Saudi Capital Market Forum to Host CONNECT Hong Kong Edition in May

Saudi Arabia represents 70% of the relative weight of the Middle East and North Africa markets in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia represents 70% of the relative weight of the Middle East and North Africa markets in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Capital Market Forum to Host CONNECT Hong Kong Edition in May

Saudi Arabia represents 70% of the relative weight of the Middle East and North Africa markets in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia represents 70% of the relative weight of the Middle East and North Africa markets in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Forum is set to enhance ties with China’s capital markets by venturing beyond borders to host the next edition in Hong Kong.
The Capital Market Forum — CONNECT Hong Kong, set for May 9 in the port city, was announced by Khalid Al-Hussan, CEO of Saudi Tadawul Group, during a fireside chat at the Riyadh forum.
The forum, designed to facilitate cross-border investments and foster collaboration, will feature a series of strategic discussions and networking platforms, inviting key financial minds and decision-makers.
Deputy of Financing and Investment Abdullah Binghannam revealed that the Kingdom has commenced its public consultation for the so-called “FMO” framework, aiming to enhance the market’s liquidity and accessibility.
During his participation in a dialogue session within the activities of the Forum, Professor Richard Cormack, Co-Head of Capital Markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa and Co-Head of Investment Banking in the United Kingdom at Goldman Sachs, revealed the bank’s expectations that the weight of the Middle East and North Africa markets will reach to 10% on the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, with Saudi Arabia representing 70% of this percentage, according to a research study published by Goldman Sachs.
Cormack stressed that these expectations mean the influx of active and passive investments worth approximately $50 billion into the Kingdom, which contributes to strengthening its position as a leading financial power equivalent to the economic bloc in Latin America, which is considered the largest bloc outside Asia.
Cormack also stressed that the Kingdom continues to record strong performance in line with the performance of advanced financial markets, noting that the profitability factor for stocks traded in the Saudi financial market has reached approximately 21 times, which is the same ratio recorded for stocks traded in the American market.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and Saudi Exchange signed a new cooperation agreement on the sidelines of the third Saudi Capital Market Forum to launch a Social Responsibility Index.
Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Saudi Tadawul Group and Atrum, supporting artistic initiatives, educational programs, and cultural exchanges within the Kingdom.
SALIC signed an MoU with Tadawul with the aim of establishing the foundations for effective cooperation and integrated coordination between the two parties towards aligning and sharing strategic initiatives in the field of sustainability.
An MoU was signed between Riyad Capital and E Fund to foster knowledge sharing on local investment expertise and stimulate collaboration on developing future investment products.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Capital Market, Muqassa and Swiss cash management company Instimatch Global signed an agreement to launch a Repo Trading Platform for the Kingdom’s market.

 

 

 

 



KSIA Commences Construction of Third Runway to Enhance Operational Efficiency

 The airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals - SPA
The airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals - SPA
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KSIA Commences Construction of Third Runway to Enhance Operational Efficiency

 The airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals - SPA
The airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals - SPA

King Salman International Airport (KSIA), a PIF company, has commenced construction works on the third runway, marking a strategic step that reflects continued progress in airfield development and enhances the airport’s operational readiness to support long-term growth in air traffic demand.

The third runway forms a key component of the KSIA Master Plan and represents a major milestone in the airport’s expansion journey.
According to a press release issued by the KSIA, the project is being delivered in collaboration with FCC Construcción SA and Al-Mabani General Contractors Company and has been designed in alignment with Riyadh’s prevailing wind patterns to ensure safe and efficient aircraft operations under all operating conditions, SPA reported.

The current operational capacity stands at 65 aircraft movements per hour. With the implementation of operational enhancements and the introduction of the third runway, capacity is expected to increase to 85 aircraft movements per hour, contributing to improved operational efficiency and supporting long-term growth.

The third runway incorporates multiple access taxiways to ensure smooth aircraft flow and will span 4,200 meters in length.

Acting CEO of KSIA Marco Mejia said: “Launching construction of the third runway marks a pivotal step in delivering the KSIA Master Plan and reflects our commitment to developing world-class infrastructure capable of supporting future growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and expanding long-haul connectivity without constraints.”

