Riyadh Economic Forum Studies Effects of Transition to New Work System

 Panel discussion to study the new work system. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Panel discussion to study the new work system. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Riyadh Economic Forum Studies Effects of Transition to New Work System

 Panel discussion to study the new work system. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Panel discussion to study the new work system. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Riyadh Economic Forum is currently studying the prospects and challenges of the new work system, including flexible and remote employment, given its importance in the labor market, especially following the Kingdom’s successful experience in adopting modern patterns during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The establishment of the Riyadh Economic Forum, which operates under the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce, aims to promote the role of the privates sector in leading the national economy’s march and enabling it to face challenges by diversifying incomes, upgrading productivity, providing job opportunities and improving the investment climate in the Kingdom.

The forum’s advisory office said that the study aims to identify the concepts, mechanisms and requirements for success of modern patterns, and the challenges that their implementation could face.

During a panel discussion on Wednesday, Dr. Khaled Al-Rajhi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Riyadh Economic Forum, pointed to the importance of the study, due to the development of remote work and the changes that occurred in the local labor market as a result of the progress achieved in the communications and information technology sector.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company (SRC) - wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund - has signed a joint cooperation agreement with Riyad Bank, to acquire a SAR 500 million real estate financing portfolio.

The agreement is the second largest mortgage refinancing deal in the Kingdom.

Fabrice Susini, CEO of SRC, stated that this agreement with Riyad Bank was the latest in a series of similarly significant deals, as part of SRC’s continued drive to expand and strengthen its partnerships with leading banks and lenders in Saudi Arabia.

“Through these agreements, SRC provides liquidity and risk management solutions to support lenders and originators’ efforts to de-risk their balance sheets and enhance both their origination and distribution capabilities,” he said.

Tareq Al-Sadhan, CEO of Riyad Bank, stated that the long-term partnership with SRC would provide housing finance solutions that fulfill the needs and requirements of Saudi families.



Saudi Chemicals Group SABIC Reports Q1 Net Loss of $323 Million

File photo: SABIC accounted for approximately 69% of the sector’s net profits in Q2 2024, with an 85% growth. (SABIC)
File photo: SABIC accounted for approximately 69% of the sector’s net profits in Q2 2024, with an 85% growth. (SABIC)
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Saudi Chemicals Group SABIC Reports Q1 Net Loss of $323 Million

File photo: SABIC accounted for approximately 69% of the sector’s net profits in Q2 2024, with an 85% growth. (SABIC)
File photo: SABIC accounted for approximately 69% of the sector’s net profits in Q2 2024, with an 85% growth. (SABIC)

Saudi chemicals giant SABIC 2010.SE reported a net loss of 1.21 billion Saudi riyals ($323 million) in the first quarter of 2025, compared to a profit of 0.25 billion riyals a year ago.
The company said in February that it planned to cut costs and find new investment opportunities, after reporting worse than expected fourth-quarter results against a sectoral backdrop dominated by margin pressures.
It also reported sales of 34.59 billion riyals in the first quarter of 2025, a 5.8% increase compared to 32.69 billion riyals a year earlier, reported Reuters.
The chemicals industry has been grappling with weak demand and high input costs, leading to lower prices and squeezed margins.