UAE In-Focus — ADNOC awards $1.53bn contract to expand offshore oil operations to 5m bpd

UAE In-Focus — ADNOC awards $1.53bn contract to expand offshore oil operations to 5m bpd
This two-year contract covers the provision of 12 jack-up rigs and two island rigs (Shutterstock)
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Updated 10 October 2022
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UAE In-Focus — ADNOC awards $1.53bn contract to expand offshore oil operations to 5m bpd

UAE In-Focus — ADNOC awards $1.53bn contract to expand offshore oil operations to 5m bpd

DUBAI: Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. has awarded its subsidiary ADNOC Drilling a 5.62 billion dirhams ($1.53 billion) contract to expand its offshore operations to produce five million barrels per day by 2030 , according to Emirates News Agency WAM.

This two-year contract covers the provision of 12 jack-up rigs and two island rigs, and integrated drilling services, and will also allow the company to become self-sufficient in gas production.

ADNOC Upstream Executive Director Yaser Saeed Al-Mazrouei said: “Through this award, ADNOC Offshore will continue to responsibly harness the energy in Abu Dhabi’s waters, as we increase production capacity to meet the world’s growing demand for energy with lower carbon intensity oil and gas. ADNOC Drilling is a world leader in drilling and completion services.

Saudi ANB acquires stake in UAE-based Cashee

Arab National Bank announced an agreement with UAE-based tech startup Cashee to acquire equity in the latter, according to a statement. 

However, neither the amount nor the value of the share it took over was disclosed in the Saudi lender’s press release.

ANB intends to enhance its banking services to target younger generations and broadens financial knowledge and inclusion through this deal.

In addition, Cashee will be able to launch its banking and knowledge solutions, applications, and products in Saudi Arabia with the help of this partnership.

In 2020, Cashee was founded in Dubai to boost financial inclusion for the youth in the Middle East and North Africa region.

ANB’s net profit increased 28.76 percent to SR1.35 billion ($3.59 million) in the first half of 2022, compared to SR1.05 billion a year earlier.

DIFC approves UAE fintech Mamo

Dubai International Financial Center has granted regulatory approval to Mamo, a UAE fintech and financial services platform for Small and Medium Enterprises, according to a statement.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority has granted the company a license to carry out regulated activities in or from the DIFC, including money services.

With the license, Mamo can offer unmatched security and expand its products and services without user restrictions, the statement added.

In June 2021, Mamo received DFSA authorization to operate under the Innovation Testing License program, allowing it to test its business model in a controlled regulatory environment.

All regulated firms must comply with frameworks that require transparency, fairness, and efficiency. 

Businesses, consumers, and users of financial services offered by regulated companies, such as Mamo, are also protected, the statement said.


Saudi Arabia elected ISO council member for two years

Saudi Arabia elected ISO council member for two years
Updated 21 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia elected ISO council member for two years

Saudi Arabia elected ISO council member for two years

RIYADH: In recognition of its efforts to implement health and safety standards, Saudi Arabia has been elected as a member of the council of the International Organization for Standardization, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Kingdom will maintain the position for a two-year period starting 2024, it said.

This was announced during ISO’s 45th general assembly meeting held in Brisbane in Australia.

The Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization, known as SASO, represented the Kingdom at the recent ISO meetings.

SASO is committed to the ongoing enhancement and revision of Saudi standards and technical regulations, with its efforts aimed at safeguarding the nation’s markets against counterfeit, substandard, and deceptive products, ultimately bolstering the national economy. 

Meanwhile, ISO, which came into existence in 1947, is an independent, nongovernmental international organization with 169 members.


Red Sea International Airport becomes operational

Red Sea International Airport becomes operational
Updated 21 September 2023
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Red Sea International Airport becomes operational

Red Sea International Airport becomes operational

RIYADH: The Red Sea International Airport became operational with the touchdown of the first Saudia flight early on Thursday, according to the Red Sea Global. 

In a statement, the multi-project developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and AMAALA, said that the flights from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh will arrive every Thursday and Saturday, connecting the two destinations in less than two hours. 

