Here’s what you need to know before Tadawul trading on Wednesday

TASI finished the session 1.1 percent lower at 12,420, while the parallel Nomu fell 0.8 percent to 21,562. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 24 August 2022
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Here’s what you need to know before Tadawul trading on Wednesday

RIYADH: Saudi stocks slipped on Tuesday, tracking a trend in the region as market sentiment remained negative due to continued recession fears and oil volatility.

TASI finished the session 1.1 percent lower at 12,420, while the parallel Nomu fell 0.8 percent to 21,562.

The Qatari index underperformed Gulf peers as it dropped 1.5 percent, while Abu Dhabi and Dubai lost 0.2 and 0.5 percent, respectively.

Oman edged 0.3 percent lower and Bahrain closed almost flat. However, Kuwait’s bourse bucked the trend to end 1.7 percent higher.

Elsewhere in the Middle East, the Egyptian index extended losses from a day earlier by 1.1 percent.

Oil prices jumped more than $3 a barrel as investors eyed potential OPEC+ supply cuts to support prices.

Brent crude reached $100.02 a barrel on Wednesday, and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate rose to $93.65 a barrel by 9:12 a.m. Saudi time.

Stock news

Savola Group’s first-half profit surged 37 percent to SR485 million ($130 million)

BinDawood Holding Co. will distribute SR0.9 per share in cash dividends, despite reporting a 31 percent profit drop for the first half of 2022

Dar Alarkan Real Estate Development Co. recorded a 515 percent profit jump to SR313.6 million for the first half of 2022

Academy of Learning’s shareholders approved a half-year cash dividend of SR1.5 per share

Seera Group Holding’s losses narrowed by 43 percent to SR131 million during the first half of 2022

Knowledge Economic City’s losses widened by 21,545 percent to SR15 million during the first half of 2022

Aldawaa Medical Services Co. announced dividends of SR1.25 per share, following a 27 percent profit surge for the first half of 2022

Gas Arabian Services Co. was awarded an SR24 million deal from SABIC to provide maintenance services to its Petrokemya plant

Alhasoob Co.'s profit dropped 40 percent in the first half of 2022 to SR3.4 million

Aqaseem Factory for Chemicals and Plastics Co. reported a 57 percent decline in profit for the first half of the year to SR1.7 million

Al Hammadi holding saw its profit jump by 68 percent to SR127 million during the first half of 2022

Amana Cooperative Insurance Co.’s accumulated losses were cut to 45 percent of capital following the completion of a 231 percent capital increase

Saudi Marketing Co. posted a higher first-half profit of SR12 million due to a rise in Farm Superstores’ retail revenue

National Gypsum Co.’s net profit dropped 72 percent to nearly SR5 million in the first half of 2022

Calendar

August 25, 2022

End of the earnings season for the second quarter of 2022

September 11, 2022

Start of Arabian Plastic Industrial Co.’s IPO book-building

September 13, 2022

End of Arabian Plastic Industrial Co.’s IPO book-building


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,718

Updated 15 sec ago
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,718

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index continued its downward trend for the second consecutive day on Tuesday as it shed 27.67 points or 0.24 percent to close at 11,717.96. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR7.70 billion ($2.05 billion), with 122 stocks advancing and 116 declining. 

Saudi Arabia’s parallel market Nomu also shed 268.15 points to close at 30,763.22. 

The MSCI Tadawul index declined by 0.25 percent to 1,483.35. 

The best-performing stock on the main market was Riyadh Cables Group Co. The company’s share price increased by 10 percent to SR129.80. 

The share price of Batic Investments and Logistics Co. also edged up by 6.34 percent to SR2.85.

Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. also saw its stock price rising by 5.88 percent to SR0.36. 

Conversely, the share price of Arabian Contracting Services Co. declined by 5.12 percent to SR129.80. 

On the announcements front, Mohammed Hadi Al Rasheed and Partners Co. said that its net profit for 2024 reached SR80.74 million, representing a rise of 80.58 percent compared to 2023. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company said that the rise in net profit was driven by an increase in sales and customers amid expansion in line with the company’s strategy.

