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Saudi Economy Ministry Signs MoU with Alfaisal University to Promote Economic Development

The signing of the agreement took place at the university's headquarters in Riyadh. SPA
The signing of the agreement took place at the university's headquarters in Riyadh. SPA
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Saudi Economy Ministry Signs MoU with Alfaisal University to Promote Economic Development

The signing of the agreement took place at the university's headquarters in Riyadh. SPA
The signing of the agreement took place at the university's headquarters in Riyadh. SPA

The Ministry of Economy and Planning and Alfaisal University signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote economic development and implement awareness programs and initiatives to serve the community, in line with achieving Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

The signing of the agreement took place at the university's headquarters in Riyadh.

The MoU was signed by Rakan bin Abdullah Al Alsheikh, Deputy Minister for Policies and Economic Planning at the Ministry of Economy and Planning, and princess Dr. Maha bint Meshari Al Saud, the Alfaisal University Vice President of External Relations and Advancement.

Under the MoU, the two parties will cooperate to promote economic development, activate academic research, implement awareness programs and initiatives to serve the community, as well as cooperate on various activities and events.

The MoU stipulates that the two sides cooperate to maximize the university’s economic return, form a network of joint opinion experts to provide feedback on various economic topics, and to exchange expertise in preparing and writing academic research and public policies in the field of economics.

The Ministry of Economy and Planning will provide consultations on the use of university resources such as student research, faculty members, and research laboratories on economic priority topics that support Saudi Vision 2030. It will offer facilities and cooperation in designing and formulating research project launch plans, and supervise a team of researchers from both sides, which will be assigned to prepare public policy studies and academic research for the Ministry.

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Business

Saudi Fund for Development, Seychelles Sign $25 Million Development Loans

The CEO of the SFD signed two development loan agreements with Seychelles Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade. SPA
The CEO of the SFD signed two development loan agreements with Seychelles Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade. SPA
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Saudi Fund for Development, Seychelles Sign $25 Million Development Loans

The CEO of the SFD signed two development loan agreements with Seychelles Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade. SPA
The CEO of the SFD signed two development loan agreements with Seychelles Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade. SPA

CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad signed on Friday two development loan agreements with Seychelles Minister of Finance, National Planning and Trade Naadir Hassan.

Through the loans, the SFD is contributing $25 million to support the social housing project in the Seychelles and the reconstruction of La Digue School project.

The first loan agreement worth $15 million will contribute to establishing residential buildings for low-income families in various regions of the country.

The second agreement worth $10 million will help provide a modern educational environment in the Seychelles.

Since its establishment in 1974, the SFD has implemented 700 development projects and programs in more than 90 countries with a value surpassing $18.7 billion.

Business

Oil Up $1 on Tight US Supply, China Demand

Gas prices are seen at a gas station in Los Angeles on September 28, 2023. California gas prices are nearing USD $7 per gallon in some locations as oil prices surge toward $100 a barrel. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP)
Gas prices are seen at a gas station in Los Angeles on September 28, 2023. California gas prices are nearing USD $7 per gallon in some locations as oil prices surge toward $100 a barrel. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP)
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Oil Up $1 on Tight US Supply, China Demand

Gas prices are seen at a gas station in Los Angeles on September 28, 2023. California gas prices are nearing USD $7 per gallon in some locations as oil prices surge toward $100 a barrel. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP)
Gas prices are seen at a gas station in Los Angeles on September 28, 2023. California gas prices are nearing USD $7 per gallon in some locations as oil prices surge toward $100 a barrel. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP)

Oil prices rose on Friday and were headed for a gain of about 3% for the week, driven by tight US supply and expectations of strong fuel demand in China during the Golden Week holiday.

US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) was up $1.31, or 1.43%, to $93.02 per barrel at 1208 GMT.

Front-month Brent November futures were up 88 cents, or 0.92%, at $96.26 per barrel ahead of the contract's expiry later in the day. The more-liquid Brent December contract was up 97 cents, or 1.04%, at $94.07 per barrel.

A backdrop of tight supplies in the US provided further price support, with storage at Cushing, Oklahoma, the delivery point for US crude futures, already at its lowest since July 2022.

"Any additional decline would threaten to bring them down to a critical level, which could make further withdrawals difficult," said Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch.

China's fuel demand was set to firm as the week-long Golden Week holiday began on Friday.

