Saudi stock market rises to 7th globally in size, says CMA chief/node/2573370/business-economy
Saudi stock market rises to 7th globally in size, says CMA chief
Mohammed bin Abdullah Elkuwaiz, chairman of the Capital Market Authority, highlighted the remarkable growth of the Saudi stock market, which ranked 25th or 26th globally at the outset of Vision 2030.
Saudi stock market rises to 7th globally in size, says CMA chief
Updated 30 September 2024
MOHAMMED AL-KINANI
JEDDAH: The Saudi stock market has experienced significant growth, now ranking seventh globally and showcasing the resilience of the real economy, according to Mohammed bin Abdullah El-Kuwaiz, chairman of the Capital Market Authority.
El-Kuwaiz made these remarks at the 7th CEOs Forum, organized by the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority, known as Monsha’at, on Sept. 30 in Riyadh. The event, themed “Opportunities to Enhance Business Growth,” was attended by over 1,200 executives across various sectors and sponsored by Saudi Commerce Minister Majid Al-Qasabi, who is also chairman of Monsha’at.
The forum featured local and international speakers, experts, and entrepreneurs, all aimed at empowering high-growth enterprises with insights into the latest developments and innovative practices in the SME landscape.
In a panel discussion, El-Kuwaiz highlighted the remarkable growth of the Saudi stock market, which ranked 25th or 26th globally at the outset of Vision 2030. “Today, it stands as the seventh largest market in the world. Over the years, it has increasingly mirrored the real economy,” he stated.
He emphasized the market’s role as a key destination for entrepreneurs, attracting both local and global investors.
“We must facilitate the transition of companies into the Kingdom, enabling them to list and issue shares,” he said, noting that resolving challenges related to zakat and taxation remains a critical hurdle.
El-Kuwaiz pointed out that the primary function of the stock market for entrepreneurs is to secure financing for expansion or exit strategies, allowing investors to engage in new ventures. He identified two primary funding avenues: equity financing and debt market financing.
While acknowledging the current maturity of the stock market, he indicated that several priorities remain, particularly the introduction of a technological system for managing subscriptions. This system, recently launched by the Saudi Stock Exchange, aims to streamline subscriptions, reduce costs, and shorten processing times, enhancing the market’s attractiveness.
Discussing the debt market, El-Kuwaiz noted significant growth potential. “Recently, the authority proposed major amendments to the regulations governing the issuance and listing of securities, simplifying processes to enable more companies to participate,” he explained.
He also addressed the challenges faced by the Saudi parallel market, Nomu. “Efforts are underway in collaboration with Tadawul to enhance liquidity, increase listings, and broaden the investor base,” he said.
El-Kuwaiz acknowledged the traditional reliance of Saudi Arabia's economy on oil exports, highlighting the recent presence of Aramco and various tech companies in the stock market, creating one of the most profitable sectors. He noted that SMEs account for 55 percent of listings on the Saudi stock market, leading to the launch of Nomu in 2017, which now features over 70 companies, primarily SMEs.
The forum included an investor area where more than 60 investment meetings were held, fostering collaboration and enhancing financing and investment opportunities for enterprises.
Oil Updates — prices slip as Kurdistan export resumption looms
Updated 10 sec ago
Reuters
NEW DELHI: Oil prices slipped in Asia on Monday, extending losses from last week, on the prospect of a resumption of exports from Kurdistan’s oilfields, while investors awaited clarity on talks to resolve Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Brent futures were down 14 cents, or 0.2 percent, at $74.29 barrel, as of 7:41 a.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures lost 22 cents, or 0.3 percent, to $70.18 a barrel.
Both Brent and WTI dropped by more than $2 on Friday, posting weekly declines of 0.4 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively.
“The downward spiral in crude oil prices is driven by pressure from the US president on Iraq to resume oil exports from Kurdistan oilfields, which could improve supply flows in global oil markets after nearly two years of disruption,” said Sugandha Sachdeva, founder of New Delhi-based research firm SS WealthStreet.
