Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS), since his appointment in 2017, has launched Vision 2030, a sweeping reform agenda designed to transform Saudi Arabia’s economy, society, and global image.

Vision 2030’s core objective is to diversify the Kingdom’s economy away from its historical dependence on oil, while simultaneously modernizing social structures and improving the quality of life for all citizens through a series of unprecedented reforms .

**Economic Reforms and Diversification** Vision 2030’s economic strategy is anchored in diversification, with the government commissioning over $250 billion in projects and the total value of real estate and infrastructure initiatives exceeding $1.25 trillion as of 2023 .

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is central to this transformation, financing mega-projects and fostering public-private partnerships to stimulate growth in sectors such as tourism, entertainment, technology, and infrastructure .

A flagship example is NEOM, a $500 billion futuristic city designed to attract international investment and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for innovation .

The government is also investing heavily in the tourism sector, aiming to attract 100 million visitors by 2030 and investing approximately $800 billion to develop tourism infrastructure .

These efforts are expected to create jobs, boost non-oil GDP, and support a projected population increase to 50 million by 2030 .

Technological advancement is a key pillar, with Vision 2030 prioritizing digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) integration across sectors.

Middle East spending on digital initiatives is projected to more than double from 2021 to 2026, exceeding $74 billion .

Saudi Arabia aspires to become a global leader in AI, with companies like Elevatus automating business processes and public-private partnerships driving innovation in areas such as electric vehicles and high-capacity data centers .

The government also supports entrepreneurship, aiming to increase the contribution of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to GDP from 20% to 35% by 2030, which is expected to create over 560,000 jobs annually .

**Curtailing the Wahhabi Religious Establishment** A defining feature of MBS’s reforms is the deliberate curtailment of the Wahhabi religious establishment’s influence.

Historically, the religious police wielded significant power, enforcing strict social codes.

Under Vision 2030, their authority has been sharply restricted, and a more moderate interpretation of Islam is being promoted .

This shift has enabled greater personal freedoms, reduced gender segregation, and fostered a more open and tolerant society, which is essential for attracting foreign investment and tourism .

The reduction in religious policing has also allowed for the expansion of public entertainment, arts, and cultural events, which were previously banned or heavily restricted .

**Women’s Rights and Empowerment** Women’s rights reforms are among the most visible and internationally recognized aspects of Vision 2030.

Since 2017, women’s workforce participation has increased from 17% to 37%, with the government targeting 30% by 2030 .

Women are now allowed to drive (since June 2018), travel abroad without a male guardian, apply for passports independently, and register marriages, divorces, births, and deaths without male consent .

These legal changes have substantially increased women’s autonomy and participation in public life .

Women have also been appointed to significant government positions, including seats on the Shura Council, and have taken on leadership roles in business, politics, and other sectors .

Cultural norms have shifted, with the dress code for women relaxing and colored abayas and modern attire becoming common .

Women now attend sporting events and participate in public spaces without strict gender segregation, and the introduction of cinemas and international music festivals has created more vibrant, mixed-gender cultural scenes .

The creation of Kayanee, a female-centered health and well-being company, further exemplifies the focus on improving women’s quality of life .

Internationally, Saudi Arabia has sent its first female astronaut, Rayyana Barnawi, to space, and hosted conferences on women’s rights, signaling a commitment to women’s empowerment on the global stage .

**Healthcare and Public Health Initiatives** Vision 2030 has driven significant investments in healthcare infrastructure.

The establishment of specialized centers, such as the Saudi Proton Therapy Center for advanced cancer treatment, and the Capacity Command Center at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, has improved operational efficiency and reduced patient waiting times .

These initiatives are part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of life and reduce the need for Saudis to seek medical care abroad .

**Education and Workforce Development** Education reform is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, with a focus on integrating modern technologies, digital learning, and innovative teaching methods.

The Saudi Electronic University (SEU) became the first institution certified as a global Center of Excellence Strategic Education Partner by Anthology, reflecting a commitment to digital education and critical thinking .

The curriculum is being updated to emphasize STEM fields and prepare youth for a diversified, knowledge-based economy .

International collaborations and scholarships for Saudi students abroad further enhance educational standards and research capabilities .

Female participation in the workforce has increased to over one-third as of early 2023, with the female unemployment rate dropping to its lowest in two decades .

**Cultural and Social Transformation** Vision 2030 has ushered in a cultural renaissance, with investments in arts, entertainment, and sports.

The entertainment sector is projected to grow to a market worth SR30 billion, with the introduction of concerts, movie screenings, and international sporting events such as the Saudi Pro League and major boxing matches .

The Saudi fashion industry is being developed to tap into global markets, and the country aims to create a retail market valued at $32 billion annually .

These changes have contributed to a more open and vibrant society, attracting foreign investment and reshaping Saudi Arabia’s international image .

**Environmental Sustainability** Sustainability is a core principle of Vision 2030.

The Saudi Green Initiative aims to increase vegetation cover, reduce carbon emissions, and invest in renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power .

The Kingdom has committed to ambitious environmental targets, such as planting billions of trees and generating significant energy from renewables, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change .

**International Relations and Global Image** MBS’s reforms have also sought to improve Saudi Arabia’s international standing.

The Kingdom has invested in global partnerships, established the Saudi Space Commission, and positioned itself as a leader in science, technology, and AI .

Vision 2030’s foreign policy emphasizes peace, prosperity, and regional stability, with efforts to mend ties with regional powers and enhance soft power through sports, entertainment, and cultural diplomacy .

These initiatives have substantially reshaped Saudi Arabia’s global image, presenting it as a more progressive and dynamic country .

**Public and International Reception** Domestically, the reforms have been largely welcomed by youth and women, who see new opportunities for personal and professional growth .

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS), since his appointment in 2017, has launched Vision 2030, a sweeping reform agenda designed to transform Saudi Arabia’s economy, society, and global image.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS), since his appointment in 2017, has launched Vision 2030, a sweeping reform agenda designed to transform Saudi Arabia’s economy, society, and global image.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS), since his appointment in 2017, has launched Vision 2030, a sweeping reform agenda designed to transform Saudi Arabia’s economy, society, and global image.

Vision 2030’s core objective is to diversify the Kingdom’s economy away from its historical dependence on oil, while simultaneously modernizing social structures and improving the quality of life for all citizens through a series of unprecedented reforms .

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Content: Saudi Arabia extends warm invitation to Russian companies

(MENAFN) In a bid to expedite technology transfer, enhance the localization of advanced technologies, and offer cost-competitive raw materials to its burgeoning market, Saudi Arabia has extended a warm invitation to Russian companies, urging them to consider establishing their corporate headquarters within the Kingdom. The disclosure was made by Tariq Al-Qahtani, Chairman of the Saudi-Russian Business Council, during a joint meeting between the two nations. This strategic move represents a significant step toward realizing Saudi Arabia's ambitious vision of becoming a regional epicenter for foreign direct investments, aligned with the multifaceted goals laid out in its economic diversification plan, known as Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia's vision revolves around decreasing its reliance on oil revenues and transitioning into a dynamic trading hub, which requires attracting foreign investments, fostering international partnerships, and facilitating technology transfer. Encouraging Russian firms to set up their operational bases within the Kingdom is a substantial leap toward achieving this transformation. It underscores the country's commitment to fostering innovation, embracing advanced technologies, and providing a business-friendly environment to foreign investors.

During the meeting, Chairman Al-Qahtani offered insights into the ongoing efforts to formalize and establish numerous industrial partnerships and agreements between Saudi Arabia and Russia. These partnerships, once solidified, are expected to catalyze collaboration in various sectors, contributing to economic growth and diversification. Such initiatives are pivotal in reshaping the economic landscape of Saudi Arabia and bolstering its position as an attractive destination for foreign investments and business expansion. The Kingdom's endeavors in this realm are poised to shape its economic future, reduce its dependence on oil revenues, and establish a diversified, forward-looking, and thriving economy in line with the objectives outlined in Vision 2030.

MENAFN11102023000045015682ID1107225796

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Content: Dubai, UAE: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has updated the name of its Innovation Centre to the ‘Sustainability and Innovation Centre.’ The move is in line with DEWA’s efforts to enhance sustainability in Dubai, and the expansion of the Year of Sustainability in the UAE. This also supports DEWA’s vision to be a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation committed to achieving Net-Zero by 2050.

The Sustainability and Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is a global incubator for innovation in various fields of clean and renewable energy. It also provides a unique educational environment by organising programmes and hosting activities throughout the year, building strategic partnerships with major local and international organisations and universities, as well as enhancing awareness on sustainability.

The Sustainability and Innovation Centre provides visitors with a unique experience to explore the latest innovations in sustainability and clean energy technologies. The exhibition area on the first floor focuses on DEWA’s journey, key historical inventions and innovations in electricity, and the latest developments in renewable and sustainable energy. Visitors can watch innovative drone and hologram shows. Using Metaverse technology, the Centre provides a unique experience that allows visitors to go on a virtual tour of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model.

The centre welcomes visitors from Saturday to Wednesday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Hologram shows are organised every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:30 am and 02:30 pm. The Centre offers discounts on tickets for children and students and free entrance for people of determination. Tickets are available on www.mbrsic.ae or the Centre’s smart app (MBRSIC).

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:
Shaikha Almheiri / Mohammad Almheiri / Ribal Dayekh                                                       Afaf Abaza / Mohammed Meshal
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority                                                                                Hattlan Media
shaikha.almheiri@dewa.gov.ae / Mohammad.almheiri@dewa.gov.ae / Ribal.Dayekh@dewa.gov.ae
afaf@hattlan.com / mohammed@hattlan.com

For more information, please visit DEWA’s website www.dewa.gov.ae
DEWA’s social media accounts:
 https://www.facebook.com/dewaofficial
 https://www.youtube.com/dewaofficial
 https://twitter.com/dewaofficial
 https://www.instagram.com/dewaofficial
 https://www.linkedin.com/company/dewaofficial

Title:

Content: Advertisment

Saudi Arabia Expands Energy Strategy Beyond Oil to Embrace Renewables

Saudi Arabia announces a strategic shift in its energy policy, moving away from oil-dependency towards a diversified, sustainable energy landscape.

Hadeel Hashem
New Update

In a groundbreaking announcement, Saudi Arabia has declared a strategic shift in its energy policy, signaling a move away from its traditional oil-based economy towards a diversified energy landscape. This significant move forms part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, aimed at reducing the country's dependence on oil and transitioning towards a more sustainable and diversified economy.

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Saudi Arabia's Energy Diversification: A Strategic Shift

This strategic redirection is indicative of Saudi Arabia's recognition of the changing global energy landscape and its commitment to meeting international climate targets. The Kingdom's decision to broaden its energy focus is not merely an economic strategy but a profound response to the growing global call for cleaner, sustainable energy sources. The move signifies a departure from fossil fuel dependency and striking a balance with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

From Oil Giant to Renewable Powerhouse

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Spearheaded by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Vision 2030 plan outlines ambitious targets for diversifying the country's energy sources. Among these is the creation of a sovereign wealth fund through the privatization of state-owned enterprise Aramco. The plan also sets bold targets for renewable energy production, including generating 9.5 gigawatts of energy from solar and wind power. These targets underscore the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a global investment powerhouse in the renewables sector.

Implications of Saudi Arabia's Energy Diversification

This strategic shift has significant implications for both the global energy market and the Kingdom's economic future. By diversifying its energy sources, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to stimulate economic growth, create new jobs, and strengthen its position as a global energy provider. The decision is a testament to Saudi Arabia's determination to adapt to changing global energy trends and its resolve to achieve a more sustainable, diversified economy.

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What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

To lessen reliance on oil.
To diversify Saudi Arabia's economy

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

To lessen reliance on oil.
To diversify Saudi Arabia's economy

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

To lessen reliance on oil.
To diversify Saudi Arabia's economy

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

**Economic Reforms and Diversification** Vision 2030’s economic strategy is anchored in diversification, with the government commissioning over $250 billion in projects and the total value of real estate and infrastructure initiatives exceeding $1.25 trillion as of 2023 .

Title:

Content: Advertisment

Saudi Arabia Expands Energy Strategy Beyond Oil to Embrace Renewables

Saudi Arabia announces a strategic shift in its energy policy, moving away from oil-dependency towards a diversified, sustainable energy landscape.

Hadeel Hashem
New Update

In a groundbreaking announcement, Saudi Arabia has declared a strategic shift in its energy policy, signaling a move away from its traditional oil-based economy towards a diversified energy landscape. This significant move forms part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, aimed at reducing the country's dependence on oil and transitioning towards a more sustainable and diversified economy.

Advertisment

Saudi Arabia's Energy Diversification: A Strategic Shift

This strategic redirection is indicative of Saudi Arabia's recognition of the changing global energy landscape and its commitment to meeting international climate targets. The Kingdom's decision to broaden its energy focus is not merely an economic strategy but a profound response to the growing global call for cleaner, sustainable energy sources. The move signifies a departure from fossil fuel dependency and striking a balance with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

From Oil Giant to Renewable Powerhouse

Advertisment

Spearheaded by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Vision 2030 plan outlines ambitious targets for diversifying the country's energy sources. Among these is the creation of a sovereign wealth fund through the privatization of state-owned enterprise Aramco. The plan also sets bold targets for renewable energy production, including generating 9.5 gigawatts of energy from solar and wind power. These targets underscore the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a global investment powerhouse in the renewables sector.

Implications of Saudi Arabia's Energy Diversification

This strategic shift has significant implications for both the global energy market and the Kingdom's economic future. By diversifying its energy sources, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to stimulate economic growth, create new jobs, and strengthen its position as a global energy provider. The decision is a testament to Saudi Arabia's determination to adapt to changing global energy trends and its resolve to achieve a more sustainable, diversified economy.

Advertisment
Advertisment

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

Diversify the economy from oil
modernize infrastructure

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

To lessen reliance on oil.
To diversify Saudi Arabia's economy

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

Diversify the economy from oil
modernize infrastructure

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

To lessen reliance on oil.
To diversify Saudi Arabia's economy

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) is central to this transformation, financing mega-projects and fostering public-private partnerships to stimulate growth in sectors such as tourism, entertainment, technology, and infrastructure .

Title:

Content: There were 366 press releases posted in the last 24 hours and 457,998 in the last 365 days.

KFSH&RC’s Capacity Command Center is a Pioneering Model for Achieving Maximum Operational Efficiency

Bed waiting time reduced from 32 hours to 6 hours

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 30, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Healthcare providers are facing a continuous increase in the demand for healthcare services, necessitating a redirection of efforts towards improving the operational efficiency of healthcare institutions. In response to this challenge that healthcare providers worldwide face, the Capacity Command Center in King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has emerged as a pioneer in enhancing operational efficiency by implementing globally recognized procedures. It essentially aims to improve overall healthcare outcomes in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Since its launch in September 2021, the Center has executed over 170,000 intervention procedures, significantly reducing bed waiting times from 32 hours to 6 hours. The emergency department has also seen a 14% reduction in waiting times. Furthermore, waiting times in the pharmacy and laboratory have improved, with over 90% of beneficiaries receiving services in less than 15 minutes.

Since its establishment, the Center has become the primary source for data-driven decision-making, it continuously monitors patient movements to maintain care quality, adhere to standard operating procedures, and predict demand volumes to mitigate risks and address potential challenges.

Simultaneously, as a strategic health partner at the Global Health Exhibition in Riyadh from October 29-31, KFSH&RC showcases its mechanisms for improving operational efficiency, healthcare outcomes, and the patient experience, positioning itself as a leading healthcare solution in the region.

The Capacity Command Center relies on a strategy that adjusts business plans and interventions based on evidence-based practices driven by artificial intelligence to improve workflow mapping and planning. The Center's services include technical reporting, data mining, operational performance enhancement, and review processes and plans, culminating in regular report issuance.

This Center is part of KFSH&RC’s ongoing efforts to harness all resources and bring the latest technologies to improve outcomes and operational efficiency. It aims to be the optimal choice for every patient seeking specialized healthcare services, making these services accessible to a broader range of beneficiaries.

KFSH&RC is globally renowned for providing specialized healthcare and is a pioneer in innovation, advanced medical research, and medical education. The institution actively seeks to develop medical technologies and enhance the standard of healthcare worldwide, collaborating with leading local, regional, and international organizations to deliver world-class services in clinical, research, and educational domains.

Contact information:
kfshrc@mcsaatchi.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe240c06-779b-48f8-bf90-542602be547f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/879c9435-ea23-47f2-b81a-240a1e2bb3a5

KFSH&RC’s Capacity Command Center is a Pioneering Model for Achieving Maximum Operational Efficiency_02

KFSH&RC’s Capacity Command Center is a Pioneering Model for Achieving Maximum Operational Efficiency_02
KFSH&RC’s Capacity Command Center is a Pioneering Model for Achieving Maximum Operational Efficiency_01

KFSH&RC’s Capacity Command Center is a Pioneering Model for Achieving Maximum Operational Efficiency_01

Title:

Content: Advertisment

Saudi Arabia Expands Energy Strategy Beyond Oil to Embrace Renewables

Saudi Arabia announces a strategic shift in its energy policy, moving away from oil-dependency towards a diversified, sustainable energy landscape.

Hadeel Hashem
New Update

In a groundbreaking announcement, Saudi Arabia has declared a strategic shift in its energy policy, signaling a move away from its traditional oil-based economy towards a diversified energy landscape. This significant move forms part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, aimed at reducing the country's dependence on oil and transitioning towards a more sustainable and diversified economy.

Advertisment

Saudi Arabia's Energy Diversification: A Strategic Shift

This strategic redirection is indicative of Saudi Arabia's recognition of the changing global energy landscape and its commitment to meeting international climate targets. The Kingdom's decision to broaden its energy focus is not merely an economic strategy but a profound response to the growing global call for cleaner, sustainable energy sources. The move signifies a departure from fossil fuel dependency and striking a balance with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

From Oil Giant to Renewable Powerhouse

Advertisment

Spearheaded by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Vision 2030 plan outlines ambitious targets for diversifying the country's energy sources. Among these is the creation of a sovereign wealth fund through the privatization of state-owned enterprise Aramco. The plan also sets bold targets for renewable energy production, including generating 9.5 gigawatts of energy from solar and wind power. These targets underscore the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a global investment powerhouse in the renewables sector.

Implications of Saudi Arabia's Energy Diversification

This strategic shift has significant implications for both the global energy market and the Kingdom's economic future. By diversifying its energy sources, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to stimulate economic growth, create new jobs, and strengthen its position as a global energy provider. The decision is a testament to Saudi Arabia's determination to adapt to changing global energy trends and its resolve to achieve a more sustainable, diversified economy.

Advertisment
Advertisment

How does Vision 2030 aim to foster new industries and employment?

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

Diversify the economy from oil
modernize infrastructure

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

How does Vision 2030 aim to foster new industries and employment?

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

Diversify the economy from oil
modernize infrastructure

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

A flagship example is NEOM, a $500 billion futuristic city designed to attract international investment and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for innovation .

Title:

Content: Dubai, UAE: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has updated the name of its Innovation Centre to the ‘Sustainability and Innovation Centre.’ The move is in line with DEWA’s efforts to enhance sustainability in Dubai, and the expansion of the Year of Sustainability in the UAE. This also supports DEWA’s vision to be a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation committed to achieving Net-Zero by 2050.

The Sustainability and Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is a global incubator for innovation in various fields of clean and renewable energy. It also provides a unique educational environment by organising programmes and hosting activities throughout the year, building strategic partnerships with major local and international organisations and universities, as well as enhancing awareness on sustainability.

The Sustainability and Innovation Centre provides visitors with a unique experience to explore the latest innovations in sustainability and clean energy technologies. The exhibition area on the first floor focuses on DEWA’s journey, key historical inventions and innovations in electricity, and the latest developments in renewable and sustainable energy. Visitors can watch innovative drone and hologram shows. Using Metaverse technology, the Centre provides a unique experience that allows visitors to go on a virtual tour of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model.

The centre welcomes visitors from Saturday to Wednesday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Hologram shows are organised every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:30 am and 02:30 pm. The Centre offers discounts on tickets for children and students and free entrance for people of determination. Tickets are available on www.mbrsic.ae or the Centre’s smart app (MBRSIC).

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:
Shaikha Almheiri / Mohammad Almheiri / Ribal Dayekh                                                       Afaf Abaza / Mohammed Meshal
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority                                                                                Hattlan Media
shaikha.almheiri@dewa.gov.ae / Mohammad.almheiri@dewa.gov.ae / Ribal.Dayekh@dewa.gov.ae
afaf@hattlan.com / mohammed@hattlan.com

For more information, please visit DEWA’s website www.dewa.gov.ae
DEWA’s social media accounts:
 https://www.facebook.com/dewaofficial
 https://www.youtube.com/dewaofficial
 https://twitter.com/dewaofficial
 https://www.instagram.com/dewaofficial
 https://www.linkedin.com/company/dewaofficial

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

To diversify Saudi Arabia's economy
To attract foreign investment

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

To diversify Saudi Arabia's economy
To attract foreign investment

The government is also investing heavily in the tourism sector, aiming to attract 100 million visitors by 2030 and investing approximately $800 billion to develop tourism infrastructure .

Title:

Content: PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will continue to be an important partner to Saudi Arabia, ties are expected to strengthen with the latter forging ahead to realise its Saudi Vision 2030.

According to Diriyah Gate Development Authority Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo, the relationship between both countries is strong, particularly in diplomatic, economic and religious aspects.

Of late, he noted, there has been an influx of Malaysian tourists and delegations into Saudi Arabia, which further helped to bolster relations between both countries.

“We've had a lot of delegations from Malaysia even recently, so it's very important. The Malaysian people have been coming here quite a bit now” he told SunBiz in a studio recording during a celebration event in Riyadh recently.

Moreover, new Saudi visa rules since 2022 have extended the Umrah-specific Saudi visa validity period from 30 days to 90 days, which allows pilgrims more time to complete their Umrah holy rituals.

“With the Umrah pilgrimages, now it's very special because prior to 2019, you had to return after you did your pilgrimages here. But now, you can come for a full 90 days and go anywhere in the kingdom, which allows tourists to see a very hospitable country, in addition to the two holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

“We've received a lot of support from Malaysia, it's a very close relationship. My project today, I'm working with over 20 Malaysian companies, so very strong relationship interpersonally, from a sociological and a commercial point of view,” said Inzerillo.

Early this month, Saudi Arabia received international recognition from the United Nations Tourism and the World Travel and Tourism Council for welcoming over 100 million tourists in 2023, ahead of its 2030 target year.

Its government plans to spend about US$800 billion on tourism and has since revised its 2030 target to 150 million visitors, aiming for around 70 million tourists coming from abroad.

Saudi Vision 2030, a long-term development plan seeks to transform Saudi Arabia, to diversify its economy away from its historic dependence on oil.

Malaysian industry players have taken the opportunity to be involved in various projects planned by the Middle Eastern country.

Last year, Malaysian-based SIBS Group secured a multi-billion-ringgit contract to deliver 2,174 apartments to Neom, one of the largest urbanisation projects located in northwest Saudi Arabia.

As per reports, the project will be delivered in the form of turnkey buildings from a finalised bottom slab upwards. In addition, the entire project is expected to be delivered and commissioned by the third quarter of this year.

In the same year, three memorandums of understanding (MoU) between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia private companies, during an official visit to Jeddah attended by prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim .

The MoU were signed between Dagang Nexchange Bhd and Ajlan and Bros Holding Group Co; the Kuala Lumpur International Chamber of Commerce and Wadi Makkah Knowledge Co; and Qhub International Sdn Bhd and Eromman Technologies Sdn Bhd.

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Content:
Press Release: Ariston Group Celebrates World Environment Day with Sustainable Initiatives

(MENAFN- The Revelation Consultancy DMCC) Riyadh 31st May 2024 - As the world commemorates World Environment Day, Ariston Group reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Embarking on its ambitious 2030 vision, Ariston Group has made significant strides in aligning its operations with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations General Assembly. This effort is reflected across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Alberto Torner, Head of Ariston Group in the Middle East, Turkey, and Caucasus, stated, "The company's mission is to deliver high-quality heating and hot water solutions while prioritizing environmental protection. Ariston Middle East's commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in projects leveraging heat pump technology and solar energy solutions to achieve outstanding results."
The 2023 annual report released in March 2024 reports on the progress the Group has made in this area. While the target is to save 100 million tons of CO2 emissions by 2030 - the Group’s centenary year, the company’s achievement up to 2023 has already reached savings of 26.5 m tons - all of which are due to renewable and high-efficiency products developed over years of R&D investment.
Smart Sustainable Comfort for a better future is one of the pillars of the Ariston Group’s strategy. Notably, the company avoided 26 million tons of CO2 emissions, an increase of 7 million tons compared to the 2020 base year. In the realm of renewable technologies, 49% of its revenues now come from these sources, a 4 percentage point rise from 2022, as compared to 51% from fossil fuel products. Additionally, 75% of its revenues are derived from H2-ready gas boilers, marking a 40 percentage point increase from 2022, with 20% of these boilers certified H2-ready, significantly contributing to gas boiler revenues in Europe. These achievements highlight Ariston Group's steadfast dedication to reducing environmental impact and leading the market in renewable and hydrogen-ready technologies. The company continues to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, ensuring a better future.
Ariston Middle East's endeavours in Saudi Arabia exemplify its dedication to sustainability, aligning with the country's Vision 2030 objectives. Leveraging over 40 years of experience in the region, Ariston Middle East is advancing solar power to complement energy usage for water heating solutions, contributing to Saudi Arabia's goals of increasing renewable energy production and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
One of the very eminent projects accomplished was the Ministry of Interior office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia which had a requirement of an advanced heating system to meet the hot water demand of its main building. Ariston Middle East installed a state-of-the-art solar forced system designed to supply 3,257 liters of hot water per day at 60°C, with a minimum solar contribution of 60% and an annual energy requirement of 59,354 kWh. This automated, thermoregulatory system covers 82.7% of the energy consumption, reducing CO2 emissions and gas consumption. The system contributes 51,290 kWh annually, avoiding 13,344 kg of CO2 emissions and saving 6,310 cubic meters of natural gas, highlighting Ariston's role in promoting sustainability and energy efficiency. These projects underscore Ariston's commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future in Saudi Arabia.
Ariston's innovative energy-saving technology has also been implemented in projects such as the Red Sea Ummahat Al Shaykh Islands, demonstrating the company's ability to tailor solutions to meet specific customer needs while promoting sustainable practices.
Ariston has installed energy-saving water heaters in various hospital projects in Saudi Arabia, significantly contributing to the Kingdom's healthcare infrastructure. At Al-Magrabi Specialized Hospital in Dammam, known for eye care, and King Abdullah Hospital in Bisha, which practices Nuclear Medicine, Ariston's ES Extra water heaters were installed to meet the hot water demands efficiently. These systems reduce energy consumption with their flexible configuration, quick recovery time, and double thermostats.
In alignment with the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Ariston remains dedicated to minimizing energy consumption and promoting sustainable living. As Prince Mohammed Bin Salman continues to champion sustainability through Vision 2030, Ariston Group is proud to be at the forefront of these initiatives, driving positive change in the Middle East and beyond.
"Looking ahead, I express optimism about Ariston's future in the region, particularly within the GCC. I commend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its commitment to sustainability. We reaffirm Ariston's role as a corporate leader in spearheading sustainable initiatives and express gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, greener future" says Alberto Torner.

