توقعات بأثر إيجابي لأسعار النفط على إجمالي العائدات السعودية

مختصون لـ«الشرق الأوسط»: الارتفاعات المستمرة تدعم تحسن الناتج المحلي

أسعار النفط تعزز تصاعد عائدات المالية السعودية خلال السنوات المقبلة (الشرق الأوسط)
أسعار النفط تعزز تصاعد عائدات المالية السعودية خلال السنوات المقبلة (الشرق الأوسط)
TT

توقعات بأثر إيجابي لأسعار النفط على إجمالي العائدات السعودية

أسعار النفط تعزز تصاعد عائدات المالية السعودية خلال السنوات المقبلة (الشرق الأوسط)
أسعار النفط تعزز تصاعد عائدات المالية السعودية خلال السنوات المقبلة (الشرق الأوسط)

في وقت تصاعدت فيه أسعار النفط الخام عالمياً بشكل بارز لمستويات تاريخية الأسبوع الماضي، توقع مختصون انعكاسات الأثر الإيجابي على إجمالي إيرادات الميزانية العامة للسعودية للعام الحالي، إذا ما استمرت الأسعار في الأسواق العالمية التي تخطت في تعاملاتها 80 دولاراً للبرميل الواحد.
ويرى المختصون أن تصاعد أسعار النفط، وفقاً لما هو متفق عليه على مستوى كميات الإنتاج في منظومة «أوبك بلس»، ستدعم منظور بقاء الأسعار في مستوياتها العالية، ما يجعلها محفزاً أقوى لاستقراء نمو عائدات الاقتصاد السعودية للفترة المقبلة.

- سمات الموازنات
وكانت ميزانية السعودية التقديرية قد أعلنت الأسبوع الماضي عن توقعات الإيرادات للسنوات الثلاث المقبلة، مفصحة عن استمرار السياسة المالية الإنفاقية، حيث قدرت في موازنة العام المقبل 2022 حجم الإنفاق بقيمة 955 مليار ريال (254.6 مليار دولار)، مقابل إيرادات قوامها 903 مليارات ريال (24 مليار دولار).
وبحسب الإعلان التمهيدي لموازنة العام المقبل، تتضح 3 ملامح رئيسية، هي: التركيز على استمرار العمل بمنهجية تعزيز كفاءة الإنفاق، والمحافظة على الاستدامة المالية، وتنفيذ الإصلاحات الاقتصادية والمالية، عملاً بمستهدفات «رؤية المملكة 2030». وفي جانب العام الحالي 2021، تشير تقديرات وزارة المالية المعلنة أمس إلى أن العام الحالي سينتهي بإجمالي نفقات عند 1.01 تريليون ريال (270.6 مليار دولار)، في وقت سيبلغ فيه إجمالي الإيرادات المالية للدولة 930 مليار ريال (248 مليار دولار) بنهاية العام، وهو ما يمثل إجمالي عجز قدره 85 مليار ريال.
وحسبما أعلنت وزارة المالية، قدرت نمو الإيرادات للعام ما بعد المقبل (2023) بإجمالي 968 مليار ريال، قياساً بصرف 941 مليار ريال، وهو ما يمثل إعلان أول عام تتحرر فيه الميزانية من العجز منذ 9 سنوات (عام 2013)، وتحقق فائضاً سيكون تقديره 27 مليار ريال (7.2 مليار دولار).
وتنبأت توقعات موازنة مالية السعودية لعام 2024 نمو الإيرادات كذلك إلى 992 مليار ريال، مقابل 951 مليار ريال، بفائض قدره 42 مليار ريال.
ووفق وزارة المالية، سيكون مسار الدَّين العام مستقراً خلال السنوات الثلاث المقبلة عند مستوى 989 مليار ريال (263 مليار دولار)، في حين سيكون الدَّين عند 937 مليار ريال بنهاية العام الحالي.

