黑料社区

黑料社区 launches company to transform Asir into global tourism hub

The holding company seeks to聽contribute to enhancing聽a tourism environment that enriches guests鈥 experiences with unique offerings.
The holding company seeks to聽contribute to enhancing聽a tourism environment that enriches guests鈥 experiences with unique offerings.
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Updated 14 November 2024

黑料社区 launches company to transform Asir into global tourism hub

黑料社区 launches company to transform Asir into global tourism hub

RIYADH:聽黑料社区鈥檚 Asir region has launched a new tourism venture through a partnership聽with the aim of creating聽a holding company to transform the area into a global tourist destination.

The collaboration between Aseer Investment Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, and Rikaz Real Estate, aligns with the goal of transforming Asir into a world-class tourist destination that combines authentic heritage with sustainable development, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The holding company seeks to聽contribute to enhancing聽a tourism environment that enriches guests鈥 experiences with unique offerings, connecting visitors to local culture and community traditions, SPA reported.

It is also committed to promoting sustainable tourism by protecting the environment, developing local communities, and collaborating with artisans and local businesses to preserve the authenticity of Asir鈥檚 heritage.

In October, the Kingdom鈥檚 Abha city secured a new investment partnership to boost tourism by developing culturally rich dining and retail experiences.聽

PIF firm Aseer Investment Co. signed the deal with Nimr Real Estate and the National Co. for Tourism, or Syahya, to propel the project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.聽

This聽aligns with the objectives of developing Abha, which will offer a range of benefits, including retail stores that reflect the cultural heritage of the Asir region.

The partnership also seeks to be a model for multiple collaborations with private sector investors and create more regional job opportunities.

Investments in the region聽are expected聽to create between 14,000 and 18,000 job prospects and contribute to up to 6 percent of the non-oil gross domestic product within 10 years, as outlined by AIC Chief Executive Osama Al-Othman in February.

黑料社区 emerged as a leader in tourism growth among G20 nations, experiencing a 73 percent increase in international visitors in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019.

According to the UN World Tourism Barometer report聽in September, the Kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists during this timeframe, showcasing its growing allure as a global travel destination.

This surge is part of the nation鈥檚 Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues.

鈥満诹仙缜 cements its global leadership and takes the first spot among G20 countries in international tourist arrivals growth, with a 73 percent increase in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019,鈥 stated the Saudi Tourism Ministry on X.

Under the National Tourism Strategy, the Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030 and increase the sector鈥檚 contribution to the nation鈥檚 gross domestic product from 6 percent to 10 percent.

These goals reflect the country鈥檚 commitment to strengthening its tourism sector and enhancing its global appeal.


Region鈥檚 largest mining summit opens in Jeddah

The three-day symposium was held under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef. AN photo
The three-day symposium was held under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef. AN photo
Updated 12 October 2025

Region鈥檚 largest mining summit opens in Jeddah

The three-day symposium was held under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef. AN photo
  • The event gathers more than 342 experts, global mining leaders, geoscience innovators, researchers and academics from 34 countries

JEDDAH: The GEOMIN Symposium, the first-of-its-kind geoscience event in the region, kicked off in Jeddah on Sunday with the aim of tackling challenges in mineral exploration throughout Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

The three-day symposium, themed 鈥淩edefining Mineral Exploration, Potential, and Impact鈥 was organized by the Saudi Geological Survey and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and held under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef.

The event gathers more than 342 experts, global mining leaders, geoscience innovators, researchers and academics from 34 countries, as well as more than 130 participating organizations.

At the opening of the symposium, Al-Khorayef said that GEOMIN 2025 is the technical heart of the vision and a space where geologists, researchers and experts exchange knowledge and advance the science that drives every successful mineral discovery.

鈥淕EOMIN in Jeddah and Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh platforms combine scientific excellence with strategic investment, showcasing the Kingdom鈥檚 commitment not only to advancing its own mineral ecosystem but also to making meaningful contributions to the global mining community,鈥 he said.

Abdullah bin Muftir Al-Shamrani, the CEO of SGS, told attendees that the mining sector has set a target to increase spending, aiming to raise the index to 200 Saudi riyals per square kilometer through a series of major and strategic initiatives in geological surveying, exploration and the geological database.

