Saudi industrial, mining sectors offering lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs, minister says

Saudi industrial, mining sectors offering lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs, minister says
Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef speaking at the Misk Global Forum 2024. SPA
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Updated 20 November 2024
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Saudi industrial, mining sectors offering lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs, minister says

Saudi industrial, mining sectors offering lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs, minister says

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s industrial and mining sectors are harboring promising opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs, the Kingdom’s industry minister has insisted.

Speaking during the Misk Global Forum 2024 in Riyadh, Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef said that these opportunities go beyond direct investment to include the development of innovative ideas to improve production efficiency, manufacturing quality, and energy conservation in industrial facilities.

He explained that institutions working in industrial and mineral resources have introduced a range of enablers and initiatives to support the growth of entrepreneurial ventures and facilitate investment for young innovators in both sectors, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The Kingdom ranked third in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report for 2023-2024 – a study which assesses the ecosystems of countries worldwide.

Saudi Arabia showed significant progress, with its National Entrepreneurship Context Index score increasing from 5 in 2019 to 6.3 in 2022 and 2023.

The analysis highlighted that this reflects the country’s successful efforts to diversify its economy and foster a supportive climate for business owners. The report also underlined female entrepreneurship, with eight women starting new companies for every 10 men in 2023.

Alkhorayef added that the introduced programs include financial solutions, including the 1K Miles program, designed to help entrepreneurs turn ideas into projects, and the Industrial Hackathon, which allows young innovators to present creative solutions to challenges faced by industrial facilities.

The minister further highlighted that the Kingdom has become a global hub for entrepreneurs, offering them the opportunity to pitch innovative ideas and test their success. He emphasized that the government’s unwavering support for youth creates vast opportunities for the success of their projects.

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia has recently focused on leveraging its strategic assets to develop its industrial sector and boost competitiveness. This includes utilizing its natural resources and technological advancements to compete globally in emerging industries and establish itself as a key player in international supply chains.

During the previous day’s event, the Co-Chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, highlighted the crucial role of innovation in addressing global development challenges and improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

Gates emphasized the importance of investing in technology and education as the foundation for a sustainable future, underlining that such investments empower future generations to positively impact their communities.

He praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership in empowering youth, highlighting initiatives like MGF 2024, which focuses on developing young people’s skills and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. He called the forum a global model worthy of emulation.

Gates also called for strengthened international cooperation to develop joint solutions addressing current challenges.

The co-chair underscored the importance of fostering creativity, teamwork, and collective thinking to build a more sustainable future, highlighting that global collaboration could drive transformative advancements that improve the lives of millions.

The MGF 2024 announced the launch of the “Misk Grand Challenges” initiative in partnership with the Gates Foundation, aiming to inspire young people to propose innovative solutions to global education and citizenship issues, fostering creativity and engaging brilliant minds to address pressing development challenges.

During a panel discussion at the forum, Abdullah Al-Saleem, CEO and co-founder of Mushtari, offered valuable insights on when and how entrepreneurs should seek guidance for their ventures.

“Every time is the right time to seek help,” Al-Saleem said, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and consultation in business development.

He advocated for a two-pronged approach to seeking advice, distinguishing between general business consultants and industry-specific experts.

“There are two people you have to seek help from: People that know generally about the industry, and people that know specifically about the industry,” he added.


Moody’s upgrades rankings for 11 Saudi banks

Moody’s upgrades rankings for 11 Saudi banks
Updated 46 sec ago
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Moody’s upgrades rankings for 11 Saudi banks

Moody’s upgrades rankings for 11 Saudi banks

RIYADH: Eleven banks in Saudi Arabia have seen their long-term deposit and senior unsecured ratings upgraded by Moody’s thanks to a strong operating environment.

The ratings agency also attributed to the decision – which affects institutions including  Saudi National Bank, Al Rajhi Bank, Riyad Bank –  the higher capacity of the Kingdom’s government to support the banks in case of need.

Earlier in November, Moody’s changed the issuer rating of the Saudi government from Aa3 from A1 and its outlook to stable from positive.

Other banks to be affected include Saudi Awwal Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, and Alinma Bank, as well as Arab National Bank, Bank AlBilad, and the Saudi Investment Bank.

Bank AlJazira and Gulf International Bank - Saudi Arabia also saw changes.

“Credit conditions for banks in Saudi Arabia are improving as economic diversification momentum remains robust,” said Moody’s in a press release, adding: “We expect non-hydrocarbon private sector GDP to continue expanding by about 4-5 percent in the coming years – among the highest in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and an indication of continued progress in diversification that will reduce the Kingdom’s exposure to oil market developments and long-term carbon transition over time.”


