Jubail, Yanbu Sign $11.4-Billion-Worth Investment Agreements in Mining

The Future Minerals Forum witnessed the signing of major agreements to promote the mining industry. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Future Minerals Forum witnessed the signing of major agreements to promote the mining industry. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Jubail, Yanbu Sign $11.4-Billion-Worth Investment Agreements in Mining

The Future Minerals Forum witnessed the signing of major agreements to promote the mining industry. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Future Minerals Forum witnessed the signing of major agreements to promote the mining industry. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) - the two largest industrial cities in the Kingdom – have announced five agreements worth more than 43 billion riyals ($11.4 billion) to establish projects in Ras Al-Khair Minerals City and Yanbu Industrial City.

The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum, which concluded on Thursday in Riyadh.

RCJY signed an agreement worth SAR38 billion with Red Sea Industrial Aluminum Company (RSA) to set up a non-ferrous foundry for casting aluminum. The project will target local and global markets and create approximately 5,517 job opportunities.

The factory will also stimulate manufacturing industries, provide future localization opportunities and achieve the 2030 mining strategy, with a project area of 703.8 hectares and an investment volume of SAR38 billion.

The second agreement provides for the lease of industrial land with EV Metals Arabic Industrial Company for the production of high purity chemicals required for active ingredients in the cathode of electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage.

The Royal Commission in Ras Al-Khair City for Mining Industries signed three investment agreements, including an agreement with the Saudi Manufacturing Industries Holding Company, for the allocation of a site of 157,000 square meters to establish and operate a factory for the production of aluminum foil and coils.

An agreement was also concluded with the Tamouh Development and Investment Company to allocate a land of 130,000 square meters to establish and operate a factory for the production of high-density aluminum fluoride, with an investment value of 474 million riyals. The project is expected to provide more than 127 job opportunities.

The third agreement was signed with the Petroleum Protection Services and Construction Company to allot a site with a total area of 10,000 square meters to establish and operate a ready-mixed concrete factory for marine uses, which will support the port and marine industries sector with an investment of 5 million riyals and will create 75 job opportunities.



Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.