鈥淎s its first edition, GEOMIN serves as a premier platform for fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and sharing expertise. We are privileged to convene, for these next three days, an esteemed group of geoscientists, industry leaders, researchers, and academics from across the globe,鈥 Al-Shamrani said.

He pointed out that the program reflects this spirit, featuring more than 100 presentations and contributions.

From seminars and panel discussions to keynote addresses and technical sessions, 鈥淕EOMIN offers an unmatched opportunity to share expertise, build partnerships, and explore solutions for a rapidly evolving sector,鈥 he added.

SEG President Joseph Reilly told Arab News that GEOMIN underlines the importance of collaboration in unlocking mineral resources essential to global growth and energy transition.

He said the SEG Foundation exists to provide support for innovative activities and grant programs that will equip geophysicists with the tools they need.

鈥淎t SEG, we are an international organization which sees things like technology and projects all over the world and when we come to this part of the world, we enlighten our partners of these advanced projects and technology and eventually we connect people.鈥

Of the Saudi mining sector, he said: 鈥淚t is an exciting sector. It is one of the places in the world where the government, the industry and the environment (are) ready to go.

鈥淚t seems that it鈥檚 the government鈥檚 objective to build an integrated and sustainable mining ecosystem that strengthens its industrial base and enhances the global supply chains.鈥


Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,494

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,494
Updated 12 October 2025

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,494

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,494

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 Tadawul All Share Index dipped on Sunday, losing 88.86 points, or 0.77 percent, to close at 11,494.45. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.65 billion ($1.24 billion), with 42 stocks advancing and 211 retreating.  

The MSCI Tadawul Index also fell, dropping 13.01 points, or 0.86 percent, to close at 1,496.74. 

The Kingdom鈥檚 parallel market Nomu gained 57.44 points, or 0.22 percent, to end at 25,862.86, as 45 listed stocks advanced while 47 retreated.  

The best-performing stock of the session was Maharah Human Resources Co., whose share price surged 9.90 percent to SR5.33. 

Other top performers included Saudi Automotive Services Co., up 7.44 percent to SR70, and National Shipping Co. of 黑料社区, rising 7.24 percent to SR29.64. Savola Group and Al-Omran Industrial Trading Co. followed, climbing 4.80 percent and 3.01 percent to SR26 and SR32.20, respectively. 

On the downside, Naseej International Trading Co. fell to SR80.40, down 9.97 percent.  

Gas Arabian Services Co. slipped to SR15.57, down 4.13 percent, and National Medical Care Co. to SR175.40, down 3.47 percent. Methanol Chemicals Co. dropped to SR10.05, down 3.27 percent, while Tamkeen Human Resource Co. declined to SR58.15, down 2.76 percent. 

On the corporate announcements front, Arabian Centres Co., operating as Cenomi Centers, announced a public offering of Saudi Riyal-denominated Sukuk to refinance existing debt and meet general corporate needs.  

According to a Tadawul statement, the offering follows Capital Market Authority approval on Sept. 16, under the company鈥檚 established SR4.5 billion sukuk issuance program. The final issuance amount will depend on market conditions, with Al Rajhi Capital appointed as financial advisor, sole arranger, and dealer for the offering. 

Cenomi Centers鈥 shares traded 1.64 percent lower, closing at SR22.23. 


SARCO, UAE鈥檚 Go Energy partner on 黑料社区鈥檚 green hydrogen push聽

SARCO, UAE鈥檚 Go Energy partner on 黑料社区鈥檚 green hydrogen push聽
Updated 12 October 2025

SARCO, UAE鈥檚 Go Energy partner on 黑料社区鈥檚 green hydrogen push聽

SARCO, UAE鈥檚 Go Energy partner on 黑料社区鈥檚 green hydrogen push聽

RIYADH: A green hydrogen and ammonia project is set to take shape in the Kingdom after 黑料社区 Refineries Co. signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with UAE-based Go Energy. 

The deal will see the two companies conduct a joint study on the project and design a legal framework to support their collaboration, SARCO said in a statement to Tadawul.  

The MoU is valid for one year unless extended by mutual agreement, the statement added. 

