海角直播

Hotel spending drives Saudi POS transactions to $3.5bn

Hotel spending drives Saudi POS transactions to $3.5bn
The number of payments in the hotel sector rose聽4.6 percent to 839 million across the week. Getty
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Updated 23 July 2025

Hotel spending drives Saudi POS transactions to $3.5bn

Hotel spending drives Saudi POS transactions to $3.5bn
  • Overall POS value for the week dipped by 8.2%
  • Education sector saw largest聽decrease, dropping by 27.6%

RIYADH: Hotel聽spending in 海角直播 increased by 8 percent in the week ending July 12, helping total point-of-sale transaction values聽reach聽SR13.12 billion ($3.5 billion).

The latest data from the Kingdom鈥檚 central bank, SAMA, revealed that the sector recorded SR281.56 million in聽transaction value, while the number of payments rose聽4.6 percent to 839,000.

The overall POS value for the week dipped by 8.2 percent, with the number of transactions dropping by 3 percent to 223.57 million.

According to SAMA鈥檚 bulletin, the education sector saw聽the largest聽decrease, dropping by 27.6 percent to SR102.21聽million.聽Spending on miscellaneous goods and services ranked next, decreasing 15.6 percent to SR1.51 billion, but still accounting for the third-largest share of the POS value.

Restaurants and cafes, the division with the most significant share of total POS value, recorded a 1.7 percent decrease to SR1.92聽billion, while the food and beverages sector saw a 13 percent decrease, totaling SR1.84聽billion and claiming the second-largest share of this week鈥檚 POS.

The top three categories accounted for approximately 40.2 percent of the week鈥檚 total spending, amounting to SR5.28 billion.

Other smallest聽spending drops were in gas stations, slipping by 2.6 percent to SR948.99 million, and spending on building materials, which decreased by 3.7 percent to SR330.83 million.

The health and furniture sectors also saw downward changes, decreasing by 7.6 percent and 4.9 percent to reach SR805.09 million and SR275.70 million, respectively.聽

Spending on clothing and footwear dipped by 7.3 percent to SR827.14 million, followed by a 6.9 percent decrease in spending on transportation.

Expenditure on jewelry followed the trend, declining 7.9 percent to SR305.49 million.

Geographically, Riyadh dominated POS transactions, with expenses in the capital reaching SR4.47聽billion, an聽8.1 percent decrease from the previous week.聽

Jeddah followed closely with a 7.9 percent dip to SR1.89聽billion, while Dammam ranked third, down 7.9 percent to SR626.13 million.

Makkah saw the smallest聽decrease, inching down 1.1 percent to SR530.71 million, followed by Abha with a 3.6 percent decrease to SR209.73 million.聽

Hail recorded 3.99 million deals in activity volume, down 5.3 percent from the previous week, while Tabuk reached 4.57 million transactions, dropping 15.5 percent.


海角直播鈥檚 real GDP expands 3.9% in Q2 on non-oil activities: GASTAT

海角直播鈥檚 real GDP expands 3.9% in Q2 on non-oil activities: GASTAT
Updated 22 sec ago

海角直播鈥檚 real GDP expands 3.9% in Q2 on non-oil activities: GASTAT

海角直播鈥檚 real GDP expands 3.9% in Q2 on non-oil activities: GASTAT
  • Oil activities led the expansion with a 5.6% increase
  • Non-oil sectors contributed 2.6 percentage points to overall GDP growth

RIYADH: 海角直播鈥檚 economy expanded 3.9 percent in the second quarter of the year, fueled by robust non-oil activity that extended its growth streak to 18 consecutive quarters, official data showed.

The Kingdom鈥檚 non-oil activities grew by 4.6 percent year on year in the April鈥揓une period, underlining the progress of Vision 2030 reforms aimed at diversifying the economy away from oil dependence, according to estimates from the General Authority for Statistics.

The latest gross domestic product figures align with projections from the International Monetary Fund, which in August forecast the Saudi economy to expand by 3.6 percent this year before accelerating to 3.9 percent in 2026. 

