PIF-owned property developer ROSHN launches sales for Riyadh’s SEDRA Phase 4

PIF-owned property developer ROSHN launches sales for Riyadh’s SEDRA Phase 4
By 2030, ROSHN plans to develop over 400,000 homes, along with 1,000 kindergartens and schools, and over 700 mosques. SPA
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Updated 05 August 2024
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PIF-owned property developer ROSHN launches sales for Riyadh’s SEDRA Phase 4

PIF-owned property developer ROSHN launches sales for Riyadh’s SEDRA Phase 4
  • This phase expands the flagship development by 1.8 million sq. meters
  • Around 40 percent of the area is dedicated to green public spaces, pedestrian walkways, and road networks

RIYADH: Saudi real estate developer ROSHN has opened sales for 1,251 new homes as part of the fourth phase of its northern Riyadh-based SEDRA project. 

This phase expands the flagship development by 1.8 million sq. meters, featuring homes near the natural wadi integrated into the SEDRA masterplan, following high demand and sales for homes in the community, the company said. 

In October last year, the property developer launched the sales for the third phase of SEDRA, introducing 3,438 new residences and a wide range of amenities within the project. 

Announced in 2021, the eight-phase SEDRA project spans 20 million sq. meters and is planned to provide over 30,000 private homes as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader urban development and housing initiatives. 

The project is known for its modern residential communities and integrated amenities, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of enhancing urban living and promoting sustainable development. 

A giga-project under the Public Investment Fund, the company said that the fourth phase of the SEDRA community, located north of the third phase, will provide residents with convenient access to shopping and office areas in the ROSHN Front — a mega business and leisure development.

The area also features various amenities, including the Saudi Sports for All Federation Dome, which is part of a broader partnership between ROSHN and the sports body, aimed at providing year-round, all-weather access to sports facilities for all interests and skill levels. 

The project’s name is inspired by the indigenous tree prevalent in Saudi Arabia, symbolizing endurance and aligning with ROSHN’s goal of creating a community that fosters nature preservation and sustainable living in line with Vision 2030. 

The company said that around 40 percent of the area is dedicated to green public spaces, pedestrian walkways, and road networks. 

ROSHN, with a mandate to raise the rate of homeownership to 70 percent in the country, added that the location is easily reachable via Airport Road and is close to two metro stations. 

It is near Princess Nourah bin Abdulrahman University, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, and King Khalid International Airport, as well as the Saudi Arabia Railways train station. 

By 2030, ROSHN plans to develop over 400,000 homes, along with 1,000 kindergartens and schools, and over 700 mosques. 

It recently announced a deal to build the Aramco Stadium — a 47,000-seat facility in Al-Khobar. The project is expected to be completed and operational by 2026 and will host national and international events, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in January of that year. 


Saudi AMAALA project advances with Red Sea Global awarding $6.13bn in contracts

Saudi AMAALA project advances with Red Sea Global awarding $6.13bn in contracts
Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi AMAALA project advances with Red Sea Global awarding $6.13bn in contracts

Saudi AMAALA project advances with Red Sea Global awarding $6.13bn in contracts
  • AMAALA will offer a unique collection of assets and experiences to promote wellness, lifestyle, and human connection
  • Project expected to feature nearly 4,000 hotel rooms across 30 hotels, luxury villas, apartments, and estate homes

JEDDAH: Saudi developer Red Sea Global has awarded over 600 contracts worth SR23 billion ($6.13 billion) to global partners for the AMAALA project, aiming to welcome its first guests by 2025. 

The company, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has partnered with firms including Al-Rawabi Hassan Allam, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, and DEPA Group, as well as Alec Engineering and Al-Ayuni Investment and Contracting Co., as part of its efforts to develop the luxury tourism destination on the Red Sea coast. 

RSG said these partners align with its vision to develop luxury and wellness destinations, focusing on responsible development practices, regenerative initiatives, and collaboration with local communities. 

John Pagano, group CEO at RSG, said: “We have achieved remarkable progress across every aspect of AMAALA, from our signature resorts and immersive experiences to essential utilities and infrastructure.” 

