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Foreign investment levels and sukuk funds among milestones revealed by CMA report

Foreign investment levels and sukuk funds among milestones revealed by CMA report
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Updated 28 June 2024
Arab News
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Foreign investment levels and sukuk funds among milestones revealed by CMA report

Foreign investment levels and sukuk funds among milestones revealed by CMA report
Updated 28 June 2024
Arab News
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RIYADH: Raising SR29.95 billion ($8 billion) from sukuk and debt instruments and securing SR198 billion in foreign investments are some of Saudi Arabia’s achievements underscored in the Kingdom’s Capital Markets Authority’s latest report.

In an analysis of 2023, the CMA set out how its efforts have led to new regulations, robust increased market listings, rigorous enforcement activities, and improved global financial rankings, all in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

In a press release, the authority’s chairman Mohammed El-Kuwaiz commended the Saudi capital market’s achievements, highlighting its ongoing collaboration with partners in the Financial Sector Development Program.

The work of the CMA came against a backdrop of a resurgence in emerging markets – including the Middle East and North Africa – after sell-offs prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global investor inflows into the region are driven by attractive returns and comprehensive reforms in capital markets, including the adoption ofl best practices and the digitalization of pre- and post-trade processes to boost liquidity.

Under the leadership of the CMA, significant regulatory advancements were made in 2023, including the approval of a new regulation and amendments to four existing principles, rules, and instructions. Additionally, the Council of Ministers sanctioned the Real Estate Contributions Law, thereby strengthening the legislative framework.

Additionally, the CMA introduced the Rules for Foreign Investment in Securities and updated critical regulations such as the Implementing Regulations of the Companies Law for Listed Joint Stock Companies, Capital Market Institutions Regulations, Instructions for Company Announcements, and Investment Accounts Instructions.

Sukuk and debt market

The adoption of the Debt Market Development Strategy marked a pivotal step in fostering market growth.

To stimulate secondary market activities and enhance liquidity, the CMA canceled its share of the trading commission on sukuk and bonds. As a result, the sukuk and debt instruments market reached 18.3 percent of gross domestic product.

Additionally, 70 sukuk and debt instruments were listed, raising a total of SR29.95 billion, with SR29.85 billion from private placements and SR100 million from public offerings.

According to the authority in a previous report in June, the Kingdom’s sukuk and debt capital market has grown significantly since 2019, surpassing SR30 billion with an annual growth rate of 7.9 percent.

Unlisted issuances showed a robust 9.6 percent yearly growth, expanding from SR72 billion in 2019 to SR105 billion by the end of 2023. The total size of the corporate sukuk and debt market reached SR125 billion, with the number of issuing companies tripling.

In the final quarter of 2023, sukuk and bond issuances rose 2.8 percent year-over-year to SR758.8 billion, driven by government-issued instruments. The CMA’s initiatives have significantly increased market activity, with traded values rising to SR2.5 billion and transactions surging from 3,722 in 2021 to 36,961 in 2023. Individual investor participation rose to 12.5 percent by the end of 2023, while the share of banks and government entities declined.

Foreign investment and market listing

According to the report, in 2023 net foreign investments in the Saudi capital market reached SR198 billion, marking a 7.7 percent increase from the previous year, with foreign investor ownership rising to SR401 billion.

The market also saw substantial growth in listings, with 43 new listings representing a 79 percent increase from the target. This included seven companies in the main market, 29 in the parallel market, six direct listings in the parallel market, and one traded real estate fund.

Global financial market rankings

Saudi Arabia’s capital market achieved notable global standings in 2023, ranking first among G20 countries in the Board of Directors Index.

Additionally, it secured second place in several key indices such as the Ease of Access to Financial Markets Index, Stock Market Capitalization Index, Shareholder Rights Index, and Venture Capital Index.

According to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, Saudi Arabia improved its position in six out of 12 financial market indicators, underscoring its advancement and competitiveness on the global stage.

The report added that these rankings highlight the Kingdom’s strides in enhancing governance, market accessibility, investor protections, and overall market vibrancy.

Topics: Finance Sukuk Capital Market Authority (CMA) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

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Land degradation driving global instability and forced migration, warns Saudi envoy at COP16

Land degradation driving global instability and forced migration, warns Saudi envoy at COP16
Updated 6 sec ago
MANAL AL-BARAKATI
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Land degradation driving global instability and forced migration, warns Saudi envoy at COP16

Land degradation driving global instability and forced migration, warns Saudi envoy at COP16
Updated 6 sec ago
MANAL AL-BARAKATI

RIYADH: Forced migration due to land degradation is a global challenge that needs to be tackled, according to Saudi Arabia’s climate envoy. 