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How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

Diversify the economy from oil
modernize infrastructure

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

Diversify the economy from oil
modernize infrastructure

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

These efforts are expected to create jobs, boost non-oil GDP, and support a projected population increase to 50 million by 2030 .

Title:

Content: Dubai, UAE: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has updated the name of its Innovation Centre to the ‘Sustainability and Innovation Centre.’ The move is in line with DEWA’s efforts to enhance sustainability in Dubai, and the expansion of the Year of Sustainability in the UAE. This also supports DEWA’s vision to be a globally leading sustainable innovative corporation committed to achieving Net-Zero by 2050.

The Sustainability and Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is a global incubator for innovation in various fields of clean and renewable energy. It also provides a unique educational environment by organising programmes and hosting activities throughout the year, building strategic partnerships with major local and international organisations and universities, as well as enhancing awareness on sustainability.

The Sustainability and Innovation Centre provides visitors with a unique experience to explore the latest innovations in sustainability and clean energy technologies. The exhibition area on the first floor focuses on DEWA’s journey, key historical inventions and innovations in electricity, and the latest developments in renewable and sustainable energy. Visitors can watch innovative drone and hologram shows. Using Metaverse technology, the Centre provides a unique experience that allows visitors to go on a virtual tour of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world based on the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model.

The centre welcomes visitors from Saturday to Wednesday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Hologram shows are organised every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:30 am and 02:30 pm. The Centre offers discounts on tickets for children and students and free entrance for people of determination. Tickets are available on www.mbrsic.ae or the Centre’s smart app (MBRSIC).

-Ends-

For more information, please contact:
Shaikha Almheiri / Mohammad Almheiri / Ribal Dayekh                                                       Afaf Abaza / Mohammed Meshal
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority                                                                                Hattlan Media
shaikha.almheiri@dewa.gov.ae / Mohammad.almheiri@dewa.gov.ae / Ribal.Dayekh@dewa.gov.ae
afaf@hattlan.com / mohammed@hattlan.com

For more information, please visit DEWA’s website www.dewa.gov.ae
DEWA’s social media accounts:
 https://www.facebook.com/dewaofficial
 https://www.youtube.com/dewaofficial
 https://twitter.com/dewaofficial
 https://www.instagram.com/dewaofficial
 https://www.linkedin.com/company/dewaofficial

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

Technological advancement is a key pillar, with Vision 2030 prioritizing digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) integration across sectors.

Technological advancement is a key pillar, with Vision 2030 prioritizing digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) integration across sectors.

Technological advancement is a key pillar, with Vision 2030 prioritizing digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) integration across sectors.

Middle East spending on digital initiatives is projected to more than double from 2021 to 2026, exceeding $74 billion .

Title:

Content: Saudi-US Partnership On Energy ‘Key To Global Recovery,’ FM Prince Faisal Tells WEF

By

By Daniel Fountain

The “strong partnership” between Saudi Arabia and the US in ensuring energy market stability will be a key factor in global economic recovery, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Kingdom’s foreign minister, told a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday.

Discussing the global energy and cost-of-living crises, Prince Faisal also said that the Kingdom’s position on an OPEC+ decision last year to reduce oil output targets was correct, despite opposition from the US.

However, the Saudi minister said that the Kingdom still has a strong relationship with Washington, even if the two do not “always agree.”

As the world’s top oil exporter, Saudi Arabia has a responsibility to continue providing stability to oil markets, Prince Faisal said, adding that the Kingdom and US will continue to engage in dialogue to work toward that goal.

“We have a strong partnership with the US and we continue to work through that partnership,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we always agree. We sometimes disagree.”

Saudi Arabia is committed to transitioning toward a “clean energy future,” but the switch “could take decades,” he said.

Prince Faisal added that ensuring reliability in traditional forms of energy for the developing world, which is still catching up in adoption of clean energy solutions, is also essential, with Riyadh investing $200 billion locally and abroad in renewable energy projects in 21 other countries.

“In that interim period, we need to maintain a stable supply of traditional energies and one that is priced in a way that ensures that stability and that I think we have been able to do,” he said.

Prince Faisal also highlighted the success of Vision 2030 in transitioning the economy of the Kingdom away from a dependance on oil as a source of revenue for the government and as a proportion of its GDP.

He continued: “That process continues to go on, we are activating all kinds of areas of the economy. Unemployment is significantly down, labor force participation up, especially for women.”

He said that the global energy crisis has been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, a conflict that has ramifications for the developing world “far beyond” Ukraine’s borders.

The world has to “find a pathway to end the conflict,” he said.

The Kingdom’s strong dialogue with the US is in stark contrast to its relations with Iran, but Prince Faisal told the WEF panel that Saudi Arabia had “reached out” to Tehran in an attempt to find a path to dialogue.

“Focusing on development rather than geopolitical affairs is a strong signal to Iran and others in the region that there are other paths to work together and achieve prosperity,” he said.

“Whenever there is cooperation in the region, we achieve prosperity for the peoples of the region,” he added.

Arab News

Arab News is Saudi Arabia's first English-language newspaper. It was founded in 1975 by Hisham and Mohammed Ali Hafiz. Today, it is one of 29 publications produced by Saudi Research & Publishing Company (SRPC), a subsidiary of Saudi Research & Marketing Group (SRMG).

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

Saudi Arabia aspires to become a global leader in AI, with companies like Elevatus automating business processes and public-private partnerships driving innovation in areas such as electric vehicles and high-capacity data centers .

Title:

Content: Dublin: 18°C Friday 19 August 2022
Advertisement

Casey on Boxing: Usyk will take Joshua's soul in an event that lacks one

Gavan Casey takes a closer look at Saturday’s heavyweight title showdown in Saudi Arabia.

This newsletter by Gavan Casey is available in full exclusively to The42 Members.

To get the full newsletter directly to your inbox, join The42 Membership now at members.the42.ie or from the Membership tab in your iOS app.

What if it’s not about the mass executions, the treatment of women as subordinate citizens, the chemical castration of gay people, the torture and the public floggings, the absence of free speech and the criminalisation of protests, the murder of Jamal Khashoggi by state operatives, or the foremost role in the humanitarian crisis in Yemen…but about the friends we make as we enter the post-hydrocarbon era?

Earlier this week in Saudi Arabia, a female PHD student at Leeds University who had returned home to the kingdom on holiday was sentenced to 34 years in prison for having a Twitter account on which she followed and retweeted dissidents and activists.

Salma al-Shehab, 34, a mother of two young children, is the latest victim of Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s campaign of repression, as part of which he has targeted Twitter users. Incidentally, Bin Salman indirectly controls a major stake in Twitter through his country’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The Guardian reported on Tuesday that Salma al-Shehab had been held in solitary confinement at various times throughout her trial. At one point, she sought to privately tell the judge something about how she had been handled in custody. She did not wish to divulge the details in front of her father. This attempt to speak with the judge was not permitted.

Tomorrow, Saudi Arabia will once again play stage to one of the biggest sporting events of the year: this one a heavyweight world-title boxing match in which Ukrainian pound-for-pound sensation Oleksandr Usyk will seek to retain the belts he ripped from the grasp of British star Anthony Joshua last September.

Usyk and Joshua meet in Saudi Arabia on Saturday evening. Source: Hassan Ammar

A July press release by the event’s promoters, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, describes the fight as being “held under the patronage of HRH Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions”, and notes that it is “a second for Joshua in Saudi Arabia” following his successful title rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019.

The release, which included confirmation of ticket details for Saturday’s bout, was 791 words long. Over half of these words are dedicated solely to the apparent social progression of Saudi Arabia.

And fear not, Matchroom’s release goes to great pains to satisfy any lingering curiosity about Vision 2030: it is a social-reform blueprint which “aims to improve the quality of life of residents and visitors to the Kingdom by developing a vibrant environment for participation and spectatorship in sports and entertainment whilst aiming to transform the Kingdom for a post-hydrocarbon era. The nation has become one of the fastest growing countries in world sport with increased participation levels, investment in elite athletes, a year-round schedule of sport and a rapidly growing commercial sector to support this infrastructure.”

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Khalid bin Abdulaziz, one of the event’s co-organisers on the Saudis’ end, adds in Matchroom’s release that he is “proud to secure this event for our country as it continues its incredible transformation”, a sentiment which is echoed throughout ad nauseam.

In a recent interview with The Times, James M Dorsey, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute of the National University of Singapore and the author of The Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer, told Martyn Ziegler that the true motivation behind Saudi Arabia’s sudden multi-billion-dollar incursion into major sporting events is not to launder its global reputation, but to gain ‘soft power’ by becoming the go-to sports hub in the Gulf Region.

This distinction is not one I had previously considered but, in light of the brazenness with which the kingdom intends to imprison a woman for her use of Twitter, it stacks up, alright…

Don’t miss out on the rest of this exclusive newsletter – The42 Members get this and all of our exclusive pieces delivered directly to their inbox. Join now at members.the42.ie or from the Membership tab in your iOS app.

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Saudi film festival claim of ‘zero censorship’ fails to win over critics

Organisers say accusation Red Sea event is a ‘reputation laundering tool’ for Riyadh smacks of western hypocrisy

A glitzy international film festival in Saudi Arabia has laid out the red carpet for a host of famed actors and directors, promising a “zero-censorship” event that will feature LGBTQ+ themes despite being held in a country where homosexuality is criminalised.

Only five years since the hardline Gulf monarchy lifted a decades-old ban on cinemas, the Red Sea international film festival launched 10 days of screenings on Thursday. Guests include the Lebanese actor and director Nadine Labaki, as well as fellow directors Guy Ritchie and the Oscar winner Spike Lee.

Now in its second year, the festival debuted in 2021 to accusations that the Saudi Arabian government was using culture to whitewash its poor human rights record.

Despite reforms of social laws including allowing women to drive, the country’s crown prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, has overseen a surge in executions and crushed political dissent. He has also been widely condemned for directing Saudi Arabia’s intervention in the civil war in Yemen and, according to US intelligence, is likely to have ordered the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Michael Page, the deputy director of the Middle East and north Africa division at Human Rights Watch, accused the Saudi Arabian authorities of using “festivals as a reputation laundering tool, in the same way that they have used previous celebrity and sporting events to try to whitewash their quite terrible image”.

Mohammed Al Turki, a film producer and chief executive of the festival, said there was “a bit of western hypocrisy” when it came to criticism of holding a film festival in Saudi Arabia, adding that he was excited to host an event in his home country that would have been impossible just a few years ago.

Asked by the film industry news website Deadline Hollywood about LGBTQ+ rights, Turki said: “The festival has a zero censorship policy … I don’t think you can have an international film festival if you’re going to have censorship – that doesn’t go hand in hand.”

One of the films being screened, The Blue Caftan, is a story centring on a secretly gay Moroccan tailor who is forced to confront his sexuality when a male apprentice joins his workshop. The festival website credits the director, Maryam Touzani, for covering “a complex subject with sensitivity and courage, pointing the way to a society where tradition and tolerance can flourish together”.

Allowing such films at the festival creates a paradox where the Ritz Carlton hotel in Jeddah in effect becomes temporarily exempt from Saudi Arabia’s homophobic practices. Other guests include Luca Guadagnino, who directed the Oscar-winning Call Me By Your Name, a gay love story that would certainly never make it past the Saudi Arabian censors.

Kaleem Aftab, the director of international programming at the festival, has said there are no mandated government restrictions on the films he can select.

Speaking to the industry magazine Screen International, Aftab said: “Looking at Saudi Arabia as a monolithic whole is a huge mistake – it would be like me saying that everyone in England is a white British Brexiteer.

“Look at America today, with Roe v Wade being overturned. Things can go backwards and forwards. Every society has imperfections, every society deals with it.”

While the festival describes itself as independent, the organisation relies on state funds and sponsorship from government-linked companies, and is seen as a way for the kingdom to drive investment in its embryonic film and television industry.

This year, Riyadh announced a 40% cash rebate on film production, and alongside the screenings the festival will operate a conference to promote the sector, named the Red Sea Souk.

Organisers hope Middle Eastern and global south productions that might get overlooked and underpromoted at other international festivals will be given a chance to shine. Last year’s festival was attended by Haifaa al-Mansour, an award-winning female Saudi Arabian director, whose 2021 film Wadjda was the first feature film shot entirely in the Gulf country.

However, Dana Ahmed, a Middle East researcher at Amnesty International, said the festival must be seen within the context of authorities having “no tolerance for freedom of expression”.

She said: “It’s important to note in the midst of Saudi Arabia’s reformist drive that the authorities’ continued crackdown on freedom of expression means that everyone is at risk of decades in prison for their free speech.”

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Title:

Content:     The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

    What is Saudi Arabia's bigger plan as the kingdom bets billions on Messi, Ronaldo?

    Synopsis

    Saudi Arabia wants tourism to account for 10% of its gross domestic product in 2030 and and expert says sport is essential to what the kingdom is doing as it moves toward a world where it is less dependent on oil revenues.

    Saudi Arabia’s tab for using icons of western popular culture to enhance its stature and sway on the global stage could soon rise by another nine figures. The kingdom is reportedly willing to pay Argentinian maestro Lionel Messi $400 million-a-year for the twilight of his career. While a huge sum, even by football’s bloated standards, it’s just the latest in a string of moves by the petrostate’s rulers, who are plowing billions into sports, art and music.

    Saudi Arabia hopes the spending, powered by excess revenue from its role as the world’s biggest crude exporter, will excite its burgeoning younger generation and supercharge its tourism industry. Critics say the efforts are aimed at varnishing an international image battered by a brutal war in Yemen and murder of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

    Overseeing this so-called soft power play is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who’s simultaneously spending billions to build Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities, with what is now the world’s fifth-largest arms budget, and pursuing a more opportunistic diplomatic track that’s repeatedly put Riyadh at odds with Washington.

    “It’s a complete reorientation of the kingdom,” says Kristin Smith Diwan, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. “They want to convince people this is a welcoming place, not a threatening one.”

    Sporting Bets
    The magnitude of its spending has made Saudi Arabia impossible to ignore for the world’s political and business elite. The kingdom’s economy was one of the fastest growing in the Group of 20 last year, boosted by the highest oil prices in about a decade, and it now boasts the world’s seventh-largest sovereign wealth fund, deploying billions both at home and abroad.

    Sports assets have been high on the shopping list.

    In late 2022, Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo signed a contract with Al-Nassr FC worth a reported $200 million a year. Little more than a year prior, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund led a consortium that acquired English Premier League football club Newcastle United FC for more than £300 million ($373 million). Saudi Arabia is considering a joint bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, having witnessed the recent success of the tournament in neighboring Qatar.

    The PIF has also reportedly earmarked billions of dollars to finance its LIV Golf tour, which has attracted stars including Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, and last year considered a $20 billion attempt to add Formula 1 motor racing to its growing portfolio of sports investments. Elsewhere, venues in and around Jeddah and Riyadh have hosted mega-money boxing bouts featuring everyone from heavyweight champions Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk to up-and-coming fighters Jake Paul and Tommy Fury.

    “Sport is essential to what Saudi is doing as it moves toward a world where it is less dependent on oil revenues,” according to Simon Chadwick, professor of sport and geopolitical economy at Skema Business School in Paris.

    Saudi Arabia wants tourism to account for 10% of its gross domestic product in 2030, by which time it hopes to be attracting 100 million visitors a year. In 2022, the kingdom hosted about 16 million visitors, including tourists, business travelers, those coming to see relatives residing in the country and overseas Muslims on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, a Saudi Tourism Authority representative said at a press briefing in Dubai this month.

    To reach its target, Saudi Arabia has been looking beyond just professional sports. From an Andy Warhol exhibition, art biennale and electronic music concerts in the desert, to celebrity chef restaurants in Riyadh and partnerships with top culinary schools, it’s spending heavily to create an entertainment and leisure industry from scratch.

    High-end hotels Aman Resorts and Banyan Tree have already been drawn to Al-Ula, an ancient oasis city in Saudi Arabia’s northwest that’s being transformed into a luxury travel destination on a budget of $35 billion. US pop stars Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey and John Legend have all recently performed there.

    Phillip Jones, chief tourism officer of the country’s Royal Commission for Al-Ula, said that, while some artists still refuse to visit the kingdom, the smart money is in Saudi Arabia looking for opportunities to invest. “They recognize that this country is about to explode in terms of financial capacity growth,” he said.

    And it’s not just the private sector. In recent years, the UK and France have signed cultural cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia.

    ‘False Impression’
    The sudden influx of sporting and cultural events is popular in the country, which until only recently enforced rules forbidding men and women from mixing together in public. This drastic change puts Saudi Arabia’s strategy on “a much grander scale” than Gulf neighbors, such as the United Arab Emirates, which have also opened up to western culture, according to Lina Khatib, director of the SOAS Middle East Institute.

    But not everyone is buying the hype. Campaigners say Saudi Arabia is deflecting attention from a poor domestic record on free speech and other human rights.

    “I’m glad these changes are happening, but it gives a false impression of our country,” Lina Al-Hathloul, Brussels-based head of monitoring and advocacy at human rights group ALQST, said of MBS’s soft power blueprint. She said once this strategy of using culture, sports and the arts to rehabilitate the Crown Prince’s reputation and woo western investors and visitors yields dividends, “violations we point out will no longer be effective.”

    Lina Al-Hathloul’s sister, Loujain Al-Hathloul, a prominent women’s rights activist in Saudi Arabia, was arrested in 2018 and later jailed on charges of inciting regime change and seeking to serve foreign agendas. She was released in 2021 but subject to a travel ban.

    Al-Ula’s metamorphosis is just one project feeding into MBS’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan to overhaul Saudi Arabia’s economy — something not universally welcomed within its borders. Members of the Howeitat tribe have been arrested for resisting forced evictions linked to the giant Neom megacity project and risk the death penalty, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement on May 3.

    A representative for Neom declined to comment. The Saudi government’s Center for International Communications didn’t respond to requests for comment.

    Earlier this month, Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, led a large contingent taking part in the annual Arabian Travel Market exhibition in Dubai. He said it was only the third time Saudi Arabia had participated in the trade show that launched 30 years ago.

    Addressing reporters at a luxury hotel during the event, Hamidaddin sat in front of a large screen flicking images of a smiling Messi in his capacity as a Saudi tourism ambassador. The footballer and his family were shown weaving baskets, petting Arabian thoroughbreds and playing in amusement parks during a visit to the kingdom.

    “To those that are skeptics, if you want to put effort in talking and saying things about Saudi, I would encourage you to see it before you make that effort,” Hamidaddin said at the event.
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How does Vision 2030 aim to foster new industries and employment?

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

Growth in technology
Through growth in science

To drive development in high-tech
To reduce Saudi Arabia's oil dependence

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

How does Vision 2030 aim to foster new industries and employment?

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

Growth in technology
Through growth in science

To drive development in high-tech
To reduce Saudi Arabia's oil dependence

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

How does Vision 2030 aim to foster new industries and employment?

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

Growth in technology
Through growth in science

To drive development in high-tech
To reduce Saudi Arabia's oil dependence

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

The government also supports entrepreneurship, aiming to increase the contribution of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to GDP from 20% to 35% by 2030, which is expected to create over 560,000 jobs annually .

Title:

Content: Saudi National Day: kingdom's women celebrate drive towards equal opportunity

Female executives cite "progressive leadership" for their achievements

Beta V.1.0 - Powered by automated translation

As they prepare for the 92nd Saudi National Day on Friday, Saudi women are celebrating the nation's progress and their rise to leadership positions across different sectors.

Saudi women have always coveted more visible and pertinent roles in society, and the kingdom's Vision 2030 is the catalyst that has made them possible.

Saudi Arabia had developed a diversified economy thanks to its “progressive leadership”, Dr Manar Al Moneef, Chief Investment Officer at the kingdom's $500 billion city of the future Neom, told The National.

“We are proud of the incredible accomplishments that have ignited the pride of our people all over the kingdom and we continue to strive for greatness,” she says.

“Neom will continue to be a powerful enabler” of the Saudi Vision 2030, she said.

Dr Manar believes Saudi Arabia is committed to women’s empowerment and has enabled women to obtain the “highest levels” of education and encouraged them to participate in various aspects of “economic, political, and social life”.

“As part of Vision 2030, I am grateful for the major reforms and the continuation of the leadership’s efforts to empower women to occupy leadership positions in various sectors.”

She said Neom’s approach is no different, “we are committed” to creating a working environment that supports, develops, and promotes equality and diversity”.

Vision 2030 aims to boost female participation in the workforce to 30 per cent by 2030.

Saudi women make up more than a third of the country's workforce, statistics released in March this year by the General Authority for Statistics show, a 17.4 per cent increase from five years ago.

Also, the female unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in 20 years in the first quarter of 2022.

Many female leaders attribute this achievement to the kingdom's ambitious programme to completely reshape its economy into one that is self-sufficient, progressive and diversified.

Saudi women have always demonstrated resolve and “Vision 2030 catalysed this determination into action”, said Dr May Taibah, board member and corporate financial controller at the Community Jameel Saudi Foundation.

She has been working in social enterprise for more than a decade, most recently with Bab Rizq Jameel Services and Nafisa Shams Academy for Arts and Crafts.

Vision 2030 caters to the diverse needs of Saudi Arabia’s citizens, as it enables every member of society, “especially women,” to be veritable contributors to the country’s socio-economic growth, she said.

“This gives me a front-row seat to witness first-hand the impact of collaboration between the public, private, and governmental sectors in fuelling human capability,” she told The National. “It is truly inspirational what can be achieved through the right support framework.”

In the first quarter of 2022, the percentage of women in middle management and senior positions rose from 28.6 per cent compared with 39 per cent in first quarter of 2017, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development said.

However, the exponential value added by the growth of the female workforce in the kingdom was not limited to statistics and numbers, said Deema Al Bashrawi, Head of Operations at Tanmiah, a manufacturer and distributor of food and agricultural products.

She attributed her professional success to a culmination of factors including the strength of the kingdom’s educational framework, which enabled her to earn a degree in economics, and the support of her family.

She added that “Tanmiah continues to support my sustained growth” since she joined in 2012 as a manager.

“Today, I look forward to continuing to serve my country, customers, partners, and investors as we continue to support the achievement of Saudi Arabia’s goals towards improving food security, reducing waste, and achieving self-sufficiency,” Ms Al Bashrawi said.

Dr Taibah believes that an entrepreneurial mindset is vital to prosperity and extends beyond entrepreneurship.

“The value extends beyond that, to the personal stories of lives, businesses and industries transformed through supportive socio-economic empowerment across the entire framework,” she told The National.

The World Bank’s Women, Business and Law report for 2020 and 2021 found that Saudi Arabia was among the top countries when it came to implementing reforms and rights related to women.

“Vision 2030 was developed to extend equal support, whether a person is a craft worker, start-up CEO or employee,” Dr Tabiah said.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development introduced policies that promote inclusivity, and diversity in the labour market.

These were “to enhance the positive image of women in the workplace, and to create a supportive and inclusive environment to facilitate women’s entry into the labour market”, a ministry representative said earlier this year.

“Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been a champion for women's progress and has helped empower women in the labour market by giving us ease of running businesses and authority which does not require a man,” said Ghalia Abdul, who runs a retail store in Jeddah.

Women's right to drive, travel and run their own businesses had helped her to hire more female workers in the last four years, Ms Abdul said.

The Arab Institute for Women’s Empowerment has said that investing in targeted training for Saudi women would have a return on investment of $400 billion by 2030.

“Most young Saudis have an entrepreneurial spirit and the new changes have helped people like me not just run my own business, but also contribute to the economy and create jobs for women,” Ms Abdul added.

Updated: September 22, 2022, 5:15 AM
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What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

**Curtailing the Wahhabi Religious Establishment** A defining feature of MBS’s reforms is the deliberate curtailment of the Wahhabi religious establishment’s influence.

**Curtailing the Wahhabi Religious Establishment** A defining feature of MBS’s reforms is the deliberate curtailment of the Wahhabi religious establishment’s influence.

