Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 12,025

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.02 billion ($1.60 billion), as 188 stocks advanced, while 52 retreated. File  
The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.02 billion ($1.60 billion), as 188 stocks advanced, while 52 retreated. File  
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Updated 27 March 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 12,025

Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in green at 12,025

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Thursday, gaining 54.86 points, or 0.46 percent, to close at 12,025.05.  

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR6.02 billion ($1.60 billion), as 188 stocks advanced, while 52 retreated.   

The MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 6.18 points, or 0.41 percent, to close at 1,524.34.

The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, rose, gaining 98.09 points, or 0.32 percent, to close at 31,086.53. This comes as 59 stocks advanced while 26 retreated.

The best-performing stock was Zamil Industrial Investment Co., with its share price surging by 9.92 percent to SR32.70. 

The worst performer of the day was SAL Saudi Logistics Services Co., whose share price fell by 3.88 percent to SR198.

On the announcements front, MBC Group Co. announced its financial results for 2024, with net profits reaching SR426.1 million, up from SR17.5 million the previous year.

The group attributed the rise to the full-year comparison versus a partial-year base in 2023 when the results only reflected the period from July to December following the subsidiaries’ acquisition. The improved performance was supported by higher revenues from SHAHID, MBC’s video-on-demand platform, as well as other commercial activity segments, particularly from broadcasting and technical services contracts.  

The firm’s shares traded 0.86 percent lower on the main market to close at SR45.90. 

Emaar, The Economic City, announced its annual financial results for 2024. The company’s net loss in 2024 reached SR1.1 billion, up from SR253 million in the previous year, marking a 348.6 percent change.

It attributed the net loss of SR882 million to a shift from a gross profit of SR432 million last year to a gross loss of SR119 million. This was driven by lower sales of residential properties and industrial lands, and the absence of a one-off revenue boost of SR263 million recorded in 2023. 

It added in a statement on Tadawul that operating expenses rose by SR41 million on higher employee costs and marketing spending, while financial charges increased by SR136 million due to additional borrowing and higher Saudi Arabian Interbank Offered rates. 

Other operating income also declined by SR102 million, weighed down by lower property disposals and the absence of non-recurring gains.

However, the higher loss was partially offset by an SR70 million reversal of expected credit loss provisions following improved collections.

The firm’s shares traded 1.51 percent lower on the main market to close at SR14.36.

Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co. also announced its annual financial results for last year. The company’s net loss decreased to SR197.5 million from SR1.1 billion in the previous year.

In a statement, the company said that the increase was driven by an accounting adjustment of SR141 million year-end adjustment as per international financial reporting standards; goodwill and other assets were assessed independently and impaired. 

On another note, the Capital Market Authority has approved Specialized Medical Co.’s application to register and offer 75 million shares, representing 30 percent of its share capital, for public subscription.  

The company’s prospectus, which will be released ahead of the subscription period, will provide investors with key information on its financials, activities, management, and associated risks.  

The CMA emphasized in a statement that its approval does not constitute a recommendation to invest but confirms that the legal requirements have been met. The approval is valid for six months from the resolution date.

On the weekend’s trading session, Specialized Medical Co.’s shares traded 1.23 percent higher on the parallel market to close at SR16.46.


Saudi asset management industry hits $266bn, poised for further growth: Fitch Ratings 

Saudi asset management industry hits $266bn, poised for further growth: Fitch Ratings 
Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi asset management industry hits $266bn, poised for further growth: Fitch Ratings 

Saudi asset management industry hits $266bn, poised for further growth: Fitch Ratings 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s asset management industry grew by 20 percent year on year in 2024, pushing the sector’s total assets to SR1 trillion ($266 billion) for the first time, according to a new analysis by Fitch Ratings. 

In its latest report, the ratings agency said the industry is expected to continue attracting steady inflows through 2025 and 2026, with assets under management projected to exceed SR1.3 trillion. 

Fitch attributed the sector’s momentum to several key factors, including a growing investor base, favorable demographics, ongoing economic reforms, strong capital markets, and digital transformation initiatives. 

