Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim to break ground on Mall of Saudi in Q4

1 / 4
Mall of Saudi will include around 600 stores across 300,000 square meters of gross leasable area. Pictured is Mall of Emirates in Dubai. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 31 May 2021
Follow

Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim to break ground on Mall of Saudi in Q4

  • Flagship project will include the largest ski slope and snow park in the Middle East

DUBAI: Dubai’s Majid Al Futtaim has signed an agreement with global infrastructure consulting firm AECOM to help mastermind the development of the retailer’s Mall of Saudi, its flagship project in the Kingdom.

The mall is set to break ground in the fourth quarter of this year in Riyadh, as part of a mixed-use development in the north of the capital city.

AECOM will be the lead design consultancy on the project and supervise construction of the mall, which is expected to consist of about 600 stores across 300,000 square meters of gross leasable area. At present, half of the space has been reserved by retailers.

Mall of Saudi will also include the largest ski slope and snow park in the Middle East, luxury hotels and branded residences covering about 2,000 keys and on a 214,000 square meter area.

The mall will also include a Carrefour hypermarket and 31 VOX Cinema screens, including the world’s largest IMAX, and a Magic Planet.

Majid Al Futtaim, which employs 43,000 people in 17 markets and owns and operates 27 shopping malls, 13 hotels and four mixed-use communities, reported a 7 percent year-on-year fall in revenues to AED32.6 billion ($8.88 billion) in 2020, resulting in a net loss of AD2.7 billion, compared to a loss of AED1.9 billion in 2019.

Majid Al Futtaim CEO Alain Bejjani said in a statement in February: “The pandemic has not only been a financial crisis, but an even bigger crisis of trust. We have built our organization to withstand adverse economic conditions, so our primary focus was on acting swiftly to protect our customers and employees, as we worked diligently to restore trust and maintain non-negotiable commitments to our sustainable business practices.”

Across its operations, revenue in its mall division was down 24 percent to AED3.5 billion and its hotels recorded a 60 percent drop in occupancy rates, while the biggest impact was felt in the Majid Al Futtaim — Ventures division, which manages its leisure, entertainment and cinema assets, where revenue fell 49 percent to AED1.4 billion.

In 2021, Majid Al Futtaim continued its expansion, with the opening of City Center Al Zahia in Sharjah in March, while the Mall of Oman is due to open later this year. Its retail operation is pushing ahead with expansion into Kenya, Uganda, and Uzbekistan and has plans to scale up its e-commerce operation in Saudi Arabia. Majid Al Futtaim — Cinemas also plans to open 30 VOX Cinemas in Saudi Arabia this year.

“The fact that we have experienced growth in some of our businesses during a year of unprecedented disruption is a testament to the importance that should always be placed on people, the planet and our collective progress. For me, this is stakeholder capitalism in action, and it makes me optimistic about our future,” Bejjani said.

“Every country has had their own set of challenges to deal with. The reality is the fastest recovery is the UAE . . . and we expect very fast recoveries in other markets like Saudi Arabia,” Bejjani told the AP news agency in April. “We have also seen Egypt being very resilient.”


Oil Updates — prices edge up, investors eye Trump statement on Russia

Updated 9 sec ago
Follow

Oil Updates — prices edge up, investors eye Trump statement on Russia

SINGAPORE: Oil prices nudged higher on Monday, adding to gains of more than 2 percent from Friday, as investors eyed further US sanctions on Russia that may affect global supplies, but a ramp-up in Saudi output and ongoing tariff uncertainty limited gains.

Brent crude futures rose 21 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $70.57 a barrel by 09:51 a.m. Saudi time, extending a 2.51 percent gain on Friday. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 20 cents, 0.3 percent, to $68.65, after settling 2.82 percent higher in the previous session.

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he will send Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine. He is due to make a “major statement” on Russia on Monday.

Trump has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin due to the lack of progress in ending the war in Ukraine and Russia’s intensifying bombardment of Ukrainian cities.