**Curtailing the Wahhabi Religious Establishment** A defining feature of MBS’s reforms is the deliberate curtailment of the Wahhabi religious establishment’s influence.

Historically, the religious police wielded significant power, enforcing strict social codes.

Historically, the religious police wielded significant power, enforcing strict social codes.

Historically, the religious police wielded significant power, enforcing strict social codes.

Under Vision 2030, their authority has been sharply restricted, and a more moderate interpretation of Islam is being promoted .

Title:

Content: Value of Saudi Arabia's real estate and infrastructure projects top $1.25tn

The kingdom has commissioned developments worth $250 billion since it announced Vision 2030 in 2016, Knight Frank says

Powered by automated translation

The value of real estate and infrastructure projects announced since Saudi Arabia rolled out its National Transformation Plan in 2016 has crossed $1.25 trillion, agency Knight Frank has said.

With the execution deadline of the end of this decade fast approaching, the kingdom has commissioned projects worth $250 billion so far since the launch of its Vision 2030 economic and social diversification programme, the global real estate consultancy said in its annual Saudi Giga Projects report.

Saudi Arabia, the Arab world’s biggest economy and Opec’s top oil producer, is aiming to cut its dependence on the sale of hydrocarbons.

Riyadh’s overarching Vision 2030 agenda seeks to further develop the kingdom’s industrial base, broaden the country’s infrastructure and advance sectors including real estate, health and education to create more jobs for its rapidly expanding population.

The development of the tourism and hospitality sector is one of the central planks of Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign investment arm, the Public Investment Fund, is backing several projects in the kingdom including the $500 billion futuristic city Neom, and multi-billion-dollar developments on the Red Sea coast, as well as in Riyadh.

“Arguably one of, if not the most, expansive real estate development programmes ever seen in the world is gathering pace in Saudi Arabia as the 2030 deadline nears to realise Vision 2030,” Faisal Durrani, partner and head of Mena research, said.

Saudi Arabia, which was the fastest-growing major economy last year, aims to receive 100 million tourists by 2030 and is investing heavily in expanding its retail and hospitality offerings.

Knight Frank said the value of real estate and infrastructure projects across the western half of the country has climbed to $687 billion.

“The western half of the kingdom contains the highest concentration of headline-grabbing projects in the country, including of course Neom,” Harmen de Jong, partner and head of strategy, Saudi Arabia, at Knight Frank said.

In the last year, authorities announced various sub-components in Neom, including Trojena, the host location for the 2030 Asian Games, as well as Sindalah, a luxury island that will be the first of Neom’s projects to materialise.

“Neom overall is also progressing rapidly, with $70 billion of projects now awarded, 45 per cent of which has been completed,” he said.

The transformation is “clearly visible across the entire urban landscape”, as the planned giga projects are set to vastly expand the residential, office, retail, hospitality and industrial offerings to accommodate the projected population growth to 50 million by 2030, the report said.

Riyadh, in particular, is a hive of development activity and currently accounts for 18 per cent of all real estate projects under way, totalling about $229 billion, Knight Frank said.

The volume of residential units planned has climbed 30 per cent over the past 12 months to 660,000 units, which is “welcome news” for prospective homeowners.

A rise in the values of residential properties in recent quarters led to a nationwide decline in the volume of homes being sold in the kingdom, according to the report.

“Affordability is still a key hurdle for many buyers and so price points for the new inventory will be critical to reigniting domestic demand,” Mr Durrani said.

In the commercial market, 5.3 million square metres of retail space is now planned, with a further 289,000 hotel rooms that “will go some way to supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal of hosting 100 million visitors by 2030”, he said.

The office real estate pipeline in the kingdom is also steadily growing, reaching six million square metres.

“The swelling of the office pipeline is set against a backdrop of a severe shortage of prime Grade-A space in cities such as Riyadh, which stands in stark contrast to other global centres where occupancy levels still trail pre-pandemic levels,” Mr Durrani said.

Updated: September 07, 2023, 3:00 AM

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Content: Advertisment

Saudi Arabia Expands Energy Strategy Beyond Oil to Embrace Renewables

Saudi Arabia announces a strategic shift in its energy policy, moving away from oil-dependency towards a diversified, sustainable energy landscape.

Hadeel Hashem
New Update

In a groundbreaking announcement, Saudi Arabia has declared a strategic shift in its energy policy, signaling a move away from its traditional oil-based economy towards a diversified energy landscape. This significant move forms part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, aimed at reducing the country's dependence on oil and transitioning towards a more sustainable and diversified economy.

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Saudi Arabia's Energy Diversification: A Strategic Shift

This strategic redirection is indicative of Saudi Arabia's recognition of the changing global energy landscape and its commitment to meeting international climate targets. The Kingdom's decision to broaden its energy focus is not merely an economic strategy but a profound response to the growing global call for cleaner, sustainable energy sources. The move signifies a departure from fossil fuel dependency and striking a balance with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

From Oil Giant to Renewable Powerhouse

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Spearheaded by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Vision 2030 plan outlines ambitious targets for diversifying the country's energy sources. Among these is the creation of a sovereign wealth fund through the privatization of state-owned enterprise Aramco. The plan also sets bold targets for renewable energy production, including generating 9.5 gigawatts of energy from solar and wind power. These targets underscore the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a global investment powerhouse in the renewables sector.

Implications of Saudi Arabia's Energy Diversification

This strategic shift has significant implications for both the global energy market and the Kingdom's economic future. By diversifying its energy sources, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to stimulate economic growth, create new jobs, and strengthen its position as a global energy provider. The decision is a testament to Saudi Arabia's determination to adapt to changing global energy trends and its resolve to achieve a more sustainable, diversified economy.

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How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

How has the role of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice changed under Muhammad bin Salman?

Has been reduced to morality awareness campaigns and COVID-19 efforts.

No longer acts as the de facto religious police.

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What is one of the first priorities of Vision 2030 regarding ideological extremism?

Avoiding actions that cause dissent, encourage violence, or spread dangerous ideas

Combating extremist and ideological thinking

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

How has the role of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice changed under Muhammad bin Salman?

Has been reduced to morality awareness campaigns and COVID-19 efforts.

No longer acts as the de facto religious police.

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What is one of the first priorities of Vision 2030 regarding ideological extremism?

Avoiding actions that cause dissent, encourage violence, or spread dangerous ideas

Combating extremist and ideological thinking

This shift has enabled greater personal freedoms, reduced gender segregation, and fostered a more open and tolerant society, which is essential for attracting foreign investment and tourism .

Title:

Content: Moderate ideology: The silent Saudi revolution

Sports events, movie screenings, art exhibitions and music concerts are becoming increasingly common in the kingdom, and Saudi citizens are lapping them all up.

Published: 25th July 2023 12:34 AM  |   Last Updated: 25th July 2023 12:45 AM   |  A+A-

It has been ‘work in progress’ for some time now. Saudi Arabia is changing the tone and texture of its ideology from what has always been considered obscurantist to something that keeps with the times. Sports events, movie screenings, art exhibitions and music concerts are becoming increasingly common in the kingdom, and Saudi citizens are lapping them all up.

The kingdom has rapidly secured its position as a centre for cultural events, art exhibitions and film screenings. The nation’s Vision 2030 envisages and fully supports the expansion of the entertainment market to SR30 billion. Almost every domain of entertainment for which Saudi citizens earlier travelled far and wide is now available at home. This is thanks to a break from the past that the de facto ruler, Mohammad bin Salman (MbS), the Crown Prince, has initiated. It makes eminent sense in a nation seeking to develop itself beyond the energy sector with three visionary themes: a vibrant society, a thriving economy and continuity in terms of ambition in comprehensive development.

All this translates into a modern civilisational outlook with technology, intellectualism, private investment, trade, tourism, academics and more, all becoming the prime domains of functioning. The traditional worldwide perception of Saudi Arabia as the centre of the obscurantist ideology of Islam and a nation with an anti-reformist outlook has persisted, and not without reason. A brief understanding of this is important to appreciate the degree of change that Prince MbS has been able to generate.

As the custodian of the Holy Shrines of Mecca and Medina and the land where Islam’s first message was delivered, the Saudi rulers and clergy have always been all-powerful, even more so after adopting the core ideology expounded by Saudi thinker Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab. There is a long history behind this.

A virtual pact between the powerful clergy and the Royal Family has existed to promote the Wahhabi ideology in return for the powers that the Royals enjoyed. The pact saw enhanced clergy power after 1979 when the Shia Revolution occurred in Iran, the Saudi Ikhwan attempted a takeover of the Holy Shrine at Mecca, and the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Wahhabi ideology was about going back to the basics and making the faith much less tolerant by supporting ‘Takfir’, or the power of declaration of a believer as an apostate if Wahhabi tenets are not adhered to. The militant part of the ideology started to come to the fore after 1979. From segments of the Arab world to Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of India, Indonesia, Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, militancy promoting the Saudi brand flourished, giving rise to the notion of a clash of civilisations.

Saudi Arabia’s energy resources always dictated US policy. A grey zone existed here with simultaneous US support to Israel and Saudi Arabia, stacked primarily against Iran and the collective Arab will against Israel. A couple of factors brought the trigger for change. Among them were the discovery of shale gas in the US and the progressive decline in US dependency on Saudi energy resources. Second was the dwindling Saudi economy and the realisation that in an energy-based economy, without expansion into other domains of economic development, such as trade, technology, tourism, investments, entertainment and intellectual research, Saudi Arabia would waste its opportunities and resources. The tremendous advantage of being the centre of the Islamic world could give it enduring leadership status if it could neutralise the rising militancy within Islam. Nations all around, such as the UAE, had fully utilised their possessions and drawn major economic attraction due to pragmatism followed in all domains, including faith issues. The position of women in Saudi society, in particular, had a damning effect on the nation.

Nothing changes without a leader and a vision. Saudi Arabia was fortunate to get MbS, although his personal equation with the US has remained strained for various reasons, not the least being the Khashoggi factor. However, none of that has affected his intent of modernising the nation and for that, a more moderate form of Islam within the kingdom is necessary. To his credit, he has convinced the clergy of the need to follow his vision, which will also project Islam differently to many others who follow the Saudi guidelines on faith.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, from Saudi Arabia, who recently visited New Delhi for six days, is the Secretary General of the Muslim World League. The organisation was once at the forefront of promoting obscurantist ideology but is now transformed, as is evident from Sheikh al Issa’s message in New Delhi. The Sheikh’s belief which he transparently shared is that a whole generation of Muslims has grown up with an ideology that has given them a negative view of other faiths and an intolerantly sectarian understanding of their own.

In his several meetings with intellectuals, leaders and clergy from diverse faiths in India, he emphasised the role of the clergy in any faith. He admitted that Islam had earned a bad name for itself due to the acts of a few and the refusal of the followers to condemn those acts. He spoke of the role of family and education and decried religious teachers’ unsupervised education of young Muslim children. He mentioned that when intolerance and militancy were rising, people feared confronting them. His most poignant argument was that such obscurantism and militancy cannot be eliminated in the typical military way; they have to be removed from the roots by narratives stronger than the ones expounded.

Sheikh Al-Issa’s visit to India was symbolic of what appears to be the fading of the intolerant and militant element of Islam, but we cannot read too much into this. That change is taking place at the ideological centre is positive, but there is no guarantee of permanency. It is also not necessary that the message from Saudi Arabia is gelling with the vast Muslim populations worldwide. These populations are enmeshed with their local cultures and unlikely to follow examples. What is true is that a message supporting reformation has emanated from the nation considered the custodian of the shrines and, by many, of the faith. Nurturing this and taking it beyond is now the challenge.

Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd)

Former Commander, Srinagar-based 15 Corps. Now Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir

(atahasnain@gmail.com)

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How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

The reduction in religious policing has also allowed for the expansion of public entertainment, arts, and cultural events, which were previously banned or heavily restricted .

Title:

Content: Saudi National Day: Kingdom's women and young people shaping the future

UN official Jood Alharthi tells The National that young people in the kingdom are becoming 'change-makers'

Powered by automated translation

Saudi women are taking charge of representing the kingdom across different sectors and positions regionally and globally, some of its most well-known women told The National.

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, champions women empowerment, which is a key component of reforms in the kingdom.

Jood Al Harthi, the first woman to be appointed as political affairs officer at the Executive Office of the Secretary General of the UN in New York, spoke to The National ahead of Saudi National Day on Saturday.

She said “today more than ever”, the kingdom is making an impact in the space of international co-operation, development, multilateralism and diplomacy.

She said the King Salman Relief Centre had “unarguably expanded” its global reach and scale, with its top projects the previous year focusing on emergency relief co-ordination, food security and early recovery.

“It’s worthy to note that more and more young Saudis have rushed to become volunteers and change-makers for such causes,” she said.

The empowerment of women and youth engagement are top priorities within the kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative.

It is through such initiatives that the kingdom can create a platform for the next generation of Saudi women to “thrive”, said Princess Reema bint Bandar, the kingdom's ambassador to the US.

“We can contribute to break down the barriers in the biases that hold women back and we can foster a world where the next generation of women can thrive,” she said.

“And when we do that, we’ll not only create a more equal and inclusive society but also a more prosperous one. We need more women in leadership roles paving the way.”

Princess Reema, who was appointed ambassador to the US by the Saudi Crown Prince in 2019, said the kingdom needs more female business leaders to reach its potential.

“We need more women in middle management positions continuing the work,” she said.

“We need more women business owners, more mentorship programmes focused on female success, and more people investing in women-led start-ups.”

In 2023, Saudi Arabia sent its first Saudi female astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi, to the International Space Station.

And Saudi women are rising to top positions across the world, from astrophysics, politics, technology and other industries.

The kingdom has hosted high-level summits over the past year, including the Arab League Summit.

It has allowed the kingdom to further empower its women to take leading roles in its international vision, Ms Alharthi said.

“We’ve seen an increase of women ambassadors, youth representatives and recruitment,” she said.

“As the kingdom marks its National Day, we must recall the huge contributions that make headlines, but most importantly, let us also celebrate the unheard successes and the many transformative plans and dreams in progress.”

She said Saudi Arabia continues to support the voices of the Muslim community globally, and speak against cases of Islamophobia and hate speech to boost peaceful coexistence.

Updated: September 23, 2023, 3:00 AM

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

How has the role of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice changed under Muhammad bin Salman?

Has been reduced to morality awareness campaigns and COVID-19 efforts.

No longer acts as the de facto religious police.

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

How has the role of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice changed under Muhammad bin Salman?

Has been reduced to morality awareness campaigns and COVID-19 efforts.

No longer acts as the de facto religious police.

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

**Women’s Rights and Empowerment** Women’s rights reforms are among the most visible and internationally recognized aspects of Vision 2030.

**Women’s Rights and Empowerment** Women’s rights reforms are among the most visible and internationally recognized aspects of Vision 2030.

**Women’s Rights and Empowerment** Women’s rights reforms are among the most visible and internationally recognized aspects of Vision 2030.

Since 2017, women’s workforce participation has increased from 17% to 37%, with the government targeting 30% by 2030 .

Title:

Content: Paris Fashion Week: Mohammed Ashi brings CHANGE in Saudi Arabia's culture to the ramp

The Saudi fashion industry is just one facet of a broader strategy pursued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the country's economy and foster social changes.

First Published Jul 6, 2023, 2:10 PM IST

In a remarkable milestone for Saudi Arabia's cultural evolution, Mohammed Ashi, a Saudi designer, made his debut at Paris Fashion Week, marking a significant moment in the kingdom's push into the global fashion scene. Ashi, known for dressing top celebrities, described this achievement as the pinnacle of his career. The event coincided with Saudi Arabia's announcement of its own fashion week scheduled for October, as the country aims to tap into new retail opportunities valued at $32 billion annually.

Also read: Saudi documenting Hadith to stop misuse by Islamic radicals, terrorists

The Saudi fashion industry is just one facet of a broader strategy pursued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the country's economy and foster social changes. This approach involves redirecting the nation's oil wealth towards investments in movies, sports, video games, tourism, and other cultural endeavors. While skeptics initially viewed these initiatives as mere smokescreens to deflect attention from human rights concerns, the reforms have surpassed expectations by introducing substantial and transformative changes.

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

Yousef Akbar, a fashion designer who established his brand in Australia and has dressed renowned celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Rita Ora, expressed his astonishment at the magnitude of the transformation. He never anticipated such progress while growing up, and starting his fashion label in Australia seemed to determine the course of his career. However, he now operates his business from Jeddah, highlighting the growing opportunities within Saudi Arabia's burgeoning fashion scene.

"For the first two years, I almost didn't believe it was real, but then I realised, wow, it IS real," said 37-year-old Yousef Akbar, who began his eponymous fashion label in Australia in 2017.

"I really never thought when I was growing up that this would happen. When I started my brand in Australia, I thought my whole life would be there since I'm a fashion designer," Akbar added.

Also read: Why Saudi Arabia's oil production cuts are a risky gamble

The Saudi Fashion Commission aims to capitalize on newfound freedoms regarding public dress and the flourishing private sector, projecting a remarkable 48 percent surge in retail sales to $32 billion between 2021 and 2025. In line with this vision, the commission has launched the Saudi 100 brands program, fostering local designers and nurturing a homegrown industry.

Burak Cakmak, the CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, believes that the country's rich heritage and existing brand presence lay the groundwork for a thriving fashion industry, dispelling the notion that Saudi Arabia is starting from scratch.

"Just because the country wasn't exposed to the rest of the world doesn't mean they are starting now," he told AFP in Paris. "I had an event for a brand this week that's been running since the 70s."

A post shared by Ashi Studio (@ashistudio)

It is important to acknowledge that LGBTQ individuals face severe repression in Saudi Arabia, as the country criminalizes same-sex relations. Despite this, the authorities are apparently turning a blind eye to the influence of queer designers and couturiers within the fashion industry.

Susanne Koelbl, author of "Behind the Kingdom's Veil," suggests that as long as individuals maintain loyalty to the ruler and their families approve, the authorities are choosing to overlook these aspects.

"Maybe you can't dance naked on the table, but almost anything else is possible now, as long as your family is OK with it and you are loyal to the ruler," Koelbl told AFP.

With opposition largely repressed and religious leaders stripped of power, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faces few obstacles in implementing his well-planned and long-scheduled reform agenda, which is dramatically reshaping Saudi society. This process of change brings new and significant opportunities, particularly for women, who are experiencing a shift in societal roles and expectations.

"It's a well-planned, long-scheduled reform process which is about to change the society completely," said Koelbl. "The Saudi people don't tend to be revolutionary and for the vast majority there are indeed new and big opportunities now, especially for women."

For those benefiting from these reforms, the excitement is palpable and inspiring. Witnessing the realization of what was once deemed impossible serves as a powerful motivation for individuals like Yousef Akbar, who see tremendous potential for their own businesses.

"It sounds cliched, but seeing something happen that we all thought was impossible is very inspiring for my own business," said Akbar.

Also read: Arab youth sees India as stronger ally than the US: New survey

Saudi Arabia's presence at Paris Fashion Week and its broader efforts to embrace cultural transformation are indicative of a nation striving to redefine itself on the global stage. As the kingdom continues to invest in various aspects of global culture, it signals a desire to not only diversify its economy but also to foster social progress and create opportunities for its people.

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Content: Saudi Arabia on path of reconciliation

Saudi Arabia, it seems is ready to renounce its enmity with its old foes and ready to amend ties with both Iran and Israel.

Indications to the change in the Saudi view towards Iran and Israel came last week. In an interview given by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) to SPA, the Saudi state news agency, and quoted by several international magazines, he is reported to have expressed desire to mend ties with Iran and Israel, its old foes.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman said Israel could become a “potential ally”; if the conflict with the Palestinians is resolved. On Iran MBS is reported to have said that the Islamic Republic and Saudi Arabia “are neighbours. Neighbours forever. We cannot get rid of them, and they can’t get rid of us. … So it’s better for both of us to work it out and to look for ways in which we can coexist.”

He is believed to have said that hopefully, we can reach a position that’s good for both countries and is going to create a brighter future for this country and Iran.

Saudi-Israel Ties

On restoring ties with Israel, he said that Saudi Arabia looks at it as a potential ally but before that it should solve its problems with the Palestinians. Historically Jerusalem and Riyadh do not maintain official diplomatic relations but do share many regional interests, especially with respect to their mutual foe, Iran.

Extensive behind-the-scenes diplomatic and intelligence cooperation between the Gulf kingdom and the Jewish state have been reported over the years in recent time and Israeli has made no secret of its wish to have Saudi Arabia join the historic Abraham Accords, as Bahrain and the UAE did, earlier. Saudi position has always been that, such a move could only be pursued after the Israeli-Palestinian conflict ends.

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly reiterated its commitment to the Arab parameters for peace with Israel expressed in the 2002 Saudi-proposed Arab Initiative, which calls for normalising relations with Tel Aviv in return for withdrawal from territories occupied in 1967.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and annexed the entire city in 1980 in a move that has never been recognised by the international community.

The recent overtures contrast to the Saudi stand and reactions to various Israeli activities in Palestine. In November last year, it condemned a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to the Ibrahimi Mosque in the West Bank city of Hebron to celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

Saudi Foreign Ministry had described the act as a “flagrant violation of the sanctity of the mosque, hostile and hurting feelings of Muslims all over the world”, adding the Israeli occupation will bear the consequences of this move. Prince Mohammed had then described the move “as a strong and wrong signal”.

Hebron is home to roughly 1,60,000 Palestinian Muslims and about 800 Jewish settlers. The latter live in a series of Jewish-only enclaves heavily guarded by Israeli troops.

After the 1994 massacre of 29 Palestinian worshippers inside the mosque by extremist Jewish settler Baruch Goldstein, Israeli authorities had divided the mosque complex between Muslim and Jewish worshippers. However, now the 36-year-old MBS has described Israel as a “potential ally” and with many interests that we can pursue together… But we have to solve some issues before we get to that.”

In an interview with the Riyadh-based Arab News daily last year, Abdallah Al-Mouallimi, the kingdom’s permanent representative to the UN, had said Riyadh is committed to the Arab Initiative for peace, which calls for the end of the Israeli occupation of all Arab territories occupied in 1967 and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital in return of normalising ties with Israel.

“The official and latest Saudi position is that we are prepared to normalise relations with Israel as soon as Israel implements the elements of the Saudi peace initiative that was presented in 2002,” Al-Mouallimi had said. Last year only Israeli media had reported that a delegation of some 20 American Jewish leaders had visited Saudi Arabia and met with senior officials including at least six government ministers and senior representatives of the Saudi royal house in an effort to review possibilities of establishing ties between Riyadh and Tel Aviv.

Also there have been reports that now you can travel from Saudia to Israel easily, with immigration authorities overlooking Israeli visa on your passport. Earlier there have been many instances where a Saudi visa was denied as you had an Israeli visa on your passport. In addition many Saudi travel companies are now offering pilgrimage packages to Israel.

Saudi-Iran Relations

The Saudi relations with Iran, blamed by Gulf states for creating chaos in the region, have at the same time showed signs of improvement with several rounds of talks hosted by Iraq. MBS is reported to have said that it would be better for both Saudi and Iran to work it out and to look for ways in which they could coexist, and hopefully, can reach a position that’s good for both countries and is going to create a brighter future for his country and Iran.

Iran seems to have welcomed these remarks by MbS. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told state news agency IRNA, last week that it is a sign of Riyadh’s “desire” to restore severed ties, and welcomed these overtures.

In 2016, protesters had attacked Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran after the kingdom executed revered Shiite cleric Nimr Al Nimr. Riyadh had responded at the time by cutting ties with Tehran.

Recently the two countries have held four rounds of talks in Iraq since April aimed at improving relations. These talks have been described by the Iranian diplomats as creating a good atmosphere and have delivered results, albeit small ones. Iran has also appreciated Saudi desire to take the path of dialogue, though both parties have different views and approaches on some issues in the region, but the management of differences by the sides can serve the interests of the two nations much better.

MBS, who is seen as the harbinger of change in the tradition-moulded kingdom, has embarked on several projects to make Saudi economy more resilient to the global changes and demands. He has also ushered in some societal reforms and is being credited with planning and delivering the Neom city, which is being billed as a completely new concept in human dwelling habits.

His latest views on both Israel and Iran seems to be inspired by his futuristic vision for the kingdom but are also seeped in traditional wisdom and a will to change old ways as per the requirements of the new world. With reports of his father being very ill, these steps are also aimed at improving his image as a national leader globally, besides portraying him as a leader who is ready to change with the winds of change.

(Asad Mirza is a political commentator based in New Delhi. The views expressed are personal)

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Content: Follow Us:
Friday, December 10, 2021

Progress for saudi women is uneven, despite cultural changes and more jobs

Over the last five years, the percentage of women working outside the home has almost doubled, according to official statistics, to 32% from nearly 18%.

By: New York Times | Riyadh |
December 10, 2021 10:45:24 am
A group of women and children picnic at Wadi Hanifa park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 29, 2021. (Iman Al-Dabbagh/The New York Times)

Written by Kate Kelly

At the cramped shop where Kholoud Ahmed sells the traditional Muslim women’s gowns known as abayas, the rainbow of colors is a revelation.

In the past, women in Riyadh typically dressed in the same black abaya no matter where they were going. Now, observed Ahmed, 21, there’s a differently colored or styled abaya for every occasion: weddings, meeting friends at a cafe, visiting parents.

“Colored abayas used to be a strange thing for us in Riyadh, something unusual,” said Ahmed, the store’s clerk. “Within a year it has significantly changed. It has become normal nowadays.”

Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman became Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader more than four years ago, he has promised new opportunities for Saudi women as part of a broad modernization plan called Vision 2030.

The plan, which is advertised across Riyadh on posters and flags, is meant to wean the kingdom away from its historical reliance on oil and shift it toward new industries, including technology, pharmaceuticals and tourism.

Women shop for abayas, or traditional Muslim womenÕs gowns, at a store in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 28, 2021. (Iman Al-Dabbagh/The New York Times)

But to create more job opportunities for Saudis and draw international investors and corporations to the desert monarchy, Crown Prince Mohammed is also chipping away at the conservative culture that has kept many women close to home for years and scared away many foreigners.

Over the last five years, the percentage of women working outside the home has almost doubled, according to official statistics, to 32% from nearly 18%. Women today serve as customs officials at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, client relationship managers at banks and hostesses at restaurants.

In addition to changes in the workplace, public space is becoming less strictly segregated by sex. In coffee shops in Riyadh like Overdose (motto: “Caffeine, it’s my drug of choice”), male and female customers can now sip lattes in mixed company.

Women can attend certain sporting events at stadiums, which was forbidden until a few years ago. They are no longer required to use separate entrances from men although some establishments still use them. They can also now apply for passports, live by themselves and travel on their own.

But the progress has been uneven.

Soccer fans withÊHattan Bahebri, center, a midfielder for Al Shabab, after a match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 28, 2021.ÊWomen have been able to attend sporting events in Saudi Arabia since 2018. (Iman Al-Dabbagh/The New York Times)

The guardianship system, which despite some recent reforms is still in place, means that women must rely on permission from men — often their fathers or husbands, but in some cases their sons — to enter into marriages and make key decisions.

One prominent women’s rights activist was jailed for three years after pushing publicly for some of the very changes Crown Prince Mohammed wanted to make — including allowing women to drive. She has since been released and has published a research paper on the status of Saudi women.

Those fits and starts are also evident in quotidian ways. Women’s attire in Riyadh, though more relaxed than a few years ago, is still far from liberal; even women who avoid abayas wear clothes with long sleeves, high necklines and low hemlines.

They may be using money from their newly earned paychecks to shop for kitten-heeled boots and slip dresses at Zara, but such outfits are still worn only in private settings.

“It’s not like before, like you have to wear, like, hijab and everything,” said Marwa, a 19-year-old university student who was shopping at Ahmed’s shop, referring to the traditional head scarf worn by Saudi women. “Now you can have free choice, but limited. It’s not like you are showing parts of your body.”

However much things have changed, the culture remains sufficiently conservative — and cautious of angering the authorities — that Marwa, like many of the Riyadh residents interviewed for this article, declined to give her full name.

Marwa said other cultural changes, like allowing store owners to remain open during prayer time to accommodate both merchants and shoppers, created problems of their own.

Some people who are devout and would pray no matter what, she said, could be offended by the business-as-usual attitude. “It’s like you’re not respecting the prayer time,” she said. Her friend Alaa — who wore sweatpants and sneakers under her abaya and sported a wrist tattoo that said “Trust no one” — nodded.

Prayer time at a shopping mall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 28, 2021. Women say Saudi Arabia has advanced significantly in just the past year, with more choices regarding work, fashion and social spaces, but restrictions remain everywhere. (Iman Al-Dabbagh/The New York Times)

During the call to prayer a few minutes later, a number of male store workers nearby locked their doors and walked to the mall’s prayer room on an upper floor. On the ground floor, about 10 women, patrons who were wearing black abayas and hijabs, took rugs from a corner pile and knelt on them to pray. Other women sat quietly on benches, watching their children ride around in battery-operated toy cars.

A 52-year-old father of six, who gave only a nickname, Abu Abdullah, said he saw the benefits of more flexible prayer times and new opportunities for women. “During traveling, we don’t pray,” he said. “Even women, they don’t pray for seven days,” referring to the fact that women are forbidden to pray when they are menstruating.

Several of Abu Abdullah’s five daughters were standing nearby, eating buttered corn and french fries. One of them, Nout al-Qahtani, 13, said she was thrilled about the changes for women in Saudi Arabia. “I want to work,” she said. “I really want to be a doctor.”

Her father noted that not every dream job would be appropriate.

“Some jobs don’t fit for some women,” he said, citing roles in plumbing and construction work as examples. “It’s better to put her in the right place,” he added.

Five miles north of the mall, a local soccer club, Al Shabab, was playing an out-of-town team at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. It was a mild evening, and the crowd was animated when the home team scored. On the men’s side of the stadium, hundreds of men jumped to their feet, chanting and clapping for the players.

Across the stadium on what’s known as the family side, where women and children were directed to sit, Najiba, a nurse at the hospital complex King Fahd Medical City, was watching with two colleagues. Although women have been able to go to sports events in Saudi since 2018, it was only her second time at a match.

FILE Ñ Crown Prince Mohammed is depicted at left on a billboard advertising the Vision 2030 modernization plan in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 28, 2018. (Tasneem Alsultan/The New York Times)

Najiba, 34, and her friends said that they were seeing far more Saudi women working at the hospital in recent years, and that the idea of women in medical careers had become more palatable to families who might previously have considered a mixed-gender working environment problematic.

“Now the family accepts if they have a daughter or a wife working in health care,” said Najiba, who was a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit for years before taking on an administrative role.

Below the nurses, a few children were playing in the front row. One child, who had been running around and yelling, was scolded by a female security guard.

Several female spectators said they never missed a match. One, a 29-year-old manager at the Saudi British Bank attending with her brother, spoke highly of Riyadh’s new entertainment options and the growing economic opportunities for women. “We’re so excited,” she said.

A little after 9:30 p.m., the match ended in a 3-0 victory for Al Shabab.

As the crowd dispersed, one of its star players, the midfielder Hattan Bahebri, was signing autographs for dozens of fans through the fence that separated the stands from the field.

At one point, he held his hands in a heart shape in front of him. A clutch of men encircled the player, some with children hoisted on their shoulders. But one woman, her pink-tinted sunglasses atop her hijab, walked to the front of the crowd, raised her phone and got the shot.

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How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

And women's workforce participation doubled to 36%

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

And women's workforce participation doubled to 36%

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

And women's workforce participation doubled to 36%

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

Women are now allowed to drive (since June 2018), travel abroad without a male guardian, apply for passports independently, and register marriages, divorces, births, and deaths without male consent .

Title:

Content: Saudi Arabia to send its first woman astronaut into space in a matter of weeks

Rayyana Barnawi will travel with three other astronauts to the space station via one of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets.

is set to send its first woman astronaut into later this year — on a 10 day mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Rayyana Barnawi, a biomedical researcher, will join fellow Saudi Ali Al-Quarni and two Americans on board the US-based aerospace firm Axiom Space’s “Axiom Mission 2” (Ax-2). The mission, which is set to launch sometime between April and June, is the latest move by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to update its traditionally ultra-conservative image.

The Ax-2 mission will blast off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Barnawi and Al-Quarni will be joined by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson — making her fourth flight up to the ISS — and Tennessee businessman John Shoffner, who will be serving as the mission’s pilot.

Two other Saudi astronauts, Mariam Fardous and Ali AlGamdi, will also be trained on all of the mission requirements.

Ax-2 comes in the wake of Axiom Space’s previous mission to the ISS back in April last year, which saw four private astronauts spend a total of 17 days in orbit.

Saudi Arabia is set to send its first woman astronaut into space later this year (Image: Axiom Space)

The Ax-2 mission will visit the International Space Station, pictured (Image: Getty Images)

Barnawi will be joined by (L–R) Peggy Whitson, John Shoffner and Ali Al-Quarni (Image: Axiom Space)

According to the official Saudi Press Agency, the new mission “aims to empower national capabilities in human spaceflight geared towards serving humanity and benefiting from the promising opportunities offered by the space industry.”

At the same time, they added, the move will contribute “to scientific research in many aspects such as health, sustainability and space technology.”

According to Saudi Space Commission chair Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha, the kingdom’s leadership is keen to give “unlimited support” to the space program.

Through this program, he added, the Saudi Arabia seeks to activate scientific innovations at the level of space sciences, enhance its ability to independently conduct research, increase the interest of graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and develop human capital by attracting talents and the necessary skills.

READ MORE:

The Ax-2 mission will blast off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida onboard a SpaceX Falcon (Image: Getty Images)

Ax-2 is just one of many space missions launching this year (Image: Express.co.uk)

The first Arab nation to send one of its citizens into space was the United Arab Emirates which is the country claiming the title back in 2019. This was when astronaut Hazzaa al-Mansoori spent eight days up on the ISS.

Later this month, fellow Emirati Sultan al-Neyadi will also be undertaking a voyage up to the orbiting laboratory on board a Falcon 9 rocket.

Dubbed the “Sultan of Space”, Neyadi will become the first Arab astronaut to spend more than six months in space.

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In 1985, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Adbulaziz became the first Arab Muslim to travel into space (Image: Creative Commons / Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores)

The Ax-2 mission, however, is not Saudi Arabia’s first involvement in a space mission.

Back in 1985, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Adbulaziz — an airforce pilot — became the first Arab Muslim to travel into space when he participated in an American launch.

Saudi Arabia went on to establish its own space program in 2018, and launched another last year to undertake crewed missions specifically.

The move is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s “Vision 2030” agenda for economic diversification — beyond just oil — as well as his wider reforms.

Since Prince Salman assumed power in 2017, the proportion of women in the workforce has increased from 17 to 37 percent. Women have also been allowed to drive and to travel abroad without a male guardian.

How has Saudi Arabia empowered women and increased their labor market participation under Vision 2030?

By removing restrictions on freedom of movement

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What new permissions have Saudi women gained under Mohammed bin Salman's rule?

These legal changes have substantially increased women’s autonomy and participation in public life .

How has Saudi Arabia empowered women and increased their labor market participation under Vision 2030?

By removing restrictions on freedom of movement

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

And women's workforce participation doubled to 36%

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What leadership roles have Saudi women achieved under Vision 2030?

Women have been appointed to municipal councils

Women have also been appointed to significant government positions, including seats on the Shura Council, and have taken on leadership roles in business, politics, and other sectors .

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What leadership roles have Saudi women achieved under Vision 2030?

Cultural norms have shifted, with the dress code for women relaxing and colored abayas and modern attire becoming common .

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

Women now attend sporting events and participate in public spaces without strict gender segregation, and the introduction of cinemas and international music festivals has created more vibrant, mixed-gender cultural scenes .

Title:

Content: (Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabia’s decades-long ban on cinemas only ended in 2018, but the desert kingdom already has Hollywood ambitions.

It’s investing $64 billion in its nascent entertainment industry as part of a broader effort to wean the economy off oil and transform itself into the Middle East’s premier movie hub.

The action flick ‘Desert Warrior’, starring Anthony Mackie (Marvel’s new Captain America), is being filmed entirely in Saudi Arabia, and Gerard Butler’s latest thriller ‘Kandahar’ is starting principal photography in the Al-Ula region this month -- a first for the UNESCO World Heritage Site opened last year as part of Saudi Arabia’s related push to introduce tourism.

“We’ve started from the beginning, no one was here before, and we have high ambitions to build up Al-Ula as an international film destination,“ said Stephen Strachan, film commissioner for the unspoilt region that boasts majestic pre-Islamic ruins neglected under decades of religious rule.

Saudi Arabia to Allow Cinemas, Ending Ban Imposed in 1980s

It’s a remarkable turnaround for Saudi Arabia, where only a few years ago women were prohibited from driving, restaurants were gender-segregated and most forms of entertainment, from music concerts to film screenings were banned as un-Islamic. Since taking day-to-day control in 2017, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has loosened social restrictions and introduced the annual Riyadh Season extravaganza of concerts and events.

But there’s another side to the transformation; Prince Mohammed has jailed dissidents, silenced critics and is accused by the U.S. of ordering the murder of critical Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, a charge Saudi Arabia denies.

Like the social media influencers that came before them, Hollywood stars arriving to shoot potential blockbusters are a coup for the government’s effort to rehabilitate its image, but could draw criticism from rights campaigners who say the glamor glosses over that darker political underbelly.

Saudi Arabia Is Using Instagram Influencers to Improve Its Image

“I think people have the wrong impression of Saudi sometimes. It’s very much modernizing,” said Strachan. “Hollywood is looking to see what happens with ‘Kandahar’. People are interested in the cultural transformation in Saudi. ”

‘Kandahar’ is co-financed by Saudi-owned TV giant MBC, alongside Santa Monica, California-based Thunder Road. The film is set to feature Gerard Butler as an undercover CIA operative working in Afghanistan who has to fight his way out of hostile territory.“I liked the script, and Gerard Butler is a classic name,” said Peter Smith, head of MBC Studios. Smith was previously president of NBCUniversal International, and moved to MBC in 2018 to boost output in Saudi Arabia and the region.

Netflix sees opportunity as well. The streaming giant has signed an eight feature film deal with Saudi studio Telfaz11, as it looks to increase Middle East content.

But the kingdom faces stiff competition.

Morocco and Jordan have long served as desert locations, with Wadi Rum doubling as Mars in 2015 sci-fi film ‘The Martian’ and alien landscapes in ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.’

Saudi Arabia will also be competing with the neighboring United Arab Emirates, which has provided the backdrop to blockbusters like ‘Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.’Some film industry insiders also complain of problems obtaining visas or getting equipment through the airport, and decades without movies means its harder to source local talent than it is in Arab countries with more experience.As part of the push, the kingdom is launching its first international film festival.

The Red Sea Festival begins in December in the historic coastal city of Jeddah. The chairman is Saudi producer Mohammed Al Turki, who’s worked on films including the 2012 crime drama ‘Arbitrage’, starring Richard Gere.

Al Turki has been touring major festivals like Cannes, where Red Sea sponsored the amfAR Gala for AIDS research, with industry royalty like Spike Lee in attendance.

At the Venice Film Festival, Red Sea threw a women in film event that attracted stars like Demi Moore and Kate Hudson.

“We want to be the region’s destination for filming, and the creativity and potential here is immense,” said Al Turki.It’s personal for the 35-year-old. He left Saudi Arabia around a decade ago to become a film producer in the U.S., and remembers having to bring VHS tapes to his home or travel to neighboring Bahrain to visit the cinema. Now, he’s back to organize a homegrown film festival.

“People will be surprised by the festival and talent in Saudi,” he said. “We’re making this happen.”

©2021 Bloomberg L.P.

Title:

Content: Riyadh:  The General Authority for Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia has today issued a license to the Chalhoub Group to operate at Riyadh Integrated – the Kingdom’s first Special Integrated Logistics Zone.

The Special Integrated Logistics Zone was launched in October 2022 in Riyadh by HE the Minister of Transport & Logistics and the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA). The zone is truly integrated, with a value proposition that has been developed alongside its first batch of investors. The strategically located special integrated logistics zone will serve billions of potential customers in easy reach in Africa, Asia and Europe and help to significantly increase Saudi’s cargo capacity to more than 4.5 million tons per annum. It will also strengthen Saudi Arabia’s competitive position as the largest, fastest growing and leading trading nation in the Middle East, continuing Vision 2030’s mission to connect the Kingdom to the world.

Set to open in mid-2025, the Chalhoub Group’s fulfilment centre at Riyadh Integrated will serve as a flagship centre for the region.  Once operational, the state-of-the-art facility will also reduce lead time to market and strengthen last mile deployment whilst enabling sustainable growth through enhanced customer service by utilising advanced automation and technological solutions. Covering a surface area of 40,000 square metres, with a built-up area of up to 24,000 square metres, the fulfilment centre is expected to quadruple the Chalhoub Group’s fulfilment capacity to service the region, create an estimated 200 new job opportunities, and support the local drive for recruitment across key growth sectors, including logistics.

Commenting on this announcement, GACA President Al Duailej said:

“I would like to congratulate the Chalhoub Group on issuance of a license to operate at Riyadh’s Special Integrated Logistics Zone and we look forward to working together towards the successful operation of their fulfilment centre in 2025.

“Riyadh Integrated is a testimony to the Saudi Aviation Strategy under Vision 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a global logistics hub connecting three continents, attracting the largest companies in the world, like the Chalhoub Group, to the Kingdom as our logistics sector is transformed.

“As a vital enabler for Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector, the Special Integrated Logistics Zone offers a unique value proposition to multi-nationals based on enhanced fiscal and regulatory incentives. It will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as the largest, fastest growing market and leading strategic trading nation in the Middle East and continue Vision 2030’s mission to connect the Kingdom to the world.”

Patrick Chalhoub, Group President at Chalhoub Group said:

“At Chalhoub Group, our plans to launch a new state-of-the-art facility at Special Integrated Logistics Zone underlines our support for the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the Saudi Aviation Strategy and the Kingdom’s drive to increase job localisation.

“As Riyadh continues its upward trajectory and grows in size and ambition, our new fulfilment centre is reflective of our commitment to further developing and strengthening our operations to meet the growing demands of our customers across Saudi Arabia, while supporting the Kingdom’s dynamic and evolving business and technology landscape.”

The Chalhoub Group is the second investor at Riyadh Integrated, following the global technology giant Apple – who were confirmed as the first investor at Riyadh Integrated in October 2022.

The Chalhoub Group’s fulfilment centre has been strategically designed to streamline its practices and optimise efficiency through technology, digitalisation and sustainable developments to ensure a competitive edge. The new facility will be designed and built on international green building best practices by using sustainable construction materials, incorporating renewable energy sources, and increasing overall natural greenery landscaping to minimise its carbon footprint.

As part of the wider transformation of the Kingdom’s logistics sector, by 2030 Saudi Arabia is significantly increasing its cargo capacity to more than 4.5 million tons per annum and increasing the contribution of the transport and logistics sector to national gross domestic product from the current six per cent to 10 per cent. This will help to fuel business growth, attract inward investment, and increase the sector’s non-oil revenues to about SR 45 billion ($12 billion) a year by 2030.

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What new permissions have Saudi women gained under Mohammed bin Salman's rule?

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What new permissions have Saudi women gained under Mohammed bin Salman's rule?

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What new permissions have Saudi women gained under Mohammed bin Salman's rule?

The creation of Kayanee, a female-centered health and well-being company, further exemplifies the focus on improving women’s quality of life .

Title:

Content: Home » What does Saudi Arabia want from football

What does Saudi Arabia want from football

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The purchase of Cristiano Ronaldo by Saudi side Al-Nassr last January appears to have marked the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious expansion plans in professional football. In recent weeks, or since the summer phase of the so-called transfer market began, the Saudi teams, some of which are managed by the government, have been signing some of the most well-known players around thanks to their practically unlimited financial resources.

The main local football league is the Saudi Pro League. At the moment it is certainly not comparable to the European leagues or even to other more competitive tournaments outside Europe. But Saudi Arabia’s goal is to significantly improve it in the shortest possible time to make it a viable and competitive alternative on an international scale. The strategy is quite clear: to convince the champions of European teams to move to Saudi Arabia by paying them much more than everyone else can afford to do.

Al-Nassr, for example, has guaranteed Cristiano Ronaldo a contract that will allow him to earn over 200 million euros in two and a half years until June 2025. According to estimates by the American magazine Forbes that’s the highest salary ever for an athlete, but that record may already be surpassed, as French striker Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid team-mate, moved to another Saudi team, the Al-Ittihad, signing a contract worth around 200 million euros which, however, will be paid in two years. The same club has also signed French international midfielder N’Golo Kanté, who will earn a total of €100m over four seasons.

(Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Ronaldo, Benzema and Kanté are over 30 years old and are on their way to the end of their respective careers. They were also free to sign a new contract having released themselves from previous clubs before accepting offers from Saudi clubs. But in the meantime the Arabs have started, and in some cases concluded, negotiations for younger and more coveted players on the market. These are players still under contract with their respective clubs and for them, in addition to the salary money, an expense must therefore be faced to buy them. This is the case, for example, of the Croatian midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, for whom Al-Nassr has offered Inter around 23 million euros and a contract worth 20 million a year to the player. Among the objectives of the Saudi teams there also seem to be the Serbian Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic Savic and the Roma full-back Leonardo Spinazzola.

The country is therefore getting serious and does not set limits. After having also tried to convince the Argentine champion Lionel Messi, who however preferred the United States, the Al-Hilal team also concluded two important signings. The first was Portuguese midfielder Ruben Neves, for whom 55 million were paid to English club Wolverhampton. Then it was the turn of Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who moved from Napoli to Chelsea last summer and has now been bought by Al-Hilal for 24 million euros on a contract worth 25 million per season. French-Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who will play for Al-Ahli, and Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech, who is close to joining Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, are also ready to move from Chelsea to Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, the Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, who has just finished the season on loan at Inter and returned to Chelsea, but would like to continue playing in Milan, rejected a Saudi proposal. As for the coaches, in recent weeks the Arab teams have contacted, so far without success, Josè Mourinho and Massimiliano Allegri.

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This new wave of millionaire offers from Saudi Arabia has also involved Milan and one of its best players, Sandro Tonali. The midfielder, who seemed to become the new AC Milan captain, will instead move to Newcastle, the English club which since 2021 has been controlled by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), the investment fund managed directly by the government, which has an estimated assets of approximately 620 billion US dollars. Milan will collect over 70 million euros for the sale of Tonali to Newcastle and the player will earn almost 10 million per season.

PIF is headed by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud, who is also currently the incumbent Prime Minister. There are four Arab teams directly controlled by the fund and, not surprisingly, they are the most active in the transfer market: Al-Ittihad, which won the last championship, Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, Al-Ahli and the ‘Al-Hilal. PIF holds 75 percent of the shares of all four companies, while the remaining shares – according to what was officially communicated by the fund – are owned by non-profit associations. In each team participating in the Saudi Pro League – from next year they will increase from 16 to 18 – a maximum of 8 foreigners can play.

The unlimited expenditure of the Saudi clubs partially mirrors what the Chinese teams did a few years ago, which bought dozens of players from Europe, paying them very high sums only to then interrupt the investments on government orders. At the moment it is difficult to understand whether Saudi Arabia’s plan can last for a long time, but the economic resources are considered very solid and the Saudi Pro League already has a higher competitive level than the Chinese championship at the time.

Cristiano Ronaldo con l’Al-Nassr (Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Football has always enjoyed great popularity in the country and since the late 1990s certain teams in the Saudi league used to buy important players at the end of their careers, such as the Brazilians Bebeto and Denilson, the Bulgarian Hristo Stoichkov and the Italian Roberto Donadoni. This trend had then intensified in the last decade, before the most recent investments: the former Juventus striker Sebastian Giovinco had played in Saudi Arabia from 2019 to 2021, for example, and for two years the Brazilian Talisca, who was required by several European clubs, plays for Al-Nassr with a contract valid until 2026.

In short, the growth process of Saudi football did not begin this summer and this is also demonstrated by the moderate results obtained by its national team, which has participated in six of the last eight editions of the World Cup and in the last one in Qatar managed to beat the ‘Argentina then winner of the tournament. The real novelty, therefore, is the volume of expenditure by Arab clubs in the transfer market and their ability to buy important and still young players, who could therefore play in the best European teams.

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Another factor that allows Saudi Arabia to attract players more easily than Chinese teams could do before is related to the country’s geographical location. The journey to reach Riad or Jeddah from Europe, the cities where the four main teams of the championship are based, is much shorter. Furthermore, many players already frequent that area, spending their holidays in the countries of the Persian Gulf and are therefore more familiar with the local culture.

In addition to football, the Saudis have also invested heavily in other sports and entertainment sectors in recent years, such as Formula 1, golf, wrestling, handball, rallying and the video game industry. PIF’s latest investments in sport are part of the government’s “Vision 2030” plan introduced in 2016 with the aim of financing a series of projects to allow the kingdom’s economy to stop being dependent on oil production. Within this strategy, football and sport in general, thanks to their great popularity, are considered particularly effective tools for achieving the other objective of the plan: to improve the country’s image in the world, in the wake of what was attempted to example Qatar with the World Cup. And Saudi Arabia seems to need it: it is on the so-called Amnesty International blacklist for human rights violations and according to the English weekly Economist it is the fifth most authoritarian country in the world, with a clear tendency to repress any form of dissent and emancipation.

All this does not seem to worry sports institutions too much, starting with FIFA, the international body that governs world football. President Gianni Infantino has never hidden his closeness to Saudi Arabia and has met several times with members of the royal family and the government, who have agreed to finance some of his projects. Furthermore, with the unanimous vote within the council, FIFA itself has decided that the next edition of the Club World Cup – the tournament in which the winning teams of the various continental cups face each other – will be played in Saudi Arabia from 12 to 22 December 2023. The choice was criticized quite harshly by Amnesty International: “Saudi Arabia is attempting to use the glamor and prestige of sport as a public relations tool to distract from its abysmal human rights violations,” he said an executive.

Winning the Club World Cup is one of the Saudi government’s big goals and that explains why PIF is funding its clubs in this summer transfer window. Al-Ittihad will participate in the next tournament in December as the national champions of the host country, while Al-Hilal did not qualify, having lost the final of the last Asian Champions League (AFC Champions League) against of Urawa Reds after winning the 2021 edition.

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Al-Hilal vs Urawa Reds (Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

The economic potential of the Arabs also worries UEFA, the body that governs European football and which seeks to keep the spending limits of the richest teams under control through a regulation known as “Financial Fair Play”, which the Saudis must not respect. “The Arabs spend a lot to buy players who have almost finished their careers. It’s a system that doesn’t favor the development of football, they’re making the same mistake China made a few years ago,” president Aleksander Ceferin said recently.

The managers of Italian football, on the other hand, seem more aligned with the positions of FIFA and willingly accept to exploit the economic benefits made available by the Arabs. The Serie A League has in fact renewed the agreement to have the next two editions of the Italian Super Cup played in Saudi Arabia: now there will be a two-year break, but subsequently the tournament will be played there for another two consecutive seasons, moreover with a different formula and extended to four teams.

