Speaking at a seminar organized by the Indian Engineers Forum (IEF), Jeddah Chapter, at Marriott Hotel, he said Saudi Arabia was taking measures to develop alternative sources of energy.

With an abundance of sunlight in the Kingdom, he said, Kingdom was capable of becoming the leading exporter of solar energy in the world as desired by the Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ali Al-Naimi.

In his presentation of "Renewable Energy: A Saudi Perspective," Shafiqur Rehman highlighted the potential available in the Kingdom. He also identified seven places from where wind energy can be generated for commercial purposes.

Besides solar and wind, he also spoke on other sources of energy such as geothermal, hydro (small and large scale), biomass and tidal.

IEF is a professional organization that provides platform to the highly technical manpower of Indians by conducting seminars and technical sessions. This year's annual function was devoted to the theme of "Engineering A Green Tomorrow." Two scholars presented their papers.

Ramesh Tharwani, director of engineering and design at Emaar Company, King Abdullah Economic City, Rabigh, made a presentation on "Sustainable Development." He highlighted developments that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations. He emphasized on 10 imperatives of sustainable development, namely: Clean air, clean water, energy, land use, transportation, housing, jobs, health care, waste disposal, and human security.

Using car only for necessary journeys, increased use of public transport, walking, cycling, energy consciousness, recycling waste, being fit and healthy through a good diet and adequate exercise were some of his advices for sustainable development.

Abu Bakr and Ehab Ali of Energya Steel Solutions, the main sponsor of the event, gave a presentation on their company that offers multiple engineering services, covering design, supply, fabrication, galvanization, painting, site delivery and erection of structural steel.

Mohammad Sayeeduddin, president of IEF, welcoming the guests, said the purpose of this forum was to bring like-minded people together, work for their own development and at the same time "contribute to the development of the society here in Saudi Arabia as well as in India in terms of quality and quantity."

Sohail Khaleel, vice president of IEF, who anchored the event, also conducted an interactive session of networking and awarded four participants for networking activities.

A souvenir called "IEF Spectrum 2010" was released by the chief guest Shakeel Ahmed, consul education at Jeddah's Consulate General of India.