Saudi PIF secures $15bn revolving credit facility 

Saudi PIF secures $15bn revolving credit facility 
PIF has launched 95 companies since 2017. File
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Updated 28 August 2024
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Saudi PIF secures $15bn revolving credit facility 

Saudi PIF secures $15bn revolving credit facility 
  • Deal was obtained from a diverse global syndicate of 23 financial institutions spanning Europe, the US, the Middle East and Asia
  • Credit facility has an initial term of three years, with the option to extend for a further two

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has secured a $15 billion revolving credit facility to support general corporate purposes, according to a statement. 

The Public Investment Fund said it was obtained from a diverse global syndicate of 23 financial institutions spanning Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Asia. 

The credit facility has an initial term of three years, with the option to extend for a further two.

A revolving loan allows for funds to be drawn, repaid, and drawn again within the agreed lending period. 

PIF, a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification under Vision 2030, has launched 95 companies since 2017, injecting at least SR150 billion ($40 billion) into the local economy annually. 

“The financing reflects PIF’s strong credit rating as well as robust demand from PIF’s relationship banks and financial institutions. Signing this facility represents a continuation of PIF’s strategy of using a diverse range of financing instruments,” the fund said. 

The statement further noted that this new loan replaces a similar $15 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility that PIF signed in 2021 with a group of 17 banks, providing quick access to capital when needed. 

Loans and debt instruments are one of PIF’s four funding sources, alongside government capital injections, state asset transfers, and retained earnings from investments. 

PIF, one of the most influential sovereign wealth funds globally, reported a net profit increase of over 100 percent in 2023 to SR331 billion, up from SR165 billion in 2022. 

The fund also received an A1 rating from Moody’s with a positive outlook and an A+ rating from Fitch with a stable outlook, underscoring its robust financial position. 

“Through strategic investments and partnerships across the Saudi public and private sector, PIF is driving the transition to a more sustainable economy, and laying the foundations for local and international partners to invest in the economic and societal transformation of Saudi Arabia,” the statement concluded. 

As the fund continues to leverage diverse financial instruments, it reinforces its pivotal role in the Kingdom’s transformation, fostering growth and sustainability in line with Vision 2030’s ambitious goals. 


Oman posts H1 trade surplus of $9.4bn, driven by oil exports

Oman posts H1 trade surplus of $9.4bn, driven by oil exports
Updated 10 sec ago
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Oman posts H1 trade surplus of $9.4bn, driven by oil exports

Oman posts H1 trade surplus of $9.4bn, driven by oil exports

RIYADH: Oman recorded a trade surplus of 3.65 billion Omani rials ($9.4 billion) in the first six months of 2024, down slightly from 3.74 billion rials in the same period last year, official data showed. 

According to the National Center for Statistics and Information, commodity exports rose to 11.6 billion rials, marking a 6.7 percent increase from 10.9 billion rials in June 2023. 

This growth was primarily driven by higher oil and gas sales, which climbed to 7.2 billion rials, a 5.3 percent increase from the previous year. 

Crude oil exports alone contributed 5.1 billion rials, a 7.2 percent rise, while refined oil exports reached 842 million rials, up 12.8 percent. However, natural gas exports fell 5.7 percent to 1.2 billion rials. 

Oman’s imports also rose by 10.8 percent, reaching 8 billion rials by June, up from 7.2 billion rials in the same period last year. 

Non-oil commodity exports rose by 8.1 percent to 3.5 billion rials, up from 3.3 billion rials in June 2023. 

Metal products led the non-oil exports at 1.3 billion rials, a 21.5 percent increase. Ordinary metals and their products reached 671 million rials, up 7.3 percent, while chemical industries and related products saw a slight 0.7 percent decline to 521 million rials. 

Plastics and rubber products exports grew by 11.5 percent to 473 million rials, but exports of live animals and related products fell by 21 percent to 169 million rials. Other exports totaled 437 million rials.

Oman’s re-exports increased by 13.9 percent to 867 million rials by June 2024. 

Re-exports in transport equipment totaled 259 million rials, up 19 percent, while machinery, electrical equipment, and parts saw a 3.1 percent decline to 188 million rials. 

Re-exports of food, beverages, and liquids rose by 15.7 percent to 82 million rials, and metal product re-exports increased by 57.6 percent to 76 million rials. Re-exports of live animals and related products fell by 18.4 percent to 59 million rials, while other products amounted to 204 million rials.  

