ֱ

Egypt approves $221m of oil exploration deals with foreign firms 

Egypt approves $221m of oil exploration deals with foreign firms 
Egypt’s Cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. Facebook/Egyptian Prime Minister’s Office
Short Url
Updated 15 May 2025

Egypt approves $221m of oil exploration deals with foreign firms 

Egypt approves $221m of oil exploration deals with foreign firms 

RIYADH: Egypt has approved $221 million worth of deals with foreign firms for oil exploration and exploitation in the Western Desert and Gulf of Suez.

A statement issued following a meeting of the country’s Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, said ministers had signed off on five draft petroleum commitment agreements.

The deals involve the Egyptian General Petroleum Corp., the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Co., and a group of international oil companies. 

Egypt’s oil and gas sector is rapidly expanding through exploration and global deals, reinforcing its role as a regional energy hub. This aligns with projections from Imarc Group, which forecasts a 4.37 percent annual growth rate for the sector from 2025 to 2033. 

The cabinet release stated: “These agreements cover oil exploration and exploitation in the Northwest Al Maghrah area in the Western Desert, East El Hamad in the Gulf of Suez, East Gemsa Marine in the Gulf of Suez, and the Integrated Research and Development Area in the Western Desert.” 

It added: “They also cover exploration and exploitation of gas and crude oil in the North Damietta Marine area in the Mediterranean Sea.” 

The contracts include a non-refundable signature bonus of $31.5 million and require the drilling of at least 24 wells, the cabinet said. 

Last month, the cabinet approved two deals allowing the Ministry of Petroleum to sign contracts with foreign firms. One permits South Valley Egyptian Petroleum and Lukoil to operate in South Wadi El-Sahl in the Eastern Desert, while the other authorizes the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and Lukoil to explore the adjacent Wadi El-Sahl area. 

Egypt holds a key position in global energy markets through the Suez Canal and Suez-Mediterranean pipeline. 

Since its 2015 expansion, the Suez Canal has served as a vital route for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from North Africa and the Mediterranean to Asia. Revenue from these transit points makes up a significant portion of the government’s income. 

In April, officials reported that Suez Canal revenue fell by nearly two-thirds over the past year, citing regional tensions and Middle East conflicts as major factors disrupting traffic. 

The canal remains a critical source of foreign currency, handling around 10 percent of global trade in recent years. 


Oil Updates — crude extends gains amid signs of strong demand

Oil Updates — crude extends gains amid signs of strong demand
Updated 14 sec ago

Oil Updates — crude extends gains amid signs of strong demand

Oil Updates — crude extends gains amid signs of strong demand

TOKYO/SINGAPORE: Oil prices extended gains on Thursday, bolstered by signs of strong demand in the US, with uncertainty over efforts to end the war in Ukraine also lending support.

Brent crude futures hit a two-week high in early trade and were up 41 cents, or 0.61 percent, to $67.25 a barrel at 9:37 a.m. Saudi time. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 45 cents, or 0.72 percent, to $63.16 a barrel.

Both contracts climbed over 1 percent in the prior session.

US crude inventories fell by 6 million barrels last week to 420.7 million barrels, the US Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, against expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.8 million-barrel draw.

Gasoline stocks dropped by 2.7 million barrels, versus expectations for a 915,000-barrel draw, the EIA said, indicating steady driving demand during the summer travel season. That was also seen in a jump in the four-week average for jet fuel consumption to its highest since 2019.

“Crude oil prices rebounded as signs of strong demand in the US boosted sentiment,” Daniel Hynes, senior commodity strategist at ANZ, said in a note on Thursday.

Hynes cautioned, though, that some “bearish sentiment remains evident as traders continue to monitor negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.”

Traders and analysts expect oil prices to fall once a peace deal is reached, but any continued lack of concrete progress in negotiations could underpin the market.

As US and European military planners began exploring post-conflict security guarantees for Ukraine, Russia said on Wednesday that attempts to resolve security issues without Moscow’s participation were a “road to nowhere.”

The drawn-out efforts to secure peace in Ukraine mean Western sanctions on Russian oil supply remain in place, and that the possibility of tougher sanctions and more tariffs on Russian oil buyers still hangs over the market.