Iraq will export 185,000 barrels per day from Kurdistan’s oilfields through the Iraq-Turkiye pipeline once oil shipments resume, an Iraqi oil ministry official said on Sunday.
Iraq’s oil ministry said all procedures had been completed to allow the resumption of exports through the Iraq-Turkiye pipeline, potentially resolving a dispute that has disrupted crude flows.
All eyes remain on the progress of talks to end Russia’s war on Ukraine, which enters its fourth year on Monday. Officials said on Sunday that EU leaders will meet for an extraordinary summit on March 6 to discuss additional support for Ukraine and European security guarantees.
This comes after US President Donald Trump initiated talks with Russia on ending the war but without inviting Ukraine or the EU to the table. A senior Russian diplomat said Russian and US teams plan to meet this week to discuss improving relations.
Sanctions by the US and EU on Russian oil exports have curbed its shipments and disrupted seaborne oil supply flows. Global energy supplies are expected to increase if a peace deal is reached and sanctions are lifted.
Oil prices will be influenced by geopolitical developments and US policy announcements in the short term, Sachdeva said.
In the Middle East, a Hamas official said talks with Israel through mediators on further steps in a ceasefire agreement are conditional on Palestinian prisoners being released as agreed.
Israel and Hamas have frequently accused each other of violations since the ceasefire started on January 19, but so far it has continued to hold.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund mission will open discussions from today, Monday, for around $1 billion in climate financing for Pakistan, an adviser to the country’s finance minister said.
Khurram Schehzad told Reuters last week the IMF mission will visit from February 24-28 for a “review and discussion” of climate resilience funding.
The disbursement will take place under the Fund’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust, created in 2022 to provide long-term concessional cash for climate-related spending, such as adaptation and transitioning to cleaner energy.
Pakistan made a formal request in October last year for around $1 billion in funding from the IMF under the trust, to address the nation’s vulnerability to climate change.
Pakistan’s Geo News TV had earlier reported that the IMF would issue the $1 billion for climate financing this week.
The country’s economy is on a long path to recovery after being stabilized under a $7 billion IMF Extended Fund Facility it secured late last year.
“Another IMF mission will arrive in Pakistan in the first week of March for a first review of that facility,” Schehzad said.
The Global Climate Risk Index places Pakistan among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
Floods in 2022, which scientists said were aggravated by global warming, affected at least 33 million people and killed more than 1,700. The country’s economic struggles and high debt burden impinged its ability to respond to the disaster.
MENA startups secure new investments, acquisitions across fintech, AI and e-commerce
Updated 23 February 2025
NOUR EL-SHAERI
RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East and North Africa continue to attract significant investment, with funding rounds and acquisitions shaping the region’s growing tech ecosystem.
From artificial intelligence infrastructure and fintech to automotive SaaS and second-hand fashion, companies are securing capital to expand operations, enhance technology, and enter new markets.
Among the latest developments, UK-based AI cloud infrastructure provider Ori has secured a strategic investment from Wa’ed Ventures, the venture capital arm of Saudi Aramco, as it prepares for expansion in the Middle East.
The financial terms of the investment were not disclosed. The deal follows Ori’s recent deployment of Nvidia’s H200 chips, positioning the company as a key AI infrastructure provider in the UK, the Middle East, and beyond.
Ori, which enables large-scale AI model training and deployment, currently operates in over 20 locations across North America and Europe.
Mahdi Yahya, CEO of Ori. Supplied
With the backing of Wa’ed Ventures, Ori plans to localize its operations in Saudi Arabia, launching a regional subsidiary in Riyadh to support the country’s Vision 2030 initiative.
Wa’ed Ventures, a $500 million fund investing in advanced technology startups, has expanded its focus internationally since 2022 to support companies that can localize their technologies in Saudi Arabia.
The fund has previously invested in AI chipmaker Rebellions and real estate fintech firm Stake.
