Saudi Arabia’s Arabian Mills eyes raising $271m from IPO

Saudi Arabia’s Arabian Mills eyes raising $271m from IPO
Arabian Mills has a daily flour production capacity of 4,920 tonnes and a daily feed milling capacity of 600 tonnes. Arabian Mills
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Updated 02 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s Arabian Mills eyes raising $271m from IPO

Saudi Arabia’s Arabian Mills eyes raising $271m from IPO
  • It will offer 15.4 million shares, or 30% of its capital, at a price range of SR62 to SR66
  • Arabian Mills’ listing comes as the Kingdom continues to dominate IPO activities in the region

RIYADH: Saudi wheat flour producer Arabian Mills for Food Products Co. plans to raise up to SR1.01 billion ($271 million) through its initial public offering on the Tadawul main market. 

The company announced it will offer 15.4 million shares, or 30 percent of its capital, at a price range of SR62 to SR66. The institutional book-building period began on Sept. 1 and will close on Sept. 5. 

Arabian Mills’ listing comes as Saudi Arabia continues to dominate IPO activities in the region. 

A report by the Kuwait Financial Center in July revealed that the Kingdom led the Gulf Cooperation Council IPO market, raising $2.1 billion in the first half, a 141 percent increase from the same period in 2023. 

“The decision to go public is a decisive one toward accelerating our growth trajectory,” said Rohit Chugh, CEO of Arabian Mills. “Looking ahead, the growing market for wheat flour, feed, and bran in the Kingdom presents compelling opportunities, and we are well-positioned to capitalize on robust demand through continuous innovation and quality enhancements.”  

He added: “By going public, we are also committing to higher standards of transparency and corporate governance, which we believe will ultimately benefit our shareholders and other stakeholders alike.” 

The total offering size is expected to be between SR954 million and SR1.01 billion, implying a market capitalization ranging between SR3.18 billion and SR3.38 billion. 

The final offering price will be determined on Sept. 11, with the retail subscription period running from Sept. 18 to 19. 

The company added that the final allocation of offer shares will be on Sept.26, with a refund of excess monies scheduled on Oct. 3. 

HSBC Saudi Arabia has been appointed as the financial adviser, global coordinator, bookrunner, underwriter, and lead manager for the listing. 

Alrajhi Bank, Saudi Awwal Bank, and Banque Saudi Fransi will serve as receiving agents for retail investors. 

Arabian Mills has a daily flour production capacity of 4,920 tonnes and a daily feed milling capacity of 600 tonnes, according to its website. 

By the end of 2023, the company held a 28.4 percent market share in Saudi Arabia, a 1.2 percent increase from 2021. 

“This IPO is a catalyst for Arabian Mills to achieve sustainable, long-term growth and to continue our purpose of driving milling excellence and delivering nutrition,” added Chugh. 


Saudi Volt Charge to boost EV infrastructure with next-gen mobile chargers

Saudi Volt Charge to boost EV infrastructure with next-gen mobile chargers
Updated 19 sec ago
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Saudi Volt Charge to boost EV infrastructure with next-gen mobile chargers

Saudi Volt Charge to boost EV infrastructure with next-gen mobile chargers

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is set to advance its electric vehicle infrastructure with the introduction of next-generation mobile EV chargers by local manufacturer Volt Charge, revealed the company’s top executive. 

Elie Metri, CEO and executive board member of Volt Charge, told Arab News at the EV Auto Show in Riyadh that the firm is finalizing the prototype of its innovative mobile charger, in collaboration with its sister company QSS AI & Robotics. 

This comes as robust charging infrastructure is essential to Saudi Arabia’s plan to transition 30 percent of vehicles in Riyadh to electric by 2030, a crucial step in its broader strategy to cut city emissions by 50 percent and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.  

“What we’re doing is merging two emerging technologies — robotics and EV charging. We are currently finalizing the first prototype of a charger that comes to you. You won’t have to go to your charger anymore,” Metri said. 

He described a scenario where drivers use a mobile app at a mall to summon a charger, which uses AI to identify their car, handle the connection, and manage payment. After charging, the unit returns to its main station.  

Metri noted that this represents a significant advancement in electric vehicle technology.  

The CEO added that the company is the first Saudi brand to manufacture entirely within the Kingdom, with a 7,000 sq. meters factory in Sudair City, a sizable facility for assembling or producing the chargers.  

He highlighted that localizing technology aligns with Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals, explaining that the company’s commitment to green energy is demonstrated by its early investment in both robotics and EV chargers. 

“We’re localizing the technology. This means we believe heavily that Saudi Arabia is moving into green energy,” Metri said, adding that they began investing in robotics in 2017, “when it was virtually unheard of in the MENA region.”  

He also mentioned their ambitious plans for manufacturing, saying: “We’re building a factory that can make 40,000 chargers while there are very few cars in the Kingdom. But we believe that it’s going to come, and we hope to have a huge market share being a local company and local factory.” 

