Sustainability among top priorities of Saudi CEOs, IBM study shows

The firm’s annual CEO study surveyed over 60 business chiefs in Saudi Arabia and found that nearly half of the respondents rank sustainability as a top priority for their respective organizations — an increase of 37 percent from 2021.
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Updated 31 May 2022
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Sustainability among top priorities of Saudi CEOs, IBM study shows

RIYADH: Sustainability is rising among Saudi CEOs’ priorities amid a growing recognition of its importance as a business imperative and growth driver, an IBM study showed. 

The firm’s annual CEO study surveyed over 60 business chiefs in Saudi Arabia and found that nearly half of the respondents rank sustainability as a top priority for their respective organizations — an increase of 37 percent from 2021.

Around 62 percent of the respondents said that increasing sustainability is one of their highest priorities for their organization in the next two to three years, which is 14 percent more than the global average surveyed.

“CEOs are leading during one of the most complex environments ever, including war, inflation, talent shortages, and the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Fahad Alanazi, general manager of IBM Saudi Arabia. 

“Despite these challenges, they aren’t taking their foot off the gas when it comes to sustainability, and now rank it among their top priorities. Sustainability is at the heart of Saudi Vision 2030 as the Kingdom aims to reach net zero by 2060,” he added. 

The study, titled “Own your impact: Practical pathways to transformational sustainability,” is released by the IBM Institute for Business Value. 


Closing Bell: Saudi main index dips slightly to 10,912

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Closing Bell: Saudi main index dips slightly to 10,912

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index was broadly stable on Tuesday, as it shed just 4.61 points or 0.04 percent to close at 10,912.43.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index stood at SR3.99 billion ($1.06 billion), with 68 of the listed stocks advancing, and 194 declining.

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu gained 0.68 points to close at 23,358.18.

The MSCI Tadawul Index also edged up by 0.03 points to 1,467.56.

The best-performing stock on the main market was Saudi Cable Co. The firm’s share price rose by 9.72 percent to SR161.40.

The share price of Almasane Alkobra Mining Co. advanced by 9.25 percent to SR108.70.

Al-Jouf Agricultural Development Co. also saw its stock price climb by 6.46 percent to SR48.10.

Conversely, the share price of Tabuk Agricultural Development Co. edged down by 3.67 percent to SR7.61.

On the announcements front, Dar Al Majed Real Estate Co. said that it signed a Shariah-compliant banking facilities agreement with the Arab National Bank valued at SR500 million.

In a Tadawul statement, the company revealed that the agreement is aimed at supporting the firm’s expansion plans and financing its future projects in line with its approved strategic plan.

The financing term extends for up to five years and includes a grace period of two years.

The share price of Dar Al Majed Real Estate Co. declined by 0.99 percent to SR9.

Saudi Paper Manufacturing Co. said it signed a credit facilities agreement with Kuwait Finance House Bahrain, which includes facilities allocated to finance working capital and medium-term facilities amounting to $40 million.

In a Tadawul statement, the company revealed that the working capital facilities extend for 12 months and are renewable.

The medium-term facilities last for 48 months, including a six-month grace period.

The credit facilities will be used to cover the company’s working capital for operational activities, plans and expansions in purchasing raw materials, in addition to restructuring medium-term debts to improve cash flows.

The share price of Saudi Paper Manufacturing Co. edged down by 1.09 percent to SR58.80.