- الأثر البارز
وقال المحلل المالي تركي فدعق لـ«الشرق الأوسط» إنه في المجمل يكون هناك انعكاسات إيجابية مع أي ارتفاع لأسعار النفط في الأسواق العالمية، موضحاً أن وصول سعر البرميل إلى 80 دولاراً سيكون أثره في المرحلة الأولى على إجمالي الإيرادات جلياً، حيث ستكون أعلى من المتوسط للأرباع الثلاثة الأولى من العام الحالي.
وأضاف أنه إذا استمر الارتفاع للبرميل في التعاملات العالمية لما بين 80 و100 دولار، فسيدعم ذلك خفض العجز في الربع الرابع للميزانية، لافتاً في الوقت ذاته إلى أن متوسط سعر البرميل الذي بني عليه مالية الدولة هو في محيط 60 دولاراً للبرميل.
ويؤكد المحلل المالي أن استمرار الارتفاع للبرميل لما فوق 80 دولاراً سيكون له أثر في موازنة الربع الرابع من العام الحالي، قياساً بإيرادات الأرباع الثلاثة الماضية، لا سيما انخفاض العجز.
ويرى أن المشروعات الحيوية والرئيسية لن تتأثر بتراجع أو ارتفاع أسعار النفط، نظير استنادها إلى جدولة والتزام بانعقادها والانتهاء من تسليمها في موعدها في إطار المشروع التنموي للبلاد.

- أسباب الصعود
وأرجع فدعق أسباب ارتفاع أسعار النفط في الأسواق العالمية لعوامل عدة، في مقدمتها أن العالم يستقبل فصل الشتاء. وهذا الفصل يرتفع فيه الطلب على استهلاك النفط الخام، قياساً بباقي فصول العام، وذلك لمواجهة الشتاء والاستخدامات المختلفة، موضحاً أنه من المهم أن ينظر في الجانب الآخر بالتركيز على تفاهمات «أوبك بلس» الذي حدد آلية الضخ، فإن كان هناك زيادة أو تخفيض في الإنتاج، فقد تؤثر على الأسعار من الآن حتى نهاية العام.

- آثار جانبية
ومن جانب آخر، أكد الدكتور سالم باعجاجة، أستاذ الاقتصاد في جامعة جدة، أن الارتفاعات المستمرة في أسعار النفط ستؤثر بالقطع على ارتفاع الإيرادات النفطية للمملكة، وبالتالي سيكون تأثيرها الإيجابي ملموساً على تحسن الناتج المحلي، لكنه في المقابل لا بد من إدراك أن هناك آثاراً أخرى مصاحبة.
وقال باعجاجة إن ارتفاع أسعار النفط بدوره سيؤدي إلى ارتفاع مقابل على مستوى التضخم، حيث سيتضح في أسعار السلع، لا سيما مع تحسن مستويات دخل الفرد والأسر، ما يزيد من الإنفاق الاستهلاكي.

- حال النفط
وفي الوقت الذي ارتفع فيه سعر برميل نفط خام القياس العالمي «برنت» للعقود الآجلة الأسبوع المنصرم، حينما وصل إلى 80.05 دولار أميركي للبرميل، مع زيادة سعر برميل خام غرب تكساس الوسيط للعقود الآجلة 1.02 في المائة إلى 76.22 دولار للبرميل، يبرز تساؤل حول مستقبل هذا الصعود، حيث يقول مختصون لـ«الشرق الأوسط» إن هناك أزمة طاقة عالمية سببها شح المعروض للغاز الطبيعي، مما تسبب في ارتفاع أسعار النفط.
وتوقع الخبراء أن يستمر ارتفاع حجم الطلب على النفط إلى العام المقبل، مؤكدين أن الأسعار وصلت إلى مستويات لم تشهدها منذ أكثر من 3 أعوام، وأن أهم عوامل الارتفاع تمكن «أوبك+» من تمديد اتفاقيات تخفيض الإنتاج.
وقال كبير مستشاري وزير النفط السعودي سابقاً الدكتور محمد الصبان لـ«الشرق الأوسط» إنه منذ بداية العام الحالي، زاد الطلب العالمي على النفط، بما لا يقل عن 53 في المائة، في حين هناك زيادات منتظمة من قبل تحالف «أوبك بلس» في حدود 400 ألف برميل يومياً، على أساس شهري.
وزاد الدكتور الصبان أن ارتفاع أسعار النفط لم يكن مستبعداً تجاوزه الـ80 دولاراً لخام برنت لأن هناك أزمة طاقة عالمية سببها شح المعروض للغاز الطبيعي، قائلاً: «نحن مقبلون على فصل الشتاء في ظل إعطاء روسيا أولوية لتغطية طلبها المحلي، وعدم تزويد أوروبا بكميات كافية، وبالتالي هنالك نقص في المعروض، يقابله زيادة في الطلب على النفط لتوليد الطاقة الكهربائية».
وأضاف الصبان أن المصانع تشهد بعض الانقطاعات في الكهرباء، مما يؤدي إلى مزيد من المشكلات والصعوبات التي يمر بها سوق الطاقة، مشيراً إلى أن اجتماع «أوبك+» في أكتوبر (تشرين الأول) المقبل سيحدد عملية الإنتاج، بعد دراسة متعمقة لطبيعة التغيرات التي حدثت في الآونة الأخيرة، وسيبحث التحالف، بقيادة وزير الطاقة السعودي الأمير عبد العزيز بن سلمان، إذا كانت هناك حاجة لزيادة الكمية المعروضة من النفط لأكثر من 400 ألف برميل أو الإبقاء على المستوى نفسه.