The CEO acknowledged the challenges faced in producing the EV chargers, particularly in procuring the necessary components. He noted that Saudi Arabia does not yet have a manufacturing hub like China, which complicates the supply chain. 

“Not all the technical components are available in the local market,” Metri explained. “If I want to manufacture a charger, it has 20 or 25 components, so I need to ship them from different parts of the world,” he said, adding that this creates challenges, but “we’re overcoming all of those.”  

Volt Charge, headquartered in Riyadh, specializes in manufacturing robust EV chargers designed for extreme climates. The company’s efforts were showcased at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable mobility as part of Vision 2030. 

The EV Auto Show serves as a key platform for discussing the future of mobility, featuring interactive seminars, panel discussions, and showcases of EV technologies and charging solutions. 


Saudi agricultural fund boosts food sector with $533m in loans, credit facilities

Saudi agricultural fund boosts food sector with $533m in loans, credit facilities
Updated 7 min 13 sec ago
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Saudi agricultural fund boosts food sector with $533m in loans, credit facilities

Saudi agricultural fund boosts food sector with $533m in loans, credit facilities

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Agricultural Development Fund has approved SR2 billion ($533.33 million) in loans and credit facilities aimed at enhancing food sustainability and security throughout the Kingdom.

This strategic funding will support a range of agricultural initiatives, including red meat and poultry production, greenhouse farming, fish aquaculture, and cold storage facilities. The decision was made during the fund’s third board meeting of the year, held on Sept. 18 and chaired by Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli.

Despite approximately 90 percent of its land being desert, Saudi Arabia is experiencing an agricultural renaissance focused on increasing domestic crop production and reducing reliance on imported food. The Kingdom has already achieved complete self-sufficiency in dates, fresh dairy products, and table eggs, according to the General Authority for Statistics.

By enhancing local production and ensuring stable supply chains, the ADF is playing a vital role in advancing the country’s food security objectives while promoting long-term agricultural sustainability, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Munir bin Fahd Al-Sahli, chief executive of ADF, noted that working capital will be financed in collaboration with banks to support the importation of key agricultural products. He emphasized that this initiative is part of a comprehensive food security strategy designed to strengthen reserves and stabilize supply chains.

The board also reviewed a report on the performance of agricultural projects supported by the fund over the past five years, assessing their operations, production, and funding goals. Additionally, the board examined ADF’s overall performance report for the current fiscal year up to the end of August.

Mansour Al-Mushaiti, vice minister of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, highlighted the surge in investments in the Saudi agricultural sector during his speech at the 43rd session of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s General Conference in July 2023. He noted that domestic agricultural production reached SR100 billion in 2022, the highest contribution in history, and that the Kingdom has achieved commendable levels of self-sufficiency, particularly in crops utilizing modern technologies.


Pakistan benchmark share index hits all-time high

Pakistan benchmark share index hits all-time high
Updated 41 min 58 sec ago
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Pakistan benchmark share index hits all-time high

Pakistan benchmark share index hits all-time high
  • Benchmark share index climbs 1.9 percent during intraday trading on expectations of substantive monetary easing
  • Pakistan’s stock market has gained some 13 percent since government passed a reform-heavy budget in June 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s benchmark share index hit a record high on Thursday, climbing 1.9 percent in intraday trading, on expectations of further substantive monetary easing to spur economic growth.

The central bank has cut its key policy rate by a total of 450 basis points to 17.5 percent in three successive policy decisions since late July, taking heart as inflation eases.

Pakistan’s stock market hit an all-time high of 82,003 points and was trading at 81,800 as of 1:25 p.m. local time (08:25 GMT). It has gained some 13 percent since the government passed a economic reform-heavy budget in June aimed at securing a new International Monetary Fund program.

“Today’s market rise is reflective of the t-bill auction that happened on Wednesday where the government rejected bids in all tenors indicating a large rate cut in November,” said Ismail Iqbal Securities CEO Ahfaz Mustafa.

Pakistan’s central bank said disinflation was faster than expected and there was a possibility that average inflation for the fiscal year ending mid-2025 would fall below its forecast range of 11.5–13.5 percent.

“This coupled with the recent news of the IMF program and an expectation for inflation to slow to about 8 percent for September is all adding to the market making new intraday highs,” Mustafa added.

The IMF last week announced that its executive board will meet to discuss Pakistan’s $7 billion bailout program on Sept. 25 — allaying fears of a prolonged delay in much-needed funds for the country.

The South Asian nation struck a staff-level agreement with the global lender in June, but board approval for the 37-month program has been pending since then. 


