KAFD, stc and PIF’s Asfar sign deals at Private Sector Forum

KAFD, stc and PIF’s Asfar sign deals at Private Sector Forum
King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh. Shutterstock
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Updated 08 February 2024
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KAFD, stc and PIF’s Asfar sign deals at Private Sector Forum

KAFD, stc and PIF’s Asfar sign deals at Private Sector Forum

RIYADH: Multiple agreements were signed during the second day of the Public Investment Fund’s Private Sector Forum to enhance the local economy, tourism, and telecommunication sectors.

These deals included contracts awarded by King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Co., which is wholly owned by PIF, the soverign wealth fund’s subsidary Asfar.

stc Group also signed several new agreements with local partners with the aim of enriching the local economy, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The contracts inked covered a range of objectives, spanning from sustainability to digital transformation. 

They included an agreement with Gazal, a PIF portfolio company, to provide eco-friendly mobility movement at its headquarters. 

Al-Jazea Contracting and Trading Co. also signed with stc Group to establish a grey hydro treatment plant that aims to reduce water consumption and achieve broader sustainability goals.

An additional deal was inked with Master Works to enhance the customer experience by expanding stc Group’s capabilities to monitor new key performance indicators.

During the forum, the group also signed contracts with Middle Sea for Telecommunication Establishment, Prime Gate Co., and Awnas Contracting Co. to modernize infrastructure and advance sustainability efforts, particularly focusing on offloading stc Group’s outside plant infrastructure.

Commenting on the company’s participation at the forum, stc Group CEO Olayan Al-Wetaid told SPA: “We welcome the opportunity to participate once again at the PIF Private Sector Forum – a brilliant space to reaffirm our commitment to driving forward the Kingdom’s economic agenda. At stc Group, we are dedicated to providing world-class connectivity, driving digital transformation, and empowering sustainable growth.”

Capping stc Group’s involvement, an agreement was also signed with Simah to develop a system for integration and validation of partner data, enhancing the onboarding process, in an initiative called “Partner Hub Enhancement.”

For their part, KAFD DMC announced a series of partnerships and collaborations at the second edition of the PIF forum.

KAFD awarded several contracts for five private enterprises across diverse sectors, from construction to hospitality and technology solutions, marking a milestone in the ongoing development and renovation works of the district, a release by the company said.

During the two-day forum, KAFD DMC, the company that oversees the development, signed an agreement with Advanced Communications & Electronic Systems Co., known as ACES.

The contract entails the implementation of state-of-the-art 4G and 5G telecom infrastructure in KAFD, in order to support all mobile operators and provide connectivity for all residents, visitors, and businesses.

Continuing its development trajectory, the entity also awarded three design and build contracts to the Mohammed Al-Rashid Trading and Contracting Co., which will design, build and handover works for Buildings 3.01, 3.02, 3.06, and the rooftop area of Building 3.11, in addition to two sky bridges in the district.

Meanwhile, MID Arabia Contracting Co. will be stepping in to complete the fit-out for a new lifestyle hotel in KAFD. 

Similarly, Source Machinery was awarded two contracts to embark on the development of Phases 1, 2, 3, and 4 of KAFD’s Area 6, laying the groundwork for future expansion plans, the release noted, while JASH TECHNICAL Services was commissioned to provide comprehensive community services for the district’s common use facilities.

Commenting on these latest collaborations, Gautam Sashittal, CEO of KAFD DMC, said in a release: “The partnerships announced represent a powerful testament to the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia.”

Finally, a release stated that PIF subsidiary Asfar announced the signing of a partnership agreement with IHCC to establish a health resort in the city of Taif, which will encompass over ​​94 thousand sq. meters.

According to the release, the project seeks to embody the essence of medical tourism through entertainment, luxury and tranquility.

It aims to attract visitors seeking wellness and adventure to a distinctive experience of weaving local and international treatments, complemented by tailored nutrition plans and an array of other services and amenities, all designed to provide a sense of rejuvenation and tranquility.

Fahad bin Mushayt, CEO of Asfar, said in the release that this partnership aims to provide an innovative and integrated approach to health and wellness, set a new standard of excellence and enrich the lives of both residents and visitors to the region. 

This project embodies the commitment to promoting progress, well-being, and prosperity in the Kingdom.

He pointed out that the project offers a range of health and entertainment services and amenities, including cafes, retail options, suites and rooms, villas, as well as specialized restaurants, cinemas, a spa, a clinic, and an advanced laboratory.