Russia, meanwhile, remains adamant it will keep providing crude to willing buyers, with Russian diplomats in India saying the country expects to continue supplying oil to India despite warnings from the United States.

US President Donald Trump has announced an additional tariff of 25 percent on Indian goods from August 27 because of their Russian crude purchases. The EU has also sanctioned Indian private refiner Nayara Energy, which is backed by Russian oil company Rosneft.

Indian refiners initially backed off buying Russian oil but company officials at state-run Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum have bought Russian crude for September and October delivery, resuming purchases after discounts widened. 


ֱ’s Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace

ֱ’s Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace
Updated 20 August 2025

ֱ’s Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace

ֱ’s Red Sea Global eyes IPO, REITs as resort openings gain pace
  • Shoura Island will welcome guests this year at 11 luxury resorts
  • Construction at the wellness-focused Amaala project is progressing rapidly

RIYADH: ֱ’s Red Sea Global is considering a range of alternative financing options in the near future, including an initial public offering or converting assets into real estate investment trusts, according to its chief executive officer.

Speaking to Al-Eqtisadiah, John Pagano said no final decisions have been made, but emphasized the company’s focus on leveraging current momentum, with resorts now operational and more hotel openings expected this year.

Shoura Island, the flagship of the Red Sea destination, will welcome guests this year at 11 luxury resorts operated by global hospitality brands, including Rosewood, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, EDITION, and Raffles.

Construction at the wellness-focused Amaala project is also progressing rapidly, with core infrastructure complete and its first hotels nearing launch, Pagano said.

Six resorts have opened under the Red Sea destination so far, including Desert Rock and Shebara, which are fully owned and operated by Red Sea Global. The exclusive Thuwal Private Retreat has also been unveiled as the company’s third destination.

Red Sea Global has also launched residential offerings on Shoura and Ummhat islands, in addition to announcing Lahak Island earlier this year, which drew strong local and international attention, he said.

Amaala is set to open by year-end and will feature wellness and hospitality brands such as Jayasom, Six Senses, Rosewood, Equinox, and Clinique La Prairie. The destination aims to deliver experiences centered on healing, exploration, and renewal.


Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom’s cafe sector

Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom’s cafe sector
Updated 20 August 2025

Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom’s cafe sector

Saudi matcha imports surge 900% as demand reshapes Kingdom’s cafe sector

RIYADH: ֱ’s imports of Japanese matcha skyrocketed by nearly 900 percent in 2023 to 81,000 kilograms at a value at SR9 million ($2.40 million), up from just 9,000 kilograms in 2022, highlighting the rapid expansion of the drink’s market presence across the Kingdom.

The momentum continued into 2024, with imports totaling 46,000 kilograms worth SR7 million, reflecting sustained consumer demand and the growing role of matcha in the Kingdom’s cafe sector, Al-Eqtisadiah reported.

Cafes are capitalizing on the trend, with Jon & Vinny’s in Riyadh reporting weekend sales of 350 matcha cups per branch, making up 22 percent of beverage revenues, according to Al-Eqtisadiah.

The cafe uses a premium Japanese blend priced at SR1,200 per kilogram. Similarly, Pro 92 Cafe said matcha lattes alone contribute 10.5 percent of total sales, consuming over 150 kilograms of matcha monthly across branches.

The broader green tea category — which includes matcha — accounted for SR74 million in Saudi imports in 2024, totaling 2.3 million kilograms. In comparison, 2023 saw 2.5 million kilograms imported at a value of SR79 million, Al-Eqtisadiah reported.

Cups of matcha are sold at prices ranging from SR16 to SR29, depending on the outlet. This price variation has spurred a growing home-preparation market, with local Instagram-based businesses selling matcha kits priced between SR110 and SR180.

Driven by health-conscious consumers and youth interest in Japanese culture, matcha is carving out a permanent share in the Kingdom’s beverage landscape.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878
Updated 20 August 2025

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878

Closing Bell: Saudi main index ends lower at 10,878
  • MSCI Tadawul Index fell 0.02%, to close at 1,406.62
  • Parallel market Nomu lost 0.52% to end at 26,629.95

RIYADH: ֱ’s Tadawul All Share Index edged down on Wednesday, slipping 3.64 points, or 0.03 percent, to close at 10,878.07. 