On the other hand, the hypothesis that Saudi Arabia could host the 2030 edition of the World Cup together with Egypt and Greece seems to be excluded: the terms of the candidacy, which was never officially presented, would have expired according to the rumors reported by the sports newspaper Spanish Brand. However, it is certain that Saudi Arabia will host the Asian Winter Games in 2029 in the resort of Trojena, where temperatures rarely drop below 8 degrees.

– Read also: In the United States, teams keep switching cities

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How does Vision 2030 aim to foster new industries and employment?

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

Internationally, Saudi Arabia has sent its first female astronaut, Rayyana Barnawi, to space, and hosted conferences on women’s rights, signaling a commitment to women’s empowerment on the global stage .

Title:

Content: DAVOS — Saudi Arabia is prioritizing 'peace and prosperity' over normalization in its foreign policy, according to Princess Reema bint Bandar, the Saudi ambassador to the United States. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2024, Princess Reema highlighted the Kingdom's role in leading the Middle East toward stability and security amidst the region's ongoing geopolitical challenges.

During a session titled 'Saudi Arabia: The Course Ahead,' Princess Reema stressed the importance of supporting the Palestinian people. She advocated for their right to statehood and sovereignty as a path to enduring peace and security. "We carry peace, we carry prosperity, we carry safety, and we deliver it through the Palestinian statehood,” she stated.

In the same session, Adel A. Aljubeir, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, addressed the urgent need to tackle climate change through a pragmatic and scientific approach, avoiding emotional or hypocritical responses. “The world’s energy demand is insatiable. The increase in energy supplies must shift toward non-oil sources,” Aljubeir explained. He underscored the necessity of addressing climate change seriously and objectively, without politicizing the issue.

Mohammed Aljadaan, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Finance, emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening its economy as a cornerstone for regional and global stability. He noted the significant growth in the Kingdom's non-oil GDP, the lowest levels of unemployment in recent history, and the surpassing of targets for women's participation in the workforce set under Saudi Vision 2030. Aljadaan affirmed that a robust Saudi economy is vital for both the region and the world.

© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What does the UN human rights report covering November 2018 to October 2023 confirm about Saudi Arabia's commitment to human rights under Vision 2030, as reflected in reforms and developments during that period?

Its commitment to upholding the highest international human rights standards.

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

Strengthened women's rights
gender equality

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

allow recreational activities; Saudi women benefit from relaxed restrictions

What does the UN human rights report covering November 2018 to October 2023 confirm about Saudi Arabia's commitment to human rights under Vision 2030, as reflected in reforms and developments during that period?

Its commitment to upholding the highest international human rights standards.

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

**Healthcare and Public Health Initiatives** Vision 2030 has driven significant investments in healthcare infrastructure.

**Healthcare and Public Health Initiatives** Vision 2030 has driven significant investments in healthcare infrastructure.

**Healthcare and Public Health Initiatives** Vision 2030 has driven significant investments in healthcare infrastructure.

The establishment of specialized centers, such as the Saudi Proton Therapy Center for advanced cancer treatment, and the Capacity Command Center at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, has improved operational efficiency and reduced patient waiting times .

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Oluwo and Sulu-Gambari scratching the nose with cobra head (1)

Before anything else, let’s do with some laughter because this is a sobering journey into time – a journey gathering hailstones, lightning and thunder – tools to be unleashed in the cases of royal injustice and intolerance in Iwo and Ilorin. A good laugh is a drink to wash down the two plates of stones-filled rice simmering in Osun and Kwara states, making the unpalatable palatable to the palate.

Skirting the border of rudery to baptise Manchester United FC in the river of sarcasm, 55-year-old British-born sports commentator, Peter Drury, had this to say about the Red Devils, “Manchester United is the most consistent team. One win in August, one win in September, one win in October, one win in November, and one win in December, it is just like the menstrual cycle! If they don’t win in January, know that they are pregnant.”

Drury showcases the dreary consistency of Manchester United as this article will showcase the consistency of the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, in perpetrating lies and hate among the Yoruba.

Drury wasn’t done with the Red Devils yet. After a Liverpool 7-0 demolition in March 2023, he said, “For Manchester United, a crushing nadir: inexplicable, illogical, irrational, scarcely digestible, barely conceivable…”

I think Drury would use the same words if he were to describe the stopping of traditional worshippers by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, from celebrating a three-day Isese festival in Ilorin last month. Drury might have added, “The violation of Nigerians’ inalienable right to association and worship by Emir Sulu-Gambari, a former Justice of the Appeal Court, is unreasonable, ungodly, unkingly, despotic, inciting, insulting and abuse of power!”

I add, “Let the eagle perch, let the hawk perch; he that says the other shouldn’t perch, may its wings wither. The mane is to the lion what the stripe is to the tiger.”

Emir Sulu-Gambari travelled far and wide after he finished his secondary school education at Ofa Grammar School, Ofa, before reportedly moving to England’s Oakham Schools, City Westminster College, Middle Temple School and the University of London, where he bagged a degree in Sharia Law, oh, sorry, I meant English Law, in the 60s.

Before he became emir in 1995, Sulu-Gambari proudly and prominently bore the Yoruba name, Kolapo, as part of his official name during his years as a Justice of the Appeal Court, but upon his emergence as the 11th emir of Ilorin, he sent out a terse statement to newspapers, expressing his wish to be known and addressed henceforth as His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, dropping Kolapo. Kolapo, in Yoruba, means ‘may riches multiply’. If I ever have an opportune moment before the revered emir, I’ll inquire to know why he left Kolapo, the indigenous name of his youth, for Ibrahim, the foreign name of his adulthood, which means ‘father of many.’

But Sulu-Gambari wasn’t ready to be a father to all and sundry worshippers in Ilorin as he chose to side with the jaundiced devotees of his own religion, Islam, over indigenous religion adherents, saying the Isese festival was cancelled ‘to prevent (a) crisis’. Crisis? Crisis by who? Against who? The Isese festival advocates or some warmongering hounds playing god?

A statement from the palace of the emir last Friday laughably described the cancellation as ‘proactiveness’. So, it’s ‘proactive’ to deny some people their right to worship, while the people of your own sect, after threatening law and order, are pacified with the cancellation of other people’s right?! And you, a retired judge, say you’re acting in the interest of peace? What peace? Can there be peace in the absence of justice? The dripping sound I heard from the phallus of intolerance in Ilorin is that of piss and not peace. The piss is yellow, offensive, strong, and acidic; let those who have ears hear.

In the ultra-conservative kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from where Islam was brought to Nigeria, the trumpet of change has sounded, and far-reaching social reforms aimed at tempering religious hardlines are being taken, proving that the real owners of Islam have ears, and they’re using them.

Today in Saudi Arabia, women now vote, drive, run in municipal elections, take positions on the Shura Council, which advises the government, get a passport and travel abroad without requiring a male guardian’s permission. Now, Saudi has public movie theatres and global music superstars play in the kingdom.

Also, women can now be guardians to their children, register marriages, divorces, births and deaths, obtain family documents from the government, and do not need to live with male guardians.

According to foreign travel advice on the website of the United Kingdom government, www.gov.uk, “The Saudi authorities accept the private practice of religions other than Islam, and you can bring a religious text (i.e. Bible) into the country as long as it is for personal use.” Aside from scriptures, crucifixes, statues and carvings are allowed into the kingdom if they are for private use, and not to convert others.

Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, Ilorin is not. Saudi king, Salman bin Abdulaziz, is an ultimate ruler, but the Ilorin emir is not. Sulu-Gambari has no role in the Nigerian Constitution, Isese adherents have a place in the Nigerian Constitution.

The difference in the percentage of Ilorin natives, who are predominantly Muslims, and Ilorin settlers, who are predominantly Christians, is small even as the Isese population, which is the most tolerant of the three, is replete with Christians and Muslims, who are midnight Isese members.

Lack of understanding of the concepts of culture and tradition coupled with hypocritical intolerance, religious arrogance and gross misunderstanding of God is the reason behind some people taking up roles as God’s protectors. Only a powerless, blind, deaf and dumb God needs protection from his creations. God should be God all by Himself.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “Culture is a behaviour peculiar to Homo sapiens, together with material objects used as an integral part of behaviour. Thus, culture includes language, ideas, beliefs, customs, codes, institutions, tools, techniques, works of art, rituals, and ceremonies, among other elements.”

The adoption of the name, Red Devils, by Manchester United FC, reflects an epoch in the history of a club building from the ruins of a plane crash that killed 23 people, including players, coaches, and sportswriters, on February 5, 1958. In the second leg of the European Cup quarter-final, Manchester United had drawn 3-3 against Red Star Belgrade in Yugoslavia, and qualified on 5-4 aggregate, having won the first leg 2-1. Disaster struck after the plane refuelled in Munich and was about to take off en route to England, wrapping global football in a blanket of mourning.

Newly hired coach, Matt Busby, had loved Red Devils which the English rugby club, Salford, was called after touring France in the 1930s, wearing red shirts, and he adopted it in the rebuilding process.

The logo of Manchester United comprises a ship representing urban trade, at the bottom is the devil with a pitchfork, and to the right and left are soccer balls. The balls are placed between the semicircular frames with the words ‘Manchester United’.

I wonder what overzealous Muslim and Christian fans of Manchester United would tell their God on Judgment Day. Is it right to love the devil and hate and kill fellow human beings who are capable of redemption and receiving God’s mercy and salvation?

  • To be continued
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Content: RIYADH — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the remarkable achievements made by Saudi Arabia ever since the launch of its Vision 2030 and the government’s relentless efforts to implement structural reforms in the financial and economic sectors. The Crown Prince, who is also chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs, said this in a statement issued on the occasion of the approval of the state’s general budget for the fiscal year 2024 by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscored that the Kingdom is witnessing sustainable economic growth in light of the great development capabilities and opportunities that the Kingdom enjoys within the framework of the Vision 2030 to enable it to move forward towards a better future worthy of its status in accordance with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. “This produced a clear and prominent impact on the growth of the gross domestic product (GDP) of non-oil sectors.”

The Crown Prince affirmed the commitment made by the government in the budget for the fiscal year 2024 so as to enhance economic growth through the expansion of government spending. “The budget figures announced by King Salman come supportive and enabling many programs and initiatives. These include investments to strengthen infrastructure, raise the quality of services provided to citizens, expatriates and visitors, in addition to developing promising economic sectors, enhancing investment attraction, stimulating industries, and raising the proportion of local content and non-oil Saudi exports,” he said while praising the effective and important role of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the National Development Fund.

The Crown Prince emphasized that work would continue to develop the Kingdom’s public financial performance, by increasing financial capacity and building government reserves, in a way that enhances the capacity of the Kingdom’s economy, maintains sustainable levels of public debt, and enables it to confront any developments or crises that may arise in the future. “The increase in spending is mainly due to the government’s keenness to continue developing the level of public services provided to citizens, expatriates and visitors, as well as to implement many projects and expand spending on sectoral and regional development strategies that would achieve positive structural changes, leading to expanding and diversifying the economic base,” he said.

The Crown Prince stressed the government’s keenness on developing and strengthening partnership with the private sector so as to enable and motivate it to play its major role in achieving economic diversification, as far as to enable the labor market to absorb more of the Saudi workforce, create job opportunities in the labor market and reduce unemployment rates among Saudis. “The total number of Saudis in the labor market this year jumped to 2.3 million, in addition to improving the investment environment to be an attractive environment that contributes to raising the proportion of domestic and foreign investment, developing non-oil exports and improving the non-oil trade balance of payments,” he said.

The Crown Prince emphasized that the journey of economic diversification continues through supporting promising sectors, as the Kingdom works to raise tourism targets to 150 million visitors internally and externally by 2030 in addition to building an effective sports sector through the “Investment and Privatization Project for Sports Clubs,” in order to achieve the goals of the Vision 2030 in the sports sector, as these sectors are witnessing rapid growth and providing diverse opportunities.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman reiterated the Kingdom’s determination to develop its industrial sector, as it is one of the most important vital sectors in the Saudi economy, by diversifying the industrial base and value chains through the “National Strategy for Industry'', which focuses on 12 sub-sectors to diversify the industrial economy and raise the industrial domestic product by around three times compared to the year 2020, reaching SR895 billion in 2030 to be a major contributor to the development of non-oil exports. This is in integration with the important role of the PIF as it is the investment arm that contributes and complements the efforts undertaken by the government in diversifying the economy, and the pivotal role of the National Development Fund and its affiliated funds in providing concessional financing to the private sector, he pointed out.

Speaking about the pivotal and leadership role of the Kingdom, the Crown Prince stressed the Kingdom’s role regionally and internationally, and its endeavor to ensure that the countries of the world enjoy security and stability, as they are the main factors for development and prosperity, and its keenness to develop and stabilize supply and value chains in a way that serves the development and economic prosperity of all countries of the world.

The Crown Prince stressed the Kingdom’s determination to continue the development momentum during the coming year and in the medium and long term with boosting the attractiveness of the Kingdom’s economy as a base for local and foreign investments besides diversifying the economy through the development of all economic sectors.

© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

These initiatives are part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of life and reduce the need for Saudis to seek medical care abroad .

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

**Education and Workforce Development** Education reform is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, with a focus on integrating modern technologies, digital learning, and innovative teaching methods.

**Education and Workforce Development** Education reform is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, with a focus on integrating modern technologies, digital learning, and innovative teaching methods.

**Education and Workforce Development** Education reform is a cornerstone of Vision 2030, with a focus on integrating modern technologies, digital learning, and innovative teaching methods.

The Saudi Electronic University (SEU) became the first institution certified as a global Center of Excellence Strategic Education Partner by Anthology, reflecting a commitment to digital education and critical thinking .

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Content: KSA Facility Management Market Surges to $54.76 Billion by 2030, Fueled by 10.1% CAGR and Vision 2030 (2023-2030): Ken Research

KSA facility management market surges to $54.76 billion by 2030, fueled by 10.1% CAGR & Vision 2030. Integrated services lead (62% share) for comprehensive solutions. Tech & sustainability gain traction. Report empowers stakeholders for a collaborative, skilled, and tech-driven FM future.

Gurugram, India, May 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's facility management (FM) sector is poised for significant growth! Ken Research's report, KSA Facility Management Market Outlook to 2030: A $54.76 Billion Boom Fueled by Vision 2030, explores this dynamic market fueled by ambitious national development plans. The report predicts a remarkable trajectory, with the market value expected to reach a staggering $54.76 billion by 2030, propelled by a healthy 10.1% CAGR. This press release dives into the key factors driving this growth and offers valuable insights for facility management companies, businesses, government agencies, and stakeholders seeking to capitalize on the opportunities within the KSA's FM landscape.

Vision 2030 Propels FM Market Growth:

A significant driver of the KSA facility management market is the transformative Vision 2030 initiative. This ambitious plan aims to diversify the Saudi economy, reduce dependence on oil, and develop world-class infrastructure. This necessitates the construction of new buildings, facilities, and mega-projects, all requiring efficient and integrated facility management services.

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Integrated Services Lead the Pack:

Currently, integrated facility management services hold the dominant share (62%) of the KSA FM market. This segment offers a comprehensive range of services, encompassing cleaning, maintenance, security, and property management. Integrated FM solutions are increasingly preferred by businesses and government agencies seeking a one-stop solution for all their facility management needs.

Demand Grows for Specialized Services:

The demand for specialized facility management services, such as security & fire safety solutions, is also increasing. This segment is expected to hold a 23% market share by 2030. The growing focus on safety and security within buildings and facilities is driving the demand for specialized FM services.

Technology Revolutionizes Operations:

Technology is rapidly transforming the KSA facility management landscape. The adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and big data analytics is enabling FM companies to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and provide better service to clients.

Focus on Sustainability:

With growing environmental concerns, sustainability is becoming a significant factor in the KSA FM market. Facility management companies are increasingly focusing on green cleaning practices, energy-efficient technologies, and waste management solutions to minimize the environmental footprint of their operations.

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A Collaborative Approach for Future Growth:

The KSA facility management market is poised for continued growth in the coming years, driven by several key trends:

  • Focus on Skilled Workforce: Developing a skilled workforce with expertise in various FM service areas.
  • Standardization & Regulations: Implementing clear regulations and standardized practices to ensure quality and professionalism within the FM industry.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: Fostering collaboration between public and private sector entities to develop and manage infrastructure projects effectively.

Why This Report Matters:

This report empowers various stakeholders to navigate the evolving KSA facility management landscape:

  • Facility Management Companies: Gain insights into high-growth segments, invest in technology solutions, and develop specialized service offerings to attract new clients.
  • Businesses and Government Agencies: Select the right FM providers, understand best practices, and ensure their facilities are managed efficiently and sustainably.
  • Entrepreneurs: Identify potential opportunities within the niche segments of the FM market, such as sustainability consulting or specialized cleaning services.

Building a Sustainable and Efficient Future:

By leveraging the insights and opportunities outlined in this report, stakeholders can collaborate to create a sustainable and efficient future for the KSA facility management industry. This future will be characterized by:

  • A skilled and professional workforce: Ensuring high-quality service delivery across all FM sectors.
  • Technological advancements: Utilizing IoT, big data, and AI to optimize operations and enhance service offerings.
  • Sustainable practices: Implementing green initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of facility management activities.

The Road Ahead for KSA Facility Management:

The KSA facility management market presents a dynamic and promising landscape. By working together and leveraging valuable insights from this report, stakeholders can build a more efficient, innovative, and sustainable FM sector that caters to the evolving needs of businesses, government agencies, and the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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About Ken Research:

Ken Research is a leading provider of market research and consulting services, offering in-depth analysis and insights across various industries. With a global network of experts and a commitment to quality research, Ken Research helps businesses make informed decisions and achieve their strategic goals.

For More Insights On Market Intelligence, Refer To The Link Below: –

KSA Facility Management Market

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Egypt Facility Management Market Outlook to 2026F Driven By Rising End-Users Awareness, Improving Technology and Government’s Strong Initiatives regarding Infrastructure

Facility Management market is expected to increase owing to new government policies, growing trend towards adopting sustainable practices is also expected to contribute positively to the demand for Facility management services. Integration of advanced technology will surge the demand for HVAC and other operations and maintenance services in the future. Growing construction healthcare, public infrastructure and hospitality will surge the demand of the fire and security systems in the country.

Kuwait Facility Management Market Outlook to 2026F Driven by Rising End-Users Awareness, Improving Technology and Government’s Strong Initiatives regarding Infrastructure

Kuwait Facility Management market is expected to increase owing to new government policies, new infrastructure developments. The market is expected to grow owing to the advanced technology assisted service delivery and demand for the services by commercial sector.

Qatar Facility Management Market Outlook to 2026F Driven by Rising End-Users Awareness, Improving Technology and Government’s Strong Initiatives regarding Infrastructure

The market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR over the period 2021-2026F owing to the favourable government rules & regulations and educational institutions leveraging on technologies with real estate development in terms of smart city. Rapid real estate development in terms of smart city development, new infrastructure developments, and focus on tourism and hospitality promotion are the supporting factor for commercial facility management services revenue.

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The curriculum is being updated to emphasize STEM fields and prepare youth for a diversified, knowledge-based economy .

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Content: King Salman Global Academy spotlights India’s role in promoting Arabic language

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King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language Secretary-General Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi speaks to Indian scholars during the Arabic Language Month in New Delhi. (KSGAAL)
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King Salman Global Academy spotlights India’s role in promoting Arabic language

  • KSGAAL is hosting Arabic Language Month for Indian students and teachers
  • Initiative is in line with Human Capability Development Program of Vision 2030

NEW DELHI: India plays a significant role in promoting the Arabic language in the wake of growing commercial exchanges with Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s top linguistic institution has said, as it conducted a series of programs for Indian scholars and learners.

Students and lecturers from the Indian universities and colleges that teach Arabic courses are taking part in training sessions, workshops and competitions as part of the Arabic Language Month organized by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language.

The event, which aims to develop and improve the teaching of Arabic for non-native speakers in the world’s most populous nation, began online in late June and runs until July 26.

The main host is Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, which has been teaching Arabic for decades.

“India plays a significant role in promoting the Arabic language, driven by a growing demand for learning Arabic within its vast and diverse human, linguistic and cultural landscape,” KSGAAL Secretary-General Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi told Arab News on Friday.

“Despite India’s diverse multilingual landscape, there is a growing interest in learning Arabic, fueled by increasing commercial activities and cultural exchanges.”

The Arabic Language Month in India features a range of educational activities led by Saudi linguists affiliated with the KSGAAL — from competitions and workshops to enhance Arabic language teaching curricula at different educational institutions, to specialized sessions for instructors to familiarize them with the most recent teaching methodology.

“These activities are conducted in different educational institutions across India, with the primary goal of fostering stronger relationships with Indian universities that have an interest in teaching Arabic,” Al-Washmi said.

“Moreover, the Arabic Language Month serves as a platform to highlight the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s efforts in promoting and teaching the Arabic language through innovative methods. This initiative is in line with the objectives of the Human Capability Development Program, a key component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”

Upholding and promoting the Arabic language is part of the Vision 2030 transformation strategy, which also focuses on the development of skills and academia.

“The program also focuses on enhancing the teaching skills of Arabic language educators, both locally and globally, particularly in non-native speaking communities,” Al-Washmi said.

“These initiatives include supporting modern activities for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, enhancing the teaching competencies of instructors, and organizing scientific competitions to discover and encourage individuals with linguistic talents.”

KSrelief continues aid projects in Lebanon, Pakistan

Updated 20 July 2024
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KSrelief continues aid projects in Lebanon, Pakistan

RIYADH: Saudi aid group, KSrelief, has distributed 25,000 bags of bread in Akkar Governorate and Miniyeh District in Lebanon.

The distribution comes as part of KSrelief’s Al-Amal Charitable Bakery project to support Syrian and Palestinian refugee families, and the host community living in northern Lebanon, benefiting 125,000 individuals.

Elsewhere, KSrelief implemented the Saudi Noor Volunteer Program to combat blindness and eye diseases in Pakistan's provinces of Sindh and Balouchistan from May 15 to July 10.

During the program, rolled out in cooperation with the Albasar International Foundation, KSrelief's volunteer medical team examined 21,614 cases, distributed 4,683 eyeglasses, and performed 2,038 successful eye surgeries.

Saudi Arabia’s Mawhiba ties up with UNESCO to promote STEM education in Arab countries

Updated 20 July 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s Mawhiba ties up with UNESCO to promote STEM education in Arab countries

  • Partnership aims to enhance STEM education for students from 6th grade to 12th grade across Arab states
  • Special attention will be given to empowering Arab girls and young women, ensuring they have equal opportunities to excel in STEM fields

PARIS: Mawhiba, an endowment organization that aims to nurture talented Saudi students in the scientific field, has signed a partnership agreement with UNESCO to foster science, technology, engineering and mathematics education across Arab countries.

The agreement was signed on July 19 in Paris by Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Subail, Mawhiba deputy secretary-general for business development and communication, and Lidia Arthur Brito, UNESCO’s assistant director-general for natural sciences, Mawhiba said in a news release carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

Mawhiba is the short name for the King Abdulaziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, which was organized in 1999 in honor of Saudi Arabia’s founding king.

Brito said that the partnership aimed to enhance STEM education for students from 6th grade to 12th grade across Arab states, ”focusing on refining their scientific knowledge, nurturing creativity, and fostering critical thinking.”

It sought ”to provide young people with the necessary knowledge and capabilities and to motivate them to use science, technology, engineering and mathematics to meet global challenges,” she said.

Brito said that the experience would help in exchanging these experiences globally, adding that ”there is potential for expanding these efforts to Africa and other parts of the world to promote sustainable development goals.”

Special attention would be given to empowering Arab girls and young women, ensuring they had equal opportunities to excel in STEM fields, she said.

Mawhiba has identified 97,000 gifted students out of more than 300,000 tested in more than 100 cities and villages across the Kingdom. Its sponsorship of more than 54,000 students and its participation in international science competitions for talented youth has reaped global recognition for the Kingdom.

Saudi students have so far won more than 397 medals and prizes in these competitions, developed in excess of 16,000 ideas, acquired 15 patents, and more than 1,000 Saudi students were accepted in the world’s top 50 prestigious universities in distinguished disciplines that met the needs of national development plans, the SPA report said.

Mawhiba Secretary-General Amal bint Abdullah Al-Hazzaa emphasized the shared commitment to empowering young Arab minds and advancing sustainable development through education and innovation. She underscored the importance of this collaboration within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030.

Central to the initiative is the MAWHIBA-UNESCO Online STEM Oasis, which will serve as a global platform for local, national and regional science and engineering fairs.

The partnership will focus on training Arab science teachers to lead research and guide students in scientific projects, thereby enhancing the overall quality of STEM education, the Mawhiba news release said.

“Mawhiba is committed to expanding the use of the UNESCO Open Science Portal and the UNESCO Science-2-Innovation Network to build the capacity of young scientists and women in STEM education globally.

“Over the past three years, Mawhiba has supported 839 students from Arab states through enriching STEM programs, setting a precedent for regional cooperation and development in STEM education,” it added.

By joining forces with UNESCO, Mawhiba aims to amplify its ability to address global challenges such as climate change, health crises and technological disruptions, it said.

