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Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 11,202

Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 11,202
An investor monitors a screen displaying stock information at the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) in Riyadh, Ƶ. File/Reuters
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Updated 29 June 2025

Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 11,202

Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 11,202
  • Parallel market Nomu gained or 0.72% to close at 27,248.13
  • MSCI Tadawul Index rose 1.07% to close at 1,434.07

RIYADH: Ƶ’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Sunday, gaining 134.37 points, or 1.21 percent, to close at 11,202.64.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR5.08 billion ($1.35 billion), as 218 of the stocks advanced and 31 retreated. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu gained 195.03 points, or 0.72 percent, to close at 27,248.13. This comes as 57 of the listed stocks advanced while 30 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index gained 15.19 points, or 1.07 percent, to close at 1,434.07. 

The best-performing stock of the day was Saudi Industrial Development Co., whose share price increased 10 percent to SR30.14. 

Other top performers included Naseej International Trading Co., whose share price rose 9.99 percent to SR 96.00, as well as Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co., also known as Cenomi Retail, whose share price rose 9.97 percent to SR 22.39. According to Tadawul, Cenomi Retail’s shares also jumped by 100 percent in two months despite a sell recommendation from research houses.

Specialized Medical Co. recorded the most significant drop, falling 1.88 percent to SR22.92.

Americana Restaurants International PLC — Foreign Co. saw its stock prices fall 1.26 percent to SR2.35.

Nahdi Medical Co. also saw its stock prices decline 1.24 percent to SR127.20.

On the announcements front, Etihad Atheeb Telecommunication Co., also known as GO Telecom, has announced its annual consolidated financial results for the period ending March 31.

According to a Tadawul statement, the firm recorded a net profit of SR223 million during the year, reflecting a 14.36 percent increase compared to the same period a year earlier. The climb is attributed to an increase in revenue of SR446 million, offset by a rise in the cost of revenue of SR320 million, an upsurge in expected credit losses on trade receivables of SR24.6 million, and a growth in general and administrative expenses of SR24 million. 

There was also a decrease in financing costs by SR690,000 due to the recognition of commission income on Islamic deposits during the current year, amounting to SR20 million.

GO Telecom has decided to distribute SR10.1 million worth of cash dividends to the company’s shareholders for the fiscal year ending on March 31. According to a Tadawul statement, the number of shares eligible for dividends stands at 33.99 million, with a dividend per share of 30 halals and a dividend percentage to the share par value of 3 percent.

GO Telecom ended the session at SR105.00, up 2.49 percent. 

The Saudi Exchange has approved Saudi Azm for Communication and Information Technology Co.’s request to transfer from Nomu — Parallel market to the main market, with a capital of SR30 million and 60 million shares. 

The company’s shares will remain listed on Nomu – Parallel market until the deadline for publishing the transfer document. 

The issuer is required to publish the transfer document within three trading days after the Saudi Exchange announces its approval of the transfer request. The transfer document will be accessible to the public for 10 trading sessions through the websites of the issuer, Tadawul, and the financial adviser.

Tadawul also approved Obeikan Glass Co.’s request to transfer from Nomu — Parallel market to the main market, with a capital of SR320 million and 32 million shares.


Saudi economy minister holds talks with EU officials

Saudi economy minister holds talks with EU officials
Updated 17 September 2025

Saudi economy minister holds talks with EU officials

Saudi economy minister holds talks with EU officials

JEDDAH: Saudi-EU ties have been further strengthened after the Kingdom’s minister of economy and planning held a range of high-level meetings with leading figures from the institution.

Faisal Al-Ibrahim met European Parliament Vice President Pina Picierno in Brussels on Sept. 17 to discuss enhancing collaboration between the Kingdom and the EU on key areas of mutual interest, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The minister also held talks with the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Suica aimed at boosting cooperation across several sectors and reviewing developments of mutual interest, and with EU Special Representative for the Gulf Luigi Di Maio to strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations.

A day earlier, Al-Ibrahim met European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis to discuss bilateral cooperation within the framework of Ƶ’s Vision 2030 and recent global economic developments.

In July, the EU announced a €42.5 billion ($46.4 billion) commitment to renewable energy, border security, and socio-economic development across the Middle East and North Africa from 2028.

The funding, aimed at fostering stability and mutual prosperity, opens further opportunities for Saudi-EU collaboration, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable development initiatives aligned with Vision 2030.

In October, the first EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit was held in Brussels, marking a historic moment with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attending. 

In May 2024, the European Chamber of Commerce in Ƶ was launched, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region.


