational buildout must happen before the long-term returns can follow. Ultimately, his outlook is deeply optimistic: Saudi capital isn't retreating; it is evolving, and Hala Capital is at the forefront of this new financial era.

Read our Special Report on The State of Fintech in the Middle East here!