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ACWA Power inks $1.78bn agreements to boost renewable energy, R&D

ACWA Power inks $1.78bn agreements to boost renewable energy, R&D
Deals span corporate financing, renewable energy projects, and research partnerships across the Gulf Cooperation Council, China, Central Asia, and North Africa. Supplied
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Updated 30 October 2024
Nirmal Narayanan
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ACWA Power inks $1.78bn agreements to boost renewable energy, R&D

ACWA Power inks $1.78bn agreements to boost renewable energy, R&D
  • First agreement is a $690 million framework deal with the National Bank of Kuwait for general corporate finance facilities
  • ACWA Power secured a $240 million Shariah-compliant equity bridge loan from the International Finance Corp.
Updated 30 October 2024
Nirmal Narayanan
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RIYADH: Saudi utility giant ACWA Power signed four agreements valued at SR6.69 billion ($1.78 billion) on the first day of the eighth Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh. 

The deals span corporate financing, renewable energy projects, and research partnerships across the Gulf Cooperation Council, China, Central Asia, and North Africa, highlighting the company’s expanding global reach. 

The first agreement is a $690 million framework deal with the National Bank of Kuwait for general corporate finance facilities, supporting ACWA Power’s project pipeline in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other target markets. 

Additionally, ACWA Power secured a $240 million Shariah-compliant equity bridge loan from the International Finance Corp. to fund two solar projects in Uzbekistan. 

“These agreements exemplify the extensive breadth of our portfolio and the diverse initiatives we pursue. By collaborating with a variety of partners, we enhance our capabilities, particularly in the areas of innovation and research within our key sectors,” said Marco Arcelli, CEO of ACWA Power. 

Uzbekistan has become a key market for ACWA Power, which has been active in the Central Asian nation’s renewable energy sector in recent years. 

Located in Samarkand, the Sazagan 1 and 2 projects each include 500 megawatts of solar photovoltaic and 334 MW of battery energy storage systems. ACWA Power noted that both projects are expected to commence commercial operations between the third quarter of 2025 and the fourth quarter of 2026. 

The company also signed a joint development agreement with Gotion Power Morocco, a battery solutions provider. Under this agreement, ACWA Power will develop a 500 MW wind power plant incorporating a 2,000 MWh battery energy storage system. 

The project will supply energy to Gotion Power’s battery manufacturing plant in Morocco, slated to start production in the first half of 2026. The initial investment for the project is $800 million. 

ACWA Power also signed a $54 million research and development agreement with China’s Lujiazui Administration Bureau to establish an R&D center in Shanghai. The center will focus on advancing technologies in solar, wind, energy storage, green hydrogen, and desalination. 

“Such strategic alliances reinforce ACWA Power’s dedication to its mission of delivering affordable and reliable power and water solutions on a global scale, thereby strengthening our role in shaping a sustainable future,” concluded Arcelli. 

Topics: ACWA Power FII8 Future Investment Initiative (FII) Saudi Arabia energy

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Saudi Arabia accelerates digital transformation with new transport initiatives

Saudi Arabia accelerates digital transformation with new transport initiatives
Updated 16 sec ago
Nour El-Shaeri
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Saudi Arabia accelerates digital transformation with new transport initiatives

Saudi Arabia accelerates digital transformation with new transport initiatives
Updated 16 sec ago
Nour El-Shaeri

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics has taken a significant step forward in its digital transformation with the launch of a new Digitalization and Technical Processing Center, alongside the unveiling of the Unified Documents and Records Platform.

These initiatives were announced by Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser during a ceremony attended by senior officials and industry leaders, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

The new center and platform are part of the ministry’s broader strategy to accelerate digitalization in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the Vision 2030 goals.

A primary aim of these efforts is to increase the transport and logistics sector’s contribution to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product from 6 percent in 2021 to 10 percent by 2030. This would generate an additional SR45 billion ($11.9 billion) in non-oil revenues annually.

To achieve these goals, the NTLS prioritizes infrastructure development and operational improvements. Key plans include expanding the railway network by approximately 8,080 km, which features the 1,300 km “Landbridge” project, and enhancing port infrastructure to accommodate over 40 million containers annually.

Additionally, the strategy envisions increasing air freight capacity to over 4.5 million tonnes annually, as well as expanding international flight destinations to over 250.

Improving service quality and safety is another critical focus. The NTLS aims to position Saudi Arabia among the top 10 countries in the Logistics Performance Index and secure 6th place in the Road Infrastructure Quality Index. It also seeks to reduce road traffic accidents and fatalities by over 50 percent and cut fuel consumption in the transport sector by 25 percent.