Oil Updates – prices rise over accusations of breaches to Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

Oil Updates – prices rise over accusations of breaches to Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire
Updated 21 min 54 sec ago
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Oil Updates – prices rise over accusations of breaches to Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

Oil Updates – prices rise over accusations of breaches to Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire

LONDON: Oil prices rose slightly on Friday following a potential renewal of supply risk as Israel and Hezbollah traded accusations of ceasefire violations, and as a delay to an OPEC+ meeting left investors awaiting a decision on its output policy.

Brent crude futures rose 10 cents, or 0.1 percent, to $73.38 a barrel by 8:16 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were at $69.17, up 45 cents, or 0.7 percent, compared to Wednesday’s closing price.

On a weekly basis, Brent futures were down 2.4 percent and the US WTI benchmark was trading 2.9 percent lower. Trading remained thin due to the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday that shut US financial markets.

Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah traded accusations on Thursday over alleged violations of their ceasefire that came into effect the day before. The deal had at first appeared to alleviate the potential for supply disruption from a broader conflict that had led to a risk premium for oil.

Oil supplies from the Middle East, though, have been largely unaffected during Israel’s parallel conflicts with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

OPEC+, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, delayed its next policy meeting to Dec. 5 from Dec. 1 to avoid a scheduling conflict. OPEC+ is expected to further extend its production cuts at the meeting.

BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, downgraded its Brent price forecast on Friday to $76/bbl in 2025 from $78/bbl previously, citing a “bearish fundamental outlook, ongoing weakness in oil market sentiment and the downside pressure on prices we expect to accrue under Trump.”

“Although we expect the OPEC+ group will opt to roll-over the existing cuts into the new year, this will not be sufficient to fully erase the production glut we forecast for next year,” BMI analysts said in a note.

Also on Thursday, Russia struck Ukrainian energy facilities for the second time this month. ANZ analysts said the attack risked retaliation that could affect Russian oil supply.

Iran told a UN nuclear watchdog it would install more than 6,000 additional uranium-enriching centrifuges at its enrichment plants, a confidential report by the watchdog said on Thursday.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs have said Iranian supply could drop by as much as 1 million barrels per day in the first half of next year if Western powers tighten sanctions enforcement on its crude oil output. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 11,641 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 11,641 
Updated 28 November 2024
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 11,641 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 11,641 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index gained 50.52 points, or 0.44 percent, closing at 11,641.31 on Thursday. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.02 billion ($1.60 billion), with 134 stocks advancing and 85 retreating.  

Similarly, the Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu rose 229.98 points, or 0.76 percent, to close at 30,394.70. Of the listed stocks, 44 advanced while 38 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 8.37 points, or 0.58 percent, to close at 1,460.35.  

The best-performing stock of the day was Tamkeen Human Resource Co., whose share price surged 18.00 percent to SR76.70. 

Other top performers included Zamil Industrial Investment Co., whose share price rose 8.70 percent to SR29.35, and Dr. Soliman Abdel Kader Fakeeh Hospital Co., whose stock price increased 5.66 percent to SR63.50.  

Saudi Cable Co. recorded the biggest drop, falling 6.93 percent to SR84.60. 

Saudi Enaya Cooperative Insurance Co. also saw its share price fall 4.25 percent to SR13.08. 

Meanwhile, Saudi Automotive Services Co. saw its stock price drop 4.23 percent to SR68.00. 

On the announcements front, Saudi Telecom Co. revealed that it had received foreign investment authorization from the Spanish Council of Ministers, allowing it to increase its voting rights from 4.97 percent to 9.97 percent and gain the right to appoint a board member at Telefonica. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the change in stc ownership from 9.9 percent in the previous announcement to 9.97 percent reflects Telefonica’s cancellation of shares in April. stc is currently completing the necessary steps to finalize the increase in its voting rights, which is expected to be completed in the coming period. 

stc ended the session at SR39.95, with no change in its share price.  

Nofoth Food Products Co. announced the acquisition of a mixed-use commercial and residential land in Riyadh’s Hittin neighborhood for SR22 million, covering 1,580.37 sq. meters. This acquisition is part of the company’s strategic plan to expand operations with new commercial offices and develop its headquarters. 

According to a bourse filing, the deal will be financed through the company’s internal resources. The land acquisition will increase the firm’s fixed assets and positively impact financial ratios such as return on assets.  

Nofoth Food Products Co. ended the session at SR18.00, down 1.69 percent.  