Saudi Arabia, MWL welcome ICJ ruling on Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories

Updated 20 July 2024
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Saudi Arabia, MWL welcome ICJ ruling on Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories

  • The Kingdom calls for practical steps to reach a just solution to the Palestinian cause
  • MWL says the ruling is "a positive step towards the human and legal right of the Palestinian people to reach a just and comprehensive solution to their cause"

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has welcomed a ruling by UN’s top court that Israel’s settlement policy on Palestinian territory breaks international law.
The Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement that the Kingdom welcomed the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice and called for practical steps to reach a just solution to the Palestinian cause.
The World Court issued the judgment, which is non-binding, on Friday.

In a separate statement, the Saudi-based Muslim World League described the ICJ ruling as "a positive step towards the human and legal right of the Palestinian people to reach a just and comprehensive solution to their cause."

MWL Secretary-General Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who is also chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars, said the decision, although non-binding, ensures that Palestinians "obtain their legitimate rights to self-determination and establishing their independent state in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international legitimacy resolutions."

The court panel found “the transfer by Israel of settlers to the West Bank and Jerusalem as well as Israel’s maintenance of their presence, is contrary to article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention.”
The ruling comes against the backdrop of Israel’s devastating bombardment on Gaza, following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israeli settlements adjacent to the Palestinian enclave.
Israel captured the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem in 1967, but Palestinians consider the areas as integral part of a future independent state.

The Saudi Cabinet on Tuesday condemned the “continued genocidal massacres” against the Palestinian people amid Israel’s battle with Hamas in Gaza.
The Kingdom wants an independent state for the Palestinian people, encompassing the 1967 borders.
The US and regional players have been attempting to end the conflict in Gaza through a peace deal between Hamas and Israel, which would include the release of Israeli hostages and a form of lasting cessation of military activities.

(With SPA)

How Saudi Arabia and its Asian partners are driving green development ahead of COP29

Updated 20 July 2024
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How Saudi Arabia and its Asian partners are driving green development ahead of COP29

  • Asian nations share a common vision for climate action that does not hinder growth and prosperity
  • From the Saudi Green Initiative to Azerbaijan’s adoption of solar, Asia seeks harmony between humans and nature

QINGDAO, China: As one of the world’s largest economies and contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, China is seen as having a particular responsibility among nations to help address climate change and promote sustainable development.

As such, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization invited Asian countries to participate in a two-day Green Development Forum in Shandong earlier this month to discuss solutions for a greener future.

China’s President Xi Jinping has expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation with regional parties to work toward common social and economic development goals, while at the same time fostering harmonious coexistence between people and nature.

Shen Yueyue, vice chair of the national committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chair of the Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission of the SCO, reiterated the need to foster this link between development and the environment.

“Development is development for all, and good development is green development,” Shen said in her keynote address at the forum, which was themed: “Joining hands in green development, together promoting harmony between humans and nature.”

Opinion

This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)

Green development is a focus for many countries, including Saudi Arabia. Indeed, one of the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform agenda is ensuring sustainable practices in social and economic development.

Two such strategies launched by the Kingdom to promote green development and a low-carbon future are the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative.

Together, these initiatives aim to increase vegetation cover in Saudi Arabia and across the region by planting billions of trees to mitigate the effects of climate change and to help slow the rise of global temperatures in line with the Kingdom’s net-zero commitments

Another regional state that is making green development a key priority is Iran.

During the SCO conference in Shandong’s port city of Qingdao, Ali Salajegheh, vice president and head of Iran’s Department of Environment, discussed his country’s commitment to fighting climate change.

One example of this is the country’s role in hosting the International Conference on Sand and Dust Storms in 2023.

However, Salajegheh believes that addressing social and political issues is crucial to preventing a deepening of the environmental crisis in the region, including the need for economic stabilization and poverty reduction.

“Developing countries should make sure of their social and economic development as the main priority because the fight against poverty and the development of health and the provision of housing and energy is still for a significant part of the developing world considered a basic priority,” he said, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA.

These efforts and more will be on the agenda at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference — COP29 — in Baku this November. In the run-up to this major event, host nation Azerbaijan has been working hard to achieve its green development goals.

DID YOUKNOW?

Azerbaijan’s capital Baku will host COP29 in November.

COP29 Presidency aims to raise ambition and enable action.

Baku is committed to developing the nation’s renewable energy potential.

Policies include tax breaks on electric vehicles and investment in education.

Although Azerbaijan is a major player in the global oil and gas industry, ranking 20th in the world for proven oil reserves, one of the key pillars of its green development strategy is the rapid expansion of renewable energy infrastructure.

The country has made significant changes to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, begin the transition to renewable energy, and participate in the global effort to combat climate change.

In 2020, an agreement was signed between Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy and UAE firm Masdar to establish the country’s first solar energy facility — the 230-megawatt Garadagh Solar Power Plant.

The project occupies 550 hectares and currently boasts 570,000 bifacial photovoltaic panels, which capture the direct light of the sun and the reflection of sunlight from the ground.

Murad Sadikhov, the Garadagh Solar Power Plant’s country manager, told Arab News the facility has thus far achieved 24-gigawatt capacity. “But we have set a very ambitious goal to reach 100 GW by 2032,” he said.

Alongside the implementation of renewable energy projects, Azerbaijan is also encouraging the public to shift from using fossil fuel-intensive vehicles to adopting green modes of transport.

“The government is promoting a green agenda, not only in terms of establishing generative capacity but also on the demand side,” said Sadikhov.

“They promote electrical vehicles. They started the electromobility master plan. They hired prominent consultants. They established new rules and legislations such as the tax relief for EVs and are promoting EVs for public transportation, trying to maximize the use of electric transportation.”

Azerbaijan is also investing heavily in raising public awareness about environmentally friendly practices and training the next generation of sustainability professionals. “Most of the universities now have special programs for renewable energy,” said Sadikhov.

Although green development strategies have been adopted by several nations across Asia, experts and officials are keenly aware that more needs to be done to respond to the climate challenge without undermining social and economic development.

Better in the long run: how Riyadh’s running clubs beat the heat

Updated 10 min 39 sec ago
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Better in the long run: how Riyadh’s running clubs beat the heat

  • From new sports projects, physical activity is soaring, and running is no exception

RIYADH: For many, summer in Saudi Arabia is a time to relax on the couch, turn up the air conditioning, and watch other people play sports on TV, with those who dare to challenge this approach often ending up with heatstroke.

Yet, running clubs in the Kingdom are busier than ever, and show no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

Seema Ghannam, who regularly takes part in Riyadh Road Runners club sessions, told Arab News: “You can keep active wherever you are. There is no limit to movement anywhere you go because you already have hands, arms, and legs. This is what you are born to do, to keep moving.”

Until recent years, physical activity in the Kingdom was almost nonexistent outside of schools and designated football teams. People were discouraged by the lack of facilities, suitable outdoor spaces, and the hot weather. Now, all that is changing. From the growing number of padel courts to the new projects at Sports Boulevard, physical activity is soaring, and running is no exception.

To find out how these runners manage to keep up their routines in the heat, Arab News visited Riyadh Road Runners, established in 1978, at one of the club’s 7:30 p.m. Monday sessions at the Eid Villas Compound. Runners were doing laps, climbing stairs, and completing full-body workouts.

The group, made up of a variety of ages and nationalities, began with a warmup before moving to strength training and then running laps around the court, focusing on proper technique.

FASTFACTS

• Until recent years, physical activity in the Kingdom was almost nonexistent outside of schools and designated football teams.

• Now, all that is changing. From the growing number of padel courts to the new projects at Sports Boulevard, physical activity is soaring.

Coach Amr Hafez has the runners break up their runs occasionally with bodyweight and stair exercises to increase stamina and muscle strength. The session ends with a final lap around the whole compound. At the end of a very sweaty workout, the runners take a dip in the pool to cool down.

Ghannam, who is also a yoga teacher and swimming instructor, added running to her exercise routine two years ago. She said that she enjoys Hafez’s holistic approach to the body, training the abs, hips, glutes, and thighs.

“We focus on trying to learn different kinds of running, how to run, how to place your toes, what shoes you should use.”

Ghannam said that she enjoys running outdoors because “you want your skin and your body to get used to the temperature.” But to manage the heat, runners should choose a time that is best for them, whether at night or early in the morning.

Hafez, a national sales manager at a Saudi food company, has coached with Riyadh Road Runners for more than three years. He has three key rules when it comes to running in summer. One is to stay well hydrated, two is to control your breathing, and three — much to our dismay — is high-intensity interval training.

The coach said that when he first started running, he used martial arts moves as part of his training, a fitness trick he learned from his first running coach.

“Runners need to build all their muscles to have great ability,” he said. “Combining strength with fitness helps people develop running ability for doing long distance.”

Hafez said that he used to think running served no purpose, and was simply a means of punishment when a school coach thought someone was slacking off. He never imagined he would one day run a marathon or be teaching other people to do the same.

“Most of the team when they first started couldn’t jog even 1k,” he said.

Omar Al-Ansari, a coach with Riyadh club R7, has six marathons under his belt. R7 runs in Wadi Hanifa, where the location offers protection against the heat.

“The trails are naturally shaded by the trees, and the breeze from the lake provides a 3–4-degree difference in temperature from the rest of the city,” he said.

Like Riyadh Road Runners, R7 emphasizes staying hydrated. “Always run with water, take electrolytes to preserve what is being lost through sweating,” Al-Ansari said.

He also advises runners to wear light-colored clothing, to complete their workouts before sunrise or after sunset, and to choose a garden or wadi as a location, or exercise indoors.

“And never forget your sunscreen,” he added.

Many runners told Arab News there is no longer any excuse for being inactive in the Kingdom.

“We are seeing a broader awareness about the importance of having an active lifestyle in the country, and despite our difficult weather in the summer, there are ways to go about it,” Al-Ansari said.

Hafez offered Arab News this simple suggestion: “Start by walking and go from there.”

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Growth in technology
Through growth in science

To drive development in high-tech
To reduce Saudi Arabia's oil dependence

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International collaborations and scholarships for Saudi students abroad further enhance educational standards and research capabilities .

Female participation in the workforce has increased to over one-third as of early 2023, with the female unemployment rate dropping to its lowest in two decades .

Title:

Content: International Conference on Women in Islam Ends

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The International Conference on “Women in Islam: Status and Empowerment” concluded its proceedings on 8 November 2023. The Conference was organized by the OIC General Secretariat, and graciously hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Chair of the 14th Islamic Summit, under the generous patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Deliberations during the Conference resulted in twenty recommendations that were included in the Final Declaration. These recommendations highlighted the advanced rights granted by Islam to women and the status of women in Islam. They also addressed the challenges and opportunities related to women’s rights and the enhancement of their role in society across various fields and at all levels.
The Conference also produced “The Jeddah Document on Women’s Rights in Islam.” This document is designed to serve as a comprehensive official reference on women’s rights in Islam, for Member States, decision-makers, jurists, researchers, experts, and thinkers. It will be submitted for adoption at the forthcoming Islamic Summit, scheduled to be held in Gambia at the end of this year, and subsequently presented to all relevant international fora.
In his address at the Conference’s closing session, the OIC Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, affirmed that women’s empowerment issues would remain high among the OIC’s priorities. He pledged that the Organization would launch and support numerous efforts and initiatives designed to advance the status of women in Muslim societies.
The Secretary-General noted that the “Jeddah Document on Women’s Rights in Islam” serves as an intellectual and practical reference that can be adopted by legislative institutions and human rights organizations in Member States and all Muslim societies when considering the rights of Muslim women.
He expressed hope that those who cast doubts about Islam’s fairness toward women would consider women’s rights as set out in this Document, and not through some isolated social practices in some Muslim societies that in no way reflect the sublime vision and universality of Islam and its teachings.
The Secretary-General highlighted the OIC’s efforts to support Palestinian women and announced that the Extraordinary Islamic Summit to be held next Saturday in the city of Riyadh, at the invitation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will discuss Israel’s aggression against the Gaza Strip, its repeated violations of international norms and all humanitarian principles, and its brutal targeting of innocent children and women.

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How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

And women's workforce participation doubled to 36%

How has Vision 2030 affected women's rights and workforce participation?

And women's workforce participation doubled to 36%

**Cultural and Social Transformation** Vision 2030 has ushered in a cultural renaissance, with investments in arts, entertainment, and sports.

**Cultural and Social Transformation** Vision 2030 has ushered in a cultural renaissance, with investments in arts, entertainment, and sports.

**Cultural and Social Transformation** Vision 2030 has ushered in a cultural renaissance, with investments in arts, entertainment, and sports.

The entertainment sector is projected to grow to a market worth SR30 billion, with the introduction of concerts, movie screenings, and international sporting events such as the Saudi Pro League and major boxing matches .

Title:

Content: Digital transformation spend in the Middle East to double

The Middle East is on the precipice of a massive digital disruption with spending on digital transformation to more than double in the period 2021 to 2026

The Middle East region is on the precipice of a massive digital disruption, as governments and businesses increase tech investments to ensure a more rapid shift to becoming ‘digital businesses.’

Figures from the latest IDC forecast reveal that digital transformation investments in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) are set to more than double across the 2021-2026 period – accelerating at a CAGR of 16% over the five years, and topping US$74bn in 2026.

This would account for nearly half (43.2%) of all ICT investments made in 2026.

Jyoti Lalchandani, IDC’s Regional Managing Director, META, says that for many organisations in the region, the digital and tech investments they made during the pandemic to build resilience could be put to test in 2023 across key business dimensions such as customer experience, operations, and financial management, among others.

This means that further digitalisation will be necessary for many if they are to thrive, especially as the economic landscape becomes more competitive.

“No matter what the economy throws at us over the coming 12 months, organisations must not lose sight of their digital aspirations. The implementation of further digitalisation in critical areas and a more rapid shift to a ‘digital business’ approach will be key to separating the thrivers from the survivors.”

Extending digital-first strategies developing during pandemic

While many organisations across the MENA region already had a digital-first strategy pre-pandemic, more than 40% of CIOs of medium and large companies surveyed over the last month say they have shifted towards ‘digital first’ in the wake of the pandemic.

And a quarter say they now extending the digital-first strategies developed during the pandemic. This will mean acquiring a larger share of revenues from digital products, services, channels, and platforms, something that half of Middle East CIOs consider a priority, according to IDC data.

Jyothi says the focus should be on enabling clear and measurable outcomes, and that digital spending needs to transition from building to scale. In fact, IDC predicts that by 2027, at least 30 per cent of the C-suite’s focus will be on scaling innovation and operating a truly digital business.

“Automation will sit at the heart of this process, helping to reduce the cost of IT operations, address labour shortages, and increase the velocity of innovation,” he says.

IDC predicts a considerable jump in interest around the metaverse during 2023, While just 2% of CIOs in the Middle East currently have a commercial use for the metaverse, 20% of them are planning to develop one in the next 12 months, IDC research reveals.

IDC will expand on these insights as it hosts the META region's most influential technology vendors, telecommunications operators, and IT service providers at IDC Directions 2023 Middle East, Türkiye & Africa. Taking place on February 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, this in-person event will address the theme 'Navigating Disruption in the Age of Digital Business'.

Globally, IDC expects spending on digital technology by organisations to grow at eight times the economy in 2023, establishing a foundation for organisations to drive operational excellence, competitive differentiation, and long-term growth.

Saudi and UAE governments investing heavily in digital

GCC countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are investing heavily in Digital, both actively upping spend on digital across government and private business.

A recent report by PwC Middle East stated that governments and businesses across the Middle East were beginning to realise the shift globally towards AI and advanced technologies. That they were faced with a choice between being a part of the technological disruption or being left behind.

Both the Saudi Vision 2030 and National Transformation Programme identify digital transformation as a key goal to activate economic sectors, support industries and private sector entities, advocate for the development of public-private business models and to ultimately reduce the country’s dependence on oil revenues.

With s clear vision for the future that points towards the development of AI-based technologies, the Kingdom is creating AI-friendly ecosystems and supporting adoption of data analytics solutions and smart city programs with giga projects like NEOM.

According to the PwC report, the contribution of AI is expected to be 12.4% of Saudi’s GDP reaching US$135.2bn in 2030. “We estimate that the Middle East is expected to accrue 2% of the total global benefits of AI in 2030 – equivalent to US$320 billion.”

Similarly, the UAE has developed a digital government strategy with aims to double the contribution of the digital economy to the country’s GDP from 9.7% to 19.4% over the next decade. PwC predicts the UAE’s contribution to AI will be US$96bn by 2030, accounting for 13.6% of GDP.

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Content: RIYADH — Saudi Arabia estimated public revenue in 2023 budget at SR1,123 trillion, and expenditures at SR1,114 trillion, with an expected surplus of SR 9 billion, the Ministry of Finance said in its 2023 pre-budget statement announced on Friday.

The estimated surpluses represents about 0.2% of the total GDP. The ministry said it will continue the work to raise the efficiency and effectiveness of spending and fiscal control, and to continue strengthening the Kingdom's fiscal position, implementing economic and fiscal reforms, achieving the goals of Vision 2030, its programs, initiatives and major projects, as well as promoting the growth of local investment by building partnerships with the private sector and qualifying it to include all regions of the Kingdom.

“The pre-budget statement for 2023 reflects progress in implementing programs and projects that support economic growth and diversification, improving public services, and enhancing programs for welfare and social protection systems, while preserving the gains made during previous years in public finance,” the ministry said. growth to achieve the fiscal and economic objectives for 2023.

The indicators show continuous progress in most economic activities, and this growth is expected to continue in the medium term.

Minister of Finance, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, pointed to the development of the public finance structure in the Kingdom over the past years, as the government succeeded in achieving the main objective of fiscal reforms in its first phase within the Fiscal Balance Program, which aimed to control high rates of deficit to reach fiscal balance in the medium term.

“The second phase of fiscal reform was launched under the name of the Fiscal Sustainability Program, which aims in the medium and long term to maintain sustainable fiscal indicators, through spending levels that are stable and directed to strategic spending that supports structural change in the economy to achieve the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and within a framework that ensures the maintenance of sustainable levels of public debt and government reserves.”

He added that despite the fears and crises the world is witnessing and the accompanying challenges and their impact on the global economic slowdown affected by the increasing inflationary pressures resulting from the repercussions of the pandemic and geopolitical tensions that cast a negative shadow on global supply chains, the strength and durability of the Saudi economy enabled the Kingdom to confront these crises.

“The decline in growth rates during the pandemic was limited compared to other countries in the world during 2020, followed by a positive growth of 3.2% during 2021, and high growth rates during the first half of 2022, which is the highest in more than ten years, with the expectation of continuing to achieve positive growth rates in various economic activities, as a reflection of many structural reforms and sectoral strategies within the Kingdom's Vision 2030,” he said.

He stressed that the government attaches great importance to enhancing the social support and protection system to protect citizens from local and global repercussions.

Al-Jadaan pointed out that the positive expectations of the Saudi economy for 2023 are an extension of the positive developments in actual performance during the first half of 2022, as the estimates of economic growth rates in the Kingdom for the year 2023 and the medium term were reviewed, indicating that the initial estimates indicate the growth of real GDP by 3.1%, supported by the growth of the GDP of non-oil activities.

He said: “The government took measures to support and enhance economic activity, and reduce cost of living through policies and measures to contain global inflation rates by setting a ceiling for gasoline prices, in addition to ensuring the abundance of food products in local markets, and increasing contributions for social protection programs, which created certainty and reassurance among the citizens.”

The minister explained that the remarkable and expected recovery in the Kingdom's economy and the continuation of the implementation of the initiatives and structural reforms during the past years will lead to an improvement in economic activity and ensure its sustainability in the medium term.

He expected according to the pre-budget statement, that the total revenues for 2023 will be about SR1,123 billion, reaching about SR1,205 billion in 2025, while it is estimated that the total expenditures for 2023 will be about SR1,114 billion, reaching about SR1,134 billion in 2025.

He said that the surpluses will be directed to enhance government reserves and support national funds, considering the possibility of accelerating the implementation of some strategic programs and projects of economic and social dimensions, in accordance with fiscal sustainability.

© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

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What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

The Saudi fashion industry is being developed to tap into global markets, and the country aims to create a retail market valued at $32 billion annually .

Title:

Content: WEF: Experts call for reskilling of global workforce as job losses threaten to outpace growth

WEF’s report predicts that the fastest-growing jobs in the next five years will be in artificial intelligence.
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Updated 24 sec ago

WEF: Experts call for reskilling of global workforce as job losses threaten to outpace growth

  • WEF Future of Jobs 2023 predicts in next five years 23 percent of jobs will be disrupted
  • Collaboration, self-learning are key to future labor market success, UAE education ministry says

GENEVA: Experts on Tuesday called for urgent reskilling and upskilling of the global workforce, warning that major changes to the world of work in the next few years will see job losses outpace growth.

 Economists, ministers and policymakers gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, on the first day of the World Economic Forum’s “Growth Summit: Jobs and Opportunities for All” to discuss the state of the job market and future opportunities and challenges ahead.

During the event, Saadia Zahidi, managing director at the WEF, argued that looking at macro-trends such as advancement of technology, green transition and shifting supply chain, over the next few years “about a quarter of the jobs that currently exist will be disrupted in some form of the other.”

She said that although some jobs would be lost and others added, the picture “seems manageable, provided that we focus on the reskilling and upskilling of workers. The future of jobs may be disruptive, but it need not be dystopian.”

According to a new report released on Sunday by WEF, within the next five years 23 percent of jobs will be disrupted, with an estimated 83 million roles disappearing and only 69 million emerging, equal to a net decrease of 14 million jobs, or 2 percent of current employment.

The “Future of Jobs 2023” report suggests that while certain sectors such as green transition and localization of supply chains will create new jobs, economic challenges — such as high inflation, slower economic growth and supply shortages — represent the greatest threat.

WEF’s report predicts that the fastest-growing jobs in the next five years will be in artificial intelligence and machine learning while the largest is expected in education, agriculture and digital commerce.

These jobs include technology specialists, sustainability specialists, business intelligence analysts and information security specialists.

But as Kirsten Salyer, head of editorial strategy and thought leadership at WEF pointed out during one of the panels, “the report found that one of the greatest barrier to business transformation is the skill gap.”

Over the past few months, the rapid advancement of generative AI technology has been seen as a threat to the labor market, particularly in the service sector.

However, in reality, the report indicates how technological advancement represents both a challenge and an opportunity and, ultimately, an overall net positive in job creation.

“AI is going to change every job, how we do it, in the service sector, but will not eliminate many jobs,” argued Richard Baldwin, professor of international economics at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva.

“It is essentially ‘wisdom in a can’ giving more power to all workers, but especially those average workers. I think it would be uplifting for the middle class but would be extremely disruptive in the sense that every job will change.”

“What I say on Twitter all the time is: AI will not take your job, it is somebody using AI that will take your job. So you better learn how to use AI,” Baldwin said.

Human capital development, including reskilling, upskilling and transforming the educational sector to ensure resilience, was one of the central topics of discussion at the WEF summit on Tuesday.

Zahidi was among those who stressed the importance of a better framework to support the transition to the jobs of the future, saying that “governments and businesses must invest in supporting the shift . . . through the education, reskilling and social support structures that can ensure individuals are at the heart of the future of work.”

UAE Minister of Education Ahmad Belhoul Al-Falasi also reiterated the importance of strengthening collaboration between the different entities to better prepare the workforce for the future labor market.

He argued that while it was difficult to predict what skills would be required by the labor market in the future, the focus should be on preparing people to be lifelong learners, highly adaptable, and aware that their jobs will drastically change.

Al-Falasi talked about how his country was moving toward “instilling that capacity of self-learning much earlier in the process.”

“You want to push that responsibility more to the students by allowing them to take choices at an early age and allowing them to self-learn at a younger age,” he said.

Al-Falasi said that the proliferation of digital technology has made it easier to provide digital learning content.

Many of the discussions also turned to the importance of ensuring jobs that dignify and protect the rights of workers.

Younes Sekkouri, Morocco’s minister of economic inclusion, small business, employment and skills, stressed the importance of considering not only skills but also the added value that jobs brought to people.

He said that talent retention would be a key challenge for policymakers and businesses to address, particularly in developing countries.

The WEF is an international non-governmental organization committed to improving the state of the world through public-private cooperation.

Each year, the WEF hosts two major events: the Annual Meeting and the Growth Summit, where global leaders from business, government and civil society convene to discuss some of the world’s most pressing issues.

The 2023 Growth Summit brings together experts from diverse sectors to discuss three core themes: Enabling resilient growth, developing human capital, and accelerating economic equity.

Saudi PMI hits 59.6 in April as non-oil business activities improve

Updated 27 min 10 sec ago

Saudi PMI hits 59.6 in April as non-oil business activities improve

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s overall non-oil business activities witnessed an improvement in April, as strong domestic demand triggered an increase in new orders at the fastest rate since September 2014, an economy tracker revealed.

The latest Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers’ Index report, formerly known as the S&P Global Saudi Arabia PMI, revealed that the Kingdom’s PMI went up to 59.6 in April from 58.7 in March. This is fractionally lower than the eight-year peak in February, when the metric hit 59.8.

According to the index, PMI readings above the 50-mark show non-oil private sector growth, while those below 50 signal contraction.

Naif Al-Ghaith, the chief economist at Riyad Bank, said: “April PMI data highlighted another steep expansion of business activity across the Kingdom’s non-oil private sector economy. We have witnessed rising tourism numbers, higher consumer spending and new business opportunities related to major infrastructure projects.”

“Moreover, long-term business expansion plans have made the rate of job creation slightly stronger than seen on average in the first quarter of 2023,” he added.

According to the report, job creation continued in April, as signaled by a rise in total employment numbers for the 13th month in a row.