Ori recently raised £140 million ($176.8 million) and is preparing for a larger funding round in 2025.
It partners with global technology firms, including Nvidia, Supermicro, and Dell, and is backed by investors such as Telefonica, NextEra Energy, and Episode 1 Ventures. Dubizzle acquires Egypt’s Hatla2ee
UAE-based online classifieds platform Dubizzle Group has acquired Hatla2ee, an Egyptian online car marketplace, for an undisclosed amount.
The acquisition strengthens Dubizzle Group’s regional presence by integrating its technology and resources into Hatla2ee’s platform.
Founded in 2016 by Samy Swellam, Hatla2ee provides a marketplace for buying and selling new and used cars in Egypt.
Dubizzle Group, established in 2005, operates multiple classified platforms, including Dubizzle, Bayut, and Drive Arabia.
The acquisition follows Dubizzle Group’s purchase of UAE-based automotive media platform Drive Arabia in May 2024. MANSA raises $10m for cross-border payments
MANSA, a fintech firm specializing in cross-border payments, has secured $10 million in funding to enhance its liquidity solutions.
The funding includes a $3 million pre-seed round led by Tether and co-led by Polymorphic Capital, with participation from Octerra Capital, Faculty Group, and Trive Digital.
MANSA also raised $7 million in liquidity funding from corporate investors, quantitative funds, and alternative investment firms.
Mansa Co-Founders. Supplied
The company, co-founded by Mouloukou Sanoh and Nkiru Uwaje, leverages stablecoins to streamline liquidity management for payment providers in emerging and developed markets.
Since launching in August, MANSA has facilitated $27 million in transactions, with on-chain volume surging 574 percent from August to January 2025.
The new funding will support the company’s expansion into Latin America and Southeast Asia. Egypt’s Qme raises $3m for AI business solutions
Qme, an Egypt-based B2B SaaS startup, has raised $3 million in a seed funding round led by AHOY and a group of angel investors from the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Founded in 2022 by Maged Negm, Qme provides AI-driven digital infrastructure for businesses, integrating booking, queuing, analytics, and payment solutions.
The investment will be used to enhance the company’s technology, expand its market presence, and strengthen partnerships. UAE fintech Blum secures $5m in seed funding
Blum, a UAE-based decentralized exchange, has raised $5 million in a pre-seed and seed funding round led by gumi Cryptos Capital, Spartan, No Limit Holdings, YZi Labs, and OKX Ventures.
Founded in 2024 by Gleb Kostarev and Vladimir Smerkis, Blum offers token trading through gamification within a Telegram mini-app.
The funding will support the platform’s infrastructure development, trading enhancements, and expansion across multiple blockchain networks. Tunisia’s Dabchy raises pre-Series A funding
Dabchy, a Tunisia-based peer-to-peer fashion marketplace, has raised an undisclosed amount in a pre-Series A funding round led by Janngo Capital and angel investors.
Founded in 2016 by Ameni Mansouri, Ghazi Ketata, and Oussama Mahjoub, Dabchy provides an e-commerce marketplace for second-hand fashion.
The funding will support the startup’s expansion into Egypt, broaden its product offerings, and improve its platform. The Box secures $12.5m for storage expansion
The Box, a UAE-based self-storage services provider, has secured $12.5 million in debt financing led by Shorooq Partners.
Founded in 2007 by Wadih Haddad, The Box offers personal storage, record management, and moving services.
The new capital will enable the company to expand its storage facilities and develop flagship locations. Palm Ventures closes $30m early-stage fund
Palm Ventures, a MENA-focused investment firm, has closed a $30 million fund to support early-stage startups in the region, with a portion allocated to US-based AI ventures.
Founded in 2014, Palm Ventures has backed 40 startups and collaborated with government entities to drive innovation.
Between 2020 and 2024, the firm invested in 20 MENA and US-based AI startups.