"(An) increase in international travel during the Golden Week holiday is boosting Chinese oil demand," ANZ analysts said in a client note.

Domestic travel is also expected to boost demand, with data from flight app Umetrip showing the average number of daily flights booked is a fifth higher than for Golden Week in 2019, before COVID.

Meanwhile, inflation in the euro zone fell to a two-year low of 4.3% in September, the latest Eurostat flash reading showed, suggesting the European Central Bank's policy of steady interest rate hikes was taking effect.

Russia is considering introducing fuel export quotas if the current export ban is not effective in bringing down domestic prices.

Russian gasoline and diesel exchange prices on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) fell slightly on Friday.

Brent is forecast to average $89.85 a barrel in the fourth quarter, and $86.45 in 2024, according to a survey of 42 economists compiled by Reuters on Friday.

Business

IMF: Saudi Economy Grows as it Diversifies

The International Monetary Fund says that non-oil exports reached a record high of $84.4 billion in 2022 (SPA)
The International Monetary Fund says that non-oil exports reached a record high of $84.4 billion in 2022 (SPA)
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IMF: Saudi Economy Grows as it Diversifies

The International Monetary Fund says that non-oil exports reached a record high of $84.4 billion in 2022 (SPA)
The International Monetary Fund says that non-oil exports reached a record high of $84.4 billion in 2022 (SPA)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has affirmed that the Saudi economy is undergoing a transformation, as reforms are being implemented to reduce dependence on oil, diversify sources of income, and enhance competitiveness.

In an article published on its website on Thursday, titled “Saudi Arabia's Economy Grows as it Diversifies,” authored by IMF economists Amine Mati and Sidra Rehman, the Fund stated that this year marks a significant turning point in the ambitious journey of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia towards its “Vision 2030.”

As shown in the latest IMF annual review of the Kingdom’s economy, progress has been most notably reflected in non-oil growth, which has accelerated since 2021, averaging 4.8% in 2022.

Non-oil revenue doubled in just four years due to VAT rate increases and high regulatory compliance.

Non-oil exports reached a record $84.4 billion in 2022.

Shares of manufacturing and services increased by 15% over the past 20 years, and the tourism sector is contributing 4.5% to GDP.

According to the IMF, two reforms are playing a key role in Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation: Labor market reform and Digitalization.

The share of Saudis in high-skilled jobs increased from 32 % in 2016 to 42 % in 2022. Female workforce participation has doubled over the past four years, reaching 37% and clearly surpassing the Vision 2030 target of 30%.

Meanwhile, the digital sector’s contribution to overall growth increased from 0.2% in 2016 to 15% in 2022, which has bolstered the financial sector’s resilience, government efficiency and financial inclusion.

Despite lower overall growth reflecting additional oil production cuts, non-oil growth will remain close to 5% in 2023, spurred by strong domestic demand.

As a result of a new set of laws to promote entrepreneurship, protect investors’ rights, and reduce the costs of doing business, new investment deals and licenses grew by 95% and 267% in 2022, respectively.

In addition, the Saudi Investment Fund (PIF) has been deploying capital, including to help stimulate private sector investment.

Moreover, the Saudi economy’s non-oil growth has been spurred by strong domestic demand, particularly private non-oil investment. Sustaining this performance requires pursuing sound macroeconomic policies and maintaining the reform momentum, irrespective of developments in oil markets.

Challenges ahead include making sure large projects generate returns and boost productivity, which are vital for sustained economic growth and will help further diversify the economy.

There is a need to continue the ongoing efforts to foster a more conducive environment for innovation and invest in workforce skills that complement the diversification agenda.

Business

Saudi Arabia Calls for Global Sustainability, Tourism Sector Advancement

One of the sessions on the second day of World Tourism Day with the participation of the Saudi Minister of Investment (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the sessions on the second day of World Tourism Day with the participation of the Saudi Minister of Investment (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Calls for Global Sustainability, Tourism Sector Advancement

One of the sessions on the second day of World Tourism Day with the participation of the Saudi Minister of Investment (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the sessions on the second day of World Tourism Day with the participation of the Saudi Minister of Investment (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Pre-pandemic tourism has transformed into something distinct in the post-global health crisis era, according to Saudi Investment Minister Eng. Khalid Al-Falih.