It added that a flight would return to the capital on the same day. “We promised to make TRS a place where people from all around the world would come to experience the best of Saudi culture, hospitality, and nature. Now, with the first flight touching down at RSIA, and our first resorts receiving bookings, Saudi Arabia’s position on the global tourism map is all but secured,” said John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global. 

From today, the statement added, the flights depart Riyadh every Thursday at 10:50 a.m. before flying back to the capital after 165 minutes. It added that the other flight departs from Riyadh every Saturday at 12:50 p.m., with the return flight at 15:35 p.m. from the Red Sea airport. 

Positioned within an eight-hour flight from 85 percent of the world’s population, the airport will grow to welcome international flights from next year as additional phase one resorts open their doors. 

According to the statement, RSIA is operated by daa International, which has supported RSG with design validation and commissioning of RSIA since 2020. 

“With the arrival of RSIA’s first commercial flight, daa International’s operational responsibility commences,” it added 

In its press release, RSG also revealed the new brand for RSIA with visitors to see the brand expressed across multiple touchpoints, from the airport terminal and staff uniforms to the electric mobility vehicles that will transport passengers from air to land side. 

“RSIA is the gateway to TRS destination. It is the first impression visitors have, and their parting memory when they leave. The brand echoes the qualities of the five-star hospitality guests will enjoy across the destination,” Pagano added. 

The brand icon is a representation of the RSIA’s unique architecture. The company noted that the iconic shape is inspired by the bird’s eye view of the airport’s exterior. “It has been created to express the creativity, novelty, and sophistication of the brand in a way that is contemporary and distinct.” 

RSG further stated that it has made great progress across other infrastructure works to ensure TRS is ready to welcome visitors and meet its promises for responsible development and regenerative tourism. 


Sole Pakistani company at Foodex expo eyes joint ventures

Sole Pakistani company at Foodex expo eyes joint ventures
Updated 21 September 2023
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Sole Pakistani company at Foodex expo eyes joint ventures

Sole Pakistani company at Foodex expo eyes joint ventures

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani food company participating in the 10th edition of Saudi Arabia’s leading international food exhibition, Foodex Saudi, has praised the Kingdom’s market, saying over a dozen Saudi companies had expressed interest in forming joint ventures and distributing its products.

The 10th edition of Foodex Saudi, the Kingdom’s leading international exhibition for food and beverages, was held from September 17-20 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center and featured over 500 exhibitors from 75 countries, offering an array of food and drinks to Saudi buyers from the distribution, retail, manufacturing and hospitality sectors.

Dashi International, a Karachi-based food company that sells ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat food products, was among the 500 exhibitors at the event.

“Dashi International is the only Pakistani company participating in this edition of the Foodex Saudi exhibition,” Fawaz Khalil Allahwala, the company’s chief executive officer, told Arab News over the phone from Riyadh.

“It was a great opportunity to showcase our product as the Saudi market is certainly growing and we found a dozen leads from interested companies from the Kingdom,” Allahwala said.

He said some Saudi companies had sought joint ventures with Dashi International while others were interested in a distribution partnership with the Pakistani company. He declined to name the Saudi companies. 

Allahwala said he experienced a lot of “enthusiasm and optimism” at the exhibition where visitors explored various food items with the aim of seeking new business opportunities.

He said the response was “encouraging and positive.”

“The Saudi market seemed very receptive and growing so we are very hopeful of progress,” Allahwala added.

Hamzah Gilani, the spokesperson of the Pakistani consulate in Jeddah, said the exhibition played a “crucial role” in advancing and diversifying Saudi Arabia’s thriving food and drinks industry.

“This success [of Dashi] should encourage more Pakistani companies to seize such opportunities and expand their involvement in the international market,” Gilani told Arab News, saying Foodex provided Saudi buyers with an “unprecedented opportunity” to discover a diverse range of global food and beverage products.

“This esteemed gathering facilitated extensive networking opportunities,” Gilani said, “and showcased latest industry innovations.”


