Closing bell – Saudi Arabia’s main index edges down 0.3%

The Tadawul All Share Index ended lower with 60 stocks making gains and 158 reporting losses. The MSCI Index also dipped 1.75 points to close at 1,413,37.
The Tadawul All Share Index ended lower with 60 stocks making gains and 158 reporting losses. The MSCI Index also dipped 1.75 points to close at 1,413,37.
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Updated 02 October 2023
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Closing bell – Saudi Arabia’s main index edges down 0.3%

Closing bell – Saudi Arabia’s main index edges down 0.3%

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index declined 0.3 percent to close at 11,005.94 on Monday recording a total trading turnover of SR5.2 billion ($1.4 billion).

The Tadawul All Share Index ended lower with 60 stocks making gains and 158 reporting losses. The MSCI Index also dipped 1.75 points to close at 1,413,37.

Nomu, the parallel market, ended the day on a positive note rising 0.41 percent and recording a trading volume of SR50.1 million.

Arabian Pipes Co. emerged as TASI’s best performer, as its share price surged 6.07 percent to close at SR90.90.

National Medical Care Co. and Leejam Sports Co. also posted significant gains, closing at SR133 and SR151.60, up by 5.89 percent and 4.99 percent respectively.

The National Company for Learning and Education and Red Sea International Co. also performed well.

Saudi Aramco Base Oil Co. closed as the day’s laggard, falling 4.56 percent to end at SR142.20.

Share prices of Al-Babtain Power and Telecommunication Co. and Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance Co. also dipped to SR18.72 and SR200, falling by 4.20 percent and 4.12 percent, respectively.

On Nomu, Intelligent Oud Company for Trading emerged as the top-performing firm gaining 30 percent to conclude at SR63.70.

Alqemam for Computer Systems Co. also ended in the green rising 29.82 percent to finish at SR120.60. Paper Home Co., Mayar Holding Co., and National Building and Marketing Co. joined the gainers’ list, closing at SR 210.20, SR8.07, and SR257 after gains of 21.36 percent, 9.20 percent, and 6.20 percent, respectively.

On the announcement front, Intelligent Oud Company for Trading began listing its shares on Nomu at SR49 per share.

The company floated 325,000 shares, which represents 20 percent of its capital, to qualified investors. The offering was oversubscribed by 1,983.63 percent.

The initial public offering marked the 23rd listing on Nomu in 2023. The total number of listed companies on Nomu has now reached 67.


Oman’s credit grows to $81.6bn in July, up 3.8% yearly

Oman’s credit grows to $81.6bn in July, up 3.8% yearly
Updated 22 sec ago
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Oman’s credit grows to $81.6bn in July, up 3.8% yearly

Oman’s credit grows to $81.6bn in July, up 3.8% yearly

RIYADH: Oman’s total outstanding credit from other depository corporations reached 31.4 billion Omani rials ($81.6 billion) by June, reflecting a 3.8 percent year-on-year increase, according to official data.

The Central Bank of Oman’s latest bulletin reported a 2.3 percent rise in credit extended by traditional commercial banks during this period. Support for the private sector grew by 1.6 percent, totaling 20.5 billion rials by the end of June. Additionally, investments in securities by commercial banks surged by 22.4 percent, reaching approximately 5.6 billion rials.

These developments align with Oman’s Vision 2040, which focuses on diversifying revenue sources, improving financial inclusion, and boosting private sector engagement. The plan aims to enhance the financial sector’s contribution to gross domestic product, promote digital transformation, and increase foreign direct investment in key industries.

Despite the overall growth, investments in government development bonds declined by 8.3 percent year on year to 1.9 billion rials. In contrast, investments in foreign securities saw a significant increase of 67.9 percent, totaling 2.2 billion rials by the end of June.

On the liabilities side, total deposits at commercial banks grew by 10.9 percent, reaching 24.7 billion rials. Government deposits decreased by 0.9 percent to 5.3 billion rials, while deposits from public sector institutions increased by 12.1 percent to 1.8 billion rials. Private sector deposits rose robustly by 11.5 percent, reaching 16.5 billion rials, making up 66.8 percent of total deposits.