- انخفاض الاستثمارات
ومن ناحيته، أوضح الخبير النفطي محمد المهنا لـ«الشرق الأوسط» أن الارتفاع في أسعار النفط كان متوقعاً بسبب تمكن «أوبك+» من تمديد اتفاقيات تخفيض الإنتاج، ولكن دول التحالف، وعلى رأسهم المملكة، لا ترغب في زيادات حادة قد تؤدي إلى انهيارات مقبلة.
وأبان المهنا أن من أهم العوامل في زيادة الأسعار انخفاض الاستثمارات في الإنتاج، واستكشاف مصادر جديدة في معظم دول العالم بسبب انخفاض الطلب الشديد تحت وطأة وباء «كوفيد - 19»، وإغلاق كثير من حقول الإنتاج، ولأن إعادة مستويات الإنتاج إلى ما قبل كورونا تحتاج مدة طويلة. وتابع الخبير النفطي أن بعض السياسات والتدخلات الحكومية وسياسات وكالة الطاقة الدولية في الحث المبالغ فيه، ومحاولة إجبار الأسواق على اتباع إجراءات الحياد الكربوني التي تحاول الحكومات وفقها إجبار الناس والأسواق، أدت إلى إحجام الشركات عن الاستثمار في النفط.


مقالات ذات صلة

What's Next for Iran's Government after Death of its President in Helicopter Crash?

Features The Iranian flag is seen flying over a street in Tehran, Iran, February 1, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

What's Next for Iran's Government after Death of its President in Helicopter Crash?

The death of Iran's president is unlikely to lead to any immediate changes in Iran's ruling system or to its overarching policies, which are decided by Supreme…

Arab World This handout satellite image courtesy of Maxar Technologies shows tents and shelters for Palestinians displaced by the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas at the Mawasi camp near Rafah in the south of the Palestinian territory on May 15, 2024. (Photo by Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies / AFP)

CENTOM: More Than 569 Tons of Aid Delivered Across Floating Pier Into Gaza

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Tuesday more than 569 metric tons of humanitarian assistance has been delivered so far across a temporary floating…

Asharq Al Awsat
Technology AI (Artificial Intelligence) letters and robot hand miniature in this illustration taken, June 23, 2023. (Reuters)

AI-intensive Sectors are Showing Productivity Surge, PwC says

The types of business which are most likely to use artificial intelligence are seeing growth in workers' productivity that is almost five times faster than…

Asharq Al Awsat
Technology A Samsung sign is displayed, during the GSMA's 2023 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain March 1, 2023. (Reuters)

Samsung Electronics Picks Veteran Executive to Tackle 'Chip Crisis' amid AI Boom

Samsung Electronics has replaced the chief of its semiconductor division to help the group overcome a "chip crisis", amid a booming market for AI chips where…

Asharq Al Awsat
Business The sun is seen behind a crude oil pump jack in the Permian Basin in Loving County, Texas, US, November 22, 2019. REUTERS/Angus Mordant

Oil Prices Fall on Fear of High US Interest Rates Depressing Demand

Oil prices fell in early Asian trade on Tuesday, with investors anticipating higher-for-longer US inflation and interest rates will depress consumer and…

Asharq Al Awsat

What's Next for Iran's Government after Death of its President in Helicopter Crash?