Despite posting an increase in profit, the share price of Mohammed Hadi Al Rasheed and Partners Co. declined by 9.04 percent to SR142.80. 

Twareat Medical Care Co. said that its net profit witnessed a rise of 65.98 percent year on year to reach SR23.5 million. 

The healthcare firm added that its overall revenue also rose by 23.97 percent year on year in 2024, driven by improved sales strategies, new service contracts in areas like NEOM, Jubail, and Jafurah, and expanding medical services for existing clients.

Twareat Medical Care Co.’s board of directors also recommended dividends at SR0.25 per share for 2024. 

The share price of  the company edged up by 6.53 percent to SR22.50. 

Arabian Centers Co., also known as Cenomi Centers said that the firm’s net profit for 2024 stood at SR1.22 billion, representing a decline of 18.44 percent compared to 2023. 

In a Tadawul statement, Cenomi Centers revealed that its overall revenue reached SR2.34 billion in 2024, marking a year on year rise of 4.01 percent. 

It also announced that its board of directors has decided to pay a dividend of SR0.37 per share for the third quarter of 2024. 

The share price of Cenomi Centers edged up by 1.29 percent to SR20.36. 

Walaa Cooperative Insurance Co. said that it witnessed a net profit of SR64.30 million in 2024, representing a 56.55 percent decline compared to 2023. 

The insurance firm’s share price declined by 3.53 percent to SR18.04. 


Tabuk offers over 120 investment opportunities, driven by young workforce, strong demand

Updated 27 min 5 sec ago
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Tabuk offers over 120 investment opportunities, driven by young workforce, strong demand

  • Region is undergoing a major transformation, hosting some of the Kingdom’s most innovative projects and significant investments
  • It aims to become a leading tourism destination along the Red Sea

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk region offers over 120 investment opportunities across sectors, from large projects to small businesses, leveraging its young workforce and strong consumer demand, a top official said.

The region’s mayor, Hussam bin Muwafaq Al-Youssef, and local business leaders discussed important initiatives and investment opportunities in the municipal sector. The meeting, part of the “Chamber’s Diwaniya” events during Ramadan, aimed to strengthen communication, encourage dialogue, and exchange ideas.

The gathering was also attended by Imad Al-Fakhri, chairman of the Tabuk Chamber of Commerce, and members of the organization’s board of directors, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The northwestern region is undergoing a major transformation, hosting some of the Kingdom’s most innovative projects and significant investments. It aims to become a leading tourism destination along the Red Sea.

A key driver of this change is NEOM, a futuristic urban development that merges natural wonders with cutting-edge technologies. As Saudi Arabia’s largest giga-project and a central element of Vision 2030, NEOM, along with AMAALA and the Red Sea projects, are set to fuel growth and attract substantial investment across various sectors.

During the gathering titled “Tabuk ... Your Investment Destination,” Al-Yousef discussed key regional developmental and economic projects and shed light on his mayoralty’s plans to improve quality of life and attract investments.

The mayor highlighted some of the region’s competitive advantages, such as manufacturing, agriculture, mining, energy, and tourism, which have contributed to boosting Tabuk’s investment appeal.

He discussed the area’s significant potential, particularly in the tourism sector and said the municipality is working to create an investment-friendly environment by offering a variety of flexible processes and support to investors and entrepreneurs.

Al-Youssef said Tabuk boasts valuable assets, specifically its young talent, population structure, and purchasing power, placing the region third in the Kingdom for per capita consumption.

He added the municipality has over 120 available investment prospects across different sectors, including large, medium, and small-scale projects.

He encouraged business leaders to seize the opportunities and invest in the growing sectors, particularly with the government’s ongoing support for the private sector.

Al-Fakhri praised the municipality’s efforts in creating a competitive business environment and supporting investors and commended the collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving development, attracting investments, and overcoming challenges to benefit the region and its residents.

Al-Yousef listened to attendees’ feedback on the challenges investors face in the municipal sector and received suggestions for improving the investment environment and municipal services.


