Closing Bell: Saudi Arabia’s main index closes in green at 12,439

The main index saw a total trading turnover of SR8.878 billion ($2.36 billion), with 58 stocks advancing and 174 retreating. File
The main index saw a total trading turnover of SR8.878 billion ($2.36 billion), with 58 stocks advancing and 174 retreating. File
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Updated 29 January 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi Arabia’s main index closes in green at 12,439

Closing Bell: Saudi Arabia’s main index closes in green at 12,439

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged up on Wednesday, gaining 18.84 points, or 0.15 percent, to close at 12,439.48.

The main index saw a total trading turnover of SR8.878 billion ($2.36 billion), with 58 stocks advancing and 174 retreating.

The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, also gained 25.69 points to close at 31,048.66. The MSCI Tadawul Index rose by 3.99 percent to close at 1,548.14.

The best-performing stock on the main market was Al Rajhi Bank, with its share price surging by 4.69 percent to SR100.4.

MBC Group Co. also emerged as a top gainer, with its share price increasing by 4.36 percent to SR55.10.

The share price of Bank Aljazira also rose by 3.96 percent to SR18.92.

Conversely, Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance Co. saw its stock price decline by 7.09 percent to close at SR194.

On Nomu, Twareat Medical Care Co. saw the highest gain, with a 30 percent increase, reaching SR15.60.

Al Rashid Industrial Co. was the worst performer on Nomu, declining by 5.20 percent to SR47.40.

On the announcements front, Al Rajhi Bank reported a net profit of SR19.72 billion for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, marking an 18.66 percent increase compared to 2023.

According to the bank’s statement on Tadawul, the surge was driven by an increase in net income attributable to the bank’s equity holders by 5.9 percent, reaching SR21.2 billion due to the rise in total operating income by 4.2 percent.

The Saudi National Bank also announced its annual financial results for the same period, with net profit reaching SR21.193 billion and marking an increase of 5.91 percent.

Shares of the Saudi National Bank ended the session at SR34.05, down 2.85 percent. 

Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance Co.’s annual financial results for the period ending Dec. 31 reported a net profit of SR1.16 billion, marking a 24.02 percent increase compared to the year before.

The insurance company said in a statement on Tadawul that the increase was primarily driven by business growth and a boost in the number of insured lives.

Additionally, the net investment results for the year amounted to SR672.37 million, compared to SR513.28 million in the previous year, recording a 30.99 percent increase.

The Saudi Investment Bank also reported an 11.07 percent increase in net profit during the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, reaching SR1.95 billion compared to the same period in 2023.

This growth was mainly due to an increase in total operating income, as well as a decrease in provisions for credit and other losses.

Saudi Investment Bank shares closed at SR15.04, up 0.27 percent.

Other banks, including Banque Saudi Fransi and Alinma Bank, also announced their financial results for the same period.

Banque Saudi Fransi reported a 7.6 percent increase in net profit for the period, reaching SR 4.54 billion compared to 2023. The bank attributed this growth to a 3.6 percent rise in total operating income, alongside a 0.6 percent reduction in operating expenses. Despite the positive results, Banque Saudi Fransi’s stock closed at SR 16, down 0.12 percent.

Similarly, Alinma Bank saw a significant 20.51 percent increase in net profit for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2024, reaching SR 5.83 billion.

The bank cited a 12.5 percent rise in total operating income, driven by higher net income from financing and investment, fee income, exchange income, and FVSI income. This was partially offset by a decline in other operating income. Alinma Bank’s shares closed at SR 30.55, up 1.83 percent.


