Saudi Arabia committed to embracing sustainability-driven growth in tourism sector, minister says at WEF

Saudi Arabia committed to embracing sustainability-driven growth in tourism sector, minister says at WEF
The Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, in Ashar Valley in AlUla desert. (AFP)
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Updated 22 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia committed to embracing sustainability-driven growth in tourism sector, minister says at WEF

Saudi Arabia committed to embracing sustainability-driven growth in tourism sector, minister says at WEF
  • Ahmed Al-Khateeb spoke in Davos ahead of launch of briefing paper on the future of travel and tourism sector
  • He said Saudi Arabia continues to place a strong emphasis on supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs

DAVOS: The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia, which has undergone a transformative shift in recent years, must continue to grow with sustainable practices front and center, according to the country’s tourism minister.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday attended by Arab News at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Ahmed Al-Khateeb said it was vital the tourism industry embraced a sustainable agenda if it was to continue its upward trajectory without impacting natural environments and the communities living in them.

The Kingdom has been working with major global organizations, including the WEF, UN Tourism, and the World Travel and Tourism Council in order to achieve this, the minister said.

Al-Khateeb was speaking ahead of the launch of a WEF briefing paper on the future of the travel and tourism sector, as well as a new investor whitepaper from the Ministry of Tourism on investments in the sector, which showcases Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations globally.

He emphasized that the Kingdom was approaching sustainability from three key perspectives: environmental, economic and social. He added that focusing on the environment alone would not garner satisfactory results.




Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb spoke at a media briefing on Monday, attended by Arab News, at the Saudi House on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos. (SPA)

He said: “People travel to explore other peoples and cultures and to enjoy nature and the environment. If we don’t protect the environment, presented by nature, people will not travel. We need to ensure sustainability across all sectors — environmentally, economically, and socially.

“In 2019 we commissioned a study with the WTTC and Oxford Intelligence to analyze the sustainability of our industry, which revealed that our sector contributes to about 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

“While this isn’t as high as initially feared, it’s still a concern. If we don’t come up with the right tools to reduce this in the best-case scenario, or at least maintain this, with the very high and fast growth of our industry in the next decade, we’re afraid this number will double to 15 or 16 percent in the worst-case scenario.”

The Kingdom has already begun addressing these concerns by launching campaigns to reduce food and water waste, in conjunction with hospitality chains like Hilton and Marriott. And in 2023 it spearheaded initiatives such as the Sustainable Tourism Global Center, working with international organizations like the UN and the WTTC to promote responsible tourism practices worldwide.




Mist covers the sky at an elevation 2800 metres above sea level, at the Jabal Marir (Mount Marir) park in Al-Namas in Saudi Arabia's Asir Province, on August 16, 2022. (AFP)

From the economic perspective, Al-Khateeb highlighted how important small and medium-size enterprises were to the sector, making up 80 percent of the global tourism industry.

Ensuring the viability of these SMEs was crucial as the sector grows, especially thanks to their job-creation potential, he said. This was increasingly the case for women, including in Saudi Arabia where a milestone 25 percent of tourism sector jobs in 2023 were held by females, he added.

Saudi Arabia continues to place a strong emphasis on supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs, which includes initiatives to train and support the next generation of tourism leaders, with 100,000 Saudis being trained annually through a partnership with UN Tourism, Al-Khateeb said.




This picture shows a view of the ancient town of Hegra in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla desert on January 27, 2024. (AFP)

He added: “We’ve funded over 1,500 small businesses through the Saudi Tourism Development Fund over the past two years, and we continue to make the sector more attractive as a viable business opportunity for entrepreneurs.

“I am very optimistic. We want to further promote the sector, for it to prosper and to grow. We want to make this sector more important in Saudi Arabia, and we took a decision to invest in the sector to open it up.”

With the value of the global tourism industry expected to grow to $11 trillion by 2030, Al-Khateeb said that Saudi Arabia recognized the importance of both government and private sector collaboration, adding: “(Governments) design, but (the private sector) implement, they invest, they take the risk.”

