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RIYADH: ��������’s Tadawul All Share Index fell on Wednesday, dropping 66.29 points, or 0.61 percent, to close at 10,808.45.

Total trading turnover reached SR4 billion ($1.07 billion), with 197.81 million shares exchanged. Of the traded stocks, 93 advanced while 154 declined.

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index lost 10.53 points, or 0.75 percent, to settle at 1,393.71. 

The parallel Nomu market also ended lower, slipping 2.46 points, or 0.01 percent, to 26,181.58, with 37 gainers and 40 losers.

The day’s top performer was Saudi Industrial Investment Group, which gained 4.95 percent to close at SR19.29. 

Other strong gainers included Filing and Packing Materials Manufacturing Co., up 4.61 percent at SR34.94; Seera Group Holding, rising 3.58 percent to SR28.90; and Etihad Atheeb Telecommunication Co., which climbed 3.40 percent to SR106.50. Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co. also rose 2.52 percent to SR5.29. 

Leading decliners were SAL Saudi Logistics Services Co., down 4.44 percent to SR172, followed by Saudi Investment Bank, which fell 3.34 percent to SR13.60. Banque Saudi Fransi dropped 3.17 percent to SR16.20, while Riyad Bank declined 2.98 percent to SR26.02.

On the announcement front, Saudi Awwal Bank confirmed the commencement of its offer to issue US dollar-denominated Tier 2 Capital Green Notes under its Medium Term Note Program, according to a statement published on the Saudi Exchange.

The bank, which had earlier disclosed its intention to proceed with the issuance on Aug. 25, said the offering began on Aug. 27 and will close on Aug. 28. The initiative targets eligible investors both in �������� and internationally.

The final value and terms of the notes will be determined based on prevailing market conditions. The minimum subscription has been set at $200,000, with additional increments of $1,000. The notes, which mature after 10 years, include a callable feature after five years, providing the bank with flexibility depending on funding needs and market conditions.

Saudi Awwal Bank has appointed a consortium of global and regional financial institutions as joint lead managers to oversee the offering and issuance of the notes. These include HSBC Bank plc, Goldman Sachs International, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank PJSC, Citigroup Global Markets Ltd., and DBS Bank Ltd.

Other joint lead managers are Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C., Mashreqbank PSC, Mizuho International plc, and Societe Generale.

The final offer price and expected return on the notes will be determined later, in line with market movements and investor demand. 

Saudi Awwal Bank’s share price fell 1.24 percent to close at SR30.32.

Alinma Bank also announced the start of its US dollar-denominated Sustainable Additional Tier 1 Capital Certificates offering under its Additional Tier 1 Capital Certificate Issuance Programme, according to a statement on the Saudi Exchange.

The bank had previously disclosed its intention to proceed on Aug. 25. The offering, which began on Aug. 27, is set to close on Aug. 28, targeting eligible investors in �������� and internationally. The final value and terms of the certificates will be determined based on market conditions at the time of issuance.

The minimum subscription is $200,000, with additional investments accepted in increments of $1,000. The issuance is being executed through a special purpose vehicle.

Alinma Bank has appointed a group of leading regional and international financial institutions as joint lead managers, including Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank PJSC, Alinma Capital Co., Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC, and Emirates NBD Bank P.J.S.C.

Other joint lead managers are Goldman Sachs International, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, and Standard Chartered Bank.

Alinma Bank’s share price fell 0.31 percent to close at SR25.48.

JEDDAH: Jordan’s exports to countries in the Greater Arab Free Trade Area climbed 16.9 percent to 1.85 billion dinars ($2.6 billion) in the first half of 2025, fueled by stronger demand from ��������, Iraq and Syria. 

Overall national exports grew 9 percent to 4.38 billion dinars, while re-exports edged up 1.2 percent to 431 million dinars, bringing total exports to 4.81 billion dinars, Jordan News Agency reported, citing the Department of Statistics. 

This comes as a report released in July by the International Monetary Fund highlighted Jordan’s continued economic resilience amid regional conflicts and global uncertainty, attributing the performance to the authorities’ adherence to sound macroeconomic policies. 

The IMF said Jordan’s ownership of the Extended Fund Facility remains strong, with program targets consistently met, saying the economy grew 2.5 percent in 2024 and is projected to gradually strengthen over the next two years on the back of sound policies and faster reforms. 

The steady export growth stems from proactive government measures to boost export capacity, including targeted support for the industrial sector, enhanced trade partnerships, and a focus on product quality, according to Yanal Barmawi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply. 

Barmawi said the positive momentum also reflects Jordan’s King Abdullah II’s active diplomacy, which has expanded the country’s international economic network. 

“The king’s recent visits to countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have opened new channels for promoting Jordanian goods, while previous visits continue to yield commercial benefits and investment opportunities,” Petra reported that Barmawi said. 

He added that “these high-level engagements help position Jordanian products more competitively across global markets,” and urged the business sector to seize opportunities by building cross-border partnerships and expanding market reach. 

Key sectors driving growth included apparel, up 8.2 percent to 831 million dinars, chemical fertilizers, up 10.2 percent, pharmaceuticals, up 10 percent, raw potash, up 4.7 percent, and miscellaneous goods, up 16.3 percent. 

Imports also increased, reflecting higher demand for machinery, jewelry, electrical equipment, and grains, while crude oil and derivatives declined. Barmawi said the rise was mainly driven by stronger local demand, production needs, and higher raw material costs. 

Exports to key countries also grew, with �������� up 19.3 percent to 612 million dinars, Syria rising 404.8 percent to 106 million dinars, and Iraq increasing 15.5 percent to 431 million dinars. 

Beyond the Arab world, exports to non-Arab Asian countries rose 16 percent to 901 million dinars, and exports to the EU increased 14 percent to 228 million dinars, benefiting from trade agreements such as the Jordan-EU Association Agreement. 

Barmawi expressed optimism for continued export growth in the second half of the year, supported by ongoing initiatives to enhance product competitiveness and improve access to international markets. He said the Industrial Support Fund helps manufacturers boost production and exports. 

He also highlighted government efforts to reopen the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing between Syria and Turkiye, easing transit for Jordanian goods, particularly vegetables, bound for European markets. 

Barmawi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting exporters, addressing challenges, maintaining dialogue with the private sector, and opening new markets through trade agreements and promotional initiatives.