黑料社区

黑料社区 issues first aircraft maintenance licenses

The two companies receiving the first licenses are Middle East Propulsion Co. and Saudia Technic, a subsidiary of Saudia Group. File
The two companies receiving the first licenses are Middle East Propulsion Co. and Saudia Technic, a subsidiary of Saudia Group. File
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Updated 24 February 2025

黑料社区 issues first aircraft maintenance licenses

黑料社区 issues first aircraft maintenance licenses

RIYADH: 黑料社区 has issued its first-ever industrial licenses for aircraft maintenance and overhaul at the Aerospace Connect Forum in Jeddah, marking a significant advancement in the nation鈥檚 aviation sector.

The announcement was made at the inaugural forum, hosted by the National Industrial Development Center and held under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef.

The two companies receiving the first licenses are Middle East Propulsion Co. and Saudia Technic, a subsidiary of Saudia Group. This milestone represents a key step in 黑料社区鈥檚 efforts to establish a self-sufficient and globally competitive aviation industry, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 and the National Industrial Strategy.

An official statement said that the newly introduced industrial licensing activities were developed in collaboration with the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the General Authority for Military Industries.

These licenses encompass a wide range of aviation services, including aircraft repair and overhaul, component refurbishment, avionics system maintenance, as well as calibration and repair of electronic systems, and servicing of both military and commercial aircraft.

This initiative, which enables domestic companies to operate in the aircraft maintenance and repair sector, is expected to reduce 黑料社区鈥檚 dependence on foreign maintenance facilities, enhance localization efforts, and drive investment in high-value aerospace manufacturing and services.

The forum, running from Feb. 24-25, brings together leading experts, policymakers, and investors to explore the latest advancements and investment opportunities in the aviation sector.

Organized by the NIDC in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, GACA, and Saudia Group, the forum serves as a key platform for industry stakeholders to collaborate and shape the future of 黑料社区鈥檚 aviation ecosystem.

The event will feature discussions on investment opportunities in 黑料社区鈥檚 aviation sector, infrastructure development for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, research and innovation in aviation technology, as well as training and workforce development to meet industry demands.

This initiative aligns with the Kingdom鈥檚 broader strategy to establish itself as a regional leader in aviation services, creating a competitive business environment for both global and local investors, while enhancing its industrial capabilities.

With the launch of these licenses, 黑料社区 strengthens its position as a hub for aviation services in the Middle East, reinforcing its commitment to economic diversification and technological advancement.

The forum is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the country鈥檚 aviation roadmap, paving the way for future collaborations, innovations, and sector expansions.


Aramco urges joint efforts to boost sustainability

Aramco urges joint efforts to boost sustainability
Updated 42 sec ago

Aramco urges joint efforts to boost sustainability

Aramco urges joint efforts to boost sustainability
  • Al-Khowaiter highlights the company鈥檚 commitment to advancing solutions in water conservation and energy efficiency

RIYADH: Aramco Executive Vice President of Technology and Innovation Ahmad O. Al-Khowaiter on Tuesday emphasized greater collaboration to advance innovative solutions in water conservation and energy sustainability.

According to a press release, the top official was speaking at the Global Water, Energy and Climate Change Congress in Bahrain. It said that Al-Khowaiter highlighted the company鈥檚 commitment to advancing solutions in water conservation and energy efficiency, emphasizing that collaborative innovation is key to meaningful change.