The deal aligns with 黑料社区鈥檚 wider strategy to generate 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and to become the world鈥檚 largest exporter of green hydrogen, targeting annual production of 1.2 million tonnes by the end of the decade. 

This commitment is part of the broader National Renewable Energy Program strategy, aimed at diversifying 黑料社区鈥檚 energy portfolio and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 

鈥淪ARCO is pleased to announce the signing of a non-binding MoU with the UAE-based GO Energy Company to collaborate on developing the green hydrogen (ammonia) project in 黑料社区,鈥 the Tadawul-listed firm said.  

SARCO added that the agreement has no immediate financial implications and involves no related parties. The move also reflects the company鈥檚 strategy to expand services through specialized energy partnerships. 

Green hydrogen, created through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is seen as a critical component in reducing global carbon emissions because it produces no greenhouse gases during production. 

With a net-zero emissions target by 2060, 黑料社区 is investing heavily in both green and blue hydrogen, with companies like Saudi Aramco and ACWA Power spearheading the energy transition in the Kingdom. 

The Kingdom is also building the world鈥檚 largest green hydrogen plant in the futuristic city of NEOM, expected to be operational by December 2026, as confirmed by NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. CEO Wesam Al-Ghamdi in November 2024. 

In July, ACWA Power also signed multiple agreements to export renewable electricity and green hydrogen to Europe, reinforcing the Kingdom鈥檚 drive to become a global clean energy hub. 


黑料社区 tops GCC projects market in Q3: report聽聽

黑料社区 tops GCC projects market in Q3: report聽聽
Updated 12 October 2025

黑料社区 tops GCC projects market in Q3: report聽聽

黑料社区 tops GCC projects market in Q3: report聽聽

RIYADH: 黑料社区 led the Gulf Cooperation Council鈥檚 projects market in the third quarter of 2025 with $28.1 billion in contract awards, a new report showed.    

According to Kamco Invest, this represented 51.3 percent of total GCC awards 鈥 just over half of regional activity.  

Across the region, total GCC contract awards fell 27 percent year on year to $54.8 billion in the third quarter, with nine-month awards down 30.5 percent to $154.4 billion.  

In its report, Kamco stated: 鈥淐ontract awards are expected to gain momentum in the fourth quarter of the year, driven primarily by recoveries in 黑料社区 and the UAE.鈥   

It added: 鈥淗owever, despite a strong project pipeline, overall project awards in 2025 in the GCC are expected to decline and fall short of the 2024 record contract awards.鈥   

Sectorally, six of the GCC鈥檚 eight industries recorded year-on-year declines in the third quarter. Construction dropped 62.4 percent to $11.1 billion and power decreased 13.3 percent to $17.1 billion, while gas and oil were the only sectors to post growth.    

Within 黑料社区, power led with $9.8 billion in awards, compared with $17.1 billion a year earlier, while construction totaled $5.2 billion; there were no chemical sector awards and oil stood at $3.9 billion.     

Notable awards included an $853 million road package for Almabani General Contractors and a $167 million contract for a Pirelli tyre plant in King Abdullah Economic City. Over the first nine months, awards nearly halved to $61.5 billion from $116.6 billion.    

黑料社区鈥檚 lead comes as contracts awarded under its giga-projects surged 20 percent in 2025 to $196 billion, according to Knight Frank.     

The report said the increase reflects a clear shift from planning to execution across major developments, particularly in real estate, tourism, and infrastructure, signaling steady progress in the Kingdom鈥檚 Vision 2030 diversification drive.    

Kamco鈥檚 report stated: 鈥淥verall project activity in 黑料社区 has been sluggish throughout 2025. However, the Kingdom鈥檚 broader economic performance has been better than previously expected.鈥 

In the UAE, third-quarter awards fell 65.8 percent year on year to $6.7 billion, moving the country from the GCC鈥檚 largest projects market in the second quarter to third place in the third quarter.   

Over the first nine months, awards declined 18.0 percent to $59.7 billion. Construction led with $5.4 billion despite a 56.2 percent slide, and there were no oil and gas awards in the quarter.    

Major announcements included a $593 million contract for Sharjah鈥檚 Madar Mall and a $300 million award for the Erisha Smart Manufacturing Hub in Ras Al-Khaimah.   

