Saudi Arabia’s Qassim Cement Co said its first-half net profit grew 22.9 per cent to SAR161m ($43m) compared to the same period in 2005. In a statement posted on the bourse, the company said earnings per share rose 9.9 per cent to SAR1.78 riyals. It did not give second quarter figures.  The firm’s first-quarter net profit stood at SAR81m.