Qatar private sector exports surge 3.5% in Q2 

Qatar private sector exports surge 3.5% in Q2 
A recent report from the Qatar Chamber highlighted varied performance among exports based on the type of certificates of origin, with shipments under the General Model rising by 2.2 percent and those through the Unified Gulf Cooperation Council Model increasing by 15.3 percent. Shutterstock
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Updated 29 September 2024
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Qatar private sector exports surge 3.5% in Q2 

Qatar private sector exports surge 3.5% in Q2 

RIYADH: Qatar’s private sector exports increased by 3.5 percent quarter-on-quarter, reaching 2.62 billion Qatari riyals ($719 million) in the second quarter of 2024, the latest industry data showed.  

A recent report from the Qatar Chamber highlighted varied performance among exports based on the type of certificates of origin, with shipments under the General Model rising by 2.2 percent and those through the Unified Gulf Cooperation Council Model increasing by 15.3 percent. In contrast, exports via the Unified Arab Model experienced a decline of 24 percent compared to the previous quarter. 

These models serve as frameworks to enhance understanding of economic integration and cooperation among countries, analyzing trade based on various monetary theories, including trade barriers, tariffs, and financial synergies among member states. 

The increase aligns with the goals of the Third National Development Plan 2024-2030, which aims to boost private sector growth and raise the share of Qataris in the private workforce to 20 percent. 

The report also indicated that fuel exports in the second quarter totaled 435 million riyals, marking a 17.7 percent drop from the first quarter. Aluminum exports similarly declined by 31 percent, reaching 302 million riyals. 

Additionally, essential and industrial oils amounted to 427.6 million riyals, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 9 percent. However, steel exports fell by 20.8 percent to 218.18 million riyals. 

Exports of industrial gases and lotrene recorded declines of 20.6 percent and 66.1 percent, respectively, reaching 200.3 million riyals and 44.42 million riyals. 

Chemical substance exports reached 90.1 million riyals in the second quarter, reflecting a decrease of 3.4 percent, while petrochemical exports totaled 52.9 million riyals, down 41.7 percent on a quarterly basis.  

Paraffin exports amounted to 29.5 million riyals, a 4.9 percent decline compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, whereas chemical fertilizers surged to 339.5 million riyals, a significant increase of 3,139 percent compared to the first quarter. 

These ten commodities accounted for 81.6 percent of the total value of private sector exports, according to the certificates of origin issued by the Qatar Chamber during the second quarter. 

In terms of economic blocs, Asian countries, excluding the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab nations, topped the list, receiving exports worth 1.2 billion riyals, or 45.6 percent of total exports.  

GCC countries followed with 625.62 million riyals, or 23.9 percent, while the EU received 543.43 million riyals, or 20.7 percent.  

Arab countries, excluding GCC, received 145.96 million riyals, and other European countries accounted for 76.82 million riyals. African countries collectively received 21.06 million riyals, or 0.8 percent of total exports. 

The report indicated that Qatar exported to 105 countries in the second quarter, with the African grouping comprising 27 nations. 

India emerged as the leading destination for private sector exports, totaling 475.5 million riyals, or 18.1 percent, followed by the Netherlands with 354.5 million riyals, a share of 13.6 percent, and the UAE with 251.55 million riyals, or 9.6 percent.  


Saudi PIF to offer 2% of Saudi Telecom Co. shares to investors

Saudi PIF to offer 2% of Saudi Telecom Co. shares to investors
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Saudi PIF to offer 2% of Saudi Telecom Co. shares to investors

Saudi PIF to offer 2% of Saudi Telecom Co. shares to investors
  • Goldman Sachs Saudi Arabia and SNB Capital are acting as joint global coordinators and bookrunners for PIF
  • Remaining shares held by PIF represent 62% of the firm’s issued share capital

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has announced the offering of 2 percent of its Saudi Telecom Co.’s stake, amounting to 100 million shares, to qualified institutional investors locally and globally.

