Global investment in carbon capture and storage projects hit $6.4 bn in 2022: KAPSARC official 

KAPSARC co-hosted the second International Energy Forum High-Level Roundtable on Carbon Management Technologies in collaboration with the IEF and the Clean Energy Ministerial. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 February 2023
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Global investment in carbon capture and storage projects hit $6.4 bn in 2022: KAPSARC official 

RIYADH: The volume of global investment in carbon capture and storage projects has hit $6.4 billion in 2022, said Fatih Yilmaz, an expert in the Climate and Sustainability Program at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center. 

Speaking during a panel discussion on carbon management techniques with the International Energy Forum and the Clean Energy Forum in Riyadh, Yilmaz highlighted that the average investment in CCUS projects ranged from $2 billion to $3 billion annually until 2022. 

This indicates that last year witnessed a jump in the rate of investments in the sector, which further implies the need to invest in clean hydrogen. 

Citing a recent study by the International Energy Agency which listed CCUS as one of the seven pillars of achieving net-zero by 2050, he added that there is an underlying need to reach a capacity to capture and store 8 million tons of carbon dioxide by 2050. 

The world striving to achieve net-zero carbon emissions goals needs a new approach to attract investments to scale up carbon capture and storage capacity, said experts who participated in the roundtable.   

“We cannot achieve net-zero without carbon capture, and we need to scale up carbon capture and storage over the coming years to deliver it,” said KAPSARC President Fahad Alajlan. 

He added that the world needs a new approach to attract financiers to support CCUS initiatives. 

Stressing on the importance of the roundtable, the KAPSARC president said such events will allow experts to share their knowledge and identify ways to promote carbon management technologies. 

Speaking at the event, IEF Secretary General Joseph McMonigle, added: “We need to make 2023 the year of CCUS, and enhance collaboration to improve the investment in and usage of this technology.” 

The panel, which comprised representatives from industry, government and academia also discussed ways to enhance investment momentum in CCUS projects to reach zero neutrality. It also addressed how large-scale investments can be de-risked through clear and cohesive policies.  

Delegates also spoke about how carbon market initiatives and environmental, social and governance standards advance the circular carbon economy. In addition, they identified the CCUS synergies between hydrogen and material transitions. 

A research consulting center, KAPSARC has so far published more than 700 research papers on topics ranging from climate change policy and governance to energy and economic diversification. 


Oil Updates — crude heads to first weekly loss since April on OPEC+ supply hike prospect

Updated 59 min 2 sec ago
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Oil Updates — crude heads to first weekly loss since April on OPEC+ supply hike prospect

SINGAPORE: Oil prices dropped for a fourth consecutive session on Friday and were set for their first weekly decline in three weeks, weighed down by renewed supply pressure from another possible OPEC+ output hike in July.

Brent futures fell 31 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $64.13 a barrel by 7:12 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures lost 33 cents, or 0.5 percent, to $60.87.

For the week, Brent has fallen 1.9 percent, and WTI has dropped 2.5 percent, following two weeks of gains.

Both contracts touched their lowest in more than one week on Thursday after a Bloomberg News report that OPEC+ was considering another large production increase at a meeting on June 1.

Increasing output by 411,000 barrels a day (bpd) for July was among the options discussed, but no final agreement has yet been reached, the report said, citing delegates.

“The oil market is under renewed pressure as noise builds around what OPEC+ will do with their July output levels,” ING analysts wrote in a research note.

They expect that OPEC+ will go ahead with a 411,000 bpd supply increase for July and currently forecast Brent to average $59 per barrel in the fourth quarter.

OPEC+, which includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies such as Russia, agreed to increase production by nearly 1 million barrels per day in April, May and June.

The supply tailwind offset jitters earlier this week triggered by a report saying Israel is making preparations to strike Iranian nuclear facilities and new sanctions announced by the EU and Britain on Russia’s oil trade.

A large crude oil build in the US also weighed on oil prices.

As traders brace for a flood of increased supply in coming months from OPEC+, US crude oil storage demand has surged in recent weeks to levels similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data from storage broker The Tank Tiger.

On Friday, the market will watch for US oil and gas rig count data from Baker Hughes that is used as an indicator for future supply.

