Saudi Arabia’s Ma'aden Agrees to Acquire SABIC Stake in Aluminium Bahrain

The Ma'aden headquarters in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Ma'aden headquarters in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia’s Ma'aden Agrees to Acquire SABIC Stake in Aluminium Bahrain

The Ma'aden headquarters in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Ma'aden headquarters in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden), the region's largest multi-commodity metals and mining company, has agreed to acquire SABIC's 20.62% share in Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA), the company said in a statement.

This move is part of Ma'aden's broader strategy to pursue regional growth opportunities across its business, it said.

According to the statement, the acquisition is a key element of Ma'aden's expansion plans, which aim to increase the company's aluminium business tenfold by 2040. This ambitious growth strategy highlights the pivotal role of aluminium in Ma'aden's future development.

The announcement follows recent news that Ma'aden and Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA) have signed non-binding Heads of Terms to explore the potential creation of a major global aluminium entity in the region.

Ma'aden has also revealed its plans to consolidate its aluminium operations through a Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement with its long-term partner, Alcoa. Under this agreement, Alcoa's shares in Ma'aden Aluminium Company (MAC) and Ma'aden Bauxite and Alumina Company (MBAC) will be exchanged for shares in Ma'aden.

"As we continue to grow, acquiring shares in a well-established regional and global aluminium player strongly supports our ambitions,” said Ma'aden CEO Bob Wilt.

“This week, we have announced several transactions that align with our strategic intent to strengthen and expand our business regionally and internationally, further developing mining as the third pillar of the Saudi economy,” he added.



UAE, Japan Launch Talks to Reach Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

This handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed  Al Nahyan bidding farewell to the Egyptian foreign minister after their meeting during the latter's visit, at Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi on September 8, 2024. (Photo by Ryan CARTER / UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT / AFP)
This handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan bidding farewell to the Egyptian foreign minister after their meeting during the latter's visit, at Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi on September 8, 2024. (Photo by Ryan CARTER / UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT / AFP)
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UAE, Japan Launch Talks to Reach Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

This handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed  Al Nahyan bidding farewell to the Egyptian foreign minister after their meeting during the latter's visit, at Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi on September 8, 2024. (Photo by Ryan CARTER / UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT / AFP)
This handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan bidding farewell to the Egyptian foreign minister after their meeting during the latter's visit, at Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi on September 8, 2024. (Photo by Ryan CARTER / UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT / AFP)

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said Wednesday that relations between the UAE and Japan are built on a long history of strategic cooperation across various fields.

He expressed hope that these ties will be further bolstered by the launch of talks towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which will foster new avenues for collaboration and support the sustainable economic growth of both nations and their people.

The launch of the talks reflects a mutual commitment to elevate the two countries’ relationship to new levels of cooperation, said the President. He noted that, by facilitating investment and supporting innovation, the agreement will play an important role in the nation’s economic diversification efforts, while also providing more opportunities for collaboration between the business communities of both countries.

In a post on his X account, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida highlighted the significance of the commencement of CEPA negotiations

“I expect that the conclusion of an ambitious, balanced, and comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the UAE, in addition to the Japan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, whose negotiations will proceed in parallel with the Japan-UAE negotiations, will contribute to the strengthening of economic relations and other fields between the two countries,” he said.