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SPARK Attracts More Than 60 Investors

 A solar energy project in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
 A solar energy project in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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SPARK Attracts More Than 60 Investors

 A solar energy project in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
 A solar energy project in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), located in Buqayq in eastern Saudi Arabia, has successfully attracted more than 60 investors, with total investments exceeding $3 billion.
SPARK was developed as an integrated industrial ecosystem aimed at maximizing economic benefits by strengthening the energy sector in the Kingdom and the broader region. It plays a key role in advancing the goals of Vision 2030 by supporting efforts to build a strong, prosperous, and diversified economy.
The city is also positioned as a prime destination for investors seeking growth and success within a global industrial ecosystem founded on excellence and innovation. It is expected to contribute over $6 billion annually to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and create up to 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.
On Sunday, the King Salman Energy Park announced that seven factories are already operational, with an additional 14 under construction.
By the end of last year, SPARK had signed lease agreements with two new investors, in addition to the start of construction on several major projects by existing investors.
These developments are key to SPARK’s continued growth and progress, playing a crucial role in its mission to localize essential products and services within the energy sector’s value chain.
The total value of the lease agreements exceeds SAR 30 million, marking significant investments that will drive sustainable industrial growth in the Kingdom.
As part of these deals, Abdulaziz & Brothers (A&BC), a company specializing in professional safety tools and equipment, will begin producing high-quality personal protective gear for the industrial and construction sectors by establishing its first facility in SPARK.
Meanwhile, Enjaz Al Mustaqbal Industrial Company plans to build a facility to support localization efforts in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) sector.
SPARK also revealed the start of construction on two major projects with a combined investment of SAR 250 million.
BAS Gulf Industrial Company, a subsidiary of the National Metal Manufacturing and Casting Company (Maadaniyat), plans to expand its operations by the fourth quarter of 2024, focusing on the manufacturing of industrial valves and providing post-sales technical services.
Global software and engineering leader Emerson has also begun construction at SPARK, preparing to launch its advanced technology operations, which are expected to commence by the fourth quarter of 2024.

 

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Oil Prices Rise on Middle East Conflict Fears as Israel Steps Up Attacks

FILE PHOTO: A view shows an oil pump jack outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, June 4, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A view shows an oil pump jack outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, June 4, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo
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Oil Prices Rise on Middle East Conflict Fears as Israel Steps Up Attacks

FILE PHOTO: A view shows an oil pump jack outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, June 4, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A view shows an oil pump jack outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, June 4, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Manzyuk/File Photo

Oil prices extended gains on Monday, buoyed by escalating concerns over potential supply pressures from Middle East producers following Israel's increased attacks on Iranian-backed forces in the region.
Brent crude futures for November delivery increased 51 cents, or 0.71%, to $72.49 a barrel as of 0330 GMT. That contract expires on Monday, and the more-active contract for December delivery gained 50 cents, or 0.7%, to $72.04.
US West Texas Intermediate crude futures added 43 cents, or 0.63%, to $68.61 a barrel.
Last week, Brent fell around 3%, while WTI fell by around 5% as demand worries increased after fiscal stimulus from China, the world's second-biggest economy and top oil importer, failed to reassure market confidence, Reuters said.
However, prices on Monday were supported by the possibility of a widening Middle East conflict involving Iran, a key producer and member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), after Israel stepped up its attacks on the Hezbollah and Houthi militant groups that Iran backs.
While excessive supplies are a key concern for oil markets, markets broadly fear an escalation in the Middle Eastern crisis that could dampen supplies from key producing regions, said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.
Israel said it bombed Houthi targets in Yemen on Sunday, expanding its confrontation with Iran's allies two days after killing Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an escalating conflict in Lebanon.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has authorized the military to reinforce its presence in the Middle East, with the Pentagon saying on Sunday that should Iran, its partners, or its proxies target US personnel or interests, Washington "will take every necessary measure to defend our people".
In the context of Israel's decisive strike on Hezbollah, oil prices will continue to be driven by supply and demand dynamics, said Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG.
Given the upcoming end of OPEC+'s voluntary supply cuts on Dec. 1, WTI may test its 2021 lows in the $61 to $62 a barrel range, he said.
"Additionally, despite China's recent dovish shift, it's unclear if this will translate into higher fuel demand, considering China's advancements in electrifying and decarbonizing its transportation sector," Sycamore added.
Later on Monday, markets will be waiting to hear from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for clues on the central bank's speed of monetary easing, and seven other Fed policymakers are due to speak this week, ANZ analysts said in a note.
Also due are data on job openings and private hiring, along with ISM surveys on manufacturing and services.
With the Fed and other major central banks embarking on policy easing, some economic recovery could just be around the corner, said Phillip Nova's Sachdeva.
"How well demand responds to easing rates, and how much Chinese demand revives after the major stimulus injected last week, will eventually shape oil market dynamics going forward," she said.