萝莉视频

萝莉视频鈥檚 non-oil GDP defying expectations, finance minister tells World Economic Forum

萝莉视频鈥檚 Finance Minister听Mohammed Al-Jadaan. (AN photo)
萝莉视频鈥檚 Finance Minister听Mohammed Al-Jadaan. (AN photo)
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Updated 24 January 2025

萝莉视频鈥檚 non-oil GDP defying expectations, finance minister tells World Economic Forum

萝莉视频鈥檚 non-oil GDP defying expectations, finance minister tells World Economic Forum
  • IMF downgrading of Kingdom鈥檚 growth projection for the year ahead did not paint the full picture, says Minister听Mohammed Al-Jadaan
  • KSA鈥檚 economic diversification was driving steady growth, with the Kingdom prioritizing its non-oil GDP over traditional oil revenues, he said

DAVOS: 萝莉视频鈥檚 finance minister on Wednesday said that the recent International Monetary Fund downgrading of its growth projection for the Kingdom鈥檚 economy for the year ahead did not paint the full picture.

Speaking on a panel at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mohammed Al-Jadaan said that it was important not to look just at gross domestic product but at other indicators as well.

The IMF revised 萝莉视频鈥檚 2025 GDP growth projection down to 3.3 percent, citing the impact of extended oil production cuts.听

萝莉视频鈥檚 commitment to economic diversification under Vision 2030 was driving steady growth, with the Kingdom prioritizing its non-oil GDP over traditional oil revenues.听

鈥淭he whole idea of Vision 2030 is to diversify our economy. So our focus is really the non-oil GDP, and non-oil GDP has been growing very healthily over the last few years,鈥 he said.

Al-Jadaan underscored the significance of private-sector confidence, pointing to a sharp rise in private-sector investment as a percentage of GDP 鈥 from 16鈥17 percent a few years ago to 24 percent today.

鈥淭hat 50 percent increase is not easy. Ask any economist, and they will tell you it requires significant structural change, and it is happening in 萝莉视频,鈥 he said.

萝莉视频 had also made strategic decisions to contain oil production despite having significant spare capacity. 鈥淲e can produce 1,000,000 barrels more per day and we will have the highest-growing GDP in the world, but how is this helpful? It isn鈥檛, actually,鈥 Al-Jadaan said.

鈥淲e need to be very careful when we look at GDP as a measure for growth because you need to look at other indicators,鈥 he added.

With unemployment rates at historic lows and the private-sector thriving, 萝莉视频 continued to make 鈥渢ough, difficult decisions鈥 to sustain long-term growth. 鈥淚f you want to see it, you will need to make tough decisions,鈥 Al-Jadaan said.

Al-Jadaan also highlighted the role artificial intelligence could play in this diversification of the economy, saying in the future that the Kingdom could be exporting data instead of oil.

鈥淚 think AI is a trendy term, but if we are not careful we could be left behind,鈥 he said. 鈥淲e need to think: Where is our competitive advantage within the value chain of AI?鈥

To build the necessary infrastructure for AI, significant amounts of energy, particularly clean and renewable energy, were required, he said. This effort also demanded substantial land for renewable projects, robust fiber-optic networks and a skilled workforce.

According to Al-Jadaan, 萝莉视频鈥檚 competitive edge lies in its ability to produce the world鈥檚 cheapest solar power, its government鈥檚 agile and supportive policies allowing quick licensing and approvals, and the Kingdom鈥檚 plans to implement regulatory measures that treat data centers with the same protections as embassies, ensuring robust security and compliance with international standards.

He also highlighted that 萝莉视频 was a world leader in government cybersecurity, adding that it was 鈥渉andled, operated, managed, programmed and coded 100 percent by Saudi talent.鈥

Discussing the broader Middle East and North Africa region, which is projected to rebound from a growth rate of 2 percent in 2024 to 3.5 percent in 2025, according to IMF projections, Al-Jadaan said that he was optimistic about the region鈥檚 prospects.

He acknowledged its significant challenges, including high youth unemployment and geopolitical crises.

