Saudi Arabia Showcases Its National Programs, Global Contributions at World Energy Congress

Saudi Arabia participates in the 26th edition of the World Energy Congress taking place from April 22 to 25, 2024, in the Netherlands. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia participates in the 26th edition of the World Energy Congress taking place from April 22 to 25, 2024, in the Netherlands. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Showcases Its National Programs, Global Contributions at World Energy Congress

Saudi Arabia participates in the 26th edition of the World Energy Congress taking place from April 22 to 25, 2024, in the Netherlands. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia participates in the 26th edition of the World Energy Congress taking place from April 22 to 25, 2024, in the Netherlands. (SPA)

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by its energy system, is actively engaging in the 26th edition of the World Energy Congress, taking place from April 22 to 25, 2024, in the Netherlands, the Saudi Press Agency said on Monday.
This congress aims to address various challenges within the energy sector and its ongoing transformations, emphasizing the imperative to manage these transitions equitably without compromising environmental integrity.
Saudi Arabia's participation involves showcasing a cadre of specialists and experts to underscore the nation's contributions to the energy sector and its global leadership. This is demonstrated through various national programs and initiatives.
Additionally, the Kingdom will feature a special pavilion at the congress exhibition, themed "Sustainable Energy - Shared Future," focusing on its role as a prominent global energy producer and its steadfast commitment to combating climate change.
The pavilion will spotlight Saudi Arabia's strides toward achieving its national ambitions of reaching net zero emissions by 2060, or sooner with advancements in technology. These efforts are driven by the imperative of ensuring sustainable energy for individuals and communities, while safeguarding the Earth's future and its inhabitants.
Throughout the 26th edition, Saudi Arabia will participate in discussions covering pivotal topics in the energy domain, including the development of renewable and nuclear energy sectors, enhancing energy efficiency by 2030, and leveraging liquid fuel displacement.
Moreover, the Kingdom will actively engage in dialogues aimed at expediting the deployment of emission reduction and removal technologies such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), as well as the production of low-carbon hydrogen.



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.