RIYADH: The Saudi budget announced by King Salman this week emphasizes the importance of financial sustainability and the need to increase state revenues, according to Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan. He said that the main goal is to improve the number and quality of services and ensure all infrastructure projects are completed.
Al-Jadaan was speaking at the 2020 Budget Meeting Sessions in Riyadh, which also featured a number of other ministers and officials.
The Ministry of Finance has made public expenditure more efficient and reduced public spending without compromising quality of services, Al-Jadaan said.
“There will be no more fees and taxes until after the financial, economic and social impacts have been considered carefully, especially in terms of economic competitiveness,” he said.
The Kingdom achieved some remarkable successes this year and will continue to build on them, he said. For example, the private sector cooperated in numerous projects, contributing to the reduction in public spending and creating a large number of job opportunities, he noted. The Kingdom will work to further empower the private sector as a key partner in development, said Al-Jadaan, who hopes to see more growth next year.
Ahmed Al-Kholifey, governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA), said that figures from October reveal a 5 percent increase in liquidity, and loans to small and medium-size enterprises grew by 8 percent. SAMA has prepared an ambitious strategy to enhance financial inclusion, to boost and support the financial sector and enhance sustainable economic growth.
“The strategy ensures that all segments of society have access to the official financial system and the number of people having bank accounts rises,” Al-Kholifey said. SAMA is also developing initiatives to fuel the move to a cashless society, he added.
Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, the minister of economy and planning, said 2019 was an important year for his ministry because it built “an enormous database that should help enhance the process of decision-making.” There was also a major transformation in the balance of payments, he noted, one of the key instruments for economic diversification.
The 2020 budget is designed to create job opportunities and support local services, while improving spending efficiency, he said, and economic-diversification policies are beginning to show results.
The government places great importance on reducing unemployment, Al-Tuwaijri said, and his ministry is working with the Ministry of Labor and Social Development to achieve this. Unemployment now stands at 12.3 percent, down from 12.9 percent last year, and he expects it to drop further by the end of the year. There are plans to create jobs in sectors such as tourism, culture, entertainment and hospitality as part of Vision 2030.
Bandar Al-Khorayef, the minister of industry and mineral resources, said his ministry works to improve and preserve gains in the industrial and mining sectors and create catalysts for investment and sustainable growth. An export bank will be launched soon, he added, noting that the financing of export operations reached SR 5 billion ($1.3 billion) this year.
“The industry and mining sector require major capital and a long-run investment lookout,” he said. “Investment in the sector involves many risks and the ministry must take this into consideration when it passes legislation, to ensure the sector and investors make profits.”
Saleh Al-Rasheed, governor of General Authority of Small and Medium Enterprises, said the organization works to create a competitive environment that encourages new businesses, by providing innovative financing solutions and investment opportunities. As of October, he noted, there were 550,725 SMEs in the Kingdom, contributing 28 percent of GDP.
Princess Haifa Muhammad, deputy chairwoman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, said the tourism sector received a major boost from the increase in entertainment events. The special “Seasons” launched across the country created 50,000 jobs for young Saudis, and spending in the sector increased by 12 percent, she said.
The Kingdom has welcomed 115,000 since tourist visas were launched, she revealed, adding that the sector is growing at a rate of 3.9 percent, outpacing the global economy which is growing at 3.5 percent.
Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani said the achievements of his ministry in the past few years have contributed greatly to improving the efficiency of the judicial system.
“We work to establish effective procedural governance and achieve sought-after digital transformation,” he said, adding that 15 electronic services were launched this year to expedite the processing of legal cases.
Housing Minister Majid Al-Hogail said the ministry served 300,000 families this year, providing them with housing and financing options. Of those, 165,000 received housing loans worth SR78 billion, 106,000 moved into homes and 90,000 received a land grant.
He highlighted the importance of enhancing partnerships with the private sector, which so far have helped provide 125,000 housing units in 70 projects with a total value of SR62 billion. In 2020, the ministry plans to build 100,000 housing units worth SR 65 billion.
