Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,081 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,081 
TASI’s top performer was Tabuk Agricultural Development Co., which saw a 7.34 percent jump to SR16.96. Shutterstock.
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Updated 27 November 2023
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,081 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,081 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index closed at 11,080.74 points on Monday, marking a decrease of 9.68 points, or 0.09 percent. 

Simultaneously, the parallel market, Nomu, concluded at 24,259.32, registering a drop of 98.78 points or 0.41 percent. The MSCI Index also slipped by 2.12 points to settle at 1,425.70, a drop of 0.15 percent.   

By the day’s end, the main index posted a trading value of SR5.08 billion ($1.3 billion) with 80 stocks advancing and 129 declining. Meanwhile, Nomu reported a trade volume of SR14.7 million.   

TASI’s top performer was Tabuk Agricultural Development Co., which saw a 7.34 percent jump to SR16.96. 

Ataa Educational Co. and Saudi Research and Media Group also recorded notable gains, with their shares closing at SR73 and SR164, marking an increase of 6.73 percent and 6.22 percent, respectively.

Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Co. and Middle East Healthcare Co. also fared well.   

Conversely, Jadwa REIT Saudi Fund was the worst performer, declining by 3.52 percent, to close at SR12.62. Other underperformers included Alamar Foods Co. and Wafrah for Industry and Development Co., whose share prices slipped to SR117.80 and SR39.20, a drop by 2.97 percent and 2.73 percent, respectively.   

Ades Holding Co. and Gulf General Cooperative Insurance Co. also declined during the day to settle at SR21.36 and SR7.60, respectively.   

In Nomu, Arabian Plastic Industrial Co. recorded the largest dip, declining by 9.50 percent to SR40. Paper Home Co. and Saudi Top for Trading Co. experienced setbacks, with their shares dropping to SR179 and SR7.05, reflecting declines of 6.58 percent and 6.37 percent, respectively.  

Losses were also reported for Fesh Fash Snack Food Production Co. and Leen Alkhair Trading Co.  

However, Horizon Food Co. was the top performer in Nomu with a 10.53 percent increase to close at SR63. United Mining Industries Co. also closed in green with a 6.52 percent increase to settle at SR25.50.   

In Nomu, Obeikan Glass Co. was amongst the top performers with a 5.09 percent increase to close at SR61.90. Alhasoob Co. and Edarat Communication and Information Technology Co. were also on the list with an increase of 3.54 and 3.49 percent, closing at SR84.90 and SR302.60, respectively.  

On the announcement front, Qassim Cement Co.’s board of directors agreed to distribute cash dividends to the company’s shareholders for the third quarter of 2023.  

The total amount distributed is SR58.5 million for a total of 90 million shares at SR0.65 per share.  

The company’s stock price closed at SR64.20 on Monday, rising by 0.63 percent.  


Saudi Arabia extends waiver on expat fees for industrial sector employees

Saudi Arabia extends waiver on expat fees for industrial sector employees
Updated 13 August 2024
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Saudi Arabia extends waiver on expat fees for industrial sector employees

Saudi Arabia extends waiver on expat fees for industrial sector employees

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday announced an extension of its waiver on fees for expatriate workers in the industrial sector, continuing a policy first introduced in 2019.

This decision, effective until Dec. 31, 2024, is part of the Kingdom’s broader strategy to stimulate growth and investment in its industrial sector.

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their continued support, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He emphasized that the extension of the fee waiver will further stimulate the industrial sector, generate more employment opportunities, and bolster Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports.

The minister said the waiver has been instrumental in transforming the industrial landscape of Saudi Arabia. Since its inception, the number of industrial establishments has surged from 8,822 to 11,868 by April 2024. This substantial increase reflects the sector’s expansion and the positive impact of the government’s financial incentives, he added.

Employment within the sector has also seen a significant boost, growing by 57 percent, while the localization rate — the proportion of Saudi nationals employed—has risen to 32 percent. These developments highlight the effectiveness of the policy in creating job opportunities for Saudis and enhancing local workforce integration.

According to the minister, investment in the industrial sector has soared by 55 percent, with total investments climbing from SR992 billion ($264.24 billion) in 2019 to more than SR1.542 trillion by the end of 2023. This increase underscores the success of the fee waiver in attracting and sustaining high levels of investment, he added.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports have experienced a notable 12 percent rise during the same period, demonstrating the sector’s growing contribution to the Kingdom’s export economy.

In conjunction with this announcement, the Cabinet approved several significant international agreements. Among these is a mutual visa exemption agreement with Uzbekistan for holders of diplomatic and special passports, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

The Cabinet also endorsed a memorandum of understanding with China to foster cultural cooperation and another with Switzerland to enhance tourism collaboration.

