Saudi Arabia targets 30% land protection by 2030 in sustainability push

Saudi Arabia targets 30% land protection by 2030 in sustainability push
During the “Climate Envoy Perspective” panel at the 4th Saudi Green Initiative Forum, Al-Jubeir highlighted Saudi Arabia’s dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability.  Supplied
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Updated 04 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia targets 30% land protection by 2030 in sustainability push

Saudi Arabia targets 30% land protection by 2030 in sustainability push
  • Kingdom’s efforts extend beyond its borders, with the nation supporting global initiatives to combat environmental challenges
  • Saudi Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir highlighted broader importance of environmental preservation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia now has 20 percent of its territory designated as protected areas, a significant rise from just 3 percent a decade ago, according to a senior official. 

By 2030, this figure is projected to increase to 30 percent, said the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the Kingdom’s envoy for climate, Adel Al-Jubeir. 

During the “Climate Envoy Perspective” panel at the 4th Saudi Green Initiative Forum, Al-Jubeir highlighted Saudi Arabia’s dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability.   

“We are protecting 30 percent of our territory; it will be protected areas, both sea and land,” Al-Jubeir said, emphasizing the country’s efforts to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable resource management.  

He added: “The fact is, we used to (have) 3 percent of our territory protected 10 years ago, now we’re almost at 20 percent, and by 2030 will be 30 percent.”   

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting its environment is evident in a wide range of initiatives. “We’re working on sustainable fishing in the Red Sea, as well as in the Gulf, and we’re making sure that everything we do is very, very in line with protecting our environment,” Al-Jubeir said.  

He also noted that tourism projects along the Red Sea are being developed with rigorous sustainability and environmental standards, ensuring minimal impact on marine life.   

The minister emphasized the progress of Saudi Arabia’s blue economy, drawing attention to the Kingdom’s announcement earlier regarding the launch of the National Red Sea Sustainability Strategy.

“We have launched more than 80 initiatives in Saudi Arabia, from turning waste into energy, from redesigning our cities, from planting trees, from capturing carbon, both naturally as well as using technology, and we are transitioning towards renewable energy,” Al-Jubeir added.  

He highlighted the Kingdom’s ambitious energy goals, saying: “50 percent of our electricity by 2030 will come from renewable energy, the other 50 percent from natural gas.”   

The Kingdom’s efforts extend beyond its borders, with the nation supporting global initiatives to combat environmental challenges. “We’re helping countries adopt a circular carbon economy approach so that they can deal with planting and environmental issues more effectively,” Al-Jubeir explained.   

Addressing land degradation, the minister emphasized its global impact. “We believe that the issue of land degradation is not just an environmental issue; it’s a national security issue, it’s a global issue, because land degradation means less ability to produce food, which means people go from no-food areas to areas where they can grow food,” he said. 

Al-Jubeir also underscored the economic benefits of sustainability. “When you invest in solar energy and wind, it’s not only sustainable and good for the environment, it’s also very good for the pocketbook,” he said. “Investors are more confident when they come to a country where they have clean water, clean air, and so this is part of what we’re doing.” 

He continued: “For every dollar we spend restoring land, the benefits are anywhere from $7 to $30, akin to investing in technology. We are doing this, and we are trying to point this out to the world.”

Al-Jubeir added: “When you invest in resorts in the Red Sea, and you are very sensitive to the environment it increases the value of your investment, and it makes it more attractive. So, we don't see a contradiction between having the utmost concern for environmental issues and financial gains.”

The minister highlighted the broader importance of environmental preservation, stating: “People are more productive when the environment in which they live is pleasant. We breathe the same air as everybody else. We need the same water like everybody else, and so we are very, very sensitive to our environment and to ensuring that we protect it and that we restore it if it needs to be restored.”   

Saudi Arabia, known as the world’s most efficient producer of oil and gas, is also emerging as a global leader in renewable energy. “We are an example for the world in terms of energy, in terms of renewable energy, in terms of our commitment to the environment,” Al-Jubeir said.   

He stressed the Kingdom’s focus on collaboration and practical solutions to address climate challenges.  

“We believe that we have the technology, we believe that we have the financial resources. We believe that by working together, we can overcome many of the challenges that we face, but we cannot do this if we’re trying to assign blame or trying to point fingers,” Al-Jubeir added. 

“We believe we are facing a tremendous challenge in terms of the climate, and we believe that by working together and putting our resources together we will be able to confront and deal with this challenge effectively,” he said.


Saudi banking sector boosted by flurry of debt, sukuk issuances

Saudi banking sector boosted by flurry of debt, sukuk issuances
Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi banking sector boosted by flurry of debt, sukuk issuances

Saudi banking sector boosted by flurry of debt, sukuk issuances
  • Al Rajhi Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, and Arab National Bank are among the key players
  • CMA’s strategy seeks to expand the debt instruments market to 24.1% of GDP by 2025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s banking sector is experiencing a surge in activity in debt and sukuk markets as leading financial institutions move to strengthen their capital bases and fund strategic growth initiatives. 

Al Rajhi Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, and Arab National Bank are among the key players announcing substantial issuances to tap local and international investors.

This wave in activity supports the Capital Market Authority’s objective of transforming the Kingdom’s investment market into a key pillar of the its economy, as outlined in Vision 2030. The plan emphasizes expanding financing options, promoting funding opportunities, and attracting international investors.

Al Rajhi Bank unveiled plans to issue US dollar-denominated additional Tier 1 capital sustainable sukuk under its international sukuk program established in April. 

The issuance, approved by the bank’s board in March, will be executed through a special purpose vehicle and offered to eligible investors both within Saudi Arabia and abroad, according to a statement on the Saudi stock exchange.

The bank has enlisted a consortium of leading financial institutions, including Citigroup, HSBC, and Goldman Sachs, as joint lead managers and bookrunners for the proposed issuance. 

Banque Saudi Fransi similarly announced its intention to issue US dollar-denominated certificates under its Trust Certificate Issuance Program. The initiative follows a board resolution granting executive management the authority to oversee the program and carry out issuances as needed. 

“The issuance is expected to be through a special purpose vehicle and by way of an offer to eligible investors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and internationally,” a statement said.

HSBC will serve as global coordinator, and several prominent institutions, including Japanese-based bank holding company Mizuho and Saudi Fransi Capital, acting as joint lead managers. 

Meanwhile, Arab National Bank has opted for a Saudi Riyal-denominated additional Tier 1 capital sukuk. 

The private placement, valued at SR11.25 billion ($2.9 billion), aims to bolster the bank’s capital base while supporting general corporate purposes. HSBC Saudi Arabia and ANB Capital Co. have been appointed as joint lead managers for the issuance. 

The developments highlight the growing momentum in the Kingdom’s financial markets as banks look to diversify funding sources and enhance their capital adequacy. 

By prioritizing sustainable finance and investor protection, Saudi Arabia is aligning with international standards and leveraging its leadership in Islamic finance to attract a broader range of investors.

The CMA’s strategy seeks to expand the debt instruments market to 24.1 percent of gross domestic product by 2025 by implementing regulatory reforms, improving market accessibility, and streamlining issuance processes.


Annual trade between Qatar and Jordan hits $248m

Annual trade between Qatar and Jordan hits $248m
Updated 1 min 43 sec ago
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Annual trade between Qatar and Jordan hits $248m

Annual trade between Qatar and Jordan hits $248m

RIYADH: The trade exchange between Qatar and Jordan rose to 910 million Qatari riyals ($248.16 million) in 2024, a 5.81 percent increase from the previous year, driven by higher imports of Jordanian food and consumer goods. 

Both countries saw their trade balance grow 5.6 percent year on year over the 12-month period, with total commerce rising from 800 million riyals in 2022 to 860 million riyals in 2023, according to data from Qatar’s Planning and Statistics Authority, as reported by Jordan News Agency. 

This comes as the trade and economic relationship between Jordan and Qatar has been on an upward trajectory since the establishment of the Joint Business Council in 2015. 