On the import side, mineral products were the largest category, reaching 2.3 billion rials, a 22.5 percent rise. 

This was followed by machinery, electrical equipment, and sound recording devices, which amounted to 1.3 billion rials, growing by 20.2 percent. 

Imports of ordinary metals and their products totaled 752 million rials, a 4.1 percent decrease, while chemical industries and related products dropped by 1.7 percent to 750 million rials. Transport equipment imports rose by 4.9 percent to 684 million rials. 

The UAE remained Oman’s largest non-oil trade partner, with non-oil exports to the Emirates reaching 457 million rials by June, an 8.9 percent increase from last year. 

Re-exports to the UAE amounted to 338 million rials, and the country was also the largest exporter to Oman, with imports valued at 1.9 billion rials. 

Economic ties between the UAE and Oman have remained robust, with the two nations signing investment deals worth 129 billion dirhams ($35.12 billion) in April. These agreements span multiple sectors, including renewable energy, green metals, and railway, as well as digital infrastructure, and technology. 


Saudi crown prince praises ‘fundamental achievements’ on Vision 2030 journey

Saudi crown prince praises ‘fundamental achievements’ on Vision 2030 journey
Updated 38 min 19 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince praises ‘fundamental achievements’ on Vision 2030 journey

Saudi crown prince praises ‘fundamental achievements’ on Vision 2030 journey

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the progress made by the Kingdom in tourism and employment as he delivered an update on the Vision 2030 initiative. 

In the annual royal address after inaugurating the first year of the ninth session of the Shoura Council, the crown prince said that Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts are progressing steadily, with non-oil activities recording the highest contribution to the Kingdom’s real gross domestic product at 50 percent in 2023. 

Bolstering this sector is crucial for Saudi Arabia as it seeks to reduce its dependence on oil revenues, and the crown prince described praised the Kingdom for its “many fundamental achievements during this great journey,” according to the Saudi Press Agency. 

Reflecting on the progress of Vision 2030, which was announced in 2016, he said: “In the field of tourism, achievements preceded the target date, as the national tourism strategy, which was launched in 2019, set a target of 100 million tourists in 2030, and this target was exceeded and reached 109 million tourists in 2023.” 

The Kingdom’s tourism ambition has now been altered to attracting 150 million visitors by 2030 as a result of hitting this target.

The crown prince highlighted that unemployment among Saudi citizens, both male and female, recorded its lowest level in history in the first quarter of 2024, reaching 7.6 percent, compared to 12.8 percent in 2017. 

He added: “The Public Investment Fund continues its role in achieving its goals to be a driving force for investment.” 

The crown prince added that the percentage of homeownership among Saudi nationals increased from 47 percent in 2016 to more than 63 percent. 

According to the crown prince, Saudi Arabia has also achieved an advanced position in the field of renewable energy, becoming one of its most active players in the sector, regionally and internationally. 

Highlighting the growth of the mining sector in the Kingdom, he said that Saudi Arabia is now the world’s largest repository of natural resources. 

The crown prince added that the country is emerging as a top destination for mega events, with the nation gearing up to host Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034. 

“The Kingdom enjoys global confidence that has made it one of the first destinations for global centers and major companies, most notably the opening of the International Monetary Fund’s regional office and a center for multiple international activities in sports, investment, and culture, serving as a gateway to cultural communication,” he said. 


Oil Updates – prices rise after US interest rate cut

Oil Updates – prices rise after US interest rate cut
Updated 19 September 2024
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Oil Updates – prices rise after US interest rate cut

Oil Updates – prices rise after US interest rate cut

BEIJING: Oil prices rose on Thursday after a large interest rate cut from the US Federal Reserve, but concerns over global demand lingered and capped gains.

Brent crude futures for November were up 36 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $74.01 a barrel at 9:18 a.m. Saudi time, while WTI crude futures for October were up 34 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $71.15 a barrel. The benchmarks recovered after falling in early Asian trade.

The US central bank cut interest rates by half a percentage point on Wednesday. Interest rate cuts typically boost economic activity and energy demand, but the market also saw it as a sign of a weaker US labor market that could slow the economy.

“While the 50 basis point cut hints at harsh economic headwinds ahead, bearish investors were left unsatisfied after the Fed raised the medium-term outlook for rates,” ANZ analysts said in a note.

Weak demand from China’s slowing economy also continued to weigh.

Refinery output in China slowed for a fifth month in August, statistics bureau data showed over the weekend. China’s industrial output growth also slowed to a five-month low last month, and retail sales and new home prices weakened further.

