Monthly briefing: 14 key developments in the region
21 November 2022
By MEED staff
> Lukewarm Cop27 ends
> UAE and US sign $100bn energy programme
> BlackRock looks to invest in projects with PIF
> Riyadh signs construction deals during Seoul visit
> Middle East outpaces global economic growth
> Riyadh Grade A office occupancy hits 98 per cent
> Dubai developer plans world's tallest residential building
> Saudi Arabia launches national automaker
> Alba reaches Block 4 financial close
> Partners award contracts for $8.5bn US chemicals project
> Investors launch Sohar industrial projects
> Aramco and IBM plan Riyadh innovation hub
COP27
Egypt climate conference ends with agreement on payout
Negotiators from nearly 200 countries at the 2022 UN climate summit Cop27, which took place in Egypt on 6-18 November, have agreed to set up a loss and damage fund aimed at helping vulnerable countries to cope with climate disasters. They also agreed that global greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut nearly in half by 2030.
The agreement also reaffirmed the goal of keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, a deal to phase out the use of fossil fuels, and not just coal, could not be agreed upon after a number of nations, including China and Saudi Arabia, blocked the proposal. Read more
The Middle East was thrust firmly onto the global stage on 20 November when football’s 2022 World Cup kicked off in Qatar
Region pitches to be global sporting hub
OIL
Opec and non-Opec partners cut 2 million b/d of production
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude oil exporter, has started to cut its exports as Opec+ begins to reduce its overall target production by 2 million barrels a day (b/d).
Saudi Arabia had cut its crude oil exports by more than 400,000 b/d by the third week of November, while exports from Opec could be on course to drop by 1 million b/d.
In October, Opec+ announced it would slash its collective target by 2 million b/d from November. Although the actual reduction is expected to be about 1.1 million b/d, it is still the biggest cut since the record reduction announced in April 2020, when oil demand plunged at the start of the pandemic.
UAE-US DEAL
UAE and US sign $100bn clean energy partnership
The UAE and the US have signed a partnership that aims to catalyse $100bn in financing and other support, in addition to deploying 100GW of clean energy in the US, UAE and emerging economies around the world by 2035. They also reaffirmed their commitment to climate action, in line with their 2050 net-zero goals.
The two countries plan to stimulate private and public sector support in four areas: clean energy innovation, financing, deployment and supply chains; carbon and methane management; advanced reactors; and industrial and transport decarbonisation. Read more
PIF-BLACKROCK PARTNERSHIP
PIF and BlackRock agree to explore infrastructure projects
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with US asset manager BlackRock to jointly explore infrastructure projects in the Middle East, with a majority of the investment activity focused on Saudi Arabia.
The target projects are in several sectors, including energy, power, utilities, water, environment, transportation, telecommunications and social infrastructure.
BlackRock will look to build a dedicated infrastructure investment team in Riyadh to cover the Middle East region.
In a statement, the PIF said that the aim is to leverage positive Saudi and regional market dynamics to deliver sustainable long-term returns.
The sovereign wealth fund added that the two entities plan to work together to attract regional and international investors to participate in investment projects, and boost foreign direct investment into Saudi Arabia.
This will add value to the Saudi economy and the wider market while facilitating knowledge and skills transfer. Read more
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
IMF predicts economic growth for the Middle East in 2022
The real GDP of oil exporting countries in the Middle East is projected to grow at 5.2 per cent in 2022, up from 4.5 per cent in 2021, according to the Washington-based IMF.
Growth is projected to slow to 3.5 per cent in 2023 as Opec+ production wanes, oil prices ease and global demand slows.
Crude producers are projected to accrue a cumulative oil windfall of about $1tn in 2022−26, which the IMF said oil-exporting countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE could use to continue to invest in projects that support future economic growth. Read more
SAUDI-KOREA PROJECTS
Deals worth $30bn signed during royal visit to Seoul
Agreements totalling an estimated $30bn were signed during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud’s visit to Seoul, South Korea on 17 November.
The biggest deal was a commitment from Saudi Aramco to invest $7bn in building an integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex in South Korea through its local affiliate S-Oil.
The new plant will have capacity to produce 3.2 million tonnes a year of petrochemicals.
Five South Korean companies – Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco), Korea Southern Power Company, Korea National Oil Corporation, Posco Holdings and Samsung C&T Corporation – have also signed agreements with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to build and operate a green hydrogen and green ammonia production facility in Saudi Arabia. Read more
RIYADH REAL ESTATE
Riyadh Grade A office occupancy hits 98 per cent
Occupancy levels for prime office space in Riyadh have risen by four percentage points to 98 per cent according to a report by property consultancy Knight Frank.
Average lease rates for prime office space have increased by 18 per cent over the past 12 months to about SR1,775 ($473) a square foot. The company said there is unprecedented demand for Grade A office space.
