Royal Commission Prepares Infrastructure to Attract Investments in Jazan

Saudi officials signed an investment and construction agreement in the presence of the chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY), Khalid al-Salem (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi officials signed an investment and construction agreement in the presence of the chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY), Khalid al-Salem (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Royal Commission Prepares Infrastructure to Attract Investments in Jazan

Saudi officials signed an investment and construction agreement in the presence of the chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY), Khalid al-Salem (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi officials signed an investment and construction agreement in the presence of the chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY), Khalid al-Salem (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) signed investment and construction agreements worth over $266 million with several investors in Jazan City.

The city concluded the agreements in the presence of chairman Khalid al-Salem who confirmed that the new contracts contribute to achieving the city's goals.

Salem explained that the new deals provided an infrastructure attracting investments in the food and mining manufacturing industries, establishing a vibrant community, increasing GDP output, creating new direct and indirect jobs, and boosting self-sufficiency in the targeted sectors.

CEO of Jazan City for Basic and Transformational Industries Fahd al-Qurashi signed the agreements, which would create more than 300 direct and indirect jobs.

The investment agreements were signed with several companies, including Public Investment Fund-owned Saudi Coffee Company, to develop and build a coffee processing factory using the latest technology.

RCJY signed an agreement worth $80 million with United Feed Co. to build a grain and animal feed factory.

The Royal Commission pumped nearly $109 million, including construction contracts and the development of the city's infrastructure, following top standards.

The city also signed two investment agreements with Namariq Arabian Services to develop a residential complex accommodating 7,000 people and an investment exceeding $38.6 million. They signed a deal to build 320 housing units for families at an investment of over $38 million on an area of 250,000 square meters for the two projects.

The importance of investment contracts and agreements stems from boosting investment and infrastructure development, which contributes to supporting the national economy, empowering the private sector, diversifying sources of income, expanding the production base, and creating sustainable job opportunities in the region.



ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
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ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)

Saudi energy and water developer ACWA Power reported a 44% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2025, reaching SAR 427.15 million ($113.8 million), according to a disclosure filed with the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).

The company attributed the strong performance primarily to higher total revenues, an increase in other operating income before impairment and other charges, a reduction in impairment expenses, and a rise in deferred tax balances. These gains were partially offset by increased costs in project development, general and administrative expenses, and financing charges.

ACWA Power’s revenue rose 57% in the quarter, reaching SAR 1.97 billion ($525.2 million), supported by growth across development and construction management services, operation and maintenance contracts, and electricity sales.

In a letter to investors, CEO Marco Arcelli emphasized that the company maintained strong momentum in developing new projects across all sectors during the first quarter.

These initiatives not only lay the foundation for stable future revenues and cash flows, but also contribute to earnings from procurement and construction management, reinforcing the company’s commitment to financial and operational growth, he noted.

Arcelli expressed optimism about the company’s long-term outlook, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen project development pipelines, improve procurement strategies, and streamline construction execution.

ACWA Power is building a solid platform for consistent and sustainable growth while remaining focused on delivering its strategic objectives, he stressed.

Among the company’s most significant recent projects are several in renewable energy and water. In the solar sector, ACWA Power is developing the Al-Muwayh solar power plant in Saudi Arabia with a capacity of 2,000 megawatts and an investment of approximately SAR 35 million. The plant is scheduled to begin operations under a long-term power purchase agreement starting in 2027.

The company is also working on the Al-Khushaybi solar plant, with a capacity of 35 megawatts.

In wind energy, ACWA Power is constructing the Bash wind farm in Uzbekistan, a 500-megawatt project expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025. Another wind project in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s national energy company will have a capacity of 65 megawatts and is also scheduled for completion in 2025.

In the water sector, ACWA Power owns a 40% stake in the Taweelah desalination plant in the United Arab Emirates, one of the largest facilities of its kind with a daily capacity of 3 million cubic meters. The company also holds a 35% share in the Sudair solar project in Saudi Arabia, which will generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity.

ACWA Power has expanded its international footprint with recent acquisitions, including an 85% stake in Yanghe New Energy Technology in China. The company also acquired strategic assets in Egypt and Kuwait and is actively entering new markets while expanding its presence in existing ones.

The company continues to prioritize innovation and R&D, particularly in solar and wind energy, green hydrogen, and energy storage. It is advancing new projects, increasing energy sales, and strengthening its global presence through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Italian firms and others in Africa and East Asia.

ACWA Power has also launched a new research and development center in Shanghai as part of its international growth strategy.