In a bid to pressure Moscow into good-faith peace negotiations with Ukraine, a bipartisan US bill that would hit Russia with sanctions gained momentum last week in Congress, but it still awaits support from Trump.

EU envoys are on the verge of agreeing an 18th package of sanctions against Russia that would include a lower price cap on Russian oil, four EU sources said after a Sunday meeting.

Last week, Brent rose 3 percent, while WTI had a weekly gain of around 2.2 percent, after the International Energy Agency said the global oil market may be tighter than it appears, with demand supported by peak summer refinery runs to meet travel and power generation.

However, ANZ analysts said price gains were limited by data showing Saudi Arabia lifted oil output above its quota under the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies' supply agreement.

The IEA said Saudi Arabia exceeded its oil output target for June by 430,000 barrels per day to reach 9.8 million bpd, compared with the Kingdom’s implied OPEC+ target of 9.37 million bpd.

Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry said on Friday that it had been fully compliant with its voluntary OPEC+ output target, adding that Saudi-marketed crude supply in June was 9.352 million bpd, in line with the agreed quota.

China’s June oil imports increased 7.4 percent to 49.89 million tonnes from a year earlier, equivalent to 12.14 million barrels per day, reaching the highest daily rate since August in 2023, according to customs data released on Monday.

China is likely to continue stockpiling, but with storage at 95 percent of the peak inventory build from 2020, these inventories are likely to emerge in “visible” Western market locations that are crucial for price formation, exerting downward pressure on prices, JP Morgan’s research team said in a client note.

Investors are also eyeing the outcome of US tariff talks with key trading partners that could impact global economic growth and fuel demand.


Saudi financial ecosystem hits $267bn milestone in 2024 in line with Vision 2030

Updated 13 July 2025
Follow

Saudi financial ecosystem hits $267bn milestone in 2024 in line with Vision 2030

  • FSDP annual report highlights booming fintech, capital market growth, and strengthened investor confidence
  • Foreign investor holdings surge 501 percent since 2017, while financial literacy and inclusion gain ground

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s financial sector recorded exceptional growth in 2024, with fintech firms reaching 261, venture capital investment in the sector exceeding SR7.6 billion ($2.03 billion), and gross written premiums in insurance climbing to SR76.1 billion.

Locally managed assets in the capital market surged to SR1 trillion ($267 billion), while foreign ownership rose to over SR420 billion. These milestones, outlined in the Financial Sector Development Program’s 2024 annual report, reflect the Kingdom’s accelerating progress toward the economic diversification goals of Vision 2030.

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan, also chairman of the Financial Sector Development Program Committee, emphasized that the program continues to deliver on its promise of sustainable success.

He said the FSDP is building an economic future that solidifies Saudi Arabia’s regional and international standing while reflecting the rapid development across all sectors in this prosperous era.

The FSDP has implemented a wide range of reforms and initiatives to build a robust, diversified, and inclusive financial system. The program has helped to strengthen the Kingdom’s regional and global economic standing while enabling innovation, job creation, and investment growth.

Fintech emerged as a key success story in 2024, with the number of operating companies surpassing initial targets and contributing to the creation of over 11,000 direct jobs. The Saudi Central Bank licensed D360 Bank to begin operations, and electronic payments accounted for 79 percent of total retail transactions — underscoring the shift toward a cashless economy. The year also saw the launch of FinTech2024, the Kingdom’s first international fintech conference.

Capital markets continued their upward trajectory. With 44 new listings, the number of publicly traded companies reached 353. Locally managed assets grew 169 percent compared to 2017, reaching SR1 trillion, while foreign investor holdings jumped by 501 percent over the same period to SR 420 billion.

Notable developments included the introduction of the TASI 50 index, single-stock options, Real Estate Investment Certificates, and the listing of Saudi ETFs in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The Capital Market Authority also launched the Kingdom’s Green Finance Framework to encourage sustainable investment.

In the debt capital market, the CMA unveiled a strategic roadmap and issued the first license for an alternative trading system. The Kingdom successfully conducted its first international dollar bond issuance under the Government’s Global Bond Program, attracting approximately $30 billion in orders.

