Saudi Arabia’s foreign direct investment stock hits $218bn in Q1

Saudi Arabia’s foreign direct investment stock hits $218bn in Q1
Saudi Arabia has seen positive annual growth in investments, positioning itself as an attractive destination for international investors. (SPA)
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Updated 21 July 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s foreign direct investment stock hits $218bn in Q1

Saudi Arabia’s foreign direct investment stock hits $218bn in Q1
  • Growth reflects increasing confidence among foreign investors in the Saudi investment ecosystem

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s foreign direct investment stock reached SR817.7 billion ($218 billion) in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 6.1 percent rise compared to the same period last year, recent data showed.

A report released by the Ministry of Investment indicated that this growth reflects increasing confidence among foreign investors in the Saudi investment ecosystem.

The FDI stock represents the total accumulated value of FDIs held in the Kingdom. It is a cumulative measure that includes all past and present investments made by foreign entities in businesses, real estate, and other assets within the country.

The ministry had previously reported that inflows in the first quarter amounted to approximately SR17 billion, reflecting a growth of 0.6 percent compared to the SR16.9 billion recorded in the same period of 2023.

Brendan Marais, partner at Kearney Middle East & Africa told Arab News that “one of the key factors that sets Saudi Arabia apart from other emerging markets is its deliberate focus on building FDI-attraction capabilities.”

“This strategic approach has significantly boosted the market’s confidence in the Kingdom’s creditworthiness. The $12 billion raised from the sale of multiple-tenor bonds at the beginning of the year and its rise to the third position in the 2024 Kearney FDI Confidence Index from 2023 are clear indicators of the success of these efforts,” he added.

The Kingdom aims to attract $100 billion in FDI by 2030 as part of its broader economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030. Despite global economic challenges, including geopolitical tensions and high interest rates impacting FDI flows worldwide, Saudi Arabia has seen positive annual growth in investments, positioning itself as an attractive destination for international investors.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development latest data indicated that global FDI continued to decline by 12 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year. In contrast, investments into OECD countries increased by 11 percent during the same period, while those into G20 countries decreased by 34 percent. 

Saudi Arabia has successfully built credibility with the international investment community and is well positioned to achieve its ambitious target of $100 billion of FDI by 2030.

Elvie Lahournere, Principal at Kearney Middle East & Africa

Meanwhile, FDI inflows in Saudi Arabia grew by 12.1 percent annually, reaching SR72 billion in 2023, excluding the Aramco deal.

Saudi Arabia continues to enhance its attractiveness by improving business laws, fostering human capital development, and nurturing a competitive environment for innovation, which are essential in sustaining its FDI growth trajectory.

Kingdom’s approach navigating global challenges

Rudolph Lohmeyer, partner at Kearney Middle East & Africa, said, “For countries, this global instability is spurring efforts to strengthen national resilience and reduce exposure to economic coercion, including by developing national economic capabilities and diversifying global supply networks.”

“FDI is a strategically central means of meeting both of these imperatives and nowhere are we seeing more decisive efforts to enhance FDI attraction than in the GCC,” he added

Lohmeyer told Arab News that as global instability and competition increase, and investors seek safer, geopolitically stable countries, the Kingdom’s priorities will continue to evolve from its strong, long-term foundations.

“Specifically, stabilizing the region geopolitically represents a central imperative. The Kingdom’s balanced geopolitical positioning and bold diplomatic efforts are clearly geared to this end,” he added.

He also noted that deepening its role as a regional and global hub will enhance Saudi Arabia’s attractiveness to investors by expanding its market. Additionally, as technology and AI transform productivity and the global economy, the Kingdom must foster a competitive environment for innovation. 

Houssem Jemili of Bain and Co. mentioned to Arab News in April that Saudi Arabia leads technology spending in the Middle East and North Africa, investing roughly 2.5 times more than other countries in the region, with annual growth in this expenditure.

According to the ministry’s report in May, this was further demonstrated by innovation and entrepreneurship attracting a range of funding partners to Saudi Arabia, leading to the completion of over 53 percent of investment deals in the first quarter of 2024.

Role of human capital in driving FDI

Marco Vasconi, partner at Kearney Middle East & Africa said, “Investment in human capital development is imperative to drive overall investment, including FDI, and economic growth.”

“As such, human capital is one of the key levers inputs into economic activities, especially in knowledge-intensive sectors, which underpins the development and growth of some of the sectors prioritized for Saudi Arabia’s economy,” he added.