UAE to double FDI to $65.3bn with new investment strategy 

Updated 11 March 2025
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UAE to double FDI to $65.3bn with new investment strategy 

RIYADH: The UAE is planning to double its foreign direct investments to 240 billion dirhams ($65.35 billion) annually by 2031 — up from the 112 billion dirhams it saw in 2023.

As part of the nation’s newly approved National Investment Strategy, the scheme aims to grow the country’s total FDI stock from 800 billion dirhams to 2.2 trillion dirhams over the coming years, with a focus on key sectors such as industry, logistics, and financial services, as well as renewable energy and information technology. 

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president, prime minister, and ruler of Dubai, chaired the UAE cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where the investment strategy was approved, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency.

“The UAE continues to develop its economy, expand global markets, attract investments, and create the most business-friendly environment in the world,” the vice president said. 

The strategy comprises of 12 new programs and 30 initiatives, including the Financial Sector Development Program, the One-Market Program, and InvestUAE, aimed at enhancing investment promotion and economic diversification. 

The cabinet also reviewed the UAE’s strategic partnerships with African nations, reporting that 95 percent of previously approved initiatives have been implemented. 

As a result, total trade volume with sub-Saharan Africa has increased from 126.7 billion dirhams in 2019 to 235 billion dirhams over five years, marking an 87 percent rise. 

“The UAE will continue to build new economic bridges across the world and reinforce its role as a global trade hub, connecting markets worldwide,” Al-Maktoum said. 

The cabinet reviewed progress on the National Digital Economy Strategy, which seeks to raise the sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product from 9.7 percent to 19.4 percent over the next six years. 

The meeting also addressed advancements in industrial technology, approving the Industrial Technology Transformation Index, a first-of-its-kind indicator designed to measure specialized progress and sustainability practices in UAE factories. 

“The UAE now has more than 13 licensed transplant centers, with a 30 percent increase in transplant procedures. Kidney, liver, heart, lung, and pancreas transplants are now being performed in the UAE,” Sheikh Al-Maktoum said. 

The body also approved the restructuring of the Emirates Research and Development Council, chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with a mandate to define national research priorities and enhance collaboration between government entities, the private sector, and academia. 

In social affairs, the government announced an increase in the social support budget by 29 percent to 3.5 billion dirhams, with a 37 percent rise in beneficiaries, while 3,200 individuals have transitioned from financial aid recipients to the workforce. 

A new remote work system for federal government employees outside the UAE was also approved, allowing the country to leverage global expertise for specialized tasks and projects. 

Additionally, the cabinet ratified 28 international agreements, including comprehensive economic partnership agreements with Malaysia, New Zealand, and Kenya, alongside security, logistics, and government cooperation pacts with various nations. 

As part of its sustainability initiatives, the cabinet launched the National Green Certificates Program for buildings, a voluntary classification system to certify sustainable structures across commercial, industrial, hospitality, and residential sectors. 

Other regulatory approvals included new laws on plant variety protection, commercial fraud prevention, and the practice of health care professions by non-physicians and pharmacists. 

Al-Maktoum reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to economic growth and global engagement, stating: “The teams continue their work, our growth trajectory accelerates, and every day, we witness our nation’s future becoming greater, stronger, and more prosperous — driven by the dedication of thousands of exceptional teams across all sectors.” 


Saudi private sector powers $314bn investment boom, outpacing Vision 2030 target

Updated 11 March 2025
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Saudi private sector powers $314bn investment boom, outpacing Vision 2030 target

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s gross fixed capital formation rose to SR1.18 trillion ($313.68 billion) in 2024, marking a 5.3 percent annual increase, recent data showed. 

A report from the Ministry of Investment attributed this growth to rising non-government sector investments, which expanded by 7.6 percent during the year. 

The Kingdom’s GFCF has outperformed expectations, with cumulative investments from 2021 to 2024 reaching SR4.11 trillion — 28 percent above the initial target of SR3.22 trillion for the period. 

