PIF’s New Murabba Development Co. unveils design of new multi-use stadium

The New Murabba Stadium is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2032, promising to become a symbol of Riyadh’s transformation. (SPA)
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The New Murabba Stadium is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2032, promising to become a symbol of Riyadh’s transformation. (SPA)
The New Murabba Stadium is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2032, promising to become a symbol of Riyadh’s transformation. (SPA)
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The New Murabba Stadium is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2032, promising to become a symbol of Riyadh’s transformation. (SPA)
The New Murabba Stadium is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2032, promising to become a symbol of Riyadh’s transformation. (SPA)
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The New Murabba Stadium is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2032, promising to become a symbol of Riyadh’s transformation. (SPA)
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Updated 16 July 2024
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PIF’s New Murabba Development Co. unveils design of new multi-use stadium

PIF’s New Murabba Development Co. unveils design of new multi-use stadium

RIYADH: A new 45,000-capacity stadium is set to enhance Saudi Arabia’s sports and entertainment landscape as New Murabba Development Co. unveiled its design as part of its mixed-use project.  
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Riyadh-based company owned by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund announced that the facility in its upcoming real estate development in the capital’s northwest would feature flexible and multi-use spaces, allowing it to host a variety of sporting events and entertainment activities. 

This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s ambitions to establish itself as the premier cultural, tourist, entertainment, and sports destination in the Middle East and North Africa region. 
“The New Murabba Stadium contributes to demonstrating the extent of the efforts being made to make the Kingdom a leading global center by providing the best sports and entertainment experiences,” the company said in its X post. 
“The stadium is distinguished by its design that combines the local character inspired by the acacia tree, one of the main natural landmarks in Wadi Hanifah,” the post added. 

In addition to the stadium, the project will feature a museum, a technology and design university, an immersive theater, and over 80 entertainment and cultural venues upon completion, anticipated by the end of 2032.

“The New Murabba Stadium embodies our commitment to transforming Riyadh into a global destination for sports and entertainment,” said Michael Dyke, the CEO of the company. 

“The stadium will not only be a world-class venue for sporting events but also a vibrant community hub that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” he added.

The New Murabba project, spanning 19 sq. km., will offer over 25 million sq. m. of floor area, 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, 980,000 sq. m. of retail space, and 1.4 million sq. m. of office space. 

In February 2023, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of New Murabba Development Co., aimed at transforming downtown Riyadh with a unique mix of residential, commercial, and entertainment offerings. 
In May, the Public Investment Fund-owned firm also hosted the New Murabba Partnership Forum at the InterContinental Riyadh. 
The event brought together a diverse group of vendors and partners to explore the extensive opportunities within this groundbreaking destination, poised to become the most transformative downtown area in Riyadh, according to a previous press statement. 


Iraq, Kazakhstan agree to make up for crude overproduction

Iraq, Kazakhstan agree to make up for crude overproduction
Updated 22 August 2024
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Iraq, Kazakhstan agree to make up for crude overproduction

Iraq, Kazakhstan agree to make up for crude overproduction
  • Oil prices steady as larger than expected draw in US stocks limited losses

DUBAI/LONDON: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has received updated output compensation plans from Iraq and Kazakhstan.

The oil producers’ group said on Thursday the two countries aim to make up for their overproduction in the first seven months of this year by September 2025.
OPEC and other producers including Russia, known as OPEC+, have implemented a series of output cuts since late 2022 to support the market, most of which are in place until the end of 2025.
Iraq’s cumulative overproduction between January and July was 1.4 million barrels per day and Kazakhstan’s was 699,000 bpd, OPEC said.

FASTFACTS

• The two countries aim to make up for their overproduction in the first seven months of this year by September 2025.

• Iraq’s cumulative overproduction between January and July was 1.4 million barrels per day and Kazakhstan’s was 699,000 bpd.

Iraq’s Oil Ministry confirmed on Thursday it had submitted an updated compensation plan to the OPEC Secretariat and said it had “taken real and tangible steps to reduce production levels while working to compensate for the quantities that exceeded the designated production levels in previous months.”
The move underscored Iraq’s “dedication to supporting the joint efforts made by the OPEC+ group to achieve balance and stability in the global oil market, and to safeguard the interests of all producing and consuming countries alike,” it added.
Russia said earlier this month it exceeded its July production quota agreed with OPEC+ but pledged to abide by it and to compensate for excess output.
On Aug. 1, OPEC+ confirmed a plan to start unwinding the most recent layer of cuts of 2.2 million bpd from October, with the caveat that it could be paused or reversed if needed.

