Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency’s (SAMA's) foreign reserve assets increased by $2 billion to reach $730 billion in January, according to researchers.
The increase follows four consecutive monthly declines, which totaled 8 $11.9 billion since reaching a peak of $741 billion in August, said Jadwa Investment’s latest chart book.
“The decline in the previous four months was likely caused by the fall in oil export revenues, while government spending was kept at an elevated level,” said the Jadwa economists.
Brent reached $62 per barrel at the end of last month, partially supported by bullish sentiment as a result of month-on-month declines in the US oil rig count although this did not prevent crude stockpiling in the US, which meant WTI’s gains in February were more modest.
“Looking forward, we expect the rebound in oil prices is likely to improve Saudi oil export revenues in coming months,” stated the Jadwa team led by Fahad M. Alturki, chief economist and head of research.
The Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) rose by 4.9 percent, month-on-month, in February as investor sentiment was boosted by Brent oil stabilizing around the $60 per barrel mark.
Saudi crude production remained unchanged, month-on-month, in January but production declined in both Libya, due to a resumption in civil conflict, and in Iraq, due to logistical reasons, added the Jadwa report. A rise in the official selling prices (OSPs) to Asian customers led to a decline in Saudi crude exports in December, month-on-month.
TRADE
China replaced the US as the largest source for Saudi imports during 2014, according to the report.
It said the imports from China grew from 7 percent in 2004 to 14 percent in 2014 a share of total Saudi imports, while the rest of the major trade partners saw their export shares to Saudi decline during the same period.
Nonoil exports for December declined slightly compared to the previous month, but remained unchanged, year-on-year.
New letters of credit opened indicate that import growth is likely to be mild in coming months, said the report.
Jadwa’s chart book for March also stated that broad money supply growth fell in January, owing to slow growth in bank deposits. Year-on-year growth in total deposits for both the private sector and the government slowed. The downward trend affected both demand and time and savings deposits.
Slower growth occurred to both demand and time and savings deposits, which grew by 10.2 percent and 12.2 percent year-on-year respectively.
“We believe that this trend is likely to reverse in coming months due to the recently announced fiscal package, ” said the report.
INFLATION
Data for January shows that CPI slowed for the fifth consecutive month to 2.2 percent, year-on-year, according to the chart book.
It said that foodstuffs continued to slow, year-on-year, for the fourth consecutive month to reach 2.1 percent, while housing inflation accelerated to 2.7 percent, year-on-year.
Core inflation slowed to 2 percent year-on-year in January, down from 2.3 percent yea-on-year in the previous month. Most components of the core index recorded a mild slowdown.
BANK LENDING
According to the report, bank lending to the private sector posted a healthy rise in January, resuming its monthly growth following a decline in the previous two months. The share of credit with short-term maturities continued its gradual decline. Healthy growth in lending coupled with a monthly decline in deposits led to an increase in the loan-to-deposit ratio.
Short-term lending declined as a proportion of the total to 49 percent in January, compared to 53 percent during the same period last year. This could indicate that liquidity in the private sector is further improving, as companies shift from financing day-to-day operations to financing longer-term capital expenditure.
STOCK MARKET
The TASI rose by 4.9 percent, month-on-month, in February. The Saudi benchmark stock index was up 5.2 percent since the end of 2014, although its performance in February was still at the lower end when compared to most global indices. This was the TASI’s second consecutive monthly rise since September 2014.
Market turnover averaged SR9.7 billion per day in February, up 20 percent month-on-month, the highest turnover average since August 2014. Banks and petchem stocks saw the largest turnover by sector, with the smaller sectors seeing higher turnover to market capitalization,
The TASI’s price to earnings (PE) trended upwards in February to 18.5, rising above the two year average of 17.2. The TASI’s PE remains on the higher side when compared to major and regional indices but dividend yield is comparatively better than many emerging market indices.
Eight out of 15 sectors recorded positive performance in February. The energy sector was the best performer as it benefitted from fresh calls for reforms in subsidies. Real estate and industrial investment benefitted from improved sentiment over oil prices.
The worst performing sector was hotels, which was affected by seasonality, according to the report.
The cement sector was down due profit-taking, telecoms is still suffering from previous regulatory issues and hotels was affected by seasonality.
Rebound in oil prices to boost Saudi export revenues
Rebound in oil prices to boost Saudi export revenues
Saudi Arabia emerging as global cybersecurity guardian: digital experts
RIYADH: From protecting its growing digital infrastructure to exporting cybersecurity technologies and expertise, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a key player in addressing global cyber threats.