On the need for greater collaboration, Al-Khowaiter said: 鈥淢eeting these global challenges requires a level of collaboration that is faster, deeper, and more inclusive than ever before. For me, collaboration is the catalyst for innovation 鈥 and innovation is the driver of global transformation. This cross-pollination of ideas is key to gaining fresh perspectives and scaling up cutting-edge solutions. By working together 鈥 truly as one team 鈥 we can accelerate the transformation needed to secure a more sustainable water and energy future for all.鈥

Addressing the importance of a realistic energy transition, he added: 鈥淓ven with trillions of dollars invested in alternatives, we cannot simply abandon the oil and gas infrastructure that continues to power modern civilization. That is why technologies such as carbon capture and storage, direct air capture, and AI-driven efficiency improvements are not just promising 鈥 they are essential to achieving meaningful emissions reductions and a sustainable future.鈥

On Aramco鈥檚 water conservation initiatives, the official said: 鈥淎t Aramco, we are committed to water stewardship through a range of initiatives, including diversifying our water supply. We are increasing wastewater reuse and we are minimizing water losses across our operations and communities. We are leveraging digital solutions to drive greater efficiency, and I am proud to share that last year alone, we reduced our freshwater consumption in Aramco by nearly 8 percent.鈥

The Global Water, Energy and Climate Change Congress, held from Sept. 9 to 11 under the patronage of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa, deputy prime minister of Bahrain, gathers over 5,000 international policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders. 

This year鈥檚 event is organized in collaboration with Aramco, the UN Environment Program, and Bahrain鈥檚 Ministry of Oil and Environment.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to 10,529

Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to 10,529
Updated 09 September 2025

Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to 10,529

Closing Bell: Saudi main index rises to 10,529
  • Parallel market Nomu shed 146.25 points to close at 25,199.66
  • MSCI Tadawul Index rose 0.28% to 1,366.84

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 Tadawul All Share Index closed higher on Tuesday, gaining 32.12 points, or 0.31 percent, to end at 10,529.17.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index reached SR4.33 billion ($1.15 billion), with 150 stocks advancing and 99 declining.

黑料社区鈥檚 parallel market Nomu shed 146.25 points to close at 25,199.66, while the MSCI Tadawul Index rose 0.28 percent to 1,366.84.

The best-performing stock on the main market was CHUBB Arabia Cooperative Insurance Co., which climbed 6.16 percent to SR33.76. 

Shares of Arabian Centres Co., also known as Cenomi Centers, advanced 4.74 percent to SR22.09, while Obeikan Glass Co. gained 4.09 percent to SR28.00.

Riyadh Cement Co. dropped 5.53 percent to SR28.34, and Alandalus Property Co. fell 4.46 percent to SR19.93.

In corporate announcements, Al-Rajhi Bank said it launched its dollar-denominated tier 2 social sukuk through a special purpose vehicle, offered to eligible investors inside and outside 黑料社区.

In a Tadawul filing, the bank said the sukuk will be listed on the London Stock Exchange鈥檚 International Securities Market and offered under Regulation S of the US Securities Act of 1933. The offering, which began on Sept. 9, will run through Sept. 10.

The bank added that the minimum subscription is $200,000, in increments of $1,000, while the final value and terms will be set based on market conditions. 

Al-Rajhi Bank鈥檚 share price rose 0.38 percent to SR93.20.

Sumou Real Estate Co. announced that it signed a Shariah-compliant facility agreement worth SR86.5 million with Saudi Awwal Bank.

According to its Tadawul statement, the facility will be used to finance the Areem Makkah project and to issue a bank guarantee letter in line with the contract signed between Sumou Real Estate and National Housing Co. for the design and construction of residential units in Makkah City.

Sumou Real Estate鈥檚 share price declined 1.65 percent to SR38.10.


黑料社区 opens debt market to crowdfunding, tightens governance of special purpose entities聽

黑料社区 opens debt market to crowdfunding, tightens governance of special purpose entities聽
Updated 09 September 2025

黑料社区 opens debt market to crowdfunding, tightens governance of special purpose entities聽

黑料社区 opens debt market to crowdfunding, tightens governance of special purpose entities聽

RIYADH: 黑料社区鈥檚 Capital Market Authority approved a regulatory framework enabling licensed firms to offer sukuk and debt instruments through crowdfunding platforms, expanding financing access and diversifying funding sources. 

