Qiddiya Signs MoU with Samsung

Qiddiya Signs MoU with Samsung, Asharq Al-Awsat
Qiddiya Signs MoU with Samsung, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Qiddiya Signs MoU with Samsung

Qiddiya Signs MoU with Samsung, Asharq Al-Awsat
Qiddiya Signs MoU with Samsung, Asharq Al-Awsat

The Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) and Samsung have signed an agreement to collaborate on a broad range of areas from engaging Samsung C&T for the design, engineering and construction of Qiddiya’s sports complex, to working with Samsung Electronics to become Qiddiya’s primary technology sponsor.

The extensive and powerful economic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed at The Future Investment Initiative, also includes co-branding and naming rights for some of Qiddiya’s anchor facilities and enables QIC to work with a number of businesses under the Samsung umbrella.

After detailed discussions, held both in Saudi Arabia and Samsung’s headquarters in South Korea, the MoU was signed by Michael Reininger, CEO of QIC, and Young Ho Lee, President & CEO of Samsung C&T.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Reininger said that QIC is continuing its strategies, pointing out that everything they are building and designing today will be state-of-the-art when the project opens in 2023.

Reininger did not disclose the value of the contract with Samsung, but stressed that the work will provide recreational, sports and technical facilities at the highest level in Qiddiya.

“This year, Qiddiya been advancing steadily on our journey from design to execution. The signing of this milestone MoU between Qiddiya and Samsung C&T, an industry leader and global pioneer, demonstrates our commitment to achieving our dual goals of creating an unprecedented destination that enriches the lives of Saudi citizens while driving social and economic diversification within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” commented Reininger.

“Samsung is proud to be a strategic partner for QIC. With the signing of the MOU between Qiddiya and Samsung, we are confident to leverage the full capabilities from both partners to deliver the most technologically advanced Entertainment, Sports and the Arts destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Wan Soo Kim, Senior Vice President of Samsung C&T said at the signing.



Moody's Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Credit Rating

Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
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Moody's Upgrades Saudi Arabia's Credit Rating

Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters
Moody's indicated that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification. Reuters

The credit rating agency “Moody’s Ratings” upgraded Saudi Arabia’s credit rating to “Aa3” in local and foreign currency, with a “stable” outlook.
The agency indicated in its report that the rating upgrade and stable outlook are results of the Kingdom's ongoing progress in economic diversification and the robust growth of its non-oil sector. Over time, the advancements are expected to reduce Saudi Arabia’s exposure to oil market developments and long-term carbon transition on its economy and public finances.
The agency commended the Kingdom's financial planning within the fiscal space, emphasizing its commitment to prioritizing expenditure and enhancing the spending efficiency. Additionally, the government’s ongoing efforts to utilize available fiscal resources to diversify the economic base through transformative spending were highlighted as instrumental in supporting the sustainable development of the Kingdom's non-oil economy and maintaining a strong fiscal position.
In its report, the agency noted that the planning and commitment underpin its projection of a relatively stable fiscal deficit, which could range between 2%-3% of gross domestic product (GDP).
Moody's expected that the non-oil private-sector GDP of Saudi Arabia will expand by 4-5% in the coming years, positioning it among the highest in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, an indication of continued progress in the diversification efforts reducing the Kingdom’s exposure to oil market developments.
In recent years, the Kingdom achieved multiple credit rating upgrades from global rating agencies. These advancements reflect the Kingdom's ongoing efforts toward economic transformation, supported by structural reforms and the adoption of fiscal policies that promote financial sustainability, enhance financial planning efficiency, and reinforce the Kingdom's strong and resilient fiscal position.