The Kingdom has made significant strides in developing its technology infrastructure, a key pillar of its Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil.
This digital transformation has been accompanied by a comprehensive approach to online safety – including the adoption of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, which focuses on creating a secure digital landscape that supports rapid technological advancements.
“The growth of Saudi Arabia’s tech infrastructure has substantially enhanced its cybersecurity capabilities,” Sohil Mohamed, director, cyber risk advisory lead at Alvarez & Marsal told Arab News.
He praised the National Cybersecurity Strategy, saying that it prioritizes resilience, secure digital landscapes, and trust.
This strategic approach ensures that Saudi Arabia’s technological growth is supported by adaptive risk management and dynamic defense mechanisms.
In addition to the government’s efforts, the private sector has also played a critical role in building a secure digital ecosystem.
The expanding cybersecurity market in Saudi Arabia
As one of the fastest-growing markets in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity sector is valued at approximately SR13.3 billion.
This rapidly expanding market offers substantial opportunities for public-private partnerships, particularly in developing advanced cybersecurity solutions and creating new business models for commercial involvement.
Additionally, the Saudi government’s focus on digital transformation and cybersecurity has opened new avenues for investment.
“Key areas of focus include the development of advanced cybersecurity solutions, engagement in public-private partnerships, and contributions to national initiatives such as the Cybersecurity Catalyst Program spearheaded by the National Cybersecurity Authority,” Mohamed said.
These initiatives are driving a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to strengthen the Kingdom’s cyber resilience.
Saudi Arabia’s investment in the sector also positions it as a key player in the global cybersecurity market.
The government has partnered with international organizations and cybersecurity firms to enhance its capabilities and bolster the country’s readiness to handle large-scale cyber threats.
This proactive stance is evident in Saudi Arabia’s role as host of major events, such as the Global Cybersecurity Forum, which brings together industry leaders.
Protecting national infrastructure – a key priority
Critical Information Infrastructure Protection has become a top priority for Saudi Arabia as it seeks to secure vital sectors, such as energy, finance, and transportation, from cyber threats.
The Kingdom has experienced several high-profile cyberattacks, most notably the Shamoon attack in 2012, which targeted Saudi Aramco, one of the world’s largest energy companies.
This incident underscored the importance of building robust cybersecurity measures to protect national assets.
Saudi corporations are increasingly focused on quantifying the economic impact of potential cyberattacks, particularly in industries that form the backbone of the national economy.
“Saudi corporations are progressively implementing sophisticated risk assessment tools and methodologies to quantify the economic impact of cyber threats,” Mohamed said.
He explained that this includes evaluating potential financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damage from cyber incidents.
Additionally, cyber insurance is becoming a critical tool for mitigating risks. This provides financial protection against potential cyberattacks and promotes the adoption of best practices across industries.
The growing reliance on cyber insurance reflects the increased awareness among Saudi businesses of the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures.
Exporting cybersecurity expertise and technology
Saudi Arabia’s progress in cybersecurity is not only benefitting the Kingdom but also positioning it as a global leader capable of exporting expertise and technologies.
The National Cybersecurity Authority has been instrumental in fostering international collaborations and creating platforms for knowledge sharing.
Initiatives such as the National Cybersecurity Academy provide advanced training to professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to address both domestic and international challenges.
Alvarez & Marsal’s Mohamed said: “By leveraging its robust cybersecurity frameworks and strategic partnerships, Saudi Arabia can offer tailored cybersecurity services and solutions to other regions. Initiatives such as the National Cybersecurity Academy by the NCA.”
This capacity for exporting cybersecurity solutions will allow Saudi Arabia to play a critical role in addressing global online threats.
Moreover, the Kingdom’s strategic location and status as a regional economic hub make it a key player in cybersecurity across the Middle East and North Africa region.
Saudi Arabia is increasingly seen as a model for other countries seeking to enhance their cybersecurity frameworks. Its experience in managing threats and building resilient digital infrastructure has positioned it as a leader in this space.
The Kingdom’s efforts to protect its critical infrastructure are seen not just as a defensive necessity but also as a key pillar in positioning the Kingdom as a leader in global cybersecurity. Vision 2030 has been a central driver of this transformation.
Samer Omar, cybersecurity and digital trust leader at PwC Middle East, highlighted to Arab News how the Kingdom’s digital growth has shaped its cybersecurity strategy.