Saudi Aramco partners with Petrovietnam and Taulia  

Saudi Aramco partners with Petrovietnam and Taulia  
Updated 32 sec ago
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Saudi Aramco partners with Petrovietnam and Taulia  

Saudi Aramco partners with Petrovietnam and Taulia  

RIYADH: Saudi energy giant Aramco has agreed to work with Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, known as Petrovietnam, in storage, supply, and trading across the companies’ energy and petrochemical segments.

Formalized during Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Saudi Arabia and signed at the eighth Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, the Collaboration Framework Agreement aims to explore initiatives that could optimize operations and drive value, according to a press release. 

Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Aramco’s downstream president, said: “We look forward to exploring multiple opportunities with Petrovietnam that complement Aramco’s global downstream ambitions.” 

Petrovietnam CEO Le Ngoc Son emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, calling it “evidence of the strong cooperative relationship between Petrovietnam and Aramco.” 

In a related development, Aramco has also partnered with Taulia, a SAP-owned fintech company specializing in working capital management solutions.  

Supported by the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, the partnership will create one of the world’s largest supply chain financing programs, designed to enhance liquidity for Aramco’s suppliers.  

This program aims to provide a cost-effective financing alternative, improve cash flow forecasting, and strengthen Aramco’s supply chain resilience. 

Ziad Al-Murshed, Aramco’s chief financial officer and executive vice president of finance, highlighted the strategic importance of the new fintech solution, saying: “At Aramco, we recognize the crucial role our suppliers play in contributing to our business continuity.”  

He added that the platform will offer suppliers “a unique and competitive financing opportunity” and allow banks to participate as finance providers, “enhancing the solution’s scale and viability.”


New entrant in Saudi EV market aims to empower young locals as future industry leaders

New entrant in Saudi EV market aims to empower young locals as future industry leaders
Updated 14 min 45 sec ago
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New entrant in Saudi EV market aims to empower young locals as future industry leaders

New entrant in Saudi EV market aims to empower young locals as future industry leaders

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s ambitious drive to electrify its transportation sector is set to gain momentum with the entry of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Co., which plans to generate over 1,000 local jobs and train the Kingdom’s youth. 

Speaking to Arab News during the Jeddah International Motor Show, managing director Hasan Nergiz said that any Saudi aspiring to lead in the electric vehicle industry can learn how to do so within the Kingdom. 

“Previously, we had to send people to China, Dubai, or other parts of the world for training. We decided to make a local investment instead, training individuals in the Kingdom. This qualified workforce will become the future leaders of the electric vehicle market,” he said. 

“This is coming through our sales force, from headquarters, master technicians, technicians, and the entire after-sales team. So, our commitment is creating job opportunities,” Nergiz added. 

He explained that these would be EV-specific jobs. “In the world, these skills are very sparse. This is exactly the reason why we are going to open our first technical center in Riyadh with the simulators that we can bring,” Nergiz said. 

The executive added that Al-Futtaim Group has been exploring opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s passenger car market, having already been in the Kingdom for more than 15 years with construction equipment and commercial vehicles. 

“We have our retail business here and we have our other investment, but for the passenger cars, which is the flagship of the Al-Futtaim Group, BYD was a fantastic opportunity to enter the market,” he said. 

He pointed out that Saudi Arabia and the UAE account for nearly 80 percent of the Gulf Cooperation Council automotive market, and establishing a strong presence in these countries allows them to dominate the regional opportunity. 

Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 targets — such as converting 30 percent of Riyadh’s vehicles to electric by 2030 — Nergiz expressed confidence in the region’s commitment to an electric future. 

On the topic of charging infrastructure, he explained that customers’ top barriers to adopting EV technology are price and access to charging. For this, their strategy involves partnerships with local companies.

“There are already a lot of private companies or government-sponsored companies that have put huge investments, and they are committed, up to 2030, to build this infrastructure. So, I think the partnership is the best for the consumer because these companies, ready to build the infrastructure, need the utilization, and they need more electric vehicles on the road,” he said.

The company signed its first memorandum of understanding with Turning Point, a charging company, during the EV Auto Show 2024 held in Riyadh, and is on the verge of inking another with one of the country’s largest charging companies.

“We do not look at charging as a separate competition, because if everybody comes ... and they try to get their limited pie of the market, the market will never grow. Partnership is the right approach in the Kingdom,” he said. 

Nergiz added that they are confident this approach will benefit the local economy. He stressed that charging points should be widely available, with options for home, destination, and the office, as well as along highways and key locations between major cities.