King Salman International Airport is a strategic and transformative national project that reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to position Riyadh as a global capital and a leading aviation hub. The project was announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Salman International Airport, underscoring its national significance and its role in advancing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Located on the existing site of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals, in addition to three new terminals, residential and leisure assets, six runways, and logistics facilities. Spanning 57 square kilometers, it is designed to accommodate 100 million passengers annually and handle over two million tons of cargo by 2030.

This phase of construction contributes to strengthening King Salman International Airport’s international flight network across multiple global destinations, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as an internationally connected aviation gateway and supporting national development objectives within the air transport sector.


Mawani, Arabian Chemical Terminals Sign Land Lease for Jubail Port Storage Tanks

Mawani, Arabian Chemical Terminals Sign Land Lease for Jubail Port Storage Tanks
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Mawani, Arabian Chemical Terminals Sign Land Lease for Jubail Port Storage Tanks

Mawani, Arabian Chemical Terminals Sign Land Lease for Jubail Port Storage Tanks

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) signed a contract with Arabian Chemical Terminals Ltd. to establish storage tanks for chemical and petrochemical materials at Jubail Commercial Port, with an investment exceeding SAR500 million on an area of 49,000 square meters.

The project will contribute to enhancing operational efficiency and increasing handling capacity in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub, SPA reported.

This step is part of Mawani’s efforts to strengthen the role of the private sector in supporting the gross domestic product and to reinforce the position of Jubail Commercial Port as a driver of commercial activity. The project’s storage capacity will reach 70,000 cubic tons, boosting the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s ports at both regional and international levels.

The project aims to develop and expand storage capacity and the export of chemical and petrochemical materials in accordance with the highest international standards while supporting supply chains. It includes the establishment and development of specialized facilities for storing and exporting chemical and petrochemical products, as well as the provision of storage and distribution services for local and international import and export of chemicals in line with global quality and safety standards.

The project will contribute to supporting national supply chains, boosting the Kingdom’s chemical logistics capabilities, and raising operational efficiency and capacity, thereby improving customer competitiveness. It also supports the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030 objectives by promoting the development of infrastructure to advance the energy, industry, and supply chain sectors in the Kingdom.


Oil Prices Stable as Investors Seek Clarity on Russia-Ukraine Talks

A view shows the crude oil terminal Kozmino on the shore of Nakhodka Bay near the port city of Nakhodka, Russia August 12, 2022. REUTERS/Tatiana Meel
A view shows the crude oil terminal Kozmino on the shore of Nakhodka Bay near the port city of Nakhodka, Russia August 12, 2022. REUTERS/Tatiana Meel
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Oil Prices Stable as Investors Seek Clarity on Russia-Ukraine Talks

A view shows the crude oil terminal Kozmino on the shore of Nakhodka Bay near the port city of Nakhodka, Russia August 12, 2022. REUTERS/Tatiana Meel
A view shows the crude oil terminal Kozmino on the shore of Nakhodka Bay near the port city of Nakhodka, Russia August 12, 2022. REUTERS/Tatiana Meel

Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday as investors took stock of ​dented hopes of a Russia-Ukraine peace deal and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East around Yemen, Reuters reported.

Brent crude futures for February delivery, which expire on Tuesday, were up 15 cents at $62.09 a barrel as of 0918 GMT. The more active March contract was at $61.61, up 12 cents.

US West Texas Intermediate ‌crude gained 14 ‌cents to $58.22.

The Brent and ‌WTI ⁠benchmarks ​settled ‌more than 2% higher in the previous session as Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes against Yemen and after Moscow accused Kyiv of targeting Putin's residence, denting hopes of a peace deal.

Kyiv dismissed Moscow's accusation as baseless and designed to undermine peace negotiations. After a phone call ⁠with Putin, US President Donald Trump said he was angered by details ‌of the alleged attack.

"I think the ‍markets are sensing that ‍a deal is going to be very hard ‍to come by," said Marex analyst Ed Meir.

Traders also watched other Middle East developments after Trump said the United States could support another major strike on Iran were Tehran to resume rebuilding its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs.

Despite renewed fears of potential supply disruptions, perceptions of an oversupplied global market remain and could cap prices, analysts say.

Marex's Meir said prices would trend downwards in the first quarter of 2026 due to ‌a "growing oil glut".