The Iranian flag is seen flying over a street in Tehran, Iran, February 1, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
The Iranian flag is seen flying over a street in Tehran, Iran, February 1, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
TT

What's Next for Iran's Government after Death of its President in Helicopter Crash?

The Iranian flag is seen flying over a street in Tehran, Iran, February 1, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
The Iranian flag is seen flying over a street in Tehran, Iran, February 1, 2023. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

The death of Iran's president is unlikely to lead to any immediate changes in Iran's ruling system or to its overarching policies, which are decided by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

But Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash Sunday, was seen as a prime candidate to succeed the 85-year-old supreme leader, and his death makes it more likely that the job could eventually go to Khamenei's son, The AP reported.

A hereditary succession would pose a potential crisis of legitimacy for the Islamic Republic, which was established as an alternative to monarchy but which many Iranians already see as a corrupt and dictatorial regime. Here's a look at what comes next.

HOW DOES IRAN'S GOVERNMENT WORK?

Iran holds regular elections for president and parliament with universal suffrage.

But the supreme leader has final say on all major policies, serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and controls the powerful Revolutionary Guard.

The supreme leader also appoints half of the 12-member Guardian Council, a clerical body that vets candidates for president, parliament and the Assembly of Experts, an elected body of jurists in charge of choosing the supreme leader.

In theory, the clerics oversee the republic to ensure it complies with Islamic law. In practice, the supreme leader carefully manages the ruling system to balance competing interests, advance his own priorities and ensure that no one challenges the Islamic Republic or his role atop it.

Raisi, a hard-liner who was seen as a protege of Khamenei, was elected president in 2021 after the Guardian Council blocked any other well-known candidate from running against him, and turnout was the lowest in the history of the Islamic Republic. He succeeded Hassan Rouhani, a relative moderate who had served as president for the past eight years and defeated Raisi in 2017.

After Raisi's death, in accordance with Iran's constitution, Vice President Mohammad Mokhber, a relative unknown, became caretaker president, with elections mandated within 50 days. That vote will likely be carefully managed to produce a president who maintains the status quo.

That means Iran will continue to impose some degree of Islamic rule and crack down on dissent. It will enrich uranium, support armed groups across the Middle East and view the West with deep suspicion.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SUCCESSION?

Presidents come and go, some more moderate than others, but each operates under the structure of the ruling system.

If any major change occurs in Iran, it is likely to come after the passing of Khamenei, when a new supreme leader will be chosen for only the second time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Khamenei succeeded the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Khomeini, in 1989.

The next supreme leader will be chosen by the 88-seat Assembly of Experts, who are elected every eight years from candidates vetted by the Guardian Council. In the most recent election, in March, Rouhani was barred from running, while Raisi won a seat.

Any discussion of the succession, or machinations related to it, occur far from the public eye, making it hard to know who may be in the running. But the two people seen by analysts as most likely to succeed Khamenei were Raisi and the supreme leader's own son, Mojtaba, 55, a Shiite cleric who has never held government office.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE SUPREME LEADER'S SON SUCCEEDS HIM?

Leaders of the Islamic Republic going back to the 1979 revolution have portrayed their system as superior.

The transfer of power from the supreme leader to his son could spark anger, not only among Iranians who are already critical of clerical rule, but supporters of the system who might see it as un-Islamic.

Western sanctions linked to the nuclear program have devastated Iran's economy. And the enforcement of Islamic rule, which grew more severe under Raisi, has further alienated women and young people.

The Islamic Republic has faced several waves of popular protests in recent years, most recently after the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for allegedly not covering her hair in public. More than 500 people were killed and over 22,000 were detained in a violent crackdown.

Raisi's death may make the transition to a new supreme leader trickier, and it could spark more unrest.

