MUST-READS

• Mideast Wealth Funds Spend $82 Billion to Ramp Up Bets on Post-Oil Future

  That the Gulf’s various sovereign wealth funds have become some of the most dominant players in global dealmaking has rarely been in doubt in the past few years. Figures for 2024’s deal activity demonstrate it beyond all doubt. Collectively, five wealth funds controlled by Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Saudi Arabia deployed $82 billion last year, accounting for more than 60% of all sovereign wealth fund investments, according to Global SWF. These entities regularly feature in the top 10 global sovereign dealmakers. The bigger question is how much these funds are driven by the quest for returns, and how much by their nations’ domestic and foreign policy priorities. That may become even more acute as Gulf states look to use their oil wealth to position themselves at the center of industries like artificial intelligence.

   

• UAE discusses post-war Gaza government with US and Israel
  The United Arab Emirates has discussed with Israel and the United States participating in a provisional administration of post-war Gaza until a reformed Palestinian Authority is able to take charge, according to people familiar with the talks. The behind-the-scenes discussions, reported by Reuters for the first time, included the possibility of the UAE and the United States, along with other nations, temporarily overseeing the governance, security and reconstruction of Gaza after the Israeli military withdraws and until a Palestinian administration is able to take over, a dozen foreign diplomats and Western officials told Reuters.

• Taste of 2034 World Cup as Saudi Asian Cup stadiums named

  Among the venues announced Tuesday for the 24-team regional competition were the 70,000-capacity King Fahd Sports City Stadium and King Saud University Stadium, both in Riyadh, which have also been earmarked to hold World Cup games.  Likewise the 60,000 King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah. The Asian Cup will be spread across eight stadiums. "Confirming the dates and selecting the stadiums for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 is a strategic milestone in our journey to host the tournament," said Yasser al-Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation.

• Saudi Interior Ministry confirms ban on transferring or publishing security surveillance camera recordings

  Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry confirmed that the provisions of the “Use of Security Surveillance Cameras” law prohibit the transfer or publication of security surveillance camera recordings. Security surveillance camera recordings can only be transferred or published with the approval of the ministry or the Presidency of State Security, based on a judicial order, or at the request of an investigating authority. The ministry explained that anyone who violates this rule will be punished with a fine of SR20,000 ($5,327). This includes anyone who transfers or publishes recordings in violation of the law or damages or vandalizes security surveillance camera systems or recordings.

• Saudi Arabia sells $12 billion 3-part bond amid strong demand
   Saudi Arabia raised $12 billion from global debt markets in a three-part bond sale, attracting strong investor demand, according to a government statement early Tuesday, with proceeds expected to help cover its budget deficit and pay down debt. The kingdom sold $5 billion, $3 billion and $4 billion in tenors of three, six and 10 years, respectively, the National Debt Management Center (NDMC) said in a statement, adding that the total order book reached around $37 billion. The issuer was able to lower the pricing on the bonds from initial guidance, fixed income news service IFR reported earlier on Monday, indicating strong investor appetite. "This transaction is part of NDMC's strategy to diversify the investors' base and meet the Kingdom's financing needs from international debt capital markets efficiently and effectively," the NDMC said. Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, has forecast a fiscal deficit of $27 billion for 2025 as it continues strategic spending on projects linked to Vision 2030, the kingdom's ambitious plan to overhaul the economy.

• Saudi Arabia’s PIF raises $7bn from first murabaha facility as it seeks to boost investments

  Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund plans to raise $7 billion from its first murabaha credit facility, as the fund diversifies its funding sources to boost investments. A murabaha facility follows an Islamic financing structure which does not involve any interest payments, where the two parties agree on the contractual terms. The financing is part of the fund's medium-term capital-raising strategy and is supported by a syndicate of 20 international and regional financial institutions, the PIF said on Monday. “This inaugural murabaha credit facility demonstrates the flexibility and depth of PIF’s financing strategy and use of diversified funding sources, as we continue to drive transformative investments, globally and in Saudi Arabia,” said Fahad Al Saif, PIF’s head of the global capital finance as well as the investment strategy and economic insights divisions.

• Dakar Rally competitors react to grueling Stage 2 in Saudi Arabia: Video

  Dakar Rally drivers and riders recount Stage 2 of the event, where competitors took two days to traverse nearly 1000 km.

• Saudi Arabia completes arrangement to secure $2.5 bln credit facility
  Saudi Arabia has finalised an arrangement for securing a shariah-compliant revolving credit facility worth $2.5 billion, the National Debt Management Center (NDMC) said on Thursday. The credit facility, which spans a tenure of three years, is aimed at financing the general budgetary needs, and was secured with the participation of three regional and international financial institutions, NDMC added in a statement.

• PHOTO COLLECTION: Saudi Arabia Dakar Rally
  This is a collection of 37 photos chosen by AP photo editors.

• Clampdown begins on Saudi’s unlicensed hospitality

  Travel and tourism service providers and booking platforms have been ordered by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism to remove unlicensed hospitality facilities from their listings or “face penalties”.  The ruling, which came into effect from January 1, is to ensure outlets offering hospitality meet a certain standard, the ministry said in a statement.  It urged all establishments to obtain or renew their licences or face fines of up to SAR1 million ($267,000) and/or closure.  Violators may also face public shaming, the ministry said in a statement on the Saudi Press Agency.

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