The framework, effective immediately, applies to institutions licensed for 鈥渁rranging鈥 activities and follows an experimental phase that began in the second quarter of 2021. 

The authority introduced amendments to the Rules on the Offer of Securities and Continuing Obligations, the Rules for Special Purpose Entities, and the Capital Market Institutions Regulations. 

The CMA aims to broaden participation in the debt market, deepen its structure, and enhance liquidity by enabling crowdfunding-based debt offerings as part of exempt cases under the offering rules. Private placements are also permitted, potentially increasing the scope and size of such offerings. 

鈥淭he framework is designed to increase the number of capital market institutions engaged in fintech activities and supports diversification and sustainability of corporate funding sources,鈥 the CMA said. 

During the experimental phase, the sukuk crowdfunding market witnessed growth, with issuance rising to SR3.4 billion ($905.94 million) in 2024 from SR1.5 billion in 2023. The number of firms licensed under the framework increased to 17, up from 14 the previous year.

The CMA also introduced governance reforms for SPEs, aimed at streamlining procedures and facilitating securitization transactions. 

Amendments broaden the eligibility criteria for sponsors, allow debt issuance via exempt offerings, and clarify the roles of board members and fund managers. They also mandate independent trustees to represent debt holders and require that board members be unaffiliated with sponsors or originators. 

The number of licensed SPEs rose to 1,239 by mid-2025, an 87.2 percent increase from the previous year, reflecting growing interest from fintech firms and small and medium-sized enterprises. 

The reforms are expected to boost liquidity, enhance market depth, and create new investment opportunities, particularly in the sukuk and asset-backed financing segments. 

The CMA鈥檚 recent regulatory actions reflect the continued expansion and diversification of 黑料社区鈥檚 capital markets. 

By the end of the second quarter of 2025, individual investment portfolios rose nearly 12 percent year on year to 13.91 million, while managed portfolios grew 29.5 percent. Total assets in these portfolios reached SR352.6 billion. 

The growth, alongside rising foreign investments and stronger engagement in international markets, underscores increasing investor participation and interest in a broader range of financial instruments beyond traditional equities. 


Oman issues $233m in treasury bills for short-term liquidity

Oman issues $233m in treasury bills for short-term liquidity
Updated 09 September 2025

Oman issues $233m in treasury bills for short-term liquidity

Oman issues $233m in treasury bills for short-term liquidity

RIYADH: Oman鈥檚 central bank allocated 89.85 million Omani rials ($233.3 million) in treasury bills this week as part of its routine operations to manage short-term liquidity. 

The offering consisted of 64.85 million rials in 91-day bills and 25 million rials in 182-day bills, according to the Oman News Agency, which cited data from the Central Bank of Oman. 

The 91-day securities were issued at an average price of 98.98 rials per 100 rials, with the lowest accepted bid at 98.97 rials. The average discount rate was 4.07 percent, while the average yield was 4.12 percent. 

The move comes amid broader efforts by the Gulf nation to stabilize its financial system and support liquidity as it navigates fiscal pressures, global interest rate fluctuations, and ongoing diversification efforts under its Vision 2040 economic plan. 

鈥淭reasury bills are a short-term, guaranteed financial instrument issued by the Ministry of Finance to provide investment opportunities for licensed commercial banks. The Central Bank of Oman acts as the issuance manager for these bills,鈥 ONA said. 

The 182-day bills were allocated at an average price of 97.99 rials, which was also the lowest accepted bid. These instruments carried an average discount rate of 4.03 percent and an average yield of 4.11 percent. 

The central bank鈥檚 repo rate for these instruments was set at 5 percent, while the discount rate on treasury bill facilities remained at 5.50 percent. 

One of the key benefits of these instruments is their high liquidity, as they can be easily converted into cash through discounting with the central bank or by entering into repurchase agreements with the monetary authority. 

Licensed commercial banks can also conduct interbank repo transactions involving treasury bills. 

