Expansion Plans, High Returns Raise Profits of Saudi Real Estate Companies

The real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is heading towards recovery. (Photo: SPA)
The real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is heading towards recovery. (Photo: SPA)
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Expansion Plans, High Returns Raise Profits of Saudi Real Estate Companies

The real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is heading towards recovery. (Photo: SPA)
The real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is heading towards recovery. (Photo: SPA)

Experts said that the real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is heading towards recovery thanks to the implementation of expansion plans, improved operating profits, and high investment returns and revenues.
They added that the sector continues to maintain annual growth levels due to the high volume of demand, compared to the supply.
Real estate companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) achieved a significant 258 percent jump in their net profits by the end of 2023, reaching about SAR 3 billion ($800 million) during the past year, compared to SAR 831 million ($221 million) during 2022.
In this context, the CEO of Menassat Realty Co, Khaled Almobid, said that the real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is witnessing a state of recovery in terms of price as an asset value, as well as the high demand for various real estate products.
He added that the upcoming indicators are positive, especially with expectations of a cut in interest rates during the coming period and the giant projects announced in a number of cities, as well as Riyadh’s hosting the Expo 2030 exhibition and two important football tournaments, the Asia Cup 2027 and the World Cup 2034.
For his part, Financial Analyst Tariq Al-Ateeq told Asharq Al-Awsat that the most important factors that contributed to achieving a significant jump in the profits of real estate sector companies were represented by the implementation of strong expansion plans, the increase in profit margins, and improved operating profits, as well as the high fair value gains from investment properties.
He added that the real estate market in Saudi Arabia is promising for investment and profitability, given its potential as the largest among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

 

 



Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
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Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports soared to a two-year high in May, reaching SAR 28.89 billion (USD 7.70 billion), marking an 8.2% year-on-year increase compared to May 2023.

On a monthly basis, non-oil exports surged by 26.93% from April.

This growth contributed to Saudi Arabia’s trade surplus, which recorded a year-on-year increase of 12.8%, reaching SAR 34.5 billion (USD 9.1 billion) in May, following 18 months of decline.

The enhancement of the non-oil private sector remains a key focus for Saudi Arabia as it continues its efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues.

In 2023, non-oil activities in Saudi Arabia contributed 50% to the country’s real GDP, the highest level ever recorded, according to the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s analysis of data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan emphasized at the “Future Investment Initiative” in October that the Kingdom is now prioritizing the development of the non-oil sector over GDP figures, in line with its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

A report by Moody’s highlighted Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts to transform its economic structure, reduce dependency on oil, and boost non-oil sectors such as industry, tourism, and real estate.

The Saudi General Authority for Statistics’ monthly report on international trade noted a 5.8% growth in merchandise exports in May compared to the same period last year, driven by a 4.9% increase in oil exports, which totaled SAR 75.9 billion in May 2024.

The change reflects movements in global oil prices, while production levels remained steady at under 9 million barrels per day since the OPEC+ alliance began a voluntary reduction in crude supply to maintain prices. Production is set to gradually increase starting in early October.

On a monthly basis, merchandise exports rose by 3.3% from April to May, supported by a 26.9% increase in non-oil exports. This rise was bolstered by a surge in re-exports, which reached SAR 10.2 billion, the highest level for this category since 2017.

The share of oil exports in total exports declined to 72.4% in May from 73% in the same month last year.

Moreover, the value of re-exported goods increased by 33.9% during the same period.