The minister emphasized the crucial need to incorporate sustainability into tourism plans to mitigate potential shocks that the tourism sector may encounter, as was witnessed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Al-Falih’s remarks came during the final day of World Tourism Day (WTD) events held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.

"We aspire to connect our investments related to future capabilities, smart cities, and sustainable transportation with travel and tourism,” said Al-Falih.

“This is aimed at providing the utmost comfort for tourists while enhancing their role in environmental protection and preservation,” he explained.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and a Member of the Board of the Saudi Tourism Authority, announced on the second day of WTD festivities that the Kingdom is currently experiencing a rapid phase of growth and development, particularly in its tourism sector.

He noted that the Kingdom had already welcomed over 17 million tourists in the first seven months of 2023.

“We anticipate surpassing this figure in the latter half of the year,” asserted Hamidaddin.

Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), regarded Saudi Arabia as a new contender in the global tourism sector, following its successful organization of the WTD.

Pololikashvili, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the WTD, pointed out that the Saudi tourism sector had managed to attract over 50 ministers, officials, and visitors from more than 120 countries, who will serve as ambassadors for the Kingdom in their respective nations.

He also noted that the ongoing developments in Europe due to the fallout from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and economic slowdown in China are bolstering tourism in Asia.

Pololikashvili also emphasized the significance of the Middle East region and its tourism sector at this opportune moment.

Regarding the success of Saudi Arabia in enhancing the tourist image, Pololikashvili observed a significant difference between the Saudi tourism sector’s current state and what it was two years ago.

This difference is notable in terms of visa acquisition speed, reception methods, diverse destinations, and various activities.

This is reflected in the attendance at the WTD, which drew participants from over 20 nationalities.

As for the challenges facing the sector, Pololikashvili pointed out the distinction between “welcome” and “come again.”

While easy visa acquisition and the availability of appealing destinations might attract some visitors initially, a warm reception, genuine hospitality, and attention to human interaction will undoubtedly entice tourists to return.

Business

Mobily Signs Agreement with Huawei to Enhance its Cloud, Digital Services

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Mobily Signs Agreement with Huawei to Enhance its Cloud, Digital Services

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

Mobily has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Huawei to collaborate on cloud services and enhance its digital and Internet of Things (IoT) B2B offerings.

The agreement is part of Mobily’s wider strategy to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies that can deliver exciting new services to the consumer, industry, and governmental sectors, according to SPA.

The partnership deal was signed during a special ceremony at Huawei’s headquarters in Shenzhen, China between representatives of Mobily and Huawei.

Under the agreement, both parties will work closely on a range of areas that aim to level up Mobily’s digital offerings in Saudi Arabia.

CEO of Mobily Eng. Salman Albadran said: “Our new partnership with Huawei is the latest example of how Mobily is continuing to build upon the success we have already achieved in the digital and telecoms fields. We are investing in new technologies such as cloud computing and IoT while continuing to push ahead with further digitization and enhancement of services and solutions. As a company, we are determined not to rest upon our previous success and continue to push to higher achievements in realizing Saudi Vision 2030 goals.”

For his part, Huawei President for Middle East and Central Asia Steven Yi said: “We are delighted to have finalized this agreement with Mobily. The partnership perfectly complements the strengths of both companies in a way that will truly deliver on the goals of the MoU."

"Huawei brings extensive experience and expertise in digital technology for a wide range of use cases, and we are looking forward to working with Mobily to deliver game-changing solutions to meet the evolving needs of consumers and public and private organizations,” he added.

The MoU aims to form a framework of collaboration between Mobily and Huawei for the next 2-3 years in the two areas while setting a clear goal to create an action plan for further cooperation after signing the agreement.

Business

Saudi Unemployment Declines, Approaching Government Targets

One of the job fairs in Saudi Arabia that brings job seekers together with companies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the job fairs in Saudi Arabia that brings job seekers together with companies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Unemployment Declines, Approaching Government Targets

One of the job fairs in Saudi Arabia that brings job seekers together with companies (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the job fairs in Saudi Arabia that brings job seekers together with companies (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The unemployment rate among Saudis, during Q2 of 2023, decreased to 8.3%, marking a notable decline from the 9.7% recorded in the corresponding period in 2022.

This development aligns more closely with the ambitious target set by the Saudi government in its “Vision 2030” initiative, which seeks to achieve a 7% unemployment rate in the Kingdom.

