UAE and India emerge as top destinations for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil goods

UAE and India emerge as top destinations for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil goods
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports increased by 22.8 percent year on year in September, reaching SR25.95 billion. Above, the Jeddah Islamic seaport. (AFP file photo)
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Updated 01 December 2024
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UAE and India emerge as top destinations for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil goods

UAE and India emerge as top destinations for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil goods

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Arab neighbor UAE was the favorite destination for the Kingdom’s non-oil goods in September, with exports to the Emirates amounting to SR6.54 billion ($1.74 billion), official data showed.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, Saudi Arabia exported mechanical and electrical equipment worth SR3.10 billion to the UAE in September, followed by transport parts and chemical products valued at SR1.64 billion and SR375.8 million, respectively.

Bolstering the exports of non-oil goods is a crucial goal outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda, with the Kingdom steadily reducing its decades-long dependence on crude revenues.

Earlier this month, speaking at the World Investment Conference, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim said that non-oil activities now account for 52 percent of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.

He also added that this sector of the economy has been growing at 20 percent since the launch of the Vision 2030.

In September, Saudi Arabia’s outbound shipments of plastic and rubber products to the UAE stood at SR345.9 million, followed by live animals and animal products at SR149.6 million.

India was another major destination for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil products over the period, with the Asian nation receiving inbound shipments worth SR2.35 billion from the Kingdom.

Chemical products and allied industries worth SR1.21 billion were imported from Saudi Arabia by India.

Other major non-oil exports to the country were plastic products and jewelry valued at SR438.4 million and SR345.5 million, respectively.

China held the third spot for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, with the Asian giant receiving inbound shipments from the Kingdom valued at SR1.73 billion in September.

Other top destinations for Saudi Arabia’s non-energy products over the month were Singapore, which imported goods valued at SR1.39 billion, Turkiye at SR973.4 billion, and Belgium at SR964.7 billion.

Egypt imported non-oil goods worth SR862.8 billion from the Kingdom, followed by the US and Jordan at SR743.2 billion and SR733.1 billion, respectively.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports increased by 22.8 percent year on year in September, reaching SR25.95 billion.

Affirming the progress of Saudi Arabia’s non-oil business activities, the Kingdom’s purchasing managers’ index rose to a six-month high of 56.9 in October, beating the September rating of 56.3 and the August level of 54.8.

According to the Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia PMI report, any readings above 50 indicate expansion of non-oil business activities, while levels below 50 signal contraction.

In October, a report released by Moody’s also projected that Saudi Arabia’s non-hydrocarbon real gross domestic product is set to grow between 5 percent and 5.5 percent from 2025 to 2027, driven by increased government spending.

GASTAT revealed that non-oil exports worth SR16.52 billion were sent to other countries through sea from Saudi Arabia, while outbound shipments via land and air totaled SR4.96 billion and SR4.46 billion, respectively.

King Fahad Industrial Sea Port in Jubail was the main exit point for Saudi Arabia’s non-energy exports with goods valued at SR3.54 billion.

Al Bat’ha Port handled non-oil outbound goods worth SR1.78 billion, while exports worth SR802.8 million passed through Al Hadithah Port.

Among airports, King Khalid International and King Abdulaziz International handled non-hydrocarbon export goods worth SR2.33 billion and SR1.89 billion, respectively.

Saudi Arabia’s overall merchandise exports

GASTAT, in its report, revealed that Saudi Arabia’s overall merchandise exports in September stood at SR88.56 billion, representing a decline of 14.9 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.

According to the authority, oil exports witnessed a fall of 24.5 percent year on year in September.

“Consequently, the percentage of oil exports out of total exports decreased from 79.7 percent in September 2023 to 70.7 percent in September 2024,” said GASTAT.

To stabilize the market, Saudi Arabia cut its oil production by 500,000 barrels per day in April 2023, a reduction now extended until December 2024.

China was the Kingdom’s most important trading partner in September, with exports to the Asian nation amounting to 13.91 billion, followed by Japan and the UAE at SR7.98 billion and SR7.49 billion, respectively.

The strong flow of Saudi exports to China signifies strong bilateral relations between both nations, with the Kingdom being the largest trading partner of China in the Middle East since 2001, and bilateral trade between the nations reaching $107.23 billion in 2023.