In conjunction with the digitalization efforts, the ministry also inaugurated a historical exhibition that highlights key documents, photographs, and equipment used throughout the history of Saudi Arabia’s transport sector.

The exhibition also includes specialized laboratories for document restoration and sterilization, as well as a centralized destruction center to safeguard the security and confidentiality of information.

Bandar Al-Roqi, general supervisor of the ministry’s Document and Archive Center, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, acknowledging the contributions of various ministry departments in its successful realization.

The project reflects the ministry’s commitment to integrating modern technologies to drive digital transformation while preserving the country’s transport history.

Topics: SaudiVision 2030

Saudi flyadeal records lowest complaint in November, 99% resolution rate: GACA

Saudi flyadeal records lowest complaint in November, 99% resolution rate: GACA
Updated 22 December 2024
REEM WALID 
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Saudi flyadeal records lowest complaint in November, 99% resolution rate: GACA

Saudi flyadeal records lowest complaint in November, 99% resolution rate: GACA
  • flynas was second, with 12 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100%
  • Saudia was third, with 13 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a resolution rate of 99%
Updated 22 December 2024
REEM WALID 

RIYADH: Saudi low-cost airline flyadeal recorded the fewest complaints among its competitors in November, with just 11 per 100,000 travelers, and achieved a 99 percent resolution rate, a recent report revealed.

Issued by the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation, the classification index for air transport service providers and airports is designed to inform passengers about performance, helping them make more informed decisions.

Low-cost carrier flynas was second, with 12 complaints per 100,000 travelers and a resolution rate of 100 percent, and Saudia was third, with 13 complaints per 100,000 passengers and a resolution rate of 99 percent. 

Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is rapidly growing as the nation aims to become a regional hub and major tourist destination. Through the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which opens the sector to global investors, streamlines licensing, and promotes competition, over $100 billion in aviation investment is being attracted to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030’s goals.

The report is in line with GACA’s efforts to promote transparency, demonstrate its credibility and keenness to deal with travelers’ complaints, stimulate fair competition, and develop and improve services.

The figures from the analysis also align well with the National Aviation Strategy by the Kingdom, which aims to increase the air passenger throughput more than three-fold to 330 million by 2030.

The GACA data further revealed that despite serving over 6 million annual passengers, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh had 13 complaints, a low rate of 0.4 percent per 100,000 passengers, and a 100 percent resolution record.

Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, with nearly 6 million annual passengers, also had a complaint rate of 0.4 percent per 100,000 passengers and a 100 percent resolution rate.

King Saud Airport had the lowest complaints among domestic airports, with a rate of 3 percent per 100,000 passengers and a 100 percent resolution rate.

The most common complaints in November were related to luggage, flights, and tickets.

According to the 2024 State of Aviation Report by GACA, a key measure of the aviation sector’s success is the 7 percent growth in air cargo, reaching 900,000 tonnes, alongside a record-breaking 112 million passengers in 2023.

This passenger volume was surpassed by a 17 percent increase in the first half of 2024, with the number of flights growing by 12 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 815,000.

Topics: Saudi Arabia flyadeal Travel Saudi aviation Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA)

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Six initiatives unveiled to strengthen Saudi-Yemeni economic ties

Six initiatives unveiled to strengthen Saudi-Yemeni economic ties
Updated 22 December 2024
Miguel Hadchity
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Six initiatives unveiled to strengthen Saudi-Yemeni economic ties

Six initiatives unveiled to strengthen Saudi-Yemeni economic ties
Updated 22 December 2024
Miguel Hadchity

RIYADH: The Saudi-Yemeni Business Council has announced six key initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and investment ties between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, while also supporting Yemen’s ongoing economic development.

The initiatives were unveiled during a joint council meeting held in Makkah on Sunday, attended by over 300 Saudi and Yemeni investors, according to Al-Ekhbariya.

Abdullah bin Mahfouz, chairman of the Saudi-Yemeni Business Council, which is part of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, disclosed that agreements had been made to establish three new Saudi-Yemeni companies.

The first company will focus on renewable energy, with an initial capital investment of $100 million, to generate solar-powered electricity for Yemen.

The second venture will operate in telecommunications, utilizing Starlink satellite networks. The third company will organize exhibitions and conferences in Yemen to promote Saudi products and support the country’s reconstruction efforts, as reported by the Saudi state-owned channel.