Parallel to the banking sector’s growth, Oman’s oil exports saw a slight increase despite reduced production. By the end of July, total crude oil exports amounted to approximately 179 million barrels, with an average price of $82.5 per barrel. Preliminary data from the National Center for Statistics and Information indicates that oil exports accounted for 84.5 percent of the Sultanate’s total oil production, which was 211.8 million barrels.

Vision 2040 seeks to balance maximizing energy revenues with long-term sustainability. The strategy emphasizes improving oil production efficiency, investing in advanced technologies, and expanding the role of renewable energy while gradually reducing the economy’s reliance on oil.

Although oil exports increased by 0.05 percent compared to the previous year, production decreased by 5.2 percent to 211.9 million barrels. Crude oil production saw a notable 7.1 percent decline, reaching 162.2 million barrels, while condensate production increased by 1.6 percent to 49.6 million barrels. Oman’s average daily oil production until July was 994,800 barrels.

China remained the largest importer of Omani oil, with total exports reaching 171 million barrels, a 4.8 percent increase from the same period in 2023. Japan followed with 3.456 million barrels, reflecting a sharp 40.9 percent decline, while South Korea imported 2.5 million barrels, a 28.1 percent increase over the previous year.


Saudi Arabia scraps export customs fees, cuts import charges

Saudi Arabia scraps export customs fees, cuts import charges
Updated 13 min 55 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia scraps export customs fees, cuts import charges

Saudi Arabia scraps export customs fees, cuts import charges

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia will eliminate fees for all customs services related to exports and cut import service fees to 0.15 percent of the goods’ value starting Oct. 6, according to an official release.

The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority announced these changes to simplify trade processes and support business activities. The new fee structure introduces a SR15 ($4) charge for customs declaration processing on individual shipments from online stores valued up to SR1,000.

Previously, import fees included SR100 for X-ray inspections per container, SR100 for information exchange services, and SR20 for customs declaration processing. Under the revised system, the maximum import fee will be capped at SR500, with a minimum fee of SR15.

These adjustments are designed to reduce financial burdens on exporters, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and to enhance competitiveness. The updated fee structure will standardize costs across land, sea, and air transport, leading to more efficient trade facilitation and economic benefits.


Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy grows 4.9% in Q2: GASTAT 

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy grows 4.9% in Q2: GASTAT 
Updated 08 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy grows 4.9% in Q2: GASTAT 

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy grows 4.9% in Q2: GASTAT 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil activities expanded 4.9 percent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2024, driven by gains in the financial and insurance sectors, official data showed.  

According to data from the General Authority for Statistics, the financial, insurance, and business services sectors surged 7.1 percent in the second quarter compared to the same period last year.  

Non-oil activity also rose 2.1 percent compared to the previous quarter, reflecting the Kingdom’s efforts to broaden its economic base. 

The non-oil sector's growth aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic plan aimed at reducing the country's reliance on oil revenues. 

The report further revealed that Saudi Arabia’s seasonally adjusted gross domestic product increased by 1.4 percent in the second quarter compared to the first.  

However, GDP saw a slight year-on-year decline of 0.3 percent in the same period, largely due to an 8.9 percent drop in oil activities following the Kingdom’s decision to cut crude output in line with OPEC+ agreements. 

To stabilize the market, Saudi Arabia reduced oil production by 500,000 barrels per day in April 2023, a cut that has been extended until December 2024. 

GASTAT also noted that the Kingdom’s GDP at current prices reached SR1.02 trillion ($270 billion) in the second quarter.  

“Crude oil and natural gas activities achieved the highest contribution to the GDP at 23.2 percent, followed by government activities at 16 percent, and wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels activities with a contribution of 10.1 percent,” stated GASTAT.  

Government activities increased by 3.6 percent year-on-year and by 2.3 percent quarter-on-quarter.  

Meanwhile, electricity, gas, and water activities saw an 8.9 percent rise year-on-year, while wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and hotels grew by 6.8 percent. 

The report also highlighted that government final consumption expenditure rose by 10.9 percent year on year and 4.3 percent quarter on quarter.  

In the second quarter, gross fixed capital formation increased by 3.2 percent compared to the same period last year. 

