MAGRABi, Rivoli Vision announce merger in shake-up for Middle East eyewear market

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Updated 25 September 2024
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MAGRABi, Rivoli Vision announce merger in shake-up for Middle East eyewear market

MAGRABi, Rivoli Vision announce merger in shake-up for Middle East eyewear market
  • MAGRABi will take over 89 Rivoli Vision stores across the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain
  • Expansion is accompanied by a robust investment strategy aimed at enhancing the end-to-end customer experience

RIYADH: The Middle East’s eyewear market is set to be reshaped by a merger between MAGRABi Retail Group and Rivoli Vision which will see a focus on innovation and customer experience.

According to Amin Magrabi, chairman of MAGRABi Retail Group, the deal will see store concepts integrated with digital platforms to offer a comprehensive range across luxury, premium, and mainstream segments.

MAGRABi will take over 89 Rivoli Vision stores across the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, expanding the firm’s footprint to seven countries and over 290 locations by the end of 2024.

A perfect fit for the future

Speaking to Arab News, Magrabi described the creation of the MAGRABi-Rivoli Enterprise as “a very exciting announcement for us.” 

He added: “The industry is maturing, and as industries mature, scale becomes important. We have been in discussions for a while, looking for the perfect fit, and I truly believe that Rivoli Vision is a perfect fit for us in terms of the brand, the banner they bring, Rivoli EyeZone, the culture, the team, and the location.”

Magrabi highlighted that the synergy between the two companies is grounded in their shared vision for the future of the industry. 

He underscored the significance of aligning in vision and culture, emphasizing that success hinges on a mutual understanding of the industry, a complementary approach, and a shared commitment to enhancing customer experience.

Ramesh Prabhakar, vice chairman and managing partner of Rivoli Group, said in a press release: “MAGRABi is the ideal partner to form this joint enterprise, positioning us as the top eyewear retailers in key geographies and economic centers of the Middle East.”

Magrabi also pointed out that both companies’ shareholders share a unified perspective on the future, making their collaboration with Rivoli Vision and MAGRABi Retail Group both effective and harmonious.




MAGRABi will have a presence in seven countries and over 290 locations by the end of 2024. Shutterstock

A future-ready investment strategy

The expansion is accompanied by a robust investment strategy aimed at enhancing the end-to-end customer experience. 

“With the additional network and scale that comes with it, it obviously allows us to further invest and to increase our investments in enhancing the end-to-end customer experience, both offline and online,” Magrabi shared.

Yasser Taher, CEO of MAGRABi Retail Group, also shared his perspective on the merger’s financial and operational impact, emphasizing the anticipated growth and strategic advantages. 

“The newly merged entity is expected to deliver double-digit revenue growth and high double-digit EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) growth, from identified synergies, during the period from 2025 – 2027,” Taher said.

He further elaborated on the operational strategies post-merger, saying: “We expect the integration timeline plan to be completed within a period of 15 months after closing. The synergy realization plan will overlap with the integration plan and should be completed over a period of 24 months.”

Completion of the transaction remains subject to satisfaction of commercial and regulatory conditions.

Taher also gave details about a “new headless online platform” which will see customers engage with the company on any platform at any time, from any place. 

He went on: “They can click and collect from the store or get it delivered to their house. They can hold products in the store, book their eye tests, and do all this through the website or the app on their phone.”

MAGRABi Retail Group has already committed to substantial investments in digital transformation and store enhancements, with annual expenditures exceeding SR100 million ($26.6 million) over the past three years. 

Magrabi expects these numbers to increase significantly in the coming years, reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in the region’s eyewear market.

“We will carry on making those investments, and they will obviously increase, not insignificantly above what we have been doing previously,” the chairman said.

He also discussed the strategic improvements expected in supply chain and inventory management due to the merger. 

He said: “The scale of the new entity will enable higher investment into supply chain automation, including further investment in our manufacturing facilities, warehouse operations, our central glazing lab network, and last-mile delivery fulfillment.”

Magrabi added that the impact will be measured through a more efficient supply chain, faster lead time delivery customers, improved costs, and an optimized inventory value.




Amin Magrabi, chairman of MAGRABi Retail Group. Supplied

Strategic market leadership

The merger is also set to strengthen the Group’s strategic positioning across the Middle East.

Magrabi said: “Our three-year strategy plan from 2025 to 2027 is really to focus on how we can establish leadership across all seven countries we now operate in. We plan to carry on our leadership position in the region.”