He added: “The private sector is very important in our industry: It’s run by the private sector and we believe and we know in Saudi Arabia how important it is. That’s why we invited the private sector for the first time to join the G20 meetings held in Riyadh, and since then they have been joining all of them.”

Sports tourism – and football, in particular – will drive record numbers of visitors to Saudi Arabia, the minister said, as it prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

He added: “Sport is extremely important, people travel for sport. People can cut their spending in many things – but they will not cut their spending to go watch a game. It's recession-proof. We believe in it, and we'll continue to invest in sport.”

 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges down to close at 11,694

Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges down to close at 11,694
Updated 23 March 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges down to close at 11,694

Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges down to close at 11,694

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, losing 65.55 points, or 0.56 percent, to close at 11,694.77.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR2.64 billion ($704 million), as 85 of the stocks advanced and 155 retreated.   

On the other hand, the Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, gained 13.93 points, or 0.05 percent, to close at 30,535.46. This comes as 36 stocks advanced while 48 retreated.   

The MSCI Tadawul Index lost 10.73 points, or 0.72 percent, to close at 1,479.47.    

The best-performing stock was Al-Babtain Power and Telecommunication Co., whose share price surged 9.98 percent to SR46.30.  

Other top performers included Alujain Corp., whose share price rose 8.65 percent to SR37.70, as well as Arriyadh Development Co., whose share price surged 6.05 percent to SR34.20.

Naseej International Trading Co. recorded the most significant drop, falling 9.58 percent to SR84.

Al-Rajhi Co. for Cooperative Insurance also saw its stock prices fall 4.63 percent to SR136.

Banan Real Estate Co. also saw its stock prices decline 4.31 percent to SR6.22.

On the announcements front, Tam Development Co. declared its annual financial results for the year ending on Dec. 31, 2024. According to a Tadawul statement, the firm reported a net profit of SR30.13 million in 2024, reflecting a 25.77 percent drop compared to 2023. 

The decrease in net profit is primarily attributed to delays in government project awards and budget reviews in the first half of 2024 which affected contract pricing revenue recognition and utilization rates as well as strategic investments in talent acquisition and competitive pricing to secure new logo accounts temporarily compressing margins.

The drop was also linked to higher general and administrative expenses which increased 39 percent due to workforce expansion to support growth.

Tam Development Co. ended the session at SR175.80, down 6.02 percent.

Riyadh Steel Co. has also announced its annual financial results for the year, which ended on Dec. 31, 2024. A bourse filing revealed that the company reported a net profit of SR1.99 million in 2024, reflecting an 82.06 percent drop compared to 2023. This decline is owed to a reduction in selling prices, a decrease in other income, and higher expenses in comparison to the previous year.

Riyadh Steel Co. ended the session at SR2.01, down 0.49 percent.

Middle East Pharmaceutical Industries Co. has announced its annual financial results for the year, which ended on Dec. 31. According to a Tadawul statement, the firm reported a net profit of SR79.85 million in 2024, reflecting a 21.3 percent drop compared to 2023. 

This increase in net profit is primarily attributed to strong revenue growth and a higher gross profit margin, driven by product mix diversification and economies of scale from increased production. Nevertheless, the gain in gross profit was partially offset by higher selling, distribution, and general administrative expenses, which were largely due to ongoing investments in marketing, talent acquisition, and other growth-related initiatives.

Middle East Pharmaceutical Industries Co. ended the session at SR135.40, down 1.34 percent.

Alandalus Property Co. also announced its annual financial results for the year ending Dec. 31, 2024.

A bourse filing revealed that the company reported a net loss of SR31.6 million in 2024, down from an SR36.42 million net profit in 2023. This decline is primarily attributed to a decrease in operating profit resulting from operational losses incurred by some affiliated companies, particularly West Jeddah Hospital, due to the opening and commencement of operations at Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Hospital in Jeddah at the end of the first quarter of 2024, along with recorded losses in Al-Jawhara Al-Kubra Co. The net loss is also linked to an increase in general and administrative expenses along with a 31 percent surge in financing costs compared to the previous year.

Alandalus Property Co. ended the session at SR23.00, down 1.13 percent.