The market is also closely watching US-Iranian nuclear negotiations which could determine the future supply of Iranian oil. The fifth round of talks will take place in Rome on Friday.


Saudi Arabia launches global platform to shape future of tourism 

Updated 22 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia launches global platform to shape future of tourism 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched TOURISE, a global platform connecting leaders in tourism, tech, investment, and sustainability, as it positions itself to shape future travel policy and innovation. 

The platform, officially introduced by Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, will serve as a year-round initiative to unlock investment opportunities, address sector-wide challenges, and develop policies to guide the next phase of global tourism growth.  

The launch aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader push to become a global tourism hub, backed by major infrastructure investments, streamlined visas, and high-profile events. In 2024, Saudi Arabia hit its Vision 2030 target of 100 million visitors — seven years early — with tourism now contributing nearly 5 percent to gross domestic product. 

Speaking during the virtual launch, Al-Khateeb said: “Tourism is one of the most dynamic, connective forces in the world’s economy, supporting one in ten jobs globally. But as the world evolves, the sector must too.”  

He added: “Whether adapting to technological disruption and changing traveler expectations, to addressing the urgent calls for sustainability and a more equitable approach to travel, TOURISE will be the much-needed platform to shape the future of tourism.”  

TOURISE will be supported by an advisory board composed of global figures from the tourism, hospitality, and technology, as well as entertainment and investment sectors. 

According to the official press release, TOURISE will also form working groups focused on key themes and will publish white papers and global indices in collaboration with international organizations. 

The first TOURISE Summit will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 11-13. The event will explore four major areas: the role of artificial intelligence in tourism, investment and business model innovation, travel experience upgrades, and inclusive and sustainable tourism practices.  

An Innovation Zone will spotlight emerging technologies from both public and private sector firms. 

An accompanying awards program will recognize destinations and organizations that demonstrate leadership in categories such as sustainability, digital transformation, cultural preservation, inclusive tourism and workforce development.  

Nominations for the awards are scheduled to open on June 2, with winners to be announced on the summit's opening day. 

“For this industry to evolve and reach its full potential, public-private sector collaboration is critical to the continued success of Travel & Tourism worldwide,” said Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council and a member of the TOURISE advisory board.  


Egypt central bank cuts key interest rates by 100 basis points, statement says

Updated 22 May 2025
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Egypt central bank cuts key interest rates by 100 basis points, statement says

CAIRO: Egypt’s central bank lowered its key interest rates by 100 basis points on Thursday, its second rate cut in 2025 after keeping rates unchanged for a year.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,188

Updated 22 May 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 11,188

  • MSCI Tadawul 30 Index lost 12.2 points to close at 1,428.81
  • Parallel market Nomu declined by 156.89 points to end at 27,260.73

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index closed in the red on Thursday, falling 114.94 points, or 1.02 percent, to settle at 11,188.74.

The total trading turnover reached SR4.4 billion ($1.17 billion), with 76 stocks advancing and 165 declining.

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index also dropped, losing 12.2 points, or 0.85 percent, to close at 1,428.81.

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu declined by 156.89 points, or 0.57 percent, to close at 27,260.73, with 29 stocks gaining and 49 retreating.

The best-performing stock of the day was Saudi Reinsurance Co., rising 3.70 percent to SR49.

Other top gainers included Al-Rajhi Company for Cooperative Insurance, whose share price rose 3.65 percent to SR119.2, and Umm Al-Qura Cement Co., which gained 3.42 percent to SR17.54.

The day’s largest decline was seen in SHL Finance Co., with its share price dipping 4.93 percent to SR19.30.

Al-Etihad Cooperative Insurance Co. saw its shares drop 3.86 percent to SR13.44, while Saudi Arabian Oil Co. declined 3.64 percent to SR25.15.

The best performer on the Kingdom’s parallel market was Enma AlRawabi Co., with its share price surging by 7.77 percent to reach SR24.98.

Lamasat Co.’s share price increased by 7.58 percent to reach SR7.1, and Natural Gas Distribution Co. reached SR47, increasing by 6.82 percent.