Vasconi noted that the Kingdom is concentrating on two key areas for human capital development, enhancing domestic talent and attracting global professionals to Saudi Arabia.

Domestic efforts include overhauling the entire human capital development journey, from early childhood through K-12 to higher education, technical and vocational training, and lifelong learning. 

Stabilizing the region geopolitically represents a central imperative. The Kingdom’s balanced geopolitical positioning and bold diplomatic efforts are clearly geared to this end.

Rudolph Lohmeyer, Partner at Kearney Middle East & Africa

According to the expert, there is a strong emphasis on both basic skills and advanced thinking skills, such as critical and system thinking, as well as future-oriented skills to meet evolving requirements.

The education and training systems are being aligned with labor market needs to enhance employability and address future job demands. Additionally, there is a concerted push to up-skill and reskill the existing workforce to adapt to the changing workplace environment.

Efforts to attract global talent include enhancing Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a place to live and work through improved access to education, healthcare, and vibrant cultural life.

Additionally, the Kingdom is simplifying entry for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors while offering a robust ecosystem of economic and business opportunities.

FDI target of $100 billion by 2030

Elvie Lahournere, principal at Kearney Middle East & Africa said, “Saudi Arabia has successfully built credibility with the international investment community and is well positioned to achieve its ambitious target of $100 billion of FDI by 2030.”

Lahournere stressed the Kingdom’s geographic advantages, a young and educated population, a large local market, and growing regional integration in helping it achieve its ambitious target.

“In fact, we already see tangible outcomes from investors’ perspective in this year FDI Confidence Index world ranking that positioned Saudi Arabia at the 14th place rising from 24th last year and demonstrating the investor’s appetite for this vibrant emerging market,” she added.

Saudi Arabia has revamped its business laws to attract foreign investment by allowing 100 percent foreign ownership, establishing a dispute settlement regime, enacting a bankruptcy law, implementing digital licensing procedures, and offering fiscal incentives like zero personal income tax and a 20 percent flat corporate levy, the lowest in the G20.


Oil Updates — prices rise amid US tariff threat but still set for weekly loss

Oil Updates — prices rise amid US tariff threat but still set for weekly loss
Updated 31 January 2025
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Oil Updates — prices rise amid US tariff threat but still set for weekly loss

Oil Updates — prices rise amid US tariff threat but still set for weekly loss

NEW YORK: Oil prices rose on Friday as markets weighed the threat of tariffs by US President Donald Trump on Mexico and Canada, the two largest crude exporters to the US, that could take effect this weekend.

Brent crude futures for March, which expires on Friday, gained 61 cents at $77.48 a barrel at 7:30 a.m. Saudi time. The more-active April contract was at $76.37 a barrel, up 48 cents.

US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 65 cents to $73.38.

For the week, Brent is set to fall 1.3 percent while WTI has declined 1.69 percent.

However, for the month of January, Brent is set to gain 3.8 percent, its best month since June, and WTI is poised to climb 2.3 percent.

“Crude oil prices declined this week due to increasing fears surrounding Trump’s tariffs, which are expected to hinder global economic growth,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova.

Investors are contemplating the likelihood of US tariffs alongside a flurry of executive orders and policy announcements, ANZ Bank analyst Daniel Hynes said.

Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff as early as Saturday on Canadian and Mexican exports to the US if those two countries do not end shipments of fentanyl across US borders.

It is unclear if the tariffs would include crude oil. On Thursday, Trump said he would soon decide whether to exclude Canadian and Mexican oil imports from the tariffs.

In 2023, the last full year of data, Canada exported 3.9 million barrels per day of crude to the US, out of 6.5 million bpd of total imports, while Mexico exported 733,000 bpd, according to the US Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the Department of Energy.

The increased risk of supply disruptions from the foreign policies of the new Trump administration has kept prices elevated, Hynes said.

“Sanctions on Russia, stopping purchases of Venezuelan oil and maximum pressure on Iran will increase the geopolitical risk premium on oil,” said Hynes.

“This could be compounded by the refilling of the strategic petroleum reserve, adding to oil demand,” he said.

The market will be watching the upcoming OPEC+ meeting scheduled for Feb. 3 as recent US sanctions on Russian oil have removed over a million barrels from global supplies, possibly prompting the producer group to reconsider its output plans, Phillip Nova’s Sachdeva said.

Kazakhstan’s energy minister said on Wednesday that the group is set to discuss Trump’s plans to raise US oil production and take a joint stance on the matter at next week’s meeting.