“Saudi Arabia has achieved fourth place globally in the digital services index, first regionally, and second among G20 nations. The rapid advance in technology has increased the digital ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, which in turn has further increased its exposure to cyber-attacks,” Omar said.
He added: “In response, the Kingdom has successfully orchestrated a combination of regulations, investments, and awareness which has propelled most sectors to adopt a proactive security by design approach.”
This proactive approach allowed Saudi Arabia to secure the highest ranking possible in the UN Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, a reflection of the Kingdom’s investment in a secure digital future.
Omar pointed out that Vision 2030 has accelerated the investment in human capital to build critical national capability and aid nationals in attaining key cybersecurity skills and certifications.
He also emphasized the vital role Vision 2030 plays in safeguarding the Kingdom’s critical sectors, particularly energy, finance, and smart cities, which are integral to the nation’s economy.
“Saudi Arabia faces compelling challenges in these critical sectors due to the complex infrastructure, creating a potentially vulnerable and vast attack surface for adversaries,” Omar said.
Omar noted Saudi Arabia’s determination to not only secure its own digital landscape but also position itself as a cybersecurity leader on the global stage.
This leadership is exemplified by initiatives like the Global Cybersecurity Forum, which Omar describes as “a unique ecosystem and platform that is actively engaging with leading bodies such as the World Economic Forum,” thus shaping the future of cybersecurity well beyond the Kingdom.
Addressing the cybersecurity talent gap
Saudi Arabia has been proactively addressing the shortage of cybersecurity talent by heavily investing in capacity-building programs supported by both public and private sectors.
“There are an estimated 19,600 Saudi cybersecurity professionals with 32 percent of them being female,” Omar said.
He continued: “In addition, most major universities have cybersecurity education and training including Capture The Flag competitions, and all the major cybersecurity technology vendors provide training on their products and services.”
These efforts are integral to the country’s broader vision of strengthening its digital infrastructure under Vision 2030.
A secure future
According to Omar, the cybersecurity industry in Saudi Arabia is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative and robust regulatory frameworks.
“NCA released a report this year that estimates the size of the cybersecurity market to be SR13.3 billion with 31 percent of the spending from the public sector and the remaining 69 percent from the private sector,” he said.
Omar went on to say: “Some analysts estimate the cybersecurity CAGR to be between 11 percent to 13 percent.”
This is due to Vision 2030, which serves as a catalyst for developing the digital ecosystem, Omar explained, emphasizing the strategic role of the initiative in shaping the country’s cyber transformation.
Pakistan announces tariff cuts on imports under Azerbaijan trade deal
- Imports from Azerbaijan exempted from all kinds of customs and regulatory duties from Dec. 16
- Pakistan and Azerbaijan signed trade agreement in July during President Aliyev’s visit to Islamabad
KARACHI: Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has waived off customs and regulatory duties on imports from Azerbaijan under the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Preferential Trade Agreement, the finance ministry said in a notification this month.
During Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev’s two-day visit to Pakistan in July, both nations agreed to enhance the volume of bilateral trade to $2 billion, vowing to strengthen ties and increase cooperation in mutually beneficial economic projects. They also signed the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Preferential Trade Agreement to boost economic cooperation through the reduction of tariffs on goods like Pakistani sports equipment, leather, and pharmaceuticals as well as Azerbaijani oil and gas products.
“The federal government is pleased to exempt with effect from Dec. 16, 2024, the import into Pakistan from Azerbaijan of the goods specified,” the finance ministry said in a notification. adding that imports from Azerbaijan would be exempted from all kinds of tariffs including customs duty, additional customs duty and regulatory duty.
“Provided that where the rates of customs duty, additional customs duty, and regulatory duty [...] are higher than specified rates, the lower rates [...] shall apply,” it added.
The tariff concessions cover items including shelled hazelnuts or filberts, apricots, vegetable saps and extracts, non-stemmed tobacco, polyethylene, propylene copolymers, casing, tubing, drill pipes and refined copper wire with a maximum cross-sectional dimension exceeding 6 mm.
In recent weeks, there has been a flurry of visits, investment talks and economic activity between officials from Pakistan and the Central Asian nations as well as other transcontinental and landlocked countries like Azerbaijan as Islamabad seeks to consolidate the South Asian nation’s role as a pivotal trade and transit hub.