Albattal Factory for Chemical Industries Co. was the worst performer on the parallel market, declining 16.83 percent to reach SR42.


Aramco, stc drive Saudi brands’ value up 14% to $117bn, new report shows 

Updated 22 May 2025
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Aramco, stc drive Saudi brands’ value up 14% to $117bn, new report shows 

  • Energy, banking, and telecommunications represent nearly 74% of the total brand value in the rankings
  • Dairy producer Almarai is recognized as the Kingdom’s third strongest brand

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s top 100 brands reached a combined valuation of $116.8 billion as of January, up 14 percent year on year, led by energy giant Aramco and telecom operator stc, according to a new report.

Marketing consultancy firm Brand Finance said Aramco retained its position as the Kingdom’s most valuable brand for the sixth consecutive year, with a valuation of $41.7 billion.

The company’s strength stems from its global oil production capabilities and investments in low-carbon technologies. 

Aramco retained its position as the Kingdom’s most valuable brand for the sixth consecutive year. Shutterstock

The Kingdom’s economy remains heavily influenced by its core sectors — energy, banking, and telecommunications — which together represent nearly 74 percent of the total brand value in the rankings. This sector concentration underscores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing economic diversification efforts as part of its Vision 2030 strategy. 

Andrew Campbell, managing director, Brand Finance Middle East, said: “Saudi Arabia’s brand landscape is evolving at an impressive pace, driven by bold strategies, innovation, and a clear vision for the future.” 

He added: “From long-standing powerhouses like Aramco and stc to fast-rising brands like Saudia and Almarai, there’s a real sense of momentum across sectors. These brands are not only contributing to the Kingdom’s economic transformation but also setting new benchmarks for excellence in the region and beyond.” 

The report further revealed that stc ranked as the Kingdom’s second most valuable brand in 2025, with a valuation of $41.7 billion, up 16 percent year on year. 

This growth is primarily linked to the successful implementation of its Masterbrand strategy, which facilitated expansion into sectors like banking, cybersecurity, B2B, and IT services through strategic mergers and acquisitions. 

stc ranked as the strongest brand in Saudi Arabia, earning a Brand Strength Index score of 88.7 out of 100 and an AAA rating. File/Reuters

The report by the London-based brand valuation consultancy showed that stc is also ranked as the strongest brand in Saudi Arabia, earning a Brand Strength Index score of 88.7 out of 100 and an AAA rating. Its continued investment in 5G infrastructure and digital financial services has solidified its position as a telecom leader. 

An AAA rating is the highest possible credit or brand strength rating, indicating robust reliability, quality, and performance. 

With brand value up 20 percent to $4.7 billion, Dairy producer Almarai is recognized as the Kingdom’s third strongest brand, earning a Brand Strength Index score of 85.5 out of 100 and an AAA brand strength rating. 

Almarai is also ranked as the top brand in Saudi Arabia for environmental, social, and governance performance. Almarai

This follows the brand’s collaboration with Google Cloud, launched in November, which is driving its digital transformation and enhancing operational efficiency. 

Almarai is also ranked as the top brand in Saudi Arabia for environmental, social, and governance performance, underscoring its strong commitment to ethical business practices, sustainable farming, and reducing carbon emissions. 

As for Saudia, its brand value surged by 34 percent to reach $1.1 billion in January, making it the fastest-growing Saudi brand and marking its first time crossing the billion-dollar milestone. 

Saudia’s brand value surged by 34 percent to reach $1.1 billion in January. Wikipedia

This achievement is largely attributed to the airline’s bold rebranding, along with advances in AI-driven customer service and infrastructure upgrades, which have significantly boosted its global brand visibility. 

The report further revealed that ROSHN Group, with a brand value of $1.1 billion, is the highest-ranked new entrant in the Kingdom this year. It also became the most valuable real estate brand in the country and secured a place among the top 20 brands overall. This debut reflects the company’s strong financial performance and ambitious expansion strategy. 

“Saudi Arabia’s brand landscape is evolving at an impressive pace, driven by bold strategies, innovation, and a clear vision for the future. It’s particularly exciting to see new entrants like ROSHN Group make such a strong debut, showing that diversification and ambition are paying off,” Campbell added.