鈥淢ENA has possibly the highest youth unemployment in the world, at I think 27, 28 percent. MENA needs to create, according to the IMF, about 30 million new jobs by 2030,鈥 he said.

Despite these challenges, Al-Jadaan highlighted the region鈥檚 strengths, including a young, tech-savvy population and abundant natural resources. 鈥淚f we focus on human capital, if we focus on skilling our people in MENA, I think the potential is absolutely high,鈥 he said.

He also called for regional stability and reform to unlock long-term potential, adding: 鈥淲ith the right ingredients of reforming governments, reforming governance and utilizing technology to our own competitive advantage, I think we鈥檇 see a new region.鈥


萝莉视频 raises $628m in June sukuk offering

萝莉视频 raises $628m in June sukuk offering
Updated 24 June 2025

萝莉视频 raises $628m in June sukuk offering

萝莉视频 raises $628m in June sukuk offering

JEDDAH: 萝莉视频鈥檚 National Debt Management Center has completed its June issuance under the government鈥檚 riyal-denominated sukuk program, raising SR2.355 billion ($628 million).

The figure marks a decline of 42 percent from May鈥檚 SR4.08 billion, which was the highest monthly total recorded this year. The drop reflects typical fluctuations in the government鈥檚 monthly funding activity.

The June offering was divided into five tranches. The first amounted to SR25 million and will mature in 2027. The second, totaling SR1.175 billion, will mature in 2029. The third tranche stood at SR500 million and is set to mature in 2032. The fourth was SR5 million, maturing in 2036, while the fifth and final tranche reached SR650 million, due in 2039.

Sukuk, which are structured to comply with Islamic finance principles, offer investors returns generated from tangible assets or projects, rather than traditional interest payments. These instruments continue to attract strong demand from investors seeking stable, Shariah-compliant returns.

Despite the month-on-month decline, the latest issuance underscores 萝莉视频鈥檚 efforts to diversify its funding base and develop the domestic debt market.

The NDMC has maintained a steady pace of monthly issuances this year, including SR3.72 billion in January, SR3.07 billion in February, SR2.64 billion in March, and SR4.08 billion in May.

萝莉视频 continues to lead the Gulf Cooperation Council in sukuk and bond activity. In the first quarter of 2025, the Kingdom accounted for more than 60 percent of all primary debt issuances in the region, raising $31.01 billion from 41 offerings, according to the Kuwait Financial Center, known as Markaz.

In a broader outlook, S&P Global has highlighted 萝莉视频鈥檚 expanding non-oil economy and strong sukuk activity as key drivers for growth in global Islamic finance.

The agency forecasts total sukuk issuance could reach between $190 billion and $200 billion in 2025, with up to $80 billion in foreign-currency issuances, assuming stable market conditions.

Looking ahead, Kamco Invest projects that 萝莉视频 will lead the GCC in bond maturities over the next five years. Between 2025 and 2029, about $168 billion in Saudi bonds are expected to mature, underscoring the Kingdom鈥檚 prominent role in the region鈥檚 debt landscape.


Closing Bell: TASI rises 2.37% to close at 10,964听

Closing Bell: TASI rises 2.37% to close at 10,964听
Updated 24 June 2025

Closing Bell: TASI rises 2.37% to close at 10,964听

Closing Bell: TASI rises 2.37% to close at 10,964听

RIYADH: 萝莉视频鈥檚 Tadawul All Share Index rose 254.04 points, or 2.37 percent, to close at 10,964.28 on Tuesday. 

Total trading turnover reached SR8.48 billion ($2.26 billion), with 248 stocks posting gains and five declining. 

The Kingdom鈥檚 parallel market Nomu also recorded an increase, gaining 492.72 points, or 1.87 percent, to settle at 26,850.79, as 73 stocks advanced and 22 retreated.

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index, meanwhile, gained 29.06 points, or 2.11 percent, to finish at 1,406.69. 

Red Sea International Co. was the best-performing stock of the session, with its share price rising 9.97 percent to SR42.45. Salama Cooperative Insurance Co. followed with a 9.92 percent increase to SR13.52. 

