UAE’s non-oil activity sees PMI hit 9-month high; Egypt’s output declines: S&P Global

UAE’s non-oil activity sees PMI hit 9-month high; Egypt’s output declines: S&P Global
Buoyant market conditions helped non-oil business owners secure new clients and larger order books. Shutterstock
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Updated 06 January 2025
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UAE’s non-oil activity sees PMI hit 9-month high; Egypt’s output declines: S&P Global

UAE’s non-oil activity sees PMI hit 9-month high; Egypt’s output declines: S&P Global
  • S&P Global said Kuwait’s PMI stood at 54.1 in December, marginally down from 55.9 in November

RIYADH: Non-oil business activity in the UAE surged in December, with the Emirates’ Purchasing Managers’ Index jumping to a nine-month high of 55.4, up from 54.2 in November, an economy tracker showed. 

According to S&P Global, the robust expansion was driven by strong demand conditions, underscoring continued growth in the non-oil private sector. 

The performance aligns with the UAE’s broader diversification strategy under its Vision 2031, which focuses on expanding the non-oil sector and promoting industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and technology to ensure sustainable economic growth. 

“The UAE saw its best expansion in non-oil business conditions for nine months in December, with the latest PMI data closing out another year of continuous growth and putting the sector in a strong position for 2025,” said David Owen, senior economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Any PMI readings above 50 indicate growth in the non-oil sector, while readings below 50 signal contraction, S&P Global noted. 

Non-oil business owners surveyed said buoyant market conditions helped them secure new clients and larger order books. However, staffing levels rose at one of the slowest rates in more than two-and-a-half years.

“Capacity levels remain under considerable stress, however, illustrated by another marked increase in backlogs of work. Recruitment appears to be the limiting factor — the pace of employment growth was barely changed from November’s 31-month low,” said Owen. 

He added that rising costs and margin pressures discouraged firms from ramping up staffing levels despite growing workloads. 

Input costs increased during December, although inflation eased to its softest pace since March. Meanwhile, optimism among non-oil firms about future growth ticked down for the second consecutive month. 

Dubai’s PMI also reached a nine-month high of 55.5 in December, up from 53.9 in the previous month. 

The emirate saw faster expansions in output and new orders, reflecting stronger client demand and busy market conditions. 

“In both cases, rates of growth were stronger than those observed at the UAE level,” said S&P Global. 

However, the report highlighted weaker optimism among non-oil business firms in Dubai regarding the coming year, with confidence falling to its lowest level since May 2021. Only 6 percent of surveyed companies anticipated output growth in 2025. 

The UAE’s performance highlights the success of economic diversification strategies across Gulf Cooperation Council nations, which continue to reduce reliance on oil revenues. 

The region’s positive trend extended to Saudi Arabia, where the December PMI hit 58.4, driven by a sharp increase in new orders. The Kingdom’s PMI has remained above the neutral 50 mark since September 2020, underlining sustained expansion in the non-oil private sector. 

Egypt’s PMI falls below 50 

In contrast, Egypt’s PMI dropped to 48.1 in December from 49.2 in November, signaling a sharper contraction in private sector activity. Subdued client demand led to the steepest decline in output in eight months, particularly in the construction, wholesale, and retail sectors. 

The analysis noted that activity in the services sector remained relatively stable, benefiting from a steadier level of new business compared to other monitored sectors. 

“The latest Egypt PMI data showed that the non-oil private sector’s anticipated recovery is unlikely to be without its setbacks in 2025. With the Egyptian pound deteriorating against the US dollar, breaching the 50-per-dollar mark in early December, businesses reported higher prices and a slump in demand, leading to the fastest decline in operating conditions since last April,” said Owen. 

He added: “The downturn meant that firms were less keen to raise their own charges in the face of accelerating cost burdens, instead tightening their margins in a bid to salvage orders.” 

Egyptian businesses expressed improved optimism toward the end of 2024, anticipating better domestic and geopolitical conditions in 2025. However, inflationary concerns remained a significant headwind for many firms. 

Kuwait’s non-oil sector continues growth momentum 

In another report, S&P Global said Kuwait’s PMI stood at 54.1 in December, marginally down from 55.9 in November but still above the neutral 50 mark. 

