Saudi signs litany of agreements at Global Logistics Forum

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WHAT WE’RE TRACKING TODAY

THIS MORNING: FDI inflows rise in 2Q 2024

Good morning, friends, and welcome to a busy Monday. We lead our news well this morning with the latest from the Global Logistics Forum, which saw a slew of agreements worth some SAR 17 bn signed on its first day.

WEATHER- Riyadh is looking at a high of 38°C, and a low of 2°C today. Over in Madinah, the temperature will peak at 39°C, before dropping to 2°C. Meanwhile, Jeddah will see a high of 37°C, and a low of 28°C.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Construction on the USD 7 bn Landbridge megaproject is expected to kick off in early 2025, with the final cost and financing arrangements being ironed out, Meed reports, citing a source it says is close to the project. The project, slated for completion in seven years, will connect the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast to the Arabian Gulf and features six railway lines, and seven logistics centers.

Background: The Saudi Railway Company awarded a consortium that includes US-based construction management firm Hill International, Italy-based consulting firm Italferr, and Spain-based engineering firm Sener the contract to manage the construction of the project back in December 2023.

#2- CAPITAL MARKETS- Nomu-listed Shatirah House Restaurant Co., the owner and operator of burger chain Burgerizzr, received the green light from Tadawul to transition to the main market, according to a statement. The company filed for the upgrade in November 2023, but soon it decided to put it on hold after failing to round off some regulatory requirements.

It’s been a long time coming: Burgerizzr arranged for Mohamed Al Ruwaigh, a founder and major shareholder, to divest last year a 0.84% stake to make certain the popular burger chain could meet the liquidity requirement for an upgrade to the main market.

#3- Delayed launch for Riyadh Metro? The Riyadh Metro is reportedly set to go live early next year, instead of this month, Aleqtisadiah reports, citing sources it says are in the know. Maher Shira, director general of the Smart City Department for the Royal Commission of Riyadh, told the same outlet in February that the USD 22.5 bn metro system was slated to start operations this year. Transport Minister Saleh Al Jasser had also confirmed to Al Arabiya in August that the USD 22.5 bn metro is on track for a 2024 launch.

#5- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is set to kick off free trade talks with Japan next month, after the two parties agreed on terms of reference, Aleqtisadiah reports, citing the GCC secretariat. Terms of reference have also been agreed with Malaysia, but talks are still pending the Malaysian government's approval to kick off.

#6- AlBaik to tap into Pakistan: Homegrown food chain AlBaik signed an MoU with energy firm Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited (Go) to launch AlBaik restaurants in Pakistan, according to a LinkedIn post from Go. This comes after Pakistani and Saudi businesses signed over USD 2 bn in agreements; read our coverage here.

DATA POINTS-

Saudi Arabia’s FDI inflows went up 5.8% y-o-y at the end of 2Q 2024 to SAR 829.4 bn, Mubasher reports, citing data from the Saudi Central Bank.

OIL WATCH-

A look into BMI’s crystal ball for how regional tensions could impact oil prices: BMI outlined three potential oil price scenarios depending on how rising regional tension between Israel and Iran plays out, ranging from USD 70-150 per barrel.

In the baseline scenario (50% probability), prices are expected to hover between USD 75-90, with occasional spikes above USD 90, assuming regional tensions between Israel and Iran escalate but later de-escalate through diplomatic efforts.

A less volatile scenario (28% probability) projects prices dipping to USD 70-75 / bbl, with the conflict contained and demand weakening, posing challenges to Saudi efforts to balance its budget.

In the worst-case scenario (22% probability), a full-scale war could push prices to USD 120-150 / bbl, boosting Saudi revenues but causing global inflation and suppressing demand.

REMEMBER- The IMF's latest forecast from April projects Saudi Arabia's breakeven oil price for 2024 at USD 96.2 / bbl — roughly 19% higher than last year and well above the current Brent crude of USD 79 / bbl.

SPORTS-

Meet the first undisputed light heavyweight champion in over 20 years: Russian Artur Beterbiev edged out compatriot Dmitry Bivol by a points decision yesterday at Riyadh Season, unifying the WBA, WBC, and IBF belts for the first time since US champion Roy Jones Jr did it in 1999. However, Turki Alalshikh told The Stomping Ground he doesn’t “think the the result is fair,” saying that Bivol added two more rounds than he was given credit for and that there might be a rematch between the two boxers (watch, runtime: 0:25). The story got ink from AP | BBC | Reuters.