Prices
Oil prices steadied on Thursday as a drop in US fuel inventories provided a floor, after four days of declines on investor concern over the global demand outlook.
Brent crude futures gained 29 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $76.34 a barrel by 1330 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 43 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $72.36.
“Crude oil prices have stabilized but continue to face downward pressure from ongoing macroeconomic factors. Concerns about China’s economic slowdown have weighed heavily on global demand,” said George Khoury, global head of education and research at CFI Financial Group.
Prices plunged on Wednesday as revisions to jobs data in the US added to concerns about crude demand after weak economic data out of China last week.
Underpinning prices, a government report on Wednesday showed US crude, gasoline and distillate inventories fell in the week ending Aug. 16 while refinery runs increased.
The larger than expected draw in US stocks limited losses.


Riyadh to host debt markets and financial derivatives forum

Riyadh to host debt markets and financial derivatives forum
Updated 22 August 2024
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Riyadh to host debt markets and financial derivatives forum

Riyadh to host debt markets and financial derivatives forum

RIYADH: Financial sector leaders will meet in Riyadh next month to discuss the latest trends and innovations in securities, with a focus on improving human resources, internal capabilities, and economic sustainability.

Under the theme “Unlocking Growth Opportunities,” the Financial Academy, an independent legal and administrative entity, will host the Debt Markets and Derivatives Forum 2024 on September 8.

The event also aims to promote a culture of excellence and continuous learning to support financial sustainability, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The forum’s objectives align with the Financial Sector Development Program, a crucial element of Saudi Vision 2030. 

Launched in 2018, this initiative aims to transform the Kingdom’s financial industry by focusing on banking, insurance, stock and debt markets.

The program, which works hand-in-hand with the Saudi Central Bank, seeks to strengthen and enhance the competitiveness of financial institutions in the Kingdom, driving growth and progress in the national financial market.

Mana bin Mohammad Al-Khamsan, CEO of the academy, highlighted that the forum aligns with their strategy to provide innovative solutions that reflect current financial sector trends.

SPA noted that the meeting will include dialogue sessions and workshops with the participation of both regional and international financial leaders, adding that participants will delve into recent economic developments, evolving investment strategies, and future financial market trends.

The event will also facilitate the exchange of innovative ideas, foster the development of professional relationships, and uncover new opportunities for partnerships. It aims to create a collaborative environment where participants can engage in meaningful discussions, connect with industry peers, and explore potential collaborations that could drive future growth and success in the financial sector.

In October 2023, the Financial Academy organized a similar forum in the Saudi capital aimed at delivering essential training programs to the sector.

The event witnessed the signing of five memorandums of understanding aimed at facilitating advanced research, executive courses, and collaborative efforts to support entrepreneurs through guidance and digital training in open finance.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 12,194 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 12,194 
Updated 22 August 2024
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 12,194 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to close at 12,194 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Thursday, slightly gaining 6.99 points, or 0.06 percent, to close at 12,194.43. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR7.57 billion ($2.02 billion) as 133 of the stocks advanced, while 90 retreated.

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu edged up 618.03 points, or 2.38 percent, to close at 26,578.37.

This comes as 41 of the listed stocks advanced, while 31 retreated.

The MSCI Tadawul Index also slightly gained 1.40 points, or 0.09 percent, to close at 1,524.12.

Herfy Food Services Co. was the top performer of the day, with its share price rising 9.92 percent to SR26.60. 

Other notable gainers included CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co. and Al-Rajhi Co. for Cooperative Insurance. 

Buruj Cooperative Insurance Co.’s share price fell 2.82 percent to SR23.42, while Raydan Food Co. and Ataa Educational Co. were also among the worst performers. 

On the announcements front, East Gas has submitted a special request to the Capital Market Authority to list 20 percent of its capital on the parallel market, ahead of a future listing on the Nomu Market.

This move follows an announcement by Amiantit, which holds a 13 percent stake in East Gas and highlighted the company’s role in distributing gas to industrial cities.

The planned listing underscores East Gas’s success in the natural gas distribution sector and its crucial role in supporting infrastructure for industrial city factories.

Malath Cooperative Insurance Co. has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Liva Insurance to explore a potential merger.

The proposed merger would involve issuing new ordinary shares by one company to the shareholders of the other. Both companies will conduct due diligence and negotiate the terms of the transaction. The MoU does not guarantee a final decision or the completion of the merger. 

Horizon Food Co. reported a net profit of SR4.43 million for the first half of the year, a 70.06 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, driven by higher sales. 

Abdulaziz and Mansour Ibrahim Albabtin Co. announced a net profit of SR4 million, reflecting a 33.33 percent rise from the previous year. 


Saudi transport minister hails Riyadh Metro launch announcement

Saudi transport minister hails Riyadh Metro launch announcement
Updated 22 August 2024
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Saudi transport minister hails Riyadh Metro launch announcement

Saudi transport minister hails Riyadh Metro launch announcement

RIYADH: The announcement that Riyadh’s metro system is set to become fully operational this year shows the Saudi capital is in a “prosperous era,” according to a leading minister.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has revealed the $22.5 billion project will be constructed in a single phase, with the network connecting key locations such as King Khalid International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District, and major universities as well as downtown Riyadh, and the public transport center.