Goldman Sachs Saudi Arabia and SNB Capital, acting as joint global coordinators and bookrunners for PIF, announced that the share price, or offer rate, would be determined through an accelerated book-building process, according to a statement on the Saudi Stock Exchange.

This falls in line with PIF’s vision, which has about $925 billion assets under management, of becoming a global investment powerhouse and the world’s most impactful investor, enabling the creation of new sectors and opportunities that will shape the future global economy, while driving the economic transformation of Saudi Arabia.

The Tadawul statement said that following the completion of the offering, the remaining shares held by PIF in the company, representing 62 percent of the firm’s issued share capital, will be subject to a 90-day contractual lock-up undertaking.

The company will not receive any proceeds from the issuance, and the offering will not dilute the shares of the organization’s additional shareholders.

The statement also said that the final number of offer shares, price, and results will be announced by Nov. 14. 

The sale will be executed through off-market negotiated deals on Nov. 14 before market opening, under the Negotiated Deals Framework stipulated under the Trading and Membership Procedures issued by the Saudi Exchange.

The offering will be available to institutional investors within the Kingdom, qualified foreign institutional backers in line with the Rules for Foreign Investment in Securities, and institutional beneficiaries of swap agreements made with a Capital Market Authority-authorized person to trade shares on the Saudi Exchange on their behalf. 

It will also be open to Gulf Cooperation Council investors, including companies and funds authorized to trade in Saudi shares.


Closing Bell: Saudi Arabia’s TASI closes in red, down 0.97%

Closing Bell: Saudi Arabia’s TASI closes in red, down 0.97%
Updated 41 min 14 sec ago
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Closing Bell: Saudi Arabia’s TASI closes in red, down 0.97%

Closing Bell: Saudi Arabia’s TASI closes in red, down 0.97%
  • MSCI Tadawul 30 Index declined 15.60 points to close at 1,500.54 points
  • Parallel market Nomu closed the day at 29,205.53 points, reflecting an increase of 95.12 points

RIYADH: The Tadawul All Share Index in Saudi Arabia concluded Wednesday’s trading session at 11,930.45 points, marking a decrease of 117.22 points or 0.97 percent. 

MSCI Tadawul 30 Index also declined 15.60 points to close at 1,500.54 points, a 1.03 percent decrease. 

The parallel market Nomu closed the day at 29,205.53 points, reflecting an increase of 95.12 points, or 0.33 percent.

TASI reported a trading volume of SR5.540 billion ($1.474 billion), with 52 stocks gaining and 178 falling.

The best-performing stock was Shatirah House Restaurant Co., whose share price surged 10 percent to SR20.24.  

Other top performers include Saudi Cable Co. and Alkhaleej Training and Education Co., whose share prices soared by 5 percent and 4.08 percent to SR88.20 and SR30.60, respectively.

Other top performers include Bawan Co. and Middle East Specialized Cables Co.

The worst performer was Ash-Sharqiyah Development Co., whose share price dropped by 5.18 percent to SR19.40.

Other worst performers were United International Transportation Co. and National Medical Care Co., whose share prices dropped by 3.87 percent and 3.33 percent, respectively, to stand at SR79.50 and SR168.60.

Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Co. was another worst performer, whose share price dropped by 3.08 percent to SR232.60.   

On the parallel market Nomu, Leaf Global Environmental Services Co. was the top gainer, with its share price surging by 8.68 percent to SR98.90.

Other top gainers on the parallel market were Fad International Co. and Al Mohafaza Co. for Education, with their share prices surging by 7.24 percent and 6.04 percent to reach SR81.50 and SR28.10, respectively.

Rawasi Albina Investment Co. and Amwaj International Co. were the other top gainers on Nomu.

Al-Razi Medical Co. was the major loser on this market, as the company’s share price slipped by 7.98 percent to SR47.85.  

