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High Expectations for Growth of Saudi Telecom Market

The Saudi telecom sector is likely to grow in response to technology developments. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi telecom sector is likely to grow in response to technology developments. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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High Expectations for Growth of Saudi Telecom Market

The Saudi telecom sector is likely to grow in response to technology developments. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi telecom sector is likely to grow in response to technology developments. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia ranked third as the fastest growing economy among the G20 countries, and first in the world in the 5G average download speed.

Some economists have raised expectations for the growth of the Saudi telecom market - the largest market in the Middle East and North Africa.

Saudi Arabia and the United States concluded a memorandum of cooperation in the field of 5G and 6G, with the aim of accelerating the growth of the digital economy and promoting the pace of research, development and innovation in the Kingdom.

Saudi businessman Abdullah Al-Malehi told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia had major leaps in the global ranks in the field of communications.

Pointing to figures by GSMA, Al-Malehi said that in 2020, the size of the communications and information technology market in the Kingdom amounted to USD36 billion, achieving a growth rate of seven percent compared to 2019.

The Saudi communications investor said that the revenues of telecom companies listed on the Saudi stock market continued to grow for the fourth year in a row, reaching 86.4 billion riyals (USD23 billion) in 2021, compared to about 81.12 billion riyals (USD21.6 billion) the previous year.

He also stressed that the size of the IT and emerging technologies market in the Kingdom amounted to more than USD17 billion, with a growth rate of 10 percent compared to 2019, while the contribution of the communications and information technology sector to the GDP reached 5.1 percent.

Al-Malehi explained that a new memorandum of cooperation linking technology companies in both the Kingdom and the United States would enhance the application of the 5G using open radio networks, enable the development of the 6G through similar technologies, and enhance partnership in the field of cloud infrastructure and related technologies.

Dr. Abdul Rahman Baeshen, head of the Al-Shorouk Center for Economic Studies in Jazan, stressed that the communications and information technology sector was the future of the digital economy, explaining that Saudi Vision 2030 included this field as a major axis for development and economic transformation.

He added that among the 18 agreements that Riyadh signed with Washington during President Joe Biden’s recent visit to the Kingdom was a major cooperation agreement in the field of technology and communications.

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King Salman International Airport Kicks of Construction of 3rd Runway to Boost Operational Efficiency

The airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals - SPA
The airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals - SPA
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King Salman International Airport Kicks of Construction of 3rd Runway to Boost Operational Efficiency

The airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals - SPA
The airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals - SPA

King Salman International Airport (KSIA), a PIF company, has commenced construction works on the third runway, marking a strategic step that reflects continued progress in airfield development and enhances the airport’s operational readiness to support long-term growth in air traffic demand.

The third runway forms a key component of the KSIA Master Plan and represents a major milestone in the airport’s expansion journey.
According to a press release issued by the KSIA, the project is being delivered in collaboration with FCC Construcción SA and Al-Mabani General Contractors Company and has been designed in alignment with Riyadh’s prevailing wind patterns to ensure safe and efficient aircraft operations under all operating conditions, SPA reported.

The current operational capacity stands at 65 aircraft movements per hour. With the implementation of operational enhancements and the introduction of the third runway, capacity is expected to increase to 85 aircraft movements per hour, contributing to improved operational efficiency and supporting long-term growth.

The third runway incorporates multiple access taxiways to ensure smooth aircraft flow and will span 4,200 meters in length.

Acting CEO of KSIA Marco Mejia said: “Launching construction of the third runway marks a pivotal step in delivering the KSIA Master Plan and reflects our commitment to developing world-class infrastructure capable of supporting future growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and expanding long-haul connectivity without constraints.”

King Salman International Airport is a strategic and transformative national project that reflects the Kingdom’s ambition to position Riyadh as a global capital and a leading aviation hub. The project was announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Salman International Airport, underscoring its national significance and its role in advancing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Located on the existing site of King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the airport will incorporate the King Khalid terminals, in addition to three new terminals, residential and leisure assets, six runways, and logistics facilities. Spanning 57 square kilometers, it is designed to accommodate 100 million passengers annually and handle over two million tons of cargo by 2030.