Taking center stage at COP16 in Riyadh, Adel Al-Jubeir described the phenomenon as a driving force behind security crises, highlighting food, air quality, and biodiversity as areas of concern. 

Addressing delegates, Al-Jubeir painted a stark picture of the cascading impacts of degraded land, calling for unified global action to halt the alarming trend.

“Land degradation impacts every single human being,” he said, linking the loss of productive land to the displacement of millions and the destabilization of entire regions. “When people cannot grow food, they migrate. This migration often leads to tension and conflict in the receiving areas, creating a cycle of dislocation and violence.” 

The figures are sobering, with 100 million hectares of land lost annually — an area the size of Egypt — while the global population continues to rise, intensifying pressure on diminishing resources.

Al-Jubeir emphasized that addressing land degradation is a matter of environmental urgency and a cornerstone of global security. “This is an issue that touches every aspect of our lives — food security, national security, migration, air quality, and biodiversity,” he said, urging nations to collaborate on solutions to reverse degradation and restore the Earth’s ability to absorb carbon.

The discussion was further elevated by Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, whose address highlighted the profound human toll of land degradation.

“People do not migrate because they want to; they do so because they have no choice,” he said, he described how the loss of fertile land compels millions to flee their homes. 

Thiaw drew a direct line between environmental degradation and global displacement trends, citing data showing that up to 7 billion people could be affected by droughts by 2050. He linked 40 percent of interstate conflicts to disputes over natural resources, underscoring the link between environmental collapse and geopolitical instability.

His solution was clear and direct: land restoration. “Investing in land restoration is investing in keeping people safe at home,” Thiaw said, adding: “It is about giving them the dignity to produce food, educate their children, and live securely without being forced to migrate.” 

He called on global leaders to prioritize sustainable agricultural practices and ecological restoration, noting that these investments could break the cycles of forced migration and conflict.

The intersection of environmental sustainability, migration, and security presented at COP16 has underscored the need for urgent, united action. 

With Saudi Arabia championing this agenda on the global stage, and as negotiations proceed over the course of the next two weeks, the focus now shifts to translating bold commitments into tangible outcomes that safeguard communities and ecosystems worldwide.

Topics: COP16 Green & Blue Adel Al-Jubeir

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Sovereign wealth funds commit to advancing Paris Agreement goals at Riyadh summit

Sovereign wealth funds commit to advancing Paris Agreement goals at Riyadh summit
Updated 28 min 22 sec ago
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI
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Sovereign wealth funds commit to advancing Paris Agreement goals at Riyadh summit

Sovereign wealth funds commit to advancing Paris Agreement goals at Riyadh summit
Updated 28 min 22 sec ago
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI

RIYADH: Sovereign wealth funds have committed to intensifying their efforts to align financial investments with the goals of the Paris Agreement, marking a significant milestone in global climate finance.

At the 7th Annual One Planet Sovereign Wealth Funds CEO Summit in Riyadh, more than 140 global financial leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund Gov. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, presented strategies to accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy.

Held alongside COP29 and the Saudi Green Initiative, the summit brought together SWFs managing a combined total of $46 trillion in assets. These funds reaffirmed their dedication to integrating climate considerations into their investment portfolios.

In his speech, President Macron urged SWFs to play a more active role in driving sustainable investments. “Members of the OPSWF Network have the unique opportunity to lead a structural shift in global markets, steering investments toward climate resilience. By leveraging high-quality climate data and ensuring transparency, you are setting new standards for how markets assess sustainability,” Macron said.

He also highlighted the importance of innovative financial instruments, such as biodiversity credits, to help fast-track the transition to a sustainable global economy.

Al-Rumayyan echoed Macron’s call, emphasizing the PIF’s commitment to climate-aligned investments. “PIF is dedicated to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with Saudi Arabia’s goal of reaching net-zero by 2060. Renewables are a key focus for PIF, and we are working to localize renewable energy and hydrogen production to meet the target of developing 70 percent of the nation’s renewable energy capacity,” Al-Rumayyan stated.

The PIF governor also highlighted PIF's leadership in green finance, noting that it was the first sovereign wealth fund to issue a green bond and the first to launch a 100-year green bond.