By 2030, the National Investment Strategy, a key driver of Vision 2030, aims to push total annual GFCF to SR2 trillion, contributing 30 percent to gross domestic product. The plan also targets SR1.7 trillion in domestic investments within GFCF, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to private sector expansion and sustainable economic growth.   

GFCF, which measures the net increase in physical assets within an economy, is a crucial component of GDP as it reflects capital accumulation supporting future production capabilities and economic growth. 

In 2024, the private sector accounted for 88 percent of total GFCF, reaching SR1.03 trillion. Meanwhile, the government sector, which made up 12 percent, saw an 8.3 percent decline to SR144.3 billion, signaling a strategic shift toward private sector-led growth. 

Foreign direct investment has also exceeded projections, with total inflows from 2021 to the third quarter of 2024 reaching SR391 billion, including SR104 billion from the Aramco deal, according to the ministry. This surpasses the SR295 billion target for the period by 33 percent, reflecting strong investor confidence and Saudi Arabia’s success in attracting capital under Vision 2030. 

The Kingdom has implemented a range of pro-business reforms, including regulatory streamlining, tax incentives, and the Regional Headquarters Program to attract multinational corporations. Giga-projects like NEOM, the Red Sea, and Qiddiya, along with public-private partnerships and sovereign investment initiatives, are also drawing investor interest across sectors.  

In a recent milestone, the Kingdom approved the organization of the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority to enhance its investment ecosystem and attract global capital. Endorsed during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman earlier in March, the authority will promote investment opportunities domestically and internationally while working closely with key stakeholders.   

Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih noted that the initiative strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a premier investment hub, leveraging its strategic location, investor-friendly policies, and world-class infrastructure. 


Oil Updates — prices inch up despite tariff concerns, slowdown fears

Updated 11 March 2025
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Oil Updates — prices inch up despite tariff concerns, slowdown fears

SINGAPORE: Oil prices pared earlier losses to inch up during trade on Tuesday, despite concerns over a potential US recession, the impact of tariffs on global growth and as OPEC+ sets its sight on ramping up supply.

Brent futures edged up 18 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $69.46 a barrel at 9:40 a.m. Saudi time after falling in early trade. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 9 cents, or 0.1 percent, to $66.12 a barrel after previous declines as well.

Despite the market noise, Brent at around $70 a barrel is quite a strong support and oil prices may look to stage a technical bounce at current levels, said Suvro Sarkar, energy sector team lead at DBS Bank, adding that the OPEC+ supply response will continue to remain flexible depending on market conditions.

“If oil prices fall below the $70 per barrel mark for an extended period, output hikes may be paused in our opinion. OPEC+ will also keep a careful eye on Trump’s Iran and Venezuela policies,” he said.

“The US has already taken back Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela and it remains to be seen whether Iran sanctions will be intensified. However, in the interim, worries about global growth amid policy uncertainties and trade wars will dominate.”

US President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies have roiled markets across the world, with Trump imposing and then delaying tariffs on his country’s biggest oil suppliers, Canada and Mexico, while also raising duties on Chinese goods. China and Canada have responded with tariffs of their own.

Over the weekend, Trump said a “period of transition” for the economy is likely but declined to predict whether the US could face a recession amid stock market concerns about his tariff actions.

“Trump’s comments triggered a wave of selling as investors started pricing in the risk of weaker growth in demand,” Daniel Hynes, senior commodity strategist at ANZ said.

Stocks, which crude prices often follow, slumped on Monday, with all three major US indexes suffering sharp declines. The S&P 500 had its biggest one-day drop since Dec. 18 and the Nasdaq slid 4 percent, its biggest single-day percentage drop since September 2022.

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Sunday Trump would not let up pressure on tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China.

On the supply front, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Friday the OPEC+ group agreed to start increasing oil production from April, but could reverse the decision afterwards if there were market imbalances.

In the US, crude oil stockpiles were expected to have risen last week, while distillate and gasoline inventories likely fell, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday.

The poll was conducted ahead of weekly reports from industry group the American Petroleum Institute, due at 11:30 p.m. Saudi time on Tuesday, and the Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the US Department of Energy, at 5:30 p.m. Saudi time on Wednesday.