Ahmed Al-Rajhi, the minister of labor and social development, said the ministry aims to create 1.5 million jobs by 2030. He added that the value of social financing offered to more than 60,000 citizens reached SR3.5 billion this year, and 2,462 small and medium-size enterprises benefited from SR526 million. In addition, 2843 non-profit organizations were founded, a 26 percent increase on last year.
The proportion of women in the workforce reached 25.3 percent this year, he added, and more than 175,500 jobs were Saudized.
Minister of Health Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabeeah said the ministry plans to open 10 hospitals next year and ban the use of hydrogenated fats. It will continue to focus on public health initiatives to reduce chronic diseases and conditions such as obesity and smoking, and plans to improve health care options. This year, he added, the waiting list for outpatient departments at public hospitals fell from 59 to 24 days.
Cash boost for Saudi jobs, homes and health
Cash boost for Saudi jobs, homes and health
- Mohammed Al-Jadaan: There will be no more fees and taxes until after the financial, economic and social impacts have been considered carefully
- The government expects to generate about SR203 billion in taxes this year – more than 20.5 percent higher than the previous year
SABIC, Almarai, SEC able to absorb fuel price hike: S&P Global
RIYADH: Major Saudi companies, including chemical company SABIC, dairy firm Almarai, and Saudi Electric Co., are well-positioned to handle the impact of higher fuel and feedstock prices introduced on Jan. 1, according to a new report.
Released by capital market economy firm S&P Global, the analysis reveals that those corporates will be able to absorb the marginal increase in production costs by further improving operational efficiencies as well as potentially via pass-through mechanisms.
This came after Saudi Aramco increased diesel prices in the Kingdom to SR1.66 ($0.44) per liter, effective Jan. 1, marking a 44.3 percent rise compared to the start of 2024. The company has kept gasoline prices unchanged, with Gasoline 91 priced at SR2.18 per liter and Gasoline 93 at SR2.33 per liter.
Despite the hike, diesel prices in Saudi Arabia remain lower than those in many neighboring Arab countries. In the UAE and Qatar, a liter of diesel is priced at $0.73 and $0.56, respectively, while in Bahrain and Kuwait, it costs $0.42 and $0.39 per liter.
“For SABIC and Almarai, the increase in feedstock prices will not affect profitability significantly. In the case of utility company, SEC, additional support will likely come from the government if needed,” the report said.
The capital market economy firm projects that SABIC will continue to outperform global peers on profitability.
“We don’t expect the rise in feedstock and fuel prices to materially affect profitability, since the company estimates it will increase its cost of sales by only 0.2 percent,” the report said.
It further highlighted that SABIC is considered a government-related entity with a high possibility of receiving support when needed.
The report also underlines that Almarai anticipates an additional SR200 million in costs for 2025, driven by higher fuel prices and the indirect effects of increased expenses across other areas of its supply chain.
“We believe Almarai will continue focusing on business efficiency, cost optimization, and other initiatives to mitigate these impacts,” the release stressed.
With regards to SEC, S&P said that an unrestricted and uncapped balancing account provides a mechanism for government support, including related to the higher fuel costs.
“We believe any increased fuel cost will be covered by this balancing account,” the report said.
The study further highlights that the marginal increase “could significantly affect wider Saudi corporations’ profit margins and competitiveness.”
The S&P data also suggests that additional costs will be reflected in companies’ financials from the first quarter of 2025.
“Saudi Arabia is continuing its significant and rapid transformation under the country’s Vision 2030 program. We expect an acceleration of investments to diversify the Saudi economy away from its reliance on the upstream hydrocarbon sector,” the report said.
“The sheer scale of projects — estimated at more than $1 trillion in total — suggests large funding requirements. Higher feedstock and fuel prices would help reduce subsidy costs for the government, with those savings potentially redeployed to Vision 2030 projects,” it added.
Lenovo to produce ‘Saudi Made’ PCs by 2026 following $2bn Alat deal closure
RIYADH: Chinese tech giant Lenovo is set to manufacture millions of computer devices in Saudi Arabia by 2026, following the completion of a $2 billion investment deal with Alat, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund.
