PIF-backed Marafiq eyes 80% dividend by 2024 as it plans listing on TASI

The utility company has witnessed stable financial results in the last three years.
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Updated 03 October 2022
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PIF-backed Marafiq eyes 80% dividend by 2024 as it plans listing on TASI

RIYADH: The Public Investment Fund-backed utility firm Saudi Power and Water Utility Co. for Jubail and Yanbu, known as Marafiq, expects dividends to reach 80 percent by 2024, as it plans listing on Tadawul soon. 

The utility company has witnessed stable financial results in the last three years. In 2021, its revenues amounted to about SR6.2 billion ($1.65 billion), while profits before taxes came to about SR2.2 billion, Marafiq CEO Mohammed Al-Zuabi told CNBC Arabia.

Last week, the Capital Market Authority approved the listing of the company’s 73.09 million shares on the Saudi Stock Exchange, which is equivalent to 29.24 percent of its total capital.

The company’s prospectus will be published before the start of the subscription period, according to the CMA.

The CMA’s approval will be valid for six months from the date on which the decision was made. 

This offering will enable Marfiq to diversify its investor base, and provide them an opportunity to be part of the company’s future growth, Al-Zuabi said.

Al-Zuabi expects the company to pay semi-annual dividends for shareholders following the offering.

For the current year, the company will pay dividends totaling SR550 million, and expects to pay the same amount for 2024.

A joint stock company established under a royal decree issued in October 2000, Marafiq is owned by four major shareholders, namely Saudi Aramco, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the Saudi Basic Industries Corp., and the Public Investment Fund, each holding 24.81 percent of the company. 

Private investors also hold a 0.76 percent interest in the firm.

With a capital share of SR2.5 billion, Marafiq began operations in January 2003.

This company is primarily concerned with providing electricity to the cities of Jubail and Yanbu, as well as providing electricity to oil and petrochemical facilities owned by companies such as Saudi Aramco and SABIC, as well as providing electricity to the national grid.


Saudi POS spending jumps 28% in final week of Jan: SAMA

Updated 06 February 2026
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Saudi POS spending jumps 28% in final week of Jan: SAMA

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale spending climbed sharply in the final week of January, rising nearly 28 percent from the previous week as consumer outlays increased across almost all sectors. 

POS transactions reached SR16 billion ($4.27 billion) in the week ending Jan. 31, up 27.8 percent week on week, according to the Saudi Central Bank. Transaction volumes rose 16.5 percent to 248.8 million, reflecting stronger retail and service activity. 

Spending on jewelry saw the biggest uptick at 55.5 percent to SR613.69 million, followed by laundry services which saw a 44.4 percent increase to SR62.83 million. 

Expenditure on personal care rose 29.1 percent, while outlays on books and stationery increased 5.1 percent. Hotel spending climbed 7.4 percent to SR377.1 million. 

Further gains were recorded across other categories. Spending in pharmacies and medical supplies rose 33.4 percent to SR259.19 million, while medical services increased 13.7 percent to SR515.44 million. 

Food and beverage spending surged 38.6 percent to SR2.6 billion, accounting for the largest share of total POS value. Restaurants and cafes followed with a 20.4 percent increase to SR1.81 billion. Apparel and clothing spending rose 35.4 percent to SR1.33 billion, representing the third-largest share during the week. 

The Kingdom’s key urban centers mirrored the national surge. Riyadh, which accounted for the largest share of total POS spending, saw a 22 percent rise to SR5.44 billion from SR4.46 billion the previous week. The number of transactions in the capital reached 78.6 million, up 13.8 percent week on week. 

In Jeddah, transaction values increased 23.7 percent to SR2.16 billion, while Dammam reported a 22.2 percent rise to SR783.06 million. 

POS data, tracked weekly by SAMA, provides an indicator of consumer spending trends and the ongoing growth of digital payments in Saudi Arabia.  

The data also highlights the expanding reach of POS infrastructure, extending beyond major retail hubs to smaller cities and service sectors, supporting broader digital inclusion initiatives.  

The growth of digital payment technologies aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, promoting electronic transactions and contributing to the Kingdom’s broader digital economy.