The firm’s approach to market segmentation is clear.

“As this market matures, there will be segmentation in the market. From our perspective, we’ve segmented the market into four segments: luxury, premium, mainstream, and value. Our intention is to focus on luxury, premium, and mainstream,” Magrabi added.

He went on to say that these three segments cover about 60 percent of the population and about 80 percent of the market size. 

“We intend to tackle these segments with multiple banners and customer propositions. For example, MAGRABi focuses on the luxury segment, the MAGRABi banner, and the retail chain, while Rivoli EyeZone is a premium banner,” the chairman said.

Taher highlighted the anticipated growth in digital sales, which is a key part of their strategy, saying: “We are expecting a 50 percent year-on-year increase in online sales, every year within the period from 2025 – 2027.”

An institutionalization journey

As MAGRABi Retail Group continues to grow, the company is also committed to institutionalizing its operations and governance.

Magrabi highlighted the importance of this journey, saying: “We behave and run the organization as if it’s a listed company. That is the key objective of shareholders and the board. We have a new board with six independent board directors, subcommittees, a new governance framework, and an upgraded enterprise-wide platform.”

He added: “We are ready to access public markets, whether they be equity or bond markets. However, the final decision as to when we will access those markets has not been taken so far by the shareholders and the board.”

Commitment to ESG and industry standards

The Group’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance principles is central to its long-term strategy. 

The company has taken significant steps to embed these into its operations, with the recent addition of an ESG expert to its board.

“ESG is something that’s core and central to us,” Magrabi said. “We are finalizing our ESG framework and strategy for the next three years.”

One of the key areas of focus is raising industry standards, a commitment exemplified by the establishment of the MAGRABi Optical Academy in Saudi Arabia.

“We’ve partnered with universities for the optometry programs, supporting graduates and raising the standard of opticians and optometrists in Saudi Arabia. This is a program we’d like to bring across the Middle East and the region,” Magrabi stated.

Additionally, the company is focused on circular programs aimed at refurbishing products and maintaining responsible supply chains, alongside continued efforts to provide access to eye care and eyewear for those less fortunate.

“We will carry on investing in these areas, and this merger will empower and accelerate these initiatives,” he added.

A stronger, united future

The integration of Rivoli Vision into MAGRABi Retail Group brings together not just complementary networks and products, but also a shared culture and values.

“Over the last five years, they (Rivoli) have built an amazing organization, which is a great fit for us. They built a fantastic brand, a great network, and most importantly, they have a great team and management. We’re very excited to bring that management within our organization,” Magrabi said.

Looking ahead, MAGRABi Retail Group is optimistic about the journey ahead. The company’s CEO said the market is maturing, and the time is right for this transformation.

“We’re super happy that Rivoli Vision has decided to join us on this journey. This is the start, and I think others will want to join what we are doing,” Magrabi said.

He added: “This transformation is an industry-wide shift, and it’s not just customers calling for this; our developers, vendors, and insurance partners have all expressed a need for differentiated banners and propositions.”

MAGRABi Retail Group’s transformation is far from over, according to the chairman, who said: “This is only the beginning.”

He added: “As one of our values states: ‘We earn our wins, we share our wins, together we see our growth multiply.’ So, I invite our customers, vendors, and partners to join us. This is a very exciting time.”


UAE to boost energy investments in US to $440bn by 2035

UAE to boost energy investments in US to $440bn by 2035
Updated 16 May 2025
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UAE to boost energy investments in US to $440bn by 2035

UAE to boost energy investments in US to $440bn by 2035

DUBAI: The UAE plans to increase the value of its energy investments in the US to $440 billion in the next decade, it said on Friday, boosting President Donald Trump’s efforts to secure major business deals on a Gulf tour.

The wealthy oil power’s strategy was announced during a presentation by Sultan Al-Jaber, Abu Dhabi oil giant ADNOC’s CEO, to Trump during the last stage of his regional trip that has drawn huge financial commitments from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

The enterprise value of UAE investments in the US energy sector will be boosted to $440 billion by 2035 from $70 billion now, Al-Jaber told Trump, adding US energy firms will also invest in the UAE.

“Our partners have committed new investments worth $60 billion in upstream oil and gas, as well as new and unconventional opportunities,” Al Jaber said in front of a slide showing projects in the UAE under the logos of US companies ExxonMobil, Oxy and EOG Resources.

