Red Sea Global Awards $266 Mn Contract in Saudi Arabia

Triple Bay masterplan of the Red Sea Global (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Triple Bay masterplan of the Red Sea Global (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Red Sea Global Awards $266 Mn Contract in Saudi Arabia

Triple Bay masterplan of the Red Sea Global (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Triple Bay masterplan of the Red Sea Global (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Red Sea Global awarded a Primary Infrastructure and Utility Contract of $266 million to the al-Ayuni Investment and Contracting to progress expansion at Amaala’s first phase of development across its Triple Bay masterplan.

Red Sea Global is developing The Red Sea and Amaala destinations in the Kingdom.

Al-Ayuni, classified as a “First Class” contractor in the Kingdom since 2006, will deliver state-of-the-art Primary Utility Infrastructure Systems while minimizing Triple Bay’s carbon footprint as part of Amaala’s commitment towards net-zero operations.

The CEO of Red Sea Group, John Pagano, said the deal forms a critical part of Red Sea Global’s ambition to pioneer a new relationship between luxury tourism and the natural environment.

“The sheer scale of the developments and our relentless pursuit of regenerative tourism requires meaningful partnerships that can deliver resilient infrastructure,” said Pagano.

He asserted that cooperation with al-Ayuni can collectively shape future developments in the Kingdom.

Al-Ayuni was selected based on its technical and commercial competencies and regional and global credentials.

All design and construction methods meet Red Sea Group’s stringent criteria for end-to-end sustainable development, including economic, financial, social, and institutional factors.

Al-Ayuni’s Chairman Faheed al-Ayuni indicated that Red Sea Global is a future-forward developer closely aligned with the company’s legacy of innovating world-class solutions, cementing trusted relationships, and setting new benchmarks.

Al-Ayuni asserted it was an “honor for us to contribute to its pioneering destinations, and we look forward to unlocking the full breadth of our robust capabilities to meet RSG’s ambitious sustainability targets.”

Amaala’s first phase of development, focused on the Triple Bay masterplan, will encompass eight hotels and upwards of 1,200 hotel keys upon full completion in 2027.

The destination will offer 3,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels, high-end retail establishments, fine dining, wellness, and recreational facilities.



Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
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Saudi Non-Oil Exports Hit Two-Year High

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)
The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, eastern Saudi Arabia. (“Mawani” port authority)

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports soared to a two-year high in May, reaching SAR 28.89 billion (USD 7.70 billion), marking an 8.2% year-on-year increase compared to May 2023.

On a monthly basis, non-oil exports surged by 26.93% from April.

This growth contributed to Saudi Arabia’s trade surplus, which recorded a year-on-year increase of 12.8%, reaching SAR 34.5 billion (USD 9.1 billion) in May, following 18 months of decline.

The enhancement of the non-oil private sector remains a key focus for Saudi Arabia as it continues its efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues.

In 2023, non-oil activities in Saudi Arabia contributed 50% to the country’s real GDP, the highest level ever recorded, according to the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s analysis of data from the General Authority for Statistics.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan emphasized at the “Future Investment Initiative” in October that the Kingdom is now prioritizing the development of the non-oil sector over GDP figures, in line with its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

A report by Moody’s highlighted Saudi Arabia’s extensive efforts to transform its economic structure, reduce dependency on oil, and boost non-oil sectors such as industry, tourism, and real estate.

The Saudi General Authority for Statistics’ monthly report on international trade noted a 5.8% growth in merchandise exports in May compared to the same period last year, driven by a 4.9% increase in oil exports, which totaled SAR 75.9 billion in May 2024.

The change reflects movements in global oil prices, while production levels remained steady at under 9 million barrels per day since the OPEC+ alliance began a voluntary reduction in crude supply to maintain prices. Production is set to gradually increase starting in early October.

On a monthly basis, merchandise exports rose by 3.3% from April to May, supported by a 26.9% increase in non-oil exports. This rise was bolstered by a surge in re-exports, which reached SAR 10.2 billion, the highest level for this category since 2017.

The share of oil exports in total exports declined to 72.4% in May from 73% in the same month last year.

Moreover, the value of re-exported goods increased by 33.9% during the same period.