In November, Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani met to discuss ways to further enhance cooperation in various fields including economic development, trade, investment, and infrastructure. 

Last year, Jordan’s major exports to Qatar included food and consumer products such as fresh and processed foods, vegetables, and fruits, as well as meats, dairy products, and grains. 

Other significant food exports included fresh cheeses, poultry, sweets, and rice. Additionally, Jordan shipped juices, nuts, and oils, as well as pickles, herbs and honey. 

Eggs and Jordanian coffee were also traded.

Conversely, Qatar’s exports to Jordan were largely comprised of chemicals and industrial products, including motor oils, sulfuric acid, aluminum molds, and paraffin. 

Other key Qatari exports to Jordan were polyethylene, iron rods, and chemical fertilizers, as well as plastic bags, organic fertilizers, and medical solutions. 

The growing trade ties between Qatar and Jordan are part of a broader trend of increasing regional trade. 

Saudi Arabia also saw significant growth in its trade relationship with Jordan. In the third quarter of 2024, Saudi exports to Jordan reached SR3.78 billion ($1.01 billion), marking a 15.95 percent year-on-year increase. 

Non-oil exports from the Kingdom to Jordan totaled SR2.26 billion, with rubber and plastic products accounting for SR766.7 million and chemicals contributing SR320.2 million. Jordan’s exports to Saudi Arabia during the same period were valued at SR1.49 billion. 

With ongoing efforts to bolster economic ties, the trade relationship between Qatar and Jordan is expected to continue its positive trajectory. 


Saudi Arabia, Japan strengthen investment ties with strategic MoU

Saudi Arabia, Japan strengthen investment ties with strategic MoU
Updated 13 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia, Japan strengthen investment ties with strategic MoU

Saudi Arabia, Japan strengthen investment ties with strategic MoU

DUBAI: The Saudi Investment Promotion Authority on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s Mizuho Bank Ltd. in an effort to enhance investment opportunities between the two countries.

The MoU was signed by Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim bin Yousef Al-Mubarak and bank CEO Masahiko Kato.

The agreement means the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority will provide its expertise and information to help integrate support services to Japanese companies interested in investing in the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The memorandum comes within the Vision 2030 framework, which aims to diversify the national economy by attracting foreign investments, supporting economic partnerships with international companies, strengthening bilateral investment relations and long-term partnerships, and opening new qualitative areas for cooperation in the investment and economic fields.

On Sunday, the Saudi Japanese Joint Business Council Meeting convened in Riyadh with Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih and Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Muto Yoji.

Attending the meeting were more than 80 representatives of companies and entities from both nations.

The Japanese delegation included those from industrial and commercial companies, as well as financial institutions focusing on modern technologies with an interest in the Saudi market.


Oil Updates — crude jumps as new US sanctions to curb Russian supply to China, India

Oil Updates — crude jumps as new US sanctions to curb Russian supply to China, India
Updated 13 January 2025
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Oil Updates — crude jumps as new US sanctions to curb Russian supply to China, India

Oil Updates — crude jumps as new US sanctions to curb Russian supply to China, India

SINGAPORE: Oil prices extended gains for a third session on Monday, with Brent rising above $80 a barrel to its highest in more than four months, as wider US sanctions are expected to affect Russian crude exports to top buyers China and India.

Brent crude futures climbed $1.14, or 1.43 percent, to $80.90 a barrel by 10:41 a.m. Saudi time after hitting an intraday high of $81.49, the highest since Aug. 27.

US West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.20, or 1.57 percent to $77.77 a barrel after touching a high of $78.39, the most since Oct. 8.

Brent and WTI have risen by more than 6 percent since Jan. 8, and both contracts surged after the US Treasury imposed wider sanctions on Russian oil on Friday.

The new sanctions included producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, as well as 183 vessels that have shipped Russian oil, targeting the revenue Moscow has used to fund its war with Ukraine.

Russian oil exports will be hurt severely by the new sanctions, pushing China and India, the world’s top and third-largest oil importers respectively, to source more crude from the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, which will boost prices and shipping costs, traders and analysts said.