The new fund will target AI, fintech, and business solutions, supporting digital transformation in the region. Pinewood acquires 90.9 percent of Seez for $42m
Pinewood Technologies PLC has acquired a 90.9 percent stake in UAE-based automotive SaaS platform Seez for approximately $42 million.
The transaction, expected to close by March 19, 2025, will be funded through a mix of cash payments and newly issued shares.
Seez specializes in AI and machine learning solutions for the automotive sector, including e-commerce and omnichannel products.
Pinewood, which provides automotive intelligence solutions, aims to leverage Seez’s technology to enhance its agency management systems while reducing reliance on third-party AI licenses.
The companies anticipate the acquisition will be earnings-accretive by fiscal year 2026. Oman Investment Authority partners with Golden Gate
Oman Investment Authority has partnered with Singapore-based venture capital firm Golden Gate Ventures to strengthen Oman’s startup landscape.
Through its technology arm, Innovation Development Oman, OIA has become a limited partner in Golden Gate Ventures’ new $100 million fund, which marks the firm’s first major venture capital initiative in the MENA region.
The partnership aims to attract foreign investment into Oman’s technology sector while providing startups with funding, expertise, and market access.
Golden Gate Ventures, which has backed around 100 companies since 2011 — including nine unicorns — views Oman as a promising innovation hub. Algerie Telecom launches $11m AI startup fund
Algeria’s state-owned telecom company, Algerie Telecom, has announced an $11 million investment fund to support startups in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and robotics.
The initiative was unveiled at the third edition of Algeria’s CTO Forum as part of the country’s national AI and digital transformation strategy.
The investment will support the establishment of 20,000 startups, alongside efforts to develop AI-focused universities, incubators, and a nationwide expansion of digital infrastructure aimed at strengthening Algeria’s technological ecosystem.
Syria’s economy could take 55 years to recover at current growth rates: UNDP
Updated 23 February 2025
Reem Walid
RIYADH: The war-torn economy of the Syrian Arab Republic will take decades to return to pre-conflict levels unless growth accelerates dramatically, according to a report by the UN Development Programme.
While the country’s gross domestic product has contracted to less than half its 2011 value and unemployment has tripled, the report suggests Syria could recover in a decade with a sixfold increase in annual economic growth.
The assessment, titled “The impact of the conflict in Syria: a devastated economy, pervasive poverty, and a challenging road ahead to social and economic recovery,” underscores the extensive economic and social toll of 14 years of war.
“At current growth rates, Syria’s economy will not regain its pre-conflict GDP level before 2080,” the report stated. Achieving recovery within 15 years would require an ambitious tenfold growth increase, bringing GDP to where it would have been without the conflict.
Deepening crisis
Nine out of 10 Syrians now live in poverty, and one in four are unemployed, according to the UNDP. The economy has suffered an estimated $800 billion in cumulative GDP losses since the war began. Public infrastructure has crumbled, exacerbating the crisis and prolonging instability.
The health sector is in collapse, with one-third of health centers damaged and almost half of ambulance services inoperative, the report added. Education has also been hit hard, with 40 percent to 50 percent of children aged 6 to 15 out of school.
Housing and utilities have been heavily damaged, with a third of all units affected, leaving 5.7 million Syrians in need of shelter. Over half of water and sewer systems are damaged or non-functional, affecting nearly 14 million people. Energy production has fallen 80 percent, slashing national grid capacity by over three-quarters.
As a result, Syria’s Human Development Index has fallen from 0.661 in 2010 to 0.557, dropping below its 1990 level when HDI was first recorded.
Recovery path
The UNDP report outlines a roadmap to accelerate economic recovery and restore stability. “Beyond immediate humanitarian aid, Syria’s recovery requires long-term investment in development to build economic and social stability for its people,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP administrator.
“Restoring productivity for jobs and poverty relief, revitalizing agriculture for food security, and rebuilding infrastructure for essential services such as healthcare, education, and energy are key to a self-sustaining future, prosperity, and peace.”