World Economic Forum report: 36 percent of experts expect weak economic growth in MENA

Updated 02 May 2023

World Economic Forum report: 36 percent of experts expect weak economic growth in MENA

  • Chief economists surveyed for forum’s latest Outlook report were evenly split on the question of whether or not there is likely to be a global recession this year
  • Although growth expectations have improved since the previous report in January, but they vary wildly across regions with Asia displaying the greatest potential

DUBAI: Experts are evenly divided on their economic predictions for the near future, in particular the prospects of a global recession this year: 45 percent of those surveyed said it is likely and the same proportion said it is unlikely, according to the latest Chief Economists Outlook report by the World Economic Forum.

“The latest edition of the Outlook highlights the uncertainty of current economic developments,” said Saadia Zahidi, the forum’s managing director.

The May 2023 edition of the quarterly report contained some signs of emerging optimism but the disruption in the banking industry this year has adversely affected global prospects. Almost 80 percent of chief economists believe central banks face a trade-off between managing inflation and maintaining the stability of the financial sector, and a similar percentage expect central banks to struggle to reach their inflation targets.

Although a majority (69 percent) view the recent disruption of the financial sector as an isolated episode rather than a systemic issue, they nevertheless anticipate further bank failures this year.

Since the release of the previous Outlook report in January, growth expectations have firmed up but vary widely across regions. Asia is anticipated to experience the strongest rebound, with China playing a significant role in its recovery.

In fact, the vast majority of chief economists expect a significant rebound this year in China. And more than 90 percent expect at least moderate growth in both East Asia and Pacific, and South Asia.

The outlook for other parts of the world is less optimistic, with 75 percent of chief economists expecting weak or very weak growth in Europe, and more than half expecting weak growth in Latin America, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa.

The predictions for the Middle East and North Africa region are mixed, with 36 percent of respondents expecting weak growth, 32 percent hopeful of strong growth, and 32 percent predicting moderate growth.

The regional prospects have been affected by the OPEC+ decision to cut oil production, according to the report. This is due, in part, to the resulting revision of the International Monetary Fund’s forecasts for gross domestic product in Saudi Arabia, which predict a steep decline from 8.7 percent growth in 2022 to 3.1 percent in 2023.

Although views on growth in the US have become more optimistic since January, the chief economists remain evenly split on the degree, with half expecting moderate or strong growth and half expecting weak or very weak growth.

The rising cost of living and inflation rates around the world have caused concern among economists for some time now, and the report confirms that this remains the case, with 76 percent saying they expect the cost of living to remain high in many countries.

The cost-of-living crisis is particularly acute in some developing economies, especially those in which domestic price dynamics are exacerbated by currency depreciation. In the Middle East and Central Asia, for example, food prices shot up by 46 percent between January 2020 and January 2023.

Meanwhile, 52 percent of economists expect inflation to run high in the MENA region this year, while 39 percent predict moderate rates.

The economists also expect inflation to be an issue in most of the developed world, with 90 percent expecting rates to be high or very high this year in Europe, and 68 percent in the US. China is the only exception, with only 14 percent of economist predicting high inflation in the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains around the world, forcing businesses and governments to rethink strategies and business models, and the chief economists overwhelmingly believe global supply chains will continue to evolve.

The changes they think are most likely as part of this reconfiguration include: adaption to geopolitical fault lines (94 percent); the prioritization of resilience over efficiency (91 percent); diversification of suppliers (84 percent); and an increased focus on environmental sustainability (77 percent).

China in particular is expected to be affected by this reshaping of supply chains, with 69 percent of chief economists expecting a somewhat negative effect on the nation’s economic prospects.

The changes are also expected to have some effects on other regions, although not as significant as the impact on China and mostly positive. The MENA region, for example, can expect somewhat positive effects, according to 31 percent of economists.

“Labor markets are proving resilient for now but growth remains sluggish, global tensions are deepening, and the cost of living remains acute in many countries,” Zahidi concluded.

“These results confirm the urgent need for both short-term global policy coordination as well as longer-term cooperation around a new framework for growth that will hardwire inclusion, sustainability and resilience into economic policy.”

Saudi Tourism Authority signs MoU with Visa to develop region’s first tourism data lab

Updated 02 May 2023

Saudi Tourism Authority signs MoU with Visa to develop region’s first tourism data lab

RIYADH: A first-of-its-kind tourism data lab is set for the Middle East after Saudi Arabia reached an agreement with global digital payment solution provider Visa to travel trends insights.

Saudi Tourism Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with the financial services company to explore innovative ways to enhance the visitor experience and advance the Kingdom’s hospitality industry.

The partnership will be supported by the payment database VisaNet, which delivers a variety of data on incoming tourists and substantial information on how governments can maximize their cashless approach, the press release added.

The collaboration is in line with Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy, which seeks to attract 100 million visitors by 2030.

Abdulkarim Aldarwish, president of Middle East and Africa markets at STA, said: “The agreement with Visa, the world leader in digital payments, confirms that the Saudi Tourism Authority is keen to enhance its capabilities by providing, exchanging, and analyzing data as well as offering products and promotional package programs that improve the experience of tourists and attract more segments from the main markets in the region.”

The MoU, signed at the Arabian Travel Market 2023 being held in Dubai, will also look into options to deploy Visa’s digital payments solutions and exclusive packages, according to a press release.

“Saudi Arabia is fast emerging as a tourism hub with diverse and enriching experiences awaiting visitors. The industry is also a pivotal pillar in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and create new job opportunities,” said Walter Lironi, senior vice president for Visa consulting and analytics for the central Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.

He added that the company is pleased to enter this partnership with STA as it will allow them to “explore multiple pathways ... (to) enhance the tourism experience of visitors to Saudi Arabia and support the government’s tourism ambition.”

One of the fastest-growing destinations in the region, Saudi Arabia has been investing substantial sums to upgrade the country’s tourism infrastructure while launching new projects to attract travelers from across the world.

During a monthly meeting with citizens in February, the Minister of Tourism Ahmed bin Aqil Al-Khatib revealed that Saudi Arabia’s tourism spending surged 93 percent in 2022 to hit SR185 billion ($50 billion), up from SR95.6 billion the year before.

Tourism and venture capital play key roles in Vision 2030 strategy, says Saudi minister

Updated 02 May 2023

Tourism and venture capital play key roles in Vision 2030 strategy, says Saudi minister

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will not “shy away” from boosting its tourism sector as it seeks to become a global hub for travelers, one of the Kingdom’s ministers has pledged.

Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim talked up Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification ambitions, also identifying the venture capital sector as ripe for development.

The move is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategic plan launched in 2016 to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil exports and diversify its economy by developing and expanding into new industries and sectors.

Tourism is a key part of that, with Saudi Arabia aiming to get 100 million visitors by 2030.

“We won’t shy away from investing in tourism and tourism-related sectors. These are sectors that did not exist in the past, and we’re trying to catch up,” said Al-Ibrahim, according to Bloomberg.

He also said that Saudi Arabia has a “very large and rapidly growing venture capital ecosystem,” noting that they still have a “long way” to go, but it is something the Kingdom prioritizes.

Saudi Arabia’s attempt to diversify its economy beyond oil coincides with new initiatives to attract foreign investment and workers.

It is part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambition to open the country to global markets.

During the 6th edition of the Future Investment Initiative forum held in Riyadh in October 2022, the minister noted that Saudi Arabia would have an industrial base compatible with all the requirements of the fourth industrial revolution as the Kingdom increases its efforts to move away from oil as a dominant source of income.

Referred to as Industry 4.0, the revolution is a new phase of global industrialization in which robotics, cloud computing, and sensors are employed to boost manufacturing facility productivity.

“Our long-term economic challenge is to diversify our source of growth and Vision 2030, and everything you see here is for us to diversify our economy and to give it a stronger, more resilient structure,” he told Arab News on the sideline of the FII.

According to the International Monetary Fund, Saudi Arabia will remain the fastest-growing economy in the G20, despite the turmoil caused by rising inflation and soaring interest rates.

Closing bell: Saudi bourse continues downward trend amid economic uncertainties

Updated 02 May 2023

Closing bell: Saudi bourse continues downward trend amid economic uncertainties

RIYADH: The Tadawul All Share Index continued its downward trend on Tuesday, losing 67 points, or 0.59 percent, to close at 11,218.61, primarily driven by expectations of interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve and dropping oil prices.

While the parallel market Nomu also dropped 299.51 points to close at 20,863.29, the MSCI Tadawul Index slightly gained 0.13 percent to 1,521.24.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index on Tuesday was SR5.52 billion ($1.47 billion).

On Tuesday, Brent crude dropped $0.26, or 0.33 percent, to $79.05 a barrel at 3:45 p.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas Intermediate crude slid $0.27, or 0.36 percent, to $75.39.

The top performer of the day was Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Co., whose share prices surged 5.45 percent to SR294.

Other top performers of the day were City Cement Co. and City Cement Co., whose share prices increased 3.98 percent and 2.86 percent, respectively.

Saudi Vitrified Clay Pipes Co. was the worst performer of the day. The company’s share prices slipped by 2.88 percent to SR45.55.

On the announcements front, Riyad Bank, revealed that its net profit for the first quarter of 2023 advanced 30 percent to SR2.01 billion, compared to SR1.55 billion in the same period of 2022.

In a statement to Tadawul, the financial institution attributed the rise in net profit to an increase in total operating income, despite facing an uptick in operating expenses.

Alinma Bank also announced its financial results for the first quarter on Tuesday. The bank posted a net profit of SR969.9 million, up 17.61 percent compared to the same quarter in 2022.

Yamama Cement Co. revealed its year-on-year net profit almost quadrupled in the first quarter of the year to SR112.4 million compared to SR29.6 million in the same period in 2022.

However, this did represent a quarter-on-quarter drop of 16.2 percent, as the company’s net earnings in the preceding three months were SR134.15 million.

Meanwhile, Jahez International Co. for Information System Technology announced it had signed an extension for the share purchase agreement to acquire The Chefz SPV, as the original agreement period has expired.

The company informed the Saudi Stock Exchange that the signing parties have agreed to extend the share purchase agreement until July 31, 2023.

What are some of the key goals of Vision 2030 for society and economy?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

These changes have contributed to a more open and vibrant society, attracting foreign investment and reshaping Saudi Arabia’s international image .

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

To diversify Saudi Arabia's economy
To attract foreign investment

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

What are the main goals of the 2016- launched Vision 2030?

To diversify Saudi Arabia's economy
To attract foreign investment

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

**Environmental Sustainability** Sustainability is a core principle of Vision 2030.

**Environmental Sustainability** Sustainability is a core principle of Vision 2030.

The Saudi Green Initiative aims to increase vegetation cover, reduce carbon emissions, and invest in renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power .

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Content:
Ezditek Partners with Gcore to Support AI Innovation in Saudi Arabia with Cloud Computing and Digital Infrastructure Services

(MENAFN- Ilex Content Strategies) The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement aims to deliver high-capacity infrastructure within 5 years across nine data centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 14, May 2024 – Ezditek, an innovator in data center and digital infrastructure services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gcore, the global edge AI, cloud, network, and security solutions provider. The strategic alliance will support artificial intelligence (AI) businesses with the setup of high-capacity infrastructure in the KSA. It aims to deliver the capacity for AI/ GPU computing within 5 years, spread between nine data centers located in Riyadh (three), Jeddah (three), and Dammam (three).

Under the agreement, Gcore will provide cloud computing and infrastructure services for Ezditek’s facilities to serve growing data center demands driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) requirements. The partnership will enable Ezditek to position the KSA as a global hub and center for AI innovation, with a key focus on sustainability. By 2025, a capacity of 28MW will already be available specifically across the three locations, with gradual rollout continuing over the following four years.

“Our partnership with Gcore marks a key milestone in our journey to provide flexible and highly scalable facilities that support the evolving demands of the AI-era. Our MoU agreement represents an exciting step forward as we develop carrier neutral data centres designed to manage massive amounts of data with local digital infrastructure,” said Ibrahim Almulhim, CEO at Ezditek. “Together, we are delivering AI as a service to drive the next wave of smarter and more sustainable data center innovation across the KSA.”

Headquartered in Luxembourg, Gcore is an international leader in public cloud and edge computing, content delivery, hosting, and security solutions. Gcore's extensive global network consists of 160+ edge nodes across six continents and includes 25+ cloud locations. Access to Gcore’s global Edge AI network enables Ezditek to benefit from cutting-edge infrastructure services, enabling Ezditek to support worldwide.

“The KSA holds massive growth potential for AI adoption, and together with Ezditek we are helping to create a smarter, more connected KSA with first-class edge and cloud-based services,” said Fabrice Moizan, Chief Revenue Officer at Gcore. “This is the beginning of a powerful partnership as we support the Kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030 through our computing and infrastructure solutions and Ezditek’s future-ready facilities. We look forward to collaborating with a company that puts innovation and sustainability at the center of its operations.”

Ezditek is part of Ezdihar Holding Company and plans to deliver several large-scale data centers spanning three major cities in the KSA by 2030. Its carrier-neutral data center hubs are designed to support the Kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030 and beyond, giving customers a foundation for long-term innovation and growth in the KSA.

About Gcore

Gcore is the global edge AI, cloud, network, and security solutions provider. Headquartered in Luxembourg, with a staff of 600+ operating from ten offices worldwide, Gcore provides its solutions to global leaders in numerous industries. The company manages its own global IT infrastructure across six continents, with one of the best network performances in Europe, Africa, and LATAM, due to the average response time of 30 ms worldwide. Gcore’s network consists of 160+ points of presence around the world in reliable Tier IV and Tier III data centres, with a total capacity exceeding 110 Tbps. Learn more at gcoreand follow Gcore on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

About Ezditek

Ezditek has established itself as a leading player in the technology market. The company is dedicated to leveraging the latest technologies and fostering innovation to play a significant role in the Kingdom’s ambitious vision for 2030 and the corresponding technological advancements.

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Content: Saudi Arabia’s ambitious space program provides foretaste of exciting collaborations to come

Col. Chris Hadfield believes investment in space technologies also provides societies with a sense of optimism and raises public aspirations. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 27 sec ago

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious space program provides foretaste of exciting collaborations to come

  • The Saudi Space Commission was launched in Dec. 2018 under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 reform agenda
  • The state-funded body has struck cooperation agreements with the European Space Agency, UK, France and Hungary

JEDDAH: More than half a century ago, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first people to set foot on the surface of the moon. Since this historic milestone, governments, scientists and now entrepreneurs have set their sights on more distant and ambitious goals.

From Jeff Bezos’ forays into space tourism with Blue Origin and Elon Musk’s dream of establishing colonies on Mars to NASA’s launch of the James Webb Space Telescope and the UAE’s Hope probe mission to Mars, space, it seems, is once again all the rage.

The Apollo astronauts’ momentous moonwalk of July 20, 1969, marked the culmination of more than a decade of breakneck scientific advance, fueled by the fierce Cold War-era contest between the US and the Soviet Union known as the “space race.”

Decades later, and with the benefits of vastly superior technologies, private sector finance, and a global profusion of scientific and engineering talent, a new space race led by the world’s emerging economies and wealthiest individuals is now underway.

A recent entrant in this new space race is the Saudi Space Commission, or SSC, launched three years ago by royal decree — its mission: To accelerate economic diversification, enhance research and development, and raise private sector participation in the global space industry.

Since its launch in December 2018, the Kingdom’s state-funded space program has struck deals with the European Space Agency, the UK, France, and Hungary to further cooperation.

The agency has also signed agreements with aerospace giant Airbus, joined the International Astronautical Federation, and launched illustrious scholarship programs to allow Saudi students to attend the world’s best universities offering courses in space sciences and aerospace engineering.

Although its space agency is relatively new, the Kingdom has a long history of involvement in satellite technology, much of it emanating from the King Abdul Aziz City of Science and Technology in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia also played a key role in the Arab League’s formation of Arabsat, a satellite communications company, which launched its first satellite in 1985.

“The beauty is that you’re not starting from zero,” Col. Chris Hadfield, retired Canadian astronaut and former commander of the International Space Station, told Arab News in an exclusive interview.

“Even NASA, when they were formed in the late 1950s, they weren’t starting from zero. NACA, which was the predecessor to NASA, had been around since the 1920s, when the government recognized that aeronautics was coming.”

Hadfield is well known for his hugely popular video segments depicting life aboard the ISS, which famously included a zero-gravity guitar rendition of David Bowie’s "Space Oddity."

A heavily decorated astronaut, engineer and pilot, his many awards include the Order of Canada, the Meritorious Service Cross and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. He was also named the top test pilot in both the US Air Force and the US Navy, and was inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame.

Hadfield has flown three space missions, building two space stations, performing two spacewalks, crewing the Shuttle and Soyuz, and commanding the ISS.

Now retired, he is an adjunct professor at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, an adviser to SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, board chair of the Open Lunar Foundation, and the author of three international bestsellers. His TED talk on fear has been watched 11 million times.

In Hadfield’s view, the SSC should now set out to clearly define its goals for the future of Saudi space exploration.

“The real key is to have a clear purpose for what the space agency is trying to accomplish, aims that are in line with serving the people of Saudi in the short and long term,” he said.

The ISS remains a potent symbol of human fraternity as well as the huge technological and scientific possibilities on offer when societies work toward a common end.

The space station’s history began on July 17, 1975, when Russian cosmonaut Alexei Leonov and American astronaut Deke Slayton shook hands in microgravity, having docked their spacecraft high above the French city of Metz.

The handshake was the byproduct of a 1972 agreement between the two nations to cooperate on the Apollo-Soyuz Test project. The US built a docking module for the Apollo shuttle that was compatible with the Soviet docking system to allow a flawless rendezvous.

Their meeting became a powerful symbol of unity, which paved the way for the joint Shuttle-Mir program and later the ISS itself.

Building a space agency is no easy feat. As a multidisciplinary domain, the industry demands a wide range of skills and expertise. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the sector and already has several achievements to its name.

In February 2019, the Kingdom launched its first domestically developed communications satellite — SGS-1 — from the Guiana Space Center. The launch was the result of a partnership between KACST and US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin.

In 2020, Saudi Arabia announced plans to invest $2.1 billion in the space program as part of its Vision 2030 reform agenda, the Kingdom’s long-term plan to diversify its economy away from oil and embrace a wide array of next-generation industries.

“In the time we live in now, space is becoming a fundamental sector of the global economy, touching every aspect of our lives on Earth,” Prince Sultan bin Salman, the first Arab, Muslim and royal in space, said at the time.

“Space business and the space economy are expected to grow into the trillions of riyals as we go forward. We believe there are a lot of opportunities that exist in the space sector and we, in Saudi Arabia, intend to tap these opportunities at all levels.”

In order to excel in space, the Kingdom will need an army of technical specialists in areas as diverse as cybersecurity, avionics and robotics, together with experts in propulsion, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

“If you look right across the world’s governments, there’s some subset that is working in the areas that are naturally space related, like telecommunications, atmospheric physics, weather forecasting or the military side of threats; there’s always the high ground advantage,” Hadfield told Arab News, highlighting the benefits of building a domestic space industry.

“It’s scientific in just trying to understand the Earth better. If you can go around (Earth) 16 times a day, if you can set a geostationary satellite that is looking at the whole (Arabian) peninsula, that whole part of the world, there is a huge amount of information to be gathered that is really difficult to gather from the surface.

“Then there is the technological development side. If you’re going to challenge yourself to build a satellite or build rocket ships or train people to fly to space or be part of the space station, start setting up a permanent human habitation on the moon, that’s a big technological challenge and that is good for the country from the academic side right through to the manufacturing side.”

But more than the obvious economic, scientific and strategic benefits, Hadfield believes investment in space technologies also provides societies with a sense of optimism and raises public aspirations.

“Apart from the scientific research and the technical development, it is raising people’s eyes beyond the horizon,” he said.

“Space exploration has a significant role in inspiring people to visualize a different future, to attempt things with their own lives, to train themselves to gain a new set of skills and turn themselves into somebody different in pursuit of being an astronaut that otherwise they might never have done with themselves. That, to me, that’s an important component.”

Saudi Arabia is well placed to capitalize on falling costs of launching rockets, advances in technology, and a growing public interest in space exploration. Its willingness to work with other space agencies is also a foretaste of exciting collaborations to come.

Reflecting on his own career in space, Hadfield said it is this kind of human fraternity, together with an enduring sense of duty, that will empower further innovations and new milestones in space exploration.

“It’s a life of service,” he said. “Service to agency, service to country and service to others.”

When a Saudi went to space
Prince Sultan bin Salman speaks exclusively to Arab News about his 1985 NASA mission and how he became the first Arab, Muslim and royal in space

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Saudi National Parks Program will benefit environment, communities and tourism, organizers say

The planting of more wild trees will be carried out by staff from the center, along with workers from environmental associations and organizations. The program will be implemented in phases. (Supplied)
Updated 22 January 2022

Saudi National Parks Program will benefit environment, communities and tourism, organizers say

  • The program, launched this month, includes plans to establish 100 national parks within five years and showcase the Kingdom’s natural splendor and treasures

MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s recently launched National Parks Program will benefit the environment and local communities, and provide a boost to sustainable tourism and by attracting local and foreign visitors, according to the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.

The program, unveiled by the center this month, includes plans to establish and enhance 100 national parks within five years and showcase the Kingdom’s natural splendor and treasures. It also includes the planting of 50 million trees as part of the Saudi Green Initiative.
Abdul Rahman Al-Dakhil, a spokesman for the center, said that the program will help to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 development and diversification project and the Saudi Green Initiative.
He added that the center will promote and develop the parks program by supporting afforestation efforts and sustainable ecotourism initiatives, while helping to protect the environment in partnership with governmental organizations.
“The program will be implemented in phases, whereby the first phase will target 100 national parks and turn them into sustainable landmarks, followed by other phases and goals,” Al-Dakhil told Arab News.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The program, unveiled by the center this month, includes plans to establish and enhance 100 national parks within five years and showcase the Kingdom’s natural splendor and treasures. It also includes the planting of 50 million trees as part of the Saudi Green Initiative.

• Some areas of land allocated for the development of national parks have special historical, cultural, geological or archaeological significance. The project includes some of the most important sites in the Kingdom, including the Edge of the World, which is located northwest of Riyadh and was formed about 180 million years ago, and the ancient Muawiyah Dam, also known as Saysad Dam.

“Achieving tourism and environmental balance is one of the most important criteria while developing any park.”
The planting of more wild trees will be be carried out by staff from the center, along with workers from environmental associations and organizations.
Some areas of land allocated for the development of national parks have special historical, cultural, geological or archaeological significance. The project includes some of the most important sites in the Kingdom, including the Edge of the World, which is located northwest of Riyadh and was formed about 180 million years ago, and the ancient Muawiyah Dam, also known as Saysad Dam.
Abdulrahman Alsoqeer, chairman of the Environmental Green Horizons Society, said that the Kingdom is experiencing an environmental renaissance, focused on preserving vegetation and expanding afforestation efforts, that is attracting global attention. The National Parks Program is part of this green renaissance, he added.
“Allocating lands for national parks is an important primary step in protecting the vast areas of government lands that are scattered and untapped, and converting them into vast vegetation reserves,” Alsoqeer told Arab News.
He said that there are a number of benefits to establishing and maintaining national parks, including the restoration of vegetation cover that has deteriorated drastically in the recent decades. It can also improve the quality of life by reducing the intensity of dust storms, improving the climate, and enhancing the visual landscape with the addition of more greenery.
In addition, a number of products can be derived from the plants cultivated in the parks, including honey provided by bees that will thrive among the wild plants.
Local communities in the vicinity of the parks will also benefit from increased employment and investment opportunities, enhanced biodiversity, the protection of endangered plant and animal species, and the enhancement of ecotourism and recreation options.

World’s top tenor Bocelli wows AlUla crowd again

Updated 58 min 53 sec ago

World’s top tenor Bocelli wows AlUla crowd again

  • The Italian flautist Andrea Griminelli also joined Bocelli for a mesmerizing duet

ALULA: Singing at AlUla is “one of my favorite experiences,” the world’s favorite tenor said after another memorable concert in the ancient desert city.
Andrea Bocelli performed to a packed auditorium on Friday in the iconic mirrored Maraya venue, and millions more watching live on TV and online.
“It is always an incredible experience to sing in the middle of the desert in AlUla,” he said. “Coming from the noise and chaos of the big city, it is an educational experience for me to find myself in this idyllic and peaceful place away from the world.”
It was Bocelli’s fourth performance at Winter at Tantora, the Kingdom’s original music and cultural festival. He was accompanied on stage by Italy’s Asti Symphony Orchestra and sopranos Christine Allado, Serena Gambero and Clara Barbier Serrano.
The Italian flautist Andrea Griminelli also joined Bocelli for a mesmerizing duet that sparked rapturous applause and had the audience calling for more.
Winter at Tantora, one of four festivals under the AlUla Moments banner, continues until Feb. 12.

First phase to document the path of Prophet’s journey completed

Documentation of the path was mainly done by panoramic photography 360. Later, the migration of the Prophet will be digitally documented using 4K drones. (Supplied)
Updated 22 January 2022

First phase to document the path of Prophet’s journey completed

  • The initiative is part of the preparations to inaugurate Jabal Thawr Cultural Center in Makkah, which seeks to enrich and broaden tourists’ experience

MAKKAH: The organizers of “Rihlat Muhajir” (An Emigrant Journey) have announced that the first phase of the initiative to document the path of the Prophet’s emigration has been completed.

The work with specialists and researchers in the Prophet’s biography is part of the preparations to inaugurate the Jabal Thawr Cultural Center in Makkah, which seeks to enrich and broaden tourists’ experience. This is the aim of Samaya Investment, a company specializing in cultural projects, including national museums, exhibitions, and activities.

Samaya CEO Fawaz Al-Merhej said the “Muhajir” initiative is documenting the path of the Prophet’s emigration using modern technology in aerial documentation and panoramic photography 360.