Commenting on the competitive landscape, Nergiz highlighted a two-fold view that balances future potential with present realities. 

He emphasized that the long-term outlook for EVs is promising, largely due to the Saudi government’s Vision 2030, but acknowledged that technology is still relatively new in the market.

Additionally, the infrastructure to support it — particularly the charging network — is in its early stages. 

He added that only a few companies, including some legacy automakers, have launched EVs in the market, making it somewhat nascent. 

Nergiz highlighted BYD’s advantage in offering both fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. 

“One of the good things about BYD is that we have two technologies: electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, and if you look at the hybrid market, which is growing massively because the big market players have their hybrid models, and the customers appreciate the benefits of the fuel-saving or total cost of ownership, it’s already accepted technology,” he said. 

The managing director explained the brands were launched in March 2024 with pop-up showrooms in five Cenomi malls. They currently have two in Riyadh, one in Jeddah, and two in Dammam. He stressed the importance of being present in these major cities from day one.

“In June, we opened our first discovery centers in Riyadh. Last month, we opened our first showroom in Jeddah, and, in a few months, we will also open our first showroom in Dammam,” he said. 

He mentioned that the pop-up strategy, aimed at introducing the brand in high-footfall shopping malls, is transitioning to permanent locations in three cities, and they are also considering building more.

Nergiz stated that they will open their first body-and-paint facility in Riyadh next month, which will also serve as a training center for technicians. In a few months, he added, they will launch a similar workshop and training center in Jeddah while working on initiatives in Dammam, emphasizing their focus on selling technology rather than cars.

Additionally, they are establishing spare-part distribution centers in Riyadh and other regions as part of their expansion strategy in the Saudi market.

On product offerings, Nergiz highlighted BYD’s dual technologies — electric and plug-in hybrids — as well as its competitive pricing and comprehensive features, which include enhanced safety and connectivity options typically seen in luxury segments. 

“BYD actually started as a battery company. They are the world’s best battery technology provider. In fact, they also sell the likes of Toyota and Tesla their batteries. So, they are dead good,” he concluded. 


ACWA Power inks $1.78bn agreements to boost renewable energy, R&D

ACWA Power inks $1.78bn agreements to boost renewable energy, R&D
Updated 32 min 15 sec ago
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ACWA Power inks $1.78bn agreements to boost renewable energy, R&D

ACWA Power inks $1.78bn agreements to boost renewable energy, R&D
  • First agreement is a $690 million framework deal with the National Bank of Kuwait for general corporate finance facilities
  • ACWA Power secured a $240 million Shariah-compliant equity bridge loan from the International Finance Corp.

RIYADH: Saudi utility giant ACWA Power signed four agreements valued at SR6.69 billion ($1.78 billion) on the first day of the eighth Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh. 

The deals span corporate financing, renewable energy projects, and research partnerships across the Gulf Cooperation Council, China, Central Asia, and North Africa, highlighting the company’s expanding global reach. 

The first agreement is a $690 million framework deal with the National Bank of Kuwait for general corporate finance facilities, supporting ACWA Power’s project pipeline in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other target markets. 

Additionally, ACWA Power secured a $240 million Shariah-compliant equity bridge loan from the International Finance Corp. to fund two solar projects in Uzbekistan. 

“These agreements exemplify the extensive breadth of our portfolio and the diverse initiatives we pursue. By collaborating with a variety of partners, we enhance our capabilities, particularly in the areas of innovation and research within our key sectors,” said Marco Arcelli, CEO of ACWA Power. 

Uzbekistan has become a key market for ACWA Power, which has been active in the Central Asian nation’s renewable energy sector in recent years. 

Located in Samarkand, the Sazagan 1 and 2 projects each include 500 megawatts of solar photovoltaic and 334 MW of battery energy storage systems. ACWA Power noted that both projects are expected to commence commercial operations between the third quarter of 2025 and the fourth quarter of 2026. 

The company also signed a joint development agreement with Gotion Power Morocco, a battery solutions provider. Under this agreement, ACWA Power will develop a 500 MW wind power plant incorporating a 2,000 MWh battery energy storage system. 

The project will supply energy to Gotion Power’s battery manufacturing plant in Morocco, slated to start production in the first half of 2026. The initial investment for the project is $800 million. 

ACWA Power also signed a $54 million research and development agreement with China’s Lujiazui Administration Bureau to establish an R&D center in Shanghai. The center will focus on advancing technologies in solar, wind, energy storage, green hydrogen, and desalination. 