Other gainers included Saudi Cable Co., which rose to a fresh year high on Tuesday, closing at SR147.20 with a 6.05 percent increase. 

On the losing side, SABIC Agri-Nutrients Co. saw the steepest decline, falling 4.58 percent to SR104.2. 萝莉视频n Oil Co. dropped 1.62 percent to SR24.34, and Taleem REIT Fund declined 0.85 percent to SR9.30. 

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Co. announced its intention to issue a dollar-denominated, fixed-rate, Shariah-compliant sukuk under Regulation S, as it seeks to broaden its funding base and support general corporate purposes. 

The Riyadh-based property developer has appointed a consortium of regional and international banks to act as joint lead managers and bookrunners for the issuance. 

These include Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, and Alkhair Capital, as well as Al Rayan Investment and Arqaam Capital. Other participants are Bank ABC, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

The list also features J.P. Morgan, Mashreq, and Sharjah Islamic Bank, as well as Standard Chartered Bank, and Warba Bank. 

The appointed banks will arrange a series of fixed income investor calls starting June 24, ahead of the planned sukuk offering in global capital markets. 

The transaction remains subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals, including compliance with Financial Conduct Authority and International Capital Market Association stabilization rules. 

The offering is classified as a benchmark senior unsecured sukuk under Regulation S, which allows for international placement with institutional investors. The value of the sukuk will be determined based on market conditions at the time of issuance. 

According to the company鈥檚 statement on Tadawul, the proceeds from the issuance will be used for general corporate purposes. The board of directors approved the sukuk issuance on May 29. 

Dar Al Arkan鈥檚 share price closed the session 2.70 percent higher to reach SR19. 


Oman鈥檚 sovereign fund nets $4.1bn profit with disciplined, future-focused strategy: Report

Oman鈥檚 sovereign fund nets $4.1bn profit with disciplined, future-focused strategy: Report
Updated 24 June 2025

Oman鈥檚 sovereign fund nets $4.1bn profit with disciplined, future-focused strategy: Report

Oman鈥檚 sovereign fund nets $4.1bn profit with disciplined, future-focused strategy: Report
  • OIA ranked 35th globally by assets under management among sovereign wealth funds
  • Around 61.3% of its portfolio is invested locally

RIYADH: Oman鈥檚 sovereign wealth fund posted a record profit of 1.59 billion Omani rials ($4.1 billion) in 2024 and grew its assets above 20 billion rials, Global SWF reported.

The additional revenue enabled the Oman Investment Authority to transfer 800 million rials into the national budget, according to the report, providing a vital fiscal cushion and underscoring the fund鈥檚 expanding dual role as both an economic engine and a diplomatic asset.

Beyond headline profits, OIA is executing a strategic shift, prioritizing domestic investments to generate local value while forming global partnerships to secure future-ready capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, logistics, and manufacturing.

Ranked 35th globally by assets under management among sovereign wealth funds, the OIA is increasingly being viewed as a nimble but ambitious player.

According to Global SWF, its disciplined portfolio strategy, increased transparency, and joint fund architecture are transforming the fund into a networked sovereign investor with a growing international footprint.

At home, OIA鈥檚 economic impact is significant. Around 61.3 percent of its portfolio is invested locally, mainly through its National Development Fund, which exceeded its 2024 target by deploying 2.1 billion riyals in strategic projects, according to Global SWF.

These include infrastructure ventures such as the Duqm Refinery, new mining operations in Lasil and Al Baydha, and solar energy plants in Manah.

Over the past year, the fund has inked a $300 million joint investment platform with Algeria and expanded its Vietnam-Oman Investment Fund. 

These investments signal a shift in Gulf sovereign wealth funds鈥 from passive holdings to active, technology-driven deal-making aligned with national objectives.

In parallel, OIA has launched the Future Fund Oman with an allocation of $5.2 billion, targeting large-scale domestic projects, small and medium-sized enterprises, and startups, according to a separate May report by Global SWF.

