Saudi Arabia gets a new oil customer in Belarus

A view shows branded oil tanks at Saudi Aramco oil facility in Abqaiq. (REUTERS File Photo)
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Updated 30 April 2020
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Saudi Arabia gets a new oil customer in Belarus

MOSCOW: Belarus, which has long relied on Russian oil, has purchased its first crude from Saudi Arabia, according to state refiner Belneftekhim.

It has bought 80,000 tons of Arab Light crude oil from Saudi Aramco for delivery to the port of Klaipeda in May, Belneftekhim said on Wednesday.

The move reflects a competition in physical oil markets between Russia and Saudi Arabia as both fight for market share amid falling global oil demand.

Minsk has put much effort to diversify sources of crude oil amid its row with Moscow over oil prices, which led to a partial suspension of Russian oil supplies to Belarus.

In April, the states reached an agreement and pipeline oil supplies of Russian oil to Belarus were resumed in full, but Minsk said it would preserve alternative oil supplies anyway.

“It’s our first tanker (with Arab oil),” a Belneftekhim representative said.

Further cooperation with Saudi Aramco will depend on the “market situation,” he added.

The tanker Ionic Astrapi loaded crude at Sidi Kerir on April 27 and is expected to arrive at Klaipeda on May 11, according to shipping data on the Refinitiv Eikon terminal.

The oil will be delivered to refineries by rail.

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Arab Light

Arab Light crude oil is closest to Russia’s flagship Urals blend in terms of quality, which makes it the most suitable for Belarus refineries.


Saudi Dar Al Arkan, Trump Organization unveil 1st Riyadh project in Wadi Safar 

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Saudi Dar Al Arkan, Trump Organization unveil 1st Riyadh project in Wadi Safar 

RIYADH: Saudi developer Dar Al Arkan and its international unit Dar Global have unveiled the first of two Trump-branded projects planned for Riyadh, launching a 2.6 million-sq.-meter Trump International Golf Club in Wadi Safar.  

The project follows a joint announcement in December 2024 by Dar Al Arkan, Dar Global and The Trump Organization to develop two Trump-branded assets in the Saudi capital. It marks The Trump Organization’s first venture within the Diriyah development, one of the Kingdom’s flagship giga-projects, according to a press statement. 

The development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy away from oil and attract foreign direct investment. 

It also comes as Saudi Arabia plans to allow foreigners to own property in designated areas for the first time, starting this month.   

In a statement, Eric Trump, executive vice president of The Trump Organization, said:  

“We are proud to expand our presence with this landmark development in Wadi Safar. Trump International Golf Club, Wadi Safar will redefine luxury and excellence in the region, setting a new standard that reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to quality, prestige and timeless elegance.”  

He added: “We look forward to creating a destination that complements the rich heritage of the region while delivering a global standard of luxury living.”  

The Trump International Golf Club, Wadi Safar, will be developed as a gated community featuring a championship golf course, a luxury hotel and premium residential units overlooking surrounding wadis and fairways. 

“This new project represents a vision to deliver a destination that captures the prestige and the legacy of the Trump brand. With Dar Global leading the development, we are confident this will become a flagship destination not just for Saudi Arabia, but for the world,” said Yousef Al Shelash, chairman of Dar Al Arkan. 

The project will combine top-tier hospitality, design, and lifestyle offerings in a setting that reflects Saudi Arabia’s cultural and natural heritage. 

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, said the company is proud to collaborate with Diriyah Co. and Dar Al Arkan on the development of the new site. 

“We have delivered landmark projects across Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council in partnership with globally recognized luxury brands. Bringing this experience to the Diriyah project, we will deliver a destination that combines heritage, elegance, and world-class standards, making Trump International Golf Club, Wadi Safar a truly iconic address,” El Chaar said.

Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said in a post on X that the project represents a milestone partnership and reflects momentum in developing destinations to international standards. 

“From Wadi Safar in Diriyah, we laid the cornerstone for the Trump International Wadi Safar project within the Rayana Wadi Safar masterplan, which includes the launch of the Trump International Golf Club, alongside a Trump-branded hotel and a collection of luxury mansions,” he said. 

Al-Khateeb added: “A milestone reflecting strong delivery momentum in developing destinations to global standards, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as a leading destination for tourism and investment through high-calibre international partnerships.” 

Located on the outskirts of Riyadh, Wadi Safar in Diriyah is among Saudi Arabia’s most scenic and strategically important areas. It is envisioned as an upscale enclave that aligns with the wider Diriyah master plan, a central pillar of Vision 2030 aimed at economic diversification and enhancing the Kingdom’s global standing.