Meanwhile, the government introduced “Sah,” a savings product aimed at fostering a culture of personal saving. Credit rating agencies Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P issued upward revisions to Saudi Arabia’s sovereign credit ratings in response to the country’s fiscal discipline and financial reforms.

The insurance sector also posted strong performance. Gross written premiums rose 16.3 percent from 2023 to reach SR 76.1 billion, while net profits increased by 12.5 percent to SR 3.6 billion. The Insurance Authority mandated the Saudization of all insurance product sales roles and launched a Regulatory Sandbox to support startup innovation. The number of licensed InsurTech firms rose by 56 percent. New digital services included automated motor insurance, simplified claims processes, and TELEMATICS—a unified platform for tracking driver behavior.

The finance minister noted that the progress reflected in the report underscores the Kingdom’s broader development efforts under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Support for small and medium enterprises remained a cornerstone of financial sector development. Saudi startups attracted SR 2.8 billion ($750 million) in venture capital, maintaining the Kingdom’s lead in the MENA region. The share of bank credit to SMEs increased from 8.4 percent in late 2023 to 9.4 percent by the end of 2024.

The SME Bank disbursed over SR1.5 billion in financing to 1,029 enterprises, while the Kafalah program facilitated SR 107.2 billion in financing guarantees—advancing the Vision 2030 target for SMEs to contribute 35 percent of GDP.

On the regulatory front, the FSDP advanced significant legislative reforms to enhance transparency, competitiveness, and investor protection. Updates included new principles for finance and real estate refinance companies, revisions to debt crowdfunding rules, and regulatory changes to real estate financing. The CMA also approved omnibus accounts and relaxed conditions for debt offerings, further liberalizing capital markets.

Financial literacy and capability development remained a key focus. The Financial Academy trained more than 59,000 participants through its programs since inception. The third edition of the Gulf Smart Investor Award continued to raise awareness of personal finance, while the “Malee” program began measuring and promoting financial literacy among children aged 8 to 12.

Looking ahead, the Financial Sector Development Program aims to build on this momentum in 2025 by aligning with global standards, expanding financing options, increasing financial inclusion, and deepening capital market participation. As outlined in its annual report, the FSDP remains committed to fostering innovation, enhancing regulatory efficiency, and driving sustainable growth to realize the full ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.


Saudi Arabia issues over 1,300 new industrial licenses in 2024: Ministry report

Updated 13 July 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia issues over 1,300 new industrial licenses in 2024: Ministry report

  • Private sector investments in industrial cities and zones totaled SR1.9 trillion
  • Ministry developed 454 investment opportunities worth SR143 billion

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has issued 1,346 new industrial licenses in 2024, attracting over SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) in new investments, a recent report revealed.

Private sector investments in industrial cities and zones totaled SR1.9 trillion, and the number of licensed workers in the field was 1.09 million, with a 36 percent Saudization rate, the analysis by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources said.

The new figures are consistent with the nation’s efforts to transform its industrial sector to boost the number of factories to 36,000 by 2035, of which 4,000 will be fully automated. The goal is part of the Kingdom’s strategy to foster a dynamic, innovation-driven industrial sector.

They also align with data from January, when the country’s industrial production index rose by 1.3 percent year-on-year, driven by ongoing growth in manufacturing and waste management, according to the General Authority for Statistics. Monthly, the index remained stable at 103.9, unchanged from December.

“We have all the capabilities to achieve a competitive and sustainable industrial economy, including ambitious young talent, a distinguished geographical location, rich natural resources, and leading national industrial companies,” the report said, citing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 

“Through the National Industrial Strategy and in partnership with the private sector, the Kingdom will become a leading industrial power, contributing to securing global supply chains and exporting high-tech products to the world,” he added.

The ministry has also developed 454 investment opportunities worth SR143 billion, which are linked to the industrial sectors targeted in the National Industrial Strategy.