“As the kingdom’s economic transformation plan unfolds, business activity is rising at an extraordinary pace. Seventy firms have now committed to relocating their regional headquarters to Riyadh, including Aldeham Education Group and French rolling stock manufacturer Alstom,” Knight Frank said. Read more
UAE
Dubai developer plans world’s tallest residential building
Local real estate developer Binghatti and jewellery brand Jacob & Co have announced plans to build the world’s tallest residential structure in Dubai’s Business Bay district.
Known as Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences, the tower will comprise more than 100 storeys and will offer two- and three-bedroom apartments. Amenities in the building will include an infinity pool, a spa and a gymnasium.
Companies recently moved onsite in Business Bay to work on a 116-storey tower for Binghatti. The contractor is Granada Europe Construction. The consultant is Silver Stone Engineering Consultants. Read more
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Saudi Arabia launches electric vehicle manufacturer
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman al-Saud has announced the launch of Ceer, the first Saudi electric vehicle brand. Ceer is the first Saudi automotive brand to produce electric vehicles in Saudi Arabia.
The company is a joint venture of Saudi sovereign wealth entity the Public Investment Fund and Taiwan-based Hon Hai Precision Industry Company, which trades as Foxconn internationally.
Foxconn will license component technology from BMW for use in the vehicle development process, with the first vehicles – sedans and sports utility vehicles – expected to be available in 2025.
Foxconn will develop the electrical architecture of the vehicles, which will feature infotainment, connectivity and autonomous driving technologies.
Ceer is expected to attract over $150m in foreign direct investment and create up to 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. Read more
Further reading
Alba agrees Block 4 financing
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has reached financial close on the 681MW combined-cycle gas turbine plant that comprises Block 4 of the smelter’s Power Station 5. China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (Sinosure) will provide a $225m facility.
Contracts awarded for US plant
QatarEnergy and Chevron Phillips Chemical Company have reached final investment decision on the Golden Triangle Polymers Plant, an $8.5bn integrated polymers facility in the US. The plant will include the biggest ethylene cracker in the world with a capacity of 2.1 million tonnes a year.
Investors launch Sohar projects
Investors have launched two non-oil industrial projects in Sohar Freezone in Oman. The sultanate’s first petroleum coke calcining facility will be built at a total investment of about $155.9m, while a titanium dioxide production facility will be established at a cost of $112m.
Aramco plans innovation hub
Saudi Aramco and US technology company IBM plan to establish an innovation hub in Riyadh. The hub will support tech-driven economic growth in Saudi Arabia with the help of emerging technologies in hybrid cloud, artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
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Dubai seeks contractors for Metro Gold Line
20 May 2026
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Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has invited contractors to express interest in a contract to build the new Gold Line, as part of its expansion of the Dubai Metro network.
The notice was issued in mid-May with a submission deadline of 13 June.
Dubai officially announced the launch of the new Gold Line in April.
In a post on social media site X, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the project will cost about AED34bn ($9.2bn).
The Gold Line will increase the total length of the Dubai Metro network by 35%.
The project is scheduled for completion in September 2032.
The Gold Line will be a fully underground network covering more than 42 kilometres, with 18 stations.
It will pass through 15 areas in Dubai, benefiting 1.5 million residents.
The project is expected to provide connectivity to over 55 under-construction real estate development projects.
The Gold Line will start at Al-Ghubaiba in Bur Dubai and end at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
It will be connected to Dubai Metro’s existing Red and Green lines and will integrate with the Etihad Rail passenger line.
The contractor will be responsible for the design and build of all civil works, electromechanical equipment, rolling stock and rail systems.
The selected contractor will also be required to assist in the systems maintenance and operations during an initial three-year period.
In October last year, MEED exclusively reported that the RTA had selected US-based engineering firm Aecom to provide consultancy services for the Dubai Metro Gold Line project.
Stage one covers concept design, stage two covers preliminary design, stage three covers the preparation of tender documents, stage four encompasses construction supervision and stage five covers the defects and liability period.
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Qiddiya selects three firms for cable car project
19 May 2026
Saudi gigaproject developer Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has selected three manufacturers for the cable car facility at Qiddiya Entertainment City.
The selected firms are:
- Bartholet Ropeways (Switzerland)
- Doppelmayr Group (Austria)
- Poma (France)
The cable car system will link the upper and lower plateaus at Qiddiya Entertainment City. It will include a 700-space car park and a 200-metre-high pylon.
MEED understands that the selected firm will further nominate a contractor to undertake the civil construction works.
Construction work on the cable car system is expected to take two years.
In 2024, MEED exclusively reported that QIC had appointed French engineering firm Systra as a lead consultant to design the proposed light rail transit and cable car facility at Qiddiya Entertainment City.
Earlier this month, QIC asked contractors to express interest in a contract to design and build the first phase of the development's light rail transit system.
The project, also known as the Primary Urban Axis, comprises a 22-kilometre (km) automated, driverless rail line as part of its first phase.
The contract scope includes about 16 stations – 11 elevated and five underground – along with 8km of tunnels, viaducts and other associated structures. It covers all civil; architectural; and mechanical, electrical and plumbing works.