Markets were also keeping an eye on events in the Middle East after walkie-talkies used by Lebanese armed group Hezbollah exploded on Wednesday following similar explosions of pagers the previous day.

Security sources said Israeli spy agency Mossad was responsible, but Israeli officials did not comment on the attacks.

Citi analysts say they expect a counter-seasonal oil market deficit of around 0.4 million barrels per day to support Brent crude prices in the $70 to $75 a barrel range during the next quarter, but that would be temporary.

“As 2025 global oil balances deteriorate in most scenarios, we still anticipate renewed price weakness in 2025 with Brent on a path to $60/barrel,” Citi said in a note on Thursday. 


Saudi Central Bank lowers benchmark rate by 50 bps, following US Fed decision  

Saudi Central Bank lowers benchmark rate by 50 bps, following US Fed decision  
Updated 19 September 2024
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Saudi Central Bank lowers benchmark rate by 50 bps, following US Fed decision  

Saudi Central Bank lowers benchmark rate by 50 bps, following US Fed decision  

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s benchmark interest rate, held at 6 percent since July last year, has been lowered to 5.5 percent following a 50-basis-point cut announced by the Kingdom’s central bank.

This move aligns with the US Federal Reserve’s recent policy shift, which lowered interest rates by the same amount on Wednesday to a target range of 4.75-5 percent. It marks a shift in monetary policy after two years of rate hikes aimed at curbing inflation. 

Gulf Cooperation Council central banks, including Saudi Arabia, followed suit as their currencies are pegged to the US dollar. 

Lower interest rates are expected to relieve pressure on businesses and households with existing loan facilities, boosting domestic spending and improving corporate cash flow.

In a statement the central bank, also known as SAMA, said: “In line with its objective of preserving monetary stability, SAMA has decided to reduce the rate of Repurchase Agreement by 50 basis points to 5.50 percent, and the rate of Reverse Repurchase Agreement by 50 basis points to 5 percent.” 

This is the first rate cut in over four years, reflecting progress on inflation and a reassessment of economic risks.   

The policy shift could rejuvenate corporate activities and lending, particularly in the real estate sector, which has already seen substantial growth in Saudi Arabia.   

As global economic conditions change, GCC countries could leverage their resources and capital to drive internal growth.  

With lower borrowing costs, there is potential for investment in infrastructure, technology, and innovation — areas critical to the long-term diversification goals under Saudi Vision 2030.     

This initiative aims to reduce the region’s dependence on oil revenues while strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for innovation and sustainable development.   

Lower rates are expected to have a significant impact on corporate lending. Saudi businesses, especially those in capital-intensive sectors like real estate, construction, and infrastructure, stand to benefit from cheaper credit, enabling more aggressive expansion and investment.  

This is crucial as the Kingdom continues to invest in large-scale projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and other key initiatives under Vision 2030.  

For Saudi banks, the rate cut presents both opportunities and challenges. Lower rates typically encourage more borrowing, potentially driving growth in lending portfolios, particularly in the real estate sector, where demand for housing has surged, fueled by a young population and urbanization trends.  

The sector could receive a further boost as lower interest rates make mortgages and property financing more affordable for consumers. 

While a rate cut can stimulate lending, it also compresses profit margins banks earn from loans. According to recent SAMA data, banks posted record-high profits of SR7.83 billion ($2.1 billion) in July, a 23 percent increase year on year.     

GCC rate decision 

Following the US Federal Reserve’s decision on Sept. 18, central banks in the UAE and Bahrain also lowered their interest rates by 50 basis points. 

Qatar took a slightly different approach, cutting its deposit, lending, and repo rates by 55 basis points.     

Meanwhile, Kuwait, which pegs its currency to a basket rather than solely to the US dollar, opted for a more modest reduction, trimming its discount rate by 25 basis points. 

These coordinated moves reflect the GCC's alignment with global monetary trends while balancing local economic considerations.    

Gulf countries generally did not require high interest rates compared to the US due to relatively stable inflation rates, often at or below 2 percent.    

As the US Federal Reserve begins its rate-cutting cycle, many economists view this as beneficial for the Gulf region.  

Lower rates in the US can help ease funding pressures, particularly as the region faces a weaker oil-price outlook.

Reduced interest rates in the Gulf can support investment programs and alleviate financial strains from lower oil revenues, aiding in managing economic development and infrastructure projects.   


Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777s rolling out to six US cities

Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777s rolling out to six US cities
Updated 18 September 2024
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Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777s rolling out to six US cities

Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777s rolling out to six US cities
  • Boeing 777 with enhanced cabins will be introduced to Chicago, Boston, Dallas Fort Worth, Seattle and linked routes Miami/Bogota and Newark/Athens
  • Flights to and from ten of the 12 gateways in Emirates’ US network will feature Premium Economy by February 2025

DUBAI: Emirates will be introducing its refurbished Boeing 777s on six routes in the US, providing customers with an elevated experience across all cabins, including the debut of its latest Business Class seats and highly-popular Premium Economy.

The retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft are scheduled to operate on direct flights to Chicago, Boston, Dallas Fort Worth, and Seattle. In addition, flights to Miami linked to Bogota and to Newark via Athens will also be served with the refreshed aircraft featuring Emirates’ four cabin classes and signature product touches. The refurbished Boeing 777s will debut for the first time in the US starting from next month and until early 2025 with the following schedule:

Chicago — Emirates will introduce its retrofitted Boeing 777 three times weekly on EK 235 and EK 236 starting from 1 November 2024 and will increase to daily from 22 November 2024.
Boston — From 10 December 2024 Emirates’ newly-retrofitted Boeing 777 will serve the route three times weekly as EK 237 and EK 238, increasing to daily from 18 December.
Dallas Fort Worth — Emirates’ enhanced Boeing 777 aircraft will be deployed three times weekly on EK 221 and EK 222 from 9 January 2025, with daily flights starting from 15 January 2025. 
Seattle — The newly-configured aircraft featuring four cabin classes, including Premium Economy, will be rolled out on EK 229 and EK 230 from 24 January 2025.
Newark/Athens — From 10 February 2025, Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777 with refreshed interiors and new cabins will operate daily on EK 209 and EK 210
Miami/Bogota — Emirates’ latest B777 experience will be introduced on EK 213 and EK 214, the service to and from Dubai and linking Miami with the Colombian capital, on four weekly flights from 19 February 2025, expanding to daily from 1 March 2025.

With the deployment of its newly retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft, flights to and from ten of the 12 gateways in Emirates’ US network will feature Premium Economy by February 2025. The understated luxury products will also be available to two cities in Latin America, with Bogota joining Sao Paulo. Emirates’ signature Premium Economy seats will now be available on a mix of Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft, operating to 12 gateways in Emirates’ 19-point network in the Americas. The refreshed aircraft also feature the new Emirates 777 Business Class with seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement, more privacy, fully reclined flat bed in addition to a personal mini-bar among other amenities. 

On the introduction of Premium Economy to additional US routes, Adnan Kazim, Deputy President, and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates said: “With the success and popularity of Premium Economy on routes like New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston served by our refurbished A380, we look forward to bringing a new level of comfort and privacy to more cities with refreshed cabins on our Boeing 777s. The introduction of our refreshed product and ensuring consistent experiences in the sky on more routes is part of our long-standing commitment to the US and adding more premium options in a span of just a few months ensures we offer a competitive, value for money proposition for our customers.”

The roll out of Emirates’ refreshed aircraft featuring a four-class configuration will bring the number of routes offering the distinctive Premium Economy product to 27 cities globally including Dubai by the end of 2024, utilising 48 Boeing 777, A380 and A350 aircraft. Besides the US and Latin American points where the retrofitted aircraft will be deployed, customers are already enjoying choice and comfort with refurbished Boeing 777s flying to Geneva, Tokyo Haneda and Brussels, and Zurich along with Riyadh are scheduled from next month. 

The continued roll out of Premium Economy across Emirates’ network allows its US customers to enjoy the luxury, comforts and affordability of Premium Economy to final destinations beyond Dubai including Mumbai, Bangalore and Singapore, to name a few.

Furthermore, Emirates’ customers traveling to United’s hubs in Chicago, Houston and San Francisco, can fly in Premium Economy before connecting to its services to hundreds of US domestic points and cities in Canada and Latin America.

Seats on flights can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents.

The four-class Boeing 777 features six or eight First Class suites, 38 or 40 Business class seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement, 24 seats in Premium Economy, and 256 Economy class seats.

In addition to the introduction of Premium Economy on the retrofitted aircraft, customers across all cabins can enjoy the refreshed interiors which sport a blend of beautiful designs and new color palettes, in the carpeting, wall panels, and wood finishings, to name a few of the aesthetic enhancements.