Economic Impact of Saudi Geospatial Information Stands at $10.6b Annually

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
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Economic Impact of Saudi Geospatial Information Stands at $10.6b Annually

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser

The economic impact of geospatial information according to 7 major sectors in Saudi Arabia is estimated between SAR 22 billion ($5.8 billion) and SAR 40 billion ($10.6 billion) annually.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Survey & Geospatial Information, in cooperation with the World Bank, announced the results of a study on the economic impact of geospatial information and its techniques on the Saudi economy.

The study is seen as one of the main requirements for implementing the plan for investment opportunities in geospatial space and information.

It included the most important sectors according to the Kingdom's vision 2030, which are: infrastructure, energy, health, education, public safety, security and disaster risk management, and trade.

The study came to define the importance and impact of geospatial information on the economy and national development in the Kingdom.

It seeks maximizing the benefits of information for government agencies and the private sector.

Many government and private agencies participated in workshops to analyze use cases of geospatial information according to the best international practices and in line with the local market.

It is noteworthy that the General Authority for Survey & Geospatial Information works on organizing, upgrading, supervising, and monitoring the geospatial survey and information sector to ensure quality and improve performance.

It also prepares the sector to be attractive to investment, stimulating its growth and protecting the interests of the beneficiaries.



Gold Firms in Thin Trade as Investors Weigh Fed Outlook

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 Firms in Thin Trade as Investors Weigh Fed Outlook

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 prices firmed on Monday, although trading was thin due to the holiday season and as investors looked for cues on the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy trajectory for next year after it signaled gradual easing in its latest meeting.
Spot gold added 0.3% at $2,628.63 per ounce, as of 0941 GMT, trading in a narrow $16 range. US gold futures eased 0.1% to $2,643.10.
"(It's a) Quiet day with lower liquidity and limited data releases during the holiday season," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.
"We retain a constructive outlook for gold in 2025, targeting a move to $2,800/oz by mid-2025."
The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points on Dec. 18, although the central bank's predictions of fewer rate cuts in 2025 resulted in a decline in gold prices to their lowest level since Nov. 18 last week.
US consumer spending increased in November, supporting the Fed's hawkish stance, a sentiment that was also shared by San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly.
Higher interest rates dull non-yielding bullion's appeal.
"Presently, we are in a lull for Christmas week with the gold price trending sideways. Federal Reserve policy is clear with expectations of rising interest rates in the second half of the year," said Michael Langford, chief investment officer at Scorpion Minerals.
"The next big impact is the incoming presidency of (Donald) Trump and the initial presidential decrees that he might declare. This has the potential to add to market volatility and be bullish for gold prices."
Gold, often considered a safe-haven asset, typically performs well during economic uncertainties.
Spot silver rose 0.8% to $29.75 per ounce and platinum climbed 1.3% to $938.43. Palladium steadied at $920.53.