In its first year, the fund approved over $2 billion in deals, with 75 percent of capital coming from foreign investors, underlining investor confidence in Oman鈥檚 diversification agenda.

Investing for Vision 2040

OIA鈥檚 2024 performance also reflected its focus on human capital and job creation, with nearly 1,400 new roles generated and the Omanization rate across OIA-linked entities reaching 77.7 percent.

Through programs like Jadarah, Nomou, and Eidaad, the fund is aligning education, training, and employment with Vision 2040鈥檚 long-term growth objectives.

Meanwhile, the fund is moving from asset accumulation toward strategic exits. Since 2022, it has divested 19 assets, including three major IPOs: Abraj Energy Services, OQ Gas Networks, and Pearl REIF鈥 raising over $2.5 billion, according to the release.

The October listing of 25 percent of OQ Exploration & Production marked Oman鈥檚 largest-ever IPO, signaling deepening liquidity in Muscat鈥檚 capital markets, according to the Global SWF May report.

OIA鈥檚 roadmap includes 30 more divestments through 2029 across sectors, including logistics, utilities, and aquaculture, aiming to crowd in private capital and raise governance standards. These IPOs are structural tools to deepen Oman鈥檚 market while supporting the transition to a knowledge-based economy.

Global investment, local value

Even as it expands abroad, OIA insists every foreign investment must deliver back home鈥 whether in skills, supply chain resilience, or technology transfer. Recent deals illustrate this ethos.

In the US, OIA invested in Tidal Vision, a company developing climate-smart biopolymers. In Singapore, it joined a $100 million venture capital fund with Golden Gate Ventures and helped establish a Muscat-based venture office to incubate deep-tech startups.

In one of its most high-profile moves, OIA took a stake in Elon Musk鈥檚 xAI, joining fellow Gulf players like Saudi鈥檚 Kingdom Holding and Qatar Investment Authority.

The move links Omani capital to frontier technology while reinforcing the fund鈥檚 mandate to back high-potential sectors shaping the global economy.

The OIA鈥檚 operational discipline has not gone unnoticed. Since 2021, it has reduced its subsidiary debt by nearly $5.6 billion, standing at $23.92 billion as of the end of the third quarter of 2024. It also refused to issue any new government guarantees last year, according to Global SWF, boosting investor confidence. Ratings agency S&P cited OIA鈥檚 reforms and transparency in reaffirming Oman鈥檚 BBB- rating with a positive outlook.


Mawani names Al-Mazroua as new president

Mawani names Al-Mazroua as new president
Updated 24 June 2025

Mawani names Al-Mazroua as new president

Mawani names Al-Mazroua as new president

JEDDAH: Saudi Ports Authority has appointed Suliman bin Khalid Al-Mazroua as its new president, effective June 29, as part of its push to strengthen leadership and advance key strategic goals.

Al-Mazroua succeeds Mazen bin Ahmed Al-Turki, who had been serving as acting president and played a key role in several initiatives aimed at developing logistics zones and parks across the Kingdom.

Al-Turki鈥檚 most recent contribution included overseeing the signing of a series of new build-operate-transfer contracts valued at more than SR2.2 billion ($586.6 million) to develop multi-purpose cargo terminals at eight Saudi ports.

The appointment of Al-Mazroua, announced by Mawani鈥檚 board of directors, underscores the authority鈥檚 commitment to supporting the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. Both initiatives aim to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub and a leading industrial power.

In a post on his X account, Al-Mazroua expressed his appreciation for the board鈥檚 trust and pledged to further the authority鈥檚 strategic goals.

鈥淚 extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of the Saudi Ports Authority, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, as well as to their Excellencies and distinguished members of the board for this generous trust,鈥 he said.

Al-Mazroua  added: 鈥淚 pray to God for success in serving our blessed country and fulfilling the aspirations of our visionary leadership. I am also very pleased to work alongside my colleagues at the Saudi Ports Authority.鈥

In a statement, the authority said that Al-Mazroua 鈥渁ffirmed his commitment to advancing Mawani鈥檚 strategic objectives and enhancing its performance in line with its development plans and transformation programs.鈥

Before assuming his new role, Al-Mazroua served as CEO of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, where he played a key role in driving economic diversification and enhancing infrastructure in key sectors, including industry, mining, energy, and logistics.

