Closing Bell: GCC stock markets up in wake of Trump’s election win

Closing Bell: GCC stock markets up in wake of Trump’s election win
Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index finished 0.31 percent up on Thursday. Shutterstock
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Updated 07 November 2024
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Closing Bell: GCC stock markets up in wake of Trump’s election win

Closing Bell: GCC stock markets up in wake of Trump’s election win

RIYADH: Following Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, stock markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council saw a strong rally.

Markets posted gains, with Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index finishing 0.31 percent up to close at 12,130.80 points on Thursday. This came after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Trump on winning the election in a phone call on Wednesday, according to the Saudi News Agency.

Dubai’s Financial Market mirrored the upward momentum, climbing 0.60 percent. Abu Dhabi’s Securities Exchange also saw a lift, finishing the day up 0.44 percent.

Bahrain’s Bourse recorded a rise of 0.52 percent, while Kuwait’s main market similarly rose, closing with a 0.10 percent gain.

However, the Muscat Securities Market in Oman saw a 0.17 percent decrease, while the Qatar Stock Exchange was closed for a public holiday. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index on TASI was SR7.53 billion ($2 billion) as 113 of the listed stocks advanced, while 111 retreated.   

Similarly, the MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 2.03 points, or 0.13 percent, to close at 1,521.79.

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also climbed by 415.36 points, or 1.44 percent, to close at 29,269.00. This comes as 49 of the listed stocks advanced while as many as 22 retreated.

The best-performing stock of the day was Rasan Information Technology Co., whose share price surged by 7.13 percent to SR78.10.

Other top performers include Miahona Co., and Theeb Rent a Car Co., with Miahona’s share price climbing 6.75 percent to SR29.25 and Theeb’s rising 6.59 percent to SR79.30.

Naseej International Trading Co. and Al Moammar Information Systems Co. also posted rises.

The worst performer was Saudi Arabian Mining Co., whose share price dropped by 4.09 percent to SR53.90.

Other worst performers were Abdulmohsen Alhokair Group for Tourism and Development, whose share price fell by 3.18 percent to SR2.74, and ACWA Power Co., which saw a 2.95 percent drop to SR441.20.

On an announcement front, ACWA Power Co. announced its results for interim financial results for the first nine months of 2024, ending on Sept. 30, with revenues surging by 13.3 percent to reach SR1.74 billion, compared to SR1.542 billion in 2023.

The increase was primarily driven by higher revenue from electricity sales, operation and maintenance services, and additional income from development projects and construction management, the company said on Tadawul. 

BinDawood Holding Co. also disclosed its financial results for the third quarter, with revenues slightly increasing by 0.189 percent to reach SR1.361 compared to the same quarter last year.

The company closed Thursday’s trading session at SR7.02, a 0.29 percent increase.

Saudi Steel Pipe Co. also released its financial results for the nine months of the year, recording SR381 million in revenues, a 20.18 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The company closed today’s trading session at SR71.40, decreasing by 1.27 percent.

The United International Transportation Co. disclosed a 37.052 percent increase in revenues for the first nine months to reach SR505.8 million, compared to SR369.07 million during the same period last year.

This was primarily driven by the expansion of a long-term lease fleet and the resulting higher lease revenues.

The company closed at SR84, with its stock valie declining by 1.55 percent.


Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace
Updated 20 August 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace
  • Shoura Island will welcome guests this year at 11 luxury resorts
  • Construction at the wellness-focused Amaala project is progressing rapidly

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global is considering a range of alternative financing options in the near future, including an initial public offering or converting assets into real estate investment trusts, according to its chief executive officer.

Speaking to Al-Eqtisadiah, John Pagano said no final decisions have been made, but emphasized the company’s focus on leveraging current momentum, with resorts now operational and more hotel openings expected this year.

Shoura Island, the flagship of the Red Sea destination, will welcome guests this year at 11 luxury resorts operated by global hospitality brands, including Rosewood, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, EDITION, and Raffles.

Construction at the wellness-focused Amaala project is also progressing rapidly, with core infrastructure complete and its first hotels nearing launch, Pagano said.

Six resorts have opened under the Red Sea destination so far, including Desert Rock and Shebara, which are fully owned and operated by Red Sea Global. The exclusive Thuwal Private Retreat has also been unveiled as the company’s third destination.