In addition to these initiatives, the council has proposed upgrading the infrastructure at border crossings between the two countries, improving logistics services to facilitate smoother trade.

The trade volume between Saudi Arabia and Yemen currently stands at SR6.3 billion ($1.6 billion), with Yemeni imports from Saudi Arabia accounting for just SR655 million. However, sectors such as mining, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries in Yemen remain largely underdeveloped and present significant growth opportunities.

Among the key recommendations is the establishment of quarantine centers to inspect Yemeni livestock, agricultural products, and seafood, aimed at increasing Yemen’s exports to Saudi Arabia. There are also plans to create “smart food cities” in border regions to bolster food security and promote sustainable agricultural practices through advanced resource management and technology.

Addressing banking and credit challenges is another priority. The council has called for improvements to Yemen’s banking infrastructure, including better collaboration with Saudi banks and the development of Yemen’s exchange sector, to facilitate smoother financial transactions for traders from both countries.

A significant proposal also includes the creation of a Yemeni Investors Club in Saudi Arabia, designed to encourage joint investments and foster business partnerships between the two nations.

Abdulmajid Al-Saadi, co-chairman of the Yemeni Business Council, commended Saudi Arabia’s recent reforms in investment regulations, highlighting that Yemeni capital, estimated at SR18 billion, has increasingly been channeled into Saudi markets. This places Yemen third among foreign investors in the Kingdom.

For over 23 years, the Saudi-Yemeni Business Council has played a pivotal role in fostering economic relations between the two countries, organizing forums, identifying trade and investment opportunities, and promoting bilateral business exchanges. The targeted sectors for cooperation include renewable energy, agriculture, livestock, telecommunications, and trade development, in line with regional and global food security challenges.

In 2023, trade between Saudi Arabia and Yemen amounted to SR6.2 billion, with Saudi exports totaling SR5.6 billion, which included dairy products, fuels, and vegetables. Yemeni imports from Saudi Arabia reached SR661.9 million, consisting of fruits, seafood, and printed materials.

Saudi Arabia has provided significant financial support to Yemen over the past few decades, including over $50 billion in funding for central bank deposits, government budgets, and development projects.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Yemen

Riyadh leads Saudi real estate surge with 20.8% rise in office rents

Riyadh leads Saudi real estate surge with 20.8% rise in office rents
Updated 22 December 2024
Nirmal Narayanan
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Riyadh leads Saudi real estate surge with 20.8% rise in office rents

Riyadh leads Saudi real estate surge with 20.8% rise in office rents
Updated 22 December 2024
Nirmal Narayanan

RIYADH: The real estate market in Riyadh is experiencing significant growth, with rents for Grade A office spaces rising 20.8 percent year on year in the third quarter of 2024, reaching SR2,131 ($567.31) per sq. meter. This increase reflects the city’s expanding economic activity, driven by both a thriving private sector and ongoing government initiatives aimed at positioning the capital as a global business and investment hub. According to JLL’s latest market analysis, this surge in demand for high-quality office spaces is contributing to a historic low in vacancy rates, which fell to just 1.6 percent in Q3 2024.

The report attributes the rise in office rents to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts, particularly the continued growth of the private sector in Riyadh.

The city remains an attractive destination for businesses and investors, with strong demand for Grade A office space in key districts. JLL also highlighted that Northern Riyadh, with its superior accessibility and high-quality developments, is increasingly favored by occupiers, driven by the area's efficient workspaces and ample parking, which help mitigate rising traffic congestion.

In Jeddah, Grade A office rents rose by 11.6 percent year on year, reaching SR1,338 per sq. meter, with a low vacancy rate of 3.7 percent. These trends reflect broader market strength across Saudi Arabia’s key cities.

Hospitality sector thrives

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector continues to see impressive growth, fueled by a combination of high-profile events and the Kingdom’s expanding tourism infrastructure. With events like Riyadh Season and AlUla Season drawing millions of visitors, coupled with the ongoing development of urban infrastructure, the Kingdom is solidifying its status as a leading global leisure and business destination.

According to the Ministry of Tourism, Saudi Arabia’s leisure tourism has skyrocketed by 656 percent since 2019, with 17.5 million international visitors arriving in the first seven months of 2024 alone.

This boom in tourism, supported by initiatives such as the streamlined tourist visa system and a growing entertainment sector, has boosted the Kingdom’s appeal as a global leisure destination. In fact, Saudi Arabia has already surpassed its original Vision 2030 target of attracting 100 million visitors and is now aiming for 150 million by 2030.

