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Saudi Tourism Development Fund Signs MoU with Spain's IE University

The agreement aims to improve employee knowledge, awareness, and competencies in the tourism field. SPA
The agreement aims to improve employee knowledge, awareness, and competencies in the tourism field. SPA
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Saudi Tourism Development Fund Signs MoU with Spain's IE University

The agreement aims to improve employee knowledge, awareness, and competencies in the tourism field. SPA
The agreement aims to improve employee knowledge, awareness, and competencies in the tourism field. SPA

The Saudi Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IE University in Spain, a higher education institution focused on training influential leaders. The objective is to implement tailored educational programs and training courses for TDF employees, aligning with the National Tourism Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.

The agreement, inked by TDF CEO Qusai bin Abdullah Al-Fakhri and IE University President Santiago Iñiguez, aims to elevate employee knowledge, awareness, and competencies in the tourism field.

Al-Fakhri stated that the MoU signifies a significant step toward fostering positive interaction between the tourism sector and educational institutions. The goal is to enhance human capabilities, equip individuals with necessary skills and knowledge, and align development with quality and excellence standards. This, in turn, contributes to professional growth, active participation in Saudi Arabia's tourism boom, and a role in driving growth and prosperity.

Furthermore, Al-Fakhri emphasized TDF's commitment to developing skills and competencies, providing professional development opportunities, and ensuring a qualified workforce to meet the demands of the growing tourism sector. The collaboration with IE University reflects the commitment to creating a supportive educational environment in crucial tourism regions.

IE University's President highlighted the importance of cooperation between higher education and tourism, emphasizing the need to develop specialized professionals in the field.

The agreement aims to achieve integration between education and tourism, working towards producing qualified individuals.

The MoU is part of the TDF's broader initiative, collaborating with top universities, training centers, and international expertise houses. The Graduate Development Program (Tourism Olou) is among the launched educational programs designed to develop Saudi talents, enhance competitiveness, and provide essential skills for the tourism sector.

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Revenue Growth, Improved Operational Efficiency Boost Profitability of Saudi Telecom Companies

A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
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Revenue Growth, Improved Operational Efficiency Boost Profitability of Saudi Telecom Companies

A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)
A man monitors the movement of stocks on the Saudi Tadawul index. (AFP)

Telecommunications companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) achieved a 12.46 percent growth in their net profits, which reached SAR 4.07 billion ($1.09 billion) during the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 3.62 billion ($965 million) during the same period last year.

They also recorded a 4.76 percent growth in revenues during the same quarter, after achieving sales worth more than SAR 26.18 billion ($7 billion), compared to SAR 24.99 billion ($6.66 billion) in the same quarter of 2023.

The growth in the revenues and net profitability is the result of several factors, including the increase in sales volume and revenues, especially in the business sector and fifth generation services, as well as the decrease in operating expenses and the focus on improving operational efficiency, controlling costs, and moving towards investment in infrastructure.

The sector comprises four companies, three of which conclude their fiscal year in December: Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Mobily, and Zain Saudi Arabia. The fiscal year of Etihad Atheeb Telecommunications Company (GO) ends on March 31.

According to its financial results announced on Tadawul, Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily) achieved a 33 percent growth rate of profits, bringing its profits to SAR 661 million by the end of the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 497 million during the same period in 2023. The company also achieved a 4.59 percent growth in revenues to reach SAR 4.47 billion, compared to SAR 4.27 billion in the same quarter of last year.

The Saudi Telecom Company achieved the highest net profits among the sector’s companies, at about SAR 3.304 billion in the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 3.008 billion in the same quarter of 2023. The company registered a growth of 4.52 percent in revenues.

On the other hand, the revenues of the Saudi Mobile Telecommunications Company (Zain Saudi Arabia) increased by about 6.69 percent, as it recorded SAR 2.55 billion during the second quarter of 2024, compared to SAR 2.39 billion in the same period last year.

Commenting on the quarterly results of the sector’s companies, and the varying net profits, the head of asset management at Rassanah Capital, Thamer Al-Saeed, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Saudi Telecom Company remains the sector leader in terms of customer base expansion.

He also noted the continued efforts of Mobily and Zain to offer many diverse products and other services.

Financial advisor at the Arab Trader Mohammed Al-Maymouni said the financial results of telecom sector companies have maintained a steady growth, up to 12 percent, adding that Mobily witnessed strong progress compared to the rest of the companies, despite the great competition which affected its revenues.

He added that Zain was moving at a good pace and its revenues have improved during the second quarter of 2024. However, its profits were affected by an increase in the financing cost by SAR 26.5 million riyals and a rise in interest, while net income declined significantly compared to the previous year, during which the company made exceptional returns.