China and Saudi Arabia are strategic partners in various other sectors like energy and finance, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative.

In September, Saudi Arabia’s exports to South Korea amounted to SR6.87 billion, followed by the US at SR3.27 billion, Egypt at SR2.89 billion and Singapore at SR2.70 billion.

Imports in September

GASTAT revealed that Saudi Arabia’s overall imports in September reached SR69.8 billion, representing an increase of 15 percent compared to the same month of the previous year, while the surplus of the merchandise trade balance decreased by 56.9 percent during the same period.

In September, Saudi Arabia imported goods worth SR17.99 billion from China, led by mechanical appliances and electrical equipment valued at SR8.29 billion.

The authority added that Chinese imports of transport equipment and base metal products amounted to SR2.37 billion and SR1.66 billion, respectively.

Saudi Arabia also imported plastic and rubber products from China valued at SR976.6 million, followed by textiles at SR955.6 million.

China was closely followed by the US and Germany with imports from these nations to the Kingdom in September stood at SR5.39 billion and SR3.45 billion, respectively.

In September, Saudi Arabia imported goods worth SR3.42 billion from the UAE, and SR3.21 billion from India.

Italian imports to the Kingdom amounted to SR2.50 billion, while inbound shipments from Japan and Indonesia stood at SR2.34 billion and SR2.08 billion, respectively.

GASTAT said that inbound shipments worth SR43.07 billion reached the Kingdom via sea, while imports valued at SR18.07 billion and SR8.73 billion came via air and land, respectively.

King Abdulaziz Sea Port in Dammam was the primary entry point for goods in September through sea, with imports valued at SR19.65 billion, representing 28.1 percent of the total inbound shipments.

The report revealed that Jeddah Islamic Sea Port handled incoming shipments valued at SR12.54 billion, followed by Ras Tanura Sea Port at SR4.78 billion.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh welcomed inbound shipments worth SR8.57 billion.

Through land, Al Bat’ha Port and Riyadh Dry Port handled imports valued at SR3.51 billion and SR3.09 billion, respectively.


Drones drive innovation and efficiency in Vision 2030

Drones drive innovation and efficiency in Vision 2030
Updated 33 sec ago
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Drones drive innovation and efficiency in Vision 2030

Drones drive innovation and efficiency in Vision 2030

JEDDAH: Drone technology is emerging as a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s push toward economic diversification, as the Kingdom leverages its Vision 2030 initiative to foster innovation across key industries.

From construction and oil to logistics and agriculture, drones are not only enhancing operational efficiency but are also central to achieving sustainability goals.

With strong government backing, the drone market in Saudi Arabia is poised for significant growth. Strategic investments and regulatory reforms are providing a conducive environment for drone technology, positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in aerial innovation.

Rabih Bou Rached, founder and CEO of Dubai-based Falcon Eye Drones, a leader in Middle Eastern drone operations, emphasized that the unmanned aircraft are essential for Vision 2030, particularly in revitalizing industries, boosting operational efficiency and meeting sustainability objectives.

“The Saudi government’s commitment to technology adoption and strategic investments is facilitating drone integration across various sectors, creating new opportunities and innovations,” he said.

The drone sector is growing rapidly, supported by regulatory advancements and increasing demand from multiple industries. He cited a MarketsandMarkets report forecasting that the Middle East drone market would reach $5.54 billion by 2025, with Saudi Arabia driving much of this growth.

The report attributes this to sectors like construction, oil and gas, agriculture and logistics, which are leveraging drone technology to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

Drone impact on key sectors

In construction, drones are revolutionizing project management and site inspections. Bou Rached said the Saudi construction market, valued at $70.33 billion in 2024, was set to grow to $91.36 billion by 2029, with drones playing a key role in driving efficiency.

In the oil and gas sector, drones are used for inspection, monitoring and maintenance, helping reduce costs and improve safety by minimizing human intervention in hazardous environments.

“According to a report by PwC, drones can reduce inspection costs by up to 85 percent and enhance safety by minimizing human intervention in hazardous environments. Drones provide an effective solution for inspecting gas flares, monitoring pipelines, and detecting leaks, ensuring operational continuity, and improving safety,” Bou Rached added.