He said that in the first phase, which was launched on Dec. 20 last year, the team sought all the locations that were cited on the path of the Prophet’s emigration, starting from Cave Thawr on Mount Thawr in Makkah, passing through 40 stations all the way to Quba Mosque in Madinah.

He said the idea of documenting the route came up when they were considering how to present the story of the Prophet’s migration in the Jabal Thawr Cultural Center.

Documentation of the path was mainly done by panoramic photography 360. During the second stage the migration of the Prophet will be digitally documented using 4K drones based on the locations’ coordinates.

The biggest challenges they faced, he said, were the bumpy roads, and the fact that some historical sites had their names changed over time.

A number of scholars specialized in Islamic history and the Prophet’s biography helped in this investigation, including Professor Mohammed bin Samil Al-Salami and Professor Saad bin Musa Al-Musa, of the Department of History and Islamic Civilization at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, and Professor Sulaiman bin Abdullah Al-Suwaiket and Professor Abdul Aziz bin Ibrahim Al-Omari, of the Department of History and Civilization at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, who are also members of the scientific committee of the Atlas Biography of the Prophet. Professor Abdullah bin Mustafa Al-Shanqiti, specialized in the landmarks of Madinah and the Prophet’s Biography, also participated in some stages of the project.

Diriyah’s historic At-Turaif ‘a new lifestyle destination’ in Saudi Arabia

Dalya Mousa shed light on the culture, history and heritage of At-Turaif and revealed that six museums and an art district are being developed as key cultural sites in the district. (AN photo by Basheer Saleh)
Updated 22 January 2022

Diriyah’s historic At-Turaif ‘a new lifestyle destination’ in Saudi Arabia

  • The historic district will offer world-class education to nurture the future cultural leaders of the Kingdom, including the opening of King Salman University, six academies and new public schools

RIYADH: A two-day Diriyah art forum is building links between Saudi cultural authorities as part of a broader plan to make the At-Turaif district a lifestyle and culture destination.
The Diriyah Gate Development Authority, the body overseeing the development of the historic site, is taking part in the event.
Dalya Mousa, DGDA director of culture, spoke about new projects and developments set to take place in Diriyah, including At-Turaif district, the first capital of Saudi Arabia and an important political and historical site.
Speaking on the importance of At-Turaif — one of six heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in the Kingdom — Mousa told Arab News: “When we are talking about At-Turaif, we are talking about the first Saudi capital in the 18th century.

“We are talking about the foundation of the Kingdom, with really diverse cultural landscapes and architecture that goes back 300 years. We aim to show the world how people used to live here and we will include museums, galleries and ancient palaces in the plans.”
The director also shed light on the culture, history and heritage of At-Turaif and revealed that six museums and an art district are being developed as key cultural sites in the district.

Culture plays a vital role in our lives. It reflects our identity and shapes our future. Our mission is to create a best in class culture platform that connects Diriyah’s past with its present and future.

Dalya Mousa, DGDA director of culture

Mousa said: “Culture plays a vital role in our lives. It reflects our identity and shapes our future. Our mission is to create a best in class culture platform that connects Diriyah’s past with its present and future.
“When we talk about art and culture, it includes visual art, performances, commissions, collections, traditional arts and crafts, multimedia urban intervention and more,” she added.
“At-Turaif will have cultural museums, cultural academies, a cultural district and most importantly, art commissions across the master plan. We’re talking about digital libraries and archives, in-house expertise, capacity building, traditional arts and craft schools, and more.”
The historic district will also offer world-class education to nurture the future cultural leaders of the Kingdom, including the opening of King Salman University, six academies and new public schools.
Diriyah will also contain boutique hotels and resorts as part of its strategy to become a premium lifestyle destination where visitors can shop and dine in the presence of unique cultural history.
Mousa said that “working with and for the local community” will strengthen Diriyah’s creative ecosystem across cultural sectors in alignment with the Ministry of Culture’s plan to celebrate the town nationally, regionally and globally.
Launching Diriyah as the culture capital of the Middle East 2030, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority partnered with the Ministry of Culture and Diriyah Biennale Foundation on a series of multidisciplinary cultural programs to achieve that goal.

Saudi aid agency rolling out relief projects worldwide

KSrelief rolling out aid projects worldwide. (SPA)
Updated 23 January 2022

Saudi aid agency rolling out relief projects worldwide

AMMAN: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has rolled out aid projects in numerous countries.

Winter supplies, including 8,840 blankets and 4,420 winter family packs, were distributed in the governorates of Amman, Balqa, Karak, Tafileh, and Mafraq to needy Jordanian families and Syrian and Palestinian refugees in Jordan.

This aid is part of a project implemented by the Kingdom to alleviate the suffering of disadvantaged families during winter and meet their basic needs.

Meanwhile, the prosthetic limbs and physical rehabilitation center in Seiyun, Yemen, has continued to provide medical services for Yemenis through the support of KSrelief.

FASTFACT

Since its inception in May 2015, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has implemented 1,814 projects worth more than $5.5 billion in 77 countries.

The center provided 1,433 services for 432 beneficiaries in one month, including the manufacturing, fitting and maintenance of prosthetic limbs for 169 patients, covering delivery, measurement and maintenance services.

It provided other treatments for 263 patients, including physical therapy and consultation sessions.

It comes as part of the Kingdom’s efforts, represented by KSrelief, to improve the capacities of the health sector in Yemen.

In Afghanistan, KSrelief is distributing food and providing shelter to needy families as part of the Saudi relief airlift to support the Afghan people. It distributed nearly 19 tons of aid, which included 300 food baskets, 600 flour bags and 250 blankets in the Qala-e-Fathullah district of Kabul, helping 300 families.

The center has continued to distribute aid to those affected by the floods and to the neediest families in Sudan. It distributed more than 12 tons of food baskets in the Omdurman locality, benefiting 2,100 people.

Worldwide, KSrelief has implemented 1,814 projects worth more than $5.5 billion in 77 countries, carried out in cooperation with 144 local, regional and international partners since the inception of the center in May 2015.

According to a recent KSrelief report, the countries and territories that benefited the most from the center’s various projects were Yemen, Palestine, with projects worth $368 million, Syria ($322 million) and Somalia ($209 million).

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

To drive development in renewable energy

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

To drive development in renewable energy

The Kingdom has committed to ambitious environmental targets, such as planting billions of trees and generating significant energy from renewables, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change .

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Content: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Discusses ‘Strategic Partnership’ with China’s Xi Jinping

Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), discussed his “strategic partnership” with Chinese Communist dictator Xi Jinping in a phone call on Friday.

MBS and Xi discussed “ways to further the work of the Saudi-Chinese Joint Committee” and “international situations and issues of common interest,” according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Al-Arabiya News described the phone call as the first known interaction between the two since MBS sent condolences to Xi for the China Eastern Airlines plane crash on March 21, in which all 132 passengers and crew were killed.

Chinese state media said Xi told MBS he considers developing closer relations with Saudi Arabia to be a “priority.”

“The Chinese side supports Saudi Arabia in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and stability, and in independently exploring a development path suited to its own national conditions,” Xi reportedly said.

Xi offered MBS support for programs such as Saudi Vision 2030, the road map for diversifying the oil-based Saudi economy, and Saudi Arabia’s “Green Middle East” initiative, in exchange for Saudi “synergy” with China’s Belt and Road infrastructure program.

“China is ready to work with Saudi Arabia to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, push for an early conclusion of the China-Gulf Cooperation Council free trade area agreement and jointly build a China-Arab community with a shared future for the new era,” Xi said.

According to Chinese news reports, MBS promised Saudi Arabia would help protect the regime in Beijing from international consequences for its brutal oppression of the Uyghur Muslims. Given China’s enthusiasm for “the rights of all countries to choose their own political and human rights paths independently,” MBS can expect little criticism from Beijing for his own offenses.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attends a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 22, 2019. (Photo credit should read HOW HWEE YOUNG/AFP via Getty Images)

Germany’s Deutsche Welle (DW) noted that China purchases about a quarter of Saudi Arabia’s oil exports and has been pressuring the Kingdom to let it buy that oil with yuan instead of dollars, which would be a major step toward the long-held Chinese goal of dethroning the U.S. dollar as the worldwide oil currency.

DW pointed out that if the Saudis help China establish the yuan as an oil currency, it could give China’s ally Russia an easy path to avoid worldwide sanctions imposed after Russia attacked Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia does a great deal of business with China and its monarchs might understandably be interested in joining a new world order in which Western concepts of human rights and individual liberty have been completely erased.

Also, as DW delicately suggested, the Saudis have noticed Western nations are recklessly throwing themselves off the “green energy” cliff while China remains unapologetically interested in fossil fuels. It is not hard to imagine Riyadh sees the Chinese as more reliable customers for their flagship petroleum products.

On the other hand, some foreign policy analysts believe the Saudis enjoy flirting with China mostly to keep Western governments on their toes, forever dangling a full alliance with Beijing as a “bargaining chip” to squeeze concessions from the U.S. and Europe.

The growing alliance between Saudi Arabia and China could face a major test over the next few days as the Saudis are thinking about deporting a Uyghur woman named Buheliqiemu Abula and her 13-year-old daughter to China over the strenuous protests of human rights advocates.

Abula told Amnesty International (AI) on Thursday her Saudi jailers gave her coronavirus tests and she believes they could ship her to China at any time. She and her daughter will almost certainly be thrown into China’s brutal concentration camps in Xinjiang province if that occurs.

Two Uyghur men are also lined up for extradition to China. AI urgently demanded Saudi Arabia halt all four deportations.

“Forcibly returning these four Uyghur people would be an unconscionable violation of Saudi Arabia’s obligations under international law. The Saudi authorities must not even think about sending them to China, where they will be subjected to arbitrary detention, persecution and possibly to torture,” said AI Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa Lynn Maalouf.

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

To drive development in renewable energy

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

How has Saudi Arabia diversified its economy under Vision 2030?

To drive development in renewable energy

What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

**International Relations and Global Image** MBS’s reforms have also sought to improve Saudi Arabia’s international standing.

**International Relations and Global Image** MBS’s reforms have also sought to improve Saudi Arabia’s international standing.

**International Relations and Global Image** MBS’s reforms have also sought to improve Saudi Arabia’s international standing.

The Kingdom has invested in global partnerships, established the Saudi Space Commission, and positioned itself as a leader in science, technology, and AI .

Title:

Content: Saudi women

Saudi Arabia’s Princess Reema to head female-centered well-being company: PIF

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Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced on Monday the establishment of a female-centered health and well-being company with Princess Reema bint Bandar as its head, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The Kayanee Company will focus on women’s health and the lifestyle of future generations of young women through six offerings that include fitness, apparel, personal care and treatments, nutrition and diagnostics, healthy eating, and learning.

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A Saudi woman works out at a gym in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia September 24, 2020. (File photo: Reuters)

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It will adopt a female-focused approach to all its services, prioritizing mental, physical, and social health.

Saudi women sit at David Burke’s restaurant, in The Zone restaurant complex, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on August 25, 2021. (File photo: Reuters)

The company will act as a catalyst for the rapid growth of health, well-being, and fitness in Saudi Arabia, supporting the development of the industry through collaboration with the private sector and across the value chain, the PIF said in a statement.

The establishment of Kayanee is part of PIF’s strategy to unlock the capabilities of promising sectors, localize technology, enable the private sector, drive the diversification of the local economy, and contribute to enhancing the quality of life, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, the statement added. The company aims to reach over one million consumers.

According to SPA, a digital platform will be launched, providing Kayanee’s customers with a seamless connection between in-person and online services.

“Kayanee will serve to expand Saudi Arabia’s SAR16 billion fitness and well-being industry. It is a very exciting time for PIF to venture into women’s fitness, wellness, and well-being, and Kayanee is well positioned to enable the industry through its integrated offering, which will see the company partner with the growing private sector to create a vibrant society,” the head of MENA Direct Investments at PIF Raid Ismail said.

Empowering women and improving the quality of life of Saudi Arabia’s citizens and residents are all part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan. The economic reform plan aims to transform the country into a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled nation.

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Vision 2030’s foreign policy emphasizes peace, prosperity, and regional stability, with efforts to mend ties with regional powers and enhance soft power through sports, entertainment, and cultural diplomacy .

Title:

Content: Elevatus’ AI Technology is Creating Huge Momentum in the KSA Market

LONDON, Aug. 23, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 spells out the Kingdom’s intention to become the global leader in Artificial Intelligence, by placing it at the heart of the country’s growth and development. With AI being at the center of this endeavor, Saudi Arabia plans to diversify and grow its economy by creating dynamic job opportunities through innovation and AI technologies. By taking radical steps in designing and building localized AI solutions, Elevatus has taken massive strides to support Vision 2030 with its leading-edge and transformative technology.

In line with Vision 2030, Elevatus aims to increase work efficiency through AI and emerging technologies that seamlessly automate HR processes in today’s hiring space. Key players and leading organizations in the Kingdom such as Al Habib Medical Group, Middle East Propulsion Company and more, have achieved significant business growth and efficiency with Elevatus’ advanced AI solutions.

The tech provider aims to harness Vision 2030, as announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and expand its operations in the KSA market. Given that Saudi Arabia aims to create new opportunities for its people with its crisp new vision, Elevatus aligns with this endeavor, by supporting the overall economic and social development of the Kingdom. This is done by providing organizations with AI and automated solutions to help them digitally transform their work processes and hire top performers at scale. With Elevatus’ AI hiring technologies, organizations can lucratively reduce their hiring costs by up to 96% and reduce their time to hire by an impeccable 80%.

Elevatus is integrated with top tier technology providers such as SAP, Oracle, Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, DocuSign, and over 10,000 job boards including LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed. Through these integrations, organizations who adopt Elevatus can centralize their processes under one unified umbrella, and digitally transform their work processes.

Elevatus also aims to bring robust and localized AI technology that is tailored to the needs of the KSA market and supports the Arabic language. This will successfully lead to the achievement of Vision 2030, since the technology can drive more job opportunities and help in building a better and more skillful workplace for KSA-based organizations. In addition, the tech provider is building a powerful network of local partners to accelerate its expansion plan by promoting innovation in the country through value-added resellers and fruitful partnerships.

The Senior Manager of HR, Ali Alzahrani, at the Middle East Propulsion Company (MEPC) shares: “Our partnership with Elevatus has played a monumental role in strengthening our innovative capabilities, in preparation for Vision 2030. The AI technology has been a major driver in evolving our work processes, helping us operate at a much faster rate, and significantly enhancing the way we work. Together with Elevatus, we feel well prepared for the future that lies ahead, which is surely supporting us in realizing and achieving our Kingdom’s vision with ease.”

Elevatus has established a renowned and profound presence in the KSA market with its agile, innovative, and modern AI technology. Companies in the KSA are relying on Elevatus’ solutions to fulfill and successfully meet Vision 2030 by implementing and leveraging the power of AI, data science, and machine learning.

Yacoub Zureikat, Co-Founder of Elevatus claims “The future of AI is changing the world, and it’s the fuel of the 21st century. This is why we aim to add great momentum to the Kingdom’s vision roadmap with our AI technology. We see the KSA market as one of our biggest opportunities to expand. Through our AI solutions, we thrive to help businesses in the KSA decrease time spent on arduous and repetitive tasks. Which in turn, will significantly increase their productivity, capacity for innovation and creativity, and prepare them for the glorious Vision 2030.”

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1599358/Elevatus.jpg

Title:

Content: Hala Ventures's Ali Abussaud Wants To Support Global-Minded Startups From Saudi Arabia

37% of Hala Ventures' portfolio companies are Saudi-based, with 10 deals inked in the Kingdom so far.

By Erika Masako Welch

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Hala Ventures is a Saudi venture capital firm which started operating in 2014 under the umbrella of its affiliate company, Financial Horizon Group, as a corporate fund investing in various asset classes, including venture capital (VC). Hala Ventures was later established as a standalone VC firm in 2018, with offices in both Khobar and Riyadh.

Today, 37% of Hala Ventures' portfolio companies are Saudi-based, with 10 deals inked in the Kingdom so far. To date, the VC firm has seen three successful exits, though only one of the three exits was a Saudi-based startup.

We spoke with the founder and Chairman of Hala Ventures, Ali Abussaud. Abussaud is an investor at heart; he comes from an institutional banking background, having spent two decades working at leading institutional banks, and running a private investment fund, before embarking on a full-time VC career.

Regarding Hala Ventures' formative years, Abussaud says, "You know, back then, my business partner and I were doing a lot of angel investments, and we decided to join forces by forming a corporate fund back in 2014. We soon realized that there really were no VCs in the market, and so Hala became one of the first." He continues, "Before then, family offices in some sense laid a lot of the foundational groundwork for venture capital in the Kingdom, filling gaps, and funding startups that institutional banks wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole."

Abussaud continues, "2018-19 was when we saw a real shift in the market. Monsha'at came onto the scene with various well-funded initiatives to stimulate SMEs and entrepreneurship. Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC) and Jada both came online with their fund of funds approach with a combined US$2 billion to deploy. At this time, I also saw a lot of family offices starting to allocate a portion of their annual investments to go towards tech startup investments."

When we begin discussing why Saudi Arabia is such a hot market, Abussaud has an interesting take. "It's population and scalability, but it's also purchasing power, and the consistency of that purchasing power, " he replies. "Saudi Arabia doesn't really have that a summer lull period like some of its neighboring countries. 70% of the users on platforms in Saudi are local Saudis, so they might go on holiday here or there, but most of them stay right here in the Kingdom all year around."

And for those reasons and more, Hala Ventures seems to be increasingly betting on Saudi startups. Until 2018, Hala Ventures really didn't invest in any Saudi startups, choosing instead to back founders in the UAE, Egypt, and Jordan. Today, it seems the tides have turned, and investments in Saudi startups are multiplying. "Today, one-third of our portfolio are Saudi startups, and we only started investing in Saudi shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic."

"Investors and startups shouldn't underestimate the Saudi market," Abussaud adds. "Vision 2030 clearly states that it is trying to expand SME-driven gross domestic product from 20% to 35% by 2030. That additional 15% accounts for more than $560 million annually. It's no small feat, but that's also why there is support from every possible level of government, because startup success in the Kingdom is success for the entire Kingdom."

When it comes to advice for founders in the Kingdom, Abussaud said, "Founders need to start thinking beyond the MENA region into the European Union, Asia, India, and Africa. Investors need scale. Success needs scale. So, do it quickly." Abussaud also tells entrepreneurs to choose their investors wisely. "Picking investors is as important as picking your wife or husband," he says. "They are partners for life. Founders must identify who are value investors, that are ready to go the long-haul with you, and those that are ready to invest into you in future rounds."

Learn more about the most prominent venture capitalists in Saudi Arabia's startup ecosystem by checking out the report, The Evolution of Saudi Arabia's Startup Ecosystem 2010-2022.

This article was originally published on Lucidity Insights, a partner of Entrepreneur Middle East in developing special reports on the Middle East and Africa's tech and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Erika Masako Welch

Chief Content Officer, Lucidity Insights

Erika Masako Welch is the Chief Content Officer of Lucidity Insights.

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These initiatives have substantially reshaped Saudi Arabia’s global image, presenting it as a more progressive and dynamic country .

Title:

Content: Saudi Electronic University becomes Anthology’s first global Center of Excellence Strategic Education Partner

Innovative institution completes certification process in under one year RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Anthology, a leading provider of education solutions that support the entire learner lifecycle, today announced that Saudi Electronic University (SEU) has become the first institution certified as a global Center of Excellence Strategic Education Partner. The certification process is […]

Innovative institution completes certification process in under one year

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Anthology, a leading provider of education solutions that support the entire learner lifecycle, today announced that Saudi Electronic University (SEU) has become the first institution certified as a global Center of Excellence Strategic Education Partner. The certification process is a rigorous evaluation of an institution’s digital learning and teaching ecosystem, a process which SEU completed in just seven months. The certification reflects SEU’s substantial commitment to achieving the highest level of digital maturity and becoming an Anthology Strategic Education Partner in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“This achievement underscores Saudi Electronic University’s pioneering mindset as a global leader in digital teaching and learning practices,” said Jim Brigadier, President of Global Markets at Anthology. “Their steadfast commitment to advancing the education system in the Kingdom is equipping the next generation of critical thinkers and self-learners with the skills they need to lead and achieve national goals.”

Since establishment in 2011, SEU leadership has focused on ensuring the university becomes a mature, modern, world-class institution. In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, SEU is committed to advancing the education system, achieving national goals in the Kingdom and influencing best practices globally. Their strategic vision to lead the utilization of technology in education to contribute to national development and strategic purpose to empower learners to achieve their ambitions through the optimal application of technology and knowledge were fundamental to their certification as a Center of Excellence Strategic Education Partner. As a Strategic Education Partner with Anthology, SEU is active in locating and utilizing the best and most advanced technologies for national development and benefit across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Applying for the Center of Excellence certification offered SEU a great opportunity to revisit its current practices and discover new trends in digital teaching and learning according to global standards,” said Dr. Hazzaa Alshareef, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Saudi Electronic University. “The process has enabled our institution to affirm our position as a lighthouse for e-learning in the region.”

The Anthology Center of Excellence certification process ensures that an institution is aligned across four educational pillars of excellence to offer the best educational experience. The process follows four stages: assessment, establishment, certification, and innovation. Since beginning the process just seven months ago, SEU has proven their maturity as a world-class institution and their commitment to strategically leading and influencing the innovative ways technologies are used in and outside the classroom. The institution undertook an exhaustive and systematic evaluation against global maturity benchmarks that represented four educational pillars of excellence: leadership and strategy, student learning experiences, quality and innovation, and technical deployment. Now certified, SEU enters the innovation phase, where the institution becomes a strategic education partner with Anthology and serves as an influencer, shaping and sharing best practices as the leading innovator in and beyond the region. Anthology looks forward to collaborating with SEU in their innovation phase.

About Anthology

Anthology offers the largest EdTech ecosystem on a global scale for education, supporting more than 150 million users in 80 countries. With a mission to provide dynamic, data-informed experiences to the global education community through Anthology Intelligent Experiences, we help learners, leaders and educators achieve their goals by offering over 60 SaaS products and services designed to advance learning. Discover more about how we are fulfilling our mission for education, business and government institutions at www.anthology.com.

CONTACT:
Heather Phillips
Anthology
Heather.Phillips@Anthology.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1708867/Anthology_Logo.jpg

Title:

Content: RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel announced the completion of the readiness of the Saudi Proton Therapy Center at the Comprehensive Cancer Center in King Fahd Medical City, affiliated with the Riyadh Second Health Cluster

Al-Jalajel said that the center is fully prepared to provide precise specialized oncology care for the first time in the region, targeting to treat about 1,700 patients annually.

The center will provide precise care for patients with complex oncologic cases, in addition to the advantage that it will reduce the hassle of traveling for many patients who were receiving treatment outside Saudi Arabia.

It will provide them with integrated care in the Kingdom among their families and children.

The center not only provides proton therapy services inside Saudi Arabia, but also outside it, as it is considered as the first and only center for treating tumors using proton beam technology in the Middle East.

The minister said that the center was established on an area of 4,000 square meters, at a cost of more than SR924 million.

He also pointed out that it is considered one of the largest projects witnessed by the health sector, and keeps pace with the growth, development and leadership in the health sector in Saudi Arabia.

This is in order to reach a vibrant society and contribute to achieving the goals of the Health Transformation Program in accordance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

© Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

Title:

Content: Pravaig Partners With Saudi India Venture Studio; To Build EV Factory With Capacity Of A Million Units

The EV start-up showcased its maiden offering, the ‘Defy’ electric SUV, in 2022.
1 mins read
19-Jul-23 01:43 PM IST
Highlights
  • Pravaig plans to sell its EVs and special purpose vehicles in foreign markets.
  • Pravaig showcased the Veer, its special purpose vehicle at the Auto Expo 2023.
  • The Defy is priced at Rs. 39.5 lakh (ex-showroom).

Pravaig Dynamics, an Indian electric vehicle (EV) startup has partnered with Saudi India Venture Studio to establish a left-hand drive production base with a capacity of one million units for the Gulf countries, Europe and the US. This is a vital step for the start-up, considering its plans to make its EVs and special purpose vehicles available across the globe.

Also Read: MG Patents New Micro-EV Design In India: Rebadged Baojun Yep On The Cards?

The Veer, an electric special purpose vehicle currently under development, was showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo. Although the vehicle has been teased by the brand on social media, it is yet to be revealed in production spec. The company claims that the vehicle will have a range of over 500 kilometres and be able to go from 0 to 100 kmph in under 5 seconds. It is stated to make 402 bhp and 620 Nm of torque.

"Coming together is just the beginning; creating prosperity for all is the goal and taking back control for people across the world. HRH MBS' Vision 2030 will ultimately create not just one, but many nations with a vibrant society, thriving economies, and global ambitions," said Siddhartha Bagri, CEO of Pravaig Dynamics.

Also Read: Pravaig Defy Electric SUV Launched In India; Priced At Rs. 39.5 Lakh

The Defy offers over 500 km of range

Pravaig took the wraps off its ‘Defy’ SUV last year, announcing a price of Rs. 39.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Using an all-wheel-drive setup, the SUV is claimed to offer over 500 kilometres of range and can charge from 0-80 per cent in 30 minutes using a fast charger. The electric motors powering the Defy make 402 bhp and 620 Nm of torque. The manufacturer also claims that the battery will last over 2.50 lakh kilometres.

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What has MBS done since becoming Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia?

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**Public and International Reception** Domestically, the reforms have been largely welcomed by youth and women, who see new opportunities for personal and professional growth .

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