MANAMA: Bahrain’s tourism authorities expect a rise in visitors from Saudi Arabia amid the social reforms underway in KSA, an official told Arab News.
Khaled bin Humood Al-Khalifa, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), said the social changes happening in Saudi Arabia are set to positively impact tourism to Bahrain. The raft of reforms underway in KSA includes allowing women to drive from June.
“Openness will facilitate traveling and commuting for women and families and will bring both cultures closer. It will be like moving from one city to another for women,” Al-Khalifa said.
“Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are one country … Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are our target (tourism base). We are trying to facilitate entry via the King Fahd Causeway.”
Al-Khalifa said the country is working toward boosting tourism’s contribution to the national gross domestic product (GDP).
“Our main goal is to enhance the contribution of the tourism sector (to) national GDP. In 2015, tourism contributed to 3.5 percent of GDP. (As of the end of 2017), it’s 7.1 percent,” Al-Khalifa said.
“We doubled it and outgrew our initial goal, which was to reach 7 percent by the end of 2018, thanks to the solid infrastructure (in Bahrain) and the investors’ trust in the country.”
Al-Khalifa was speaking on the sidelines of the “Shop Bahrain” festival, which runs until Feb. 10 and includes promotions, entertainment events and raffle draws.
The month-long festival aims to attract more families, particularly those from Saudi Arabia.
The Kingdom accounted for 7.5 million of Bahrain’s 8.7 million tourists during the first nine months of 2017. The average day spending of a Saudi visitor to Bahrain stands at 83 dinars ($220), mainly on shopping and entertainment. Bahrain is looking to increase the amount of spending and the number of people who stay the night rather than taking a day trip.
According to Al-Khalifa, 83 percent of visitors to Bahrain enter via the causeway from Saudi Arabia, with the airport handling just 17-18 percent of arrivals.
A second causeway linking Bahrain with Saudi Arabia is planned, while Bahrain has invested $1 billion in expanding its international airport to three times the capacity of the current one. “We are expecting to inaugurate the new airport in the year 2020,” Al-Khalifa said.
The BTEA has also set up six offices in countries where there are direct flights to Bahrain on national carrier Gulf Air, in addition to China where Bahrain is planning to start direct flights.
Al-Khalifa said Bahrain has also reduced the price of tourist visas to 5 dinars from 25 dinars, and says it is the first GCC country to give Russians and Chinese visitors visas upon arrival.
Bahrain expects tourism boost from Saudi social reforms
Bahrain expects tourism boost from Saudi social reforms
Saudi Arabia’s expat remittances up 19% to $3.21bn: SAMA
RIYADH: Expatriate remittances from Saudi Arabia rose to SR12.03 billion ($3.21 billion) in November, marking an 18.73 percent increase compared to the same month of 2023, new data showed.
Figures from the Kingdom’s central bank, also known as SAMA, indicated that remittances sent abroad by Saudi nationals totaled SR6.17 billion, reflecting a 22.71 percent increase during this period.
Saudi Arabia rising remittance flows underscore its growing prominence as a global economic hub and a premier destination for expatriate workers.
According to the latest Saudi government census released in May 2023, expatriates comprise 41.6 percent of the Kingdom’s population. Among the largest expatriate communities are 2.12 million Bangladeshi nationals, followed by 1.88 million Indians and 1.81 million Pakistanis.
These sizable populations highlight the scale of remittance transfers from the Kingdom, driven by competitive salaries, tax-free income, and comprehensive employee benefits.
This dynamic has positioned Saudi Arabia as a major contributor to remittance-dependent economies, supporting millions of families in South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Kingdom ranked second in the 2024 InterNations Working Abroad Index, reflecting its appeal to professionals across sectors such as finance, health care, and technology.
The Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at diversifying the economy and boosting investment, has spurred unprecedented growth in job opportunities, particularly as new industries emerge and existing sectors expand.
Expatriates in Saudi Arabia often benefit from attractive compensation packages that include housing allowances, health insurance, children’s education funding, and annual flights home.
With limited personal living expenses and no income tax, expatriates enjoy significant disposable income, enabling them to remit substantial amounts to their home countries.
According to World Bank data, the Kingdom ranks among the most affordable countries for remittance transfers, thanks to competitive fees and streamlined processes.
Digitalization is reshaping how remittances are managed, further enhancing efficiency and accessibility. Saudi Arabia’s fintech landscape, buoyed by the Vision 2030 Financial Sector Development Program, has introduced a range of innovations.
Mobile banking apps, online payment gateways, and partnerships with global remittance platforms have simplified transactions. Services such as the Saudi Payments Network, or Mada, and the adoption of blockchain technology by local banks have improved transfer security and speed.
Additionally, increased competition in financial services has driven down costs, making transfers more affordable compared to global standards.
The growing reliance on digital channels aligns with the Kingdom’s broader push toward a cashless economy. Remittance platforms integrated with mobile wallets and QR-based payments have democratized financial access, especially for lower-income workers.
As Saudi Arabia continues to implement Vision 2030’s transformative agenda, remittance flows are expected to remain robust.
