Saudi Sovereign Fund Sells $253 Million Stake in Masar

A simulated image of the Masar project developed by Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction (SPA). 
A simulated image of the Masar project developed by Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction (SPA). 
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Saudi Sovereign Fund Sells $253 Million Stake in Masar

A simulated image of the Masar project developed by Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction (SPA). 
A simulated image of the Masar project developed by Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction (SPA). 

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced on Wednesday the completion of the sale of part of its stake in Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction, the company behind the Masar project in Makkah. The deal was executed through an accelerated book-building process.

A total of 48 million shares were offered, representing 3.3 percent of the company’s capital. The offering generated proceeds of more than SAR 950 million (over $253 million), with the final price set at 19.8 riyals per share.

According to a statement from PIF, the offering drew strong demand from both local and international institutional investors, exceeding the total available shares. The fund said the robust interest reflects investor confidence in Masar and the attractiveness of the Saudi capital market.

Following the transaction, PIF now holds 234.3 million shares in Masar, equivalent to 16.3 percent of the company’s total capital. The deal is expected to increase the company’s free float and broaden its institutional investor base.

Saad Alkroud, Head of Local Real Estate Investments at PIF, said the sale expands Masar’s investor base by creating additional investment opportunities for institutions.

He added that the transaction aligns with PIF’s investment strategy, which aims to recycle capital and reinvest returns within the local ecosystem to strengthen the role of the private sector and financial markets in Saudi Arabia. It also supports the fund’s ongoing efforts to drive sustainable development and diversify the national economy.

PIF is regarded as one of the world’s most influential investment institutions, focusing on developing new sectors and opportunities that help shape the global economy, generate returns, and advance Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation.

 

 



Egypt Imposes Business Curfew to Counter Soaring Fuel Costs

Cairo was forced to raise fuel prices by more than 30 percent, after strikes on regional oil infrastructure and threats against the Strait of Hormuz (File Photo)
Cairo was forced to raise fuel prices by more than 30 percent, after strikes on regional oil infrastructure and threats against the Strait of Hormuz (File Photo)
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Egypt Imposes Business Curfew to Counter Soaring Fuel Costs

Cairo was forced to raise fuel prices by more than 30 percent, after strikes on regional oil infrastructure and threats against the Strait of Hormuz (File Photo)
Cairo was forced to raise fuel prices by more than 30 percent, after strikes on regional oil infrastructure and threats against the Strait of Hormuz (File Photo)

Egypt has ordered shops, restaurants and shopping malls to close from 9:00 pm from Saturday, hoping to curb energy bills that have more than doubled because of the Iran war.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced the curfew and said it would last for a month initially.

"Shops, shopping centers, restaurants and cafes will all close at 9:00 pm on weekdays," he said, adding that on Thursdays and Fridays at the weekend they will be allowed to stay open until 10:00 pm, Reuters reported.

The premier said that before the war, Egypt's monthly energy bill was $560 million. Today, for the same quantity, he said Egypt is paying $1.650 billion.

Madbouly said Cairo must work on the "worst-case scenario" in the face of a war whose outcome is unpredictable.

Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy said the new restrictions "will not affect tourists" or flagship destinations, a statement from his office said.

At the beginning of March, Cairo was forced to raise fuel prices by more than 30 percent, after strikes on regional oil infrastructure and threats against the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial shipping route now virtually paralysed by the war.

Around a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the waterway in peacetime.

The rerouting of shipping away from the Suez Canal is also depriving Cairo of a vital source of foreign currency.


Turkish Central Bank Forex Sales since Start of Iran War Close to $45 Billion

Turkish Central Bank (official website)
Turkish Central Bank (official website)
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Turkish Central Bank Forex Sales since Start of Iran War Close to $45 Billion

Turkish Central Bank (official website)
Turkish Central Bank (official website)

The Turkish Central Bank's balance sheet for this week will show foreign exchange sales amounting to near $20 billion, bringing the total forex sales since the beginning of the Iran war to nearly $45 billion, bankers said, Reuters reported.

According to calculations made by four bankers, based on preliminary data for the first part of the week and their estimates for the rest of the week, the central bank's balance sheet will show $18-21 billion in foreign exchange sales.

Bankers said that although $8 billion of the total $20 billion was made before a public holiday last week, this figure will be reflected in the balance sheet on the first day of this week.

The central bank sold $26 billion in foreign exchange in the first three weeks of the war, using its gold reserves as well, resulting in a $35 billion decrease in its net reserves.


Mawani Adds Marsa Ocean Shipping's RSX Service to Jeddah Islamic Port

Mawani Adds Marsa Ocean Shipping's RSX Service to Jeddah Islamic Port
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Mawani Adds Marsa Ocean Shipping's RSX Service to Jeddah Islamic Port

Mawani Adds Marsa Ocean Shipping's RSX Service to Jeddah Islamic Port

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the addition of the RSX service by Marsa Ocean Shipping to Jeddah Islamic Port, featuring a capacity of up to 372 TEUs and connecting Jeddah with the regional ports of Aden, Hodeidah, and Djibouti, SPA reported.

This expansion aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, aiming to enhance the Kingdom’s operational efficiency and its ranking in global performance indicators.

As a primary gateway, Jeddah Islamic Port utilizes its 62 multipurpose berths and specialized terminals to support a total capacity of 130 million tons, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents.