Oman’s non-oil exports surge 8.6% in Q1 2025

These exports now represent 28.6 percent of the country’s total exports, which stood at 5.659 billion rials during the same period.
These exports now represent 28.6 percent of the country’s total exports, which stood at 5.659 billion rials during the same period.
Short Url
Updated 25 May 2025

Oman’s non-oil exports surge 8.6% in Q1 2025

Oman’s non-oil exports surge 8.6% in Q1 2025
  • UAE remained the top importer of Omani non-oil products, with imports totaling 292 million rials
  • Oman’s oil exports declined in the first quarter, falling to 3.69 billion rials from 4.39 billion rials a year earlier

RIYADH: Oman’s non-oil exports rose by 8.6 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 1.618 billion Omani rials ($4.2 billion), according to newly released figures.

These exports now represent 28.6 percent of the country’s total exports, which stood at 5.659 billion rials during the same period, the Oman News Agency reported.

The growth reflects ongoing efforts to boost non-oil trade, support domestic industries, attract foreign investment, localize development initiatives, and offer incentives to the private sector.

This aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which aims to diversify the economy, reduce oil dependence, enhance industrial and logistics sectors, and strengthen overall financial stability.

Oman’s non-oil exports comprise a wide range of products, including industrial goods, metals, plastics, machinery, electrical equipment, and chemicals.

According to the statement, the UAE remained the top importer of Omani non-oil products, with imports totaling 292 million rials in Q1 2025 — 18 percent of total non-oil exports. followed with 259 million rials, India ranked third at 172 million rials, South Korea was fourth at 154 million rials, and the US came fifth with 88 million rials.

Meanwhile, Oman’s oil exports declined in the first quarter, falling to 3.69 billion rials from 4.39 billion rials a year earlier, in line with lower global oil prices. The average price of Omani crude dropped to $75.3 per barrel, compared to $79.7 per barrel in Q1 2024.

Re-exports also decreased, totaling 351 million rials in Q1 2025, down from 434 million rials in the same period last year. The UAE was the top destination for re-exported goods from Oman, with imports worth 126 million rials — 35.8 percent of the total. Iran followed with 63 million rials, Kuwait with 24 million rials, with 22 million rials, and Germany with 10 million rials.

Commodity imports into Oman rose 10.9 percent year on year, reaching 4.312 billion rials in the first quarter of 2025, up from 3.889 billion rials the previous year. The UAE was the leading exporter to Oman, accounting for 995 million rials (23 percent of total imports). Kuwait came second with 466 million rials, followed by China (437 million rials), India (338 million rials), and (306 million rials).

Oman’s inflation up

Oman’s general inflation index increased by 0.9 percent year on year in April 2025, based on 2018 as the base year, according to the Consumer Price Index released by the National Center for Statistics and Information.

The most significant price increases were recorded in the personal goods and miscellaneous services category, which rose by 7.0 percent. This was followed by the health sector (3.2 percent) and transportation (3.1 percent). Prices also climbed in restaurants and hotels (1.5 percent), clothing and footwear (0.6 percent), culture and entertainment (0.3 percent), and education (0.1 percent).

Conversely, the food and non-alcoholic beverages category saw a decline of 0.3 percent, while furniture, household equipment, and maintenance prices dipped 0.1 percent.

Prices in housing, utilities, communications, and tobacco remained stable with no notable changes.


to host 100 startups in Entrepreneurship World Cup finals

 to host 100 startups in Entrepreneurship World Cup finals
Updated 1 min 53 sec ago

to host 100 startups in Entrepreneurship World Cup finals

 to host 100 startups in Entrepreneurship World Cup finals

RIYADH: Some 100 startups from 46 countries have officially qualified for the finals of the Entrepreneurship World Cup 2025, set to be held in the Saudi capital as a centerpiece of the Biban 2025 forum.

Scheduled for Nov. 5-8 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre, the EWC finals are organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunity.”

Hosting the finals of the EWC as part of Biban 2025 underscores ’s role in supporting global innovation and entrepreneurship, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It reflects the Kingdom’s advanced position in attracting international startups, investments, and pioneering ideas, aligning with the economic diversification and sustainability goals outlined in its Vision 2030 blueprint.

The EWC is recognized as the largest global competition for entrepreneurs. This year’s edition is being held by ѴDzԲ’a in collaboration with the Global Entrepreneurship Network and the Misk Foundation. 

Participants will compete for a share of a prize pool exceeding $1.5 million in an event that gathers a global elite of entrepreneurs, investors, and experts, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing stature as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, SPA reported.

The competition attracted an overwhelming response during its registration phase, with over 10,300 applications received from more than 169 countries. 

The submitted projects underwent multiple rigorous evaluation and judging processes starting last May. From this pool, 250 projects advanced to a virtual training camp, held in partnership with Spain's Esade Ramon Llull University, where the top 100 finalists were ultimately selected to compete for the title.

Among the countries with the strongest representation in the finals are , the US, and the UK.

The qualifying startups span a wide array of vital and forward-looking sectors, including communications, health, and space.