鈥淩eal GDP grew 3.9 percent in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same quarter of 2024, while seasonally adjusted real GDP rose by 1.7 percent compared to the first quarter of 2025,鈥 GASTAT said in its latest report. 

鈥淎ll main economic activities increased year-on-year, with non-oil up 4.6 percent, oil up 3.8 percent, and government up 0.6 percent,鈥 it added.

Quarterly, oil activities led the expansion with a 5.6 percent increase, while non-oil advanced 0.8 percent and government activities slipped 0.8 percent.

The authority said non-oil sectors contributed 2.6 percentage points to overall GDP growth, followed by oil at 0.9 points, and net taxes on products at 0.3 points.

Among individual sectors, electricity, water and gas activities expanded 10.3 percent year on year in the second quarter, while finance, insurance and business services grew 7 percent. Wholesale and retail trade, along with restaurants and hotels, rose 6.6 percent.

In May, GASTAT reported that the economy grew 2.7 percent year on year in the first quarter, also driven by strong non-oil momentum.

Commenting on the first quarter performance at the time, Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim, who chairs GASTAT鈥檚 board, said non-oil activities accounted for 53.2 percent of economic output, an increase of 5.7 percent from previous estimates.

He added that 海角直播鈥檚 outlook remains positive, supported by structural reforms and large-scale state-led projects across multiple sectors. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to 10,593

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to 10,593
Updated 07 September 2025

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to 10,593

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to 10,593
  • Parallel market Nomu fell 0.13% to close at 25,525.29
  • MSCI Tadawul Index declined 0.45% to end at 1,375.58

RIYADH: 海角直播鈥檚 Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, losing 61.64 points, or 0.58 percent, to close at 10,593.97. 

The total trading turnover for the benchmark index was SR2.20 billion ($587 million), with 93 stocks advancing and 153 retreating. 

The Kingdom鈥檚 parallel market Nomu fell 34.30 points, or 0.13 percent, to close at 25,525.29, as 34 stocks advanced and 48 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index declined 6.21 points, or 0.45 percent, to end at 1,375.58. 

The day鈥檚 top performer was Thimar Development Holding Co., whose share price rose 10 percent to SR50.05. Other notable gainers included Saudi Fisheries Co., up 9.95 percent to SR96.65, and Ash-Sharqiyah Development Co., which rose 7.41 percent to SR16.82. 

On the downside, Arriyadh Development Co. recorded the largest drop, falling 5.70 percent to SR31.42, followed by Al Sagr Cooperative Insurance Co., down 5 percent to SR12.16, and Obeikan Glass Co., which declined 4.12 percent to SR26.50. 

On the announcement front, LADUN Investment Co. said it had been awarded the Mishraqiya Villas Development Project in Riyadh in partnership with the National Housing Co., with an estimated value of SR446 million. 

According to a Tadawul statement, LADUN will develop over 400 residential villas on a land area of approximately 100,440 sq. meters. The company will provide future updates regarding the sub-development contract with NHC. 

LADUN closed at SR2.59, down 3 percent. 

Qomel Co. signed a memorandum of understanding with NUPCO 鈥 Waymade PLC, establishing a framework to ensure consistent supply, enhance supply chain efficiency, prioritize registration of new products in 海角直播, and promote knowledge exchange between the parties. 

The one-year MoU is non-binding and does not create a partnership or agency relationship. A joint working team will be formed within 14 days to create a detailed work plan, with final agreements announced upon signing. 

Qomel ended the session at SR49.80, unchanged. 


海角直播 opens September 鈥楽ah鈥 sukuk at 4.88% yield

海角直播 opens September 鈥楽ah鈥 sukuk at 4.88% yield
Updated 07 September 2025

海角直播 opens September 鈥楽ah鈥 sukuk at 4.88% yield

海角直播 opens September 鈥楽ah鈥 sukuk at 4.88% yield
  • Subscription is available exclusively to Saudi nationals aged 18 and above
  • Minimum subscription is SR1,000

RIYADH: 海角直播 launched the September subscription window for its government-backed 鈥淪ah鈥 savings sukuk, offering investors a fixed annual return of 4.88 percent. 