Also from Riyadh Season: Skye Nicolson beat Raven Chapman, while Fabio Wardley warded off Frazer Clarke.

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THE BIG STORY ABROAD-

It’s a quiet morning on global business front pages, but that should change as the week grinds on.

Is Trump just horsing around about allowing the greenback to weaken? A top Trump economic advisor says The Donald is merely posturing about weakening the USD and turning away from global trade. Hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, who some pundits think could be the Republican’s pick for Treasury Secretary, made the remarks in a conversation with the Financial Times, telling the salmon-colored paper that Trump wants the greenback to “remain the world’s reserve currency” and that he’s using the threat of tariffs “as a negotiating tactic.”

In security news: The US has sent Israel advanced anti-missile systems and 100 troops to ru

n them as tensions between Tel Aviv and Tehran continue to boil. In Asia, China has begun large military exercises around Taiwan — the war games come as observers spell out worries that disruptions to busy South China Seas shipping lanes could further snarl global shipping.

MORNING MUST READ- One of the world’s top AI researchers thinks “AI is as dumb as acat” — that current models are “far from rivaling the intelligence of our pets, let alone us.” Christopher Mims’ sit-down with the Meta researcher offers a broad and reasonably balanced view on the state of the art (and hysteria) about artificial intelligence.

SIGN OF THE TIMES- Global accounting giant EY is blaming a slump in private equity and M&A activity for its decision to delay “start dates for new graduates hired for its elite strategy adviser Parthenon” in the United States.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK internationally:

International Monetary Fund boss Kristalina Georgieva will speak this coming Thursday on the global economy and her organization’s priorities ahead of next week’s World Bank and IMF General Meetings, which formally get underway a week from today.
Interest rate watchers will keep a close eye on consumer inflation data from India (today), Canada (tomorrow), the UK (Wednesday), and Japan (Friday);
Turkey’s central bank will meet on Thursday to set interest rates. Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia do the same on Wednesday.
Earnings season continues, with major institutions set to report this week including Ashmore, Bank of America, Citi, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Blackstone, Netflix, and Schlumberger.

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The three-day 6 Kings Slam event at Riyadh’s Venue kicks off this Wednesday, 16 October, featuring all-star players competing for the largest purse in tennis history. The matches will see face offs between tennis champs Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune (watch, runtime: 5:15). The final and third-place match will be held on Saturday, 19 October. Book your tickets here.

The Professional Fighters League’s (PFL) Battle of the Giants is coming to Riyadh on Saturday, 19 October. Headlining the card, MMA superstar Francis Ngannou will face PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira for the title of inaugural PFL Super Champion. Meanwhile, women’s featherweight champion Cris Cyborg will square off against Larissa Pachecho for the World Title Fight in the co-main event. Expect fireworks with additional matchups featuring Johnny Eblen vs. Fabian Edwards and A.J. McKee vs. Paul Hughes.

The three-day Seamless Saudi Arabia will take place at the Riyadh Front Center on Tuesday, 22 October. Business leaders and entrepreneurs from around the world will gather to discuss the latest trends shaping the digital commerce and fintech sectors. Notable speakers include representatives from the World Economic Forum, our friends at Cenomi, as well as Al Rajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, and Saudi Awwal Bank, among others.

The two-day Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum will kick off in Riyadh on Wednesday, 23 October. The forum will address global industrial challenges, focusing on topics like industrial policy, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing tech. The forum is organized by The Industry and Mineral Resources Ministry in partnership with UNIDO. The Kingdom will also host the UNIDO General Conference in 2025.

The four-day Biban24 Forum organized by Monsha’at will run from Tuesday, 5 November to Saturday 9 November in Riyadh. It will feature over 250 speakers and 1.4k exhibitors, focusing on supporting the growth and competitiveness of SMEs, as well as promoting entrepreneurship in the Kingdom. Biban24 will also host the Entrepreneurship World Cup finals, offer 420 workshops, and focus on key sectors like e-commerce and financing.

Cityscape Global will land in Riyadh’s International Convention and Exhibition Center on 11-14 November. With over 400 exhibitors, 500 speakers, and 7 conferences, the real estate event is stretching its scope this year with additional sectors like sustainable smart buildings, stadiums, attractions, and smart cities. Backed by the Municipalities and Housing Ministry, the event will also bring the Saudi sports infrastructure boom to the forefront, including newly-announced stadiums.

The Saudi Intermobility Expo 2024 will take place on 11-13 November at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center. As the largest transportation event in the MENA region, it will host over 7k decision-makers from 30 countries, highlighting the latest developments in smart sustainable mobility, infrastructure, and urban planning.

The Saudi General Aviation Airshow Sand & Fun 2024 will run from Tuesday, 19 November to Saturday 23 at Al Thumamah Airport, Riyadh. Organized by the Saudi Aviation Club, the event will feature 100+ exhibitors and 15 airshow teams, with over 100k visitors expected. Sand & Fun is a key platform for exploring aviation tech, fostering partnerships, and driving industry growth.

Global Logistics Forum sees SAR 17 bn worth of agreements on first day

Saudi Arabia has reportedly inked 69 agreements worth over SAR 17 bn during the first day of its Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh, Argaam reports, citing a statement made by Saudi Transport and Logistics Service Minister Saleh Al Jasser to Al Arabiya TV yesterday. Information on specific agreements is still trickling in as we head to dispatch. The forum is set to conclude today.

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The Kingdom has its sights set on growing into a global logistics hub by 2030 with plans to funnel a whopping SAR 1 tn into its logistics sector, Transport and Logistics Services Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al Jasser said yesterday at the opening ceremony of the forum in Riyadh. SAR 200 bn of this amount has already been allocated under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy launched in mid-2021.

Air freight plans: The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is reviewing applications from four undisclosed international companies looking to enter Saudi Arabia’s air-freight market, Gaca President Abdulaziz Al-Duailej told Aleqtisadiah. Saudi wants to expand its air freight fleet from the current seven cargo planes to 27 and plans to increase the overall number of aircraft in the Kingdom from 241 to 657 by 2030, Al-Duailej said at the forum. Saudi’s fleet would include 187 wide-body and 470 narrow-body aircraft, positioning the Kingdom’s aviation infrastructure as a globally competitive power, he added.

ALSO- Four airports will be offered for private sector management in 2025, Investment Minister Khalid Al Falih was quoted by Al Arabiya and Sky News Arabia as saying. In addition, the Transport General Authority (TGA) and Egypt’s Transport Ministry inked an MoU to bolster cooperation in maritime connectivity, the TGA said in a statement. The MoU aims to develop and advance maritime and shipping activities between the two sides and “promote the use of technologies and electronic platforms to enhance maritime tourism and marinas.”

Here’s some of the agreements inked on the first day:

#1- KSIADC + Ewpartners partner to develop logistics zone: King Salman International Airport Development Company (KSIADC) inked a MoU with international private equity firm Ewpartners to explore the development of an e-commerce and logistics special economic zone within King Salman International Airport, state news agency SPA reports. The zone is slated to boost logistical linkages between China and Saudi Arabia, to expand the Kingdom’s footing as a key regional air cargo hub. The investment ticket was not disclosed.

#2- Agility sees logistics facilities near RUH: Kuwait’s Agility inked an agreement with the Saudi Railway Company to explore the requirements for establishing storage, transportation and processing facilities in Sudair City for Industry and Businesses and near King Khalid International Airport, according to a statement.

#3- Licenses for Riyadh SILZ: GACA has awarded four commercial licenses to leading global companies in the fields of innovative technology, artificial intelligence, logistics services, and e-commerce to operate in the Riyadh Integrated Special Logistics Zone (SILZ), Spa reports. GACA granted a commercial license to a subsidiary of Alat to engage in light manufacturing operations and logistics services, a commercial license to Bahri Logistics to provide logistics services for Boeing aircraft spare parts, a commercial license to Danish company Danfoss to conduct light manufacturing operations, and finally a commercial license to Chinese e-commerce giant Shein for product distribution in a bid to establish a regional distribution hub in the zone to serve the Middle East and North Africa.

Riyadh Development to become a unitholder + developer of ANB Capital’s potential real estate fund

ANB Capital has tapped Tadawul-listed Riyadh Development Company (ARDCO) as the infrastructure developer of a planned SAR 2.1 bn real estate fund, according to a disclosure to Tadawul. The establishment of the fund — which will be owned and managed by ANB Capital — is still pending the approval of the Capital Market Authority. The involved parties are yet to disclose the value of the four-year contract, the statement reads.

Developer + unitholder: Riyadh Development will work to develop 1.8 mn sqm of land east of Riyadh under the agreement. It will also own a 10% stake, and expects to develop and exit the project within the four-year contract period. “The strategic location of the Land offers significant potential for future development of commercial, office, and residential real estate projects,” the statement reads.