On the monetary front, the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged signals a cautious approach moving forward amid ongoing inflation challenges in the world’s largest economy, Sachdeva added.

“With the threats of Trump’s tariffs, the path to disinflation is likely to become even more turbulent.”


Saudi Arabian Military Industries appoints new CEO

Saudi Arabian Military Industries appoints new CEO
Updated 30 January 2025
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Saudi Arabian Military Industries appoints new CEO

Saudi Arabian Military Industries appoints new CEO

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Military Industries has announced the appointment of Thamer M. Al-Muhid as its new chief executive officer, effective Feb. 1, according to a statement released on Thursday.

The decision was confirmed during a meeting of SAMI’s board of directors, chaired by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.

With over 30 years of global leadership experience, Al-Muhid brings extensive expertise in driving organizational transformation, operational excellence, and international expansion.

The newly appointed CEO of SAMI, Thamer M. Al-Muhid. Supplied

His diverse background encompasses strategic initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, research and development, and forging key international partnerships—all of which equip him to lead SAMI into a new phase of growth and innovation.

Before his appointment, Al-Muhid served as group CEO and managing director of Saudi Chemical Co. Holding, and has held senior leadership roles at prominent organizations such as SABIC, Almarai, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Replacing Walid Abu Khaled, Al-Muhid will oversee the company’s efforts to advance cutting-edge technologies, produce world-class defense products, and strengthen strategic partnerships.

His leadership is expected to expedite Public Investment Fund-owned SAMI’s progress toward achieving its ambitious objectives, including localizing 50 percent of the Kingdom’s defense spending and fostering national talent in the defense sector.

This appointment underscores SAMI’s ongoing commitment to positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in defense manufacturing and innovation.


Saudi crowdfunding platform Lendo secures $690m warehouse facility led by J.P. Morgan

Saudi crowdfunding platform Lendo secures $690m warehouse facility led by J.P. Morgan
Updated 30 January 2025
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Saudi crowdfunding platform Lendo secures $690m warehouse facility led by J.P. Morgan

Saudi crowdfunding platform Lendo secures $690m warehouse facility led by J.P. Morgan

RIYADH: Lendo, a debt crowdfunding platform in Saudi Arabia, has secured a SR2.6 billion ($690 million) warehouse facility, with J.P. Morgan serving as the lead arranger.

According to an official statement, the facility will support increased job creation within the Kingdom, underscoring Lendo’s commitment to fostering domestic economic growth and employment opportunities.

Endorsed by Fintech Saudi, this achievement highlights the rapid expansion of Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector and signals the substantial potential for small and medium-sized enterprise financing within the economy, it added.

The initiative also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to raise SME lending from 4 percent in 2018 to 20 percent by 2030.

“This landmark facility represents a transformative moment for Lendo and the Saudi fintech ecosystem,” said Osama Alraee, CEO and co-founder of Lendo.

“The strong backing from global financial institutions such as J.P. Morgan validates our innovative approach to SME financing and positions us to significantly expand our impact in the Saudi market. This facility will accelerate our mission of driving SME growth while contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.”

The statement said the facility will be strategically allocated to enhance Lendo’s lending capacity, introduce innovative financial products, and broaden the company’s coverage of SMEs across the Kingdom.

George Deves, co-head of Northern European Asset-Backed Securities at J.P. Morgan, remarked: “We are pleased to collaborate with Lendo on this landmark transaction. A robust and rapidly expanding SME sector is crucial to the local economy, and this financing will contribute to the strategic goal of boosting SME lending in Saudi Arabia.”

Moreover, the deal underscores the growing confidence of international investors in the Kingdom’s fintech sector, particularly in the strength of its regulatory framework.

Lendo has successfully completed two rounds of investment to date, with its most recent Series B funding round, raising $28 million, led by Sanabil Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.


Saudi Arabia’s flyadeal joins IATA, boosting Kingdom’s aviation growth

Saudi Arabia’s flyadeal joins IATA, boosting Kingdom’s aviation growth
Updated 30 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s flyadeal joins IATA, boosting Kingdom’s aviation growth

Saudi Arabia’s flyadeal joins IATA, boosting Kingdom’s aviation growth

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s low-cost carrier, flyadeal, has joined the International Air Transport Association, marking a significant step in its regional and global expansion while supporting the Kingdom’s growing aviation sector.

