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Saudi-UAE Trade Exchange Reaches $244 Billion in 10 Years

The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning addresses attendees at the Saudi-Emirati Economic Forum. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning addresses attendees at the Saudi-Emirati Economic Forum. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi-UAE Trade Exchange Reaches $244 Billion in 10 Years

The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning addresses attendees at the Saudi-Emirati Economic Forum. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning addresses attendees at the Saudi-Emirati Economic Forum. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi-Emirati Economic Forum, which kicked off at the Federation of Saudi Chambers headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday, highlighted significant growth in trade between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, reaching SAR 915 billion ($244 billion) over the past decade (2014 to 2023). In the past three years alone, trade reached its highest levels, totaling SAR 327.5 billion ($87.3 billion).

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim noted that trade between Saudi Arabia and the UAE increased by 25% over the past five years, reaching SAR 113 billion ($30 billion) by the end of 2023, compared to SAR 90 billion ($24 billion) in 2019.

He added that both countries have seen significant transformations in investment due to policies and measures designed to develop and improve the investment environment.

Al-Ibrahim also highlighted that, as of the end of last year, the UAE recorded positive growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Saudi Arabia, totaling around SAR 111 billion ($29.6 billion), marking a 15% increase from 2022.

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef emphasized that Saudi Arabia and the UAE have promising potential to enhance integration in industry and mining.

He expressed eagerness to collaborate on joint initiatives to support entrepreneurs by improving access to financing and training.

Al-Khorayef noted that Saudi exports to the UAE grew at an annual rate exceeding 9%, reaching about SAR 31 billion SAR this year.

UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah Al Marri revealed that UAE investments in Saudi Arabia have reached AED 15.7 billion, stressing that the forum provides a platform to continue strengthening the economic partnership between the two countries and advancing it to new levels.

He underlined the forum’s role in helping business communities explore promising growth opportunities in both countries. Al Marri underscored the private sector’s critical role as a key partner in helping both governments achieve their future vision, stressing that current global economic challenges underline the need to strengthen partnership channels.

He further highlighted that the UAE is Saudi Arabia’s largest Gulf and Arab trading partner and second-largest global partner, while the Kingdom is the UAE’s top Gulf and Arab trading partner and fourth globally.

Non-oil trade between the two nations reached AED 137 billion in 2023, with non-oil trade exchanges totaling AED 75 billion in the first half of this year, reflecting over 18% growth compared to the same period in 2023.

UAE investment inflows into Saudi markets grew by more than AED 15.7 billion in 2023, a 6% increase from 2022. Saudi cumulative investments in the UAE reached $6.5 billion by the end of 2022, making Saudi Arabia the fourth-largest investor in the UAE, according to Al Marri.

Chairman of the Saudi-Emirati Business Council Abdulhakim Al-Khaldi said the economic partnership with the UAE is strong and growing, encompassing trade and investment cooperation in most major sectors.

Vice President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Fayez Al-Shuaili said the forum would support achieving shared goals, produce actionable recommendations, and foster a business-friendly environment to boost trade and investment growth.

Trade between the two countries reached around $30 billion last year, with further growth anticipated in trade and investment relations, he added.

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Business

World Bank Raises GCC Growth Forecast

GCC leaders and their representatives attend the 46th Gulf Summit held in the Bahraini capital (BNA) 
GCC leaders and their representatives attend the 46th Gulf Summit held in the Bahraini capital (BNA) 
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World Bank Raises GCC Growth Forecast

GCC leaders and their representatives attend the 46th Gulf Summit held in the Bahraini capital (BNA) 
GCC leaders and their representatives attend the 46th Gulf Summit held in the Bahraini capital (BNA) 

The World Bank has lifted its growth forecast for the Gulf Council Cooperation (GCC) to 4.5% for 2026, supported by structural reforms and rapid digital innovation.

A WB forecast issued in October had projected 4.4% growth for 2026.

In its latest edition of the Gulf Economic Update (GEU), the World Bank said economic growth across the Gulf council is gaining momentum in 2025.

It said GCC countries are going through rapid structural transformation to diversify their economies away from oil, where jobs are at the heart of national vision.

The GCC countries are also in a unique position to attract and retain talent equipped with digital skills to build, operate and sustain the large digital infrastructure investments made in Digital Public Infrastructure, cloud computing, data centers and AI.

In Bahrain, the report said the country continues to show robust growth, driven primarily by its non-oil sectors, notably financial services and tourism.

Investments in infrastructure, gas, logistics, financial technology, and tourism are expected to sustain medium-term growth.

However, the report showed that fiscal pressures persist due to high deficits and elevated public debt while the economy is expected to expand by 3.5% in 2025.

Kuwait is emerging from two challenging years marked by regional instability, subdued oil prices, and OPEC+ production cuts, according to the WB report.

