عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

Saudi Arabia Aims to Boost National Automotive Industry

The Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar al-Khorayef, and the Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal al-Ibrahim, signed the agreement with Hyundai Motor Company (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar al-Khorayef, and the Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal al-Ibrahim, signed the agreement with Hyundai Motor Company (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia Aims to Boost National Automotive Industry

The Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar al-Khorayef, and the Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal al-Ibrahim, signed the agreement with Hyundai Motor Company (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar al-Khorayef, and the Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal al-Ibrahim, signed the agreement with Hyundai Motor Company (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyundai Motor Company to promote the automotive industry in the Kingdom.

The MoU was signed in the presence of the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar al-Khorayef, and the Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal al-Ibrahim.

The MoU aimed to enhance cooperation in vehicle manufacturing in the region to realize the national strategic goals for the industry in developing local manufacturing capabilities and is in line with the targets of the Saudi Vision 2030 that seeks to diversify the economic base in Saudi Arabia.

The agreement stipulated planning for building a Saudi Arabia-based assembly plant with the CKD system for electric and internal combustion engine cars after Hyundai showed high interest.

It also sought to explore joint investment opportunities with Saudi Arabia to achieve entrepreneurship in businesses and projects that guarantee environmental safety and sustainability.

The approach came as part of a government strategy to support the transition to clean energy in the automotive industry.

In early November, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the "Ceer" company, branded as the first Saudi electric vehicle brand.

The new company would contribute to attracting local and international investments and create many job opportunities for local competencies.

Last May, the Ministry of Investment announced a significant investment from Lucid Group as the firm began constructing an advanced automotive manufacturing plant that targets 150,000 vehicles per year with more than $3.2 billion in assets.

The facility is also expected to contribute significantly to job creation and development of the skill base of the Saudi automotive manufacturing sector.

Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih stated that the development of the electric car industry in Saudi Arabia reflected the strong commitment to attracting qualitative investments that contribute to diversifying the economy, transferring technology, and developing skills among Saudi youth.

It also reflected the Kingdom's global commitment to promoting a green economy and reducing carbon emissions.

Falih added that the development of the electric car manufacturing sector is part of the Kingdom's broader efforts to advance the industrial sector and advanced industries.

The sector would also play an essential role in the Kingdom's transition to a greener economy and in the Kingdom's efforts to realize its commitment to reach net zero by 2060.

The Lucid factory will produce four electric cars from 2023, reaching total capacity in 2028.

The planned factory in the Kingdom would produce two exclusive models. The facility will export nearly 95 percent of its production, supporting the Kingdom's balance of payments. It would also back supply chains and open new investment opportunities.

Lucid's electric vehicle factory would be located in the Industrial Valley of King Abdullah Economic City, on the Red Sea coast in the west of the Kingdom, to meet energy needs, local supply chains, and a location that facilitates access to global logistics.

Most Viewed

 
 
Business

Saudi Stock Market Falls to Lowest Close Since April 2021

A trader monitors stocks in Saudi Arabia (Reuters)
A trader monitors stocks in Saudi Arabia (Reuters)
TT
TT

Saudi Stock Market Falls to Lowest Close Since April 2021

A trader monitors stocks in Saudi Arabia (Reuters)
A trader monitors stocks in Saudi Arabia (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia's benchmark Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) ended Tuesday's session down 1.7 percent, shedding 172 points to close at 9,952, its lowest closing level since April 2021, with total trading turnover reaching approximately SAR 3.8 billion.

The index fluctuated between an intraday low of 9,941 points and a high of 10,116 points. Since the beginning of the year, it has lost around 540 points, equivalent to 5.1 percent.

Several heavyweight stocks declined during the session, with Saudi Aramco falling 1 percent to SAR 25.48 and Al Rajhi Bank dropping by the same percentage to SAR 60.15.

Shares of Mobily, BSF and Yamama Cement fell between 1 and 3 percent, while Yansab dropped 7 percent.

SABIC Agri-Nutrients and Bank Albilad each declined 3 percent, closing at SAR 109.80 and SAR 21.47, respectively, following the release of their financial results for the third quarter of 2026.

Tihama led the session's decliners, falling 8 percent, while Azm topped the gainers with a 4 percent increase.

Business

Ferrari: Saudi Arabia Has Become a Key Driver of Our Growth in the Middle East

Ferrari's new showroom in the Saudi capital, Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ferrari's new showroom in the Saudi capital, Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
TT

Ferrari: Saudi Arabia Has Become a Key Driver of Our Growth in the Middle East

Ferrari's new showroom in the Saudi capital, Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ferrari's new showroom in the Saudi capital, Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the main drivers of Italian luxury sports carmaker Ferrari's growth in the Middle East, fueled by an expanding population of high-net-worth individuals, a new generation of customers and growing interest in luxury sports cars.

Despite accelerating demand across the region, the company remains committed to a strategy centered on limited production and preserving the exclusivity of its brand.

Giorgio Turri, Regional Director of Ferrari Middle East, said Saudi Arabia is no longer simply a market experiencing rising demand, but has become a strategic market for Ferrari's presence, future growth and innovation in the Middle East.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Turri explained that the economic and social transformations associated with Saudi Vision 2030 have contributed to a shift in the company's customer demographics, with growing numbers of younger buyers interested in sports cars, vehicle personalization and motorsports.

