Saudi Arabia to Implement Industrial Cities Project

The Economic Cities Authority implements industrial plants projects to support entrepreneurs and small enterprises in the industrial sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Economic Cities Authority implements industrial plants projects to support entrepreneurs and small enterprises in the industrial sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia to Implement Industrial Cities Project

The Economic Cities Authority implements industrial plants projects to support entrepreneurs and small enterprises in the industrial sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Economic Cities Authority implements industrial plants projects to support entrepreneurs and small enterprises in the industrial sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has recently decided to implement the industrial cities project in the Kingdom.

This step is aimed at accelerating the pace of benefiting from industrial activity, activating entrepreneurship, and supporting small and medium enterprises.

Meanwhile, Madinah city is expected to host 100 factories soon, in addition to the recently-launched 24 plants.

Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon) has inaugurated 24 plants in 1500 square meters space in the Madinah’s industrial city.

Modon targets supporting entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises in the region to raise the gross domestic product rate to more than 35 percent, in accordance with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 on the national industry development program.

Head of the Industrial Committee of the Madinah Chamber Dr. Salih Farsi stressed the importance of diversifying sources of income in the Saudi economy.

He said this region has a comparative and competitive advantage that qualifies it to play a prominent role in promoting the Saudi 2030 Vision.

The Industrial Committee at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Madinah played a great role with Modon to reinforce this vision, Farsi noted.

He explained that the Committee has developed a methodology that comes in line with the 2030 Vision and is consistent with the Board of Directors’ 2030 strategy.

Farsi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Committee works on supporting the added value of the development and Hajj and Umrah related industries and enhancing the supply chains to benefit from projects around Madinah city.

He pointed out that working to establish an industrial zone that serves light and transformational manufacturing industries was one of the major demands in Madinah.

The zone was approved in meetings held between the Industrial Committee in Madinah Chamber and Modon.



Oman's Asyad Group Plans to Sell at Least 20% of Shipping Unit Via IPO

Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
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Oman's Asyad Group Plans to Sell at Least 20% of Shipping Unit Via IPO

Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency
Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering. Photo: Oman News Agency

Oman's state-owned logistics firm Asyad Group plans to sell shares in its shipping subsidiary through an initial public offering, it said on Wednesday, as part of the country's privatization drive.

The group, owned by Oman's sovereign wealth fund, plans to sell a stake of at least 20% in Asyad Shipping Co and float it on the Muscat stock exchange, it said in document detailing its intention to float.

"The intended listing would provide investors with the opportunity to invest in one of the world's largest diversified maritime shipping companies and a key player in the Omani economy," the company said.

Asyad Shipping focuses on transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil and other products. It lists energy firms BP and Shell as well as trading firm Trafigura among its customers and partners.

The offering will be made in two tranches, with 75% made to eligible investors in Oman and qualified institutional and other foreign investors. Of the 75% tranche, 30% of shares have been earmarked for anchor investors, the firm said.

The remaining 25% will be sold to retail investors in Oman.

The subscription period is expected to start next month, after the company has received regulatory approval.

Asyad Shipping plans to pay dividends semi-annually, beginning in September 2025 for the first six months of this year.

Oman Investment Bank, EFG Hermes, JP Morgan and Jefferies are acting as joint global coordinators. Sohar International is acting as joint global coordinator and as issue manager.
Credit Agricole and Societe Generale are joint bookrunners.