Manufacturing Ceer strikes $145m deal with Sabelt for EV sports seats Ceer, Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle (EV) brand, has struck a SAR543 million ($145 million) deal with Italy’s Sabelt to develop sports seats for its upcoming flagship E sedan and SUV models. The drivers will get the same seats as those in high-performance sports cars. Sabelt will create high-performance seats for Ceer, ensuring maximum protection, […] February 7, 2025
Analysis Mining Tight supply and strong demand pressure silver prices Gulf investors – and romantics – may have to keep a watchful eye on silver in the months ahead as tight supply and strong demand make their impact on prices. This will not only have consequences for those looking for jewellery, but also for industries ranging from solar photovoltaics (PV) to electric vehicles (EVs), and […] February 3, 2025
Manufacturing Qatari AI company invests in Scottish hydrogen lorry maker Qatari AI software supplier Excelledia Ventures has invested in a Scottish HGV manufacturer that is developing zero-emission hydrogen-electric trucks. Glasgow-based Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) has developed an AI emissions reduction technology that optimises diesel, battery and hydrogen-powered trucks to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. The hydrogen HGV that HVS is developing has a range of […] January 31, 2025
Opinion Trade Trade policy will be central to Trump’s second term Many of the US president’s fresh executive orders will have substantial ramifications, including in the Gulf January 28, 2025
Analysis Mining Lithium find exposes Algeria’s neglected mining sector The discovery of lithium in Algeria is a major economic opportunity – but underinvestment in the country’s mining industry means it could take a decade or more to bear fruit, experts say. In May 2024, Algeria discovered significant deposits of lithium and other essential climate technology minerals in the southern regions of Tamanrasset and In […] January 16, 2025
Mining Aramco-Ma’aden JV to mine lithium in Saudi Arabia Saudi Aramco and Ma’aden, two listed companies on the Saudi bourse, will launch a joint venture for minerals exploration and mining in the kingdom. The proposed venture will focus on energy transition minerals, which includes lithium extraction from high-concentration deposits and use of cost-effective direct lithium extraction technologies. “This proposed JV would enable us to accelerate […] January 16, 2025
Transport Masdar City starts testing autonomous vehicles Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City has officially started testing autonomous vehicles to promote sustainable urban transportation. The first vehicle undergoing testing is a shuttle-style electric vehicle equipped with advanced sensors, electronic components and upgraded software, which enables it to navigate obstacles, detect other vehicles, and drive independently. The trials begin a series of tests featuring vehicles […] January 16, 2025
Exclusive Transport Tesla to enter Saudi Arabia within months Elon Musk’s Tesla is set to launch in Saudi Arabia this quarter, marking its entry into one of the world’s largest oil-producing nations as it continues expanding across the Gulf, sources familiar with the plans told AGBI. The US electric vehicle maker will open sales through pop-up stores and establish a showroom and service centre, […] January 16, 2025
Analysis Transport Ineos and Porsche diverge on Middle East’s EV potential Ineos Automotive, the UK carmaker backed by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is considering launching its Fusilier electric vehicle in the Middle East after encountering difficulties with governments across Europe. However other industry players such as Porsche remain cautious about the rollout of EVs in the region, with infrastructure remaining a central problem. London-based Ineos spent […] January 12, 2025
Manufacturing PIF-backed EV maker Lucid beats 2024 delivery estimates Electric vehicle maker Lucid beat expectations for deliveries in the fourth quarter of 2024. The company delivered 3,099 EVs in the fourth quarter of 2024, above the estimated 2,637, according to analysts at Visible Alpha. Production rose to 3,386 vehicles in the reported quarter, surpassing estimates of 2,904 units. In total, the company delivered 10,241 […] January 7, 2025
Trade Turkey hikes tariffs on Chinese cars to boost investment Turkey has accelerated its policy of targeted tariffs on Chinese vehicles, increasing levies on gasoline and hybrid model imports. Industry insiders believe the move is designed to protect local manufacturers and encourage Chinese investors to set up in the country, even though it is likely to further anger Beijing. The Ankara government announced that tariffs […] January 3, 2025
