Saudi Arabia Approves New Center to Promote Infrastructure in Riyadh

The Saudi government aims for Riyadh to be among the top 10 largest city economies in the world. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi government aims for Riyadh to be among the top 10 largest city economies in the world. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Approves New Center to Promote Infrastructure in Riyadh

The Saudi government aims for Riyadh to be among the top 10 largest city economies in the world. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi government aims for Riyadh to be among the top 10 largest city economies in the world. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi cabinet’s approval on Tuesday of the establishment of the Infrastructure Projects Center in Riyadh region will boost the city's competitiveness, transforming it into a destination for international companies with major investment flows.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), revealed in January 2021 the plan for Riyadh to be one of the world's top 10 largest city economies.

Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Ayyaf explained that the center will help in organizing the work of various projects in Riyadh, promoting the quality of work, preserving the infrastructure, and keeping pace with the significant development in the capital.

Regional headquarters

Head of Amaken International Group Economist Khaled al-Jasser believes the center is essential in improving the infrastructure for projects in Riyadh to align with the Kingdom's plans to become a regional commercial hub.

Jasser told Asharq Al-Awsat that Riyadh is a destination for international companies with huge investment flows.

He added that Riyadh recently witnessed the opening of several regional headquarters for international companies, noting that the Saudi economy enjoys an international level of confidence to be the most attractive regional destination for investments.

Jasser pointed out that Saudi Arabia consolidated economic cooperation with various countries by stimulating the public and private sectors and exchanging visits between business owners.

He noted that establishing the center is an application of an economic vision in diversifying sources of income, achieving the Riyadh strategy, and boosting the country's position as an international investment destination.

According to the expert, establishing the Infrastructure Projects Center will provide thousands of job opportunities and strengthen the foreign investment market.

Business organization

Real estate expert and CEO of Menassat Realty Khaled al-Mobid believes the center provides a unified operating model for organizing business and improving the quality of its implementation.

He told Asharq Al-Awsat that the center's goals keep pace with Riyadh's status and its prosperous future, achieving the government's aspirations and quality targets based on Vision 2030.

He noted that predictions point to major future projects will be carried out in Riyadh to help it become one of the world’s top city economies, boosting economic growth and urban renaissance.



Gold Jumps, on Track for Best Week in Over a Year on Safe-haven Demand

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
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Gold Jumps, on Track for Best Week in Over a Year on Safe-haven Demand

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

Gold prices rose over 1% to hit a two-week peak on Friday, heading for the best weekly performance in more than a year, buoyed by safe-haven demand as Russia-Ukraine tensions intensified.

Spot gold jumped 1.3% to $2,703.05 per ounce as of 1245 GMT, hitting its highest since Nov. 8. US gold futures gained 1.1% to $2,705.30.

Bullion rose despite the US dollar hitting a 13-month high, while bitcoin hit a record peak and neared the $100,000 level.

"With both gold and USD (US dollar) rising, it seems that safe-haven demand is lifting both assets," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

Ukraine's military said its drones struck four oil refineries, radar stations and other military installations in Russia, Reuters reported.

Gold has gained over 5% so far this week, its best weekly performance since October 2023. Prices have gained around $173 after slipping to a two-month low last week.

"We understand that the price setback has been used by 'Western world' investors under-allocated to gold to build exposure considering the geopolitical risks that are still around. So we continue to expect gold to rise further over the coming months," Staunovo said.

Bullion tends to shine during geopolitical tensions, economic risks, and a low interest rate environment. Markets are pricing in a 59.4% chance of a 25-basis-points cut at the Fed's December meeting, per the CME Fedwatch tool.

However, "if Fed skips or pauses its rate cut in December, that will be negative for gold prices and we could see some pullback," said Soni Kumari, a commodity strategist at ANZ.

The Chicago Federal Reserve president reiterated his support for further US interest rate cuts on Thursday.

On Friday, spot silver rose 1.8% to $31.34 per ounce, platinum eased 0.1% to $960.13 and palladium fell 0.6% to $1,023.55. All three metals were on track for a weekly rise.