Alinma to finance Bahri’s fleet modernization drive

Basil Abulhamayel, chief financial officer at Bahri, and Jameel Al-Hamdan, chief corporate banking group at Alinma Bank, signed the facility agreement.
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Updated 22 October 2024
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Alinma to finance Bahri’s fleet modernization drive

Bahri, the national shipping company of Saudi Arabia and a global leader in maritime transportation and logistics, signed a landmark Murabaha agreement with Alinma Bank to secure financing to support its fleet modernization program.

Basil Abulhamayel, chief financial officer at Bahri, and Jameel Al-Hamdan, chief corporate banking group at Alinma Bank, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. Senior executives from both sides were present at the signing ceremony.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alinma Bank will extend a credit facility worth SR2.8 billion ($756 million) to partially finance the purchase of nine state-of-the-art very large crude carriers intended to streamline the process of phasing out older vessels. The move will further strengthen Bahri’s position as a global leader in maritime logistics and transportation.

Commenting on the agreement, Abulhamayel said: “We are delighted to partner with Alinma Bank to finance one of our significant fleet modernization drives. The enhanced financial capabilities from this collaboration will fuel our efforts to improve our overall fleet competitiveness that will lead to enhancing the company’s revenues and profitability, aligning with our long-term strategic goals. With these strengthened capacities, we are confident in supporting the Kingdom’s vision to become a global leader in maritime and logistics in line with Vision 2030.”

Al-Hamdan said: “We are pleased to finance one of Bahri’s key strategic vessels acquisitions in recent years. This collaboration aligns with our ongoing commitment to Vision 2030 and supports our strategic initiatives to enhance Alinma Bank’s position as the preferred financial partner for the public and private sectors.”

Strategic fleet modernization has always been a core focus of Bahri’s strategy. Leveraging the Kingdom’s strategic location, the company has been actively expanding into new sectors and global markets.


Australian minister Don Farrell launches LuLu festival

Updated 30 January 2026
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Australian minister Don Farrell launches LuLu festival

Regional retail chain Lulu Hypermarket officially launched the Australian Fest on Wednesday at its Diplomatic Quarter branch in Riyadh. The grand inauguration was led by Senator Don Farrell, minister for trade and tourism and special minister of state for Australia, as the chief guest. The event, which celebrated the rich culinary heritage and premium produce of Australia, was attended by a high-level delegation from the Australian government, alongside Mohammed Haris, director of LuLu Hypermarket Saudi Arabia, and senior LuLu officials.
The festivities commenced at the supermarket entrance, where Farrell performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony under a beautifully designed, Australian-themed ceremonial gate. This marked the formal opening of a week-long celebration dedicated to bringing the best of Australian flavors to the Saudi capital. Following the inauguration, the minister led a guided store walk-through, exploring premium product showcases and vibrant displays in the Meat Area. A dedicated thematic showcase of fresh fruits and vegetables from Australia was also highlighted, emphasizing the authenticity and freshness that the country’s agriculture is known for globally.
The tour reached a celebratory peak at the bakery section, where the chief guest was invited for a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony to mark the launch of the festival. During his official address, Farrell shared his insights on the significance of the event, stating that it is a pleasure to witness the Australian Fest in Riyadh. He said that the event is more than just a showcase of Australian products, but rather a testament to the growing partnership between Australia and Saudi Arabia, making these high-quality products easily accessible to shoppers in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Haris expressed his gratitude for the visit, noting that the team is deeply honored to welcome Farrell and the Australian government delegates. He said that the Australian Fest is a cornerstone of LuLu’s commitment to offering customers global diversity and the highest quality products. He further added that LuLu is proud to serve as the bridge connecting Saudi shoppers with the authentic excellence of Australian agriculture.
The Australian Fest is offering residents an exclusive opportunity to explore and purchase a wide variety of Australian-made products at special promotional prices.