Stations will be located at Resort Core East Village, Grand Central Station, Anime Hub Integrated Station and Primary Urban Axis 1 & 2 Hub Station.
A subsequent phase will extend the railway network by a further 11km.
QIC’s other major projects include an e-games arena, Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a motorsports track, the Dragon Ball and Six Flags theme parks and Aquarabia.
QIC officially opened the Six Flags theme park to the public in December last year.
The park covers 320,000 square metres and features 28 rides and attractions, including 10 thrill rides and 18 aimed at families and young children.
The Qiddiya project is a key part of Riyadh’s strategy to boost leisure tourism in the kingdom.
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Construction advances on Riyadh King Salman airport
19 May 2026
King Salman International Airport (KSIA) is advancing airside infrastructure works under its long-term expansion programme in Riyadh, including the delivery of a third runway and new private aviation facilities.
Construction activity on the central runway programme is progressing across several operational zones, with works covering excavation, grading, site preparation and taxiway-enabling infrastructure to support upcoming phases.
The third runway is intended to increase airfield capacity and cater to the airport’s future operational requirements.
In a separate development, KSIA has completed initial landside works for the private aviation apron, marking a milestone in the rollout of its executive aviation infrastructure.
The completed scope includes pavement markings, waterproofing systems, firefighting infrastructure chambers and final operational inspections to support readiness for the next stages.
KSIA has also secured General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) approval for phase one airside works, which includes the planned connection of Taxiway Alpha to the private aviation facilities, strengthening operational integration between executive aviation assets and airfield movement areas.
The packages form part of the wider KSIA masterplan, which covers about 57 square kilometres and supports Saudi Arabia’s objective of positioning Riyadh as a global aviation and logistics hub.
The airport aims to accommodate up to 100 million passengers by 2030.
Saudi Arabia plans to invest $100bn in its aviation sector. The Saudi Aviation Strategy, announced by GACA, aims to triple annual passenger traffic to 330 million travellers by 2030. It also targets air cargo growth to 4.5 million tonnes and an increase in total air connections to more than 250 destinations.
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Aldar launches Al-Ghadeer Gardens project
19 May 2026
Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer Aldar Properties has launched the Al-Ghadeer Gardens project, located on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai border.
The new residential development will feature 437 villas and townhouses, offering two-, three- and four-bedroom homes.
Al-Ghadeer Gardens will include more than 30,000 square metres of landscaped open space, supporting a pedestrian-friendly layout and outdoor-focused living.
As part of its sustainability and wellbeing approach, the project is targeting Estidama Pearl 2 and Fitwel 2-star certifications.
Earlier this month, Aldar announced its Q1 financial results, reporting a 20% year-on-year increase in net profit after tax to AED2.3bn ($626m).
Aldar Development recorded a 14% year-on-year rise in revenue to $1.7bn, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) increased 23% to $599m.
UAE revenue backlog rose to $17bn at the end of March from $16.6bn at the end of December, with an average duration of 29 months.
The group attributed its performance to revenue from its development backlog and steady income from its investment properties.
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Iraq trucks oil from the south to Kurdish pipeline
19 May 2026
Iraq is trucking crude from Basra to the north of the country to be exported via the Iraq-Turkiye Pipeline (ITP), according to industry sources.
The oil is being loaded into trucks at fields in Basra before being driven to the north, where it is injected into the pipeline network at Khurmala Dome, in the northern section of the Kirkuk field.
Once it has entered the network at Khurmala Dome, it is transported to the main ITP export pipeline and eventually to the port of Ceyhan in Turkiye, where it can be loaded onto ships.
The volumes of crude being transported using trucks have surged in Iraq since the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February, starting a regional conflict that has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
One source said: “Most of the crude that is being trucked out of Iraqi oil fields at the moment is going to Syria, but some is being trucked to the north where it is being funnelled through the pipeline.”
Even with the additional volumes being trucked from the south, Iraq is struggling to boost exports using the ITP.
At the end of March, Amer Khalil, the director-general of Iraq’s state-run North Oil Company, said that Iraq was exporting 200,000 barrels a day (b/d) through the ITP.
At the time, he said that the pipeline, which runs from Kirkuk in Iraqi Kurdistan to the port of Ceyhan in Turkiye, was expected to start transporting 300,000 b/d “in the near future”.
As of early May, the pipeline was still exporting about 200,000 b/d, despite having a nameplate capacity of 1.4 million b/d.
One of the factors said to be stopping increased volumes from being shipped through the pipeline is that several key oil fields in northern Iraq evacuated staff and stopped production after the US and Israel started their war with Iran.
Another factor is that Iraq has not invested in domestic pipeline infrastructure to pipe production from Basra to Kurdistan, where it could be exported via the Kurdish ITP route.
READ THE MAY 2026 MEED BUSINESS REVIEW – click here to view PDFGlobal energy sector forced to recalibrate; Conflict hits debt issuance and listings activity; UAE’s non-oil sector faces unclear recovery period amid disruption.
Distributed to senior decision-makers in the region and around the world, the May 2026 edition of MEED Business Review includes:
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