He added: “Our unwavering focus is on infusing sustainability and regenerative principles into every facet of the development.” 

The executive said that upon completion, AMAALA will offer a unique collection of assets and experiences to promote wellness, lifestyle, and human connection. 

The project, which emphasizes sustainability and regenerative development, is expected to feature nearly 4,000 hotel rooms across 30 hotels, luxury villas, apartments, and estate homes. 

AMAALA is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to diversify its economy, and the contracts include construction, infrastructure, and utilities for the destination. 

RSG has highlighted significant progress at key sites, including the Triple Bay Marina Village, where major structures, such as the Equinox Resort and Village Boutique Hotel, are nearing completion. 

The marina basin has also been filled, and construction is advancing on other major features, including the AMAALA Yacht Club and the Corallium Sea Marine Life Institute, the Tabuk-based company added. 

RSG’s capital spending features investments in the project’s wellness-focused offerings, including resorts like Jayasom and Clinique La Prairie, as well as several luxury hotels such as the Rosewood, Six Senses, and the Four Seasons, all set to open by 2025. 

The AMAALA project will be powered entirely by solar energy, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s environmental goals. 

RSG said that primary infrastructure works, including 35 kilometers of internal roads, power, water, irrigation, and communications systems, are nearing completion, with energization planned for December. 

The company also expects to plant 3 million trees and shrubs by year-end to enhance public spaces and landscaping. 

The Ministry of Health recently approved the design for the AMAALA Hospital, which will offer health care services to residents and visitors across the 4,200 sq. kilomeeter destination. 


Aramco cuts Arab Light crude prices to Asia

Aramco cuts Arab Light crude prices to Asia
Updated 08 September 2024
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Aramco cuts Arab Light crude prices to Asia

Aramco cuts Arab Light crude prices to Asia

RIYADH: Saudi Aramco has reduced its October pricing for Arab Light crude oil for Asian buyers, according to a recent price list. The state-owned oil giant has cut the official selling price of its Arab Light crude by 70 cents, bringing it to $1.30 per barrel above the regional benchmark.

This adjustment comes amid a drop in Brent crude prices, which have fallen to $71.49 per barrel—a decrease of $1.20 per barrel (1.65 percent) on the day and the lowest level in years.

Saudi Aramco has also reduced the price of Arab Light crude for Europe and the US. For Europe and the Mediterranean, the Arab Light grade is priced $0.35 above ICE Brent, while for East Asia, the price is set at $1.30 above the average of the Oman and Dubai benchmarks.

The price cuts follow Bank of America's revised forecasts, which now predict Brent crude will average $75 per barrel next year, down from a previous estimate of $80. The forecast for West Texas Intermediate has also been lowered to $71 per barrel from $75.

It is also noteworthy that OPEC+ recently decided to postpone its planned production quota reductions scheduled for October. The new agreement will maintain current production levels for an additional two months.

Citigroup had previously warned that Brent crude could dip below $70 per barrel if OPEC+ proceeded with adding production to the market. However, the two-month delay in adjusting production levels has not significantly impacted prices.


Amman Chamber of Industry exports dip to almost 4% in 8 months

Amman Chamber of Industry exports dip to almost 4% in 8 months
Updated 59 min 49 sec ago
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Amman Chamber of Industry exports dip to almost 4% in 8 months

Amman Chamber of Industry exports dip to almost 4% in 8 months
  • Chemical and cosmetic industries topped the exports list, totaling 1.10 billion dinars
  • Three sectors experienced declines in exports, with the mining industries witnessing the greatest drop

RIYADH: Exports from the Amman Chamber of Industry have decreased by 3.94 percent during the first eight months, reaching 4.55 billion Jordanian dinars ($6.42 billion), compared to the same period in 2023.

Three sectors experienced declines in exports, with the mining industries witnessing the greatest drop of 35.6 percent, according to Jordan’s official news agency Petra.

A decrease of 4.6 percent was also reported by the office supply, packaging, paper, and cardboard industries, while exports from the construction sector fell by 23.1 percent.

Other exports increased in seven areas, ranging from 2.4 percent for the food, agriculture, and livestock sectors to 22.1 percent for the chemical and cosmetics industries.

