Saudi Arabia, UAE Say OPEC+ Mission Is to Stabilize Market

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and UAE Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei at the World Government Summit in Dubai. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and UAE Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei at the World Government Summit in Dubai. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Arabia, UAE Say OPEC+ Mission Is to Stabilize Market

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and UAE Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei at the World Government Summit in Dubai. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and UAE Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei at the World Government Summit in Dubai. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia and the UAE reiterated that OPEC+ has only a mission to "stabilize the market," adding that the alliance keeps politics out of its decision-making in favor of the "common good" of energy prices.

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stressed that the focus is on balancing crude oil markets and satisfying the needs of consumers.

If the security of oil supplies is threatened, the world economy will suffer, said the minister, adding that security is a priority now, and some countries are forgetting about the affordability of energy.

Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, Prince Abdulaziz reiterated that the Kingdom is not responsible for any shortage in oil supplies to the international markets because this issue does not receive the necessary attention.

The minister recalled his speech at the COP26 in Glasgow, during which he asserted the importance of maintaining energy security, economic prosperity and growth, and addressing climate change.

However, the attendees did not pay enough attention to that, and now all everyone is discussing energy security, noted the Saudi official.

Prince Abdulaziz said that governments should work together to ensure energy security, adding that the Gulf countries are doing their part, but others should fulfill their commitments.

Asked by the moderator about whether OPEC+ has a moral responsibility to expel Russia, Prince Abdulaziz replied, "everybody leaves his politics at the door" when they hold meetings.

"If we don't do that, we would not have dealt with so many countries at different times. It could have been with Iraq at one point. It could have been with Iran at one point."

"I ask you, who has been throwing these rockets and missiles at Abu Dhabi and us? Who is financing? Who's training?" he said.

"Who's supplying these weapons? It is a member of OPEC. I leave it for your imagination ... A cynical mind sometimes helps."

Despite the current volatility, OPEC+ is a fundamental pillar to ensure a sustainable energy market, said the minister, adding that hadn't it been for the alliance, energy prices would have been significantly changed.

The minister noted that OPEC and OPEC+ had dealt with various countries embroiled in conflict or acts of aggression throughout its history.

He explained that these matters and issues are addressed "in an entirely siloed type of approach whereby we are much more focused on the common good, regardless of the politics."

According to the minister, Saudi Arabia is interested in reducing carbon emissions by adopting a zero-emission policy, focusing on clean and renewable energy.

The OPEC+ alliance is expected to meet Thursday to decide on production levels for May.

Speaking at the same event, UAE Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei said the focus was balancing crude oil markets and satisfying consumers, adding that the only mission was stabilizing the market.

"We cannot be politicizing or bringing politics to the organization having that debate ... our aim is to calm the market," sstressed Mazrouei.

"If we are asking anyone to leave, then we are raising the prices, then we are doing something that is against what consumers want."

The minister said terrorist organizations are targeting the region. These attacks must stop, he urged, stressing that energy security has become a priority.

Mazrouei called on governments to deal logically with the energy issues to ensure they won't affect the increase in global prices, noting that the geopolitical developments affect the entire supply chain and increase costs of food and essential commodities worldwide.

The minister warned that many countries would be affected if there was no peaceful solution through negotiations and understandings to current world developments.

The UAE plans to increase its oil production to five million barrels per day by 2030, announced Mazrouei, stressing that the world will need these quantities.



Saudi Arabia Begins Marketing International Bonds Following 2025 Borrowing Plan Announcement

Riyadh (Reuters)
Riyadh (Reuters)
TT

Saudi Arabia Begins Marketing International Bonds Following 2025 Borrowing Plan Announcement

Riyadh (Reuters)
Riyadh (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia has entered global debt markets with a planned sale of bonds in three tranches, aiming to use the proceeds to cover budget deficits and repay outstanding debt, according to IFR (International Financing Review).

The indicative pricing for the three-year bonds is set at 120 basis points above US Treasury bonds, while the six- and ten-year bonds are priced at 130 and 140 basis points above US Treasuries, respectively, as reported by Reuters.

The bonds, expected to be of benchmark size (typically at least $500 million), come a day after Saudi Arabia unveiled its 2025 borrowing plan. The Kingdom’s financing needs for the year are estimated at SAR 139 billion ($37 billion), with SAR 101 billion ($26.8 billion) allocated to cover the budget deficit and the remainder to service existing debt.

The National Debt Management Center (NDMC) announced that Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan had approved the 2025 borrowing plan following its endorsement by the NDMC Board. The plan highlights public debt developments for 2024, domestic debt market initiatives, and the 2025 financing roadmap, including the Kingdom’s issuance calendar for local sukuk denominated in Saudi Riyals.

The NDMC emphasized that Saudi Arabia aims to enhance sustainable access to debt markets and broaden its investor base. For 2025, the Kingdom will continue diversifying its domestic and international financing channels to meet funding needs efficiently. Plans include issuing sovereign debt instruments at fair prices under risk management frameworks and pursuing specialized financing opportunities to support economic growth, such as export credit agency-backed funding, infrastructure development financing, and exploring new markets and currencies.

Recently, Saudi Arabia secured a $2.5 billion Sharia-compliant revolving credit facility for three years from three regional and international financial institutions to address budgetary needs.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia issued $17 billion in dollar-denominated bonds, including $12 billion in January and $5 billion in sukuk in May. Rating agencies have recognized the Kingdom’s financial stability. In November, Moody’s upgraded Saudi Arabia’s rating to “AA3,” while Fitch assigned an “A+” rating, both with stable outlooks. S&P Global rated the Kingdom at “A/A-1” with a positive outlook, reflecting its low credit risk and strong capacity to meet financial obligations.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated Saudi Arabia’s public debt-to-GDP ratio at 26.2% for 2024, describing it as low and sustainable. The IMF projects this ratio to reach 35% by 2029, with foreign borrowing playing a significant role in financing fiscal deficits.