Oil Updates – prices rise as investors look for signs US rate cuts to begin

Brent crude prices were up 48 cents, or 0.57 percent, at $83.10 a barrel by 2:35 a.m. Saudi time. Shutterstock
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Updated 22 July 2024
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Oil Updates – prices rise as investors look for signs US rate cuts to begin

TOKYO: Oil prices rose in early trade on Monday as investors keep a lookout for signs of a rate-cut cycle expected to begin as soon as September, according to Reuters.

Brent crude prices were up 48 cents, or 0.57 percent, at $83.10 a barrel by 2:35 a.m. Saudi time, and US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 42 cents, or 0.52 percent, to $80.55.

“Since the June FOMC meeting, inflation and labor market data have signalled that disinflation and labor market rebalancing are in place, which we expect will allow the Fed to begin its interest rate cutting cycle in September,” ANZ Research said in a note.

The US Federal Reserve will next hold a Federal Open Market Committee meeting on interest rates on July 30-31, at which investors expect the Fed to keep the rates unchanged, while looking for any signal of a cut coming later in the year.

On the political front, US President Joe Biden abandoned his reelection bid on Sunday under pressure from fellow Democrats and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the party’s candidate to face Republican Donald Trump in November.

Slower-than-expected economic growth of 4.7 percent for China in the second quarter sparked concerns last week over the country’s demand for oil and continues to weigh on prices.

On Sunday, China released a policy document outlining known ambitions, from developing advanced industries to improving the business environment, with analysts spotting no sign of imminent structural shifts in the world’s second-biggest economy.

The 60-point document’s publication follows last week’s closed-door meeting of the Communist Party’s Central Committee that takes place roughly every five years. 


Diriyah Co. partners with Midad to develop Four Seasons hotel in Diriyah 

Updated 07 January 2026
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Diriyah Co. partners with Midad to develop Four Seasons hotel in Diriyah 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund-backed developer, Diriyah Co., has signed a joint development agreement with Midad Real Estate Investment and Development Co. to construct the Four Seasons Diriyah Hotel and private residences. 

The partnership will strengthen collaboration between the two companies through the development of the luxury Four Seasons Diriyah, which will feature 159 rooms, alongside private Four Seasons residences, spanning approximately 235,000 sq. meters within Diriyah’s master plan. 

The project’s total value is projected at SR3.1 billion (approximately $827 million), encompassing both land acquisition and construction expenses. 

Midad is one of the Kingdom’s leading real estate developers, expanding its portfolio of high-end projects and maintaining numerous strategic partnerships with prominent global brands, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted name in luxury residential and hospitality development across Saudi Arabia. 

This partnership marks the first major collaboration between Diriyah Co. and Midad, supporting Diriyah’s plans to develop 40 luxury hotels across its two main projects: the 14-sq.-km Diriyah Project and the 62-sq.-km Wadi Safar Project, a premium destination that blends lifestyle, culture, and entertainment. 

Commenting on the agreement, Minister of Tourism and Secretary-General of Diriyah Co., Ahmad Al-Khatib, said: “The Kingdom continues to set new standards in developing tourism destinations, with Diriyah at the forefront.” 

He added that such partnerships enhance the world-class experiences Saudi Arabia offers and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading destination in this sector. 

Diriyah Co. CEO Jerry Inzerillo commented that the Four Seasons Diriyah Hotel and Residences will be one of the Kingdom’s largest luxury hotels. 

“We are proud to announce this joint development with Midad, one of Saudi Arabia’s top real estate developers. This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to enabling Saudi partners to contribute to Diriyah’s transformative journey and confirms Midad’s confidence in the opportunities the project presents,” Inzerillo added. 

Midad CEO Abdelilah bin Mohammed Al-Aiban said: “This project is a pivotal milestone for our company, allowing us to bring the Four Seasons experience to one of the Kingdom’s most prominent heritage destinations.” 

He added: “We are excited to deliver a project that embodies design excellence, world-class service, and sustainable value, while contributing meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s tourism, cultural, and economic ambitions.” 

The collaboration comes amid rapid progress on the SR236 billion Diriyah project, which has awarded construction contracts worth more than SR101.25 billion to date. 

Diriyah is expected to contribute approximately SR70 billion directly to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product, create more than 180,000 jobs, accommodate 100,000 residents, and host around 50 million annual visitors. 

The development will feature contemporary office spaces accommodating tens of thousands of professionals across technology, media, arts, and education, complemented by museums, retail destinations, a university, an opera house, and the Diriyah Arena.  

It will also offer a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes, alongside nearly 40 world-class resorts and hotels distributed across its two primary master plans.