Closing Bell: Saudi main market climbs 1.25% as Aramco shares rise

Closing Bell: Saudi main market climbs 1.25% as Aramco shares rise
Updated 17 September 2025

Closing Bell: Saudi main market climbs 1.25% as Aramco shares rise

Closing Bell: Saudi main market climbs 1.25% as Aramco shares rise

RIYADH: Ƶ’s Tadawul All Share Index ended higher on Wednesday, increasing 131.66 points, or 1.25 percent, to close at 10,650.39. 

Total trading turnover reached SR4.64 billion ($1.23 billion). A total of 205 stocks advanced, while 43 declined.

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index gained 14.30 points, or 1.04 percent, to finish at 1,383.42

The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, however gained 100.63 points, or 0.4 percent, to settle at 25,123.21, with 41 gainers against 44 fallers.

Shares of Saudi Aramco recorded their sharpest increase in two years, rising by 3.21 percent to close at SR24.10 and lifting the Tadawul All Share Index above the 10,600-point mark.

Among the top performers, National Gypsum Co. surged 9.97 percent to SR20.29, while National Metal Manufacturing and Casting Co. climbed 8.86 percent to SR17.7. 

Arabian Internet and Communications Services Co. rose 5.44 percent to SR248.20, Derayah Financial Co. gained 4.66 percent to SR26.48, and BinDawood Holding Co. advanced 4.49 percent to SR5.59.

Among those to see decreases, Saudi Cable Co. dropped 2.47 percent to SR138.20, while Leejam Sports Co. fell 1.29 percent to SR138.20.

 

 


Jeddah airport opens expanded duty-free with global, local brands 

Jeddah airport opens expanded duty-free with global, local brands 
Updated 17 September 2025

Jeddah airport opens expanded duty-free with global, local brands 

Jeddah airport opens expanded duty-free with global, local brands 

JEDDAH: Passengers traveling through Jeddah airport are set to experience a new duty-free zone, offering global and local brands as Ƶ expands its aviation sector. 

The project is managed by JAH Arabia International Duty-Free LLC, a joint venture between Germany’s Gebr. Heinemann, Ƶ’s Astra Group, and Jordanian Duty-Free Shops. The group holds a seven-year license to operate the duty-free shop across Terminal 1 and the North Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport. 

The launch is part of Ƶ’s broader push to modernize its aviation sector, enhance passenger experience, and diversify revenue streams, while also showcasing local culture alongside global brands.  

The new duty-free underscores the Kingdom’s bid to attract international travelers, strengthen its position as a regional hub, and generate jobs and investment across tourism and retail. 

Mazen Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co., which operates King Abdulaziz International Airport, told Arab News that about 100 young Saudis are employed as merchandisers at the facility. 

“The pilot opening took place in August last year, focusing on the key products passengers are most likely to demand. Following the full launch, monthly reviews will track sales, assess demand, and identify emerging passenger needs,” he said. 

Johar emphasized that the duty-free reflects the status of King Abdulaziz International Airport and Jeddah’s rich culture. “The new duty-free aims to deliver exceptional shopping options and enhance services available to passengers at the airport.” 

He added that the zone will help increase revenues, diversify income sources, create investment opportunities for local and international investors, and generate direct and indirect jobs for Saudi youth, in line with the National Aviation Strategy and Vision 2030. 

Spanning about 8,000 sq. meters, the zone showcases more than 335 international brands across 35 outlets and boutiques.  

Simon Forde, CEO of JAH Arabia International Duty-Free LLC, told Arab News that they carry all the main global brands, while also highlighting regional products. 

“I think maybe we need a few more Saudi made products. We have a Saudi-made area. We sell a lot of dates and souvenirs.” 

Categories include cosmetics, confectionery, gourmet foods, tobacco, souvenirs, fashion, accessories, and jewelry. Standalone stores include Longchamp, Michael Kors, and Swarovski. Other brands featured are BOSS, Ralph Lauren, and Lacoste. 

He added that Saudi products account for 10 to 15 percent of the duty-free’s overall displays, noting that the company is still learning about the region and the Kingdom. 

Speaking at the launch, Forde added: “We are committed to offer passengers a shopping experience that reflects the uniqueness of the Jeddah airport by striking the perfect balance between a global mindset and local culture.”


U20 mayors call on universities to launch Saudi-proposed course

U20 mayors call on universities to launch Saudi-proposed course
Updated 17 September 2025

U20 mayors call on universities to launch Saudi-proposed course

U20 mayors call on universities to launch Saudi-proposed course

RIYADH: Mayors and city leaders worldwide are urging universities to introduce a Master of City Administration degree, an initiative pioneered by Ƶ aimed at transforming urban leadership.