First Avenue for Real Estate Development Co. and Obeikan Glass Co. were other major losers on Nomu, with share prices dropping by 6.18 percent and 6.01 percent, reaching SR8.35 and SR49.25, respectively.


GCC banks to remain resilient in 2025 despite anticipated rate cuts: S&P Global

GCC banks to remain resilient in 2025 despite anticipated rate cuts: S&P Global
Updated 13 November 2024
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GCC banks to remain resilient in 2025 despite anticipated rate cuts: S&P Global

GCC banks to remain resilient in 2025 despite anticipated rate cuts: S&P Global
  • S&P Global predicts a manageable impact on bank margins
  • GCC banking sector’s strong efficiency provides solid foundation for continued growth and resilience through 2025

RIYADH: Banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council region are expected to maintain strong asset quality, profitability, and ample liquidity through 2025, according to a new report by S&P Global.  

The global credit rating agency highlighted the robust performance of the region’s banking sector, which it attributes to solid capitalization and well-managed balance sheets, despite potential challenges from lower interest rates.  

S&P Global said that while the outlook for GCC banks remains positive, heightened geopolitical risks or a sharp drop in oil prices could pose threats to their creditworthiness. However, the agency added that the banks are likely to demonstrate resilience in the face of such adverse scenarios, reflected in their currently high ratings. 

The report forecasts that Brent crude oil will average $75 per barrel from the fourth quarter of the year through 2027, supporting GCC economies.  

“In our view, GCC countries will also benefit from the implementation of economic transformation projects (in Saudi Arabia), the expansion of gas production (in Qatar), reform implementations (in Bahrain and Oman), and the non-oil economy’s good performance (in Bahrain and the UAE),” the report said.
 
Despite expected interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, and mirrored reductions by GCC central banks, S&P Global predicts a manageable impact on bank margins.  

The decline in rates could reduce funding costs and mitigate unrealized losses in securities portfolios, with an estimated margin impact ranging from 20-60 basis points, depending on the country. 

GCC banks maintain strong capitalization levels, which continue to underpin their overall creditworthiness, according to the report.  

Shareholder support has been a key factor, with dividend payouts generally below 50 percent, allowing banks to retain profits and stabilize their capital positions. 

The quality of capital remains robust, with limited reliance on hybrid instruments. However, S&P Global anticipates an increase in hybrid issuance by GCC banks over 2025-2026, as institutions seek to take advantage of lower interest rates and address the first call dates of previously issued instruments. 

“GCC banks are mainly funded by domestic deposits, which have proved stable through periods of mild stress, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and previous instances of geopolitical risk,” the report added. 

It also outlined potential risks stemming from ongoing regional conflicts. 

S&P Global conducted stress tests on GCC banks, analyzing scenarios ranging from modest to severe geopolitical escalations.  

In severe cases, involving broader regional conflict and disruptions to trade routes, the impact could extend to energy prices and macroeconomic stability, affecting both sovereign and banking sector credit metrics. 

S&P Global said despite these challenges, the GCC banking sector’s strong efficiency, driven by low labor costs and increasing digitalization, provides a solid foundation for continued growth and resilience through 2025. 


Saudi National Housing Co. signs 21 new deals on Cityscape’s 2nd day

Saudi National Housing Co. signs 21 new deals on Cityscape’s 2nd day
Updated 40 min 47 sec ago
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Saudi National Housing Co. signs 21 new deals on Cityscape’s 2nd day

Saudi National Housing Co. signs 21 new deals on Cityscape’s 2nd day
  • Agreements also included partnerships with leading global companies in the manufacture of electrical appliances
  • REDF signed four MoUs at the event to strengthen partnerships in real-estate financing and investment

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Co. secured 21 new agreements and partnerships with various local and international companies on the second day of Cityscape, expanding its investment momentum.

This brings the value of the total deals signed by the firm on the first and second day of the event to over SR5 billion (1.33 billion), according to a statement.