Already in March, when senior UAE officials met Trump, the UAE had committed to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework in the US to deepen reciprocal ties.

The framework will “substantially increase the UAE’s existing investments in the US economy” in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, and manufacturing, the White House said in a statement.

‘Great progress’

“We’re making great progress for the $1.4 trillion that UAE has announced it intends to spend in the United States,” Trump said in Abu Dhabi, his last stop on a Gulf tour that has focused on investment deals, not security crises in the Middle East, including Israel’s war in Gaza.

“Yesterday the two countries also agreed to create a path for UAE to buy some of the world’s most advanced AI semiconductors from American companies, a very big contract.”

Trump said the deal will generate billions of dollars in business and accelerate efforts by the UAE, an oil power and regional economic power, to become a major player in artificial intelligence.

“And I read where — the oil and gas and all is great but you’re going to have equally big, and maybe even bigger — at some point, you’ll be surpassing it with AI and other businesses, so that’s a great tribute to the job you’ve done here,” Trump told UAE officials on Friday during his visit.

XRG, the international investment arm of ADNOC, is seeking to make a significant investment in US natural gas, Al Jaber, who is also XRG’s executive chairman and minister of industry and advanced technology, has said.

ADNOC’s stakes in NextDecade’s Rio Grande LNG export facility and a planned ExxonMobil hydrogen plant — both in Texas — were transferred to XRG, which was set up last year and which ADNOC has said has $80 billion in assets. It has a mandate to pursue global deals in chemicals, natural gas and renewables.

Mubadala Energy, an arm of Abu Dhabi’s second largest sovereign wealth fund, last month signed a deal with US firm Kimmeridge that will give it stakes in US gas assets. 


Beyond the barrel: How Aramco is reinventing energy production for a new era

Beyond the barrel: How Aramco is reinventing energy production for a new era
Updated 16 May 2025
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Beyond the barrel: How Aramco is reinventing energy production for a new era

Beyond the barrel: How Aramco is reinventing energy production for a new era

JEDDAH: Saudi Aramco’s investment strategy reflects a pragmatic and forward-looking approach as the global energy landscape continues to evolve, experts have told Arab News.

Having reported a net income of $106.2 billion in 2024, the world’s largest and most valuable energy company remains focused on its long-term growth. 

Central to this are its ambitious natural gas projects, including the Jafurah unconventional gas field and the Tanajib gas plant, which are vital to Saudi Arabia’s future energy security.

These initiatives support the Kingdom’s ongoing transition from crude oil to gas-powered electricity generation and align closely with Vision 2030’s objectives of economic diversification and environmental responsibility.

A pragmatic approach

Saudi Aramco is intensifying its natural gas development, recognizing its role as a cleaner alternative to crude oil. These efforts dovetail with the broader national strategy to reduce emissions while bolstering economic resilience.

Tamer Al-Sayed, chief financial officer at the Future Investment Initiative Institute, told Arab News that Aramco’s diversification extends to its global liquefied natural gas ventures, such as its stake in MidOcean Energy.

“Natural gas serves as a reliable bridge fuel with lower carbon intensity than crude,” he explained.

Aramco is also harnessing artificial intelligence to boost operational efficiency and reduce emissions, sharpening its competitive edge in an increasingly renewable-driven world.

“This twin strategy — scaling cleaner fuels and deploying smart technologies — ensures Aramco remains globally competitive while contributing to the Kingdom’s climate goals,” Al-Sayed said.

Tamer Al-Sayed, chief financial officer at the Future Investment Initiative Institute. Supplied

Investing in carbon capture 

A cornerstone of Aramco’s decarbonization is a large-scale carbon capture and storage facility under development in Jubail. Expected to capture up to 9 million tonnes of CO2 annually, it will be among the largest of its kind globally.

Al-Sayed acknowledged the issues associated with CCS, saying: “The economics remain challenging without a robust carbon pricing mechanism.”

He emphasized that CCS is a strategic bet to allow Saudi industry to maintain market access amid tightening low-carbon regulations. There is also potential for new revenue streams through “carbon capture-as-a-service.”

“In macroeconomic terms, this is a bet on future-proofing Saudi industry,” he added, highlighting the Kingdom’s readiness to capitalize on emerging carbon markets and green trade policies.

