Egypt Approves $200 Million in Energy Projects

Egyptian cabinet met on Tuesday (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egyptian cabinet met on Tuesday (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt Approves $200 Million in Energy Projects

Egyptian cabinet met on Tuesday (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egyptian cabinet met on Tuesday (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egypt approved five agreements for gas and crude oil exploration projects for a number of international and national companies, with expected investments of about $200 million, the Egyptian Cabinet said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The Cabinet approved five projects for petroleum commitment agreements for the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC), and a number of international and national companies, with expected investments of about $200 million,” the statement said.

The agreements included a draft commitment agreement to search for and exploit gas and crude oil in the North Port Fouad offshore area in the Mediterranean between EGAS and IEOC Production BV.

The agreements further included a draft commitment agreement to search for and exploit gas and crude oil in the South Nour offshore area in the Mediterranean Sea, between EGAS and IEOC Production BV.

The Cabinet approved another draft commitment agreement for the exploration and exploitation of gas and crude oil in the North Al Khatatbah onshore area in the Nile Delta between EGAS and ZN BV LTD.

The draft agreements also included a draft amendment to the commitment agreement to search for, develop, and exploit oil in the Horus Development Area in the Western Desert between EGPC, Tharwa Petroleum Company, and the General Petroleum Company (GPC).

Another draft commitment agreement was approved to search for, develop, and exploit oil in the South Dabaa Development Zone (SD-3) in the Western Desert between EGPC and HPS International Egypt Limited.



Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.