COVID-19 tested companies on their adaptability: Al-Suhaimi

Sarah Al-Suhaimi, the chairman of the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul)

The coronavirus outbreak was a test for companies and their leaderships, Sarah Al-Suhaimi, chairperson of the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), said during a panel discussion at the Future of Investment Initiative (FII) on Jan. 27, 2021.

The pandemic highlighted the extent to which the companies coped with the conditions, along with testing their leadership, speed of decision-making and effective communication with investors and consumers, Al-Suhaimi said.

While some companies were able to adapt to the situation quickly and with high flexibility, others needed some time, she added.

Al-Suhaimi also noted that Tadawul places environmental and social sustainability and governance as a priority, working to set the necessary standards for companies to adopt these standards, particularly, after the market witnessed an increase in the number of investors.