Saudi Arabia’s 2025 education plan boosts Chinese learning, nurtures gifted talent

Saudi Arabia’s 2025 education plan boosts Chinese learning, nurtures gifted talent
Updated 28 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s 2025 education plan boosts Chinese learning, nurtures gifted talent

Saudi Arabia’s 2025 education plan boosts Chinese learning, nurtures gifted talent

RIYADH: Around 102,000 students in Saudi Arabia will learn Chinese annually in public schools, while three new institutions for the gifted will open as part of the Kingdom’s 2025 education plans. 

According to the Ministry of Finance’s budget report, the education sector has been allocated SR201 billion ($53.50 billion), representing 16 percent of the government’s expenditures for the coming year. 

According to Mansoor Ahmed, an independent adviser in various sectors including education: “Saudi Arabia’s higher education sector is the largest individual education market across the Arabian Gulf region with a staggering 2 million students enrolled in 2022.”

He said: “Notably, 95 percent of these students are enrolled in public and semi-public institutions, underlining a significant reliance on the public sector for higher education. This reliance is attributed to the perception of higher quality and job prospects offered by public institutions.”

According to Ahmed, the government’s funding allocation for this sector is expected to shift higher education demand towards fields like AI, robotics, and renewable energy, while focusing more on R&D to address skills gaps and align education with job market needs.

This funding aims to promote comprehensive education, enhance learning within families and communities, and equip individuals with the skills necessary for national development and workforce readiness. 

It was announced in September that Saudi Arabia had begun teaching the Chinese language to primary and middle school students to equip learners with valuable skills and promote cultural appreciation. 

Pupils are now learning Mandarin, with 175 educators teaching the language as part of an agreement between the Kingdom and China. The program aims to improve job prospects and academic opportunities, particularly for those interested in studying at Chinese universities.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and China’s growing global influence, further strengthening the trade and cultural ties between the two nations, according to the Ministry of Education. 

The program started with pilot schools and will gradually expand to include high school students by 2029. Educators from both nations view the initiative as a “win-win,” promoting cultural exchange and enhancing communication between the two countries.

Key projects for Saudi Arabia’s education sector in 2025, as mentioned in the Kingdom’s budget for the coming fiscal year, include increasing kindergarten enrollment to 40 percent to help achieve the Vision 2030 target of 90 percent while addressing the need for specialized teaching staff. 

There are also plans to expand enrollment for students with disabilities and build sports halls for girls in public schools. 

According to Ahmed: “In Saudi Arabia, approximately 293,000 children are identified with various disabilities. The National Transformation Program 2020 aims to ensure that 200,000 children with disabilities aged 6-18 would benefit from specialized education programs and support services.”

Ahmed noted that under the Rights of Students with Disabilities and Equal Participation in Education or RSEPI, all children with disabilities in Saudi Arabia are guaranteed free and appropriate education, encompassing individual education plans, early intervention programs, and transition services.

He also highlighted the increasing private sector interest in this area, exemplified by Amanat’s acquisition of a 60 percent stake in the Human Development Co. for SR220.3 million. 

The company is a major provider of special education and care services in the Kingdom, operating nine schools, 22 daycare centers, and rehabilitation clinics across six provinces.

The Kingdom aims to raise the percentage of accredited training institutions to 39 percent while establishing three new academic facilities dedicated to nurturing gifted students in areas such as sports and technology, with one school set to open in Riyadh. 

Saudi Arabia’s focus on education and the significant investment in this sector reflects its commitment to diversifying its economy and empowering its youth to contribute to the Kingdom’s future growth. 

This emphasis on education is driven by the country’s long-term Vision 2030 goals, which seek to transition away from oil dependency and create a knowledge-based economy. 

Saudi Arabia has recognized that education plays a central role in shaping the future of its citizens, particularly the younger generation. This has led to a series of reforms aimed at improving the quality of schooling, increasing access to education, and fostering specialized skills. 

As the Kingdom seeks to boost industries beyond oil, there is a clear need for a skilled workforce in technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and entertainment sectors. 

The Saudi government has also been encouraging international collaboration in the education sector to enhance its global competitiveness. For example, opening branches of prestigious universities, such as Arizona State University, is part of a larger strategy to elevate the country’s standing in the global education rankings. 

This is intended to provide students with access to world-class education and attract international talent to the Kingdom.

Main 2024 achievements for education sector 

The Ministry of Finance’s budget report shows that the significant investment in the Kingdom’s education sector has played a key role in the sector’s notable achievements. 

For instance, three Saudi universities have now ranked among the top 200 globally, with King Saud University advancing into the top 100 in the prestigious Shanghai rankings.

In addition, the percentage of higher education graduates entering the workforce within six months of graduation has increased to 43 percent, a jump from 32 percent in 2023, highlighting the country’s efforts to improve job readiness among graduates. 

Saudi Arabia is also enhancing its educational institutions’ credibility, with four training facilities receiving institutional accreditation to support the Human Capability Development Program and raise the overall national education standard. 