Public firms listed on Muscat bourse report 52.6% surge in profits

Public firms listed on Muscat bourse report 52.6% surge in profits
Updated 23 March 2025
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Public firms listed on Muscat bourse report 52.6% surge in profits

Public firms listed on Muscat bourse report 52.6% surge in profits

RIYADH: The net profits of public joint companies listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange surged 52.6 percent year on year to reach 1.339 billion Omani rials ($3.48 billion) in 2024.

This increase coincided with the listing of OQ Exploration and Production and OQ Base Industries in 2024, while energy companies recorded improved performance, with some moving from losses to profits, the Oman News Agency reported.

This falls in line with strong growth in Arab stock exchanges in 2024, where trading values surged 58.1 percent to surpass $1.03 trillion.

It also aligns with a 21.3 percent increase in regional trading volumes and a 35.9 percent rise in the number of trades during the year, reflecting a dynamic financial landscape with varied market performances.

Statistics from the Oman News Agency, based on preliminary financial results for around 90 public joint-stock firms with fiscal years ending in December, revealed improved performance across most companies in the banking, industrial, investment, service, and telecommunications sectors.

The data further showed that the total number of companies that reported profits last year was 69, compared to 68 entities that reported profits in 2023, excluding the financial results of funds and firms that were not listed on the stock exchange during 2023.

The figures also indicated that OQ Exploration and Production topped the list of companies with the highest net profits, totaling 326.5 million rials.

Bank Muscat came in second with 225.5 million rials, followed by Sohar International Bank, which came in third with 100.2 million rials.

Omantel ranked fourth after recording net profits at the local level of 69.4 million rials. The National Bank of Oman placed fifth with net profits of approximately 63.1 million rials, followed by OQ Gas Networks, which came in sixth with 47.8 million rials.

The data further showed that Bank Dhofar placed seventh with 43.6 million rials, while Ahli Bank ranked eighth with 41.6 million rials.

Ominvest placed ninth with net profits of an estimated 35.9 million rials, while Oman Arab Bank ranked tenth with net profits of 30.4 million rials.

Preliminary data showed that the losses recorded by public joint-stock companies decreased last year to around 38.1 million rials, compared to losses of 50.6 million rials in 2023. However, the number of firms recording losses last year jumped to 21, compared to 20 companies that recorded setbacks in 2023.

Last year, five companies flipped from losses to profits, including SMN Power Holding, which reported group net profits of 4.5 million rials in 2024, up from 6.4 million rials in 2023. Sohar Power Co. also posted net profits of about 22 million rials, compared to 5.1 million rials the previous year.

Conversely, six companies turned from profits to losses, most notably Leva Group, which recorded losses of 5 million rials in 2024, compared to net profits of 6.3 million rials in 2023, and Oman Refreshments, which recorded group losses of 2.7 million rials last year, compared to a net profit of 6.3 million rials in 2023.

Galfar Engineering and Contracting also recorded a group loss of 3.9 million rials in 2024, compared to a profit of 574,000 rials in 2023.


Riyadh municipality unveils new investment opportunities across key sectors 

Riyadh municipality unveils new investment opportunities across key sectors 
Updated 23 March 2025
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Riyadh municipality unveils new investment opportunities across key sectors 

Riyadh municipality unveils new investment opportunities across key sectors 

JEDDAH: Riyadh has unveiled new investment opportunities for 2025, covering commercial, residential, retail, industrial, and leisure projects to boost the city’s economy and development. 

The Riyadh municipality introduced 20 new investment prospects, covering more than 175,000 sq. meters across over 20 sites. These include mixed-use developments, existing retail spaces, mobile sports clubs, and areas allocated for concrete and construction material factories — along with a cafe and ATM setup. 

Investors can access the projects through the Furas online platform, designed as the municipality’s primary hub for real estate and municipal investment opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to accelerate private sector participation in urban development, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. 

“This step comes as an extension of the Riyadh municipality’s strategy to enhance the role of the private sector in urban development, by enabling it to participate effectively in developing facilities and services, and achieving integration between government and investment efforts to meet the needs of society,” the SPA report stated.  

