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Saudi Arabia and China Explore Promising Tourism Opportunities

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with a number of Chinese investors in Beijing (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with a number of Chinese investors in Beijing (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia and China Explore Promising Tourism Opportunities

Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with a number of Chinese investors in Beijing (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with a number of Chinese investors in Beijing (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb met with the Chinese Tourism Association to explore investment opportunities and means to strengthen bilateral ties in the sector. Al-Khateeb also discussed with several investors in Beijing investment prospects in the Kingdom’s tourism industry.

On Thursday, Al-Khateeb launched a global promotional campaign in Beijing, inaugurating the Saudi Travel Expo at the renowned Tian Tan Park, which will run until Oct. 26.

The Saudi delegation, led by Al-Khateeb, included top officials and key partners from the Saudi tourism ecosystem, aiming to elevate Saudi Arabia’s global presence and demonstrate its readiness to welcome Chinese tourists. The delegation held multiple bilateral meetings with China’s Civil Aviation Authority, the Chinese Tourism Association, airlines, and representatives from major companies like Trip.com, Tuniu, Alibaba, Huawei, and Klook.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with prominent Chinese companies, including H World Group and Jin Jiang Group. Al-Khateeb emphasized that this global campaign is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to foster closer collaboration with China through strategic partnerships aimed at developing the tourism sectors in both countries. He expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Chinese tourists, particularly following Saudi Arabia’s designation as an official key destination for Chinese travelers.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and board member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, stressed that China is one of the most important international markets for Saudi Arabia. He highlighted the growing interest among Chinese tourists in experiencing the country’s unique and inspiring travel offerings.

The Saudi Travel Expo features interactive exhibits showcasing the beauty of key Saudi destinations such as Diriyah, AlUla, and Al-Baha. Visitors can enjoy photo opportunities against backdrops of famous Saudi landmarks and witness live demonstrations of traditional crafts like sadu weaving, as well as local musical performances. Saudi tourism partners are also offering special travel packages to major destinations like Jeddah, Neom, and the Red Sea, along with the chance to participate in world-class events such as Riyadh Season and MDL Beast.

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Oil Prices Steady as Markets Weigh Demand against US Inventories

FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
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Oil Prices Steady as Markets Weigh Demand against US Inventories

FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)

Oil prices were little changed on Thursday as investors weighed firm winter fuel demand expectations against large US fuel inventories and macroeconomic concerns.

Brent crude futures were down 3 cents at $76.13 a barrel by 1003 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures dipped 10 cents to $73.22.

Both benchmarks fell more than 1% on Wednesday as a stronger dollar and a bigger than expected rise in US fuel stockpiles pressured prices.

"The oil market is still grappling with opposite forces - seasonal demand to support the bulls and macro data that supports a stronger US dollar in the medium term ... that can put a ceiling to prevent the bulls from advancing further," said OANDA senior market analyst Kelvin Wong.

JPMorgan analysts expect oil demand for January to expand by 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) year on year to 101.4 million bpd, primarily driven by increased use of heating fuels in the Northern Hemisphere.

"Global oil demand is expected to remain strong throughout January, fuelled by colder than normal winter conditions that are boosting heating fuel consumption, as well as an earlier onset of travel activities in China for the Lunar New Year holidays," the analysts said.

The market structure in Brent futures is also indicating that traders are becoming more concerned about supply tightening at the same time demand is increasing.

The premium of the front-month Brent contract over the six-month contract reached its widest since August on Wednesday. A widening of this backwardation, when futures for prompt delivery are higher than for later delivery, typically indicates that supply is declining or demand is increasing.

Nevertheless, official Energy Information Administration (EIA) data showed rising gasoline and distillates stockpiles in the United States last week.

The dollar strengthened further on Thursday, underpinned by rising Treasury yields ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's entrance into the White House on Jan. 20.

Looking ahead, WTI crude oil is expected to oscillate within a range of $67.55 to $77.95 into February as the market awaits more clarity on Trump's administration policies and fresh fiscal stimulus measures out of China, OANDA's Wong said.