First announced in May, the partnership has now received shareholder and regulatory approvals, paving the way for Lenovo to establish a regional headquarters and a manufacturing facility in the Kingdom.
The deal marks a significant step in aligning Lenovo’s growth ambitions with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification, innovation, and job creation, the company said in a press release.
The factory will manufacture millions of PCs and servers every year using local research and development teams for fully end-to-end “Saudi Made” products and is expected to begin production by 2026, it added.
“Through this powerful strategic collaboration and investment, Lenovo will have significant resources and financial flexibility to further accelerate our transformation and grow our business by capitalizing on the incredible growth momentum in KSA and the wider MEA region,” Yang said.
He added: “We are excited to have Alat as our long-term strategic partner and are confident that our world-class supply chain, technology, and manufacturing capabilities will benefit KSA as it drives its Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification, industrial development, innovation, and job creation.”
Amit Midha, CEO of Alat, underscored the significance of the partnership for both Lenovo and the Kingdom.
“We are incredibly proud to become a strategic investor in Lenovo and partner with them on their continued journey as a leading global technology company,” said Midha.
“With the establishment of a regional headquarters in Riyadh and a world-class manufacturing hub, powered by clean energy, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we expect the Lenovo team to further their potential across the MEA region,” he added.
The partnership is expected to generate thousands of jobs, strengthen the region’s technological infrastructure, and attract further investment into the Middle East and Africa, according to the press release.
In May, Lenovo raised $1.15 billion through the issuance of warrants to support its future growth plans. The initiative, which was fully subscribed by investors, signals confidence in Lenovo’s strategic approach and its plans for global expansion.
The investment deal was advised by Citi and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton for Lenovo, while Morgan Stanley and Latham & Watkins represented Alat.
Lebanon’s bonds climb as parliament elects first president since 2022
LONDON: Lebanon’s government bonds extended a three-month long rally on Thursday as its parliament voted in a new head of state for the crisis-ravaged country for the first time since 2022.
Lebanese lawmakers elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president. It came after the failure of 12 previous attempts to pick a president and the move boosts hopes that Lebanon might finally be able to start addressing its dire economic woes.
Lebanon’s battered bonds have almost trebled in value since September when the regional conflict with Israel weakened Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, long viewed as an obstacle to overcoming the country’s political paralysis.
Most of Lebanon’s international bonds, which have been in default since 2020, rallied after Aoun’s victory was announced to stand between 0.8 and 0.9 cents higher on the day and at nearly 16 cents on the dollar.
They have also risen almost every day since late December, although they remain some of the lowest priced government bonds in the world, reflecting the scale of Lebanon’s difficulties.
With its economy still reeling from a devastating financial collapse in 2019, Lebanon is in dire need of international support to rebuild from the war, which the World Bank estimates to have cost the country $8.5 billion.
Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 12,097
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Thursday, gaining 9.01 points, or 0.07 percent, to close at 12,097.75.
The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR7.48 billion ($1.99 billion), as 96 stocks advanced, while 133 retreated.
The MSCI Tadawul Index decreased by 3.28 points, or 0.22 percent, to close at 1,510.14.
The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, surged, gaining 251.24 points, or 0.82 percent, to close at 31,027.39. This comes as 56 of the listed stocks advanced, while 32 declined.
The best-performing stock was Nice One Beauty Digital Marketing Co. for the second day in a row, with its share price increasing by 7.69 percent to SR49.
Other top performers included Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co., which saw its share price rise by 6.5 percent to SR14.74, and Abdullah Saad Mohammed Abo Moati for Bookstores Co., which saw a 4.42 percent increase to SR35.45.
Arabian Pipes Co. and Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group also saw positive change with their share prices moving up by 4.10 percent and 3.89 percent to SR12.70 and SR298.80, respectively.
The worst performer of the day was Salama Cooperative Insurance Co., whose share price fell by 5.88 percent to SR19.52.
Almoosa Health Co. and Al Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co. also saw declines, with their shares dropping by 5.13 percent and 3.91 percent to SR133.20 and SR28.25, respectively.