Furthermore, the Cabinet reviewed Saudi Arabia’s initiatives to advance global sustainability and environmental conservation efforts. It authorized Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih to negotiate and sign a MoU with Georgia to promote direct investment, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to expanding its international economic partnerships.

 


PIF-owned Saudi Investment Recycling Co. expands PET flake exports to UK

PIF-owned Saudi Investment Recycling Co. expands PET flake exports to UK
Updated 13 August 2024
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PIF-owned Saudi Investment Recycling Co. expands PET flake exports to UK

PIF-owned Saudi Investment Recycling Co. expands PET flake exports to UK
  • SIRC announced its first shipment of heat-washed, recycled flakes has reached a major UK PET bottle manufacturer
  • Cmpany said transport was facilitated through Masab, in partnership with SIRC’s joint venture, Yadoum

RIYADH: Saudi Investment Recycling Co. has expanded its export of recycled polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, flakes to the UK, following successful shipments to Spain earlier this year.  

The company, a subsidiary of the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, announced that its first shipment of heat-washed, recycled flakes has reached a major UK PET bottle manufacturer. 

Recycled PET flakes are small plastic pieces made from used polyethylene terephthalate products like bottles. These flakes are processed into raw material for new PET bottles, textiles, and packaging, contributing to waste reduction and sustainability. 

The company said the transport was facilitated through the Masab plastic recycling project, in partnership with SIRC’s joint venture, Yadoum, established in 2022. 

This milestone represents a significant step for Yadoum as it enters the UK market, a region with substantial demand for recyclable materials. 

Earlier this year, SIRC began exporting PET flakes to Spain, with exports surpassing 1,650 tonnes. The company sees this expansion as a key opportunity to strengthen its European partnerships and enhance its export capabilities. 

This cooperation, it added, is expected to drive further integration in the PET recycling sector and other related fields. 

Ziyad Al-Shiha, CEO of SIRC, said: “We take pride in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s sustainability objectives through this initiative.” 

He emphasized the company’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, diverting waste from landfills, and supporting the Saudi Green Initiative. 

In August 2023, SIRC joined the European Petrochemical Association, a network of over 650 companies worldwide, aligning with its strategic goals under Saudi Vision 2030 to reduce landfill reliance and lower carbon emissions. 


GCC cities predicted to emerge as top global shopping destinations

GCC cities predicted to emerge as top global shopping destinations
Updated 13 August 2024
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GCC cities predicted to emerge as top global shopping destinations

GCC cities predicted to emerge as top global shopping destinations
  • Transformation expected to significantly enhance urban gross domestic product and create numerous job opportunities
  • Approximately 21% of Dubai's workforce is employed in the retail sector,

RIYADH: Cities in the Gulf Cooperation Council, with Dubai at the forefront, are poised to become top global shopping destinations, according to an industry report.

This transformation is expected to significantly enhance urban gross domestic product and create numerous job opportunities. Retail spending in the region is expected to rise by 37 percent from 2022, reaching $300 billion by 2028, highlighting the sector’s substantial economic potential.

The report titled “Shopping for growth: how to build an urban retail destination” issued by Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network, Dubai stands out as the only GCC city among the six top global retail destinations, which include London, Milan, New York, Seoul, and Tokyo.

With a retail spend per capita of approximately $14,000, Dubai ranks second only to New York City in terms of consumer expenditure.

Approximately 21 percent of Dubai's workforce is employed in the retail sector, the highest proportion among the six leading cities. This sector also contributes a remarkable 24 percent to the city's urban GDP.

“We see major cities in the GCC region pursuing urban transformation and expansion with mega-projects, diversifying economies with the aim of achieving growth,” Ramy Sfeir, partner at Strategy&, and the leader of the family business, investments, and real estate practice in the Middle East, said.

He added: “Within this transformation and expansion is tremendous opportunity to realize the potential for growth in the retail sector, translating to significant opportunity to boost economies.”

The report highlights that the retail sectors in these cities not only support local businesses but also bolster creative industries like design and fashion. Additionally, they play a key role in achieving broader economic objectives such as diversification and resilience.

“It is clear that investment in the retail sector in major cities across the GCC region can, and would, have (a) far-reaching impact,” Makram Debbas, another partner at Strategy& Middle East, said.

He added: “Beyond the fiscal benefits, establishing global shopping destinations across the GCC would advance the region’s tourism ambitions. Positive impact would also be felt in an improvement of quality of life for citizens and residents as well as bolstering the overall reputation of the city itself.”