Oil Updates – crude falls on demand growth concerns, robust dollar
LONDON, Dec 20 : Oil prices fell on Friday on worries about demand growth in 2025, especially in top crude importer China, putting global oil benchmarks on track to end the week down more than 3 percent.
Brent crude futures fell by 32 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $72.56 a barrel by 4:09 p.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also eased 32 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $69.06 per barrel.
Chinese state-owned refiner Sinopec said in its annual energy outlook released on Thursday that China’s crude imports could peak as soon as 2025 and the country’s oil consumption would peak by 2027 as diesel and gasoline demand weaken.
“Benchmark crude prices are in a prolonged consolidation phase as the market heads toward the year-end weighed by uncertainty in oil demand growth,” said Emril Jamil, senior research specialist at LSEG.
He added that OPEC+ would require supply discipline to perk up prices and soothe jittery market nerves over continuous revisions of its demand growth outlook. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, together called OPEC+, recently cut its growth forecast for 2024 global oil demand for a fifth straight month.
JPMorgan sees the oil market moving from balance in 2024 to a surplus of 1.2 million barrels per day in 2025, as the bank forecasts non-OPEC+ supply increasing by 1.8 million bpd in 2025 and OPEC output remaining at current levels.
Meanwhile, the dollar’s climb to near a two-year high also weighed on oil prices, after the US Federal Reserve flagged it would be cautious about cutting interest rates in 2025.
A stronger dollar makes oil more expensive for holders of other currencies, while a slower pace of rate cuts could dampen economic growth and trim oil demand.
US President-elect Donald Trump said on Friday that the EU may face tariffs if the bloc does not cut its growing deficit with the US by making large oil and gas trades with the world’s largest economy.
In a move that could pare supply, G7 countries are considering ways to tighten the price cap on Russian oil, such as with an outright ban or by lowering the price threshold, Bloomberg reported on Thursday.
Russia has circumvented the $60 per barrel cap imposed in 2022 using its “shadow fleet” of ships, which the EU and UK have targeted with further sanctions in recent days.
Saudi Arabia drives MENA e-commerce growth during festive season: report
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia played a pivotal role in driving a 44 percent increase in e-commerce orders across the Middle East and North Africa region during the 2024 festive season, according to a joint study by Flowwow and Admitad.
The surge was fueled by trends in mobile shopping, cultural celebrations, and gifting. Saudi Arabia led the way in mobile commerce adoption, with 62 percent of online purchases made via mobile devices.
The report also highlighted significant growth in the broader MENA e-commerce market, which is expected to reach $50 billion by 2025. During the holiday season, this market experienced a substantial uptick in activity.
Flowwow, a UAE-based gifting marketplace, reported a 62 percent rise in purchases, an 86 percent increase in sales turnover, and a 15.76 percent increase in average order value compared to the previous year.
Slava Bogdan, CEO of Flowwow, said: “The festive season is one of the peak shopping periods for Flowwow gifting marketplace. It’s a time when our customers focus on celebrating and sharing joy through thoughtful gifts for their loved ones.”
He continued: “Starting with White Friday in November and continuing through the Christmas and New Year festivities, this period represents a critical shopping time in the GCC region, especially with the growing expat population.”
According to the study, November emerged as the busiest month for e-commerce, driven by Black Friday sales and preparations for Christmas and New Year. Ramadan in March and International Women’s Day in January also contributed to sales growth, with increases of 11 percent and 14 percent, respectively.
Across the region, the average order value rose from $30 in 2023 to $36 in 2024, reflecting a shift toward higher spending on quality items.
The report further revealed that mobile commerce accounted for 44.6 percent of all orders in the region in 2024. Following Saudi Arabia’s lead, the UAE recorded 60 percent adoption, Bahrain had 59 percent, and Oman followed with 58 percent. Kuwait and Qatar also saw strong mobile commerce uptake at 57 percent and 54 percent, respectively.
Marketplaces continued to dominate, contributing to 67 percent of total sales. Key product categories included electronics, fashion, and home and garden, while high-value items like furniture and jewelry drove higher AOVs.
“This year’s surge in e-commerce activity demonstrates the evolving shopping habits in the MENA region, where mobile-first experiences and marketplace-driven sales have become the backbone of consumer behavior. Our data highlights how businesses can leverage these trends to optimize their strategies and grow significantly during peak seasons,” said Anna Gidirim, CEO of Admitad.
Among the countries in the region, Kuwait recorded the highest average order value at $127, followed by the UAE at $102, Egypt at $74, Saudi Arabia at $52, and Qatar at $50.