CEO says PIA’s first annual profit in decades to attract ‘favorable valuation’ from investors

CEO says PIA’s first annual profit in decades to attract ‘favorable valuation’ from investors
Updated 27 sec ago
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CEO says PIA’s first annual profit in decades to attract ‘favorable valuation’ from investors

CEO says PIA’s first annual profit in decades to attract ‘favorable valuation’ from investors
  • Islamabad’s attempt to privatize PIA last year fell flat when it received a single offer, well below asking price of over $300 million
  • This week, PIA reported $33.1 million earnings from operations last year ended December, made net profit of $93.3 million in 2024

KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines expects to attract “more favorable valuation” from investors after the national carrier posted an annual profit for the first time in more than two decades ahead of a second attempt by the government to sell the airline, CEO Amir Hayat said this week.
Islamabad’s attempt to privatize PIA last year fell flat when it received only a single offer, well below the asking price of more than $300 million. The cash-strapped government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is struggling to privatize several loss-making public enterprises, including PIA, as part of conditions under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund’s loan program approved last year. 
This week, PIA reported Rs9.2 billion ($33.1 million) earnings from its operations last year ended December and made a net profit of Rs26.2 billion ($93.3 million) in 2024, a development described by analysts as “good optics” for the privatization push. 
“This landmark operational profit of 26 billion rupees fundamentally strengthens PIA’s position in the context of the government’s privatization plan,” Hayat told Arab News in a written response to questions. 
“It demonstrates the inherent value and turnaround potential of the airline, making it a significantly more attractive proposition for potential investors.”
He said the results would positively influence investor confidence and potentially lead to a “more favorable valuation” during the privatization process.
Pakistan had offloaded nearly 80 percent of the airline’s legacy debt and shifted it to government books ahead of the privatization attempt. The rest of the debt was also cleaned out of the airline’s accounts after the failed sale attempt to make it more attractive to potential buyers, according to the country’s privatization ministry.
The airline has for years survived on government bailouts as its operational earnings were eaten up by debt servicing costs.
Officials say offloading the debt burden and recent reforms like shedding staff, exiting unprofitable routes and other cost-cutting measures led to the profitable year.
Hayat said the latest profit was because of “a comprehensive reforms program” executed over the past few years.
“Key drivers include maintaining strict financial discipline by implementing stringent cost control measures across the board, scrutinizing every expense, creating operational efficiencies in every aspect of flight operations, reducing ground times, and enhancing fuel efficiency,” Hayat said.
Other measures included route optimization by curtailing non-productive routes and capitalizing on profitable ones, and revenue enhancement by creating opportunities in neglected segments such as cargo, ancillary sales and codeshares and alliance partnerships.
“We view this profit not as a one-off anomaly, but as the foundational result of deep, structural changes within the airline,” Hayat added. 
While the aviation industry remained vulnerable to external variables like fuel prices and geopolitical factors, PIA had developed internal mechanisms that provided a “strong basis for continued positive performance.”
“Our clear intent and strategy are geared toward maintaining profitability moving forward and our budget for 2025 is already planned on net profitability,” the PIA CEO said. 
Muhammed Sohail, the chief executive officer at Topline Securities, said the latest profits would provide “good optics to attract more investors” to buy the airline.
Ahead of the attempt to sell the airline last year, PIA had faced threats of being shut down, with planes impounded at international airports over its failure to pay bills and flights canceled due to a shortage of funds to pay for fuel or spare parts.


Saudi finance minister calls for flexible Arab cooperation amid global challenges

Saudi finance minister calls for flexible Arab cooperation amid global challenges
Updated 6 min 55 sec ago
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Saudi finance minister calls for flexible Arab cooperation amid global challenges

Saudi finance minister calls for flexible Arab cooperation amid global challenges

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening joint Arab financial cooperation, with a leading minister emphasizing the Kingdom’s support for regional bodies.

At the annual meetings of the joint Arab financial institutions held in Kuwait, Mohammed Al-Jadaan highlighted the pivotal role of financial bodies in enhancing regional collaborative efforts.

The Kingdom’s finance minister called for strategic flexibility in their operations to better align with the evolving economic needs of member states amid shifting global economic conditions.

“During these meetings, I affirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for these institutions to achieve the common interests of Arab countries while emphasizing the importance of working according to flexible strategic directions that reflect the needs of member states in light of global economic conditions,” Al-Jadaan said on X.