“The hospitality sector is set for continued expansion, driven by a packed events calendar and a steady influx of religious tourists,” said Saud Al-Sulaimani, country head of JLL Saudi Arabia. “These factors will fuel demand for accommodations and enhance occupancy rates in key cities.”

In Riyadh, the average daily rate for hotels increased by 19 percent year on year in Q3 2024, reaching SR736.3, while revenue per available room saw a 17.1 percent rise to SR440.3. Despite a minor dip in occupancy by 1.2 percentage points, these metrics reflect the growing strength of the hospitality sector. Jeddah, on the other hand, saw a 10.3 percent year-on-year decline in RevPAR, attributed to a 12.1 percent drop in ADR, although occupancy rates rose by 1.4 percentage points. Makkah and Madinah presented mixed trends, with RevPAR declining by 2.9 percent in Makkah, while Madinah saw a slight increase of 1.6 percent.

“Performance metrics in the hospitality sector are expected to improve as we approach the year's end, fueled by key events like the Riyadh and AlUla Seasons, as well as continued religious tourism,” JLL added.

Residential market growth

The residential markets in Riyadh and Jeddah also saw strong performance in the third quarter of 2024, driven by strong demand and shifting buyer preferences. In Riyadh, 4,000 new residential units were added in Q3, bringing the total stock to 1.46 million. Jeddah saw even greater growth, with 8,000 new units delivered, increasing its stock to 899,000 units.

Residential property prices in both cities also saw significant increases, with Riyadh experiencing a 12 percent year-on-year rise in sales prices, while Jeddah saw a 6 percent increase.

“This is an exciting time for Saudi Arabia, with unprecedented growth across multiple sectors,” said Al-Sulaimani. “The combination of soaring tourism numbers, rising hospitality revenues, and strong demand for residential properties is creating a dynamic environment that presents immense opportunities for investors and businesses alike.”

He added: “The Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy is evident, and we are excited to see how these developments will shape our future.”

Topics: real estate Riyadh office tourism

Saudi Arabia seeks to establish specialized courts to resolve business disputes 

Saudi Arabia seeks to establish specialized courts to resolve business disputes 
Updated 22 December 2024
Nadin Hassan
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Saudi Arabia seeks to establish specialized courts to resolve business disputes 

Saudi Arabia seeks to establish specialized courts to resolve business disputes 
Updated 22 December 2024
Nadin Hassan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia plans to establish specialized courts to address investment disputes, enhance market confidence, and support its Vision 2030 strategy of becoming a global business hub. 

The initiative, revealed through a survey conducted by the Ministry of Investment and shared with the Federation of Saudi Chambers, is aimed at evaluating the need for such judicial bodies across key sectors, Al Arabiya reported. 

These courts are expected to bolster trust in the Kingdom’s legal framework, aligning with its broader legislative and judicial reforms designed to accelerate progress under Vision 2030 and the National Investment Strategy. 

The specialized courts are part of the strategy’s fourth pillar, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021, which seeks to mobilize SR12 trillion ($3.19 trillion) in economic activity through transformative projects, improved infrastructure, and job creation. 

In August, Saudi Arabia announced a major overhaul of its investment laws, reaffirming its commitment to creating a business-friendly environment for global enterprises. 

Revised laws integrate existing commercial rights into a unified framework, prioritizing transparency and simplifying regulatory processes. They offer enhanced protections, including property and intellectual property rights, streamlined registrations, and the establishment of dedicated service centers to expedite government interactions. 

These updates build on previous measures such as the Civil Transactions Law, Private Sector Participation Law, Companies Law, Bankruptcy Law, and the introduction of Special Economic Zones. 

At the time, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih stated that the law underscored Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering a secure and investor-friendly environment, bolstering economic growth, and solidifying the Kingdom’s status as a leading global investment hub.  

He noted that Vision 2030’s policy framework offered investors the confidence and stability needed to thrive, particularly as other markets faced significant volatility. 

The law also seeks to create a competitive market by encouraging fair competition and guaranteeing equal opportunities for both domestic and international investors. 

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia launched its regional headquarters program, offering businesses incentives such as a 30-year exemption from corporate income tax and withholding tax on headquarters activities, along with access to discounts and support services. 

In October, Al-Falih confirmed the success of the initiative, announcing that the Kingdom had attracted 540 international companies to establish regional headquarters in Riyadh, surpassing its 2030 target of 500. 

Topics: Saudi Investment

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