During this time, the US, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and India accounted for four major markets for more than half of the chamber’s exports, which totaled 2.90 billion dinars.

Compared to 782 million dinars during the same period in 2023, exports to the US saw a notable 53.2 percent increase, reaching 1.20 billion dinars in the first eight months of the year.

The expansion established the US as the primary destination for Amman’s industrial exports.

Shipments to Iraq increased by 10.8 percent to 609 million dinars, from 549 million dinars during the same period the previous year.

Exports to Saudi Arabia fell 5.5 percent to 521 million dinars, down from 551 million dinars in the same term in 2023. Exports to India declined by 37.6 percent to 567 million dinars, from 908 million dinars.

Arab countries dominated the geographical distribution of exports from the Amman Chamber of Industry, with exchanges of 2.01 billion dinars.

Non-Arab Asian nations followed with 833 million dinars, while African countries earned 23 million dinars in exports.

Exports to North America totaled 1.22 billion dinars, with South American countries importing goods worth 61 million dinars.

EU nations exported 235 million dinars, while non-EU European countries received 96 million dinars. Exports to other global markets totaled 66 million dinars.

The chemical and cosmetic industries topped the Amman Chamber of Industry exports list, totaling 1.10 billion dinars. The mining division followed with exports of 947 million dinars, while the engineering, electrical, and computer technology sectors accounted for 712 million dinars.

Other significant fields included the food, agricultural, and livestock industries, which exported products worth 521 million dinars. Medical and pharmaceutical exports reached 448 million dinars, and leather and textile exchanges totaled 350 million dinars.

Exports from the plastic and rubber industries amounted to 201 million dinars, while the packaging, paper, cardboard, and office supplies sector contributed 181 million dinars.

The construction division exported goods valued at 76 million dinars, and the wood and furniture industries added 14 million dinars in exports.

Founded in 1962, the Amman Chamber of Industry currently represents 8,600 industrial establishments, employing around 159,000 workers, with a total capital of approximately 5 billion dinars.


Oman’s credit grows to $81.6bn in July, up 3.8% yearly

Oman’s credit grows to $81.6bn in July, up 3.8% yearly
Updated 08 September 2024
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Oman’s credit grows to $81.6bn in July, up 3.8% yearly

Oman’s credit grows to $81.6bn in July, up 3.8% yearly

RIYADH: Oman’s total outstanding credit from other depository corporations reached 31.4 billion Omani rials ($81.6 billion) by June, reflecting a 3.8 percent year-on-year increase, according to official data.

The Central Bank of Oman’s latest bulletin reported a 2.3 percent rise in credit extended by traditional commercial banks during this period. Support for the private sector grew by 1.6 percent, totaling 20.5 billion rials by the end of June. Additionally, investments in securities by commercial banks surged by 22.4 percent, reaching approximately 5.6 billion rials.

These developments align with Oman’s Vision 2040, which focuses on diversifying revenue sources, improving financial inclusion, and boosting private sector engagement. The plan aims to enhance the financial sector’s contribution to gross domestic product, promote digital transformation, and increase foreign direct investment in key industries.

Despite the overall growth, investments in government development bonds declined by 8.3 percent year on year to 1.9 billion rials. In contrast, investments in foreign securities saw a significant increase of 67.9 percent, totaling 2.2 billion rials by the end of June.

On the liabilities side, total deposits at commercial banks grew by 10.9 percent, reaching 24.7 billion rials. Government deposits decreased by 0.9 percent to 5.3 billion rials, while deposits from public sector institutions increased by 12.1 percent to 1.8 billion rials. Private sector deposits rose robustly by 11.5 percent, reaching 16.5 billion rials, making up 66.8 percent of total deposits.

Parallel to the banking sector’s growth, Oman’s oil exports saw a slight increase despite reduced production. By the end of July, total crude oil exports amounted to approximately 179 million barrels, with an average price of $82.5 per barrel. Preliminary data from the National Center for Statistics and Information indicates that oil exports accounted for 84.5 percent of the Sultanate’s total oil production, which was 211.8 million barrels.