“PIF, along with other OPSWF members, is fostering a sustainable and inclusive investment approach that ensures no one is left behind in the transition to net-zero,” he added.

A major theme of the summit was refining investment strategies to better incorporate climate considerations. Many OPSWF members have advanced their due diligence processes, using greenhouse gas emissions data and setting measurable climate-related targets. These efforts are geared toward scaling up investments in renewable energy, supporting green finance in challenging sectors, and utilizing AI technologies to enhance emissions reduction efforts.

During the summit, participants emphasized the need for greater transparency in climate data. OPSWF members agreed to improve climate-related disclosures, providing investors with clearer insights into risks and enabling them to align their portfolios with climate goals. A key initiative discussed was the development of platforms for real-time emissions tracking to support investment decisions.

Technology played a central role, with AI and climate data platforms highlighted as critical tools for improving investment efficiency and tracking emissions. The summit also focused on strategies for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like energy, real estate, and hydrogen, with clean hydrogen identified as a pivotal solution for the global energy transition.

In addition, the summit addressed sustainable building practices to reduce emissions in real estate and launched initiatives to promote renewable energy investments in emerging markets, particularly in Africa. Participants committed to expanding nature-based solutions, aiming to deliver both long-term climate and financial benefits.

Topics: COP16 Green & Blue

Saudi Arabia’s shift to renewables is reaping economic rewards, says minister

Saudi Arabia’s shift to renewables is reaping economic rewards, says minister
Updated 52 min 4 sec ago
Reem Walid
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Saudi Arabia’s shift to renewables is reaping economic rewards, says minister

Saudi Arabia’s shift to renewables is reaping economic rewards, says minister
Updated 52 min 4 sec ago
Reem Walid

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is the only country profiting from the global energy transition due to its sound economic approach, feasibility studies, and solid partnerships, according to the Kingdom’s energy minister.

Speaking at the opening of the fourth edition of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum in Riyadh, which runs from Dec. 3-4, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman emphasized that Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to benefit from its shift toward a sustainable energy economy, particularly in comparison to other nations.

The Kingdom boasts the second-lowest methane intensity among major oil and gas producers. It also ranks second globally in terms of crude oil carbon intensity and plans to tender 20 gigawatts of renewable capacity in 2024 — a target exceeded only by China and the US.

“We are the only country on planet Earth that is making money out of the transition. Why? Because we are honest about our transition, we don’t do things without going through economics, without feasibility studies, without even choosing solid partners,” the minister explained.

“Total is a good example. They are working with us on petrochemicals, on gas stations, on renewables,” he added.

Prince Abdulaziz further noted that part of the Kingdom’s transition strategy involves replacing one million barrels of oil per day with gas and renewable energy — a significant milestone.

He stressed that energy security should not be compromised in the transition. “By the way, you would not be able to secure the other two, which are affordability and sustainability. The reality check is that the three things have to go hand in hand, and you should not compromise, and compromising one of the things will lead you to forfeit the other two, especially energy security,” he said.

On the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the minister expressed confidence in long-term plans, stating: “I know for certain that there will be a 2040, there will be a 2050 because it works. People are on their doors; people are held accountable. People want to deliver because they see that whatever they were they’re delivering is impacting their daily life, is improving their lot.”

He continued: “We have a lot to show, and we want to make sure that aside from our commitments, with its own durations, we want to put this event, especially this Saudi Green Initiative, to make sure that people can continue seeing us progress our progress here in this country in a voluntary way because we are self-assured that every year we shall expose the world to new achievements, new targets, new approaches, and we are not shy from gathering people to see it.”

During the first day of the event, the Ministry of Energy signed 10 agreements and memorandums of understanding with various companies.

One of the key agreements focuses on deploying a carbon capture and utilization hub in Yanbu Industrial City, in collaboration with the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu. The Ministry also signed a deal with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology on cryogenic carbon capture and another with the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center and Climeworks for a direct air capture feasibility study.

Other MoUs included partnerships with Academy 32 to support the Regional Collaboration Initiative for Emissions Reduction, and with JEDCO and Tarshid to enhance energy efficiency efforts. Additionally, the Ministry inked agreements with SAL and Tarshid for a detailed facility study, and with Lindea and the Middle East Green Initiative to develop clean cooking solutions.

