Saudi Arabia, Jordan Discuss Complementary Projects North of NEOM

A view of the NEOM project. (NEOM via Twitter)
A view of the NEOM project. (NEOM via Twitter)
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Saudi Arabia, Jordan Discuss Complementary Projects North of NEOM

A view of the NEOM project. (NEOM via Twitter)
A view of the NEOM project. (NEOM via Twitter)

Saudi Arabia and Jordan discussed last week efforts to activate the opportunities available north of NEOM project, from the Jordanian side.

Jordan’s side of the border boasts ports and ready infrastructure that could be used immediately for projects that serve both countries and boost Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the region.

Chairman of Jordan’s Investment Commission Khalid Wazani said the NEOM project is attracting more Saudi-Jordanian investments that will be established in the Aqaba port city, including the enhancement of the existing business there.

He pointed out that the Jordanian side of NEOM includes Aqaba port and Marsa Zayed. It is expected to become a platform for exchange of expertise and consultations that will yield complementary projects related to NEOM.

This will make it easier for investors to benefit from the port, Wazani noted.

In a statement Friday, he stressed that the expected results, convergence of views and the achievement of some of the project’s objectives will serve Saudi Vision 2030 and the region in general, including Egypt and Jordan, which are part of NEOM.

He made his remarks following a meeting in Riyadh with member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Securities and Investment Committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce Mohammed al-Sayer.

The meeting was attended by a number of Jordanian officials and investors from both countries representing different sectors.

In October 2017, the $500 billion NEOM project was launched by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

Located in the Kingdom’s far northwest, NEOM will provide opportunities for development with a total area of 460 km on the banks of the Red Sea and a total area of 26,500 square meters.



Gold Edges Higher in Holiday Trade; Eyes on Fed's 2025 Plan

Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
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Gold Edges Higher in Holiday Trade; Eyes on Fed's 2025 Plan

Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo

Gold inched higher on Thursday in holiday-thinned trade, as investors focused on the US Federal Reserve's interest rate strategy and anticipated tariff policies under President-elect Donald Trump, both of which could influence the metal's direction in the coming year.

Spot gold rose 0.2% to $2,619.59 per ounce, as of 0023 GMT.

According to Reuters, bullion has surged approximately 27% so far this year, scaling multiple record highs, fueled by significant Fed rate cuts, including a jumbo reduction in September, and heightened geopolitical uncertainties.

Meanwhile, US gold futures steadied at $2,637.10.

In a holiday-curtailed week, trading volumes will likely thin out as the year-end approaches, and Markets are eyeing jobless claims data due later in the day, while preparing for major policy shifts, including tariffs, deregulation and tax changes, in 2025 as Trump returns to the White House in January.

On the geopolitical level, the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel traded blame on Wednesday over their failure to conclude a ceasefire agreement despite progress reported by both sides in past days.

Gold is considered a safe investment option during economic and geopolitical turmoil and tends to thrive in a low interest rate environment.