After consecutive GDP contractions in 2023 and 2024, the economy is showing signs of recovery, with positive growth expected in 2025 and beyond, supported by higher oil exports.

The recent passage of a financing and liquidity law enabling government debt issuance is a positive step toward easing fiscal pressures, the report said, adding that the economy is expected to expand by 2.7% in 2025.

Oman, the WB report said, has accelerated its diversification efforts, with non-hydrocarbon sectors increasingly driving growth.

The economy is expected to expand by 3.1% in 2025, with further acceleration anticipated in the medium term.

As for Qatar, it maintains a steady growth trajectory, underpinned by strong non-oil sector performance and robust external surpluses despite lower hydrocarbon prices.

As a global leader in liquified natural gas (LNG) production, Qatar is set to significantly boost output through the North Field expansion, reinforcing its position in global LNG markets.

Fiscal and current account surpluses are expected to remain strong, supported by LNG expansion as real GDP growth is projected to reach 2.8% in 2025.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing renewed economic momentum, with both oil and non-oil sectors contributing to growth. Real GDP growth is expected to reach 3.8% in 2025.

The report noted that fiscal pressures have intensified due to subdued oil prices, resulting in a widening deficit.

The country is leveraging its low debt levels to access global capital markets, with recent borrowing raising the debt-to-GDP ratio to close to 32%.

Ongoing reforms under Vision 2030 and changes in foreign ownership regulations are expected to further attract investment.

Also, the WB said, the UAE continues to sustain economic dynamism and diversification, with real GDP growth projected to reach 4.8% in 2025.

The Emirates stands out for its diversified economy, with balanced growth between non-oil and oil sectors, it said, adding that it is also leading in diversifying its export base.

Gulf and AI

The report showed that all GCC countries have robust telecom networks, with 5G coverage exceeding 90% and widespread fiber connections.

It said significant investments in data centers and high-performance computing (HPC) systems, especially in Saudi Arabia and UAE, underpin the region’s digital economy and AI readiness.

“Diversification and digital transformation are no longer optional. They are essential for long-term stability and prosperity. Strategic investments in non-oil sectors and innovation will be critical to sustaining growth and stability,” said Safaa El Tayeb El Kogali, World Bank Division Director for the Gulf Cooperation Council.

“The GCC’s digital leap is remarkable. With robust infrastructure and growing computer power, skills and competencies in Artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, the region is well-placed to lead in innovation, provided we address labor and environmental challenges proactively,” she added.

The report also showed that women’s participation in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) surpasses the global average, further reinforcing the region’s digital competitiveness.

 

 

Business

Saudi Industry Ministry Signs MoUs to Advance Manufacturing Empowerment

The agreements were signed during the "Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia 2025” Exhibition. SPA
The agreements were signed during the "Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia 2025” Exhibition. SPA
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Saudi Industry Ministry Signs MoUs to Advance Manufacturing Empowerment

The agreements were signed during the "Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia 2025” Exhibition. SPA
The agreements were signed during the "Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia 2025” Exhibition. SPA

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has signed a number of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with leading local and international companies to advance advanced manufacturing, support local content, and strengthen national supply chains, enhancing the regional and global competitiveness of Saudi industry.

The agreements were signed during the "Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia 2025” Exhibition, organized by the ministry in partnership with Deutsche Messe and Riyadh Exhibitions Company Ltd.

The ministry signed two memoranda to provide innovative financing solutions for industrial establishments, strengthen national supply chains, and support local content.

Additionally, the ministry's National Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Production signed several memoranda of understanding with local and international industrial and advisory companies to support the path of advanced manufacturing, develop supply chains, enhance technological innovation, and boost the competitiveness of national factories, in line with the National Industrial Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.

These strategic partnerships are part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to develop the Kingdom's industrial ecosystem, enable manufacturers to access the latest industrial solutions, support supply chain development, and stimulate innovation, contributing to the building of a sustainable industrial sector that competes regionally and globally.

Business

China Says Working on Streamlining Rare Earth Export Licenses

FILE PHOTO: Workers transport soil containing rare earth elements for export at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China October 31, 2010. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Workers transport soil containing rare earth elements for export at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China October 31, 2010. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
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China Says Working on Streamlining Rare Earth Export Licenses

FILE PHOTO: Workers transport soil containing rare earth elements for export at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China October 31, 2010. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Workers transport soil containing rare earth elements for export at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China October 31, 2010. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

China said on Thursday it is working on streamlining rare earth export licenses - a key promised outcome after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and his counterpart Xi Jinping.

"The government is actively adapting," Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong told reporters at a weekly briefing, adding that authorities "were aligning themselves with general license mechanisms".

Reuters reported on Tuesday that at least three Chinese rare earth magnet makers had secured licenses enabling them to accelerate exports to some customers.

He did not say if new licenses had been issued.

China began designing the new rare earth licensing regime following a late October meeting between Trump and Xi that eased trade tensions between the two countries.