Progress in reducing the rate of joblessness in the Kingdom can be traced back to the government’s steadfast commitment to addressing unemployment issues among both Saudi men and women by actively fostering increased job prospects within the local job market.

In Q1 of 2023, the unemployment rate among Saudis stood at 8.5%, but it dropped to 8.3% in Q2 thanks to government programs, initiatives, and decisions aimed at localizing a number of jobs within its labor market reform measures.

The Saudi Human Resources and Social Development Ministry is intensifying its efforts to localize several sectors within the Saudi market.

It is doing so through various initiatives aimed at supporting private sector establishments, which are expected to have a positive impact on unemployment rates for the overall population.

The ministry’s workforce-supporting strategy has played a role in reducing the overall unemployment rates.

Aligning with the Kingdom’s objectives of empowering women and enhancing their economic participation, the ministry'’ efforts have yielded an unprecedented reduction in the unemployment rate among Saudi women in Q2, 2023, reaching 15.7% compared to 19.3% in the same period in 2022.

A recent report by S&P Global showed that labor market reforms in Saudi Arabia have nearly doubled the women’s labor force participation rate in the country from approximately 19% in 2016 to nearly 36% in 2022.

As a result of measures aimed at improving access to the labor market requirements and the effectiveness of policies involving young Saudi talents in various fields, an official report showed that the participation rate in the labor force for the total Saudi population (males and females aged 15 and above) in Q2, 2023, is approximately 51.7%.

This figure remains largely stable compared to 52.4% in the previous quarter.

It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia’s Human Resources Development Fund has contributed to supporting 1.4 million Saudis through training, empowerment, and guidance programs during the first half of 2023.

Approximately 79,000 establishments across various regions of the kingdom have benefited from the fund’s support, with about 95% of these establishments falling under the category of medium, small, and micro-sized enterprises.

Saudi Shura Council member Fadel al-Buainain told Asharq Al-Awsat that fluctuations in the unemployment rate on a quarterly basis are expected due to economic and commercial variables, as well as changes in the labor market.

Buainain believes that such relative fluctuations during a quarter help direct efforts and address any issues if they arise or enhance gains.

He explained that during the current year, the unemployment rate rose to 8.5% in Q1, then decreased to 8.3% in Q2, indicating that there have been corrective measures and improvements within a span of three months.

Business

Industry Minister: Saudi Arabia Aims to Become Global Player in EV Industry

SPA
SPA
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Industry Minister: Saudi Arabia Aims to Become Global Player in EV Industry

SPA
SPA

Saudi Arabia aims to become a global player in manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) and related products, including electric batteries, said Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef.

The minister's remarks came during the inauguration of Lucid Motor's first EV manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia, located in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh governorate.

The inauguration of Lucid Motor’s plant confirms the sound implementation of the National Industrial Strategy (NIS) and its seriousness in establishing a flexible, competitive, and sustainable industrial economy led by the private sector, SPA quoted Al-Khorayef saying.

The EV industry is one of 12 strategic industrial sectors covered by the NIS to boost the growth of industry across the Kingdom, the minister added.

"The mission today is not just about building another vehicle manufacturing facility, but rather betting on the future through technology and innovation and striving for the Kingdom to become a global player in the industry of EV and related products."

He also stressed that the inauguration of Lucid Motor's EV manufacturing plant "confirms the Kingdom’s commitment to the investment in clean energy and the green economy.

The Saudi Minister said that the Kingdom will witness a vibrant ecosystem for investment in various sectors.

Business

Aramco to Enter Global LNG Business by Acquiring Stake in MidOcean Energy

An Aramco employee walks near an oil tank at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery and oil terminal in Saudi Arabia May 21, 2018. (Reuters)
An Aramco employee walks near an oil tank at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery and oil terminal in Saudi Arabia May 21, 2018. (Reuters)
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Aramco to Enter Global LNG Business by Acquiring Stake in MidOcean Energy

An Aramco employee walks near an oil tank at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery and oil terminal in Saudi Arabia May 21, 2018. (Reuters)
An Aramco employee walks near an oil tank at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery and oil terminal in Saudi Arabia May 21, 2018. (Reuters)

Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a strategic minority stake in MidOcean Energy for $500 million, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Thursday.