According to RCRC, the transport system will consist of six lines connecting 85 stations over 176 km, traversing densely populated areas.

Reflecting on the announcement in an interview with Al-Arabiya Business, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser said the system is “considered the largest metro project globally to be constructed in a single phase.”

He added: “The city of Riyadh is witnessing a significant surge and major projects in this prosperous era.”

The comments from the minister came on the sidelines of the inauguration of a new Maersk logistics zone at Jeddah Islamic Port.

The newly opened logistics zone, a collaboration between the Saudi Ports Authority and Maersk, represents an SR1.3 billion ($346.4 million) investment. It is expected to streamline supply chain operations, handling 200,000 standard containers annually and creating over 2,500 jobs.

Al-Jasser noted that this logistics zone offers comprehensive solutions that add significant economic value to the sector, aligning with the national strategy for transport and logistics services led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 

“Our goal is to transform Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub, leveraging its strategic location,” he told Al-Arabiya.

Mawani said in a press release that the logistics zone covers 225,000 sq. meters and includes a storehouse for general cargo, refrigerated food areas, a re-export and shipping area for small loads, and an e-commerce center with high-density storage and advanced mechanical solutions. 

The zone also features an in-house women’s academy that provides specialized training programs, with Maersk aiming to create job opportunities for Saudi women in its facilities to make a tangible impact on gender diversity in the workplace.

Saudi Arabia has made substantial progress in the Logistics Performance Index, climbing to 17th place globally in 2023, according to the minister.

Additionally, the nation has seen a doubling of maritime connectivity indicators over the past three years, along with significant improvements in air connectivity and multi-modal transportation integration.

Al-Jasser praised the rapid completion of the Maersk Logistics Zone, which was finalized within 18 months thanks to substantial private sector investment. 

He also mentioned that this project is one of 18 signed logistics initiatives across the Kingdom, with a goal to increase the number of designated zones from the current 22 to 59 by 2030.

Several additional areas are currently under construction in partnership with international companies. 

The minister further revealed that private sector investments in logistics zones within Saudi ports have exceeded SR10 billion. Moreover, 12 more agreements are expected in the coming years, aimed at enhancing the network through integration with the country’s road and airport systems.

 


Saudi NDF appoints Northern Trust to manage $16bn in assets 

Saudi NDF appoints Northern Trust to manage $16bn in assets 
Updated 22 August 2024
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Saudi NDF appoints Northern Trust to manage $16bn in assets 

Saudi NDF appoints Northern Trust to manage $16bn in assets 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund has appointed Northern Trust to manage over SR60 billion ($16 billion) in assets, advancing its goal to become a global finance leader. 

Northern Trust, which recently established its regional headquarters in the Kingdom, will act as custodian for the NDF’s holdings. The role includes consolidating assets from development funds and banks, enhancing financial transparency, and streamlining operations. 

This is expected to reduce costs, boost effectiveness, and improve financial security. 

The appointment comes as the NDF aims to optimize the performance of Saudi development funds and banks in support of Vision 2030. Northern Trust’s appointment is expected to strengthen the NDF’s ability to meet these goals through unified portfolio management. 

“The fund contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by improving the efficiency of the development finance ecosystem in the Kingdom and enhancing the financial sustainability of development funds and banks,” said Khalid bin Ibrahim Sharif, vice governor of the NDF. 

He emphasized that these efforts will drive sustainable growth, economic diversification, and increased productivity by ensuring the effectiveness of development finance programs, projects, and initiatives. 

“We are pleased to choose Northern Trust, a global provider of asset servicing solutions, as they possess extensive experience working with prestigious institutions, sovereign wealth funds, and various development agencies, and have operational models and requirements similar to those of the NDF,” added Sharif. 

The NDF’s statement underscored that Northern Trust, with over 37 years of experience in the Middle East, will manage one of the world’s largest custody projects by consolidating the assets and records of all development funds and banks in Saudi Arabia under a single portfolio. 

The American financial institution’s role includes safeguarding assets, recording transactions, and providing performance reports, all aimed at achieving the NDF’s strategic goals. 

“Northern Trust is committed to expanding its services across the region, investing in infrastructure development, and enhancing skills and expertise to support clients and drive progress in the local market. We remain focused on delivering world-class services and solutions that exceed the evolving needs of our clients,” said Kholoud Al-Dosari, country head of Northern Trust in Saudi Arabia. 

In March, the NDF partnered with the World Economic Forum to enhance its global presence in development finance and collaborate with leading financial institutions to address industry challenges.