Fund breakdown: The fund will be capitalized at SAR 2.1 bn, Riyadh Development said. The land held by the fund is valued at SAR 1.93 bn, while the developments are estimated to be worth SAR 340 mn, giving the fund a total asset value of SAR 2.26 bn. The internal rate of return from the fund is expected to be at 15%.

Ades lands 10-year renewal contracts from Aramco for two of its onshore rigs

Tadawul-listed energy player Ades Holding has secured 10-year renewals from Aramco for two of its Saudi onshore rigs, Ades 13 and Ades 14, which have been in service since 2019, according to a press release (pdf). The renewal contract is valued at some SAR 946 mn, the company said in a disclosure to Tadawul. The filing did not disclose the current contract’s expiry date.

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What they said: “These onshore awards strengthen the sustainability of our business in KSA and provide the Group with long-term revenue visibility, while strengthening the Group’s outlook for its business in the Kingdom,” Ades CEO Mohamed Farouk said.

Snapshot of 2Q 2024 earnings: Ades’ net income rose 90% y-o-y to SAR 202 mn in 2Q 2024 while its revenues were up 48.7% at SAR 1.5 bn during the same period. On a 1H basis, Ades’ bottom line more than doubled y-o-y to SAR 403 mn, while revenues grew 54.3% y-o-y to SAR 3.1 bn. The firm attributed its improved performance in the first half of this year to a boost in revenues from its businesses in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Algeria, and Tunisia.

IN OTHER ENERGY NEWS-

#1- UK-based KCA Deutag has extended four Saudi rig contracts valued at a total of USD 352 mn, it said in a statement. The contracts range between 5 to 10 years and are part of a USD 900 mn backlog the drilling company recently secured across Saudi, Oman, Pakistan, Angola, and Europe.

#2- GCC energy consortium bids for NCP and Zatca’s Rub’ al Khali Power Plant Project: The National Center for Privatization & Public Private Partnerships (NCP) has identified Saudi’s Alfanar and The Olayan Group, UAE’s Siraj Power for Renewable Energy, and Bahrain’s Lamar Holding as qualified bidders for the Rub’ al Khali power plant project, according to TradeArabia. The project will follow a design, build, finance, operation, maintenance, and transfer model, and will cover construction and 25 years of operations and maintenance. NCP is collaborating with the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) on the initiative.

Purity Tech sets price range of SAR 6.0-8.0 a share for its IPO on Nomu

Naqawa for Information Technology (Purity Tech) is guiding on a price range of SAR 6.0-8.0 per share for its offering on Tadawul’s parallel market Nomu, according to a filing to Tadawul. The company is set to put a 20% stake of its capital at listing (15 mn shares) up for grabs by qualified investors. Purity Tech’s current issued capital is at 12 mn shares.

Proceeds + market cap: At the top of the range, the tech company could raise SAR 24 mn in IPO proceeds, with a market cap of SAR 120 mn at listing, according to Enterprise calculations. Purity will allocate SAR 2.4 mn to cover costs related to the offering, according to the prospectus (pdf). Purity tech plans to use the proceeds to fuel its expansion plan. Major shareholders are restricted from executing orders on their shares for twelve months from the first day of trading.

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Timeline: Each investor can subscribe to a minimum of 100 shares, and a maximum of 750k shares starting on Wednesday, 16 October, until Tuesday, 22 October. Final allocations will take place on Sunday, 27 October, with refunds set for Tuesday, 29 October.

Latest earnings: The IT company’s net income increased 156% y-o-y to SAR 5.5 mn for the year ending in June 2023, while revenues were up 46.5% y-o-y to SAR 63.1 mn, according to the company’s audited financials.

About Purity Tech: The Riyadh-based IT company offers a wide range of services including custom software design, web hosting, managed and cloud services, while also investing in venture capital. The outfit also specializes in the sale and maintenance of computer hardware, with partners including Dell Technologies, Microsoft, Oracle and Amazon AWS, according to its webpage.

ADVISORS- Yaqeen Capital is quarterbacking the transaction as financial advisor and lead manager. Receiving agents include Al Rajhi Capital, Albilad Capital, Riyad Capital, SNB Capital, Alistithmar Capital, Alinma Investment, AlJazira Capital, ANB Capital, SAB Invest, Derayah Financial, BSF Capital, and Alkhabeer Capital.