The survey suggested that the PMI reading signaled a solid improvement in business conditions and the third-strongest since September 2018. 

The analysis added that companies operating in Kuwait’s non-energy sector posted a further rapid increase in new orders in December. 

“Kuwait’s private sector backed up November’s strong performance with further rapid growth in the final month of 2024. Rates of increase in new orders and output were only slightly slower than those seen in the previous month,” said Andrew Harker, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence. 

He added: “Alongside advertising and competitive pricing — the twin engines of growth we have seen for some time now — firms also highlighted the positive impact of visitors arriving for the Arabian Gulf Cup.” 

According to the report, companies in Kuwait increased employment for the third consecutive month in response to rising workloads. However, the hiring in December was only marginal, having weakened slightly from November. 

Survey participants expressed strong optimism for business conditions for the next year, driven by expected improvements in economic conditions. 

“One slight setback in the non-oil private sector in December was that employment rose only marginally, thereby contributing to a further accumulation of outstanding business. Firms will hopefully find it easier to hire additional staff in 2025 to help them take advantage of the growth opportunities on offer,” added Harker. 


PIF’s SIRC, Germany’s Concord Blue to launch first phase of sewage to renewable hydrogen station

PIF’s SIRC, Germany’s Concord Blue to launch first phase of sewage to renewable hydrogen station
Updated 06 February 2025
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PIF’s SIRC, Germany’s Concord Blue to launch first phase of sewage to renewable hydrogen station

PIF’s SIRC, Germany’s Concord Blue to launch first phase of sewage to renewable hydrogen station
  • Both parties will offer innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and promote the circular carbon economy
  • Plan will see around 100 million tonnes of waste recycled annually

RIYADH: A new agreement between the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and the German company Concord Blue will lead to the construction of a station in the Kingdom that converts sewage into renewable hydrogen.

The Public Investment Fund firm inked the memorandum of understanding with the engineering company for the first phase of the development, whereby the plant will use Concord Blue Reformer technology to develop sludge treatment projects resulting from sewage and other organic waste, according to a statement.

Concord Blue Reformer’s non-combustion reforming process uses the principles of staged reforming to efficiently and cleanly recycle waste into energy.

This falls in line with SIRC’s goal of actively leading the charge in implementing impactful waste reduction strategies, accelerating the widespread adoption of renewable energy solutions, and championing the principles of environmental justice.

It also aligns with the comprehensive plan announced by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Environment in January 2024, which targets recycling a significant portion — up to 95 percent — of the country’s waste.

“Under this memorandum, SIRC will provide sewage and agricultural waste as raw materials, while Concord Blue will convert this waste into renewable hydrogen, in addition to transferring knowledge in this field and training national cadres to build, operate and maintain facilities for converting waste into hydrogen,” said Faisal Al-Solami, executive vice president of finance and strategic planning at SIRC.

When fully implemented, the plan will see around 100 million tonnes of waste recycled annually, showcasing the nation’s commitment to sustainability.

Under the terms of the newly signed MoU, both parties will offer innovative solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability and promote the circular carbon economy by producing high-quality green hydrogen and manufacturing biochar and industrial-activated coal. 

Al-Solami said signing the agreement is a key step toward achieving Vision 2030’s recycling and sustainability goals, as it promotes environmentally friendly energy solutions from waste, reduces emissions, and supports an eco-conscious economy.

This comes as the first phase of the project will achieve several goals, including reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills, enhancing hydrogen production on a large scale, and developing innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions.

It will also support local manufacturing projects and contribute to achieving a zero-carbon future by producing clean fuel that supports the transition to a hydrogen economy in the industrial and transportation sectors.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges up to close at 12,433

Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges up to close at 12,433
Updated 06 February 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges up to close at 12,433

Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges up to close at 12,433

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged up on Thursday, gaining 19.18 points, or 0.15 percent, to close at 12,433.58. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.88 billion ($1.83 billion), as 123 of the listed stocks advanced, while 96 retreated.  

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 2.23 points, or 0.14 percent, to close at 1,545.99. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also rose, gaining 135.68 points, or 0.43 percent, to close at 31,386.27. This comes as 40 of the listed stocks advanced, while 39 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was Almasane Alkobra Mining Co., with its share price surging by 7.49 percent to SR68.9. 

