Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,901

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,901
The best-performing stock of the day was Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. Shutterstock
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Updated 23 October 2024
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,901

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,901
  • Parallel market Nomu lost 25.27 points, or 0.10%, to close at 26,379.91
  • MSCI Tadawul Index lost 5.85 points, or 0.39%, to close at 1,495.35

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Wednesday, losing 55.22 points, or 0.46 percent, to close at 11,901.77. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.68 billion ($1.24 billion), as 68 of the stocks advanced and 159 retreated.   

Similarly, the Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 25.27 points, or 0.10 percent, to close at 26,379.91. This comes as 33 of the listed stocks advanced while 34 retreated.   

The MSCI Tadawul Index lost 5.85 points, or 0.39 percent, to close at 1,495.35.   

The best-performing stock of the day was Al-Baha Investment and Development Co., whose share price surged 3.45 percent to SR0.30.  

Other top performers were Umm Al-Qura Cement Co. as well as Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries and Medical Appliances Corp.

The worst performer was East Pipes Integrated Co. for Industry., whose share price dropped by 4.49 percent to SR157.40.   

Other fallers were Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance Co. and Arabian Contracting Services Co.

On the announcements front, Bank Albilad has revealed its interim financial results for the period ending on Sept. 30.

According to a Tadawul statement, the firm recorded a net profit of SR2.016 billion in the first nine months of the year, reflecting a 14.4 percent surge compared to the same period in 2023.

The increase is mainly due to a rise in total operating income by 6 percent, which can be attributed to the growth in net income from investing and financing assets, other operating revenue, dividend income, and net fee and commission earnings. 

Bank Albilad’s shares ended the session at SR36, up 0.28 percent.

Banque Saudi Fransi has announced its interim financial results for the period ending on Sept. 30. According to a Tadawul statement, the firm recorded a net profit of SR3.427 billion in the first nine months of the year, reflecting an 0.942 percent surge compared to the same period in 2023.

This increase is mainly attributed to a decrease in total operating expenses by 2.8 percent while total operating income decreased by 0.7 percent.

This decline in total operating expenses was primarily due to lower impairment charges for expected credit losses on loans and advances, which was partially offset by salaries and employee-related expenses, other operating and general and administrative costs, impairment charges for other financial assets as well as depreciation and amortization.

The decrease in total operating earnings was driven by lower net special commission income, trading revenue, and exchange profits, which was partially offset by higher net fee and commission income and gains on non-trading investments.

Banque Saudi Fransi’s shares ended the session at SR31.30, down 1.12 percent.


Most Gulf stocks subdued as Trump steps up tariff threats

Most Gulf stocks subdued as Trump steps up tariff threats
Updated 9 sec ago
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Most Gulf stocks subdued as Trump steps up tariff threats

Most Gulf stocks subdued as Trump steps up tariff threats
  • Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index fell 0.2%
  • Qatar’s benchmark index finished flat in a calm session

DUBAI: Gulf equities ended mixed on Sunday, with stocks drifting in a tight range during a quiet trading session as investors sought clarity after US President Donald Trump escalated his global trade war. 

Trump threatened on Saturday to impose a 30 percent tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union, following the announcement of a 35 percent duty on Canadian imports, both starting Aug. 1. 

He also proposed a blanket tariff rate of 15 percent-20 percent on other countries, an increase from the current 10 percent baseline rate. 

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index fell 0.2 percent, as mixed sector performance kept the market subdued ahead of key earnings. 

Utilities heavyweight ACWA Power declined 2.4 percent as its rights issue offering ended. 

Qatar’s benchmark index finished flat in a calm session, with telecom giant Vodafone Qatar gaining 1.2 percent. 

Investors remained cautious as the US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged as it waits to see the impact of tariffs on price pressures. 

With Gulf currencies pegged to the US dollar, the Fed’s decisions on interest rates impact the region’s monetary policy. 

Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index dropped 0.8 percent, hit by a 1 percent fall in Commercial International Bank. 

Egypt’s central bank kept key interest rates unchanged on Thursday, pausing a trend of rate reductions despite inflation rates easing. 