Bashar Al-Natoor, global head of Islamic Finance at Fitch, said: “Saudi Arabia’s asset management industry is the largest in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) with AUM having crossed SAR1 trillion, and further growth expected.”  

He added: “Almost all mutual funds listed on the Saudi Exchange are Shariah-compliant, indicating strong demand for Islamic products.” 

An earlier report by Fitch in October noted that growth in 2025 would be further supported by a rising number of high-net-worth individuals seeking asset management services within the Kingdom. 

The Saudi government aims for the industry’s AUM to reach 40 percent of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product by the end of the decade. 

The report also noted that bank-affiliated asset managers in Saudi Arabia accounted for nearly two-thirds of the industry’s revenues by the end of 2024. 

However, Fitch pointed out that international competition is likely to intensify as global players such as BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, as well as Citigroup and Mizuho Bank, have received regulatory approval to establish regional headquarters in the Kingdom. 

The analysis highlighted that around half of Saudi Arabia’s AUM is held in private funds, followed by discretionary portfolio management and public funds. 

Private fund assets are primarily concentrated in real estate and equities, while half of the AUM under discretionary portfolio management is invested in local shares. 

Public fund assets are distributed across money market funds, equities, real estate investment trusts, and debt instruments. 

Fitch also noted that the combined market capitalization of listed equity markets in the GCC surpassed $4 trillion at the end of 2024, led by the Saudi Exchange. 

Despite the strong outlook, the report warned of potential challenges, including trade tensions and fluctuations in oil prices. 

“The market is not immune from global volatilities, such as those caused by the US government’s tariff rises on April 2. Oil price changes are among the key factors that could affect the industry,” Fitch added. 


Saudi Arabia signs aviation deals at ICAO Conference in Doha

Saudi Arabia signs aviation deals at ICAO Conference in Doha
Updated 6 min 43 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia signs aviation deals at ICAO Conference in Doha

Saudi Arabia signs aviation deals at ICAO Conference in Doha

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has signed multiple air transport agreements at the International Civil Aviation Organization Facilitation Conference in Doha, as part of its strategy to bolster international cooperation and expand the Kingdom’s global aviation footprint.

Held from April 14 to 17 in Qatar, the conference brought together officials from 190 countries, including more than 120 ministers of transport and heads of civil aviation authorities.

The agreements aim to establish regulatory frameworks for air transport, reinforce civil aviation safety and security standards, and offer travelers more connectivity options, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

These developments are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious aviation strategy, which targets seamless travel for 330 million passengers to over 250 destinations and the transportation of 4.5 million tonnes of air cargo annually by 2030. The Kingdom also aims to attract 150 million tourists by the end of the decade.

As part of the latest agreements, GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej signed air services deals with Liberia and Grenada, and a record of discussions in the field of air transport with Samoa and Fiji. A separate agreement with Ecuador was signed on behalf of GACA by Ali bin Mohammed Rajab, executive vice president for Air Transport and International Cooperation.

“These agreements aim to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia and participating nations, facilitate the operation of air transport services, and support the safe and orderly growth of the sector in line with the 1944 Chicago Convention,” SPA reported.

The accords also reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of becoming a leading aviation hub in the Middle East and a global player in civil aviation, while maintaining a strong focus on air safety and environmental sustainability.

In addition to signing new agreements, GACA held bilateral meetings with aviation authorities from Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Syria, Yemen, and Seychelles. Discussions focused on enhancing joint cooperation, forming strategic partnerships, and advancing safety and facilitation standards in the aviation sector.

Organized by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority in collaboration with ICAO, this year’s conference—held under the theme “Facilitating the Future of Air Transport: Collaboration, Efficiency, and Inclusiveness”—served as a platform for global dialogue on the evolving landscape of civil aviation.


Saudi retail real estate outlook strong on tourism and Vision 2030, S&P says 

Saudi retail real estate outlook strong on tourism and Vision 2030, S&P says 
Updated 32 min 21 sec ago
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Saudi retail real estate outlook strong on tourism and Vision 2030, S&P says 

Saudi retail real estate outlook strong on tourism and Vision 2030, S&P says 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s retail real estate market is poised for growth in the near term, driven by population growth, expanding tourism, and economic diversification efforts under the Vision 2030 initiative, according to S&P Global. 

