PIF Launches Company to Develop Saudi Cruise Industry

“Cruise Saudi” is working in partnership with the relevant authorities on developing tourist destinations. PIF
“Cruise Saudi” is working in partnership with the relevant authorities on developing tourist destinations. PIF
TT

PIF Launches Company to Develop Saudi Cruise Industry

“Cruise Saudi” is working in partnership with the relevant authorities on developing tourist destinations. PIF
“Cruise Saudi” is working in partnership with the relevant authorities on developing tourist destinations. PIF

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) launched on Thursday “Cruise Saudi” company to establish and develop the cruise industry in the Kingdom.

The company, headquartered in Jeddah on the Red Sea coast, seeks to enhance Saudi Arabia’s efforts to become a tourist destination on the international cruise map and develop the tourism sector in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

The company is working in partnership with the relevant authorities on developing tourist destinations, with the aim of introducing cruise itineraries, providing an exceptional experience for guests, and creating opportunities to explore Saudi heritage and culture while ensuring the preservation of the environment and the protection of natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Thursday’s launch comes as part of the Public Investment Fund Strategy 2021-2025, which focuses on unleashing the capabilities of the promising non-oil sectors to enhance the Kingdom's efforts in diversifying the economy away from crude revenues.

The Fund and its subsidiaries aim to contribute SAR 1.2 trillion to non-oil GDP cumulatively by the end of 2025 by activating growth opportunities for strategic and vital sectors in the Kingdom, SPA said.

PIF aims to benefit from the tourist attractions, as well as the Saudi historical and cultural heritage including UNESCO sites and the Kingdom’s distinctive natural destinations such as the mountain and marine environments. Investing in tourism projects forms part of its strategy to develop promising sectors and achieve high returns in the medium and long-terms, SPA added.



Abu Dhabi's ADNOC to Buy German Chemicals Company Covestro for $16.4 Bln

A general view of ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates May 29, 2019. (Reuters)
A general view of ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates May 29, 2019. (Reuters)
TT

Abu Dhabi's ADNOC to Buy German Chemicals Company Covestro for $16.4 Bln

A general view of ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates May 29, 2019. (Reuters)
A general view of ADNOC headquarters in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates May 29, 2019. (Reuters)

Abu Dhabi state oil giant ADNOC said on Tuesday that it has agreed to buy German chemicals producer Covestro for 15.9 billion euros ($18 billion) including debt, sending Covestro shares up 4% in early trade.

The deal represents one of the biggest foreign takeovers by a Gulf state as Abu Dhabi and other countries in the region seek to reduce their economies' heavy dependence on oil in the face of the global energy transition.

It follows protracted negotiations between the two companies and will see ADNOC pay 62 euros per Covestro share, equal to 14.7 billion euros including about 3 billion euros in debt.

ADNOC added it would also buy 1.17 billion euros worth of new shares in Covestro, a former Bayer unit, from a capital increase to improve funding of the takeover target.

The deal marks a cornerstone for ADNOC's plans to grow its petrochemicals business along with gas and renewable energy.

Covestro, which makes plastics and chemicals for the automotive, construction and engineering sectors, was created in 2015 after being spun off from Bayer.