“Friday’s announcement strengthens our view that the risks to our $70-85 Brent range forecast are skewed to the upside in the short term,” Goldman Sachs analysts said in a note.

“We estimate that the vessels targeted by the new sanctions transported 1.7mb/d of oil in 2024 or 25 percent of Russia’s exports, with the vast majority being crude oil.”

Expectations of tighter supplies have also pushed Brent and WTI monthly spreads to their widest backwardation since the third quarter of 2024. Prompt prices are higher than those in future months in backwardation, indicating tight supply.

RBC Capital Markets analysts said the doubling of tankers sanctioned for moving Russian barrels could serve as a major logistical headwind to crude flows.

Many of the tankers named in the latest sanctions have been used to ship oil to India and China as previous Western sanctions and a price cap imposed by the Group of Seven countries in 2022 shifted trade in Russian oil from Europe to Asia. Some of the ships have also moved oil from Iran, which is also under sanctions.

“The last round of OFAC (US Office of Foreign Assets Control) sanctions targeting Russian oil companies and a very large number of tankers will be consequential in particular for India,” said Harry Tchilinguirian, head of research at Onyx Capital Group.

JPMorgan analysts said Russia had some room to maneuver despite the new sanctions, but it would ultimately need to acquire non-sanctioned tankers or offer crude at or below $60 a barrel to use Western insurance as per the West’s price cap.
 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 12,126

Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 12,126
Updated 12 January 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 12,126

Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 12,126
  • Parallel market Nomu gained 12.14 points, or 0.04%, to close at 31,039.53
  • MSCI Tadawul Index gained 1.87 points, or 0.12%, to close at 1,512.01

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Sunday, gaining 29.22 points, or 0.24 percent, to close at 12,126.97. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.26 billion ($1.13 billion), as 140 of the stocks advanced and 91 retreated. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu gained 12.14 points, or 0.04 percent, to close at 31,039.53. This comes as 47 of the listed stocks advanced, while 34 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index gained 1.87 points, or 0.12 percent, to close at 1,512.01. 

The best-performing stock of the day was Fitaihi Holding Group, which debuted on the main market on Sunday, with its share price surging 6.15 percent to SR4.66. 

Other top performers included Saudi Industrial Investment Group, which saw its share price rise 5.59 percent to SR17.00, and Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co., whose share price surged 4.88 percent to SR15.46. 

Arabian Pipes Co. recorded the biggest decline, with its share price falling 3.62 percent to SR12.24. 

Maharah Human Resources Co. followed, with its stock price decreasing 2.75 percent to SR6.73. 

Takween Advanced Industries Co. also experienced a drop, with its share price slipping 2.39 percent to SR10.62. 

On the announcements front, Banan Real Estate Co. completed the acquisition of a 45 percent stake in Qimam Noshz Real Estate Development Co., with a total capital of SR71 million. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the stake is to be divided with Banan Real Estate Co. holding 23 percent, while its subsidiary, Al-Aziziah Investment and Real Estate Development Co., holding 22 percent.

Banan Real Estate Co. closed the session at SR6.80, down 0.88 percent. 

Al-Etihad Cooperative Insurance Co. has signed an agreement with AlRajhi Bank to provide bancassurance services and quotations for leased vehicle comprehensive insurance. 

A bourse filing revealed that this partnership is part of the “Lease with a Promise to Own” program. The one-year contract’s revenues are projected to exceed 5 percent of the company’s gross written premiums reported in its 2023 annual financial statements. The financial impact of this agreement is expected to reflect in the firm’s performance starting from the first quarter of 2025. 

Al-Etihad Cooperative Insurance Co. closed the session at SR17.86, up 0.57 percent.

Scientific and Medical Equipment House Co. announced it has been awarded a project tender by the General Directorate of Health Affairs in Najran Region valued at SR99 million. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the project covers the maintenance and repair of medical devices and equipment for several hospitals in the area. The financial impact of the project is anticipated to begin in the second quarter of 2025. 

The firm ended the session at SR51.60, marking a 51.60 percent increase.