In its latest report, the credit rating agency said that ongoing mega-projects and the expansion of international brands are expected to propel further demand for retail space across the Kingdom. 

This comes as Saudi Arabia steps up efforts to become a global hub for tourism and business by the end of the decade, with the Real Estate General Authority projecting the property market to reach $101.62 billion by 2029, driven by an anticipated compound annual growth rate of 8 percent from 2024. 

“The growth path for retail real estate in Saudi Arabia is looking good for 2025-2026. The government’s commitment to infrastructure development, the rise of mega projects, and the expansion of international brands into the Saudi market will boost demand for retail spaces,” S&P Global said. 

The report aligns with findings from real estate advisory JLL, which in March forecast a shift in the Kingdom’s retail market toward “experiential formats” and a strong growth outlook for 2025. 

Riyadh, Jeddah, and other major cities are witnessing a wave of new retail developments, ranging from malls and entertainment venues to mixed-use spaces combining residential, hospitality, and retail components, S&P noted. 

Driving factors 

The US-based agency added that the strong influx of tourists into the Kingdom and the government’s foreign investment policies — such as allowing 100 percent foreign ownership — will also help the retail real estate sector grow and evolve. 

The report cited the Kingdom’s major developments — including NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and AlUla — as key drivers for retail real estate expansion. 

“Saudi Arabia’s per capita income is strong, and consumer spending on retail and entertainment is expected to grow, given the dominance of youth in the growing population. The country’s gradual transformation toward being a more socially liberal, entertainment-friendly society is leading to higher footfall in malls and retail destinations,” S&P Global said. 

In addition to international tourism, the domestic retail environment is evolving, with open-air and boulevard-style outlets gaining popularity. According to JLL, open-air boulevard-type retail is gaining popularity in the Kingdom, while traditional mall concepts are facing declining occupancy rates due to their standard “closed mall” designs and generalized retail offerings.  

S&P Global added that growing urbanization — particularly among the youth — is lifting demand for modern retail formats such as lifestyle centers and high-end shopping malls.  

“The country has become a major target market for international brands in the fashion, luxury, and food and beverage segments. Global retailers are expanding their footprints in Saudi Arabia, leading to increased demand for premium retail spaces,” the agency noted. 

It added that upcoming high-profile events, including Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, are likely to boost demand further. 

Although the affinity toward e-commerce shopping is rising in the Kingdom, the demand for physical stores that offer in-store experiences is also expected to grow in the coming years. 

S&P Global said that people in the Middle East region consider malls to be spaces for entertainment, recreation, dining, and social interaction, and as a result, the retail real estate sector will experience growth, similar to the e-commerce industry. 

Supply pressures ahead 

Despite the positive outlook, S&P Global flagged several risks that could weigh on the sector. These include oversupply, changing retail preferences, and pressure on rental yields amid elevated capital expenditure by landlords. 

“The volume of retail projects in the pipeline raises the risk of potential oversupply, in our view, particularly in secondary locations where demand may not be sufficient to absorb new retail spaces,” said S&P Global. 

Rental rates could also face downward pressure as the volume of retail real estate space increases. 

S&P Global highlighted that additional factors like location, competition, and asset quality could also affect rental rates in the retail property space. 

According to Knight Frank’s 2024 Saudi Arabia Giga Projects Report, 7.4 million sq. meters of new retail real estate are under development, including spaces at Diriyah Gate, The Red Sea Project, and NEOM. 

Moreover, lower oil prices, market volatility, escalating global trade tensions, and a fragmented geopolitical environment could dampen government spending and non-oil economic growth in the Kingdom. 

Citing the Knight Frank report, S&P Global noted that Riyadh’s real estate supply is expected to grow by 50 percent by 2027, while Jeddah’s will increase by 75 percent during the same period. 

“This rapid growth could lead landlords to offer rental discounts, revenue-sharing lease models, and other incentives to maintain occupancies. Retailers are increasingly prioritizing foot traffic and tenant mix over sheer size,” the analysis said. 

It added: “While prime locations in Riyadh and Jeddah will likely maintain stable rental rates due to strong demand, secondary locations might see a drop in rental values due to oversupply.” 