The Kingdom’s focus on diversifying its economy, creating a business-friendly environment, and investing in technology will likely attract even more expatriates.
With stronger remittance infrastructure and growing digital adoption, the ease, affordability, and volume of transfers will further enhance the global economic impact of expatriate labor in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector sees 10% growth, official figures reveal
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector saw its upward momentum continue in the fourth quarter of 2024, with 40,953 businesses now registered across the Kingdom— a 10 percent increase year on year.
The latest data from the Ministry of Commerce revealed that Riyadh led with 16,834 registrations, followed by Makkah with 10,314, and Eastern Province with 6,488. In the Madinah and Qassim regions, e-commerce enrollments reached 1,952 and 1,324, respectively.
The growth falls in line with Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transition toward a diversified, digitally-driven economy, with e-commerce playing a crucial role. The Kingdom now ranks among the top 10 countries globally in expansion of this sector.
These figures align with the nation’s goal to increase modern commerce and e-commerce’s share of the retail sector to 80 percent by 2030, as well as the government’s aspiration to raise online payments to 70 percent by the same year.
The Ministry of Commerce’s latest quarterly report further revealed that the logistics sector recorded an 82 percent surge in the issuance of records in the fourth quarter compared to the same period of 2023 to reach 16,561 registrations.
The capital led the list with 8,074 registrations, followed by Makkah with 4,235 and Eastern Province with 2,038. The Madinah and Qassim regions recorded 486 enrollments each.
Regarding application development, the report showed that the sector witnessed a 36 percent year-on-year jump in the issuance of records to reach 15,775 registrations in the final quarter of 2024, compared to the corresponding quarter of 2023.
Riyadh topped the list with 9,647 registrations, followed by Makkah with 3,191 and the Eastern Province with 1,590.
The Kingdom’s fintech solutions sector also recorded a 12 percent year-on-year increase with the issuance of 3,152 records in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to the same period a year earlier.
The bulletin also underscored significant growth across various promising sectors, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Notable expansions were observed in several key fields, including cloud computing services, manufacturing solar panels and their parts, and real estate activities.
Growth was also seen in organizing tourist trips, entertainment events, conferences, and trade fairs.
These developments reflect the Kingdom’s strategic focus on fostering innovation and sustainable growth across diverse industries.
The ministry’s quarterly business sector bulletin provides an overview of the latest developments in the nation’s commercial environment, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s economy’s continued growth and diversification.
Jordan’s total FDI reaches $1.3bn, reflecting strong investor confidence
RIYADH: Jordan’s foreign direct investment inflows rose 3.7 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2024, reaching $457.8 million, according to preliminary data from the balance of payments.
This figure represents 3.2 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product, reflecting sustained investor confidence despite economic headwinds in the region, the Jordan News Agency reported.
For the first nine months of 2024, total FDI inflows amounted to $1.3 billion, or 3.3 percent of GDP, slightly down from $1.6 billion in the same period of 2023.
However, the 2024 figure surpassed cumulative FDI levels seen in both 2021 and 2022, signaling long-term growth momentum.
While foreign investment in Jordan has traditionally focused on energy, tourism, real estate, manufacturing, and services, the country launched its Economic Modernization Vision in 2022 to boost growth. The plan targets $60 billion in investments and 1 million jobs over the next decade, with key sectors including ICT, health care, tourism, real estate, mining, and agriculture.
The latest data showed that Arab nations contributed nearly half of Jordan’s FDI inflows in the first three quarters of 2024, accounting for 49.1 percent. Among these, Gulf Cooperation Council countries led with 31.7 percent.
EU nations accounted for 11.5 percent, with the Netherlands and France contributing 4.9 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively.
Non-Arab Asian countries made up 7.2 percent, led by China at 2.5 percent and followed by India at 2.1 percent. The remaining 32.2 percent came from various global regions.
The financial and insurance sector was the top recipient of FDI, attracting 15.7 percent of total inflows. Manufacturing attracted 7.7 percent, followed by information and communication with 7.5 percent, mining and quarrying at 7.3 percent, and transportation and storage at 7.0 percent. Wholesale and retail trade accounted for 6.1 percent.
Notably, real estate and land investments by non-Jordanian individuals made up 14.9 percent of total FDI, highlighting the ongoing appeal of Jordan’s property market.
Jordan’s strong FDI performance reflects its strategic efforts to enhance its investment climate and capitalize on its position as a regional business hub.
Economic experts projected Jordan’s growth to range between 2.5 percent and 3 percent in 2025, driven by an improved business environment and increased investments, according to the Jordan News Agency report last month.
This aligns with the country’s average growth rate of 2.5 percent over the past decade, as reported by the World Bank, providing a solid foundation for expansion.
Recent government measures, such as reducing penalties for unlicensed vehicles and offering tax cuts for electric cars, aim to boost financial and social stability, addressing economic challenges and attracting further investment.
Saudi Aramco increases February oil prices for Asia
RIYADH: Saudi Aramco has raised its crude oil prices for Asian customers in February, marking the first increase in three months, according to an official announcement made on Monday.