Other top performers included the Thimar Development Holding Co., which saw its share price rise by 5.76 percent to SR56.9, and Makkah Construction and Development Co., which saw a 4.42 percent increase to SR108.60. 

Mutakamela Insurance Co. saw the largest decline of the day, with its share price dropping 2.19 percent to SR18.72. 

The Tanmiah Food Co. saw a decline of 1.99 percent, with its share price dropping to SR127.80, while the Saudi Industrial Investment Group fell by 1.69 percent to SR17.40. 

On the announcements front, Saudi Industrial Investment Group reported its annual financial results for 2024, with net profits reaching SR11 million, matching the previous year’s figure. 

Saudi Arabian Mining Co., known as Ma’aden, also announced the official launch of its US dollar-denominated trust certificates offering.

The offering is available to eligible investors both in Saudi Arabia and internationally, as part of Ma’aden’s strategic initiative to strengthen its financial position and expand investment opportunities. 

To facilitate the issuance, Ma’aden has appointed 10 companies as joint lead managers for the transaction, including Citigroup Global Markets Limited, HSBC Bank, Al Rajhi Capital Co., BNP Paribas, and GIB Capital.

The other five include J.P. Morgan Securities plc, Natixis, Saudi Fransi Capital, SNB Capital Co., and Standard Chartered Bank. 

In a statement to Tadawul, the company stated that the sukuk will be issued in two tranches, with maturities of 5 and 10 years. The minimum subscription amount is set at $200,000, with the final value and terms of the offering to be determined based on market conditions. 

Following the announcement, Ma’aden’s shares closed at SR48.15, up 4.05 percent in today’s session. 


Saudi crown prince launches ‘King Salman Automotive Cluster’ at KAEC

Saudi crown prince launches ‘King Salman Automotive Cluster’ at KAEC
Updated 06 February 2025
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Saudi crown prince launches ‘King Salman Automotive Cluster’ at KAEC

Saudi crown prince launches ‘King Salman Automotive Cluster’ at KAEC

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has named the automotive manufacturing hub within King Abdullah Economic City the “King Salman Automotive Cluster,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The King Salman Automotive Cluster will serve as a pivotal center for the automotive industry, housing the headquarters and manufacturing facilities for both local and international companies.

Notable brands, such as Ceer—the first Saudi electric vehicle brand—and Lucid Motors, which opened its first international factory in KAEC in 2023, are set to be key players in the cluster.

The site will also host multiple Public Investment Fund joint ventures with global manufacturers, including a highly automated factory with Hyundai Motor for car production in Saudi Arabia and a partnership with Pirelli to establish a tire factory.

This new cluster marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts, supporting the development of the automotive sector and advancing sustainable transportation. It will contribute to boosting the non-oil gross domestic product and increasing exports.

The King Salman Automotive Cluster will accelerate local manufacturing capacity, promote research and development, and optimize supply chains, making them more efficient for both regional and international markets.

The project is expected to create numerous investment opportunities for the private sector, fostering the growth of promising industries within the Kingdom.

By 2035, the cumulative GDP contribution from companies within the cluster is projected to reach approximately SR92 billion.

The cluster will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, support local manufacturing, and boost Saudi exports, positively impacting the nation’s balance of payments.

Leveraging KAEC’s robust infrastructure and its strategic location near a well-developed port, the cluster offers significant advantages for both local private sector entities and international companies. These factors will provide ample opportunities for collaboration between partners, suppliers, and investors within the automotive industry and related sectors.

The King Salman Automotive Cluster will play a key role in advancing the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading industrial hub and global logistics center by fostering high-growth sectors and attracting foreign investment.


Saudi Arabia takes steps to strengthen personal data protection

Saudi Arabia takes steps to strengthen personal data protection
Updated 06 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia takes steps to strengthen personal data protection

Saudi Arabia takes steps to strengthen personal data protection

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s financial sector is set to benefit from enhanced data protection measures following the signing of two agreements between the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and the Saudi Central Bank. 

The agreements, signed on Feb. 5 and 6, aim to bolster the implementation of personal data protection laws across financial institutions, enhancing regulatory oversight and ensuring compliance with national data governance standards. 