A cleaner future

Aramco’s renewable energy investments focus heavily on solar power and hydrogen. The company is advancing the Sudair Solar PV plant and three additional projects totaling 5.5 gigawatts, aimed at greening the grid and reducing domestic oil consumption — thereby freeing hydrocarbons for export or industrial use.

In the hydrogen sector, Aramco targets producing 2.5 million tonnes of blue ammonia annually by 2030, leveraging its gas reserves and CCS infrastructure to become a leading clean energy exporter.

“This aligns with Vision 2030’s goal of developing high-value, knowledge-based industries,” Al-Sayed said.

While renewables will not replace hydrocarbons overnight, they remain a critical element of Saudi Arabia’s long-term energy diversification.

Expanding downstream 

Aramco’s recent acquisitions in emerging markets underscore a strategic push into downstream operations. Its full ownership of Chile’s Esmax and a 40 percent stake in Pakistan’s Gas & Oil fuel retail network give the Saudi firm direct access to growing energy markets.

“From a Saudi economic lens, such downstream investments help reduce overreliance on crude oil exports by monetizing the full hydrocarbon value chain — from well to wheel,” Al-Sayed explained.

These moves also generate foreign revenue streams, support the Kingdom’s balance of payments, and complement broader trade diplomacy efforts.

With Pakistan’s fuel demand rising alongside its population and infrastructure growth, and Chile serving as a gateway into South America’s energy retail landscape, Aramco is positioning itself for durable growth beyond upstream activities.

“These investments also provide resilience against regional demand fluctuations, reinforcing Aramco’s strategy of maintaining a global presence in energy markets,” Al-Sayed added.

GO CEO Khalid Riaz, sitting left, and Aramco Director of International Retail Nader Douhan, sitting right, after the Saudi firm acquired a 40% equity stake in May 2024. Aramco

Recalibration for the future

In the face of rapid decarbonization, Aramco is recalibrating its long-term strategy through diversification, global investments, and adoption of future-focused technologies. The company aims to balance today’s operational realities with tomorrow’s energy goals.

“This is not just about resilience — it is about relevance,” Al-Sayed concluded, underscoring how strategic diversification and investments anchor Aramco firmly in the energy economy of the future.

Resilience amid cuts

Yaseen Ghulam, associate professor of economics and director of research at Al-Yamamah University in Riyadh, offered perspective on Aramco’s 2024 net income decline — which was 12 percent down from the $121.3 billion seen in 2023.

He attributed it to strategic oil production cuts agreed upon by OPEC+, including a 6.25 percent reduction from 2023 and a 14.28 percent cut from 2022.

“OPEC+ further plans to extend voluntary oil production curbs until September 2026, potentially causing a 0.4 million barrels per day reduction in 2025,” Ghulam said.

Despite these market constraints, he noted that Saudi Arabia’s non-oil sector has compensated for the oil-related revenue drop through higher household consumption and increased investment, driven by government diversification efforts.

He forecast non-hydrocarbon sector growth of at least 4 percent, supported by low unemployment, rising female workforce participation, and ongoing Vision 2030 progress, backed by strong fiscal buffers.

Sustainable investment 

When asked about Aramco’s capital expenditures — $53.3 billion in 2024 and projected up to $58 billion in 2025 — Ghulam emphasized the company’s pivotal role in shaping global oil supply trends.

“Aramco has made a record investment and is likely to continue in artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and corporate acquisitions to improve domestic and global oil supply chains and help diversify the nation’s economy,” he said.

He further highlighted the company’s commitment to developing lower-carbon products across energy, chemical, and materials sectors, alongside its plan to leverage its low-cost, low-carbon upstream production to meet growing global demand.

He also pointed out the company’s investments in renewables through its New Energies division, saying:, “Aramco has signed an agreement to build new green hydrogen and ammonia production facilities. The company wants to produce 11 million tonnes of blue ammonia a year by 2030, with the possibility of exporting to markets in Asia and Europe.”

Supporting diversification plans 

According to its 2024 annual report, Aramco’s technology initiatives aim to enhance upstream and downstream operations, expand its product portfolio, and promote sustainable growth aligned with its net-zero ambitions.

Ghulam observed that Saudi Arabia’s economy is rapidly reducing its reliance on oil revenues, thanks to infrastructure, tourism, and technology policies.

“Non-oil activities now make up 52 percent of overall economic activity, with an anticipated 65 percent by the end of the decade. Non-oil revenue in fact doubled in four years. Industries driving this growth include manufacturing, construction, communication, finance, retail trade, restaurants, hotels, and logistics and transportation,” he said.

