“Over 6.1 million vaccine doses have been administered in the Kingdom so far, at a rate of 175,000 daily doses, which means 17.5 percent of the Kingdom has received at least one dose.”
–Deema Al-Khudair reports for Arab News that the Ministry of Health has postponed second dose appointments as of April 11 in order to ensure more of the Kingdom’s residents can receive their first dose. The ministry noted that a global shortage in vaccine manufacturing and delivery required more room for first timers, especially those in high risk categories, to receive theirs. [Arab News]
“The transaction represents a continuation of Aramco’s strategy to unlock the potential of its asset base and maximize value for its shareholders.”
–Saudi Aramco, in a Friday statement confirming it had entered into a $12.4 billion deal with a consortium investors led by EIG Global Energy Partners that would give the investor group a 49% stake in Aramco’s pipeline assets. [Reuters]
“The setup that we have, the market momentum, our financial performance, all of these indicators just give us the comfort to say this is the right time to float the company and to be among developed exchanges and listed also on their platforms.”
-Khalid Al Hussan, Saudi Tadawul Group CEO, speaking with CNBC’s Hadley Gamble after the Tadawul announced its conversion into a holding company with four subsidiaries as it prepares for an initial public offering this year. [CNBC]
“More than half the area of Saudi Arabia is desert.”
–Samir Salama, Writing for Gulf News, reports on the ‘scores’ of rescue missions across Saudi Arabia’s three major deserts: Rub’ al Khali (The Empty Quarter); An Nafud (Great Nafud) and; Ad Dahna’. Salama also shares survival tips if one becomes stranded in the desert. [Gulf News]
“Multispeed recoveries are underway in all regions and across income groups, linked to stark differences in the pace of vaccine rollout, the extent of economic policy support, and structural factors such as reliance on tourism… the United States the only large economy projected to surpass the level of GDP it was forecast to have in 2022 in the absence of this pandemic.”
-Gita Gopinath, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief Economist, commenting on updated IMF economic projections for global economies. [Nikkei Asia]
“The male drivers we have here are the best in any motorsport category in the world, so it’s an awesome opportunity for us female drivers and a real investment in the development of female racing talent. This is just a dream come true all round.”
–Molly Taylor, Australian driver who was part of the Rosberg X Racing team that won the Extreme E 2021 opening race held in Al-‘Ula. [ABC-Australia News]
“What I think Saudi Arabia is trying to do with this project is create a global exhibition space that says, ‘We have design and innovation, and we are thinking about how to shape the future. It has a respectable ambition behind it. I think Saudi Arabia is trying to say, ‘Allow us to breathe and have a story that is positive about our future.'”
–Angela Wilkinson, CEO of the World Energy Council, commenting on “The Line,” the first phase of the planned zero-carbon community of Neom. [S&P Global]
“Our growth in the region has always been driven by our mission to champion young voices. Given how dynamic youth culture currently is in this part of the world, this move represents a natural expansion of our operations. Having a presence on the ground, with the corresponding insights and storytelling capabilities that gives us, means we are also better placed to partner with leading brands who want to connect with audiences in a meaningful way.”
–Jason Leavy, senior vice president, International Growth, VICE Media Group, on the establishment of its Riyadh office and partnership with the Saudi Research & Marketing Group. [Campaign ME]
“What I think Saudi Arabia is trying to do with this project is create a global exhibition space that says, ‘We have design and innovation, and we are thinking about how to shape the future. It has a respectable ambition behind it. I think Saudi Arabia is trying to say, ‘Allow us to breathe and have a story that is positive about our future.'”
–Angela Wilkinson, CEO of the World Energy Council, speaking with S&P Global Platts about “The Line” concept, a linear smart city and zero-carbon community spanning 170 km of desert and mountains in the planned city of Neom. [S&P Global]
“On such a vital subject as climate change, which impacts the lives and livelihoods of everybody on the planet and of generations to come, we must draw on the same spirit of unity that we have shown in dealing with the oil market over the past year.”
–Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi Energy Minister, in introductory remarks at the OPEC+ virtual meeting taking place today. [Twitter]