Syria signs $800m agreement with DP World to bolster ports infrastructure

Syria signs $800m agreement with DP World to bolster ports infrastructure
Updated 11 min 19 sec ago
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Syria signs $800m agreement with DP World to bolster ports infrastructure

Syria signs $800m agreement with DP World to bolster ports infrastructure
  • Deal focuses on developing multi-purpose terminal at Tartous

DUBAI: Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports on Sunday signed a $800 million agreement with UAE’s DP World to bolster Syrian ports infrastructure and logistical services, Syrian state news agency SANA reported.

The agreement follows on from a memorandum of understanding signed between the two sides in May.

The deal with DP World, a subsidiary of UAE investment company Dubai World, focuses on developing a multi-purpose terminal at Tartous on Syria’s Mediterranean coast and cooperation in setting up industrial and free trade zones.

The signing ceremony was attended by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.

Last month, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order terminating a US sanctions program on Syria, paving the way for an end to the country’s isolation from the international financial system and for the rebuilding of its economy shattered by the civil war.

The removal of US sanctions will also clear the way for greater engagement by humanitarian organizations working in Syria, easing foreign investment and trade as the country rebuilds.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,253

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,253
Updated 21 min 10 sec ago
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,253

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,253
  • Parallel market Nomu edged down 41.88 points to close at 27,437.62
  • MSCI Tadawul Index fell 0.19% to 1,442.43

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, shedding 24.01 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 11,252.90.

The total trading turnover on the benchmark index stood at SR4.04 billion ($1.08 billion), with 98 stocks advancing and 148 declining.

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu edged down by 41.88 points to close at 27,437.62, while the MSCI Tadawul Index fell 0.19 percent to 1,442.43.

The best-performing stock on the main market was SHL Finance Co., with its share price rising 9.98 percent to SR21.26. Al Sagr Cooperative Insurance Co. followed, gaining 6.47 percent to SR14.80, while Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co. climbed 5.80 percent to SR33.20.

Zamil Industrial Investment Co. recorded the steepest decline of the day, with its share price falling 2.75 percent to SR46.00.

On the announcement front, Almoosa Health Co. said it signed an SR192 million contract with MASAH Specialized Construction Co. to carry out preliminary construction and foundation work for the Almoosa Specialist Hospital project in Al-Hofuf.

In a press statement, the company said the financial impact of the 14-month contract will be reflected after the completion of the hospital’s construction. The company added that there are no related parties involved in the deal.

Almoosa Health’s share price inched up 0.12 percent to close at SR165.00.

Sports Club Co. completed its retail offering ahead of its planned listing on the Kingdom’s main market. Saudi Fransi Capital, the lead manager, financial adviser, bookrunner, and underwriter for the IPO, confirmed the development.

According to a statement, 259,690 investors participated in the retail subscription period, with a final offer price of SR7.50 per share. Saudi Fransi Capital added that retail orders totaled approximately SR247.7 million, representing an oversubscription rate of 533.6 percent.


PIF launches Tasama to deliver world-class business services in Saudi Arabia

PIF launches Tasama to deliver world-class business services in Saudi Arabia
Updated 13 July 2025
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PIF launches Tasama to deliver world-class business services in Saudi Arabia

PIF launches Tasama to deliver world-class business services in Saudi Arabia
  • Company aims to support public and private sectors
  • It seeks to advance business services as a strategic sector in the Kingdom

RIYADH: Businesses operating in Saudi Arabia — including international firms setting up regional headquarters — are set to benefit from the launch of Tasama, a new integrated business services platform established by a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund.

Tasama was created through the merger of the Business Incubators and Accelerators Co., previously owned by the Saudi Technology Development and Investment Co. or TAQNIA, with PIF’s Shared Services Center. The company aims to support both the public and private sectors, according to an official statement.

The launch forms part of PIF’s broader strategy to diversify the Saudi economy and deepen its collaboration with the private sector by accelerating the growth of local enterprises and easing the entry of global firms into the Kingdom’s business environment.

It also comes as PIF surpasses $1 trillion in assets, marking a major global milestone. According to Global SWF, the fund is now shifting focus from rapid expansion to a new phase defined by solvency, strategic discipline, and long-term sustainable returns.