Vision 2040 seeks to balance maximizing energy revenues with long-term sustainability. The strategy emphasizes improving oil production efficiency, investing in advanced technologies, and expanding the role of renewable energy while gradually reducing the economy’s reliance on oil.

Although oil exports increased by 0.05 percent compared to the previous year, production decreased by 5.2 percent to 211.9 million barrels. Crude oil production saw a notable 7.1 percent decline, reaching 162.2 million barrels, while condensate production increased by 1.6 percent to 49.6 million barrels. Oman’s average daily oil production until July was 994,800 barrels.

China remained the largest importer of Omani oil, with total exports reaching 171 million barrels, a 4.8 percent increase from the same period in 2023. Japan followed with 3.456 million barrels, reflecting a sharp 40.9 percent decline, while South Korea imported 2.5 million barrels, a 28.1 percent increase over the previous year.


Saudi Arabia scraps export customs fees, cuts import charges

Saudi Arabia scraps export customs fees, cuts import charges
Updated 08 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia scraps export customs fees, cuts import charges

Saudi Arabia scraps export customs fees, cuts import charges

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia will eliminate fees for all customs services related to exports and cut import service fees to 0.15 percent of the goods’ value starting Oct. 6, according to an official release.

The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority announced these changes to simplify trade processes and support business activities. The new fee structure introduces a SR15 ($4) charge for customs declaration processing on individual shipments from online stores valued up to SR1,000.

Previously, import fees included SR100 for X-ray inspections per container, SR100 for information exchange services, and SR20 for customs declaration processing. Under the revised system, the maximum import fee will be capped at SR500, with a minimum fee of SR15.

These adjustments are designed to reduce financial burdens on exporters, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, and to enhance competitiveness. The updated fee structure will standardize costs across land, sea, and air transport, leading to more efficient trade facilitation and economic benefits.

ZATCA has detailed the expected impacts of its new customs fee waiver for Saudi businesses, noting that the changes will enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of the country’s export sectors. The adjustments are designed to reduce import costs and simplify trade procedures, aiming to support the growth of e-commerce.

The introduction of a SR15 flat rate for shipments purchased through online stores underscores ZATCA's commitment to advancing e-commerce and digital trade. This measure is expected to benefit Saudi Arabia’s growing e-commerce sector by lowering cross-border online shopping costs and increasing accessibility to global goods for Saudi consumers.

Recently, ZATCA has announced a series of new initiatives intended to improve trade operations and support the Kingdom’s economic growth, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030. These initiatives include the Saudi Authorized Economic Operator Program, which aims to streamline customs clearance for trusted businesses. This program provides faster processing, fewer inspections, and priority handling at customs ports for businesses that consistently adhere to regulations.

The Authorized Economic Operator Program is anticipated to simplify international trade for these trusted operators and enhance overall efficiency.

In a major step toward digital transformation, ZATCA has also launched the National Single Window for Trade, known as FASAH. This platform consolidates all trade-related operations into a single digital interface, enabling businesses to manage import and export procedures electronically. FASAH simplifies document submission, approval processes, and shipment tracking, thereby reducing delays and improving transparency in trade operations.

Additionally, ZATCA has rolled out advanced e-tracking systems for shipments entering Saudi customs. This new system offers real-time tracking of goods, helping to minimize delays, reduce fraud risk, and boost logistics efficiency. The implementation of these e-tracking systems represents a significant advancement in Saudi Arabia’s supply chain management.

To encourage greater participation from SMEs in international trade, ZATCA has introduced supportive measures such as customs duty deferrals and simplified clearance procedures. These initiatives aim to ease financial and administrative burdens on SMEs, fostering their growth and engagement in global markets.

In June 2024, ZATCA relaxed the temporary admission regulations for heavy machinery and equipment. This policy change benefits international contractors working on major infrastructure projects by reducing customs duties on temporary imports and eliminating the need for frequent renewals, thereby facilitating smoother and more cost-effective project execution.

ZATCA invites customers and taxpayers to reach out with any inquiries through its unified 24/7 call center at (19993), its X account @Zatca_Care, email at [email protected], or via instant chat on the authority's website at zatca.gov.sa.