A funding agreement for the Clean Cooking Initiative was also announced in collaboration with Sipchem and the Middle East Green Initiative, as well as a similar deal focused on air products.

The Ministry of Energy also revealed plans to implement carbon-cured concrete in NEOM, in partnership with Abdullah Abdin, Carbon Cure, and Gulf Cryo.

This year’s edition of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum, held during COP16, aims to tackle pressing global environmental challenges, such as land rehabilitation, carbon reduction innovations, and sustainable financing. It will also explore the role of natural solutions in helping communities adapt to climate change, while emphasizing efforts to preserve the Kingdom’s rich biodiversity, according to an official statement.

Topics: COP16 Green & Blue SGI

Aramco CEO urges balanced energy transition, highlights need for conventional fuel

Aramco CEO urges balanced energy transition, highlights need for conventional fuel
Updated 03 December 2024
Nour El-Shaeri
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Aramco CEO urges balanced energy transition, highlights need for conventional fuel

Aramco CEO urges balanced energy transition, highlights need for conventional fuel
Updated 03 December 2024
Nour El-Shaeri

RIYADH: Saudi Aramco is committing substantial investments in renewable energy and sustainable solutions, while stressing the continued importance of conventional energy sources to meet global energy demands, according to the energy giant’s CEO.

Speaking at the Saudi Green Initiative Forum in Riyadh, Amin Nasser emphasized the need to balance affordability, security, and sustainability in energy policies, warning of the risks of moving away from fossil fuels too quickly.

“We need to always ensure that we do have available, affordable energy. If we don’t do that, what we are introducing is more coal,” Nasser said.

He pointed out that conventional energy remains crucial in addressing global energy demand, with 60 percent of last year’s 2 percent global energy consumption growth being met by traditional energy sources.

“Thirty years ago, conventional energy was at around 83 percent; today it is around 80 percent. However, in absolute terms, we are using 100 million barrels of oil equivalent more today than 30 years ago. So there is growth,” he explained.

Nasser also noted the resurgence of coal, driven by its lower cost and security of supply. “Coal, which was supposed to have peaked and declined, is increasing mainly because its profile is security of supply for certain countries, and it is a lower cost,” he said.

Saudi Aramco plays a key role in Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy expansion, helping the Kingdom work toward its goal of generating nearly 130 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.

“We will be 20 to 25 percent invested in renewable energy in the Kingdom,” Nasser stated, outlining efforts to reduce the country’s reliance on liquid hydrocarbons.

“Today, we burn close to 1 million barrels of liquid. By 2030, 50 percent of that will be replaced by solar and wind, and 50 percent will be replaced by gas,” he added.

While the company is making substantial investments in renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydrogen, Nasser stressed the importance of a pragmatic, multi-source energy approach.

“We need a pragmatic solution that takes into consideration that one size fits all is not going to work. We need to be working in parallel on all sources of energy, ensuring it’s affordable, secure, and sustainable at the same time,” he said.

Nasser also noted that mandates and policies alone won’t drive the energy transition, citing the need for technological innovation to lower costs.

“The biggest obstacle, I would say, is that policy from certain parts of the world is not reckoning with realities—what’s happening in terms of the cost of energy and what needs to be done to transition away from fossil fuels over the long term. So that is a challenge,” he added.

One of the key hurdles, according to Nasser, is the high cost of hydrogen, which limits its scalability.

“Today, for blue hydrogen, you are looking at $200 to $250 per barrel of oil equivalent. And for green, you are looking at north of $400 per barrel of oil equivalent,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Saudi Aramco is making significant investments in hydrogen, including large-scale blue hydrogen projects with an aim to produce 11 million tonnes.

However, Nasser pointed out that global hydrogen production forecasts have been scaled back. “Just a year ago, the prediction for hydrogen by 2030 was 60 million tonnes. Today, if you look at all the forecasts, it’s 10 to 20 million tonnes. These are forecasts, in terms of commissioned on the ground—there are not that many,” he said.

Aramco’s broader sustainability initiatives include investments in carbon capture and storage, geothermal energy, and advanced fuels.

“We are looking at maintaining that leadership by continuing to invest in carbon capture and storage. We have a project of 9 million tonnes by the end of 2027, early 2028, to come on stream,” Nasser said.

The company is also piloting geothermal drilling and direct air capture projects with partners such as Siemens and GE, as well as developing e-fuels in collaboration with entities like a subsidiary of NEOM and Spain’s Repsol.