Qatar was a bright spot, with contract awards jumping 115.9 percent year on year to $13.6 billion in the third quarter and rising 27.6 percent to $20.5 billion over the first nine months, supported by preparations for the 2030 Asian Games.   

Oil and gas led sector allocations, and China Offshore Oil Engineering won roughly $4 billion of contracts for the Bul Hanine offshore field.   

Kuwait鈥檚 market improved, with third-quarter awards up 33.8 percent year on year to $4.3 billion and first-nine-months awards up 25.3 percent to $7 billion.   

The quarter was dominated by the $4 billion Al Zour North IWPP phases two and three, alongside an $84 million upstream oil contract and a $65 million public-buildings package in Al Mutlaa Residential City.   

Looking ahead, Kamco expects awards to gain momentum in the fourth quarter on recoveries in 黑料社区 and the UAE, although full-year 2025 awards are still seen finishing below 2024鈥檚 record.   

The GCC鈥檚 pre-execution pipeline totals about $1.78 trillion, led by construction with $624.2 billion, transport with $300 billion and power with $294.2 billion.   

黑料社区 accounts for roughly $887 billion of upcoming projects and the UAE $434.0 billion; Saudi Aramco plans 99 projects over the next three years and currently has about $50 billion of engineering, procurement, and construction contracts under execution. 


Oman鈥檚 banking sector credit surpasses聽$88.69bn聽by end of August聽

Oman鈥檚 banking sector credit surpasses聽$88.69bn聽by end of August聽
Updated 12 October 2025

Oman鈥檚 banking sector credit surpasses聽$88.69bn聽by end of August聽

Oman鈥檚 banking sector credit surpasses聽$88.69bn聽by end of August聽

JEDDAH: Oman鈥檚 banking sector continued its steady growth in August 2025, with total credit rising 8.6 percent year on year to 34.1 billion Omani rials ($88.69 billion), while private sector lending increased 6.5 percent, official data showed. 

Sectoral distribution data indicated that non-financial corporates accounted for the largest share at 46.7 percent, followed by households at 44.7 percent, according to a statement from the Central Bank of Oman.  

The remaining portion was allocated to financial corporations at 5.7 percent and other sectors at 2.9 percent. 

Oman鈥檚 robust banking sector, coupled with strong performance from listed companies, reflects the nation鈥檚 steady progress toward Vision 2040, which emphasizes economic diversification, private sector growth, and financial resilience. 

Rising credit flows, particularly to non-financial corporates and households, are fueling the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and domestic investment, supporting efforts to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons and build a more diversified economy. 

鈥淭otal deposits held with ODCs registered a Y-o-Y significant growth of 7 percent to reach 33.3 billion rials at the end of August 2025. Total private sector deposits increased by 7.5 percent to OMR 22.4 billion,鈥 CBO said in a release. 

In terms of sectoral composition, households held the largest share of private sector deposits at 50 percent, followed by non-financial corporates at 30.6 percent, financial corporations at 17.2 percent, and other sectors at 2.2 percent. 

The combined balance sheet of conventional banks showed a 7.3 percent year-on-year growth in total outstanding credit by the end of August. Credit to the private sector rose 4.5 percent to 21.4 billion rials, while overall investments in securities increased 3.2 percent to 6.1 billion rials. 

Investments in government development bonds grew 12 percent to 2.2 billion rials, whereas foreign securities declined 7 percent to 2.3 billion rials, according to the CBO report. 

On the liabilities side, aggregate deposits with conventional banks rose 5.5 percent year on year to 26.1 billion rials at the end of August. Government deposits increased 9.6 percent to 5.9 billion rials, while public enterprise deposits fell 7.8 percent to 1.7 billion rials. Private sector deposits, representing 67 percent of total deposits, grew 6.1 percent to 17.5 billion rials. 

The CBO also noted that the total assets of Islamic banks and windows grew 15.1 percent year on year to 9.1 billion rials, representing about 19.7 percent of the banking system鈥檚 total assets at the end of August. 

鈥淚slamic banking entities provided financing of OMR 7.3 billion at the end of August 2025, recording a growth of 13.5 percent over that a year ago. Total deposits held with Islamic banks and windows increased by 12.9 percent to OMR 7.2 billion,鈥 it added.