The EWC plays a crucial role in empowering entrepreneurs worldwide by providing a platform to present their ideas directly to investors and venture capital funds. 

Finalists also benefit from specialized training, mentorship, and networking programs designed to enhance their competitive edge and help transform their ideas into scalable projects with global potential.


Closing Bell: Saudi exchange ends week in green at 11,612

Closing Bell: Saudi exchange ends week in green at 11,612
Updated 23 October 2025

Closing Bell: Saudi exchange ends week in green at 11,612

Closing Bell: Saudi exchange ends week in green at 11,612

RIYADH: ’s Tadawul All Share Index continued its upward movement for the second consecutive day, gaining 25.78 points, or 0.22 percent, to close at 11,611.68.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index reached SR4.88 billion ($1.30 billion), with 153 of the listed stocks advancing and 97 declining.

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also gained 13.65 points to close at 25,048.78.

The MSCI Tadawul Index advanced by 0.15 percent to 1,513.22.

Tourism Enterprise Co. was the best-performing stock of the day, with its share price increasing by 8.19 percent to SR17.04.

The share price of Alkhaleej Training and Education Co. rose 5.72 percent to SR28.10, while AYYAN Investment Co. climbed 5.34 percent to SR13.61.

Conversely, shares of Jamjoom Pharmaceuticals Factory Co., which announced its financial results on Oct. 21, declined 4.26 percent to SR152.80.

In a Tadawul filing, Jamjoom Pharmaceuticals said its net profit for the first nine months of this year stood at SR395.73 million, marking a rise of 29.78 percent compared with the same period in 2024.

The pharmaceutical firm’s third-quarter net profit rose 12.29 percent year on year to SR106.7 million.

Saudi Awwal Bank reported a net profit of SR6.4 billion for the first nine months of this year, representing an increase of 7.75 percent compared with the same period in 2024.

In a Tadawul statement, the bank said its third-quarter net profit reached SR2.14 billion, up 13.86 percent year on year.

Shares of Awwal Bank fell 1.18 percent to SR31.92.

n Mining Co., also known as Ma’aden, announced it had signed an engineering, procurement, and construction management contract worth SR391.1 million with n Bechtel Co. and Bechtel Australia Pty Ltd.

The 39-month contract covers EPC management services for the construction of the Al Rjum mine project, which is expected to produce 3.6 million ounces of gold over 12 years, with estimated annual output of 300,000 ounces.

Ma’aden said the financial impact of the deal will be determined after construction completion and the start of production.

Shares of Ma’aden edged up 0.86 percent to SR64.20.


PIF-backed EVIQ, Apsco partner to expand Saudi EV charging network 

PIF-backed EVIQ, Apsco partner to expand Saudi EV charging network 
Updated 23 October 2025

PIF-backed EVIQ, Apsco partner to expand Saudi EV charging network 

PIF-backed EVIQ, Apsco partner to expand Saudi EV charging network 

JEDDAH: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure in is set to improve as Public Investment Fund-backed EVIQ has partnered with Arabian Petroleum Supply Co. to deploy fast-charging stations nationwide. 

The collaboration will integrate EVIQ’s advanced charging technologies with Apsco’s extensive service station network, focusing on busy highways, urban centers, and key stations to optimize accessibility for EV drivers, according to a press release. 

EVIQ aims to install over 5,000 fast chargers by 2030, supporting the Kingdom’s target of electrifying 30 percent of vehicles in Riyadh by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. 

The project builds on EVIQ’s prior agreement with international chauffeur service Blacklane to expand the EV network in major cities. 

Mohammad Bakr Gazzaz, CEO of EVIQ, said: “This collaboration with Apsco marks another milestone in our mission to enable a seamless, accessible, and sustainable EV charging ecosystem across the Kingdom.” 

He added: “Together, we are taking a significant step toward realizing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for greener mobility, paving the way for the future of electric transportation in the Kingdom of .” 

EVIQ, a joint venture of PIF and Saudi Electricity Co., is building a nationwide fast-charging network and operates a state-of-the-art R&D facility in Riyadh. 

Apsco is a national energy provider with over 65 years of experience in fuels, lubricants, and energy solutions across automotive, aviation, and industrial sectors. 

“By joining forces with EVIQ, we are enabling the infrastructure required for the future of electric transportation, empowering our customers with reliable and accessible charging options across the Kingdom,” said Azzam Qari, CEO at Apsco. 

is building a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem, investing in US-based EV maker Lucid through PIF and developing its homegrown brand Ceer, which is set to launch its first models in 2026. 

Last month, Jeddah’s EV network received a boost after the city’s transport authority signed a memorandum of understanding with Petromin Co. to develop new charging stations in ’s second-largest city. 

Under the agreement, Jeddah Transport Co. and Electromin — Petromin’s mobility subsidiary — will collaborate on site assessments, design, installation, and operational support for the facilities.

Global projections indicate that eco-friendly vehicles could make up 50 percent of car sales by 2035, highlighting the importance of the country’s electrification efforts in shaping the future of mobility. 