The official selling price for the benchmark Arab Light crude has been raised by 60 cents per barrel, following a significant drop to a four-year low in January.
For February, the price of Arab Light crude for Asian buyers has been set at $1.50 per barrel above the regional benchmark.
Other grades also saw price increases: the OSPs for Arab Extra Light and Super Light grades were raised by 60 cents per barrel and 50 cents per barrel, respectively.
Similarly, the OSP for Arab Medium crude was increased by 50 cents per barrel. However, the price for Arab Heavy crude saw a reduction of 50 cents per barrel.
For North America, Aramco has set the February OSP for Arab Light crude at $3.50 per barrel above the Argus Sour Crude Index.
These adjustments align with changes in the market structure for both the first and third month Dubai prices.
Data from Reuters shows that the spread widened by 42 cents per barrel in backwardation in December compared to the previous month.
February’s spot premiums for Middle Eastern crude grades recovered after falling to their lowest point in a year, driven by uncertainties surrounding Iranian and Russian supply chains.
In particular, some independent refiners in China turned back to Middle Eastern oil as new Western sanctions and strong demand in China pushed prices for Iranian and Russian oil to multiyear highs.
Saudi Aramco produces five grades of crude oil: Super Light, Arab Light, Arab Extra Light, Arab Medium, and Arab Heavy.
These grades are differentiated by their density: Super Light has a density greater than 40, Arab Extra Light ranges from 36 to 40, Arab Light falls between 32 and 36, Arab Medium is between 29 and 32, and Arab Heavy has a density of less than 29.
Saudi Aramco typically releases its crude OSPs around the 5th of each month, setting the pricing trend for other major producers, including Iran, Kuwait, and Iraq. These price benchmarks impact approximately 9 million barrels per day of crude oil shipments to Asia.
Saudi Aramco eyes oil refinery project in Bangladesh, ambassador reveals
- Essa Al-Duhailan highlighted the transformative potential of establishing a maritime route between Chattogram and Jeddah or Dammam
- Refinery aims to address Bangladesh’s growing demand for petroleum products
RIYADH: Saudi energy giant Aramco plans to build an oil refinery in Bangladesh, potentially transforming the sector in the Bay of Bengal, revealed the Kingdom’s Ambassador Essa Al-Duhailan.
During the launch of the report “Enhancing Saudi-Bangladesh Economic Engagement: Trends, Key Challenges and Long-Term Growth Prospects” at the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka, the ambassador emphasized Aramco’s potential investment.
Saudi Arabia, home to the largest Bangladeshi expatriate community, has increasingly engaged with Bangladesh through investment agreements and establishing a joint business council, signaling a deepening economic partnership.
The proposed refinery aims to address Bangladesh’s growing demand for petroleum products while positioning itself as a regional supplier to markets like China and India.
“We are talking about Aramco, the biggest oil company in the world. They are willing to come to Bangladesh to build a refinery here,” said Al-Duhailan, according to state-run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.
The ambassador highlighted the transformative potential of establishing a maritime route between Chattogram and Jeddah or Dammam, enhancing trade efficiency and connectivity, BSS reported.
“Our international company, Red Sea Gateway Terminal, is already operating the Patenga terminal and is keen to contribute to the Matarbari deep-sea port,” he added.
Reflecting on past challenges, Al-Duhailan mentioned Aramco’s previous high-profile delegations to Bangladesh from 2016-2018, which did not yield engagement. “But we will not talk about the past. We will talk about the future,” the ambassador said, calling for renewed focus on bilateral cooperation.
The event also spotlighted the broader Saudi-Bangladesh relationship. Al-Duhailan said that ACWA Power, the world’s largest renewable energy company, is exploring a $3.5 billion investment in Bangladesh.
He added that the South Asian country is a green field for investment while advocating for reforms to streamline bureaucratic processes and combat corruption.
The report detailed pathways to deepen economic ties and outlined opportunities for Bangladesh to boost exports to the Kingdom, expand imports of vital resources, and attract investment in key sectors.
Challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption were also addressed, with strategic recommendations for overcoming these barriers.
The ambassador emphasized the importance of combining political and economic engagement for mutual benefit. “We have unique relations… we have many success stories,” he said, urging both nations to create more collaborative achievements in trade, culture, tourism, and beyond.
The analysis, prepared by the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry, serves as a roadmap for enhancing bilateral economic engagement, offering valuable insights for policymakers and investors from both nations. It sets the stage for a strengthened partnership poised to unlock new growth opportunities, BSS reported.
In March, Bangladesh secured a $1.4 billion financing deal with the International Islamic Trade Finance Corp., enabling it to strengthen crude oil imports from suppliers like Saudi Aramco.
The funding bolstered the South Asian nation’s energy security and alleviated pressure on its dollar reserves, underscoring Aramco’s pivotal role in Bangladesh’s energy landscape.
Bangladesh’s government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has emphasized strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia as a key priority. Following his first meeting with Al-Duhailan in August, Yunus underscored the Kingdom’s role as a vital partner in addressing Bangladesh’s economic challenges.
