SARCO, UAE’s Go Energy partner on Saudi Arabia’s green hydrogen push 

SARCO, UAE’s Go Energy partner on Saudi Arabia’s green hydrogen push 
The deal will see the two companies conduct a joint study on the project and design a legal framework to support their collaboration. Shutterstock
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Updated 12 October 2025
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SARCO, UAE’s Go Energy partner on Saudi Arabia’s green hydrogen push 

SARCO, UAE’s Go Energy partner on Saudi Arabia’s green hydrogen push 

RIYADH: A green hydrogen and ammonia project is set to take shape in the Kingdom after Saudi Arabia Refineries Co. signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with UAE-based Go Energy. 

The deal will see the two companies conduct a joint study on the project and design a legal framework to support their collaboration, SARCO said in a statement to Tadawul.  

The MoU is valid for one year unless extended by mutual agreement, the statement added. 

The deal aligns with Saudi Arabia’s wider strategy to generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and to become the world’s largest exporter of green hydrogen, targeting annual production of 1.2 million tonnes by the end of the decade. 

This commitment is part of the broader National Renewable Energy Program strategy, aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia’s energy portfolio and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 

“SARCO is pleased to announce the signing of a non-binding MoU with the UAE-based GO Energy Company to collaborate on developing the green hydrogen (ammonia) project in Saudi Arabia,” the Tadawul-listed firm said.  

SARCO added that the agreement has no immediate financial implications and involves no related parties. The move also reflects the company’s strategy to expand services through specialized energy partnerships. 

Green hydrogen, created through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is seen as a critical component in reducing global carbon emissions because it produces no greenhouse gases during production. 

With a net-zero emissions target by 2060, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in both green and blue hydrogen, with companies like Saudi Aramco and ACWA Power spearheading the energy transition in the Kingdom. 

The Kingdom is also building the world’s largest green hydrogen plant in the futuristic city of NEOM, expected to be operational by December 2026, as confirmed by NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. CEO Wesam Al-Ghamdi in November 2024. 

In July, ACWA Power also signed multiple agreements to export renewable electricity and green hydrogen to Europe, reinforcing the Kingdom’s drive to become a global clean energy hub. 


Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector posts strong growth as PMI hits 60.2 

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector posts strong growth as PMI hits 60.2 
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Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector posts strong growth as PMI hits 60.2 

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector posts strong growth as PMI hits 60.2 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy accelerated in October, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index climbing to 60.2, its second-highest level in more than a decade, signaling strong business growth momentum. 

The latest survey by Riyad Bank and S&P Global showed a sharp improvement in operating conditions across the Kingdom’s private sector, underpinned by solid demand, rising employment, and robust output growth.  

The October reading, up from 57.8 in September, highlights the sustained momentum of the non-oil economy as Vision 2030 reforms continue to drive diversification away from crude revenues. 

Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative in October, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim said the Kingdom’s gross domestic product is expected to expand by 5.1 percent in 2025, supported by continued growth in non-oil activities. 

Commenting on the latest report, Naif Al-Ghaith, chief economist at Riyad Bank, said: “Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector recorded a solid improvement in business conditions in October, with the PMI rising to 60.2, marking one of the strongest readings in over a decade.”  

He added: “The acceleration was driven by broad-based gains in output, new orders, and employment, reflecting sustained demand momentum and continued strength in the non-oil economy.”  

Al-Ghaith noted that the latest survey results also indicate a strong start to the final quarter of the year, supported by both domestic and external demand. 

According to the report, the pace of growth in new orders received by non-oil companies accelerated for the third consecutive month in October, with 48 percent of surveyed firms reporting higher sales. 

Participating companies attributed the sales growth to improving economic conditions, a growing client base, and increased foreign investment. 

Output and employment also expanded sharply during the month, with job creation rising at the fastest pace in nearly 16 years.

Al-Ghaith said the persistent rise in new export orders highlights the growing competitiveness of Saudi firms and the progress achieved under ongoing diversification initiatives. 

“The rise in demand encouraged firms to expand production and workforce capacity at the fastest rate since 2009, as businesses expanded capacity to meet new workloads. Purchasing activity and inventories also increased, while suppliers’ delivery times continued to improve, reflecting efficient coordination and resilient supply chains,” he added.  

October data indicated a sharp rise in input costs for non-oil firms, driven mainly by wage increases from salary revisions and bonuses. 

On the outlook, companies remained optimistic, citing strong market demand, ongoing project work, and government investment initiatives. 

“Optimism is underpinned by solid domestic demand and the momentum of ongoing projects. Although some concerns persist around costs and competition, sentiment overall remains strongly positive, reflecting confidence in the economy’s continued expansion and the strength of the non-oil private sector,” concluded Al-Ghaith.