On the announcements front, Riyad Bank declared its intention to fully redeem its $1.5 billion fixed-rate reset tier 2 sukuk, issued in February 2020, on Feb. 25, 2025.
According to a Tadawul statement, the sukuk originally maturing in 2030, will be redeemed at face value in accordance with the terms and conditions. The redemption, approved by the regulators, will include any accrued but unpaid periodic distributions.
On the redemption date, Riyad Sukuk Limited will deposit the full amount into the accounts of sukuk holders, marking the completion of the issuance. This redemption will conclude the sukuk’s life, with no remaining value post-redemption.
Riyad Bank ended today’s trading session edging up by 0.91 percent to SR27.85.
Rotana eyes growth in smaller Saudi cities amid hospitality expansion
RIYADH: Rotana Hotels is turning its attention to smaller cities in Saudi Arabia as part of its ambitious growth strategy to strengthen its presence in the Kingdom.
Speaking on the sidelines of the third Saudi Tourism Forum, the firm’s Chief Operating Officer Eddy Tannous told Arab News the company is engaging with tourism authorities, development funds, and private investors to explore opportunities in emerging destinations such as Al-Baha and Asir.
Rotana has previously announced its plans to develop nine new properties in Saudi Arabia, five of which are scheduled to open in 2025. This follows the launch of three hotels in 2024, including Nova M, the first Edge by Rotana property, as well as Dar Rayhaan by Rotana in Alkhobar and Al Manakha Rotana in Madinah.
Tannous said: “We have development on properties that will probably open in the next, I want to say, two to five years. Probably six to eight properties in those tertiary cities where it’s becoming a destination that people want to go to as well.”
With Saudi Arabia ranking third globally for international tourist arrival growth in 2024, with a 25 percent increase compared to the previous year, the Kingdom’s hospitality sector is seeing rapid growth.
The company’s goal is to triple its current key count in the Kingdom to 6,000 within the next three years, bolstered by strong demand for hospitality services.
Rotana’s upcoming developments, including Yasmina Rayhaan by Rotana in Riyadh, aim to meet this increasing demand.
“We are a regional brand. We are a brand that grew up in this region, so Saudi Arabia has always been a focus for us. But I think with the announcement of Vision 2030, it became more of a catalyst for us to continue focusing on Saudi Arabia,” Tannous said.
He added: “Saudi Arabia is the region or is the country in this Middle East region that’s growing the fastest and that’s growing with the biggest magnitude from a hospitality standpoint. Our main focus in Saudi Arabia is to focus both on the government sector projects and individual investors.”
Rotana’s expansion strategy is also geared toward major international events, including Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2034. This event is expected to attract millions of visitors, creating significant opportunities for the hospitality sector.
Commenting on the company’s plans, Rotana CEO Philip Barnes said in a press release: “We see tremendous potential for expansion in Saudi Arabia. Our ambitious pipeline for KSA underscores our commitment to the hospitality and tourism sectors, both in the Kingdom and regionally, as demand for business and leisure travel soars to new heights in anticipation of major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2034.”
Beyond Saudi Arabia, Rotana is expanding across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkiye, where it currently operates 81 properties. The company has a pipeline of 36 new properties in 22 cities, including its projects in Saudi Arabia.
Rotana is also strengthening its presence in key markets such as the UAE, Turkiye, and Africa, where demand for leisure and business travel is on the rise.
“As a company today, we run 86 properties in the world. Some of our source markets to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which are two of our biggest markets, include the UK, Germany, and Russia,” Tannous said.
Rotana is also preparing for significant updates to its loyalty program, which are expected to be announced later this year — although details remain under wraps.
“It’s not something I can talk about today, but we will hopefully in 2025,” Tannous said. “The most exciting thing for me right now is what we’re doing on our loyalty program because that will open the door for bank partnerships, credit card partnerships, airline partnerships.”
Rotana’s expansion in Saudi Arabia and beyond reflects its commitment to meeting the growing demand for hospitality services while positioning itself as a leader in both regional and international markets.