MidOcean Energy is a liquefied natural gas (LNG) company formed and managed by EIG, a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors.

MidOcean Energy is currently in the process of acquiring interests in four Australian LNG projects, with a growth strategy to create a diversified global LNG business. The strategic partnership with MidOcean Energy marks Aramco’s first international investment in LNG.

The agreement builds on the relationship between Aramco and EIG, which was part of a consortium that acquired a 49% stake in Aramco Oil Pipelines Company, a subsidiary of Aramco, in 2021.

Completion of the transaction is subject to closing conditions which include regulatory approvals. Aramco also has the option to increase its shareholding and associated rights in MidOcean Energy in the future.

Aramco President and CEO Amin H. Nasser said: “We are pleased to be strengthening our strategic partnership with EIG through this acquisition, which marks Aramco’s first international investment in LNG.”

“We anticipate strong demand-led growth for LNG as the world continues on its energy transition journey, with gas being a vital fuel and feedstock in various industries. We believe that gas will be important in meeting the world’s rising need for secure, accessible and more sustainable energy,” he added.

Aramco Upstream President Nasir K. Al-Naimi said: “This is an important step in Aramco’s strategy to become a leading global LNG player. We see significant opportunities in this market, which is positioned for structural, long-term growth.”

“MidOcean Energy is well-equipped to capitalize on rising LNG demand, and this strategic partnership reflects our willingness to work with leading international players to identify and unlock new opportunities at a global level,” he remarked.

EIG Chairman and CEO Blair Thomas said: “Energy transition informs every investment decision we make, and we believe LNG has a key role to play in enabling an orderly transition that balances society’s twin goals of decarbonization and energy security. Concurrent with that, we believe the LNG industry is ripe for change and there is a role for a nimble, pure-play company like MidOcean Energy.”

“While our initial focus is on the announced transactions in Australia, we believe the opportunity set is global. We are excited to expand our existing partnership with Aramco to include this important initiative.”

MidOcean Energy CEO De la Rey Venter said: “It is an honor for MidOcean Energy to have Aramco as a key shareholder and strategic partner. We share the conviction that LNG is an integral enabler of the global energy transition, and we believe that the global LNG industry has strong fundamentals for many decades to come.”

“Synergistic partnerships are core to how MidOcean Energy will do business, grow and thrive. In Aramco, we have a partner that has long-term thinking in its DNA and an unwavering commitment to enduring collaborations. We look forward to pursuing many new opportunities together.”

Business

Saudi Exports Development Authority Organizes Commercial Mission to Iraq

Saudi Exports Development Authority Organizes Commercial Mission to Iraq
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Saudi Exports Development Authority Organizes Commercial Mission to Iraq

Saudi Exports Development Authority Organizes Commercial Mission to Iraq

The Saudi Exports Development Authority has organized a commercial mission under the identity "Made in Saudi" to Iraq, which held a meeting in Basra on Thursday.
The commercial mission to Basra involved over 28 Saudi companies and 130 Iraqi companies from various sectors, mainly construction materials, chemicals and polymers, energy, and packaging.
Talks went over new prospects for cooperation with the Iraqi side to support the access of national products to the promising Iraqi markets and achieve the wise leadership's aspirations to diversify sources of national income and promote Saudi non-oil exports.
The mission included a number of meetings, agreements and memorandums of understanding between the Saudi and Iraqi sides.
According to SPA, Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports to Iraq over the past five years (2018-2022) have reached SAR14.8 billion, where the building materials sector topped the list of exporting sectors during the period with a value of SAR4.42 billion, followed by the food product sector with SAR4.04 billion.

Business

Saudi Arabia, Singapore Announce Launch of Joint Business Council

SPA
SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Singapore Announce Launch of Joint Business Council

SPA
SPA

The Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Singapore Business Federation have announced the launch of the Saudi-Singaporean Business Council during the Saudi-Singaporean Business Forum, held recently in Singapore and attended by the Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi and his Singaporean counterpart.

The new joint council is expected to increase trade and investment exchanges by creating new opportunities for economic cooperation, facilitating communication between the two countries' business sectors, and organizing exhibitions, conferences, and visits by trade delegations, SPA reported.

Saudi Arabia and Singapore enjoy strong economic and trade relations; the volume of trade exchange between the two countries reached SAR45.2 billion in 2022, achieving a growth of 50.8%.