鈥淗e also played a key role in stimulating investment in these sectors with the aim of increasing their contribution to the Kingdom鈥檚 gross domestic product, promoting innovation, enhancing local content, and advancing the Fourth Industrial Revolution,鈥 the statement added.

With more than two decades of professional experience, Al-Mazroua has held several senior leadership positions, including at Saudi Aramco from 2001 to 2017.

Over the years, he progressed from technical roles to executive leadership, contributing to the establishment of research and development centers, strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, and advancing health care sector initiatives.

He also worked at US-based Aruba Networks from November 2006 to July 2007 and previously served as a quality assurance engineer at California-based Caspian Networks.

In addition, Al-Mazroua led the National Transformation Program and the Delivery and Rapid Intervention Center, where he contributed to planning, monitoring, and accelerating the implementation of development initiatives in support of Vision 2030.

He is also a member of several boards, including the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in 萝莉视频 and Marafiq Co.


萝莉视频, Bahrain launch 2nd phase of industrial integration听

萝莉视频, Bahrain launch 2nd phase of industrial integration听
Updated 24 June 2025

萝莉视频, Bahrain launch 2nd phase of industrial integration听

萝莉视频, Bahrain launch 2nd phase of industrial integration听

RIYADH: 萝莉视频 and Bahrain have launched the second phase of their industrial integration initiative, aiming to boost bilateral trade, investment, and cross-border supply chain cooperation. 

Announced on the sidelines of the Saudi Industry Forum 2025 in Dhahran, Khalil Ibn Salamah, the Kingdom鈥檚 deputy minister for industrial affairs, emphasized that the new phase would build on prior successes between the two countries. 

This comes amid strengthening economic ties between the countries, with the 萝莉视频鈥檚 direct investments in Bahrain reaching SR35 billion ($9.33 billion) in 2023 鈥 representing approximately 20 percent of total foreign investments 鈥 and 1,550 Saudi-registered companies operating in the country, as revealed by the Kingdom鈥檚 Minister of Investment, Khalid Al-Falih, during a business forum earlier this year. 

In an official statement marking the latest announcement, the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources stated: 鈥淭he second phase of industrial integration between the two countries focused on setting specific targets, including enhancing intra-trade in industrial goods, attracting industrial investments.鈥 

It added that this will help 鈥渋ntegration in the field of industrial infrastructure and supply chain integration,鈥 as well as identifying a list of export opportunities for non-oil goods and facilitating procedures for exporters and investors. 

The initiative is part of broader efforts under the Gulf Cooperation Council Economic Agreement, which aims to increase the industrial sector鈥檚 contribution to regional GDP and foster industrial coordination among member states 鈥渙n an integrated basis,鈥 according to the ministry. 

The second phase builds on earlier efforts, including the Future Factories Program, which helped shift production in both countries from labor-intensive to advanced manufacturing, along with aligning policies to treat local products as national goods and streamline customs processes. 

As part of the second-phase launch, Ibn Salamah inaugurated the Bahraini Investors Services Office in Dammam鈥檚 Third Industrial City. The event was attended by Bahrain鈥檚 Minister of Industry and Commerce, Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro. 

鈥淭he office aims to attract quality industrial investments and provide all industrial investment services to investors,鈥 the ministry noted. 

Positioned strategically near Bahrain, approximately 130 km away, Dammam鈥檚 Third Industrial City offers a robust industrial ecosystem. 

Spanning 48 million sq. meters, the site features extensive infrastructure including a modern road network, energy and water supply systems, and logistical connectivity through its proximity to King Fahd Port, King Fahd International Airport, and the dry port in the city of SPARK. 

The Saudi Industry Forum also highlighted how the new office will offer a 鈥減ackage of services and enablers from the industrial and mining system to facilitate the journey of Bahraini investors,鈥 further underscoring both countries鈥 commitment to deepening industrial and economic ties.