Despite the retail sector's substantial economic potential, the report also identifies significant challenges. One concern is the ease of international travel, which allows shoppers to seek unique retail experiences abroad. According to a recent Strategy& survey, residents in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Doha spend between $3,500 and $5,000 per capita annually on retail, with 50-60 percent shopping abroad at least twice a year.

However, with effective governance and strategic planning, GCC cities can overcome these challenges. The report highlights several key opportunities to boost local shopping, such as expanding brand and product offerings and investing in specialized training for retail staff to enhance service quality.

Improving supply chain management, logistics, and customer technologies is crucial for advancing the retail sector. To attract more retailers, updated investment regulations are also needed. Enhancing the shopping experience by incorporating diverse culinary, entertainment, and cultural venues can significantly enrich the overall experience and appeal to a broader audience.


Closing bell: Saudi main index gains 56 points to 11,797

Closing bell: Saudi main index gains 56 points to 11,797
Updated 13 August 2024
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Closing bell: Saudi main index gains 56 points to 11,797

Closing bell: Saudi main index gains 56 points to 11,797
  • Total trading turnover of the benchmark index was $1.44 billion
  • Parallel market Nomu gained 80.82 points to close at 25,365.12

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Tuesday, gaining 56.18 points or 0.48 percent, to close at 11,796.84. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR5.42 billion ($1.44 billion), as 163 of the listed stocks advanced, while 62 retreated. 

Saudi Arabia’s parallel market Nomu gained 80.82 points to close at 25,365.12. The MSCI Tadawul Index also edged up by 0.19 percent to 1,478.61. 

The best-performing stock of the main index was CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co. The firm’s share price surged by 10 percent to SR29.70. 

Other top performers include Saudi Ground Services Co. and AYYAN Investment Co., whose share prices soared by 9.87 percent and 8.93 percent, respectively. 

The worst performer of the day was Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co., as its share price slipped by 2.65 percent to SR8.09. 

The share prices of Saudi Industrial Export Co. and Nayifat Finance Co. also dropped by 2.48 percent and 2.46 percent, respectively. 

The top gainer on the parallel market was MOBI Industry Co. with its share price surging by 11.24 percent to SR13.66. 

Other best performers on Nomu were Alhasoob Co. and Alqemam for Computer Systems Co., whose share prices also increased by 10 percent and 9.57 percent, respectively. 

In corporate announcements, Saudi Azm for Communication and Information Technology Co. disclosed it has been awarded a project from the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, also known as Monsha’at, to manage subsidized service vouchers and discount services. The project’s value exceeds 15 percent of the company’s total revenues for 2023. 

Banque Saudi Franci announced the issuance of Saudi riyal-denominated additional Tier 1 sukuk under its SR8 billion Additional Tier 1 Capital Sukuk Program. 

The sukuk, to be issued via a private placement in the Kingdom, will be determined based on market conditions. The issuance period runs from Aug. 13 to 26, with Saudi Fransi Capital serving as the sole book runner, lead arranger, and lead manager. 


Kuwait’s Warba Bank lists $500m sustainable sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai

Kuwait’s Warba Bank lists $500m sustainable sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai
Updated 13 August 2024
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Kuwait’s Warba Bank lists $500m sustainable sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai

Kuwait’s Warba Bank lists $500m sustainable sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai
  • The issuance is the first of its kind in Kuwait under Warba Bank’s sustainable finance framework
  • The sukuk attracted robust investor interest with orders totaling $1.8 billion

RIYADH: Nasdaq Dubai has listed $500 million in sustainable trust certificates issued by Kuwait’s Warba Bank, marking a significant advancement in the region’s financial sector. 

The issuance, the first of its kind in Kuwait under Warba Bank’s sustainable finance framework, is part of a broader $2 billion trust certificate program, according to a press release. 

The sukuk, which attracted robust investor interest with orders totaling $1.8 billion — 3.6 times the issuance size — underscores a growing appetite for sustainable investment opportunities in the Middle East. 

The global sukuk market, linked to environmental, social, and governance principles, is expected to exceed $50 billion in the next two years, driven by funding diversification goals, according to Fitch Ratings. 

Other factors catalyzing the growth of these Shariah-compliant debt products include new ESG mandates, regulatory frameworks, and government-led sustainability initiatives. 

With this latest listing, Warba Bank’s total sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai now stands at $1.25 billion across three listings. The five-year certificates are intended to finance sustainable projects, aligning with global sustainability objectives. 

The listing further strengthens Nasdaq Dubai’s position as a platform for both fixed-income and ESG listings. 

The exchange now hosts $134 billion in listed fixed-income securities and $30 billion in ESG listings, of which $18 billion are ESG sukuk, including the latest issuance by Warba Bank.