“Such strategic alliances reinforce ACWA Power’s dedication to its mission of delivering affordable and reliable power and water solutions on a global scale, thereby strengthening our role in shaping a sustainable future,” concluded Arcelli. 


Oil Updates – crude hovers at 1-month low with supply drivers back in focus

Oil Updates – crude hovers at 1-month low with supply drivers back in focus
Updated 30 October 2024
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Oil Updates – crude hovers at 1-month low with supply drivers back in focus

Oil Updates – crude hovers at 1-month low with supply drivers back in focus
  • Brent inches up 0.5 percent, WTI up 0.6 percent
  • Markets eye potential Israel-Hezbollah peace deal
  • US crude inventories unexpectedly fall — API

NEW YORK/SINGAPORE: Oil prices held at more than one-month lows, after sliding in the previous two sessions, as markets weighed a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and rising OPEC+ crude supplies against a possible drop in US fuel stocks.

Brent crude futures gained 38 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $71.50 a barrel by 7:51 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 43 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $67.64 per barrel.

Prices fell for a second straight session on Tuesday when an Axios reporter said on X that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would hold an imminent meeting with several ministers, the heads of the military and intelligence community about talks on a diplomatic solution to the war in Lebanon.

A deal that would end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah could be achieved within a few weeks, Israeli and US officials said, according to Axios.

“A hefty plunge in oil prices since the start of the week may call for an attempt to stabilize in today’s session, but overall gains remain limited, given the lack of bullish catalysts to drive a more sustained up-move,” said IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong in an email.

“A ceasefire deal in the Middle East is on the table, which reduces the risks of a wider escalation impacting oil production, while we still have OPEC+ unwinding of production cuts on the horizon,” he added.

OPEC+, which groups the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies such as Russia, is scheduled to raise output by 180,000 barrels per day in December. The group has cut output by a total of 5.86 million bpd, equivalent to about 5.7 percent of global oil demand.

Attention in oil markets was likely to shift back to OPEC, given the planned output raise from December, while weak demand in China would also be in focus, ANZ analysts said in a client note.

Meanwhile, US crude oil and fuel stocks fell last week, market sources said on Tuesday, citing American Petroleum Institute figures.

Crude stocks dipped by 573,000 barrels in the week ended Oct. 25, the sources said on condition of anonymity. Gasoline inventories lost 282,000 barrels, and distillate stocks fell by 1.46 million barrels, the sources said.

Nine analysts polled by Reuters had expected a 2.2 million-barrel rise in crude inventories.

Official US government data is scheduled to be released later on Wednesday. 


Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed reveals 5 investments in health technology

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed reveals 5 investments in health technology
Updated 29 October 2024
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Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed reveals 5 investments in health technology

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed reveals 5 investments in health technology
  • Announcement made during Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi venture capitalist Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed announced five new investments during the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Prince Khaled explained exclusively to Arab News that the five new portfolio companies were focused on the medical technology and health technology sectors.

The royal investor also emphasized his company KBW Ventures’ alignment with Saudi Arabia’s deployment of capital in bioscience and biotechnology.

He said: “We actually have a long footprint in biosciences, but the focus on health technologies and medtech was relatively small until the past 18 months.

“One of our first investments in this health space years ago was a Canadian company that is refining the allergy testing experience, a next-gen solution.

“We haven’t disclosed any of these five publicly yet, and there’s more in the pipeline that we are in the due diligence process for now.” 

Three of KBW’s new ventures — Truelli, Qvin, and CytoSPAR — specialize in different types of diagnostics using advanced proprietary technology.

NeuroPlan is an app that aims to democratize neurological insights by helping users to track and improve cognitive capacity, while the fifth company, Rula Health, is a telehealth startup seeking to address mental health issues.

Prince Khaled added that KBW Ventures, aligned with the Saudi government’s focus on improving the overall health of its population, was also assessing several other businesses for potential investment that aimed to slow the aging process and improve lifespan.

He said: “I’ll be in a conclave around healthy aging solutions at FII addressing technologies that we are looking at in the longevity sector.”

The prince, who is a vegan and fitness aficionado, stressed that early disease detection, prevention, and personalized medicine were all areas that captured both his attention and capital.

During his panel discussion Prince Khaled noted that while KBW Ventures previously focused on early-stage investments, the firm has now moved into growth stage funding.

He said: “A survey of US companies that raised Series A funding and went on to close Series B saw an average of 28 months between rounds; it hasn’t been like that since 2012.”