Pakistan saw the largest sales growth at 28 percent, with notable increases in Kuwait at 17 percent and Saudi Arabia at 8 percent, according to the survey data.
The report emphasized the importance of cultural celebrations in shaping consumer behavior and underscored the growing role of mobile commerce and marketplaces in the region’s e-commerce landscape.
Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends week in red; trade volume nears $3bn
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index closed in red on Thursday, losing 68.61 points, or 0.57 percent, to settle at 11,892.44.
The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR10.9 billion ($2.9 billion), as 51 of the listed stocks advanced, while 185 retreated.
The MSCI Tadawul Index also decreased by 8.95 points, or 0.60 percent, to close at 1,489.42.
The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu gained 247.96 points, or 0.79 percent, to close at 31,444.21. This comes as 33 of the listed stocks advanced, while 49 retreated.
The best-performing stock of the day was Savola Group, with its share price surging by 9.97 percent to SR36.95.
Other top performers included Middle East Specialized Cables Co., which saw its share price rise by 5.14 percent to SR41.90, and Arabian Centers Co., which saw a 3.94 percent increase to SR21.62.
Bawan Co. and Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. also saw a positive change, with their share prices surging by 3.64 percent and 3.23 percent to SR57 and SR0.32, respectively.
The worst performer of the day was Fitaihi Holding Group, whose share price fell by 6.68 percent to SR4.05.
Arabian Contracting Services Co. and AYYAN Investment Co. also saw declines, with their shares dropping by 4.17 percent and 14.42 percent to SR156.40 and SR3.87, respectively.
Moreover, Raydan Food Co. and East Pipes Integrated Co. for Industry also saw declines in today’s session, with their share prices dropping by 3.32 percent and 3.30 percent to SR22.10 and SR135, respectively.
On Nomu, the top performer was Leaf Global Environmental Services Co., with its share price surging by 13.29 percent to reach SR110.
In second place was Intelligent Oud Co. for Trading, which saw an 8.92 percent surge in terms of share price to SR48.25, followed by National Environmental Recycling Co., which saw a 6.71 percent surge in its share price to reach SR8.11.
Saudi Azm for Communication and Information Technology Co. and Gas Arabian Services Co. also fared well with 6.16 percent and 4.67 percent increases, respectively.
On the announcement front, United Electronics Co., also known as eXtra, has recommended repurchasing up to 3 million ordinary shares to be held as treasury shares, according to a filing with the Tadawul.
The board highlighted that the current market price of the company’s stock is below its fair value, prompting the buyback proposal.
The repurchase will be financed through eXtra’s internal resources, including proceeds from the successful initial public offering of its subsidiary, United International Holding Co.
Currently, 4.4 percent of eXtra’s share capital is held as treasury shares. The company highlighted that repurchased shares will not carry voting rights at shareholders’ meetings.
The proposed buyback is subject to approval by the extraordinary general meeting. It will also require compliance with financial solvency requirements outlined in the executive regulations of the Companies Law governing listed joint-stock companies.
ACWA Power Co. has also submitted a request to the Capital Market Authority to increase its capital through an SR7.13 billion rights issue, according to a bourse filing.
The company stated that further updates regarding the capital increase will be disclosed in due course.
Red Sea International Co.’s subsidiary, Fundamental Installation for Electric Work Co., has signed an agreement to increase its credit facilities with Saudi Awwal Bank by SR100 million, according to a statement to Tadawul.
As a result, the total value of the facilities will rise to SR296.11 million, with the financing period extending until Dec. 18, 2025.
The agreement includes a promissory note of SR296.10 million signed by Fundamental Installation for Electric Work, Red Sea International, and MSB Holding, as well as Fares Esamet Al-Saadi and Zeyad Al-Sayegh.
Personal guarantees of SR14.50 million and SR29.01 million were also provided by Al-Sayegh and Al-Saadi, respectively, while MSB Holding and Red Sea International issued corporate guarantees of SR101.56 million and SR151.01 million, respectively.
The additional credit facilities aim to increase the limit of letters of credit to support the import and procurement of goods for one of the company’s projects.
United Electronics Co.’s share price increased by 3.05 percent in Thursday’s trading session to reach SR98.
ACWA Power Co. Saw a 2.13 percent drop in its share price to close Thursday’s trading at SR377.60.
Red Sea International Co.’s share price dropped 1.06 percent to settle at SR0.60 by Thursday’s end.