The benchmark’s total trading turnover stood at SR4.21 billion ($1.12 billion), with 95 stocks advancing and 148 declined. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index also dipped, falling 0.24 points, or 0.02 percent, to 1,406.62. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 139.91 points, or 0.52 percent, to close at 26,629.95, as 35 stocks advanced and 55 retreated. 

Thimar Development Holding Co. was the session’s top performer, rising 4.47 percent to SR41.10. 

Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Co. climbed 3.4 percent to SR45.64, and Power and Water Utility Co. for Jubail and Yanbu gained 2.41 percent to SR40.80. 

Alistithmar AREIC Diversified REIT Fund recorded the steepest drop, falling 4.50 percent to SR8.06. Retal Urban Development Co. declined 3.95 percent to SR13.14, while Zamil Industrial Investment Co. slipped 2.94 percent to SR37.66. 

In corporate announcements, Sama Healthy Water Factory Co. reported a 27.19 percent decline in first-half 2025 net profit to SR3.51 million, compared with SR4.82 million a year earlier. 

In a Tadawul statement, the company attributed the fall mainly to unrealized foreign exchange losses, though it said core operational profit rose 23 percent on the back of higher sales and improved margins following the integration of a new raw material production line. 

Its share price fell 1.29 percent to SR2.29.  

View United Real Estate Development Co. posted a 132.11 percent increase in net profit for the first half of the year, reaching SR9.97 million versus SR4.30 million in the same period last year. 

The company cited a 104.77 percent jump in revenue, driven by stronger performance across most business segments, alongside the positive impact of off-plan and land sales, according to a Tadawul statement. 

Its shares, however, slipped 0.95 percent to SR6.24. 

Al Rashid Industrial Co. registered a 22.88 percent rise in first-half net profit to SR21.47 million, compared with SR17.47 million in the previous year. 

The company said the increase reflected stronger top-line performance and a 21.78 percent jump in gross operating profit, highlighting improved efficiency. 

Its stock advanced 9.18 percent to SR53.50. 


PIF launches ‘azm’ program to equip Saudis for labor market needs

PIF launches ‘azm’ program to equip Saudis for labor market needs
Updated 20 August 2025

PIF launches ‘azm’ program to equip Saudis for labor market needs

PIF launches ‘azm’ program to equip Saudis for labor market needs
  • Program aims to create pipeline of technically skilled Saudis to meet PIF’s investment needs
  • It will offer tailored training at competitive costs

JEDDAH: ֱ’s Public Investment Fund launched a strategic program designed to build skills, address labor market needs, and support economic diversification to boost national talent. 

The “azm” workforce development program was unveiled at a signing ceremony attended by Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan and PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, alongside partners from the Technical and Vocational Training Corp., Colleges of Excellence, Human Resources Development Fund, and Roshn Group. 

The launch underscores PIF’s role in advancing Vision 2030, ֱ’s plan to transition to a knowledge-based economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues. 

In a post on its official X account, PIF said it launched “the ‘azm’ program to empower national talents and equip them with the expertise and skills required by the labor market, thereby contributing to building a stronger and more diverse national economy, through a signing ceremony that included the program’s partners.” 

According to the sovereign wealth fund, azm aims to create a pipeline of technically skilled Saudis to meet the needs of PIF’s investments, portfolio companies, and ecosystem partners. It focuses on employer-driven skill development, with 80 percent of training based on hands-on, real-world applications. 

Under the program, PIF signed memoranda of understanding with TVTC and the Colleges of Excellence to manage and deliver training. The agreements cover curriculum development, contracting with local and international providers, overseeing registration and evaluation, and operating training facilities. 

“Future cooperation between Colleges of Excellence and the fund includes launching an academic entity under the azm program to serve as a specialized training body in developing technical and professional skills for Saudi youth,” the Colleges of Excellence posted on its X account.

The fund said azm will offer tailored training at competitive costs, apply rigorous learner selection, and provide financial incentives to cover tuition. Employers partnering with the program will gain access to a job-ready Saudi workforce trained to their specifications. 

PIF said azm leverages its existing experience in delivering training across portfolio companies and taps into a broad network of local and international providers. It also benefits from strong ties with accreditation bodies and access to government funding mechanisms for workforce development.