The report shed light on how Saudi Arabia has achieved a global ranking of 33 in the Competitive Industrial Production Index.

“This progress reflects the Kingdom’s significant efforts to strengthen its industrial sector as part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. This achievement also represents an advance of two places from the target, which is 35th place globally,” the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, said.

“These visions and objectives set forth major ambitions to align with the Kingdom’s position as an influential regional power within the G20 group and achieve Saudi Arabia 2030, which envisions the Kingdom as a leading industrial nation in which the mining sector is the third pillar of the national economy,” Alkhorayef added.

In June, Saudi Arabia launched the second phase of its standardized industrial incentives program to enhance competitiveness and strengthen the Kingdom’s trade balance.

Speaking at the Saudi Industry Forum in Dhahran at the time, Khalil Ibn Salamah, deputy minister of industry and mineral resources for industrial affairs, said the initiative supports the government’s efforts to drive high-value investments in priority sectors.

This comes as the nation works to position itself as a regional and global industrial hub. Since its initial launch, the program has drawn more than 1,000. Of the 118 applications received, 12 have reached the final qualification stage.


ACWA Power-led consortium signs $8.3bn deals for massive renewable energy push

Updated 13 July 2025
Follow

ACWA Power-led consortium signs $8.3bn deals for massive renewable energy push

  • Five of the new projects are photovoltaic solar initiatives
  • Deals mark largest single-phase capacity signed globally for renewable energy projects

RIYADH: A Saudi consortium led by ACWA Power has signed agreements worth SR31 billion ($8.3 billion) to develop seven major solar and wind energy projects with a combined capacity of 15,000 megawatts, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The consortium includes the Water and Electricity Holding Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, and Aramco Power, which is owned by Saudi Aramco. The deals were signed in the presence of Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and fall under the National Renewable Energy Program, overseen by the Ministry of Energy.

Five of the new projects are photovoltaic solar initiatives, including the Bisha Project in the Asir region and the Humaij Project in Madinah, each with a capacity of 3,000 MW. The Khulis Project in Makkah will generate 2,000 MW, while the Afif 1 and Afif 2 projects, both located in the Riyadh region, will add another 4,000 MW combined.

In addition, two wind energy projects will be developed in Riyadh: the 2,000 MW Starah Project and the 1,000 MW Shaqra Project.

The agreements mark the largest single-phase capacity signed globally for renewable energy projects.

They underscore the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure and its ability to deliver electricity at globally competitive costs.

This achievement reflects strong investor confidence and the success of Saudi Arabia’s financing and development strategies in the energy sector.


Most Gulf stocks subdued as Trump steps up tariff threats

Updated 13 July 2025
Follow

Most Gulf stocks subdued as Trump steps up tariff threats

  • Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index fell 0.2%
  • Qatar’s benchmark index finished flat in a calm session

DUBAI: Gulf equities ended mixed on Sunday, with stocks drifting in a tight range during a quiet trading session as investors sought clarity after US President Donald Trump escalated his global trade war. 

Trump threatened on Saturday to impose a 30 percent tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union, following the announcement of a 35 percent duty on Canadian imports, both starting Aug. 1. 

He also proposed a blanket tariff rate of 15 percent-20 percent on other countries, an increase from the current 10 percent baseline rate. 

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index fell 0.2 percent, as mixed sector performance kept the market subdued ahead of key earnings. 

Utilities heavyweight ACWA Power declined 2.4 percent as its rights issue offering ended. 

Qatar’s benchmark index finished flat in a calm session, with telecom giant Vodafone Qatar gaining 1.2 percent. 

Investors remained cautious as the US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged as it waits to see the impact of tariffs on price pressures. 

With Gulf currencies pegged to the US dollar, the Fed’s decisions on interest rates impact the region’s monetary policy. 

Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index dropped 0.8 percent, hit by a 1 percent fall in Commercial International Bank. 

Egypt’s central bank kept key interest rates unchanged on Thursday, pausing a trend of rate reductions despite inflation rates easing.