Egypt, UAE, Jordan, Bahrain Discuss Producing First Arab Electric Vehicle

An electric vehicle being charged. (Reuters)
An electric vehicle being charged. (Reuters)
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Egypt, UAE, Jordan, Bahrain Discuss Producing First Arab Electric Vehicle

An electric vehicle being charged. (Reuters)
An electric vehicle being charged. (Reuters)

Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Bahrain discussed the localization of the technology of producing electric cars with local components from resources available in these countries.

Officials from the four countries discussed funding sources, the ambitious project management method, the timeline, and the manufacturing, hoping that the first Arab e-car would be showcased during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in UAE in November.

The higher committee meetings of the Integrated Industrial Partnership met in Cairo at the headquarters of the Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) between Mar. 19 and 21.

They discussed boosting the partnership between the four countries and exploiting the capabilities and energies available to them.

AOI Chairman Mokhtar Abdel Latif stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with Arab countries and exploiting national manufacturing capabilities to deepen and increase local manufacturing rates and localize technology.

He noted the importance of achieving Arab industrial integration, increasing added value, and limiting imports, thus enhancing the strategic plan for the industrial development of the Arab countries and growing export opportunities and fields.

During the talks, Abdel Latif underlined the importance of the speedy completion of executive procedures for the production of the joint Arab e-car to display it at COP28 and the completion of the production stages to cover the needs of Arab countries for these environmentally friendly cars.

He described the committee as the engine of Egyptian industry and it contributes to various fields of industrial renaissance, according to Egypt’s vision for sustainable development in 2030.

The AOI is interested in linking scientific research with industry and transforming research into innovative products and services that represent scientific solutions to social problems and challenges.

The AOI aims to boost the partnership between Arab countries by putting all its advanced manufacturing capabilities to serve and meet the needs, said Abdel Latif.

The committee also held a meeting at the headquarters of the Arab American Vehicles (AAV), which is affiliated with the AOI in Egypt, with Chairman Osama Abdel-Aleem.

The talks discussed the capabilities available in the four countries in producing an Arab e-car.

The committee members inspected the production lines of the AAV company, lauding the technological capabilities available in the company.

The committee then toured several AOI factories and private sector companies working in the automotive industry in Egypt.



Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Sees Highest Level of Non-oil Private Sector Activity in 4 Months

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Business activity in Saudi Arabia's non-oil sector accelerated to a four-month high in September, driven by strong demand, which led to faster growth in new orders. The Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), adjusted for seasonal factors, rose to 56.3 points from 54.8 in August, marking the highest reading since May and further distancing itself from the 50.0 level that indicates growth.

The 1.5-point increase in the PMI reflects a larger expansion in both output and new orders, alongside challenges in supply. The improvement in business conditions contributed to a significant rise in employment opportunities, although difficulties in finding skilled workers led to a shortage in production capacity.

At the same time, concerns over increasing competition caused a decline in future output expectations. According to the PMI statement, inventories of production inputs remained in good condition, which encouraged some companies to reduce their purchasing efforts.

Growth was strong overall and widespread across all non-oil sectors under study. Dr. Naif Al-Ghaith, Senior Economist at Riyad Bank, said that the rise in Saudi Arabia's PMI points to a notable acceleration in the growth of the non-oil private sector, primarily driven by increased production and new orders, reflecting the sector’s expansionary activity.

Al-Ghaith added that companies responded to the rise in domestic demand, which plays a crucial role in reducing the Kingdom's reliance on oil revenues. The upward trend also indicates improved business confidence, pointing to a healthy environment for increased investment, job creation, and overall economic stability.

He emphasized that this growth in the non-oil sector is particularly important given the current context of reduced oil production and falling global oil prices. With oil revenues under pressure, the strong performance of the non-oil private sector acts as a buffer, helping mitigate the potential impact on the country's economic conditions.

Al-Ghaith continued, noting that diversifying income sources is essential to maintaining growth amid the volatility of oil markets. He explained that increased production levels not only enhance the competitiveness of Saudi companies but also encourage developments aimed at expanding the private sector's participation in the economy.

This shift, he said, provides a more stable foundation for long-term growth, making the economy less susceptible to oil price fluctuations.