黑料社区

黑料社区 spotlights private sector鈥檚 role in driving logistics transformation聽

黑料社区 spotlights private sector鈥檚 role in driving logistics transformation聽
Rumaih Al-Rumaih, vice minister of transport and logistics services and president of the Transport General Authority. Screenshot
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Updated 16 December 2024

黑料社区 spotlights private sector鈥檚 role in driving logistics transformation聽

黑料社区 spotlights private sector鈥檚 role in driving logistics transformation聽
  • Kingdom is seeking聽to become a global logistics hub by leveraging its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe
  • 黑料社区 currently ranks first globally for road connectivity

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 private sector is playing a pivotal role in driving the Kingdom鈥檚 transformation into a global logistics hub, a top official said.

Speaking at the sixth聽edition of the Supply Chain And Logistics Conference聽in Riyadh, Rumaih Al-Rumaih, vice minister of transport and logistics services and president of the Transport General Authority, highlighted the critical contributions from businesses.聽

鈥淭he main player in achieving anything in the logistics sector is the private sector. Truly, the private sector is the one delivering results. The government鈥檚 role is to enable,鈥 Al-Rumaih said.聽

He added: 鈥淚f we visit the exhibition, we鈥檒l see the private sector at the forefront, not the government because they are the real achievers.鈥澛

黑料社区 is seeking聽to become a global logistics hub by leveraging its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Through its Vision 2030 plan, the Kingdom is investing in transport, infrastructure, and technology to reduce oil dependence and modernize supply chains.聽

Al-Rumaih credited the economic diversification initiative聽for providing a structured roadmap, stating: 鈥淭his did not happen by chance; it was a clear vision and target. The Kingdom鈥檚 strategic location connects three continents, making it a natural global logistics hub.鈥澛

He also emphasized the private sector鈥檚 role in forging strategic partnerships with major global players, saying: 鈥淭he private sector responded to Vision 2030 by growing rapidly and forming partnerships with major players like CEVA, DSV, and DB Schenker.鈥澛

Building infrastructure聽

Bader Al-Dulami, vice minister of transport and logistics services for road affairs, underscored the importance of infrastructure in enabling success.聽

鈥淭he road sector is undoubtedly one of the most significant enablers of the logistics sector. There is no logistics sector without roads that connect various destinations,鈥 Al-Dulami said.聽

He added: 鈥淭here is no successful logistics sector without a network of safe, high-quality roads that can accommodate the increasing demand in this sector.鈥澛




Bader Al-Dulami, vice minister of transport and logistics services for road affairs. Screenshot

黑料社区 currently ranks first globally for road connectivity, a milestone Al-Dulami attributed to sustained investment and strategic planning.聽

鈥淭hrough joint efforts, we have managed to reduce accident rates significantly. From 2016 to the present, the accident rate has decreased by more than half 鈥 a 50 percent reduction,鈥 he said.聽

The vice minister聽continued: 鈥淚n 2016, there were 28 deaths per 100,000 people; today, it is less than 13 deaths per 100,000. However, our journey is far from over, as we aim to achieve the target of reducing this number to five by 2030鈥澛

Road maintenance聽

Al-Dulami announced plans for phase two of performance-based maintenance contracts, which will incorporate advanced technologies to enhance road sustainability.聽

鈥淭he private sector will play a key role, especially in the operation and maintenance of roads. By the end of this month, we will launch phase two of performance-based maintenance contracts,鈥 he said.聽

鈥淭hese contracts will incorporate a wide range of modern technologies that will be applied to roads. Many privatization projects have also been initiated,鈥 Al-Dulami added.聽

He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector, describing it as a reliable and dynamic partner.聽

鈥淭he private sector is a true partner that communicates its needs to us. We are not rigid when it comes to making changes that could benefit this sector,鈥 Al-Dulami said.聽

He continued: 鈥淥n the contrary, we are extremely agile, and what you see today in terms of change and development is a result of this openness to everything new and everything that contributes to advancing this sector.鈥澛

Ambitious goals聽

Concluding the session, Al-Rumaih reaffirmed the Kingdom鈥檚 ambitious goals.聽

鈥淲e will not stop here. Our aspirations are sky-high, and the journey to position 黑料社区 as the top global logistics hub continues,鈥 he said.聽

The two-day聽Supply Chain And Logistics Conference brought together industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to showcase 黑料社区鈥檚 achievements and explore further opportunities for public-private collaboration in the logistics sector.聽

In his keynote speech on the conference鈥檚 second day, Ahmed Al-Hassan, assistant minister of transport and logistics services, highlighted the ministry鈥檚 expanded role.聽

鈥淭he ministry has transitioned from executing projects to supervising strategies that align with national goals and enhance global competitiveness,鈥 he said.聽

Al-Hassan praised initiatives like the Global Logistics Forum 鈥 held in Riyadh in October 鈥撀燿escribing it as a key platform for attracting international investments and strengthening 黑料社区鈥檚 role as a聽leader in the sector.聽


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.