Tamkeen HR sets price range for Tadawul secondary share sale

Homegrown labor agency Tamkeen HR is guiding on a price range of SAR 46-50 apiece for its IPO of a 30% stake on Tadawul’s main market, it said in a press release (pdf). The pricing could see Tamkeen raise up to SAR 397.5 mn in proceeds, according to Enterprise calculations. At the top of the range, the guidance gives the firm a market cap of SAR 1.3 bn at listing.

The institutional book-building period kicked off yesterday, running until Thursday, 17 October, where investors will be able to subscribe to 100% of the offering, booking a maximum of around 1.3 mn shares, and a minimum of 100k shares each. The financial advisor has the option to reduce that to only 80% of the offering, in the event that there’s sufficient demand from retail inventors.

Use of proceeds + lockup: Proceeds from the sale will be pocketed by selling shareholders on a pro-rata basis, after some SAR 25 mn are used to cover offering-related expenses, according to the prospectus. The firm will not receive any of the offering’s proceeds. Substantial shareholders will not be able to sell down their positions for a period of six months starting from the first day of trading.

What’s next? The two-day retail subscription begins on Tuesday, 5 November, with investors eligible for up to 20% of the shares, subject to demand. Each retail investor can subscribe to a maximum of 250k shares, and a minimum of 10 shares. Final allocations will be announced on Monday, 11 November, with any excess fees refunded by Wednesday, 13 November.

ADVISORS- Saudi Fransi Capital is quarterbacking the transaction as lead manager, financial advisor, book-runner and underwriter, with Stat Law Firm providing counsel to the issuer. Meanwhile PwC will act as financial due diligence advisor and Euromonitor International is stepping in as market study consultant, and Baker Tilly MKM as auditor. Receiving agents include Saudi Fransi Capital, Al Rajhi Bank, SNB Capital, Riyadh Capital, Albilad Investment, and others.

Sama Water wraps up Nomu IPO offering 240.3x subscribed

Jazan-based Sama Water priced its IPO of a 20% stake on Nomu at the top of its indicative price range at SAR 2.7 per share after its offering was 239.3x oversubscribed, according to a filing to Tadawul from the offering’s financial advisor and lead manager Yaqeen Capital. The pricing will see Sama raise SAR 27 mn in proceeds and will give the firm a market cap of SAR 135 mn at listing, according to Enterprise calculations.

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BACKGROUND- The company is selling a 20% stake, or 10 mn ordinary shares, with its two substantial shareholders — ِِAbd Allah Tebeqi and Ziad Tebeqi — selling down their positions to a combined 80% stake. The two shareholders will pocket the proceeds after some SAR 2.4 mn are used to cover IPO-related expenses. Their shares will be locked up for 12 months beginning with the first day of trading.

What’s next: Excess funds will be refunded by tomorrow, with the first day of trading pending regulatory approval.

ADVISORS- Yaqeen Capital is serving as the financial advisor and lead manager, while Moore is the auditor. Al Rajhi Capital, Riyad Capital, Alinma Investment, AlJazira Capital, SAB Invest, Derayah Financial, BSF Capital, SNB Capital, Alistithmar Capital, Albilad Capital, ANB Capital, and Alkhabeer Capital are receiving agents.

Real estate sales are on the up despite rising prices

Real estate sales volumes in Riyadh rose 51.6% y-o-y to 18.5k valued at SAR 26.6 bn in the 12 months to 2Q 2024, according to a report (pdf) by real estate consultancy CBRE. The report indicates that increased migration to the capital city for new job opportunities is likely to sustain price growth in Riyadh over the medium-term. Additionally, population growth is expected to further drive market gains.

Over in Jeddah + Dammam: Jeddah saw 9.4k transactions over the same period — a 43.2% y-o-y uptick — while sales in Dammam were up 22.4% y-o-y at 2.4k, valued at SAR 2.4 bn.

Future growth prospects: Some potential buyers in the market are waiting for “new modern stock, which is expected to bring higher quality finished units to the market as compared to the existing often aging stock,” while others are holding off on purchases until they find “suitable mortgage provisions to facilitate their home acquisition,” according to CBRE.