The instruments serve as a benchmark for short-term interest rates in the domestic financial market and the government can also utilize them as a flexible and efficient tool for financing certain expenditures. 

The issuance of treasury bills is seen as a key tool to maintain short-term funding channels while enhancing the depth and resilience of Oman鈥檚 domestic money market. 

Meanwhile, Oman鈥檚 public debt fell 2.08 percent year on year to 14.1 billion rials in the second quarter of 2025, supported by Finance Ministry payments to the private sector. 

The ministry disbursed over 749 million rials during the period, with transactions settled within an average of five working days, helping boost liquidity in local markets. 

The decline in debt highlights Muscat鈥檚 ongoing fiscal consolidation drive, supported by higher non-oil revenue and spending discipline. 


GCC exchanges launch Unified IR Guide to boost disclosure, ESG alignment

GCC exchanges launch Unified IR Guide to boost disclosure, ESG alignment
Updated 09 September 2025

GCC exchanges launch Unified IR Guide to boost disclosure, ESG alignment

GCC exchanges launch Unified IR Guide to boost disclosure, ESG alignment
  • Guide recommends best practices on communication protocols, regulatory disclosures, crisis management, and governance structures

RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council鈥檚 financial markets are set to strengthen investor communication and transparency with the launch of a new Unified Investor Relations Guide for 2025, the GCC Financial Markets Committee announced. 

Developed in partnership with key regional exchanges, including Boursa Kuwait, Saudi Tadawul, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Group, Dubai Financial Market, Bahrain Bourse, Muscat Stock Exchange, and Qatar Stock Exchange, the guide lays out a structured framework to enhance disclosure practices, integrate environmental, social and governance considerations, and boost stakeholder engagement across listed firms. 

The guide aligns with broader initiatives to modernize the region鈥檚 financial ecosystem and position the region as an attractive destination for global capital. 

The timing of the guide鈥檚 release comes as Gulf equity markets continue to attract inflows from foreign investors. 

According to PwC Middle East鈥檚 analysis published in May, GCC initial public offerings raised $1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 33 percent increase from a year earlier, with 黑料社区 accounting for nearly 69 percent of proceeds. 

鈥淭his guide is a strategic step toward unifying investor relations standards and practices across the GCC鈥檚 capital markets, contributing to the enhancement of transparency, credibility, and strengthening investor confidence,鈥 said Mohammad Saud Al-Osaimi, the CEO of Boursa Kuwait. 

The guide recommends best practices on communication protocols, regulatory disclosures, crisis management, and governance structures, designed to streamline investor relations while ensuring compliance with international standards. 

鈥淚t reflects the GCC Financial Markets Committee鈥檚 commitment to providing practical tools that enhance the communication channels between listed companies and their investors, as well as supporting the sustainable growth and development of capital markets,鈥 he added. 

The guide鈥檚 recommendations include structured disclosure calendars, management of material events, insider watch-lists, and policies to address rumors and market manipulation. It further emphasizes ESG reporting as a growing requirement among global investors, encouraging firms to integrate sustainability metrics into strategic planning and reporting frameworks. 

鈥淭he GCC Unified IR Guideline 2025 is a key milestone in reinforcing transparency and investor trust across the region,鈥 said Abdulla Salem Al-Nuaimi, group CEO of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. 

He added: 鈥淎t ADX, we actively champion best-in-class investor relations, from training programs to ESG integration, empowering issuers to engage more effectively. We are proud to be part of shaping this framework that strengthens the GCC鈥檚 standing as a global investment hub.鈥 

While adoption of the guide remains optional, market participants view it as a key tool for fostering credibility and facilitating smoother access to both regional and international investors. 

As corporate governance and transparency gain prominence in capital markets, the guide aims to offer firms a roadmap to strengthen investor confidence and attract long-term investment flows, supporting broader economic diversification efforts across the GCC.