The first memorandum of understanding focuses on enforcing personal data protection laws and their executive regulations within the financial sector.  

It seeks to strengthen supervision of financial institutions’ adherence to data protection requirements, thereby supporting the Kingdom’s broader digital economy goals.   

The move comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates its financial technology transformation, with a goal to raise non-cash transactions to 80 percent of total payments by 2030, up from 62 percent today.   

The first agreement was signed by Abdulaziz Al-Anazi, director of the General Department of Risk and Compliance at SDAIA, and Marwan Al-Lahedan, executive director of Operational Sustainability Oversight at SAMA.  

According to the agreement, the initiative will also promote collaboration in monitoring mechanisms, fostering an environment of secure and efficient data management.   

The second MoU, finalized on Feb. 6, will enhance the governance framework for data within the financial sector. This agreement will help advance Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure, creating a regulatory environment that supports data protection across the financial landscape.  

Both agreements were signed in the presence of high-level representatives, including Khaled Al-Dhaher, deputy governor for supervision and technology at SAMA, and Rayed Al-Rayedi, head of the National Data Management Office at SDAIA.    

The effort underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its regulatory ecosystem to protect personal data and foster innovation in the financial industry.   

The surge in technological upgrades within financial institutions and the entry of new fintech startups underscore the need for rigorous data protection protocols to secure consumer information and prevent fraud.  

According to the World Bank, fraud in the financial sector leads to substantial global losses. In 2023, online fraud resulted in approximately $485.6 billion in losses worldwide.   

The increasing sophistication of fraudulent schemes poses substantial challenges to financial institutions and their clients.    

Fraudsters use advanced techniques, including phishing, identity theft, and cyberattacks, to exploit vulnerabilities within financial systems. This not only leads to direct financial losses but also erodes consumer trust in financial services.  


Hungarian firms plan major tech investment in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030

Hungarian firms plan major tech investment in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030
Updated 06 February 2025
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Hungarian firms plan major tech investment in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030

Hungarian firms plan major tech investment in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030
  • Trade between Saudi Arabia and Hungary reached $480 million in 2023
  • Hungary has maintained diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia for over 28 years

RIYADH: An alliance of 25 Hungarian companies is preparing to invest in Saudi Arabia’s technology and digital transformation sectors, seizing the opportunities offered by Vision 2030. 

The announcement, made at the Saudi-Hungarian Business Forum in Riyadh organized by the Federation of Saudi Chambers, underscored the growing economic ties between the two nations, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The forum was attended by Hungarian Parliament Deputy Speaker Istvan Jakab, Saudi-Hungarian Business Council Chairman Marwan Al-Mutlaq, Shoura Council Chairman Ibrahim bin Mohammad Al-Qannas, and Hungarian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Balazs Selmeci.

The initiative builds on the creation of the Hungarian-Saudi Holding Co. last year, a consortium focused on digital transformation and investment partnerships across Saudi Arabia’s digital, financial, and food sectors.

Trade between Saudi Arabia and Hungary reached SR1.8 billion ($480 million) in 2023, reflecting a 27 percent increase, with the Kingdom’s exports surging 216 percent to SR584 million and imports at SR1.2 billion.

Jakab highlighted the strength of Hungary’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, saying: “The relationship with the Shoura Council and the Federation of Saudi Chambers is strong,” and emphasized the potential of the holding company to foster investment and collaboration in key sectors.

Al-Mutlaq noted Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the tech sector, ranking fourth globally in e-government and tenth in e-commerce. 

He added that the Saudi-Hungarian Business Council, in its new term, will focus on strengthening investment partnerships and boosting bilateral trade.

Hungary has maintained diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia for over 28 years, contributing to ongoing bilateral cooperation. The country’s advanced IT sector presents opportunities to share expertise with Saudi Arabia’s growing technology landscape.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan, the country is making substantial investments in digital transformation, focusing on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of things to build a significant digital economy by 2030. 

Government spending on technology is expected to reach $24.7 billion by 2025, according to a report published by the International Trade Administration. 

Key initiatives include the Public Investment Fund backing advanced tech firms like Alat, which focuses on AI, semiconductors, and robotics, with projected investments of around $100 billion by 2030.