SAMI Develops Industrial Complex for Defense Ground Systems

The second edition of the World Defense Show is currently held in Riyadh. (Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat)
The second edition of the World Defense Show is currently held in Riyadh. (Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat)
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SAMI Develops Industrial Complex for Defense Ground Systems

The second edition of the World Defense Show is currently held in Riyadh. (Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat)
The second edition of the World Defense Show is currently held in Riyadh. (Photo: Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Military Industries Company (SAMI), a wholly-owned Public Investment Fund company, is scheduled to complete construction of an industrial complex for ground systems in the third quarter of 2025.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Wael Al-Sarhan, Chief Communications and Support Services at SAMI, revealed that an agreement was signed with Zamil Steel Construction Company, a subsidiary of Zamil Industrial Investment Group, to begin construction of the SAMI industrial complex for ground systems.
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Defense Show, which is currently held in Riyadh, Al-Sarhan noted that the facility is being built according to the highest international standards for manufacturing ground systems, including integration, armoring, and all customer requirements, including four-, five- and six-wheel drive vehicle systems.
According to information released on the project, the SAMI Industrial Complex for Ground Systems, which is located in the city of Al-Kharj (central Saudi Arabia), is the first of its kind in the Kingdom to manufacture armored vehicles, provide logistical support, and test and maintain related services.
Al-Sarhan stressed that SAMI has the ability to maintain aircraft landing systems, as well as manufacture composite materials for aviation systems and advanced electronics.
He explained that during the second edition of the World Defense Show, the company showcased the latest advanced products that meet the Kingdom’s needs and simulate its future aspirations.
Al-Sarhan added that the company is revealing its capabilities through its five basic sectors, including the aviation and space sector, which includes the manufacture of drones, as well as “maintenance, repair, and overhaul,” which constitute more than 60 percent of the value of the aircraft.
“We are also showcasing the capabilities of the Marine Systems Sector to convert a boat, which was received from the Royal Navy, into a pilot boat,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
During the ongoing world exhibition, SAMI signed partnerships and agreements with companies with the aim of enhancing its abilities in various defense and security sectors, under the auspices of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI).



Oil Prices Set to End Week over 3% Lower as Supply Risks Ease

FILE PHOTO: An oil and gas industry worker walks during operations of a drilling rig at Zhetybay field in the Mangystau region, Kazakhstan, November 13, 2023. REUTERS/Turar Kazangapov/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: An oil and gas industry worker walks during operations of a drilling rig at Zhetybay field in the Mangystau region, Kazakhstan, November 13, 2023. REUTERS/Turar Kazangapov/File Photo
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Oil Prices Set to End Week over 3% Lower as Supply Risks Ease

FILE PHOTO: An oil and gas industry worker walks during operations of a drilling rig at Zhetybay field in the Mangystau region, Kazakhstan, November 13, 2023. REUTERS/Turar Kazangapov/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: An oil and gas industry worker walks during operations of a drilling rig at Zhetybay field in the Mangystau region, Kazakhstan, November 13, 2023. REUTERS/Turar Kazangapov/File Photo

Oil prices fell on Friday, heading for a weekly drop of more than 3%, as concerns over supply risks from the Israel-Hezbollah conflict eased, alleviating earlier disruption fears.
Brent crude futures fell 55 cents, or 0.8%, to $72.73 a barrel by 0758 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were at $69.52, down 20 cents, or 0.3%, compared with Wednesday's closing price.
On a weekly basis, Brent futures were down 3.3% and the U.S. WTI benchmark was trading 3.8% lower.
Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah traded accusations on Thursday over alleged violations of their ceasefire that came into effect the day before. The deal had at first appeared to alleviate the potential for supply disruption from a broader conflict that had led to a risk premium for oil.
Oil supplies from the Middle East, though, have been largely unaffected during Israel's parallel conflicts with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
OPEC+, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, delayed its next policy meeting to Dec. 5 from Dec. 1 to avoid a scheduling conflict. OPEC+ is expected to further extend its production cuts at the meeting.
BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, downgraded its Brent price forecast on Friday to $76/bbl in 2025 from $78/bbl previously, citing a "bearish fundamental outlook, ongoing weakness in oil market sentiment and the downside pressure on prices we expect to accrue under Trump."
"Although we expect the OPEC+ group will opt to roll-over the existing cuts into the new year, this will not be sufficient to fully erase the production glut we forecast for next year," BMI analysts said in a note.
Also on Thursday, Russia struck Ukrainian energy facilities for the second time this month. ANZ analysts said the attack risked retaliation that could affect Russian oil supply.
Iran told a UN nuclear watchdog it would install more than 6,000 additional uranium-enriching centrifuges at its enrichment plants, a confidential report by the watchdog said on Thursday.
Analysts at Goldman Sachs have said Iranian supply could drop by as much as 1 million barrels per day in the first half of next year if Western powers tighten sanctions enforcement on its crude oil output.