PIF, Saudi Electricity Company Announce Launch of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF)
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PIF, Saudi Electricity Company Announce Launch of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF)

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) said on Sunday that it has partnered with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to launch an electric vehicle infrastructure company.

"PIF will own a 75% stake in the Company, while SEC will hold the remaining 25% stake," the sovereign wealth fund said in a statement.

The company aims to deliver best-in-class electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging infrastructure across Saudi Arabia, further unlocking the local automotive ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of EVs. It plans to establish presence in more than 1,000 locations, installing over 5,000 fast chargers by 2030 in cities across Saudi Arabia and on the roads that connect them, in line with applicable regulations and standards.

The company also aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s automotive ecosystem, through collaboration with EV companies, by supplying the necessary charging stations to meet future demand. It seeks to promote private sector participation in the development of its network of charging stations and support the localization of R&D and manufacturing of technologically advanced materials, ultimately building domestic expertise and resilience.

“The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company will spearhead the EV transition by deploying best-in-class, widely available EV charging infrastructure to drive the growth of the EV ecosystem. Through our partnership with SEC, we will be able to accelerate the creation of synergies across the EV supply chain, driving economic growth and diversification in line with Vision 2030, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in the new electrified era of the automotive industry,” said Omar Al-Madhi, Co-Head of MENA Direct Investments at PIF.

Khalid Bin Hamad Al-Gnoon, Chief Executive Officer at SEC, said: “SEC, as part of the nation’s wider energy ecosystem, develops and implements strategies that aim to enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a sustainable energy leader, in line with the Kingdom’s efforts to promote advanced energy solutions and increase the value added by the energy sector.”

The launch of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company is in line with PIF’s strategy to expand Saudi Arabia’s automotive capabilities to promote the country’s competitiveness on the world stage, and ultimately position it as a global leader. It will aim to further Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts, driving non-oil GDP growth and creating new jobs.



Emaar The Economic City Restructures Finances

Emaar The Economic City is tasked with developing King Abdullah Economic City (official website)
Emaar The Economic City is tasked with developing King Abdullah Economic City (official website)
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Emaar The Economic City Restructures Finances

Emaar The Economic City is tasked with developing King Abdullah Economic City (official website)
Emaar The Economic City is tasked with developing King Abdullah Economic City (official website)

Saudi Arabia’s Emaar The Economic City has revealed a plan to restructure its finances to better support its growth goals, according to a statement on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).

The company reported a dramatic increase in losses for the first half of the year, reaching 694 million riyals, compared to 76.2 million riyals during the same period in 2023.

Key points of the restructuring plan include:

On September 5, the Saudi Ministry of Finance transferred the remaining 2.9 billion riyals of a loan from Emaar The Economic City to the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Emaar The Economic City (EEC) has signed a non-binding agreement with PIF for a potential new loan of up to 1 billion riyals ($266 million).

The company, the ministry, and PIF have agreed to transfer existing mortgages from the ministry to PIF, eliminating any debt owed to the ministry.

In September 2021, PIF acquired a 25% stake in Emaar The Economic City by converting part of a 2.8 billion riyal loan into shares.

The Ministry of Finance agreed to extend the loan's grace period by one year, to June 2025, and to add 192 million riyals in interest for 2024 to the loan.

The board recommended reducing the company’s capital by 5.63 billion riyals by canceling 563 million shares to cover losses. It also suggested increasing capital by converting 3.97 billion riyals of debt into new shares.

The company has also signed agreements to reschedule loans with several banks, totaling 3.47 billion riyals, and secure additional credit of 301.5 million riyals.

After the announcement, Emaar The Economic City’s share price fell initially but later stabilized.

Fahad Al-Saif, Chairman of EEC, said the restructuring will help the company align with Saudi Vision 2030. CEO Abdulaziz Al-Nowaiser added that it will improve the company’s financial position and enable faster opportunity capture.

Mohammed Al-Farraj from Arbah Capital expects the restructuring to improve the company’s long-term performance and market value by lowering financing costs and improving efficiency.

He noted some short-term volatility but believes the company will be better equipped to handle future challenges.

Converting debt into shares will make PIF a shareholder rather than a creditor, strengthening their relationship and supporting future plans.