The report stresses the need for a clear national vision, institutional reforms, and improved market access. It calculates that at Syria’s current 1.3 percent annual growth rate, from 2018–2024, it would take 55 years to regain pre-conflict GDP levels. Achieving recovery in 15 years requires at least 5 percent annual growth, while catching up to a no-conflict scenario demands nearly 14 percent annual growth.
“Syria’s future hinges on a robust development recovery approach,” said Abdallah Al-Dardari, UNDP assistant administrator and director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States.
“This demands a comprehensive strategy addressing governance reform, economic stabilization, sector revitalization, infrastructure rebuilding, and strengthened social services. By implementing these interconnected reforms, we can help Syria regain control over its future, reduce reliance on external aid, and pave the way for a resilient and prosperous future for all in Syria.”
The UNDP assessment is part of a broader effort by the UN Country Team in Syria to shape early recovery and reconstruction initiatives.
Saudi Real Estate Refinance Co. raises $2bn in debut international sukuk
Issuance was oversubscribed six times, reflecting strong investor confidence and demand
It is part of SRC’s $5 billion international Sukuk program
Updated 23 February 2025
MIGUEL HADCHITY
RIYADH: The Saudi Real Estate Refinance Co., a Public Investment Fund subsidiary, has priced its first international sukuk issuance, raising $2 billion, boosting the local economy and attracting foreign investment.
SRC’s sukuk issuance supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, including expanding the mortgage market, promoting homeownership, and attracting global investment.
According to a press release, the issuance — guaranteed by the Saudi government — was oversubscribed six times, reflecting strong investor confidence and demand from over 300 institutional investors worldwide.
“This marks a significant milestone in integrating the Saudi economy with global markets, attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing liquidity, and developing the secondary mortgage market in Saudi Arabia,” said the Minister of Municipalities and Housing and Chairman of SRC.
The sukuk, structured in two tranches with three- and ten-year maturities, is part of SRC’s $5 billion international sukuk program. The issuance will be listed on the International Securities Market of the London Stock Exchange, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s connection to global capital markets and enhancing liquidity in the Kingdom’s mortgage finance sector.
Majid Al-Hogail said the successful listing underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing its housing finance ecosystem.
He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to expand the mortgage finance sector to SR1.3 trillion ($346.6 billion) by 2030, up from SR800 billion in 2024 and just SR200 billion in 2018.
The minister said mortgage financings now represent 23 percent of total bank assets, aligning with Vision 2030’s 70 percent homeownership rate target by the end of the decade. By the end of 2023, the homeownership rate had already reached 63.7 percent, surpassing initial projections.
SRC CEO Majid Al-Abduljabbar described the sukuk issuance as a testament to global investor confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economy.
“The listing of the sukuk program on the LSE not only strengthens SRC’s global presence and strategy to attract a diverse base of international investors, but also solidifies the company’s position as a key player in the mortgage finance market, paving the way for new strategic partnerships and high-quality international investments,” Al-Abduljabbar said.
SRC holds strong credit ratings from top agencies, including Fitch with an ‘A+’ and a stable outlook, S&P with an ‘A’ and a positive outlook, and Moody’s with an ‘A2’ coupled with a positive outlook.
“These ratings reinforce the company’s strong position in launching its first international sukuk program, which aligns with global sukuk market standards and best practices in Islamic finance,” the statement added.
The company, established by PIF in 2017 under the supervision of the Saudi Central Bank, has been working to provide liquidity to mortgage lenders and facilitate access to affordable housing finance in Saudi Arabia.
“SRC plays a key role in achieving the objectives of the Housing Program under Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to increase homeownership rates among Saudi citizens,” the company said.
In January, SRC, in partnership with Hassana Investment Co., launched the region’s first residential mortgage-backed securities to diversify the financial market and attract local and international investors.
The initiative supports the Kingdom’s growing real estate market, driven by increasing mortgage lending and strong demand for housing, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s long-term economic development objectives.