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Riyadh saw higher sales prices: The purchasing price of apartments in Riyadh is currently averaging at around SAR 5k per sqm— a 6.6% y-o-y uptick in the year to 2Q — while that of villas came in at an average of SAR 5.8k per sqm — a 3.3% y-o-y increase as at 2Q. Prices in Riyadh have been on an uptrend since the covid19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, apartment prices in Jeddah dipped 0.9% to SAR 3.9k per sqm over the same period, while average villa prices rose 0.8% to SAR 5.7k per sqm.

Agility begins final phase of expansion at its ALP complex in Riyadh

LOGISTICS-

Kuwait-based logistics giant Agility has kicked off a SAR 250 mn (USD 66.5 mn) expansion of its Agility Logistics Parks (ALP) complex in Riyadh, according to a press release. The first phase of the project is expected to be operational by 1Q 2025.

The details: The expansion will add 100k sqm of Class A warehousing to the park, increasing the total size of the ALP Riyadh to over 551k sqm, the statement notes. ALP Riyadh offers storage, distribution, processing, and fulfillment services to major players in Saudi Arabia’s consumer, industrial, and e-commerce sectors.

CAPITAL MARKETS-

Riyad Capital has lined up approval from the Capital Market Authority for the public offering of its Riyad SAR Liquidity Fund, the authority said in a statement. No further information about the offering was provided.

ENTERTAINMENT-

The Cultural Development Fund signed 13 loan agreements under its cultural financing program to fund projects in the film industry on the sidelines of the Saudi Film Forum, according to state news agency SPA. The value and recipients of the agreements were not disclosed.

FINANCIAL SERVICES-

Sahm Capital Finance received the go-ahead from the Capital Market Authority to manage investments and operate funds, according to a statement from the authority.

DEBT WATCH-

#1- Eastern Province Cement Company hassigned a SAR 850 mn Shariah-compliant loan agreement with Saudi National Bank to finance a new SAR 1 bn production line with a daily capacity of 10k tons, it said in a disclosure to Tadawul. The nine-year financing agreement will also support working capital needs.

#2- Professional Medical Expertise Company signed a one-year SAR 74.5 mn Shariah-compliant loan agreement with Riyad Bank to fund existing projects and fuel expansion plans, it said in a disclosure to Tadawul.

#3- Vitrified Clay Pipe Co. signed a SAR 30 mn Shariah-compliant loan agreement with the Saudi Investment Bank to fund ongoing and future projects, as well as the issuance of bank guarantees and letters of credit, the pipe manufacturer said in a disclosure to Tadawul.

Middle East private equity and venture capital investments surge in 3Q 2024

Middle East private equity and venture capital investments hit USD 2.3 bn in 3Q 2024 surpassing the previous quarter’s USD 2.2 bn, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data. The third-quarter figure is also nearly double the USD 1.2 bn in PE and VC investments across the region in 1Q 2024. However, 2024 is expected to fall short of last year's USD 11.6 bn, due to ongoing regional conflicts, S&P said.

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Where the money has been flowing: Israel led the region with 150 transactions, followed by the UAE (70), and Saudi Arabia (47).

The UAE locked in two of the largest agreements this year: Lunate and Olayan Financing’s USD 735 mn acquisition of a 49% stake in ICD Brookfield Place. Additionally, Silver Rock Group invested USD 325 mn in UAE-based generative AI firm Pathfinder Global.

Also on the list of the top 10 investments of the year: Apollo Global Management’s USD 600 mn investment in Vale Oman Distribution Center (Oman); Gulf Islamic Investment’s USD 160 mn investment in Abeer Medical (Saudi Arabia); MNT-Halan’s USD 157.5 mn funding round (Egypt); and e-commerce app Salla’s USD 130 mn pre-IPO round (Saudi Arabia).

The standout sectors: Technology, media, and telecommunications led with USD 2.2 bn in investments across 124 agreements, followed by real estate (USD 752 mn) and industrial sectors (USD 741 mn).

Renewable energy investments have particularly slowed as regional instability and challenges in green hydrogen and carbon capture projects deter investors. “[The] future of hydrogen is limited by time and cost because its main application is in hard-to-abate industries like aviation, shipping and manufacturing of steel and cement,” Ian Palmer, an oilfield engineer and partner at Higgs-Palmer Technologies, wrote in an email to Market Intelligence.

MARKETS THIS MORNING-

Asian markets are mixed this morning as investors digest a weekend briefing from China’s finance ministry at which officials said they would “significantly increase” government debt issuances. Finance Minister Lan Foan was light on detail that investors hoped would make it easier to quantify how Beijing planned to bolster its growth outlook.