In addition, Saudi Aramco is leveraging its $7 billion venture capital fund to support early-stage startups focused on sustainable solutions.

“If you look at Aramco today, we have $7 billion venture capital for startups and early-stage startups. Most of that fund is for sustainable solutions,” Nasser said, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation and long-term environmental responsibility.

While Saudi Aramco remains committed to renewable energy, Nasser reiterated the importance of a balanced energy transition that aligns with economic and technological realities.

“We are investing in all of it. But at the same time, we are investing in gas, we are investing in oil and petrochemicals. You can do all of that, but at the same time, economics will dictate what will be scaling up in terms of demand,” he concluded.

Topics: COP16 Green & Blue energy SGI

Saudi Arabia’s innovation hub expands with global collaboration at SGI Forum

Saudi Arabia’s innovation hub expands with global collaboration at SGI Forum
Updated 03 December 2024
MIGUEL HADCHITY 
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Saudi Arabia’s innovation hub expands with global collaboration at SGI Forum

Saudi Arabia’s innovation hub expands with global collaboration at SGI Forum
Updated 03 December 2024
MIGUEL HADCHITY 

RIYADH: Over 50 countries are represented in Saudi Arabia’s creative lab, ‘The Garage,’ highlighting the Kingdom’s role as a global innovation hub, according to a senior official. 

Started in April 2022 in a parking building, the facility transformed into a dynamic workspace following its relocation to a 28,000-sq.-meter headquarters at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in Riyadh.

It now hosts over 300 startups, featuring 24 conference rooms, meeting areas for 1,000 people, and training facilities.

It supports firms with programs for incubation, acceleration, and mentorship, fostering global collaboration and tech innovation. 

This initiative was a focal point during the first day of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum 2024. In a panel discussion titled “Does Green Justify Industrial Policy and Protectionism?”, Munir Eldesouki, president of KACST, highlighted the significance of global collaboration in the Kingdom’s innovation strategy. 

“Today, the companies in The Garage are 50 percent international, coming from over 50 countries around the world. Up to 400 companies fit in that Garage. But the point of The Garage is that it accesses all of our labs,” Eldesouki said, highlighting its role in connecting global research with local industry.  

Eldesouki noted that the recent open-access policy for publicly funded research infrastructure has further strengthened this ecosystem, opening KACST’s labs to private sector and startup communities.

This commitment to fostering innovation is part of a broader restructuring under Vision 2030, including the formation of the Upper Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation. This council ensures coordinated efforts across various sectors, aiming to bridge scientific research with practical applications.  

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, stressed the importance of execution and practical implementation in achieving sustainability goals. “The art of ‘how’ is an important element in achieving our targets,” he said, underscoring the need for meticulous planning and structured policies alongside visionary objectives.  

Eldesouki echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the pivotal role of science and technology. “The ‘how’ comes from science and technology. They can bring forward many solutions and solve many challenges, especially in the existential challenges that we face today,” he said.  

The Kingdom’s industrial transformation initiatives, such as the Liquid Displacement Program and the Future Factories Program, demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s commitment to greener practices. These programs, supported by government funding, help industries adopt advanced technologies and transition toward sustainability.

Alkhorayef highlighted additive manufacturing as one such technology, optimizing resource use and reducing environmental impact.  

Both Alkhorayef and Eldesouki pointed to the transformative potential of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in driving economic diversification. “Today, with how technology is accelerating, especially with AI, we see great opportunities that will actually bring down the cost, increase potential, and provide opportunities for the private sector, specifically startups,” Eldesouki noted.  

Beyond environmental targets, Saudi initiatives also aim for broader social and economic development. AlKhorayef cited the Waad Al-Shamal mining project as an example of how industrial policies can generate social benefits, particularly in underdeveloped regions.

“What we have done in Saudi Arabia, in the north of the country, in Waad Al-Shamal, in our phosphate investment today, has contributed to the society and the people,” he said.  

Looking forward, Eldesouki expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s leadership in green technology. “The Kingdom has now become the biggest green tech innovation hub in the world,” he said. 

Alkhorayef added that the country’s strategic geographic position enables it to connect global markets, enhancing collaboration.  

Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive approach — blending innovation, strategic planning, and international collaboration — positions it as a model for sustainable industrial transformation. These efforts, as highlighted during the SGI Forum, offer valuable insights for the global green economy. 

Topics: COP16 Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Green & Blue

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