Brazilian exports to Saudi Arabia hit $1.87bn, the highest among Arab countries

Brazilian imports from the Kingdom were also the highest among Arab countries between January and July, at $1.98 billion. Poultry, sugar, cereals, oil seeds, and soya beans were the top products exported to Arab countries during the period. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 20 August 2023
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Brazilian exports to Saudi Arabia hit $1.87bn, the highest among Arab countries

RIYADH: Brazilian exports to Saudi Arabia recorded robust growth in the first seven months of the year to reach $1.87 billion, the highest amongst all Arab countries, Emirates News Agency reported citing data from the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. 

Additionally, Brazilian imports from the Kingdom were also the highest among Arab countries, standing at $1.98 billion.

Brazilian exports to the UAE were the second highest in the Arab region, amounting to $1.64 billion between January and July.

Egypt’s exports were $1.16 billion, while Kuwait and Qatar recorded $157.7 million and $155.9 million, respectively.    

HIGHLIGHTS

Brazilian imports from the Kingdom were also the highest among Arab countries, standing at $1.98 billion.

Brazilian exports to the UAE were the second highest in the Arab region, amounting to $1.64 billion between January and July.

Egypt’s exports were $1.16 billion, while Kuwait and Qatar recorded $157.7 million and $155.9 million, respectively.

According to the Sao Paulo-based industry body, the overall Brazilian exports to the Arab region registered an 8 percent increase to $10.61 billion between January and July this year compared with $9.82 billion during the same period last year.

The ABCC stated that Brazilian imports from the UAE were also the second-highest haul, reaching $722 million, followed by Qatar at $408.5 million, Egypt at $275.4 million and Kuwait at $188.1 million. 

Furthermore, Brazilian imports from Arab countries reached $6.11 billion in the year’s first seven months. 

Poultry, animal meat, sugar, cereals, oil seeds, soya beans, coffee and spices were the top products exported to Arab countries during the period. 

“These positive figures indicate the strong and expanding trade relations between both sides. Through our various strategic initiatives and dedicated efforts, the chamber has significantly contributed to increasing Brazilian exports to the Arab region,” said ABCC President Osmar Chohfi.

He added: “The consistent growth in Brazilian exports to the Arab countries further underscores the unwavering commitment of both regions to foster mutually beneficial economic ties. This thriving trade relationship reinforces the Arab world’s position as a pivotal partner in Brazil’s global trade network.”

The top imported products from Arab countries to Brazil were mineral fuels, fertilizers, aluminum, plastics, inorganic chemicals, iron and steel. 

“We remain committed to fostering mutual understanding, expanding market access for Brazilian products as well as strengthening collaboration between these two dynamic and diverse regions,” Chohfi explained. 

Earlier this month, the Brazilian Council of Coffee Exporters, known as Cecafe, reported that Arab nations imported 56.2 percent more coffee from Brazil in the first half of this year than during the same period in 2022.

The South American nation exported 592,887 coffee bags — each weighing 60 kilograms — to Arab countries between January and June this year.


New Murabba seeks contractors for Mukaab Towers fit-outs: MEED

Updated 28 January 2026
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New Murabba seeks contractors for Mukaab Towers fit-outs: MEED

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s New Murabba Development Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, has issued a request for information to gauge the market for modular and offsite fit-out solutions for its flagship Mukaab development, MEED reported on Wednesday.

The RFI was released on Jan. 26, with submissions due by Feb. 11. NMDC has also scheduled a market engagement meeting during the first week of February to discuss potential solutions with prospective contractors.

Sources close to the project told MEED that NMDC is “seeking experienced suppliers and contractors to advise on the feasibility, constraints, and execution strategy for using non-load-bearing modular systems for the four corner towers framing the Mukaab structure.” The feedback gathered from these discussions will be incorporated into later design and procurement decisions.

The four towers — two residential (North and South) and two mixed-use (East and West) — are integral to the Mukaab’s architectural layout. Each tower is expected to rise approximately 375 meters and span over 80 stories. Key modular elements under consideration include bathroom pods, kitchen pods, dressing room modules, panelized steel partition systems, and other offsite-manufactured fit-out solutions.

Early works on the Mukaab were completed last year, with NMDC preparing to award the estimated $1 billion contract for the main raft works. This was highlighted in a presentation by NMDC’s chief project delivery officer on Sept. 9, 2025, during the Future Projects Forum in Riyadh.

Earlier this month, US-based Parsons Corp. was awarded a contract by NMDC to provide design and construction technical support. Parsons will act as the lead design consultant for infrastructure, delivering services covering public buildings, infrastructure, landscaping, and the public realm at New Murabba. The firm will also support the development of the project’s downtown experience, which spans 14 million sq. meters of residential, workplace, and entertainment space.

The Parsons contract follows NMDC’s October 2025 agreements with three other US-based engineering firms for design work across the development. New York-headquartered Kohn Pedersen Fox was appointed to lead early design for the first residential community, while Aecom and Jacobs were selected as lead design consultants for the Mukaab district.

In August 2025, NMDC signed a memorandum of understanding with Falcons Creative Group, another US-based firm, to develop the creative vision and immersive experiences for the Mukaab project. Meanwhile, Beijing-based China Harbour Engineering Co. completed the excavation works for the Mukaab, and UAE-headquartered HSSG Foundation Contracting executed the foundation works.