Futures suggest US equities may come under a bit of selling pressure at the opening bell, as will the FTSE 100 and Euro Stoxx 50. The big catalyst for share movement this week: Sentiment attendant to earnings season…

TASI	12,069	+0.6% (YTD: +0.9%)
MSCI Tadawul 30	1,511	+0.4% (YTD: -2.6%)
NomuC	25,123	+2.5% (YTD: +2.4%)
USD : SAR (SAMA)	USD 3.75 Sell	USD 3.75 Buy
Interest rates	5.5% repo	5.0% reverse repo
EGX30	29,954	-2.6% (YTD: +20.3%)
ADX	9,261	+0.1% (YTD: -3.3%)
DFM	4,441	+0.1% (YTD: +9.4%)
S&P 500	5,815	+0.6% (YTD: +21.9%)
FTSE 100	8,254	+0.2% (YTD: +6.7%)
Euro Stoxx 50	5,004	+0.7% (YTD: +10.7%)
Brent crude	USD 79.04	-0.5%
Natural gas (Nymex)	USD 2.63	-1.6%
Gold	USD 2,676	+1.4%
BTC	USD 62,718	-0.5% (YTD: +49.2%)

THE CLOSING BELL: TADAWUL-

The TASI rose 0.6% yesterday on turnover of SAR 5.7 bn. The index is up 0.9% YTD.

In the green: Cenomi Retail (+10.0%), DWF (+9.9%) and Batic (+9.4%).

In the red: Al Baha (-9.5%), Al Majed Oud (-6.0%) and Anaam Holding (-2.2%).

THE CLOSING BELL: NOMU-

The NomuC rose 2.4% yesterday on turnover of SAR 57.3 mn. The index is up +2.4% YTD.

In the green: Burgerizzr (+30.0%), Raoom (+13.6%) and Aictec (+11.0%).

In the red: Tharwah (-5.7%), Amwaj International (-5.6%) and Riyadh Steel (-4.8%)

CORPORATE ACTIONS-

Molan Steel’s board of directors recommended a SAR 26.6 mn capital hike through a rights issuance to acquire assets, expand operations, and fund working capital, according to a disclosure to Tadawul. The move is still pending shareholder and regulatory approval. The board also proposed the transfer of SAR 4.7 mn in share premiums to offset accumulated losses of SAR 3.7 mn, representing 14% of the company’s capital, it said in a separate disclosure.

Saudi condemns Israel’s seizure of UNRWA HQ in East Jerusalem, KSrelief kicks off Lebanon air bridge

The Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s seizure of the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem “in the strongest terms,” it said in a post on X. The post reiterated the Kingdom’s rejection of continued “Israeli violations of international laws and resolutions” that proceed unchecked, as well as its systematic targeting of UN agencies, relief efforts, and workers.

IN CONTEXT- The Israel Land Authority seized the land with plans to build 1.4k settlement units at the site, Middle East Eye reports, citing Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom. The move comes on the heels of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee’s approval of two bills seeking to limit UNRWA’s operations in Israel, despite UN Security Council warnings to Israel not to proceed with the laws.

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center set up an air bridge to Lebanon, carrying food, medical, and shelter supplies, state news agency SPA reports. The first shipment carrying some 40 tons of aid departed from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh to Beirut International Airport yesterday.

CALENDAR

OCTOBER

12-14 October (Saturday-Monday): Global Logistics Forum, Riyadh.

15-16 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): Solar & Storage Live KSA, Riyadh.

16-17 October (Wednesday-Thursday): Global Airport & Aviation Forum, Jeddah.

16-19 October (Wednesday-Saturday): Accounting Technologies Conference, Hilton, Riyadh.

19 October (Saturday): Battle of the Giants, Mayadeen Hall, Riyadh.

21-22 October (Monday-Tuesday): Smart Ports & Logistics Transformation Summit, Riyadh.

21-22 October (Monday-Tuesday): Aussie Expo, King Abdullah Financial District Conference Center, Riyadh.

21-23 October (Monday-Wednesday): Global Health Exhibition 2024, Riyadh.

22-24 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Seamless Saudi Arabia 2024, Riyadh Front Center, Riyadh.

23-24 October (Wednesday-Thursday): UNIDO’s Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum (MIPF), Riyadh.

26 October (Saturday): Donor Conference to Support Refugees in Sahel and Lake Chad Regions, TBD.

27-28 (Sunday-Monday): The Global PropTech Summit, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, Riyadh.