On Jan. 29, flyadeal’s management welcomed an IATA delegation, led by Kamil Al-Awadhi, the regional vice president for Africa and the Middle East, to celebrate the milestone at the airline’s headquarters in Jeddah.

In November, flyadeal earned IATA’s Operational Safety Audit certification, the highest safety accreditation in the airline industry.

This thorough evaluation examines an airline’s operational safety, ensuring it adheres to the most rigorous standards, covering areas like aircraft engineering, maintenance, flight operations, cabin services, ground handling, cargo, and security.

Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in its aviation sector as part of the Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond fossil fuels, boost the private sector, and enhance global connectivity.

The country aims to accommodate 330 million passengers by 2030, serve over 250 destinations, and transport 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo.

Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal, expressed his pride in joining IATA, an association that has long represented the airline industry with a unified voice.

“Since our founding in 2017, our growth has been rapid, with operational safety as a top priority. Becoming an IATA member was a natural next step for us,” he said.

Greenway also highlighted flyadeal’s new position alongside Saudia, the full-service airline that has been a longstanding IATA member.

“As Saudia and IATA celebrate their 80th anniversaries this year, we are proud to be part of this milestone,” he added.

Al-Awadhi also celebrated the addition of flyadeal to IATA, noting that their membership reflects the airline’s significant role in Saudi Arabia’s aviation expansion.

“Saudi Arabia has made remarkable strides in developing a world-class aviation sector,” he said. “flyadeal’s inclusion further demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering sustainable industry growth.”

He also praised the government’s ambitious vision for aviation and reaffirmed IATA’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s strategy to grow a thriving aviation industry that benefits travelers, businesses, and the economy.

flyadeal, which plans to carry more than 75,000 pilgrims on dedicated international charters during this year’s Hajj season, operates from key hubs in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

It offers nearly 30 year-round and seasonal destinations within Saudi Arabia, as well as select cities in the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa.

The airline’s fleet includes 36 Airbus A320 aircraft, and it plans to significantly expand its network over the next 12 months as part of a major international growth initiative.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends the week in red at 12,415 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends the week in red at 12,415 
Updated 30 January 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends the week in red at 12,415 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends the week in red at 12,415 
  • MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 4.12 points, or 0.27%, to close at 1,544.02
  • Parallel market Nomu gained 201.99 points, or 0.65%, to close at 31,250.65

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index dipped on Thursday, losing 23.99 points, or 0.19 percent, to close at 12,415.49. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.49 billion ($1.73 billion), as 139 stocks advanced, while 89 retreated.    

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 4.12 points, or 0.27 percent, to close at 1,544.02. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, rose, gaining 201.99 points, or 0.65 percent, to close at 31,250.65. This comes as 45 of the listed stocks advanced, while 36 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was United Cooperative Assurance Co., with its share price surging by 7.94 percent to SR10.20. 

Other top performers included the Saudi Steel Pipe Co., which saw its share price rise by 7.33 percent to SR73.20, and Gulf General Cooperative Insurance Co., which saw a 5.91 percent increase to SR12.18. 

Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance Co. saw the largest decline of the day, with its share price dropping 4.12 percent to SR186. 

CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co. saw its shares drop by 3.59 percent to SR56.40, while The Mediterranean and Gulf Insurance and Reinsurance Co. declined 3.17 percent to SR25.95. 

On the announcements front, Jarir Marketing Co. profits slightly increased to SR974 million by the end of 2024, compared to SR973 million in the same period of 2023. 

According to a Tadawul statement, operating profit totaled SR1.05 billion in 2024, up from SR1.04 billion in the corresponding period of 2023, reflecting a 0.74 percent growth. The increase in profits was attributed to a 2.2 percent rise in total sales, driven by higher sales in the smartphone, computer, and tablet sectors. 

The company’s total profit also rose by 3.8 percent, which is higher than the sales growth due to a relative improvement in profit margins in certain departments, particularly smartphones, as a result of discounts granted by suppliers, the statement added. 

Jarir Marketing also reported that shareholders’ equity reached SR1.74 billion by the end of the period, compared to SR1.77 billion at the end of the same period last year. 

Shares of Jarir traded 1.38 percent lower in today’s trading session on the main market to close at SR12.82. 

Moreover, SNB Capital Co. serving as the lead manager of the Arabian Co. for Agricultural and Industrial Investment, announced that Entaj will proceed with an initial public offering of 9 million ordinary shares, representing 30 percent of its total share capital.