NEOM attracting interest from Japanese investors, tourists

Niall Gibbons, Managing Director of Tourism for NEOM. (ANJ)

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Updated 21 September 2023

Khaldon Azhari

September 21, 2023 12:02

NEOM attracting interest from Japanese investors, tourists

Endorsement by Japan’s government, trade bodies bodes well for growth, says Niall Gibbons, tourism MD for the Kingdom’s project
Tokyo is latest stop on ‘Discover NEOM’ tour that is marketing the region globally

Updated 21 September 2023

Khaldon Azhari

September 21, 2023 12:02

TOKYO: Saudi Arabia’s NEOM development has attracted significant interest from Japanese firms, according to Niall Gibbons, managing director of tourism for the Kingdom’s project.

“So far, it has been a very productive day here in Tokyo on the third leg of our Asian tour. We have had strong representation from various Japanese companies,” Gibbons told Arab News Japan in an interview conducted in Tokyo.

“It’s about a couple of things really. First, it is about NEOM telling its story in relation to the size and scale and ambition of the project. Also, it is an opportunity for a two-way dialogue. This is part of building relationships and is really, really important, especially relationships for the long term.”

Gibbons was speaking at the Tokyo stop of the “Discover NEOM” tour, which is being held in major cities around the world. Wednesday’s event took place at the Toranomon Hills Forum in the center of Tokyo.

Gibbons said they were pleased with the turnout and to have the opportunity to discuss some of the key regions and sectors of NEOM, including The LINE, education research, sport and tourism.

A reception with an exhibition of The LINE was organized to provide an opportunity for engagement.

“There certainly is a lot (of) interest from Japanese companies. Just talking to people casually during networking meetings over lunch, I think people are really excited about the project, the scale and ambition, and I think when you put it in the context of the Saudi 2030 Vision, including creating a thriving economy and vibrant society, I think NEOM really is part of that and we, the audience, are very happy to be a part of that two-way dialogue,” he said.

Gibbons said a positive sign was the participation of officials from the Japanese government, including representatives from METI, JCCME and JETRO — the Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry, the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East, and the Japan External Trade Organization.

“I think it is good to have that level of endorsement, particularly for the audience here and it’s always good to have those strong bilateral ties.”

Gibbons noted “there has been very strong government support,” adding, “I think those relationships are important and today we really got started with the conversation on the business arrangements. And in time, it will be important for these relationships to move onward after today and develop into very strong business ties that make for a vigor essential for the success in the long term.”

Gibbons, who has been living in NEOM for five months, said that with design input from world-leading architects and designers, there is great confidence with regard to future-proofing the project.

Replying to a question on when NEOM will be completed, Gibbons said that it is a long-term project, but the first element of The LINE is due to be completed at the end of 2027. “Our first tourism project, which is Sindalah, which is my area of responsibility, is opening in 2024 and each year from then onwards — 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 — there is something coming on stream.”

“The NEOM team is starting out a very ambitious sales and marketing strategy and we are currently representing NEOM at about 16 different trade shows around the world to attract those who seek safe and secure destinations, and like direct air travel and competitive air access is going to be important in the future. I am building relationships in the travel trade, and they are keen to be on board,” he said.

Topics: NEOM Japan

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global clean energy advocacy stressed at COP28

Updated 02 December 2023

Nadin Hassan

December 02, 2023 15:09

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global clean energy advocacy stressed at COP28

Updated 02 December 2023

Nadin Hassan

December 02, 2023 15:09

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia is poised to take a leadership role in global forums, leveraging its presence in the G20 and the Clean Energy Ministerial to spotlight regional knowledge and environmental concerns on the world stage, according to a senior executive.

During the UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, in Dubai, Jean-François Gagne, head of the secretariat at the Clean Energy Ministerial, emphasized the significance of regional harmonization in advancing climate change ambitions.

“Saudi Arabia has the advantage of being at the G20 table, allowing it to play a leadership role in bringing regional knowledge and environmental concerns to the international table. This is crucial because we need all regions of the world to move forward together,” Gagne told Arab News.

He added: “When you have regional champions, it really helps making sure that there’s no one that gets left behind in terms of advancing our clean energy goals.”

Gagne also explained two ways in which regional collaboration can help accelerate ambitions related to climate change. The first involves creating higher demands for common products and technologies.

“We know there’s going to be a need for brand-new technologies to be able to be deployed more broadly. When you have industry and governments working together in terms of defining what these new technologies will be, you need to be able to show that there will be enough demand for the investment in terms of bringing these new technologies forward,” he said.

The second involves reducing the costs associated with deploying these technologies.

“Making sure that the markets between different countries don’t create hurdles to the deployment is going to be important. Regional harmonization plays a significant role in bringing down the cost of deploying those technologies. This, in turn, makes it much easier for policymakers to increase their climate ambition because they know that the technologies will be there at a cost that is reasonable,” he continued.

Underscoring the importance of harmonization and collaboration, Gagne explained ways in which the private sector could engage more with the public sector.