On the infrastructure front, three Saudi cities—Madinah, Al-Ahsa, and King Abdullah City in Thuwal—have been included in UNESCO’s Network of Learning Cities. 

These cities aim to foster a more holistic and inclusive learning environment, offering educational opportunities for all ages and helping to equip citizens with the necessary skills for national development and workforce participation. 

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is expanding its research and development capabilities with the establishment of 40 centers dedicated to innovation, technology, and creativity. 

These centers will promote research and entrepreneurship, fueling the growth of new ideas and inventions. In 2024, the Kingdom saw a 10 percent increase in the enrollment of gifted students, with 28,264 scholars now participating in the National Program for Gifted Identification. 

Additionally, the country achieved six international awards in areas such as technical activity, innovation, and education. 

In terms of physical infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in the construction of new educational facilities. A public-private partnership initiative is developing 30 schools in Madinah to create modern and efficient educational facilities. 

In November, PwC Middle East announced the acquisition of Emkan Education, a Saudi consultancy specializing in education and skills development advisory services. The partnership is seen as a significant step toward building a future-ready education system in the Kingdom. 

The acquisition adds Emkan’s experienced professionals, including three prominent Saudi female education leaders, to PwC’s Middle East schooling practice. 

This integration will strengthen PwC’s regional capabilities and support Saudi Arabia’s goal of fostering innovation, empowering citizens, and driving economic transformation.


S&P Global forecasts 4.7% GDP growth for Saudi Arabia in 2025

S&P Global forecasts 4.7% GDP growth for Saudi Arabia in 2025
Updated 28 November 2024
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S&P Global forecasts 4.7% GDP growth for Saudi Arabia in 2025

S&P Global forecasts 4.7% GDP growth for Saudi Arabia in 2025

RIYADH: S&P Global has projected steady growth for Saudi Arabia’s economy, forecasting a 0.8 percent gross domestic product increase in 2024 and a robust 4.7 percent in 2025. 

The agency’s adjustments to its earlier forecasts reflect a recalibration of oil production assumptions, now expected at 9.5 million barrels per day in 2025, down from 9.7 million.

The Kingdom’s non-oil sector continues to exhibit strong potential, supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts. 

S&P also anticipated low and stable inflation in the Kingdom, forecasting rates of 1.8 percent in 2024 and 1.7 percent in 2025, highlighting the country’s success in maintaining price stability amid global economic volatility. 

The agency reduced its real GDP growth forecasts for emerging markets by 10 basis points for both 2025 and 2026, now projecting growth rates of 4.3 percent and 4.4 percent, respectively.  

The Kingdom saw the largest downward revision for 2025, with a reduction of 60 bps, followed by Hungary and Mexico. 

“In Saudi Arabia, our revision reflects lower oil production assumptions than previously anticipated,” S&P stated. 

The report cited recent OPEC+ announcements and trends in global oil markets as factors behind the adjusted projections for Saudi oil output. 

S&P also revised its forecasts for other regions. South Africa’s GDP growth projections were raised to 1 percent in 2024 and 1.6 percent in 2025, driven by strong retail sales and a new pension scheme boosting household consumption. While infrastructure challenges remain, ongoing reforms could enhance long-term growth prospects. 

In Southeast Asia, S&P noted heightened uncertainty due to reliance on trade and slowing growth in China. 

However, domestic demand remains resilient, supported by sectors like IT, finance, and a recovering tourism industry. Manufacturing, particularly electronics, continues to perform well, and inflation is under control, enabling some central banks to ease monetary policy. 

S&P upgraded growth forecasts for Malaysia and Vietnam, citing strong electronics supply chains and resilient domestic demand. Vietnam also benefits from recovering financial and real estate sectors. India’s growth remains robust but is expected to moderate after April 2025 due to slowing consumer momentum and challenges in the rural economy. 

The Philippines is projected to see slightly slower growth due to softer consumption, though infrastructure investment will provide medium-term support. Indonesia and Thailand maintain stable outlooks, with emerging sectors like electric vehicles and fiscal stimulus driving development. 

S&P also highlighted downside risks to global growth, particularly from uncertainties in US trade policy under President-elect Trump.  

While the agency assumed a modest tariff increase between the US and China, it warned that more aggressive measures could significantly disrupt global trade and demand. 

Tariffs targeting additional countries could amplify these effects, increasing risk premia and tightening financial conditions for emerging markets, especially those with weaker fundamentals. 

Geopolitical risks remain elevated, particularly due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has escalated with ballistic missile launches.

According to S&P, this uncertainty could heighten risk aversion toward emerging market assets and impact commodity prices.