Despite the rapid growth, regulatory challenges persist. Bou Rached pointed out that while Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in developing drone-friendly regulations, there are still areas for improvement.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation is revising regulations to balance safety and innovation, with new efforts to streamline licensing and create clearer guidelines for commercial drone operations.

“As with most of the Middle East though, there are focus areas for development. The existing regulations concerning operational limits, airspace usage, and licensing requirements are under scrutiny by the powers that be, to allow for improved usage and development,” he said.

He stressed regulatory clarity was essential for maximizing drone capabilities across sectors: “Recent efforts include streamlined licensing processes and clearer guidelines for commercial drone operations.”

Job creation and future prospects

The integration of drones is expected to spur job creation and skills development, particularly in fields such as manufacturing, maintenance and data analysis.

Bou Rached foresees increased educational opportunities as universities offer programs focused on drone technology, robotics and artificial intelligence: “This technology is poised to be a catalyst for job creation and skills development,” he said.

Alhussain Al-Hazmi, CEO of Riyadh-based Lensic Drone Solutions, echoed Bou Rached’s optimism and highlighted the rapid adoption of drones across various sectors in Saudi Arabia.

Alhussain Alhazmi, CEO of Lensic Drone Solutions. (Supplied)

“Drone technology is playing a vital role in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its Vision 2030 goals, particularly in driving economic diversification and enhancing efficiency across key sectors,” Al-Hazmi said.

He noted the success of drones in defense, particularly for real-time surveillance and reducing human risk in dangerous environments.

The CEO also highlighted their growing use in logistics, citing a pilotless air taxi initiative during the 2024 Hajj to manage congestion and improve transport efficiency. “The logistics sector is also benefiting from drone technology. During the 2024 Hajj, the government successfully trialed pilotless air taxis to manage congestion and transport people more efficiently,” he said.

In the mining sector, Al-Hazmi’s company collaborates with Royal Road Arabia to enhance mineral exploration using advanced drones. These drones are equipped with hyperspectral scanners and other technologies to gather high-precision data, aiding in the exploration of copper and gold mines.

“These results demonstrate the power of drone technology in enhancing the discovery and exploration of valuable mineral resources,” he said.

Regulatory and infrastructure challenges

Despite the excitement surrounding drone technology, regulatory hurdles persist. Alhazmi pointed out that the approval process for drone operations, especially for advanced or heavy drones, can be cumbersome. The GACA restricts drones heavier than 24.99 kg, limiting their use to government projects, which restricts the private sector’s potential.

However, Al-Hazmi sees promise in the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline regulatory frameworks and foster collaboration with the private sector. “Clearer guidelines and faster approval processes are being developed to help companies operate more efficiently,” he said. “Collaboration between the government and the private sector is being actively encouraged to develop smoother, more efficient regulations that better meet industry needs.”

Both Bou Rached and Al-Hazmi agreed that drone technology holds immense potential in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its economic and technological goals.

As the industry matures, drones are expected to become integral to sectors such as public safety, urban planning, and energy. The integration of artificial intelligence and automation will further enhance the capabilities of drones, enabling them to handle data analysis, predictive maintenance, and autonomous operations.

“In the energy sector, drones inspect pipelines, power lines, and conduct environmental assessments, enhancing safety and efficiency,” said Al-Hazmi. “Drones assist farmers by monitoring crop health, optimizing water use, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Drones will also play a critical role in the development of Saudi Arabia’s smart cities, including NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Giga projects on the Red Sea.”

A bright future for drone technology

As Saudi Arabia moves toward its Vision 2030 objectives, drones are becoming a driving force for innovation and efficiency across key sectors. While challenges remain, the Kingdom’s commitment to developing a drone-friendly regulatory environment and fostering private-sector collaboration signals a promising future for the industry.

Both Bou Rached and Alhazmi are confident Saudi Arabia’s drone industry is poised for rapid growth, with the potential to lead not only in the Middle East but globally.

“The next decade could see drones becoming an integral part of key industries and economic evolution in Saudi Arabia,” Bou Rached said.

With continued regulatory reforms and strategic investments, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to harness the full potential of drone technology as a key enabler of Vision 2030’s economic transformation. 