Egypt, EU sign $4.63bn MoU for 2nd phase of Macro-Financial Assistance

Egypt, EU sign $4.63bn MoU for 2nd phase of Macro-Financial Assistance
Updated 23 October 2025

Egypt, EU sign $4.63bn MoU for 2nd phase of Macro-Financial Assistance

Egypt, EU sign $4.63bn MoU for 2nd phase of Macro-Financial Assistance

RIYADH: Egypt and the EU have signed a €4 billion ($4.63 billion) agreement to launch the second phase of the Macro-Financial Assistance and Budget Support Mechanism, aimed at strengthening the country’s macroeconomic resilience. 

The agreement was signed during the Egyptian-European Summit in Brussels and witnessed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa. 

On the Egyptian side, the MoU was signed by Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, alongside Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity. 

Al-Mashat said the MFA is part of a broader partnership between Egypt and the EU, focusing on trade and investment ties to support fiscal stability and economic growth. 

The agreement comes as Egypt recorded a historic high of $8.5 billion in dollar resources in July, reflecting improved economic indicators, including rising remittances from abroad. 

Fitch Ratings affirmed Egypt’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at “B” with a stable outlook in April, citing the country’s large economy, potential gross domestic product growth, and support from bilateral and multilateral partners. 

In an official post on the Egyptian Prime Minister’s Facebook page, the statement said: “She (Al-Mashat) noted that the second phase, worth €4 billion, came after ongoing coordination between various national authorities and the European Commission throughout the year to review the proposed structural reform matrix, which includes 87 reforms within the National Structural Reform Program.” 

It added: “She emphasized that these reforms aim to enhance macroeconomic stability and resilience, improve competitiveness and the business environment, and promote green transformation, including protecting the Red Sea ecosystem.” 

Al-Mashat added that the partnership supports Egypt’s ongoing economic reform efforts and enhance economic resilience in the face of external fluctuations. She also highlighted that financing helps the government extend debt maturities, enhance sustainability, and bridge funding gaps. 

The partnership underscores Egypt’s commitment to economic diversification and strategic international collaboration, as the government continues implementing reforms to stabilize public finances and attract investment. 

The North African country’s economy has shown resilience despite global headwinds, with foreign investment and policy reforms helping offset volatile markets, Standard Chartered said in its August outlook. 


IsDB surpasses $55bn in sukuk as London green bond sees record demand

IsDB surpasses $55bn in sukuk as London green bond sees record demand
Updated 23 October 2025

IsDB surpasses $55bn in sukuk as London green bond sees record demand

IsDB surpasses $55bn in sukuk as London green bond sees record demand

RIYADH: The Islamic Development Bank has mobilized over $55 billion in sukuk issuances since 2003, with its latest €500 million ($580 million) green Shariah-compliant bond listed on the London Stock Exchange drawing record investor demand, the bank said. 

Speaking at the Global Sukuk Summit 2025 in the UK capital, the bank’s Chairman Mohammed Al-Jasser said the Islamic bonds have evolved from a niche product into a globally recognized and trusted asset class that effectively links finance with tangible development outcomes. 

This comes as the global ESG sukuk market hits a record high, with Fitch Ratings reporting $6.5 billion issued in the third quarter of 2025 alone, bringing the total for the year so far to $13.5 billion. The market remains concentrated in core Islamic finance hubs, with Gulf countries accounting for over half of all outstanding ESG sukuk. 

Speaking at the summit, Al-Jasser said: “Sukuk represents capital with purpose, channeling financing into infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, and education — projects that directly serve communities.” 

He added: “This intrinsic link between capital markets and the real economy is what gives Sukuk enduring value.” 

IsDB’s $55 billion issuance since 2003 includes approximately $6 billion specifically dedicated to green and sustainability-linked sukuk, highlighting the bank’s commitment to financing climate-friendly and socially responsible projects. 

The latest €500 million green sukuk, rated Aaa/AAA/AAA by Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch, will finance and refinance projects in renewable energy, climate resilience, and sustainable food systems across the bank’s 57 member countries. 

Issued under its enhanced 2025 Sustainable Finance Framework, the green Sukuk marks an important milestone for the Jeddah-headquartered bank in European markets, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable finance and its mission to mobilize responsible, asset-based investment for global development partners. 

The issuance achieved five-times oversubscription, reflecting strong investor confidence in the bank’s track record and sustainability mandate. Proceeds will contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

The summit, held under the theme “Investing in Sukuk Beyond Traditional Markets” in partnership with the Financial Times Group, gathered global investors, policymakers, and financial institutions. 

Speaking at the event, Saudi Central Bank Governor Ayman Mohammed Al-Sayari emphasized sukuk’s role in supporting economic diversification and global financial stability, while Victoria Saporta, executive director for markets at the Bank of England, called for closer regulatory coordination to integrate sukuk into global financial markets. 

The summit concluded with a collective call for regulators, investors, and development institutions to strengthen collaboration and unlock new pathways for inclusive and sustainable growth.