Red Sea Global has also launched residential offerings on Shoura and Ummhat islands, in addition to announcing Lahak Island earlier this year, which drew strong local and international attention, he said.

Amaala is set to open by year-end and will feature wellness and hospitality brands such as Jayasom, Six Senses, Rosewood, Equinox, and Clinique La Prairie. The destination aims to deliver experiences centered on healing, exploration, and renewal.


Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom’s cafe sector

Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom’s cafe sector
Updated 20 August 2025
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Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom’s cafe sector

Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom’s cafe sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s imports of Japanese matcha skyrocketed by nearly 900 percent in 2023 to 81,000 kilograms at a value at SR9 million ($2.40 million), up from just 9,000 kilograms in 2022, highlighting the rapid expansion of the drink’s market presence across the Kingdom.

The momentum continued into 2024, with imports totaling 46,000 kilograms worth SR7 million, reflecting sustained consumer demand and the growing role of matcha in the Kingdom’s cafe sector, Al-Eqtisadiah reported.

Cafes are capitalizing on the trend, with Jon & Vinny’s in Riyadh reporting weekend sales of 350 matcha cups per branch, making up 22 percent of beverage revenues, according to Al-Eqtisadiah.

The cafe uses a premium Japanese blend priced at SR1,200 per kilogram. Similarly, Pro 92 Cafe said matcha lattes alone contribute 10.5 percent of total sales, consuming over 150 kilograms of matcha monthly across branches.

The broader green tea category — which includes matcha — accounted for SR74 million in Saudi imports in 2024, totaling 2.3 million kilograms. In comparison, 2023 saw 2.5 million kilograms imported at a value of SR79 million, Al-Eqtisadiah reported.

Cups of matcha are sold at prices ranging from SR16 to SR29, depending on the outlet. This price variation has spurred a growing home-preparation market, with local Instagram-based businesses selling matcha kits priced between SR110 and SR180.

Driven by health-conscious consumers and youth interest in Japanese culture, matcha is carving out a permanent share in the Kingdom’s beverage landscape.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878
Updated 20 August 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878
  • MSCI Tadawul Index fell 0.02%, to close at 1,406.62
  • Parallel market Nomu lost 0.52% to end at 26,629.95

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged down on Wednesday, slipping 3.64 points, or 0.03 percent, to close at 10,878.07. 

The benchmark’s total trading turnover stood at SR4.21 billion ($1.12 billion), with 95 stocks advancing and 148 declined. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index also dipped, falling 0.24 points, or 0.02 percent, to 1,406.62. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 139.91 points, or 0.52 percent, to close at 26,629.95, as 35 stocks advanced and 55 retreated. 

Thimar Development Holding Co. was the session’s top performer, rising 4.47 percent to SR41.10. 

Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Co. climbed 3.4 percent to SR45.64, and Power and Water Utility Co. for Jubail and Yanbu gained 2.41 percent to SR40.80. 

Alistithmar AREIC Diversified REIT Fund recorded the steepest drop, falling 4.50 percent to SR8.06. Retal Urban Development Co. declined 3.95 percent to SR13.14, while Zamil Industrial Investment Co. slipped 2.94 percent to SR37.66. 

In corporate announcements, Sama Healthy Water Factory Co. reported a 27.19 percent decline in first-half 2025 net profit to SR3.51 million, compared with SR4.82 million a year earlier. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company attributed the fall mainly to unrealized foreign exchange losses, though it said core operational profit rose 23 percent on the back of higher sales and improved margins following the integration of a new raw material production line. 

Its share price fell 1.29 percent to SR2.29.  

View United Real Estate Development Co. posted a 132.11 percent increase in net profit for the first half of the year, reaching SR9.97 million versus SR4.30 million in the same period last year. 

The company cited a 104.77 percent jump in revenue, driven by stronger performance across most business segments, alongside the positive impact of off-plan and land sales, according to a Tadawul statement. 

Its shares, however, slipped 0.95 percent to SR6.24. 

Al Rashid Industrial Co. registered a 22.88 percent rise in first-half net profit to SR21.47 million, compared with SR17.47 million in the previous year. 

The company said the increase reflected stronger top-line performance and a 21.78 percent jump in gross operating profit, highlighting improved efficiency. 