More funding needed for global land conservation, say experts at COP16

More funding needed for global land conservation, say experts at COP16
Updated 6 min 21 sec ago
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More funding needed for global land conservation, say experts at COP16

More funding needed for global land conservation, say experts at COP16
  • Princess Noura bint Turki Al-Saud argues that land restoration can yield immense economic, social returns
  • ‘Nature economy’ can create $10tn in business, 395m jobs by 2030, says economist Tillem Burlace

RIYADH: Experts attending COP16 here have emphasized the need to allocate more funds for sectors critical to land conservation and nature restoration because of the potential for greater global economic development and job creation.

Climate financing has nearly doubled over the past decade, with spending at about $1.3 trillion over the period 2021 to 2022, said Tillem Burlace, regional lead at 1t.org, World Economic Forum.

Burlace, who was speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of COP16, which began on Dec. 2 and ends Dec. 11, said that funds were not being allocated efficiently.

She said most of this financing flowed to energy (44 percent) and transport (29 percent), which remain “key” to reaching net-zero goals. However, investments in agriculture, forestry, and other land use have lagged, receiving just 4 percent.

Burlace stressed that this imbalance poses a significant challenge to achieving land degradation neutrality and drought resilience, two critical goals central to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification agenda at COP16 and beyond.

She said that research by the WEF indicates that transitioning to a sustainable “nature economy” could unlock $10 trillion in business opportunities and create 395 million jobs by 2030.

“Every dollar invested in restoring degraded lands brings between $7 to $30 in economic returns,” she said.

Burlace added that innovative financing models are needed to help aggregate capital while minimizing risks.

Princess Noura bint Turki Al-Saud said that the UNCCD often operates with limited political backing, insufficient financing, and fragmented implementation.

Speaking during a panel session at COP16, Princess Noura, a founding partner at Aeon Strategy, emphasized the challenges facing the convention.

“To achieve the convention’s transformative potential, it must be elevated as a political priority, fully integrated into international development plans, and backed by substantial financial and technical commitments.”

Princess Noura highlighted the persistent challenges in quantifying financial and capacity gaps necessary to implement effective land-restoration measures.

“The financial-needs assessment reveals a significant gap (because) of the 63 National Drought Plans evaluated, only nine countries have quantified their financial needs,” she explained.

Princess Noura said that in terms of reporting resource needs under the UNCCD’s progress indicators, only 13 of 38 countries have expressed their requirements in financial terms.

This lack of financial data, she added, reflects broader difficulties in calculating the costs of restoration, capacity building, and governance measures.

Princess Noura argued that investing in land restoration yields immense returns. Research shows that every dollar spent on land restoration can generate up to $30 in returns, she said.

“This is driven by the critical role that healthy land ecosystems play in global development.”

Princess Noura pointed out that half of the world’s gross domestic product depends directly and indirectly on healthy soil ecosystems, which underpin agriculture, food systems, and economic stability.

“Investing in land restoration is not just an environmental imperative — it is an economic necessity,” she stressed.

Capacity building across the project cycle was crucial, but it should be accompanied by targeted financial and technical support, Princess Noura said.

Her remarks reflect the growing consensus at COP16 on the importance of integrating sustainability into global economic and development policies.

Nigel Topping, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion from the COP26 Presidency, emphasized the importance of translating environmental and social needs into financial terms to mobilize meaningful action from key decision-makers.

“If we don’t translate hectares or people into financial numbers, then we will not get CEOs, ministers — particularly ministers of finance — and fund managers around the table,” Topping said.

He underscored the importance of broadening the scope of financial needs assessments. “In the climate space, we spent a very long time obsessing about a small part of the need — the multilateral finance need,” Topping said.

It turns out this is only about 4 percent of the total finance that needs to mobilize, he added.

“Having a needs assessment showing the whole amount is very important in terms of setting a normative target, which we can then go about problem-solving,” Topping said.

He said such assessments were not only important for setting clear targets but also aligning public and private sector efforts to address systemic challenges including land degradation, drought, and biodiversity loss.


Startup wrap — Saudi firms commit investment in regional funds, sportstech sees notable activity

Startup wrap — Saudi firms commit investment in regional funds, sportstech sees notable activity
Updated 13 min 24 sec ago
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Startup wrap — Saudi firms commit investment in regional funds, sportstech sees notable activity

Startup wrap — Saudi firms commit investment in regional funds, sportstech sees notable activity

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, with significant investment across private equity, sportstech and digital platforms.