Education drives weekly POS spending in Saudi Arabia to over $3bn 

Education drives weekly POS spending in Saudi Arabia to over $3bn 
Updated 16 April 2025
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Education drives weekly POS spending in Saudi Arabia to over $3bn 

Education drives weekly POS spending in Saudi Arabia to over $3bn 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale transactions rose to SR12.3 billion ($3.2 billion) in the week ending April 12, driven by a sharp 2412.9 percent surge in spending on education. 

Following Eid Al-Fitr, POS transactions in this sector reached SR256.8 million, up from SR10.2 million in the previous week, according to the latest figures from the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA. 

During that seven-day period, spending on transportation saw the second-largest increase at 115 percent to reach SR693.9 million, with the number of transactions surging by 26.9 percent to 2.7 million.  

Spending on construction and building materials followed with a 109.3 percent uptick to SR311.5 million.  

Spending on electronics reached SR154.9 million, as transaction volume in the sector rose by 23.2 percent. Health and furniture also saw notable increases, up 63.4 percent to SR778 million and 62 percent to SR228.5 million, respectively. 

Among the top three categories by overall value, food and beverages led with SR1.8 billion, marking a 10.3 percent week-on-week increase. Despite a 21.4 percent decline, restaurants and cafes came second at SR1.7 billion. 

Miscellaneous goods and services accounted for SR1.51 billion in POS spending, a 34.5 percent rise, making it the third-largest category. 

Combined, these three segments represented approximately SR5 billion, or 41.3 percent, of total POS activity during the week. 

Meanwhile, spending in recreation and culture declined by 5.5 percent to SR250.5 million, and hotel transactions dropped 21.9 percent to SR288.6 million. 

Geographically, Riyadh dominated POS transactions, representing around 34.9 percent of the total, with expenses in the capital reaching SR4.3 billion — a 34.5 percent increase from the previous week.  

Jeddah followed with a 17.9 percent increase to SR1.7 billion; Dammam came in third at SR635.3 million, up 32.8 percent.  

Makkah experienced the most significant decrease in spending, dropping by 5.8 percent to SR485.5 million. Madinah followed with a 4.3 percent reduction to SR494.3 million. 

Tabuk and Dammam saw the largest increases in terms of number of transactions, surging by 25.8 percent and 19.8 percent, respectively, to 4.5 million and 8.7 million transactions.


Lucid says it is on track to enter midsize electric SUV market next year 

Lucid says it is on track to enter midsize electric SUV market next year 
Updated 16 April 2025
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Lucid says it is on track to enter midsize electric SUV market next year 

Lucid says it is on track to enter midsize electric SUV market next year 

RIYADH: Lucid is on track to launch its midsize electric SUV in 2026, company executives said on Tuesday, as the EV maker looks to tap an increasingly competitive segment dominated by rival Tesla’s bestselling Model Y crossover. 

“There are a lot of crazy things going on in the world that can affect that (timeline). But currently we are on track,” said Derek Jenkins, senior vice president at Lucid. 

The company targets a $50,000 price point, which will pit the model against contenders such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the upcoming Rivian R2. 

Teams at Lucid have been preparing assembly lines and working with vendors to move ahead with the launch, said Emad Dlala, senior vice-president at the electric-vehicle maker. 

TARIFF IMPACT 

Lucid is not immune to the Trump administration’s tariffs but is working to mitigate its effects, interim CEO Marc Winterhoff told Reuters. 

While the EV maker does not plan any price hikes, it has signed agreements with battery cell and graphite suppliers to bring production to the US, Winterhoff said. 

“We have those agreements already. The plants are being built right now, so it’s not something that we can switch on today, but it's in the near future,” he said. 

Former Tesla engineer Peter Rawlinson, who was the CEO of Lucid for more than five years, resigned in February. 

The company, backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, plans to launch the less-expensive Touring variant of the Gravity SUV later this year, starting at $79,900. It expects strong demand for the premium model to help double its 2025 vehicle production to around 20,000 units. 

Lucid started producing its Gravity SUV at its Arizona factory last year, with customer orders for the Grand Touring trim opening in November.