The Kingdom is rolling out over 5,000 projects aimed at diversification, with 73 percent of new investment expected to target non-oil sectors.

Ghulam concluded that Aramco plays a critical role in supporting this transition by investing heavily in LNG, hydrogen, solar, wind, and battery materials like lithium, alongside maintaining upstream oil projects to sustain its global leadership.


Startup Wrap — Saudi capital driving SME growth amid rising AI and tech demand

Startup Wrap — Saudi capital driving SME growth amid rising AI and tech demand
Updated 16 May 2025
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Startup Wrap — Saudi capital driving SME growth amid rising AI and tech demand

Startup Wrap — Saudi capital driving SME growth amid rising AI and tech demand

RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East and North Africa continued to attract significant investment in the past week, with Saudi Arabia emerging as the driving force behind many of the region’s most prominent funding rounds and initiatives. 

Backed by government-led strategies and private capital, the Kingdom is reinforcing its position as a regional hub for innovation and artificial intelligence-driven technologies. 

Saudi Arabia-based Wyld VC has launched a $50 million early-stage venture capital fund focused exclusively on AI, becoming the first AI-native VC firm in the MENA region. 

The fund is founded and led by Tala Hasan Al-Jabri and is designed to support AI founders building middleware and application-layer innovations, targeting sectors with the highest potential for industrial transformation. 

“The GCC is leading the charge in catalyzing an AI revolution— through massive infrastructure investments, advanced research and model deployment, and transparent, innovation-forward regulation,” said Al-Jabri, adding: “However, the region’s greatest gap is AI talent. Wyld VC is here to fill that gap.” 

Wyld VC is backed by the family office of Lawrence E. Golub, marking its first investment in the Middle East. 

“Tala is a highly accomplished, talented investor, with a track record of success investing in innovative, early-stage technology companies,” said Golub. 

“Her considerable investment acumen, combined with her unparalleled and comprehensive ties and network in the Gulf and the US, offer a unique investment opportunity. I am excited to be supporting Tala and Wyld on this compelling new venture,” Golub added. 

WakeCap raises $28m to expand contech platform 

Hassan Al-Balawi, co-founder of WakeCap. Supplied

WakeCap, a Saudi construction technology company, secured $28 million in funding during the Saudi-US Investment Forum. 

The company will use the capital to enhance its construction site safety solutions, expand its presence in Saudi Arabia, and pursue international markets. 

Founded in 2017 by Hassan Al-Balawi and Ishita Sood, WakeCap provides wearable technology that enables contractors and project managers to monitor site operations in real-time. 

Its platform offers digital insights to improve safety, efficiency, and decision-making on large-scale construction projects. 

“WakeCap’s ability to capture and act on real-time jobsite data is critical for high-performing project controls,” said Al-Balawi. 

“This round fuels our next stage of growth as we expand our global footprint, increasing the value we deliver to customers through richer insights, faster reporting, and greater operational efficiency,” he added. 

Kilow secures $2.5m to scale AI-powered weight management 

Fahed Al-Essa, founder of Kilow. Supplied

Saudi health tech startup Kilow has raised $2.5 million in seed funding to develop its personalized, AI-powered weight management platform. 

The round was led by Sanabil Venture Studio, in partnership with innovation services firm Stryber. 

Founded in 2024 by Fahed Al-Essa, Kilow provides users with personalized treatment plans, medical consultations, and real-time health tracking. 

The platform also integrates with smart health devices and offers at-home lab testing, enabling a comprehensive digital health experience. 

The funds will be used to expand Kilow’s product capabilities and reach more users across Saudi Arabia as it aims to tackle the growing health and wellness market with AI-driven solutions. 

Saudi Arabia launches Humain to spearhead AI development 

Saudi Arabia has launched Humain, a state-backed AI company established under the Public Investment Fund. 

Chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Humain will serve as the central national entity responsible for AI development and investments, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda. 

With a focus on infrastructure and model development, the company will offer next-generation data centers, advanced AI infrastructure, and cloud computing capabilities. 

A key initiative will be the development of a multimodal Arabic large language model tailored to regional needs. 

The launch was strategically timed to coincide with the visit of US President Donald Trump to Riyadh, reflecting the broader geopolitical importance of AI collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the US. 

Google backs STV’s new AI fund for MENA startups 

Saudi-based venture capital firm STV has launched a new AI-focused fund with backing from Google, aimed at supporting early-stage startups in the MENA region. 