The subscription period opened at 10 a.m. on Sept. 7 and is available exclusively to Saudi nationals aged 18 and above through approved platforms including SNB Capital, Aljazira Capital, Alinma Investment, SAB Invest, and Al-Rajhi Capital, according to the National Debt Management Center. 

As with earlier offerings, the product is Shariah-compliant, denominated in riyals, and carries a one-year maturity, with fixed returns paid at redemption. Minimum subscription is SR1,000 ($266) and capped at SR200,000 per individual. 

The sukuk, part of the 2025 issuance calendar managed by the Finance Ministry鈥檚 NDMC, is designed to deepen the domestic savings market and widen financial inclusion. 

Launched under the Financial Sector Development Program, a core element of Vision 2030, Sah targets lifting the national savings rate to 10 percent by 2030, from about 6 percent to date. 

The sukuk is designed as a secure, low-risk savings instrument, with no fees and easy redemption, aligning returns with prevailing market benchmarks. Allocation is scheduled for Sept. 16, while redemption will run from Sept. 21鈥24, with proceeds disbursed on Sept. 29. 

海角直播 has committed to making monthly issuances under the Sah program, with yields set in line with funding costs and market liquidity conditions to ensure attractiveness for retail investors. 

Last month, the Kingdom opened the August subscription window for its government-backed savings sukuk, offering an annual return of 4.97 percent, up from 4.88 percent in July. 

According to NDMC, the sukuk program also strengthens collaboration with private-sector institutions, including banks, asset managers, and fintech firms, as 海角直播 seeks to expand access to savings products and diversify its financial ecosystem. 

The Sah sukuk is becoming increasingly popular among younger investors seeking Shariah-compliant, stable returns, highlighting the government鈥檚 push to cultivate a savings culture and expand participation in domestic capital markets. 

Last week, NDMC completed the issuance of a $5.5 billion international sukuk under the Kingdom鈥檚 Global Trust Certificate Issuance Program.

The offering, the country鈥檚 first international sukuk based on an Ijarah structure, was issued in two tranches. The five-year sukuk maturing in 2030 raised $2.25 billion, while the 10-year tranche maturing in 2035 secured $3.25 billion. 

Investor demand was strong, with the order book reaching about $19 billion 鈥 3.5 times the issuance size 鈥 underscoring global confidence in the Kingdom鈥檚 economic fundamentals and investment outlook, NDMC said. 


Arab Energy Fund raises $600m in bond sale amid heavy market supply聽

Arab Energy Fund raises $600m in bond sale amid heavy market supply聽
Updated 07 September 2025

Arab Energy Fund raises $600m in bond sale amid heavy market supply聽

Arab Energy Fund raises $600m in bond sale amid heavy market supply聽

RIYADH: The Arab Energy Fund, a multilateral banking institution, sold $600 million of bonds after drawing robust demand that allowed it to tighten pricing despite one of the busiest weeks for new debt globally. 

The five-year notes, priced at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus 75 basis points, will mature in February 2031, the Riyadh-headquartered lender said in a statement. Investor orders were twice the planned size, prompting the fund to upsize the deal to $600 million. 

This was TAEF鈥檚 fourth public benchmark issuance in 2025, highlighting its continued presence in international markets. The broad investor interest reflects its growing role in financing the region鈥檚 energy sector. 

Vicky Bhatia, chief finance officer of The Arab Energy Fund. Supplied

鈥淭his issuance is a testament of investors鈥 confidence in The Arab Energy Fund鈥檚 solid credit profile,鈥 said Vicky Bhatia, chief finance officer of The Arab Energy Fund. 鈥淭heir continued trust has enabled us to reprice our curve in line with our funding strategy.鈥 

Investor appetite helped TAEF price the bonds about 20 basis points inside prevailing secondary levels, even as more than 40 other deals were announced globally around the same time. The transaction also saw 10 basis points of tightening during book-building. 

Buyers included central banks, sovereign wealth funds, supranational institutions and agencies, with strong participation from both the Middle East and North Africa and international investors. 

Established in 1974 by ten Arab oil exporters, TAEF provides debt and equity financing across the energy value chain and has integrated environmental, social and governance practices into its $5.8 billion loan portfolio.