Its stock advanced 9.18 percent to SR53.50. 


PIF launches ‘azm’ program to equip Saudis for labor market needs

PIF launches ‘azm’ program to equip Saudis for labor market needs
Updated 20 August 2025
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PIF launches ‘azm’ program to equip Saudis for labor market needs

PIF launches ‘azm’ program to equip Saudis for labor market needs
  • Program aims to create pipeline of technically skilled Saudis to meet PIF’s investment needs
  • It will offer tailored training at competitive costs

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund launched a strategic program designed to build skills, address labor market needs, and support economic diversification to boost national talent. 

The “azm” workforce development program was unveiled at a signing ceremony attended by Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan and PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, alongside partners from the Technical and Vocational Training Corp., Colleges of Excellence, Human Resources Development Fund, and Roshn Group. 

The launch underscores PIF’s role in advancing Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s plan to transition to a knowledge-based economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. 

In a post on its official X account, PIF said it launched “the ‘azm’ program to empower national talents and equip them with the expertise and skills required by the labor market, thereby contributing to building a stronger and more diverse national economy, through a signing ceremony that included the program’s partners.” 

According to the sovereign wealth fund, azm aims to create a pipeline of technically skilled Saudis to meet the needs of PIF’s investments, portfolio companies, and ecosystem partners. It focuses on employer-driven skill development, with 80 percent of training based on hands-on, real-world applications. 

Under the program, PIF signed memoranda of understanding with TVTC and the Colleges of Excellence to manage and deliver training. The agreements cover curriculum development, contracting with local and international providers, overseeing registration and evaluation, and operating training facilities. 

“Future cooperation between Colleges of Excellence and the fund includes launching an academic entity under the azm program to serve as a specialized training body in developing technical and professional skills for Saudi youth,” the Colleges of Excellence posted on its X account.

The fund said azm will offer tailored training at competitive costs, apply rigorous learner selection, and provide financial incentives to cover tuition. Employers partnering with the program will gain access to a job-ready Saudi workforce trained to their specifications. 

PIF said azm leverages its existing experience in delivering training across portfolio companies and taps into a broad network of local and international providers. It also benefits from strong ties with accreditation bodies and access to government funding mechanisms for workforce development.


Saudi Arabia clears VistaJet as first foreign private jet operator 

Saudi Arabia clears VistaJet as first foreign private jet operator 
Updated 20 August 2025
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Saudi Arabia clears VistaJet as first foreign private jet operator 

Saudi Arabia clears VistaJet as first foreign private jet operator 

JEDDAH: Malta-based VistaJet is set to become the first foreign private jet operator allowed to fly domestic routes in Saudi Arabia, after regulators lifted cabotage restrictions to liberalize the Kingdom’s skies. 

VistaJet’s approval comes less than four months after Saudi regulators, on May 1, scrapped rules that had barred international charter operators from offering domestic services — a move aimed at stimulating competition, improving service quality, and expanding the private aviation segment. 

The decision, announced by the General Authority of Civil Aviation, marks a major step in liberalizing Saudi Arabia’s general aviation market as the Kingdom works to attract global investment and boost competitiveness under its Vision 2030 economic transformation plan. 

Awad Al-Sulami, executive vice president for economic policies and logistics services at GACA, said: “Authorizing VistaJet as the first international private jet operator for domestic operations in the Kingdom is a milestone in enhancing the general aviation market in Saudi Arabia.” 

He added: “This step will foster greater competition, stimulate sector growth, and raise the quality of services for private aviation customers in the Kingdom and across the region.” 

VistaJet, which operates under a Maltese air operator certificate and is part of Dubai-headquartered Vista Global Holding, welcomed the decision as a breakthrough for the sector. 

“We are delighted to be working with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GACA, reinforcing our commitment to offering clients reliable, flexible and trusted flying solutions through our global and regional infrastructure,” said Mazen Obaid, president — Middle East at Vista. 

He added: “As a Saudi myself, I am extremely proud and excited for this new venture, and of all the opportunities that I know we can achieve together. We very much look forward to hiring many local experts and investing locally.” 

The move supports GACA’s General Aviation Roadmap under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as the Middle East’s top aviation hub by 2030 and a global logistics connector between Asia, Africa, and Europe.