 

 

 

 

 

 


CENTOM: More Than 569 Tons of Aid Delivered Across Floating Pier Into Gaza

This handout satellite image courtesy of Maxar Technologies shows tents and shelters for Palestinians displaced by the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas at the Mawasi camp near Rafah in the south of the Palestinian territory on May 15, 2024. (Photo by Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies / AFP)
This handout satellite image courtesy of Maxar Technologies shows tents and shelters for Palestinians displaced by the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas at the Mawasi camp near Rafah in the south of the Palestinian territory on May 15, 2024. (Photo by Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies / AFP)
TT

CENTOM: More Than 569 Tons of Aid Delivered Across Floating Pier Into Gaza

This handout satellite image courtesy of Maxar Technologies shows tents and shelters for Palestinians displaced by the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas at the Mawasi camp near Rafah in the south of the Palestinian territory on May 15, 2024. (Photo by Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies / AFP)
This handout satellite image courtesy of Maxar Technologies shows tents and shelters for Palestinians displaced by the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas at the Mawasi camp near Rafah in the south of the Palestinian territory on May 15, 2024. (Photo by Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies / AFP)

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Tuesday more than 569 metric tons of humanitarian assistance has been delivered so far across a temporary floating pier to Gaza, but not all the aid has reached warehouses.

Aid deliveries began arriving at a US-built pier on Friday as Israel comes under growing global pressure to allow more supplies into the besieged coastal enclave, Reuters reported.

The UN said that 10 truckloads of food aid - transported from the pier site by UN contractors - were received on Friday at a World Food Program warehouse in Deir El Balah in Gaza.

But on Saturday, only five truckloads made it to the warehouse after 11 others were cleaned out by Palestinians during the journey through an area that a UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said has been hard to access with humanitarian aid.

The UN did not receive any aid from the pier on Sunday or Monday.


AI-intensive Sectors are Showing Productivity Surge, PwC says

AI (Artificial Intelligence) letters and robot hand miniature in this illustration taken, June 23, 2023. (Reuters)
AI (Artificial Intelligence) letters and robot hand miniature in this illustration taken, June 23, 2023. (Reuters)
TT

AI-intensive Sectors are Showing Productivity Surge, PwC says

AI (Artificial Intelligence) letters and robot hand miniature in this illustration taken, June 23, 2023. (Reuters)
AI (Artificial Intelligence) letters and robot hand miniature in this illustration taken, June 23, 2023. (Reuters)

The types of business which are most likely to use artificial intelligence are seeing growth in workers' productivity that is almost five times faster than elsewhere, raising hopes for a boost to the broader economy, accountancy firm PwC said.

Productivity in professional and financial services and in information technology grew by 4.3% between 2018 and 2022 compared with gains of 0.9% across construction, manufacturing and retail, food and transport, PwC said.

The data suggested that the rise of artificial intelligence could help countries to break out of a rut of low productivity growth which would boost economic growth, wages and living standards, PwC said in a report published on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

Carol Stubbings, leader of PwC Global Markets and Tax & Legal Services, said highly productive sectors had faster growth in job ads for people with AI skills than without, suggesting AI played a role in these sectors' higher productivity.

The trend of productivity growth generated by the technology was likely to accelerate as companies increasingly deployed generative AI which can be used by non-AI specialists, she said.

"The challenge with AI, and particularly generative AI, is the speed of the change," Stubbings said.

Last week the head of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva said AI was hitting the global labour market "like a tsunami" and was likely to have an impact on 60% of jobs in advanced economies in the next two years.

The PwC report tracked and analysed over half a billion job ads from 15 rich countries and used data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

It said jobs that require AI skills - including AI-specialist and non-specialist roles - carried a average premium of 25% in the US and 14% in Britain.


Samsung Electronics Picks Veteran Executive to Tackle 'Chip Crisis' amid AI Boom

A Samsung sign is displayed, during the GSMA's 2023 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain March 1, 2023. (Reuters)
A Samsung sign is displayed, during the GSMA's 2023 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain March 1, 2023. (Reuters)
TT

Samsung Electronics Picks Veteran Executive to Tackle 'Chip Crisis' amid AI Boom

A Samsung sign is displayed, during the GSMA's 2023 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain March 1, 2023. (Reuters)
A Samsung sign is displayed, during the GSMA's 2023 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain March 1, 2023. (Reuters)

Samsung Electronics has replaced the chief of its semiconductor division to help the group overcome a "chip crisis", amid a booming market for AI chips where analyst say the world's biggest memory chipmaker lags peers.