Saudi-Italian officials discuss manufacturing and innovation cooperation  

Saudi-Italian officials discuss manufacturing and innovation cooperation  
Updated 57 min 12 sec ago
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Saudi-Italian officials discuss manufacturing and innovation cooperation  

Saudi-Italian officials discuss manufacturing and innovation cooperation  

RIYADH: Senior officials from Saudi Arabia and Italy have discussed collaboration opportunities in industrial innovation and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef met with Attilio Fontana, president of Lombardy’s regional government, to investigate ways to enhance bilateral ties in sectors crucial to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 diversification strategy.

According to a statement, the meeting emphasized cooperation in industrial sectors supported by advanced manufacturing technologies, and sustainable economic growth based on knowledge and innovation, especially in industries such as healthcare, energy, and food. 

Both sides explored opportunities in emerging sectors, including advanced industries and information technology.

Fontana met with Alkhorayef after attending the Saudi-Italian Business Forum, where the European country’s business federation said the 7,000 companies it represents are looking to  increase investments in the Kingdom, focusing on opportunities aligned with Vision 2030. 

“Alkhorayef emphasized the importance of industrial innovation, noting the competitive advantages and incentives that attract investors and drive the success of industrial projects, supported by government policies and energy provisions,” the statement said.

The Saudi-Italian Business Forum was held at the Saudi Chambers Federation, and brought together over 140 companies from both nations to discuss expanding trade and investment relations.

Kamel Al-Majid, chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, emphasized the growing bilateral trade, which is nearing SR38 billion ($10.1 billion). Key areas of interest include logistics, infrastructure development, and digital technologies, sectors where Italian expertise can significantly contribute to Saudi Arabia’s ongoing mega-projects.

The Saudi-Italian Business Forum and broader bilateral engagements reflect Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to attract foreign investments, as part of its Vision 2030 objectives. Key developments in recent years include the reestablishment of several Saudi foreign business councils and legal reforms aimed at creating a competitive investment landscape.


Saudi Arabia’s crude production climbs 1.26% to 8.94 mbpd: JODI

Saudi Arabia’s crude production climbs 1.26% to 8.94 mbpd: JODI
Updated 19 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s crude production climbs 1.26% to 8.94 mbpd: JODI

Saudi Arabia’s crude production climbs 1.26% to 8.94 mbpd: JODI

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s crude output increased to 8.94 million barrels per day in July, reflecting a 1.26 percent rise from June.

However, crude exports fell to 5.74 million bpd, a decrease of 5.06 percent, data released by the Joint Organizations Data Initiative showed.

Domestic petroleum demand saw an uptick, rising by 79,000 bpd to reach 2.83 million bpd. During a virtual OPEC+ meeting on Sept. 5, member countries reiterated their commitment to previously announced voluntary production cuts made in April and November 2023, emphasizing adherence to the agreed adjustments.

The eight OPEC+ nations—Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman—reaffirmed their commitment to production cuts, with Iraq and Kazakhstan promising to follow the compensation schedules they submitted to the OPEC Secretariat after the April meeting.

Data revealed that refinery crude exports dropped by 17 percent to 1.13 million bpd. The main products included processed crude used for diesel, motor and aviation gasoline, and fuel oil. Notably, diesel accounted for 43 percent of refined product exports, while motor and aviation gasoline made up 30 percent, and fuel oil comprised 8 percent. Despite its smaller share, fuel oil shipments surged by 20 percent, reaching 343,000 bpd.

In July, Saudi Arabia’s refinery oil products output reached 2.46 million bpd, down 2 percent from the previous month. Diesel accounted for the largest share at 44 percent, followed by motor and aviation gasoline at 28 percent, and fuel oil at 17 percent.

According to TechSci Research, the Kingdom’s oil refining market was valued at $27 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.7 percent through 2029. The refining sector is vital to Saudi Arabia’s energy landscape, supported by significant investments aimed at expanding refining capacity and integrating advanced technologies.

As global demand for refined products—such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and petrochemical feedstocks—continues to rise, Saudi Arabia is actively modernizing its infrastructure and building new refineries. These strategic advancements are essential for maintaining the Kingdom’s position as a leading global producer of refined petroleum products, catering to the growing needs of transportation and industrial sectors worldwide.

Direct crude usage

Saudi Arabia’s direct burn of crude oil rose significantly, increasing by 211,000 bpd to a total of 769,000 bpd. This marks a substantial 37.8 percent rise compared to the previous month. Year-over-year, direct crude usage was up by 177,000 bpd, reflecting a 30 percent increase.

This surge in direct crude utilization is likely fueled by rising energy demands linked to population growth and an influx of newcomers to the country. It highlights both increased domestic consumption and the ongoing development of residential and business sectors, which contribute to the growing energy needs in Saudi Arabia.

To address peak summer electricity demand, Saudi Arabia imported fuel oil from Kuwait in July for the first time in over two years, as reported by Oil & Gas News. This decision was prompted by a decline in discounted fuel supplies from Russia, leading the Kingdom to seek alternative energy sources to ensure a stable power supply during the hottest months.