Jada Fund of Funds has announced an investment in Jadwa GCC Private Equity Fund I, managed by Jadwa Investment. The Riyadh-based fund is targeting SR1.5 billion ($399.2 million) in commitments, with a hard cap of SR2 billion.

The fund will invest in companies across the Gulf Cooperation Council, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia. This marks Jadwa’s first regional blind pool fund, following a track record of 16 single-asset funds launched since 2007.

The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Bandr Al-Homaly, CEO of Jada Fund of Funds, and Tariq Al-Sudairy, CEO of Jadwa Investment. The partnership aims to further strengthen regional private equity investment activity.

CaptionJada Fund of Funds has announced an investment in Jadwa GCC Private Equity Fund I. (Supplied)

“Backing Jadwa’s first regional blind pool fund demonstrates our commitment to supporting the evolving private equity space led by pioneering investment firms, with the aim to broaden the Kingdom’s private equity ecosystem and contribute to its economic diversification,” Al-Homaly said.

“We are excited to partner with Jada Fund of Funds and to contribute to the development of the private equity ecosystem in Saudi Arabia through our blind pool fund, the GCC Private Equity Fund I. This investment will provide the capital necessary to grow businesses and enable their contribution to the Kingdom’s economic transformation,” Al-Sudairy said.

SVC backs Aliph Fund I

Saudi Venture Capital Co. has invested in Aliph Fund I, a growth-focused private equity fund managed by UAE-based Aliph Capital. The fund, founded in 2021, has a target size of $250 million.

Aliph Fund I focuses on mid-market companies across Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC. Its strategy emphasizes value creation through active ownership and enabling technology adoption to enhance business operations and growth potential.

“We are honored to welcome SVC as an investor in Aliph Fund I. The GCC’s SMEs represent fantastic opportunities to create investor value and drive economic growth, particularly when supported by active, hands-on management with a clear strategy of digitization and technology enablement,” Huda Al-Lawati, founder and CEO of Aliph Capital, said.

This investment aligns with SVC’s commitment to supporting private equity funds that drive growth across the GCC. Specific details about the investment amount were not disclosed.

“Our investment in the private equity fund by Aliph Capital is part of SVC’s Investment in Funds Program, in alignment with our strategy to support funds that invest in Saudi-based SMEs with growth potential,” Nabeel Koshak, CEO of SVC, said.

Saudi fintech Mala secures investment from Nuwa Capital

Saudi Arabia’s business-to-business buy now, pay later platform Mala has secured an undisclosed investment from venture capital firm Nuwa Capital.

Founded in 2024 by Musaab Al-Hakami, Mala offers business financing for the procurement landscape with its BNPL platform.

Khaled Talhouni, managing partner of Nuwa Capital, revealed that the market’s persistent problem and opportunity, as well as Al-Hakami’s experience, were the main reasons behind the investment.

Grintafy secures investment from Adaverse

Grintafy, a Saudi sportstech platform, has secured an undisclosed investment from Adaverse to accelerate its transformation to Web3. The company was founded in 2019 by Majdi Al-Lulu.

The platform connects football talent to opportunities with prominent teams in the Middle East and Europe. Grintafy is leveraging emerging technologies to enhance its talent discovery and recruitment processes.

This funding follows Grintafy’s previous financial support, including a $2.1 million bridge round in 2022 from Aramco’s Wa’ed. In March, the company also received backing from Chiliz to support its growth.

Koora Break secures funding from Rio Ferdinand’s TFG

Saudi sports platform Koora Break has received a multi-million-dollar investment from the Ferdinand Group, owned by former footballer Rio Ferdinand. TFG has acquired a minority stake in the company.

Founded in 2022 by Bader Al-Hammad, Koora Break is a sports network catering to the Middle East and North Africa region. The platform claims to attract 800 million visitors per month with its extensive football-related content.

Koora Break plans to use the investment to expand into European and Asian markets. Its multilingual content strategy will include offerings in both Arabic and English to broaden its global reach.

SpiderSilk inks MoU with stc Group’s Sirar

Saudi-based cyber artificial intelligence startup SpiderSilk inked a memorandum of understanding with stc Group’s Sirar.

The MoU will enable SpiderSilk to package its flagship product, Resonance, with some of Sirar’s services.