The South Korean manufacturer on Tuesday said it has appointed Young Hyun Jun, effective immediately, moving him from the role as head of its future business planning unit.

Jun previously led Samsung's memory chip department after working on the development of DRAM and flash memory chips.

The move is likely aimed at catching up in the market for top-end chips used in artificial intelligence (AI) such as high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips where Samsung has fallen behind rivals such as SK Hynix, analysts said, Reuters reported.

"This is a preemptive measure to strengthen future competitiveness by renewing the atmosphere internally and externally," Samsung Electronics said in a statement.

The firm said Jun, a former chief executive at battery arm Samsung SDI and former executive at Samsung Electronics' memory chip business, would help overcome the "chip crisis" with his management know-how.

Replacing such a high-ranking position in the middle of the year is unusual, given most personnel changes at Samsung normally take place in the beginning of the year, analysts said.

Current chip division chief Kye Hyun Kyung will succeed Jun as head of the future business unit.

"The chip division has been lagging in competitiveness on various fronts. It also missed a lot of the global AI upward trend," said analyst Lee Min-hee at BNK Investment & Securities.


Oil Prices Fall on Fear of High US Interest Rates Depressing Demand

The sun is seen behind a crude oil pump jack in the Permian Basin in Loving County, Texas, US, November 22, 2019. REUTERS/Angus Mordant
The sun is seen behind a crude oil pump jack in the Permian Basin in Loving County, Texas, US, November 22, 2019. REUTERS/Angus Mordant
TT

Oil Prices Fall on Fear of High US Interest Rates Depressing Demand

The sun is seen behind a crude oil pump jack in the Permian Basin in Loving County, Texas, US, November 22, 2019. REUTERS/Angus Mordant
The sun is seen behind a crude oil pump jack in the Permian Basin in Loving County, Texas, US, November 22, 2019. REUTERS/Angus Mordant

Oil prices fell in early Asian trade on Tuesday, with investors anticipating higher-for-longer US inflation and interest rates will depress consumer and industrial demand.

Brent crude futures declined 12 cents, or 0.1%, to $83.34 a barrel by 0041 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) eased 8 cents, or 0.1%, to $79.72 a barrel.

Both benchmarks fell less than 1% on Monday as US Federal Reserve officials said they were awaiting more signs of slowing inflation before considering interest rate cuts, Reuters reported.

"Fears of weaker demand led to selling as the prospect of Fed rate cut became more distant," said analyst Toshitaka Tazawa at Fujitomi Securities.

Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said on Monday it was too early to tell if the inflation slowdown is "long lasting," while Vice Chair Michael Barr said restrictive policy needs more time. Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic said it will "take a while" for the central bank to be confident that price growth slowdown is sustainable.

Lower interest rates reduce borrowing costs, freeing up funds which could boost economic growth and demand for oil.


Saudi Sports for All Federation Delegation Meets with Greek Sports Executives

The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) concludes visit to Athens, Greece - SPA
The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) concludes visit to Athens, Greece - SPA
TT

Saudi Sports for All Federation Delegation Meets with Greek Sports Executives

The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) concludes visit to Athens, Greece - SPA
The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) concludes visit to Athens, Greece - SPA

The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) concluded a visit to Athens, Greece, from May 7 to 10. The visit focused on exchanging expertise, exploring international best practices in community sports, and learning about popular sports facilities and effective techniques for promoting sports participation.oard of Directors, and Executive Director Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini, met with the Greek Minister of Education, Religious Af
The federation delegation, led by Prince Khalid bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Chairman of the Bfairs, and Sports, Jiannis Frutis, and the Secretary General for Sports Affairs, George Mavrotas.

Discussions covered governance, the role of sports in promoting mental health and quality of life, and the unveiling of the "Kouros" platform, a unique digital tool that tracks sports participation and performance data. This platform aids in data-driven decision-making and talent development across 63 federations. The Greek team also reviewed financial incentives for sports clubs and innovative community sports programs, SPA reported.
The delegation also met with the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, and his team to discuss the importance of community sports policies and initiatives. The Greek side highlighted efforts to reduce car usage and encourage cycling and other means of transportation. Plans for international events, including the "Tour of Hellas," were discussed to activate cycling trails and promote cultural exchanges among community members.
On the last day of the visit, the SFA delegation toured the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, the Peace and Friendship Stadium, and the Athens Olympic Museum to explore and transfer international best practices to the Kingdom.