The fund will invest in companies developing application-layer AI products, localized large language models, and supporting infrastructure. 

The initiative seeks to address the region’s underrepresentation in AI funding. In 2024, only 1.5 percent of total VC investment in MENA was directed toward AI startups, compared to 38 percent in the US and 13 percent in India. 

The partnership brings together STV’s regional market insight with Google’s AI research and product expertise to support the development of locally relevant and globally competitive technologies. 

Nawy raises $75m to scale proptech and mortgage offering 

The Nawy team. Supplied

Egyptian property tech company Nawy has raised a total of $75 million in its latest funding rounds, comprising a $52 million series A equity round and $23 million in debt financing. 

The equity round was led by Partech, with participation from e& Capital, March Capital, and VKAV, as well as DPI via Nclude, VentureSouq, and Shorooq. 

Debt funding was provided by leading Egyptian banks to support the expansion of Nawy Now, the company’s mortgage platform. 

Founded in 2019 by Mohamed Abou Ghanima, Abdel-Azim Osman, Ahmed Rafea, Aly Rafea, and Mostafa El-Beltagy, Nawy offers a full-stack real estate ecosystem including financing, fractional ownership, asset management, and business to business brokerage enablement. 

Nawy claims to have achieved $1.4 billion in gross merchandise value in 2024 and reports a 50 time increase in US dollar-denominated revenue. 

The company previously raised $5 million in seed funding in 2022 from the Sawiris family office. 

AqlanX raises $10m for Arabic-first enterprise AI 

UAE-based AI company AqlanX has raised $10 million in funding from Lakeba Group through its subsidiary DoxAI. 

The investment was made under the UAE’s NextGen FDI initiative, which aims to attract high-tech foreign investment to the country. 

Founded in 2025 by Demetrio Russo, AqlanX builds enterprise-grade AI solutions for automating business processes, improving operational efficiency, and transforming document management. 

The company focuses on building Arabic-first AI technologies to serve local enterprises. 

The funding will be used to localize and scale DoxAI’s automation products across the Middle East, as the company expands its footprint within the region’s growing AI ecosystem.

TensorWave raises $100m to expand AMD-based AI clusters 

AI infrastructure startup TensorWave has raised $100 million in a funding round led by Magnetar and AMD Ventures, bringing its total raised to $146.7 million. 

Other participants include Maverick Silicon, Nexus Venture Partners, and Prosperity7 Ventures, the investment arm of Saudi Aramco. 

Founded in 2023 by Darrick Horton, Jeff Tatarchuk, and Piotr Tomasik, TensorWave offers AMD GPU-based cloud services optimized for AI training. 

The company has already launched a large-scale training cluster featuring 8,192 AMD Instinct MI325X GPUs. 

The new capital will be used to scale TensorWave’s GPU infrastructure, grow its workforce to over 100 employees, and accelerate revenue growth. 

The company projects it will exceed $100 million in run-rate revenue by the end of 2025. 

Arkestro secures $36m to enhance AI procurement technology 

Arkestro, a predictive procurement platform, has closed a $36 million strategic funding round led by Altira Group and Aramco Ventures, with participation from NEA, KDT, and Activant. 

The platform uses AI, behavioral science, and game theory to drive cost savings and improve procurement efficiency. 

The company claims its platform generates an average of 18.8 percent in savings per $1 million of enterprise spend. 

The funding will support the company’s global expansion and the continued development of its AI capabilities to reduce supply chain risk and enhance collaboration between procurement teams and suppliers. 


Oil Updates — crude heads for weekly gain but remains under supply hike pressure

Oil Updates — crude heads for weekly gain but remains under supply hike pressure
Updated 16 May 2025
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Oil Updates — crude heads for weekly gain but remains under supply hike pressure

Oil Updates — crude heads for weekly gain but remains under supply hike pressure

LONDON: Oil prices were little changed on Friday, heading for a modest weekly gain as easing US-China trade tensions were somewhat offset by higher supply expectations from Iran and OPEC+.

Brent crude futures were up 5 cents, or 0.1 percent, at $64.58 per barrel at 12:53 p.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 2 cents to $61.64.

Both contracts fell more than 2 percent in the previous session on the prospect of an Iranian nuclear deal, which could result in more barrels being released onto the global market.

