Al-Jouf is a fertile investment region, governor says

Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz during the 46th session of the “Jouf Nights” gatherings. SPA
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Updated 06 March 2024
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Al-Jouf is a fertile investment region, governor says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Jouf province offers a fertile investment landscape, attributed to the abundance of renewable energy and a robust food supply, said the region’s governor. 

Prince Faisal bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz has confirmed that the region possesses numerous investment opportunities and comparative advantages. 

The governor emphasized that Al-Jouf has seen numerous initiatives and endeavors aimed at surmounting challenges for prospective investors seeking to establish a presence through coordinated efforts across various governmental domains. 

These undertakings aim to facilitate investment projects aligned with the vision outlined in Saudi Arabia 2030, as the Saudi News Agency reported. 

The remarks were made during the governor’s address at the 46th session of the “Jouf Nights” gatherings, which he convenes periodically with the region’s residents. This event was hosted at his palace in Sakaka and focused on the theme “Trade and Investment in Balance.” 

The official emphasized that Al-Jouf region is actively fostering innovative investments through unique and pioneering projects. He highlighted that these endeavors will create future employment prospects for both male and female youth in the region and the nation at large. 

Prince Faisal added that entrepreneurial projects are receiving full support from the region’s governing body, given their positive economic and social impact on the region’s future. 

He further added that Al-Jouf possesses all the necessary components, serving as “the Kingdom’s food basket” and “the capital of renewable energy.” “Its exceptional attributes make it a unique tourist destination for visitors from both within and outside the kingdom.” 

The governor reiterated the region’s significance in the broader government agenda, affirming that, in line with all other regions, it enjoys substantial care and attention from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.  

He noted that the comprehensive support extends to various sectors, including development, services, investment facilitation, and tourism promotion, showcasing a well-rounded progress strategy for the region. 

At the gathering, the governor received detailed briefings on the participating pavilions, featuring a variety of investment ideas and experiences presented by specialized entities in trade, architecture, and design, as well as, urban planning, and related fields. 

Hasan Moejeb Al-Huwaizy, the chairman of the board of directors of the Council of Saudi Chambers, conveyed appreciation to the governor for his active involvement with citizens during meetings.  

He stressed that such engagement not only serves the interests of investors but also highlights the significance of the region. 

Before the meeting concluded, the governor attentively listened to various development ideas and proposals from different participants. He instructed the evaluation of the discussed points and mandated a thorough examination to assess their feasibility as initiatives to be implemented through the Vision Realization Office within the governing department. 

Al-Jouf Chamber of Commerce launches ‘Is’ham’ program to boost regional investments

Entrepreneurs in Al-Jouf province are poised to receive additional support, with the region’s chamber of commerce launching initiatives under the ‘Is’ham 2024’ program. 

The scheme, named ‘Contribution’ in English, aims to boost investment, support entrepreneurship, and recognize outstanding economic establishments through initiatives targeting the business sector and investors.  

Hamdan bin Abdullah Al-Semreen, chairman of the Al-Jouf Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that these initiatives mark a continuation of the achievements made by his chamber during 2023, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. 

He explained that the chamber organized 40 workshops, focusing on the region’s economic comparative advantage. They also signed eight agreements to support the business sector and facilitated funding for startup projects. He mentioned achieving a 100 percent rating in business sector awareness and guidance and a 97 percent rating in financial sustainability, based on the country’s Chambers of Commerce performance evaluation. 

Furthermore, the chairman added that the chamber organized and participated in 11 exhibitions, forums, and conferences, including the Renewable Energy Exhibition, the Al-Jouf Date Festival, and the Al-Jouf Entrepreneurship Forum. 


Silver crosses $77 mark while gold, platinum stretch record highs

Updated 27 December 2025
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Silver crosses $77 mark while gold, platinum stretch record highs

  • Spot silver touched an all-time high of $77.40 earlier today, marking a 167% year-to-date surge driven by supply deficits
  • Spot platinum rose 9.8% to $2,437.72 per ounce, while palladium surged 14 percent to $1,927.81, its highest level in over 3 years

Silver breached the $77 mark for the first time on Friday, while gold and platinum hit record highs, buoyed by expectations of US Federal Reserve rate cuts and geopolitical tensions that fueled safe-haven demand.

Spot silver jumped 7.5% to $77.30 per ounce, as of 1:53 p.m. ET (1853 GMT), after touching an all-time high of $77.40 earlier today, marking a 167% year-to-date surge driven by supply deficits, its designation ‌as a US ‌critical mineral, and strong investment inflows.

Spot gold ‌was ⁠up ​1.2% at $4,531.41 ‌per ounce, after hitting a record $4,549.71 earlier. US gold futures for February delivery settled 1.1% higher at $4,552.70.

“Expectations for further Fed easing in 2026, a weak dollar and heightened geopolitical tensions are driving volatility in thin markets. While there is some risk of profit-taking before the year-end, the trend remains strong,” said Peter Grant, vice president and senior metals strategist ⁠at Zaner Metals.

Markets are anticipating two rate cuts in 2026, with the first likely ‌around mid-year amid speculation that US President Donald ‍Trump could name a dovish ‍Fed chair, reinforcing expectations for a more accommodative monetary stance.

The US ‍dollar index was on track for a weekly decline, enhancing the appeal of dollar-priced gold for overseas buyers.

On the geopolitical front, the US carried out airstrikes against Daesh militants in northwest Nigeria, Trump said on Thursday.

“$80 in ​silver is within reach by year-end. For gold, the next objective is $4,686.61, with $5,000 likely in the first half of next ⁠year,” Grant added.

Gold remains poised for its strongest annual gain since 1979, underpinned by Fed policy easing, central bank purchases, ETF inflows, and ongoing de-dollarization trends.

On the physical demand side, gold discounts in India widened to their highest in more than six months this week as a relentless price rally curbed retail buying, while discounts in China narrowed sharply from last week’s five-year highs.

Elsewhere, spot platinum rose 9.8% to $2,437.72 per ounce, having earlier hit a record high of $2,454.12 while palladium surged 14% to $1,927.81, its highest level in more than three years.

All precious ‌metals logged weekly gains, with platinum recording its strongest weekly rise on record.