At the corporate level, the Fund has adopted broad ESG practices that are embedded across its portfolio, workforce and operations. These include $1.3 billion in sustainability-linked financing within a $5.8 billion loan book. 

The fund holds long-term credit ratings of Aa2 from Moody鈥檚, AA+ from Fitch and AA- from S&P 鈥 the highest for any energy-focused financial institution in the Middle East and North Africa. 


Japanese firms invest $6.3bn in 海角直播, 18 set up regional HQs

Japanese firms invest $6.3bn in 海角直播, 18 set up regional HQs
Updated 07 September 2025

Japanese firms invest $6.3bn in 海角直播, 18 set up regional HQs

Japanese firms invest $6.3bn in 海角直播, 18 set up regional HQs

RIYADH: Japanese companies have invested around SR23.6 billion ($6.28 billion) in 海角直播, with 18 firms establishing regional headquarters in the Kingdom, said a senior Japanese official.  

In an interview with Al-Eqtisadiah, Daisuke Yamamoto, consul general of Japan in Jeddah, said, 82 companies operate in Riyadh and 36 in Jeddah, spanning sectors including petrochemicals, energy, electricity, water, automobiles, electronics, and titanium production. 

This comes as bilateral trade has grown 37.2 percent since 2020, reaching more than $36 billion, with Saudi exports accounting for the bulk at $29.9 billion, mostly petroleum and petrochemical products. Japanese exports to 海角直播 totaled roughly $6 billion, including cars, appliances, equipment, and machinery, according to the Japanese consul. 

The expansion aligns with the government-backed Riyadh regional headquarters program, launched in 2021, which offers incentives such as a 30-year corporate tax exemption, withholding tax relief, and regulatory support for multinationals establishing regional headquarters.  

鈥淲e seek to increase the volume of exchanges between us, especially in the western region, through the comprehensive Saudi-Japanese Vision 2030, which includes more than 80 projects in nine different sectors,鈥 Yamamoto said, as quoted by Al-Eqtisadiah. 

During the interview, Yamamoto confirmed the desire of more Japanese companies to enter the vast Saudi market, noting that it is 鈥渙ne of the world鈥檚 largest economies and a G20 country.鈥 

The Japanese government is supporting these companies in understanding the Saudi market through several channels, including the JETRO office in Riyadh, the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East in Jeddah, and the Japanese embassy and consulate. 

The Japanese consul underlined that in January, a ministerial roundtable held in Riyadh as part of the 鈥淪audi-Japanese Vision 2030鈥 resulted in the signing of 13 memoranda of understanding 鈥 four involving various government and private entities, and nine signed between private sector companies from both nations. 

He added that later in February, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Japanese counterpart Iwaya Takeshi jointly led the second session of the Strategic Dialogue, and in May, the Saudi Cabinet approved an MoU to form a strategic partnership council between the two nations. 

Yamamoto highlighted that these steps 鈥渨ill support and strengthen relations and exchanges between 海角直播 and Japan in the future.鈥 

He also expressed Japan鈥檚 willingness to extend full support to 海角直播 in hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, drawing on the country鈥檚 experience from organizing the 2002 tournament and its advanced technical and technological capabilities.  

鈥淛apan will certainly be represented at Expo Riyadh 2030. 海角直播's participation in Expo Osaka will be a great support for its successful organization of Expo Riyadh,鈥 the Japanese consul said. 

He added, 鈥淭he Saudi pavilion at Expo Osaka in Japan was a great success, attracting two million visitors. This success is due to the fruitful cooperation between the Japanese organizing authorities and the Saudi Embassy in Tokyo.鈥 

In the areas of digital systems, technology, and artificial intelligence, Yamamoto emphasized the 2023 cooperation memorandum signed between the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and Japanese firm NEC, covering AI, biometrics, and the Internet of Things. 

He noted that the memorandum is intended to promote innovation and develop creative solutions for various applications, including smart and secure cities, healthcare, and logistics, among others. 

In the same year, both countries also signed another MoU focused on the digital economy, advancing digital government, and speeding up the adoption of emerging technologies.