With continued investments in key sectors such as financial services, infrastructure, and energy, Saudi Arabia remains focused on achieving the goals set out in its Vision 2030 blueprint. 


Emaar The Economic City launches $2.32bn capital optimization plan 

Emaar The Economic City launches $2.32bn capital optimization plan 
Updated 08 September 2024
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Emaar The Economic City launches $2.32bn capital optimization plan 

Emaar The Economic City launches $2.32bn capital optimization plan 

RIYADH: Saudi master developer Emaar The Economic City, the firm behind King Abdullah Economic City, has unveiled a SR8.7 billion ($2.32 billion) capital optimization plan aimed at restructuring its financial framework.  

The move, approved by the board, includes restructuring SR3.8 billion in bank debts, converting SR4.0 billion of debt owed to the Public Investment Fund into equity, and introducing a SR1 billion convertible shareholder facility from PIF, according to a press release. 

The plan also involves a capital reduction to offset accumulated losses, with the goal of stabilizing EEC’s financial position and setting the stage for long-term value creation.  

This comes as EEC strengthens its focus to key sectors, including industrial and logistics, tourism, and real estate. 

KAEC, designated as a Special Economic Zone, is set to attract more businesses and residents, further advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. 

Fahad Al-Saif, chairman of EEC, said: “The implementation of the COP, which underpins EEC’s Board-approved strategy, will enable the company to capitalize on available opportunities to align its direction with Saudi Vision 2030.”  

He added: “It also provides the blueprint for a stable platform for growth, focused on unlocking the full potential of KAEC and enhancing the sustainability of our business. We are setting the stage for a transformation that will not only drive value creation, but also redefine our role in the Kingdom to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.” 

The restructuring will consolidate bilateral credit facilities from lenders including Alinma Bank, Saudi Awwal Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, and Saudi National Bank into a single Shari’a-compliant syndicated facility.

“This carefully devised plan does more than fortify our balance sheet; it sets the stage for us to seize opportunities with greater agility. As we undertake the strategic rebalancing of our financial framework, our objective is clear: to improve our leverage ratios and bolster overall financial health,” said Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al-Nowaiser, CEO of EEC. 

In parallel, he revealed that the company is evaluating a series of structural and functional measures aimed at restoring EEC to full financial health, while also strengthening key relationships with stakeholders.  

Additionally, it plans to periodically refresh its “long-term strategy to establish a clear roadmap” for reviving the company's ability to fulfill its core mission of developing the property and delivering shareholder value. 

King Abdullah Port, a major maritime hub, is expected to drive growth, while KAEC’s infrastructure projects, including a new stadium and multiple hospitality ventures, are aimed at boosting the city’s appeal as a tourism and business destination. 

In the first half of 2024, EEC made progress by attracting investors and implementing cost optimization measures, supporting the company’s turnaround efforts. 

Moelis & Co. serves as an independent advisor on the debt restructuring, with SNB Capital as financial advisor for the capital decrease and debt conversion, the release added. 


Saudi industry minister begins visit to Hong Kong

Saudi industry minister begins visit to Hong Kong
Updated 07 September 2024
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Saudi industry minister begins visit to Hong Kong

Saudi industry minister begins visit to Hong Kong
  • Alkhorayef’s visit is part of a wider tour of East Asia, which also includes visits to China and Singapore.

HONG KONG: Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef began his official visit to Hong Kong on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

Alkhorayef will hold meetings with officials from Hong Kong’s Department of Trade and Industry, the Office of Innovation, Technology, and Industry, the Department of Trade and Economic Development, and the Global Research Collaboration Center InnoHK, and will discuss increased industrial cooperation with Hong Kong, investment in the Kingdom, and mutual opportunities in automation, innovation, and technology solutions, according to the SPA.

Alkhorayef will also meet with representatives from commercial and industrial companies.

Hong Kong, as a special administrative region of China, maintains economic relations with the Kingdom separate to Beijing.

In 2023, the volume of Saudi non-oil exports to Hong Kong amounted to SR1 billion ($266.3 million), while the value of its imports from Hong Kong reached SR6.6 billion.

Alkhorayef’s visit is part of a wider tour of East Asia, which also includes visits to China and Singapore.