RIYADH: Expatriate remittances from Saudi Arabia reached SR11.86 billion ($3.16 billion) in August, marking a 10 percent annual increase, according to recent data. 

Figures from the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, also revealed that transfers sent abroad by Saudi nationals rose by 19 percent year on year, totaling SR5.83 billion. 

As one of the world’s largest sources of remittances, Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in shaping the financial well-being of millions of households worldwide. 

With nearly 75 percent of the Kingdom’s labor force consisting of foreign workers, Saudi Arabia’s policies and job market conditions significantly influence the flow of remittances, highlighting not just the country’s economic strength but also its deep interconnectedness with the global financial system. 

This relationship underscores how labor migration and cross-border financial support have become vital for communities far beyond Saudi borders. 

According to the US Department of State, the Kingdom ranks among the largest remittance-sending countries globally, benefiting from an open financial system with no restrictions on converting or transferring funds related to investments, including dividends or earnings. 

This regulatory environment enables a seamless flow of money across borders, eliminating delays in sending funds through legal channels. 

At the heart of this remittance system is the Wage Protection System, implemented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. This system ensures that expatriate workers, who are the backbone of the remittance ecosystem, receive their wages as per their contracts. 

Employers are required to transfer wages through local Saudi bank accounts, giving expatriates easy access to their earnings for remittance to their home countries. 

The transparency provided by this system not only protects workers’ rights but also offers an efficient legal framework for expatriates to support their families abroad. 

The rise of digital platforms, independent of traditional banks and exchange houses, has also driven growth in the sector.  

With widespread smartphone and Internet access, digital remittances have become more accessible, allowing users to send funds anytime, anywhere. These platforms offer advantages such as competitive exchange rates, lower fees, and faster processing times, enabling near-instant access to funds for recipients. 

Financial institutions and fintech companies have further contributed by developing innovative solutions, including mobile apps and digital wallets. 

Additionally, supportive regulations from Saudi and regional authorities have created a secure environment for digital services, fostering competition while protecting user interests. 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s cement and clinker exports have stayed above 8 million tonnes for four years in a row — double the amount recorded in 2018, according to the latest figures.

New data showed that in 2023, foreign sales of the resource reached over 8.48 million tonnes.

The Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, emphasized this during the launch of “Madinah Cement Co’s” first sustainability report, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

During the launch, Alkhorayef discussed the Kingdom’s position as the leading cement producer in the Arab world and the 10th largest globally, with an annual production capacity exceeding 80 million tonnes. 

Saudi Arabia’s cement industry is supported by 20 factories across the country. 

The minister said that domestic demand for cement reached approximately 47.3 million tonnes in 2022, driven by ongoing large-scale development projects. With construction sector investments expected to hit SR6 trillion ($1.6 trillion) by 2030, demand is projected to rise further.

Alkhorayef emphasized the efforts of leading companies to adopt the latest manufacturing technologies, which improve production efficiency. Several firms have recently upgraded their production lines to enhance the quality of products.

Saudi Arabia’s cement industry is vital in supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiatives, including NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya. 

These undertakings, aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil dependency, are driving significant demand in the construction and infrastructure sectors, leading to a surge in the consumption of building materials such as cement.

This positions the Kingdom as a key player in the regional and global cement markets, meeting domestic needs and increasing exports to international markets, reflecting the sector’s competitive edge.

Alkhorayef further outlined the ministry’s strategic recommendations to make the cement sector more sustainable. These undertakings, developed in collaboration with relevant authorities, include the Industrial Competitiveness Program and the Liquid Fuel Displacement Program. 

Their implementation is expected to boost energy efficiency, lower production costs, and reduce carbon emissions, particularly within the cement sector. 

The minister also mentioned an initiative involving the Cement Companies National Committee, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and other stakeholders to research to minimize industry carbon emissions and produce environmentally friendly cement.

The launch of City Cement Co.’s sustainability report marks a significant step toward a more eco-conscious future for the sector. The study highlights the firm’s efforts to convert waste into alternative fuels for cement production and its recent agreement with a leading company to incorporate green technologies. 

The release of the inaugural sustainability report aligns with the Vision 2030 goals, reinforcing the organization’s role as a responsible leader in the sector. 

It also outlines tangible governance, social responsibility, and environmental protection initiatives, further enhancing its reputation as a company that adheres to global best practices.