Riyadh Governor: Saudi Arabia Ranked among World’s Top Economies

A panel discussion at the Riyadh Economic Forum. (SPA)
A panel discussion at the Riyadh Economic Forum. (SPA)
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Riyadh Governor: Saudi Arabia Ranked among World’s Top Economies

A panel discussion at the Riyadh Economic Forum. (SPA)
A panel discussion at the Riyadh Economic Forum. (SPA)

The progressive policies of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz have paved the way for Saudi Arabia to become among the world’s top economies, said to Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar.

Under the patronage of King Salman, Prince Faisal inaugurated on Monday the eighth edition of the "Riyadh Economic Forum" at the King Faisal Hall, where he addressed over 300 delegates.

The event is held under the theme “Plan Today for Tomorrow’s Economy” and is sponsored by the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Prince Faisal stated that the government’s support to the private sector reflects its trust in its vital role in the economic development of the Kingdom and activating its role in facilitating economic reforms and development goals embodied in Vision 2030.

The Riyadh governor said the recent economic reforms introduced in the Kingdom under the "wise leadership of King Salman” created a conducive climate for the growth of the Kingdom’s economy and enhancement of investments.

The importance of the eighth edition of the forum can be noticed in the changes in Saudi Arabia’s national economy, such as in restructuring, building an economic base on diversifying sources of income, optimizing the Kingdom's natural and human resources and integrating the philosophy of innovation and technological knowledge in production.

During the first session of the forum, adviser to the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Abdullah al- Dabbagh chaired a debate panel on a study on mineral resources and investments. The discussion saw the participation of partner and board member of al-Kifah Holding Saleh Bin Hassan Abdullah al-Afaleq and CEO of Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden) Khaled bin Saleh al-Mudaifer.

Saudi economic circles and public and private sectors consider the Riyadh Economic Forum an important economic event given that it focuses on the in-depth research of the national economy and its main problems.

The forum also addresses the government's efforts to achieve Vision 2030, as well as efforts to raise the efficiency of the national economy against local, regional and global economic challenges.

Additionally, the Riyadh Economic Forum aims to promote the effective partnership between the public and private sectors.



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.