The agreement will also strengthen SpiderSilk’s Saudi market presence.

Aliph Capital invests in SANIPEX GROUP

UAE-based private equity firm Aliph Capital has acquired a 25 percent stake in SANIPEX GROUP, a lifestyle product supplier. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.

Founded in 1995 by Daryl Barker, SANIPEX GROUP provides premium bathroom, kitchen, lighting and outdoor solutions. Its customer base spans retail, corporate and trade clients across the GCC and international markets.

The investment follows Aliph Capital’s recent commitment from SVC to its Aliph Fund I. The deal underscores Aliph’s focus on mid-market companies in the region.

Playgama raises $3m for gametech innovation

UAE-based gametech startup Playgama has raised $3 million in a funding round led by The Open Platform and s16vc. Other investors include FJ Labs, The Games Fund, and TON Ventures.

Playgama, founded in 2023 by Dmitry Kachmar, operates an HTML5 games portal offering titles for all age groups. The platform simplifies monetization for developers and supports web gaming innovation.

The funding will enable Playgama to enhance its developer tools, introduce advanced analytics, and integrate fintech solutions. The company aims to drive growth in the web gaming sector.

Enakl raises $1.4m pre-seed funding

Morocco-based mobility startup Enakl has raised $1.4 million in a pre-seed funding round. The round was led by Catalyst Fund, with support from Renew Capital, Digital Africa, and Station F.

Enakl, founded in 2023 by Samir Bennani and Charles Pommarede, offers sustainable urban mobility solutions. The company is focused on collective transport tailored for emerging markets.

The funding will support Enakl’s expansion in Casablanca and further development of its AI-driven technology. Enakl aims to optimize transport routes and deepen its impact in underserved urban areas.

Abikhdmh expands with close to $800k funding

Saudi platform Abikhdmh has raised $798,545 to broaden its range of digital services. The app facilitates access to government services such as document issuance for businesses and citizens.

The funding will enable Abikhdmh to add new services, including flight reservations, business assistance, and employment solutions. The platform’s growth reflects increased demand for digital transformation in Saudi Arabia.

Abikhdmh’s expansion aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes digital innovation to enhance public and private sector services. The app is positioned to play a key role in modernizing service delivery in the Kingdom.


‘Creeping coup’: In Pakistan, lack of Internet access is costing livelihoods

‘Creeping coup’: In Pakistan, lack of Internet access is costing livelihoods
Updated 07 December 2024
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‘Creeping coup’: In Pakistan, lack of Internet access is costing livelihoods

‘Creeping coup’: In Pakistan, lack of Internet access is costing livelihoods
  • Protest by thousands in Pakistan capital last month triggered Internet outages and slowdowns
  • Businesses relying on Internet say Pakistan could lose hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue

KARACHI: A protest by thousands in Pakistan’s capital last month demanding the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan triggered the arrest of hundreds, but also, digital rights campaigners say, nationwide Internet outages and slow-downs.
Pakistan has a record of curbing online access in response to political turmoil, banning social media sites or simply temporarily shutting down the Internet altogether.
The United States condemned Internet shutdowns in Pakistan following parliamentary elections in February in which Khan’s party won the most seats despite a crackdown on its activities.
Businesses that rely on the Internet have complained Pakistan could lose hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue as a result of the government’s imposition of a national firewall to monitor and regulate content and social media platforms and prolonged Internet disconnections.
The government denies any attempt at censorship.
“We’re seeing a loss of civilian control over basic IT and digital infrastructure, only made worse by a lack of transparency,” said Usama Khilji, a prominent digital rights activist. “It’s almost like a creeping coup.”
In Layyah, a small town in south-eastern Pakistan, getting steady Internet connection requires Sehrish Bano to hop from room to room balancing her laptop and toggling between the three different connections.
More often than not, she said, none of them work.
The 25-year-old said the poor, unreliable Internet connections hampered her ability to earn a living as a freelance video editor and complete her online graphic design course.
“I’m not able to take online classes because Zoom keeps freezing and I can’t understand what my teacher is saying,” she said. Compared to three months ago, “even simple things like sending an audio message via WhatsApp or downloading a picture or a PDF takes five times as long.”
Internet speeds have dropped by more than 30 percent in the last three months, Shahzad Arshad, chairman of the Wireless and Internet Providers Association of Pakistan, an advisory body of Internet service providers, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Arshad attributed the decline to the government’s deployment of “a web management system or firewall.”
Farieha Aziz, co-founder of Bolo Bhi, a digital-rights and civil-liberties group, said there had been no acknowledgement of an official firewall and accused authorities of not coming clean on the issue.
“It seems sustained opacity is the official government policy,” Aziz said.
Rights group Amnesty International has also called on Pakistan to be transparent about Internet disruptions.
“The opacity of the Pakistani authorities regarding the use of monitoring and surveillance technologies that block content, slow down and control Internet speeds is an alarming concern,” Jurre Van Bergen, Amnesty technologist said in August.
“Time and again, the use of such technologies, including national firewalls, has proven to be incompatible with human rights,” Van Bergen said.