According to a press statement, the MCA is designed as an MBA-equivalent program for city leaders, equipping them to navigate complex urban challenges and guide their cities amid rapid population growth.

The initiative was unveiled at the Urban 20 Global Summit in Johannesburg as a collaboration between the South African co-chairs and Ƶ’s U20 delegation.

Fahd Al-Rasheed, head of the Kingdom’s U20 delegation, initially proposed the program during the 2024 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in a paper published by the Brazilian Center for International Relations and the 2024 U20 co-chairs. Since then, the concept has garnered widespread support from mayors, urbanists, and academics.

“Cities are uniquely consequential. They are where we live, work, raise our families and chase our dreams. The need for robust educational programs, tailored to the complexities of city administration, has never been greater,” said Al-Rasheed.

He added: “The MCA initiative represents an opportunity to transform the leadership of our cities, to the betterment of those that live in them.”

The summit also called on universities to train 290,000 urban leaders by 2050, providing them with a skill set that combines executive, political, and technical expertise.

“The MCA is not just about creating a degree program. The legacy of South Africa’s chairmanship of the U20 will be a global movement that transforms how we prepare urban leaders, contributing to more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities worldwide,” said Dada Morero, mayor of Johannesburg and U20 co-chair.

The press statement emphasized that MCA will be an interdisciplinary program, blending core curriculum standards with region-specific adaptations to give graduates the technical knowledge, systems thinking, and governance skills needed to lead effectively.

The program will be offered through top international universities, combining academic rigor with practical insights from former mayors and senior administrators.

“The MBA is the base standard for corporate executive leadership. It is time that the leaders of the world’s cities, which are at the heart of future human development and prosperity, have an equally rigorous, specialized and respected program for leading our cities into a sustainable future,” said Nasiphi Moya, executive mayor of Tshwane and U20 co-chair.


Jordan tourism revenue rises 7.5% to $5.33bn 

Jordan tourism revenue rises 7.5% to $5.33bn 
Updated 17 September 2025

Jordan tourism revenue rises 7.5% to $5.33bn 

Jordan tourism revenue rises 7.5% to $5.33bn 

RIYADH: Jordan’s tourism sector reversed its declining revenue trajectory in the first eight months of 2025, posting a 7.5 percent increase as it pulled in $5.33 billion.

This was in contrast to the 3.7 percent drop seen in the same period of 2024.

Tourism income in August reached $932.2 million, up 2.6 percent from the same month of the previous year, which had seen a 0.3 percent decline, Jordan News Agency, or Petra, reported, citing preliminary data from the country’s central bank.

The growth was supported by a 14.9 percent increase in tourist arrivals. 

These figures reflect Jordan’s momentum in tourism recovery, supported by improved international air connectivity, greater marketing efforts and infrastructure investment, in line with its National Tourism Strategy 2021-25 and Economic Modernization Vision. 

“The data indicated growth in tourism revenue from Asian nationalities (38.4 percent), European (30.2 percent), American (18.6 percent), Arab (5.5 percent), and other nationalities (34.0 percent),” the Petra report stated. 

It added: “Meanwhile, revenue from Jordanian expatriates dropped by 1.3 percent.” 

Outbound tourism expenditure — money spent by Jordanians abroad — rose 4 percent in the first eight months to $1.44 billion. In August alone, spending increased 4.5 percent to $196.8 million. 

Jordan maintained a steady upward trend in tourism performance earlier in 2025. In the first quarter, revenues rose about 8.9 percent year-on-year, with international arrivals up nearly 19 percent, supported by improved air connectivity, expanded marketing efforts, and infrastructure investments. 

In the first half of 2025, tourism revenues increased 11.9 percent to $3.67 billion, despite regional headwinds and other external pressures. 

January alone saw revenues surge 22.8 percent to $680.5 million, driven by higher spending from Jordanian expatriates, Arab visitors, and non-Arab international tourists. 

Jordan’s performance mirrors a wider tourism surge across the Middle East. 

A May release from the World Travel & Tourism Council showed the sector contributed $341.9 billion to regional gross domestic product and supported 7.3 million jobs in 2024, with projections rising to $367.3 billion and 7.7 million jobs in 2025. 

Ƶ led the region with a 148 percent jump in international tourism revenue in 2024, according to its Ministry of Tourism, while Oman, the UAE, and Qatar continued to draw strong visitor flows through investment, improved connectivity, and major events.