Tickets for Whittaker vs. Chimaev at UFC's First Event in Saudi Arabia Now on Sale

Tickets for Whittaker vs. Chimaev at UFC's First Event in Saudi Arabia Now on Sale
TT

Tickets for Whittaker vs. Chimaev at UFC's First Event in Saudi Arabia Now on Sale

Tickets for Whittaker vs. Chimaev at UFC's First Event in Saudi Arabia Now on Sale

The capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, is set to host the first event for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world's premier mixed martial arts organization, on June 22. The main fight will be between Australian Robert Whittaker and Russian Khamzat Chimaev, SPA reported.
Tickets for the event are available to the public through the webook platform.
Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (26-7-0) is returning to the octagon to continue his winning streak in the highly anticipated matchup at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh against Khamzat Chimaev. Whittaker, a professional mixed martial artist since 2009, has left a significant mark on the sport, becoming the UFC middleweight champion at UFC 213. He most recently defeated Brazil's Paulo Costa at UFC 298.
Chimaev (13-0-0) is looking to maintain his undefeated record and continue his rise in the middleweight rankings as a rising star. He has achieved six wins by knockout, five by submission, and eight wins in the first round.
As part of the UFC's inaugural event in the Kingdom, fans will witness an exhilarating showdown in the octagon as Russia's Sergei Pavlovich (18-2) faces compatriot Alexander Volkov (37-10) in a clash of heavyweight titans.


Saudi National Team Participates in World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Peru

Saudi National Team Participates in World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Peru
TT

Saudi National Team Participates in World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Peru

Saudi National Team Participates in World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Peru

The Saudi weightlifting team will participate in the World Youth Weightlifting Championship Under 17, which will be held in Lima, Peru, from May 22-26, 2024. The championship will be attended by 284 weightlifters, representing 51 countries.
The team's weightlifters set up a preparatory camp for 33 days in Morocco before heading to Peru to participate in the tournament.

Head of the Saudi mission, Mohamed Al-Harbi, stressed the keenness of the Saudi Arabian Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Federation to prepare the players physically and psychologically for the tournament, by establishing such camps.

The federation aims to prepare a promising generation that competes on continental, global and Olympic platforms.


Saudi Karate Team Wins 5 Medals in World Youth League Championship in Spain

File photo of Saudi Arabia's flag.
File photo of Saudi Arabia's flag.
TT

Saudi Karate Team Wins 5 Medals in World Youth League Championship in Spain

File photo of Saudi Arabia's flag.
File photo of Saudi Arabia's flag.

The Saudi karate team concluded participation in the World Youth League Championship of the International Karate Federation, SPA reported.

The event featured the categories of U-14, juniors, youth, and Olympic, and was held in Acrona, Spain May 16 to 19.
The Saudi team won five medals, including gold, silver, and three bronze, across various categories in martial-arts competitions.


GCC Sec-Gen Affirms Support to All International Efforts to Achieve Stability in Yemen

Meeting between the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General to Yemen - SPA
Meeting between the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General to Yemen - SPA
TT

GCC Sec-Gen Affirms Support to All International Efforts to Achieve Stability in Yemen

Meeting between the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General to Yemen - SPA
Meeting between the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General to Yemen - SPA

The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, stressed that the GCC countries support all international efforts that contribute to achieving security, stability, development and peace in Yemen.
This came during his meeting with the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, at the Secretariat General's headquarters in Riyadh.
During the meeting, they reviewed the latest developments in Yemen, and several issues of common interest.

The discussions focused on the firm position of the Cooperation Council regarding supporting legitimacy in Yemen and ending the Yemeni crisis by reaching a political solution in accordance with the three terms of reference: the Gulf Initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive National Dialogue Conference (NDC), and Security Council Resolution 2216.
Albudaiwil also reaffirmed the statements made by the Supreme Council of the GCC in its 44th session held in Doha in December 2023. These statements included full support for the Presidential Leadership Council headed by Dr. Rashad Muhammad Al Alimi and the entities supporting him to achieve security and stability in Yemen.