#Saudi Arabia

Natixis replaces Saudi Arabian CEO after six months in the role

International banks have been expanding in Saudi as the country embarks on a plan to diversify its economy beyond oil

Oil extends drop as OPEC+ struggles for consensus on output plan

Oil has just capped its biggest monthly increase since May on optimism energy demand will rebound as Covid-19 vaccines are rolled out in the coming weeks

Saudi Telecom’s CEO quits after two years

A search for a successor is underway

How new Saudi labour reforms benefit the economy

This initiative is a win-win situation for employees as well as employers

Outlook 2021: Challenging outlook offers varied picture for GCC banks

The GCC governments’ measures to help corporates and individuals navigate the challenging environment have taken various forms

Saudi Arabia broadens Central Bank’s mandate to promote growth

The new charter also formally changed the name of the central bank, from Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority to Saudi Central Bank

smart city

Why partnerships are key to achieving the GCC’s smart city ambitions

UK technology companies involved in smart city projects across the region share their experience of collaborating with developers in the Gulf

Saudi, Abu Dhabi wealth funds team up on Egyptian drugmaker deal

Public Investment Fund and ADQ are weighing the purchase of Bausch Health’s Cairo-based drug unit

Oil tanker owner says ship attacked in Saudi Arabian Red Sea

The vessel, able to haul about 700,000 barrels of oil, was holed about 1 meter above the waterline

Saudi Arabia dismisses reports of Crown Prince’s meeting with Israeli officials

‘No such meeting occurred’, confirmed the kingdom’s Foreign Minister

Saudi virus

Saudi to offer Covid-19 vaccine for free to citizens and residents

The ministry aims to cover 70 per cent of the country’s population – that has not yet contracted Covid-19 – by the end of 2021

Saudi oil facility hit by Houthi projectile attack

No casualties were reported

GCC Covid-19 update: UAE reports 1,065 cases, two deaths

The case count in the UAE has risen past 160,000

G20 leaders

G20: World leaders promise to ensure equality in the race to vaccinate people for Covid-19

“There is very clear recognition from the G20 members that if we leave any country behind, we will be behind” – Saudi minister

Acwa power solar panels

Saudi Arabia’s Acwa Power set to raise $1bn in sukuk sale

The sukuk will be used to help fund Acwa’s share of an $8bn acquisition of gasification and power assets at Jazan

Western Union buys $200m stake in Saudi Telecom unit

Western Union Co. acquired a 15 per cent stake in stc pay

G-20

Leaders at the Saudi-hosted G20 summit to pledge to ensure fair distribution of vaccines

The battle to counter the pandemic dominated the first day of a virtual summit of G20 nations on Saturday

Saudi Arabia won’t tap debt market again in 2020, minister says

The world’s largest crude exporter is relying on more borrowing as it grapples with the impact of the twin economic shocks caused by oil market turmoil and the coronavirus pandemic

Saudi Arabia to review VAT hike once economic crisis ends

The VAT hike to 15 per cent, was implemented in July this year

Turki Al Malki, Saudi coalition

Saudi forces destroy armed drone launched towards civilian targets in the kingdom

The attack, launched on Wednesday, targeted the kingdom’s southern region

Saudi Arabia raises minimum wage for citizens by 33%

The higher minimum wage must be paid for a worker to be counted as part of a company’s quota of citizen employees

Real Estate

Revealed: The most transparent real estate markets in the MENA region

Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been ranked as having the most transparent property markets in the region according to JLL’s latest index

Saudi Arabia to pivot attention, plow funds at home

The fund intends to play a leading role in refocusing the economy toward underdeveloped industries

Saudi banks sign supply chain financing deal with government

The Finance Ministry has partnered with Saudi British Bank, Samba Financial Group and National Commercial Bank

Saudi women phone

Saudi to provide 60,000 additional free wifi points, including at the two Holy Mosques

The initiative will see free wifi provided at hospitals, malls and public parks across the country

GCC Covid-19 update: UAE reports 1,136 infections, 773 recoveries

The death toll in the UAE has risen to 523

Multiple shots fired at Saudi embassy in Netherlands

No injuries were reported

Oil extends gains on signs OPEC+ edging toward keeping cuts

The producer group is considering keeping additional supply off the market for three to six months

SAUDI ARABIA TO HOST FORMULA 1 IN 2021 - JEDDAH CORNICHE

Formula 1: Saudi Arabia to host race in 2021

The kingdom will become the 33rd country to host an F1 race

SAUDI-ARAMCO-ENERGY-STOCKS Tadawul

All Tadawul-listed issuers must offer disclosures in English and Arabic – Saudi regulator

The decision, taken by the Capital Market Authority, takes effect from January 1, 2021