Riyadh Showroom Reflects Market's Importance

Turri said the opening of Ferrari's new showroom in Riyadh, the first in the Middle East and Asia to adopt the company's new corporate identity, reflects the growing importance of the Saudi market within its regional strategy.

He added that demand in the Kingdom continues on an upward trajectory among both existing and first-time customers.

Ferrari is seeking to broaden its customer base by developing new models, building on the success of vehicles such as the California, Roma and Purosangue, while looking ahead to the introduction of the Luce, its first fully electric vehicle and first five-seat model.

Growth Versus Exclusivity

Despite rising demand, Turri stressed that Ferrari does not pursue higher sales volumes as an end in themselves.

"We" do not seek to increase sales volumes as a goal in itself, he said, explaining that expansion requires carefully balancing market demand with the company's commitment to limited production.

He noted that Ferrari customers in the Middle East are among the youngest worldwide, a trend also evident in Saudi Arabia, where interest in vehicle personalization programs and participation in driving and racing activities is increasing.

Turri said the Kingdom is home to one of the most active Ferrari owners' clubs globally, while Saudi customers demonstrate detailed knowledge of vehicle specifications, technology and performance.

Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar Lead Regional Demand

Discussing regional market performance, Turri said economic transformation and growing wealth are supporting long-term demand for luxury vehicles.

He noted that demand is accelerating more rapidly in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar than in other markets across the region.

More than 40 percent of new Ferraris delivered annually in the Middle East go to first-time buyers of the brand, he revealed, while the proportion exceeds 50 percent in the pre-owned vehicle market.

These trends coincide with Ferrari's plan to introduce an average of four new models annually between 2026 and 2030.

Regional Disruptions Force Changes to Shipping Routes

Addressing the impact of recent geopolitical disruptions, Turri said the main effects were felt in supply chains and logistics, after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz forced Ferrari to adjust shipping routes to Gulf markets.

He explained that the company managed the challenges during March and resumed its normal pace of operations in April by rerouting maritime shipments and using air freight when necessary.

Turri confirmed that showrooms and service centers continued operating and that demand had not changed significantly, with the economic and demographic factors supporting the Gulf market remaining intact.

An Ecosystem Beyond Car Sales

Turning to Ferrari's strategy in Saudi Arabia, Turri said the next phase would focus on expanding activities associated with vehicle ownership, including driving programs, racing events and exclusive customer experiences.

He explained that the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has been part of Ferrari's programs since 2023 and is scheduled to host the Ferrari Challenge championship for the first time in February 2027, amid growing participation by Saudi amateur drivers.

Turri also highlighted the company's first customer tour in AlUla in 2025, alongside other events organized during the holy month of Ramadan.

He said these activities have become an integral part of Ferrari's strategy to deepen customers' connection with the brand.

Turri emphasized that Saudi Arabia represents a significant growth opportunity in the coming years, driven not only by increasing demand for sports cars but also by an expanding customer base and growing interest in motorsports across the Kingdom.

Business

IEA Ready to Go if Further Oil Stocks Release Needed, Chief Says

A pumpjack operates after sunrise in Kern County, which has a long history of oil production, in California's 22nd Congressional District on October 16, 2026 near Bakersfield, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
A pumpjack operates after sunrise in Kern County, which has a long history of oil production, in California's 22nd Congressional District on October 16, 2026 near Bakersfield, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
TT
TT

IEA Ready to Go if Further Oil Stocks Release Needed, Chief Says

A pumpjack operates after sunrise in Kern County, which has a long history of oil production, in California's 22nd Congressional District on October 16, 2026 near Bakersfield, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
A pumpjack operates after sunrise in Kern County, which has a long history of oil production, in California's 22nd Congressional District on October 16, 2026 near Bakersfield, California. (Getty Images/AFP)

The International Energy Agency is ready to go if a further release of oil from members' emergency oil reserves is needed, the agency's top official said on Tuesday.

The IEA decided last week to accelerate the release of oil remaining from a record emergency reserves release pledged in March, including more than 20 million barrels of diesel as soon as possible to boost supply ‌and cool ‌soaring prices.

"If it is needed...and if ‌our ⁠countries consider it’s ⁠time to push the button, as the International Energy Agency, we are ready to go,” IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said at a conference in London organized by the Financial Times, when asked about the prospect of an additional release.

The timeline for the ⁠release of 20 million barrels of ‌diesel depends on individual countries, ‌he said, without giving a specific timeframe.

"How much is ‌released and when depends on the countries, depends on ‌the situation of winter markets," Birol said.

War in Iran and conflict in Ukraine have disrupted oil supplies, sending diesel prices to record highs in many markets and turning ‌the fuel that underpins trucking, agriculture and industry into a political and economic ⁠concern.

"We’re trying ⁠to front-load those diesel deliveries,” Birol added.

Brent crude oil rose to more than $111 a barrel on Tuesday, a five-month high. European benchmark diesel futures were trading at $1482.25 per metric ton, up almost 4% since the IEA’s decision on Thursday.

The IEA coordinates industrialized nations' releases of oil from emergency stocks. In March, countries had pledged to release more than 400 million barrels of crude and oil products as prices soared.

Members have so far released 80% of the 400 million barrels, Birol said.