The deals aim to enhance the quality of infrastructure and services provided within its urban destinations and include the fields of supply, logistics, and interior design, the Saudi Press Agency reported.   

The agreements contribute to achieving NHC’s aspirations to build integrated and sustainable destinations that meet global ambitions.  

The Kingdom’s real estate is vital to the country’s economy, contributing around 7 percent of gross domestic product and supporting numerous additional sectors.   

Among the most prominent of these agreements that support the solutions division, NHC signed a strategic partnership with “Solutions by stc” to develop technical services for the “Sakani” and “Balady” platforms.  

It also signed a deal with Sakani Foundation to inspect buildings, with local real estate developer Ardara to assess sustainability, with LX and K-water companies to transfer knowledge, and with 2GIS to provide technical services.   

The firm inked a pact with the Public Investment Fund’s ROSHN real estate company to benefit from Sakani services and assess sustainability.   

NHC also signed an agreement with Takamol in the professional accreditation program to achieve an integrated residential environment that meets the needs of individuals and society.   

The deal comes within the framework of the two companies’ strategy to improve the quality of the residential landscape and enhance constructive cooperation between organizations in the housing sector. This aligns with national efforts to promote sustainable development and deliver suitable housing.  

The company also agreed to cooperate with the General Authority for Roads in implementing new routes and their mechanisms in NHC destinations to enhance sustainability.   

NHC also saw a cooperation with Al-Fahhad Co. to develop the cleaning and maintenance system for its destinations.  

Additionally, NHC signed a group of investment agreements to implement residential projects and build community centers in its urban destinations with Dar Wa Emaar, Ajdan Real Estate Development, Maya Real Estate Development and Investment, Rashed Abdul Rahman Al-Rashed & Sons Group, and Mohammed Al-Habib Real Estate Co.    

In the supply chain sector, the company signed agreements with local and international companies, including Bahra Electric Co., to provide cables and wires, and Al-Nasser Group to deliver lighting products that are characterized by efficiency and high quality, which enhances energy consumption efficiency.  

The agreements also included partnerships with leading global companies in the manufacture of electrical appliances, including Legrand, Panasonic, and Siemens to ensure the provision of high-quality equipment according to the highest technical standards.   

To enhance the efficiency of privacy and security in NHC destinations, the company signed an agreement with Al-Kuhaimi Metal Industries Ltd. to supply metal doors. The step improves the reliability of the destinations and meets the safety and security requirements of residents.   

The partnerships also included an agreement with Al-Hayat Building Materials Co. to supply sanitary ware to improve the quality of interior finishes and provide a distinctive living experience.   

The housing organization also signed a memorandum of understanding with Mask to invest in developing areas and logistics services, which contributes to improving the efficiency of construction and supply operations and enhancing the flexibility of the supply chain.   

Another MoU was also concluded with Madar to provide innovative interior designs that meet the tastes of residents and reflect a distinctive architectural identity that adds a unique character to NHC destinations.   

During the gathering, which kicked off on Nov. 11 in Riyadh and runs until Nov. 14, the Real Estate Development Fund reported that the housing support program and the various financing solutions and advantages it provides in partnership with financing entities recorded a 190 percent growth in financing contracts provided to Sakani beneficiaries.  

In comparison, the total value of real estate financing recorded an increase of 225 percent compared to the same period last month, during the first and second days of the exhibition.   

Sakani is a program that facilitates the process of owning a home, offers affordable housing options and helps with financing.  

The housing support programs provide a competitive opportunity on the sidelines of Cityscape to enable beneficiaries to sign financing contracts with solutions and advantages, including the lowest profit margin of up to 2.59 percent, in addition to housing support packages that provide immediate non-refundable support of up to SR150,000.   

The results achieved on the first two days of Cityscape in empowering housing support beneficiaries embody the effectiveness of strategic partnerships with financing entities and property development companies.   