“The oil market is struggling to rise further, as the feel-good effect of the US-China trade detente fades,” said Harry Tchiliguirian, group head of research at Onyx Capital Group.

“OPEC+ accelerates the unwinding of its voluntary supply cuts and the US-Iran nuclear talks are still ongoing, keeping the barrels of the latter still flowing to China.”

US President Donald Trump said the US was nearing a nuclear deal with Iran, with Tehran “sort of” agreeing to its terms. However, a source familiar with the talks said there were still issues to resolve.

ING analysts wrote in a note that a nuclear deal lifting sanctions would allow Iran to increase oil output, resulting in additional supply of around 400,000 barrels per day.

Despite the potential supply pressure, both Brent and WTI are up so far this week, gaining around 1 percent.

Sentiment got a boost after the US and China, the world’s two biggest oil consumers and economies, agreed to a 90-day pause on their trade war during which both sides would sharply lower trade duties.

The hefty reciprocal Sino-US tariffs had raised fears of a sharp blow to global growth and oil demand.

Analysts at BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, said in a research report however that “while the 90-day cooling off period leaves the door open for additional progress on lowering trade barriers on both sides, the uncertainty on longer-term trade policy will limit price upside.”

Adding to market concerns was an expected surplus.

The International Energy Agency on Thursday hiked its 2025 global supply growth forecast by 380,000 bpd and projected a surplus for next year, despite a minor upward revision of its 2025 global oil demand forecast by 20,000 bpd.

Investors were also watching for signs of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, which could bolster the economy and oil demand.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,485 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,485 
Updated 15 May 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,485 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,485 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Thursday, losing 46.95 points, or 0.41 percent, to close at 11,485.05. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR5.28 billion ($1.40 billion), as 61 of the stocks advanced and 179 retreated.  

Similarly, the Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 46.12 points, or 0.17 percent, to close at 27,841.06. This comes as 32 of the listed stocks advanced while 43 retreated.  

The MSCI Tadawul Index lost 4.40 points, or 0.30 percent, to close at 1,462.76.   

The best-performing stock of the day was Miahona Co., whose share price surged 10 percent to SR24.86.  

Other top performers included National Gypsum Co., whose share price rose 4.90 percent to SR21 as well as Saudi Manpower Solutions Co., whose share price surged 3.09 percent to SR7.01. 

Zamil Industrial Investment Co. recorded the most significant drop, falling 10 percent to SR43.20. 

Arabian Contracting Services Co. also saw its stock prices fall 8.21 percent to SR125.20, while Retal Urban Development Co. also saw its share value decline 6.98 percent to SR15.72. 

On the announcements front, Saudi Awwal Bank has completed the offering of its USD-denominated Additional Tier 1 Green Sukuk, valued at $650 million. According to a statement on Tadawul, the total number of sukuk issued stands at 3,250, based on a minimum denomination and total issue size at a par value of $200,000 each. The sukuk offers a return of 6.50 percent and features perpetual maturity. 

Saudi Awwal Bank ended the session at SR34.40, up 1.31 percent. 

Bank Albilad has announced the commencement of its offering for a USD-denominated Additional Tier 1 Capital Sukuk. According to a bourse filing, the final amount and terms of the sukuk will be determined at a later stage, subject to prevailing market conditions. The offering period runs from May 15 to May 16. 

The minimum subscription is set at $200,000, with additional increments of $1,000, based on a par value of $200,000. The bank has appointed HSBC Bank plc, Albilad Capital, Goldman Sachs International, and Emirates NBD Bank PJSC as joint lead managers for the issuance. 

Bank Albilad ended the session at SR27.10, up 0.19 percent. 

Emaar, The Economic City has announced its interim financial results for the first three months of 2025. According to a Tadawul statement, the company reported a net loss of SR123 million in the period ending March 31, down 65 percent compared to the corresponding quarter a year earlier. 

This decrease in net loss is primarily attributed to an increase in revenues, a decrease in operational expenses, and reversal of ECL provision following a reassessment compared to the recorded provision in the corresponding quarter. 

Emaar, The Economic City ended the session at SR13.50, down 1.02 percent. 

Zamil Industrial Investment Co. reported a net profit of SR21.8 million for the first quarter of 2025, marking a 301 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to a bourse filing.

The sharp rise in earnings was driven by higher sales across all business segments, along with increased operating income in the air conditioning, construction, and insulation divisions. The company also benefited from improved contributions from associates and joint ventures, as well as reduced financial charges.