“It also contributes to raising the quality of urban life and achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030,” it added.  

Contracts for the investment sites range from five to 25 years, covering multiple districts across Riyadh. Key locations include Jarir, Al-Deerah, and Al-Rawdah, alongside Al-Basateen, Al-Qadisiyah, and Al-Jazirah. 

Additional areas feature Al-Hamra, Al-Morouj, and Al-Yamamah, as well as Eastern Suwaidi, Al-Masha’il, Al-Manakh, Badr, and Taybah. 

Investors are invited to review competition requirements and the application process via a dedicated link, with the envelope opening set for May 2025. 

In a parallel push to enhance the capital’s livability, 87 new parks were inaugurated over the last three years — raising the city’s total to over 700, up from 615. The parks cover more than 745,000 sq. meters, featuring nearly 25,000 shrubs and 7,000 trees planted across different districts to ensure equitable access to green spaces. 

The parks now serve as dynamic community hubs, hosting cultural, social, entertainment, and sporting activities. The move underscores Riyadh Municipality’s commitment to improving quality of life, fostering social cohesion, and advancing Vision 2030’s urban sustainability goals. 

With these investments and infrastructure developments, Riyadh is positioning itself as a leading model for vibrant, sustainable urban growth in the region. 


Global economic growth to average at 3.1% in next 5 years: IMF official 

Global economic growth to average at 3.1% in next 5 years: IMF official 
Updated 23 March 2025
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Global economic growth to average at 3.1% in next 5 years: IMF official 

Global economic growth to average at 3.1% in next 5 years: IMF official 

RIYADH: Global economic growth is expected to average around 3.1 percent in the next five years, below the pre-pandemic level of 3.7 percent, according to an International Monetary Fund official.

Speaking at the China Development Forum in Beijing on March 23, Nigel Clarke, deputy managing director of the IMF, said that total factor productivity internationally, which measures the ability to create more outputs with the same inputs, has been growing at a slower pace since the 2008-09 global financial crisis.

The worldwide growth projections of the IMF indicate that countries in the Middle East are expected to show future financial resilience. 

In January, the UN financial agency said Saudi Arabia’s economy is projected to grow by 3.3 percent in 2025 and 4.1 percent in 2026. 

“Global growth is steady but underwhelming. Our five-year ahead growth forecast remains at 3.1 percent— well below the pre-pandemic average of 3.7 percent,” said Clarke. 

He added: “Patterns of trade and capital flows are shifting. AI (artificial intelligence) is rapidly advancing. Trade is no longer the engine of global growth it used to be. Divergences across countries are widening. And governments worldwide are shifting their policy priorities.” 

Clarke argues that countries should pursue structural reforms to boost productivity and ensure medium-term growth.

He further said that in aging societies— where the share of the working-age population is shrinking— productivity growth plays a vital role in maintaining living standards. 

“It also applies to emerging markets and developing economies trying to close the gap with richer countries. To provide better jobs and a higher standard of living, they too need to ignite productivity growth,” added the deputy managing director.

He added that this productivity growth could be achieved only by innovation, technological advancements, and ample investments in research and development. 

Citing IMF research, Clarke highlighted that productivity growth in advanced economies could increase by 0.2 percentage points a year with a hybrid policy that boosts public research expenditure by a third and doubles subsidies to private research. 

He noted that AI could boost global gross domestic product growth between 0.1 and 0.8 percentage points per year in the medium term, depending on how it is adopted.

Clarke also underscored the necessity of better resource allocation in the future to maintain a healthy global productivity level. 

“The movement of labor and capital toward more productive firms and industries has long been an important source of overall productivity growth. As workers move from farms to factories, for example, their productivity increases dramatically. So too do their income and living standards, with spillovers to the whole economy,” he said. 

According to Clarke, effective measures should be taken to strengthen the private sector, as well as create an environment that could help them thrive. 

“Through our policy advice, lending and capacity development, the IMF has consistently supported countries in establishing macroeconomic and financial stability as a foundation for growth,” said Clarke. 