The results also reflect the pioneering role of REDF in partnership with financing entities and the movement witnessed by the real estate funding and development sector, which resulted in the diversity of housing products and monetary solutions that achieve the aspirations of support beneficiaries.   

REDF signed four MoUs at the event to strengthen partnerships in real-estate financing and investment.  

The MOUs, inked with Jadwa Investment, Value Capital, ANB Capital, and the Knowledge Economic City, aim to support the fund’s strategic goals of helping beneficiaries acquire suitable housing.  

REDF’s Chief Executive Mansour bin Madi said the partnerships will explore opportunities and create investment funds to stimulate real-estate investment and finance housing projects.   

He highlighted REDF’s commitment to working with financial institutions to enable the development of high-quality, affordable housing.  

Also happening on the sidelines of the exhibition, Kuwait’s Minister of Municipality and Housing Abdullatif Al-Mishari discussed with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hojail cooperation in the real estate sector.   

The meeting touched on housing experiences and the ministry’s programs, such as housing support, guarantees, and property development, in addition to exchanging visions on expanding construction and supporting real estate developers, said the Saudi minister in a post on X.  

He also said they agreed to form a joint working team between the two countries to transfer experiences in several tracks that serve the real estate sector and enhance the integration of efforts to achieve sustainable development in this field.  

Also taking place at the event, the Real Estate Registry concluded seven memoranda of cooperation and agreements as part of its efforts to strengthen the relationship and communication with the public and private sectors, establish strategic partnerships with actors in the housing system, and enable technology companies to access property registry data.  

The first pact was with the REDF to enhance cooperation and partnership between the fund and the Real Estate Registry to facilitate the journey of the former’s beneficiaries from the latter’s services.  

It also signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Hail Region Development Authority to support and accelerate the real estate registration process, and three memoranda of cooperation with Talaat Moustafa Group-Saudi, Al-Majdiah Residence, and Sijil to facilitate the property registration process and improve the beneficiaries’ journey and direct linking with the registry services.  

At the level of real estate technology companies, the entity further signed agreements with two property platforms, Nuzul and ReInvest, to enable them to link with registry services, access data, and benefit from it in developing innovative products and services that enrich the sector.   

Cityscape Global 2024 is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s rapid development and commitment to excellence. As the Kingdom positions itself as a global leader in real estate, the global forum will drive the sector to new heights, aligned with the country’s Vision 2030 and its pursuit of creating thriving, sustainable communities.


Global energy sector employment increased by 3.8% in 2023: IEA

Global energy sector employment increased by 3.8% in 2023: IEA
Updated 13 November 2024
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Global energy sector employment increased by 3.8% in 2023: IEA

Global energy sector employment increased by 3.8% in 2023: IEA
  • IEA said the sector added 2.5 million jobs worldwide in 2023
  • It released its study at a time when international leaders have rallied in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29

RIYADH: The number of jobs in the global energy sector reached 68 million in 2023, representing a 3.8 percent rise compared to the previous year, according to an analysis. 

In its latest report, the International Energy Agency said that the sector added 2.5 million jobs worldwide in 2023, driven by a wave of investment in manufacturing eco-conscious technologies. 

The IEA released its study at a time when international leaders have rallied in Baku, Azerbaijan, for COP29, where discussions are going on to elevate renewable energy growth globally to tackle climate challenges. 

During the opening ceremony of COP29 on Nov. 11, Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, affirmed the growth of the renewable sector and said that clean energy infrastructure investments are expected to reach $2 trillion in 2024, nearly double that of fossil fuels.

“The global energy sector has been a powerful engine of job growth around the world in recent years, and as the energy system continues to transform and grow, rising demand for skilled energy workers is a given,” said the IEA’s Director of Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks, Laura Cozzi. 

Clean energy sector leading growth

According to the IEA, employment in the clean energy sector increased by 1.5 million last year and contributed as much as 10 percent of economy-wide job growth in the leading markets for clean technologies. 