Saudi airline passenger complaints drop 11.8% in August: GACA   

Saudi airline passenger complaints drop 11.8% in August: GACA   
Updated 21 September 2023
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Saudi airline passenger complaints drop 11.8% in August: GACA   

Saudi airline passenger complaints drop 11.8% in August: GACA   

RIYADH: As part of ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector, the number of passenger complaints among carriers in August dropped by 11.8 percent compared to the same month last year.

Data released by the General Authority of Civil Aviation revealed that there were 1,442 grievances in August 2023, down from the 1,636 recorded in the corresponding month in 2022. 

These developments align with GACA’s economic regulations, which are designed to support the sector’s rapid growth, improve the passenger experience, and ensure transparency and fairness. 

Saudia, formerly known as Saudi Arabian Airlines, received the fewest complaints among carriers, with a total of 14 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a 100 percent timely handling rate. 

Flynas ranked second with 30 such cases per 100,000 passengers and a closure rate of 98 percent.  

Flyadeal came in third with 105 grievances per 100,000 travelers and a timely handling rate of 52 percent. 

The most common complaints in August were related to flights, boarding services, and tickets. 

Among international airports serving more than 6 million passengers annually, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport had the lowest complaint rate at 0.3 percent per 100,000 passengers. 

For international airports with fewer than 6 million passengers per year, Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport received the fewest grievances, with a rate of 1 percent per 100,000 customers.  

Both airports recorded only two such cases, each, with a reported handling rate of 100 percent. 

Among domestic airports, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Airport had the lowest rate at 2 percent per 100,000 travelers. Only one grievance was raised by travelers, with a 100 percent timely management rate.    

Earlier this month, Saudi carriers disbursed a total of SR58 million ($15.4 million) in compensation to travelers during the 2021-2022 period, according to GACA.  

In an official statement released at the time, GACA emphasized that these reimbursements addressed a range of customer concerns, including delays, loss of luggage, flight cancellations, and disruptions to flight schedules.  

This initiative aligns with the authority’s commitment to protecting passenger rights. It also serves as a precursor to the upcoming regulations set to take effect on Nov. 20, aimed at advancing operations and supporting the Kingdom’s growth objectives in the aviation sector.  

GACA’s vision is to create a safe and secure aviation environment by following the most rigorous international safety standards and building a modern airport system that consistently provides exceptional services. 


SAIL and Bahri sign MoU to boost maritime collaboration

SAIL and Bahri sign MoU to boost maritime collaboration
Updated 21 September 2023
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SAIL and Bahri sign MoU to boost maritime collaboration

SAIL and Bahri sign MoU to boost maritime collaboration

RIYADH: In an effort to accelerate collaboration and share expertise, Saudi national shipping company Bahri and SAIL, a subsidiary of the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. owned by the Public Investment Fund, have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance their services within the Kingdom. 

The alliance, formed during the two-day Saudi Maritime Congress in Dammam, aims to facilitate maritime sector development, provide technical support, and promote knowledge and expertise exchange between the two companies, according to a press release. 

Under the agreement, both companies will collaborate on technical support in various domains, including shipbuilding, procurement, ship management, and leasing.  

This partnership will encourage the exchange of ideas on shared interests, such as various vessel types and targeted services.  

Additionally, the two entities will engage in joint studies and research initiatives to enhance their operations in line with industry best practices. 

Commenting on the deal, Ziyad Al-Shiha, CEO of SAIL, said he expects this agreement to play a pivotal role in shaping the maritime sector’s future, positioning the Kingdom as a global hub in the industry. 

Ahmed Ali Al-Subaey, Bahri’s CEO, stressed the importance of this strategic cooperation, highlighting the combined strengths and expertise that will contribute to establishing an ecosystem promoting innovation, creating job opportunities, and showcasing Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub. 

This partnership marks significant progress in advancing the industry as both parties aim to leverage their strengths to provide innovative and efficient solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the maritime logistics market. 

SAIL offers marine pollution response services as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to preserve the marine environment and its beaches.  

Supported by advanced early monitoring and alarm systems, this service combats marine spills and hazardous materials in strategic locations along the Kingdom’s coasts on the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.  

Additionally, it enables swift and efficient responses to marine environmental accidents and disasters.