“The company seeks to advance business services as a strategic sector in the Kingdom, and to contribute effectively to supporting economic diversification by providing support to strategic sectors,” said Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Jasser, CEO of Tasama.

Al-Jasser added that the company remains committed to “fostering innovation, empowering Saudi talent, and enhancing national competencies,” building on BIAC’s track record across public and private sector partnerships.

He further emphasized Tasama’s ambition to evolve the business services sector, positioning the firm as a “key partner in shaping its future and ongoing progress,” while contributing to the expansion of the Kingdom’s tech ecosystem and broader commercial landscape.

According to the statement, Tasama will offer a full suite of services aimed at boosting operational efficiency, supporting companies through their launch and growth phases, and assisting international firms in establishing their regional bases in Saudi Arabia.

The platform will provide end-to-end support, including accounting, human resources, and procurement services, along with access to digital tools, business incubators, and workspace solutions.

Tasama also plans to expand nationwide, with the goal of becoming the leading provider of business services across Saudi Arabia.

Earlier this month, Global SWF noted that the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund — which recently posted an 18 percent rise in assets under management to SR4.32 trillion ($1.15 trillion) in 2024 — is now focused on “solvency over scale” and “substance over show.”

This strategic pivot underscores a broader recalibration of Vision 2030’s investment engine, balancing domestic megaproject development with financial discipline, international outreach, and responsible capital deployment.


Oman tourism revenues hit $5.5bn in 2024

Oman tourism revenues hit $5.5bn in 2024
Updated 13 July 2025
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Oman tourism revenues hit $5.5bn in 2024

Oman tourism revenues hit $5.5bn in 2024
  • Tourism contribution to GDP rose to 2.7 billion rials
  • Government continues to adopt innovative marketing strategies

JEDDAH: Oman’s tourism sector contributed over 2.12 billion rials ($5.51 billion) to the Gulf country’s national economy in 2024, up from 1.75 billion rials in 2018, according to official data.

The latest figures from the National Center for Statistics and Information indicate that this increase reflects a compound annual growth rate of 3.2 percent, reinforcing the industry’s role as a key pillar in the sultanate’s economic diversification strategy.

The sector’s contribution to gross domestic product also rose to 2.7 billion rials, up from 2.3 billion rials in 2018, underscoring tourism’s expanding macroeconomic impact, according to the Oman News Agency.

European travelers significantly boosted Oman’s tourism sector in 2024, driving a 10.2 percent rise in hotel revenues during the first five months of the year, according to NCSI data released last July.

The country’s growing appeal among European tourists, alongside strong local and regional demand, reflects its broader strategy to diversify its tourism base and bolster the hospitality sector, in line with similar initiatives across Gulf Cooperation Council member states.

Minister of Heritage and Tourism Salim bin Mohammed Al-Mahrouqi said the growth in visitor arrivals, spending, and economic value reflects the result of focused and ambitious efforts by the ministry to promote Oman as a rich and diverse tourism destination, according to ONA.

He added that the latest indicators serve as a testament to the government’s economic diversification policies and effective inter-agency coordination that supports investment and accelerates project implementation.

Al-Mahrouqi also said that the ministry continues to adopt innovative marketing strategies, strengthen partnerships with the private sector, and develop offerings to enhance the overall visitor experience.

GDP growth forecast at 2.2% in 2025

The sultanate’s economy is forecast to grow by 2.2 percent in 2025, up from 1.7 percent the previous year, supported by a recovery in oil activities and steady non-oil sector expansion, according to the Ministry of Economy’s 2025 economic outlook.

Inflation is projected to rise modestly to 1.3 percent, up from 0.6 percent in 2024. Still, it will remain within the target range of Oman’s 10th five-year plan, aided by continued government subsidies and stable global commodity prices.

The ministry estimates GDP at constant prices will increase from 38.3 billion rials in 2024 to 39.2 billion rials in 2025. Oil activities are expected to rebound with 1.3 percent growth after a 3 percent contraction in 2024, while non-oil sectors are projected to grow by 2.7 percent.

Medium-term momentum is expected to continue through 2026 and 2027, bolstered by strategic projects and higher oil production, ONA reported.