This phase of construction contributes to strengthening King Salman International Airport’s international flight network across multiple global destinations, reinforcing Riyadh’s position as an internationally connected aviation gateway and supporting national development objectives within the air transport sector.

Business

Mawani, Arabian Chemical Terminals Sign Land Lease for Jubail Port Storage Tanks

Mawani, Arabian Chemical Terminals Sign Land Lease for Jubail Port Storage Tanks
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Mawani, Arabian Chemical Terminals Sign Land Lease for Jubail Port Storage Tanks

Mawani, Arabian Chemical Terminals Sign Land Lease for Jubail Port Storage Tanks

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) signed a contract with Arabian Chemical Terminals Ltd. to establish storage tanks for chemical and petrochemical materials at Jubail Commercial Port, with an investment exceeding SAR500 million on an area of 49,000 square meters.

The project will contribute to enhancing operational efficiency and increasing handling capacity in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy to consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub, SPA reported.

This step is part of Mawani’s efforts to strengthen the role of the private sector in supporting the gross domestic product and to reinforce the position of Jubail Commercial Port as a driver of commercial activity. The project’s storage capacity will reach 70,000 cubic tons, boosting the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s ports at both regional and international levels.

The project aims to develop and expand storage capacity and the export of chemical and petrochemical materials in accordance with the highest international standards while supporting supply chains. It includes the establishment and development of specialized facilities for storing and exporting chemical and petrochemical products, as well as the provision of storage and distribution services for local and international import and export of chemicals in line with global quality and safety standards.

The project will contribute to supporting national supply chains, boosting the Kingdom’s chemical logistics capabilities, and raising operational efficiency and capacity, thereby improving customer competitiveness. It also supports the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030 objectives by promoting the development of infrastructure to advance the energy, industry, and supply chain sectors in the Kingdom.

Business

Oil Prices Stable as Investors Seek Clarity on Russia-Ukraine Talks

A view shows the crude oil terminal Kozmino on the shore of Nakhodka Bay near the port city of Nakhodka, Russia August 12, 2022. REUTERS/Tatiana Meel
A view shows the crude oil terminal Kozmino on the shore of Nakhodka Bay near the port city of Nakhodka, Russia August 12, 2022. REUTERS/Tatiana Meel
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Oil Prices Stable as Investors Seek Clarity on Russia-Ukraine Talks

A view shows the crude oil terminal Kozmino on the shore of Nakhodka Bay near the port city of Nakhodka, Russia August 12, 2022. REUTERS/Tatiana Meel
A view shows the crude oil terminal Kozmino on the shore of Nakhodka Bay near the port city of Nakhodka, Russia August 12, 2022. REUTERS/Tatiana Meel

Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday as investors took stock of ​dented hopes of a Russia-Ukraine peace deal and rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East around Yemen, Reuters reported.

Brent crude futures for February delivery, which expire on Tuesday, were up 15 cents at $62.09 a barrel as of 0918 GMT. The more active March contract was at $61.61, up 12 cents.

US West Texas Intermediate ‌crude gained 14 ‌cents to $58.22.

The Brent and ‌WTI ⁠benchmarks ​settled ‌more than 2% higher in the previous session as Saudi Arabia launched airstrikes against Yemen and after Moscow accused Kyiv of targeting Putin's residence, denting hopes of a peace deal.

Kyiv dismissed Moscow's accusation as baseless and designed to undermine peace negotiations. After a phone call ⁠with Putin, US President Donald Trump said he was angered by details ‌of the alleged attack.

"I think the ‍markets are sensing that ‍a deal is going to be very hard ‍to come by," said Marex analyst Ed Meir.

Traders also watched other Middle East developments after Trump said the United States could support another major strike on Iran were Tehran to resume rebuilding its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs.

Despite renewed fears of potential supply disruptions, perceptions of an oversupplied global market remain and could cap prices, analysts say.

Marex's Meir said prices would trend downwards in the first quarter of 2026 due to ‌a "growing oil glut".