Opinion Energy Something old, something new: GCC energy trends in 2025 To avoid a 2008-style power crunch, every type of energy must be thrown into the mix January 2, 2025
Analysis Agriculture Why rain is critical for Morocco’s economy Analysts hope that heavy rainfall in the south of Morocco this autumn will refill aquifers across the country that have been depleted by six years of intense drought, and improve crop yields for 2025. The country’s agriculture sector is a major employer, and accounts for 12 percent of Morocco’s GDP, but it is volatile. The World Bank is cautiously predicting […] December 24, 2024
Opinion Finance My humble submission for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize Our editor-at-large reviews his year in columns and finds his triumphs abound December 20, 2024
Sustainability UAE to get first lithium battery recycling plant The UAE’s first lithium battery recycling plant will become fully operational by the second quarter of 2027. The facility, a collaboration with state-backed Kezad Group and Witthal Gulf Industries, a unit of Singapore-based Witthal Group of Companies, will have the capacity to recycle 5,000 tonnes of battery waste annually by 2027. The plant is expected […] December 13, 2024
Sustainability Morocco partners with central African nations on EV plan Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia have joined together to develop the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles (EVs), as they strive to lower their dependence on fossil fuels. The three nations will club their resources and experiences to support the development of EV batteries and battery precursors. Developing carbon-free transportation is essential […] December 12, 2024
Transport Saudi Arabia’s Jameel Motors to sell electric vehicles in UK Saudi Arabian mobility provider Jameel Motors has signed an agreement with a Chinese manufacturer to distribute electric commercial vehicles in the UK. Farizon Auto, which is based in Zhejiang, manufactures zero-emission vehicles, including trucks, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and buses. The deal between Jameel Motors, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Abdul Latif Jameel Group, and Farizon […] December 12, 2024
Transport Turkish electric vehicle sales up 39% in a year Turkey’s electric vehicle market is expanding rapidly, with sales increasing almost 39 percent year on year as new models become available and supporting infrastructure is put in place. The rise is in contrast to conventional car sales, which are showing modest growth compared to their greener rivals. Turkey is also bucking global trends, which has […] December 9, 2024
Video length: 04:21 VIDEO Renewable Energy Why Gulf governments keep investing in EVs Oil-based economies need a Plan B – something they can turn to when crude markets are troubled. Gulf governments are using electric vehicles as that hedge, according to Kevin Chalhoub, CEO of EV Lab. “When oil won’t go well, probably electric cars will go well,” he says. “It’s a very exciting strategy. The Middle East […] November 13, 2024
Transport Saudi car dealer Samaco Motors to go public in 2025 Saudi Arabia’s Samaco Motors, the exclusive dealer of European cars including Audi, Bentley, Porsche, Lamborghini and Volkswagen, has revealed plans to go public on the Saudi market next year. The company’s CEO Mohammed Sharbatly revealed the news to Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper. Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of Porsche’s new electric vehicles in Riyadh, Sharbatly said […] November 13, 2024
Manufacturing Lucid reports higher revenue but steeper losses Saudi-backed US luxury electric vehicle maker Lucid reported a larger net loss than last year in the third quarter, but said revenue rose 45 percent, slightly ahead of Wall Street expectations. The company’s losses of $992.5 million in Q3 compared with $630.9 million in 2023. Revenue reached $200 million, narrowly beating estimates of $198 million. Lucid […] November 8, 2024
Aviation Saudia to receive flying taxis despite Lilium’s insolvency Saudi national carrier Saudia still plans to receive some of its 50-plane order of pilotless electric flying vehicles from Lilium despite the German company’s intention to file for insolvency. “We are in close coordination with the Lilium leadership team. We are expecting to receive the first jets in the second half of 2026, as per […] November 7, 2024
