Mawani Introduces New Shipping Service at Jeddah Islamic Port

Mawani announced the addition of the new shipping service 'NRS' by Folk Maritime to Jeddah Islamic Port.
Mawani announced the addition of the new shipping service 'NRS' by Folk Maritime to Jeddah Islamic Port.
TT

Mawani Introduces New Shipping Service at Jeddah Islamic Port

Mawani announced the addition of the new shipping service 'NRS' by Folk Maritime to Jeddah Islamic Port.
Mawani announced the addition of the new shipping service 'NRS' by Folk Maritime to Jeddah Islamic Port.

The Saudi Ports Authority, Mawani, has announced the addition of the new shipping service 'NRS' by Folk Maritime to Jeddah Islamic Port that aims to connect Saudi Arabia to various ports along the North Red Sea, the Saudi Press Agency said on Monday.
The introduction of these two new services is set to meet the increasing market demands and trade activities in the region.
It will further establish the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub that bridges three continents, in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS).
According to a statement, the launch of the NRS service is a testament to the collaborative efforts and mutual support between Mawani and Folk Maritime. The latter is expanding its operational and logistics activities as a new player in the regional market and the first Saudi maritime line specializing in container and feeder ships.
The NRS shipping service will link Jeddah Islamic Port to Yanbu Commercial Port, Neom Port, Aqaba Port in Jordan, and Sokhna Port in Egypt. It promises regular weekly trips with a capacity of up to 1,300 TEUs.
It is important to highlight that introducing new shipping services to Jeddah Islamic Port is crucial for enhancing its pivotal role due to its strategic location.
This service enables it to connect three continents—Europe, Asia, and Africa—further solidifying its competitive advantage for exporters, importers, and shipping agents as the premier port on the Red Sea coast for transoceanic maritime trade, container transshipment, and cargo handling.



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)
TT

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.