The minister also took part in the 16th meeting of the Arab Finance Ministers Council, where he stressed the importance of assessing the impact of mounting financial, economic, and trade pressures.

He further called for the development of comprehensive frameworks to address these global challenges effectively.

“I highlighted the role of Arab Financial Institutions in providing technical support and developing studies and research to assist Arab countries in confronting these challenges,” Al-Jadaan said on X.

The minister spoke of the crucial contribution of Arab financial institutions in offering technical assistance and spearheading research efforts to support member countries in navigating economic uncertainties.

Al-Jadaan’s involvement in the meetings underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening the voice of emerging markets within influential financial forums.

Under Al-Jadaan’s chairmanship, the International Monetary and Financial Committee has prioritized amplifying the perspectives of developing economies, reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to fostering inclusive global financial stability.

The establishment of the first joint Saudi-Kuwaiti Business Council in December exemplifies the region’s efforts to bolster economic ties and facilitate investment opportunities.

This initiative aims to enhance trade relations and economic integration between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, aligning with broader objectives of regional cooperation. ​

Assistant Governor for Executive Affairs at the Saudi Central Bank Abdulelah Al-Deheem also participated in the joint annual meetings, and posting on X said: “The areas of development, finance, and economic impact were discussed during the meetings. Future plans that contribute to achieving the sustainable development objectives were also reviewed.”


Saudi Arabia introduces 5% tax on real estate transactions

Saudi Arabia introduces 5% tax on real estate transactions
Updated 21 min 12 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia introduces 5% tax on real estate transactions

Saudi Arabia introduces 5% tax on real estate transactions

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has introduced a 5 percent Real Estate Transaction Tax, effective from April 10, as part of its economic diversification efforts.

The new tax, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said, will apply to all real estate transactions across the Kingdom, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

It will be imposed regardless of the property’s development status, usage, or whether the transfer involves full or partial ownership. It will also apply to undocumented transactions.

To comply with the new regulation, all property transfers must be registered through the RETT platform on ZATCA’s official website.

Parties involved in a transaction will need to declare property details and any applicable exemptions before formalizing the transfer at a notary or legal authority.

The introduction of the RETT is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to foster growth in the real estate market, with expectations for significant expansion in 2025.

In a recent report, real estate services firm JLL highlighted strong economic growth across the Gulf region, with Saudi Arabia leading the way.

The Kingdom’s non-oil sector is expected to grow by 5.8 percent in 2025, up from 4.5 percent in 2024. The construction sector performed well in 2024, with project awards totaling $29.5 billion. Furthermore, the Saudi real estate market is projected to reach $101.62 billion by 2029, growing at an annual rate of 8 percent from 2024.

ZATCA stated on its official X account that the RETT regulation is designed to create a clear legal framework, foster growth in the real estate sector, attract investment, and enhance tax exemptions for economic, social, and regulatory goals. The new rules also aim to address challenges specific to the real estate industry.

The newly approved regulations provide clarity on property transactions subject to tax, establish mechanisms for tax calculation, and outline payment procedures.

They also introduce measures to ensure fair market value verification. Notably, the fine for delayed tax payments has been reduced from 5 percent to 2 percent.

Exemptions include property transfers resulting from inheritance divisions, registered public and private endowments, and transfers between spouses or relatives up to the third degree.


Saudi CMA proposes new rules to enhance disclosure requirements

Saudi CMA proposes new rules to enhance disclosure requirements
Updated 10 April 2025
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Saudi CMA proposes new rules to enhance disclosure requirements

Saudi CMA proposes new rules to enhance disclosure requirements

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia plans to enhance disclosure requirements for various share classes as part of a proposed regulatory overhaul to boost transparency and broaden funding options in the Kingdom’s capital markets. 

The Capital Market Authority has opened a 30-day public consultation, starting April 9, on a draft framework that introduces stricter reporting rules for traditional, redeemable, and convertible share classes. 

