عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Business

Saudi Arabia, Oman Sign Executive Program to Enhance Digital Economy, Submarine Cable Investment

General view of Riyadh city, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
General view of Riyadh city, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia, Oman Sign Executive Program to Enhance Digital Economy, Submarine Cable Investment

General view of Riyadh city, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
General view of Riyadh city, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri

Saudi Arabia and Oman on Saturday signed an executive program in the field of communications, information technology infrastructure and submarine communications cable investment.

Signed by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, and Omani Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology Eng. Said Hamood Al Maawali, the executive program aims at activating the strategic partnership stipulated in the memorandum of understanding the two countries signed last November.

The program aims at utilizing the geographic location of the two countries and enhance investment in submarine and land cables as well as creating a joint business environment to bolster cooperation in telecommunication and information technology infrastructure, and high-speed digital interconnection for data exchange.

It also aims at providing options for the implementation of regional digital interconnection through investment bodies and licensed companies, in addition to promoting joint investment in data centers and Global Cloud Services (GCS) to maximize the interest of the region.

Most Viewed

 
 
Business

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)
TT
TT

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.