The report said that the solar PV industry added over half a million new jobs, spurred by record new installations, while employment in electric vehicle manufacturing and batteries grew by 410,000 as sales reached nearly 20 percent of the global car market. 

Even though several wind manufacturers implemented layoffs as rising costs contributed to a slower-than-anticipated offshore project pipeline, total employment in the sector still climbed as a record number of new projects entered construction. 

The IEA said that jobs in the oil and gas supply sector increased by around 3 percent, or 600,000, in 2023 after a period of cautious post-pandemic rehiring, while global coal employment fell for the third year in a row, declining by around 1 percent year on year. 

“Global coal employment fell in both supply and power, largely due to continued mining productivity gains and a slowdown in the pipeline of new coal-fired power plants compared with the highs of the last decade,” said the report. 

Employment in manufacturing vehicles with internal combustion engines rose by 440,000 positions, just outstripping job additions in EVs. 

In China, clean energy made up over 90 percent of energy job growth, while fossil fuels accounted for 80 percent of the gains in the Middle East.

The analysis also said that the growth in energy jobs was led by manufacturing — diverging from previous years when it was generally led by construction and installation. 

“This largely reflects the 70 percent rise in clean energy manufacturing investment in 2023 to $200 billion as firms responded to increasing demand for clean energy technologies and new policies,” added IEA. 

Skill shortage continues in energy sector 

According to the report, shortages of skilled workers remain a major concern for employers looking to hire in the global energy industry.

The IEA said that the lack of skilled workers in many parts of the industry — particularly those requiring high degrees of specialization, such as grids and nuclear power — remains a substantial bottleneck for the sector. 

A survey conducted by the agency found that over 190 energy employers across 27 countries reported plans to hire but had difficulties finding qualified applicants for nearly all occupation categories. 

“Governments, the private sector, and educational and training institutions must work together to improve the hiring pipeline, which will play an important role in shaping our energy future,” said Cozzi. 

The report added that intense competition for talent in clean energy sectors is prompting firms to hire aggressively in anticipation of future growth — a tactic that could prove effective but may also leave some companies exposed to uncertainties related to project flows and changing policies. 

The analysis said many firms facing shortages of qualified applicants are also increasing on-the-job training to deliver these skills. 

According to the IEA, countries transitioning to clean energy are experiencing substantial employment growth in the sector. In 2023, job creation in clean energy accounted for over 10 percent of overall job growth in China and 4 to 6 percent in economies such as the US, EU, and Japan.

The analysis added that clean energy’s share of new jobs is below 2 percent in many emerging and developing economies. 

In September, another report released by the US Department of Energy revealed that the clean energy sector in the country added 142,000 jobs in 2023, representing a rise of 4.2 percent compared to the previous year. 

In October, the Indian government said that the total number of jobs in the country’s renewable energy sector reached over 1 million by the end of 2023, led by hydropower which provides 453,000 employment opportunities in the Asian nation. 

The IEA added that wages in the energy sector are rising, reflecting increasing competition for skilled workers. 

“After real wages fell in many regions in 2022, growth resumed in much of the world in 2023, though absolute wages generally remain below pre-pandemic levels. Wages for energy-specific roles have broadly fared better than those for more generic occupations relevant to the energy sector, notably for technicians,” said the report. 

The analysis revealed that the rising wages in the energy sector are partially a response to skills gaps, as firms aim to attract new workers from within and outside the industry. 

The IEA added that clean energy wage increases were, on average, greater than those in fossil fuels, even in major oil, gas, and coal-producing countries. 

Future outlook

According to the IEA, employment in the energy sector is set to grow by 3 percent in 2024, a slowdown compared with last year due to the impacts of tight labor markets, elevated interest rates, and changes in the expected pipeline of new energy projects.

“While clean energy firms seem set to take more bullish positions on hiring in anticipation of growth, less diversified fossil fuel firms have been remaining cautious for now. As a result, fossil fuel job growth is expected to stall in 2024,” said the agency.