He added that a new IMF Advisory Council on Entrepreneurship and Growth has been created to help countries develop ideas on easing regulatory barriers, adapting tax systems, and incentivizing long-term savings to boost innovation.


Saudi Arabia’s PIF at forefront as Gulf wealth funds approach $18tn by 2030

Saudi Arabia’s PIF at forefront as Gulf wealth funds approach $18tn by 2030
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s PIF at forefront as Gulf wealth funds approach $18tn by 2030

Saudi Arabia’s PIF at forefront as Gulf wealth funds approach $18tn by 2030

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and five of its regional counterparts are on track to control $18 trillion in assets by 2030, marking a 50 percent surge from the end of 2024, according to an analysis.  

In its latest report, Deloitte Middle East noted that the region, home to six of the world’s 10 largest sovereign funds, now holds approximately 40 percent of global SWF assets — solidifying its position as a dominant force in the market.  

The study aligns with the latest report from the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, which ranks Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund sixth globally, managing $925 billion. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority leads the Gulf with $1.05 trillion, followed by the Kuwait Investment Authority at $1.02 trillion and the Qatar Investment Authority with $526 billion. 

Julie Kassab, sovereign wealth fund leader at Deloitte Middle East, said: “The Gulf region continues to be the epicenter of sovereign wealth fund activity, with its major players driving innovation in investment strategies and operational excellence.” 

She added: “We are witnessing these funds not only expand their geographical footprint but also significantly enhance their internal capabilities, setting new standards for the industry in terms of performance and governance.” 

The report also highlighted that Gulf SWFs maintained an “aggressive investment pace,” deploying $82 billion in 2023 and an additional $55 billion in the first nine months of 2024. 

Deloitte listed five major players shaping the region’s investment landscape: Saudi Arabia’s PIF, ADIA, Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Co., and QIA. 

Globally, the total number of sovereign wealth funds has nearly tripled since 2000, reaching approximately 160-170 funds, with 13 new ones established between 2020 and 2023. 

Asia takes center stage 

Deloitte’s analysis highlights key trends reshaping the regional SWF landscape, with funds increasingly focusing on fast-growing countries outside traditional Western markets. 

The report revealed that Gulf SWFs strategically prioritize Asia, with many establishing new offices throughout the Asia-Pacific region and significantly increasing allocations to high-growth economies, including China and India. 

Wealth funds in the Gulf region were particularly active in China, investing approximately $9.5 billion in the Asian giant during the first nine months of 2024. 

Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Kuwait Investment Authority ranked among the top 10 shareholders in Chinese A-share listed firms. 

“This represents a strategic opportunity as Western investors reduce their exposure, allowing Middle Eastern funds to leverage their strong political and trade relationships with Beijing,” Deloitte noted. 

The report added that Gulf wealth funds are also eyeing Africa, particularly the mining industry, for new opportunities. 

This year, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have shown a willingness to invest in high-risk extractive ventures in Africa, both directly and through stakes in multinational mining companies. 

This shift coincides with the rise of new investment vehicles, particularly “Royal Private Offices,” which now control an estimated $500 billion in assets. 

Combating challenges 

Wealth funds in the Gulf region are under increasing pressure to sharpen their competitive edge, focusing on internal performance, risk oversight, and investment management to deliver stronger returns, the analysis stated. 

The report noted that many regional wealth funds are becoming more proactive — showing greater openness to divestment, demanding better reporting from portfolio companies, and exerting more influence at the board level.  

The study added that this drive for excellence has intensified competition for human capital among these funds, with soaring demand for experienced national talent. 

“Gulf SWFs now employ an estimated 9,000 professionals across their operations. Gulf funds are offering increasingly attractive packages to senior professionals, particularly those with experience at established funds like Singapore’s Temasek or Canada’s Maple Eight,” Deloitte stated. 

The consulting firm added that Gulf governments are also reassessing their approach to strategic assets. This has led to the creation of new, domestically focused funds designed to co-invest alongside international partners rather than compete directly with established regional players. 

It concluded: “Looking ahead, while geopolitical uncertainties and potential commodity price fluctuations may create headwinds, these pressures could drive greater efficiency and innovation in fund management practices.”