Under the draft rules, listed companies would be allowed to increase their capital through the registration and offering of new types or classes of shares not previously listed on the market. It also includes provisions for raising capital, offering issuers greater flexibility in their financing strategies. 

According to a statement, the proposed amendments include an update to ownership disclosure thresholds. The new rules would require any person holding or having an interest in 5 percent or more of a company’s voting rights — rather than total shares, as currently mandated — to notify the exchange. 

The move is part of the CMA’s strategy to support capital formation, facilitate fundraising for companies, and improve the overall regulatory environment. 

In a post on X, the authority said the new proposals were made “with the aim of enhancing the capital market’s role in capital formation.”

The draft framework builds on the Companies Law, which allows firms to issue different classes of shares with specific rights and privileges, as well as its implementing regulations for listed joint-stock companies. 

Earlier this week, the CMA launched a public consultation on allowing special purpose acquisition companies to list on the parallel market, Nomu, as part of efforts to boost private sector participation. 

The proposed regulatory framework would permit SPACs to be formed as joint stock companies under the Companies Law, with the primary goal of acquiring or merging with unlisted Saudi firms, in line with the Rules on the Offer of Securities and Continuing Obligations. 

In March, the CMA proposed amendments to expand the range of eligible issuers and align regulations for Special Purpose Entities. 

SPEs, established and licensed by the CMA, are independent financial and legal entities created for specific financing purposes, and are dissolved once their objectives are fulfilled. 

This initiative aims to strengthen the sukuk and debt instruments market, supporting the continued growth of the Kingdom’s asset management industry.


Jordan’s foreign reserves surge 18.45% in March

Jordan’s foreign reserves surge 18.45% in March
Updated 40 min 54 sec ago
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Jordan’s foreign reserves surge 18.45% in March

Jordan’s foreign reserves surge 18.45% in March

RIYADH: Jordan’s foreign reserves rose by 18.45 percent year on year in March, reaching $20.02 billion—enough to cover 8.5 months of the country’s imports of goods and services, according to official data.

Released by the Central Bank of Jordan, the data “reflects the country’s stable external financial position,” the Jordan News Agency reported.

This aligns with S&P Global’s decision in September to upgrade Jordan’s long-term foreign and local currency ratings to “B+” from “BB-.” The agency also reaffirmed its “B” short-term ratings and raised its transfer and convertibility assessment from “BB” to “BB+.”

S&P noted at the time that Jordan’s structural economic improvements are expected to remain resilient, despite regional pressures.

The agency also indicated at the time that Jordan is well-positioned to leverage international support and has sufficient domestic policy buffers to mitigate impacts from regional conflicts on tourism and the broader economy.

Tariff items exemptions

Up to 91 percent of tariff items enjoy full or partial exemptions under Jordan’s policy of promoting investment and supporting production, according to the Customs Department Director General.

In his remarks to the Jordan News Agency, Ahmed Akalik explained that the exemptions cover various items under international agreements, local decisions, or investment incentives, with the largest waivers to raw materials.

He highlighted that just 9 percent of items are subject to duties between 0 and 25 percent, depending on the commodity type, and that domestic exports are completely duty-free.

Akalik went on to note that the department processed over 950,000 customs declarations in 2024, underscoring the need for new strategies to improve efficiency and transparency, in alignment with King Abdullah’s vision to enhance government performance and empower the private sector.

Arab Fund plans $750m for Jordan

The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development plans to allocate approximately $750 million to Jordanian projects in the coming years, leveraging partnerships with international and regional institutions such as the World Bank and the European Investment Bank.

A major focus will be the National Water Carrier project, designed to transport desalinated water from Aqaba to Amman, tackling significant water shortages.

The fund will prioritize sustainable energy initiatives such as solar and wind power to address Jordan’s increasing energy needs.

Plans also include investments in education and healthcare infrastructure, such as building new schools and developing hospitals.

AFESD plans to promote regional economic integration, establishing Jordan as a key hub in the energy, healthcare, and education industries. The strategy will emphasize job creation, youth empowerment, and gender equality.