29-31 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Future Investment Initiative Conference, Riyadh.

30 October-3 November (Wednesday-Sunday): Hia Hub 4.0, Riyadh.

31 October (Thursday): No-visa travel for Saudis to Montenegro on charter flights expires.

NOVEMBER

2-9 November (Saturday- Saturday): WTA Finals, Riyadh.

3-23 November (Sunday-Sunday): NEOM Beach Games, Neom.

4-7 November (Monday-Thursday): Saudi Build, Riyadh.

5-9 November (Tuesday-Saturday): Biban24 Forum, The Front Exhibition and Conference Center, Riyadh.

11-14 November (Monday-Thursday): Cityscape Global, Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center.

11-22 November (Monday-Friday): The Diplomatic Conference to Conclude and Adopt a Design Law Treaty, Riyadh.

26-28 November (Tuesday-Thursday): Saudi Electricity Expo, Riyadh.

11-12 November (Monday-Tuesday): World Advanced Manufacturing Logistics Summit & Expo, Riyadh.

11-12 November (Monday-Tuesday): Saudi Airport Exhibition, Riyadh.

11-12 November (Monday-Tuesday): Expenditure Efficiency Forum, The Hilton, Riyadh.

11-13 November (Monday-Wednesday): Saudi Intermobility Expo 2024, Jeddah.

11-14 November (Monday-Thursday): Cityscape Global, Riyadh.

16 November (Saturday): Latino Night at Riyadh Season, Riyadh.

18-20 November (Monday-Wednesday): The Heavy Equipment and Truck Show, Dammam.

19-20 November (Tuesday-Wednesday): The Women's Economic Forum 2024, Dammam.

19-21 November (Tuesday-Thursday): Saudi International Maritime Forum, Dammam.

23 November (Saturday): Red Sea 600, Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina.

25-27 November (Monday-Wednesday): World Investment Conference, Riyadh.

26-28 November (Tuesday-Thursday): Future Power Expo, Riyadh.

28 November-14 December (Thursday-Saturday): Noor Riyadh, Riyadh.

29 November-2 December 2024 (Sunday-Wednesday): World Sailing Youth Match Racing World Championship, Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina.

DECEMBER

1 December (Sunday): Opec+ to meet.

2-3 December (Monday-Tuesday) Wings of Change Middle East, Riyadh.

3-5 December (Tuesday-Thursday): The International Business Exchange – IBEX EVENTS, Riyadh.

11 December (Wednesday): Billboard Arabia Music Awards (BBAMAs), King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh.

2-13 December (Monday-Friday): Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Riyadh.

5-8 December (Thursday-Sunday): World Sailing Women’s Match Racing World Championship, Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina.

11 December (Wednesday): FIFA Congress, which will decide the hosting countries for the FIFA World Cup 2030 and 2034

15-19 December (Sunday-Thursday): Internet Governance Forum, King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, Riyadh.

23-26 December (Monday-Thursday): Aqarat Expo, Riyadh.

Signposted to happen sometime in 2024:

The AFC Champions League Elite

2025

JANUARY 2025

14-16 January (Tuesday-Thursday): Future Minerals Forum, King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, Riyadh.

27-29 January (Monday-Wednesday): Real Estate Future Forum, Four Seasons Hotel, Riyadh.

28-29 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): Sustainability Forum Middle East, Riyadh.

29-30 January (Wednesday-Thursday): Global Labor Market Conference, Riyadh.

FEBRUARY 2025

4-5 February (Tuesday-Wednesday): The RLC Global Forum, Riyadh.

6-8 February (Thursday-Saturday): Liv Golf season opener, Riyadh Golf Club, Riyadh.

10-13 February (Monday-Thursday): Leap 2025, the Kingdom’s premier tech investment conference.

14-15 February (Friday-Saturday): Formula E, Diriyah.

22 February (Saturday): Founding Day.

MARCH 2025

31 March- 3 April (Monday-Thursday): Eid al-Fitr.

MAY 2025

31 May-5 June (Saturday-Thursday): Hajj.

JUNE 2025

6-9 June ( Friday-Monday): Eid al-Adha.

26 June (Thursday): 2024-2025 academic year ends.

SEPTEMBER 2025

23 September (Tuesday): Saudi National Day.

2026

UN Trade and Development Global Supply Chain Forum to take place in Saudi Arabia.

2027

The World Water Forum takes place in Riyadh.

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