DIGITAL CHASM
Aziz said it was clear the government’s aim was to clamp down on free speech and dissent.
“Never before,” she said, has the government “been able to disrupt a whole function of an app; usually the entire website or application stops working. But here we are seeing that only media files are being disrupted.”
Aziz said the issue was compounded by the government’s attempts to restrict the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which encrypt data and mask IP addresses, allowing users to browse the Internet more securely.
The Pakistani government has said it would no longer pursue a ban on VPNs and denies any responsibility for slowing down of bandwidths nationwide.
The United Nations says Pakistan’s digital divide is vast — more than half the country does not have access to the Internet because of inadequate digital infrastructure and affordability challenges.
That divide could become a chasm, experts said.
“WhatsApp, sharing voice notes, links for education and work purposes, has become a way of life,” said Aziz. Government measures that slowed Internet speeds, or cut connections altogether, she said, were “creating digital haves and have-nots.”
The problem has become so bad that some whose livelihoods depend on Internet access are considering leaving the country.
Ehtesham Khan, a freelance photo editor and graphic designer, said he was contemplating moving to Dubai because frequent Internet disruptions had led to him losing clients.
And it is not just individuals who are thinking of leaving.
“Companies are already relocating to other places, Dubai, Singapore, where Internet access isn’t a problem,” Khilji said. “Our foreign income and Internet exports have reduced, and our IT industry’s potential is reducing by the day because of these issues.” 


Oil Updates — crude set for weekly loss on surplus fears   

Oil Updates — crude set for weekly loss on surplus fears   
Updated 06 December 2024
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Oil Updates — crude set for weekly loss on surplus fears   

Oil Updates — crude set for weekly loss on surplus fears   

LONDON: Oil prices fell on Friday as analysts continued to forecast a supply surplus in 2025 despite the OPEC+ decision to postpone planned supply increases and extend deep output cuts to the end of 2026, according to Reuters.  

Brent crude futures were down 66 cents, or 0.9 percent, to $71.43 per barrel at 2:28 p.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 65 cents, or 1 percent, to $67.65 per barrel.  

For the week, Brent was on track to fall 2 percent, while WTI was on course for a 0.5 percent drop.  

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies on Thursday pushed back the start of oil output rises by three months until April and extended the full unwinding of cuts by a year until the end of 2026.  

The group, known as OPEC+ and responsible for about half of the world's oil output, was planning to start unwinding cuts from October 2024, but a slowdown in global demand — especially in China — and rising output elsewhere have forced it to postpone the plan several times.  

“The outcome of the latest meeting of OPEC+ members surprised us positively ... The extension of the production cuts shows the group remains united and is still targeting to keep the oil market in balance,” UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.  

Pressuring prices on Friday, analysts reiterated expectations of a supply surplus next year, although some of them now view a smaller surplus than before.  

Bank of America forecasts increasing oil surpluses to drive Brent to average $65 a barrel in 2025, while expecting oil demand growth to rebound to 1 million barrels per day next year, the bank said in a note on Friday.  

HSBC, meanwhile, now expects a smaller oil market surplus of 0.2 million bpd, from 0.5 million bpd previously, it said in a note.  

Brent has largely stayed in a tight range of $70-75 per barrel in the past month, as investors weighed weak demand signals in China and heightened geopolitical risk in the Middle East.  

“The general narrative is that the market is stuck in its rather narrow range. While immediate developments might push it out of this range on the upside briefly, the medium-term view remains rather pessimistic,” PVM analyst Tamas Varga said.