“First of all, they need to make sure that when they look at these questions, they don’t look only at their own individual companies benefits, but they look at this in terms of a sectoral approach to finding the right solutions,” he said.

Gagne added: “The second, they can engage in dialogue with governments in terms of what are the real feasible opportunities for governments to drive the demand for these new technologies.”

During a session discussing the crucial role of regional coordination, Steve Kukoda, vice president and executive director at the International Copper Association, stated that collaboration is crucial to advancing ambition.

“Regional harmonization really is critical to accelerating actual ambition, and we talked about the first cost barrier. This is a way to bring the cost down, but on multiple levels,” Kukoda said.

He added: “If you manufacture an air conditioner, you now can sell the same product in 10 countries. You don’t have to have different types of the same air conditioner just to meet the standards of individual countries. So that increases the scale of production and brings down costs.”

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030’s prominent projects, Richard Bush, chief environment officer at NEOM, underlined the giga-project’s mission, as articulated by the chairman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The mission is straightforward: to construct the world’s first sustainable and highly livable city.

“Every city we’ve built has created an unreasonable impact on the environment and an unacceptable level of pollution. And what I’d like to say about this project is that it’s completely transformed,” Bush said.

He added: “The way we think we’re going to design, live, and function into the future. There is nothing we do on a daily basis that resembles anything we’ve experienced before.”

Topics: COP28 Saudi Arabia

Global leaders call for binding agreements, increased renewable energy investments at COP28

Updated 02 December 2023

Nour El-Shaeri

December 02, 2023 14:44

Global leaders call for binding agreements, increased renewable energy investments at COP28

Updated 02 December 2023

Nour El-Shaeri

December 02, 2023 14:44

DUBAI: The call for a significant increase in renewable energy investments resonated strongly on the third day of COP28, with various leaders advocating for a binding agreement at the Dubai event.

In the High-Level Segment National Statements, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz outlined a tripartite proposal to reinforce the gathering’s recurring themes.

“I propose three initiatives today. Firstly, making renewable energy expansion a top global energy policy priority. Here in Dubai, let’s set two binding goals, tripling renewable energy expansion and doubling energy efficiency by 2030,” Scholz stated.

“My second point addresses international collaboration. We require platforms for developing collective solutions to transformation challenges.”

He added: “Thirdly, I wish to discuss solidarity and responsibility. In 2022, Germany exceeded its goal of providing €6 billion ($6.5 billion) annually for international climate finance.”

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store also highlighted his country’s commitment to the event’s ambitious renewable energy targets.

On the other hand, Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir reaffirmed her nation’s dedication to advancing global energy transition.

“We must drastically reduce emissions. Accelerating the green energy transition, scaling up green solutions, enhancing nature-based solutions, and ensuring polluters pay are essential. However, we also need to reduce our focus on maximizing production and consumption, shifting toward sustainability and well-being,” Jakobsdottir remarked.

Other leaders underscored the critical need for financial support to assist developing countries in their transition efforts.

“The world must honor its financial pledges. In 2022, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) reported $7 trillion spent on fossil fuel subsidies, yet the global commitment to the Paris Agreement’s $100 billion annual target remains challenging,” stated Mark Brown, prime minister of Cook Islands.

Liberia’s President George Weah also emphasized the importance of improved global financing mechanisms, highlighting the country’s need for support to strengthen its climate action initiatives.

Additionally, leaders from developing countries have called out other nations’ commitments to lack of action.

“The Paris Agreement was a beacon of hope, a promise made by the world to safeguard our planet and its inhabitants. However, the reality falls shorter than the commitments made, and the burden of climate action continues to disproportionately fall on the shoulders of developing nations despite our minimal contribution to the crisis while the big polluters do their best to lecture us but not to stop themselves,” Edi Rama, prime minister of Albania, said.

Eswatini’s Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini further stressed these points, stating “The commitments made remain just words. Fossil fuels remain high, much against the initial plans.”

“In Eswatini, trucks are queuing in large numbers in borders carrying hundreds of tons of coal in transit to the developed world. While this continues, the use of nature-based mitigation is being promoted. With such practices, reaching net zero by 2050 will be impossible and developing countries should not be made to pay through the use of carbon markets,” he added.

Despite some nations being short of their commitments, the US has continued to demonstrate action with the announcement of a new pledge to the global climate fund.

“Today, I’m proud to announce a new $3 billion pledge to the green climate fund, which helps developing countries invest in resilience, clean energy, and nature-based solutions,” said Kamala Harris, US vice president.

She added: “Today, we are demonstrating in action how the world can and must meet this crisis. This is a pivotal moment, our action collectively, or worse our inaction, will impact millions of people for decades to come.”

Moreover, global leaders have also laid out their accomplishments as well as future strategies for combating climate change.

“We have cut our coal use by over 80 percent. We are growing our economy at a much faster pace than the eurozone average while reducing emissions. In total, our emissions are down by 43 percent from 2005 as we turn to renewable energy, the best performance among European countries,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis, prime minister of Greece, said.

“Burundi has committed via the Nationally Determined Contributions to protect the environment, to strengthen resilience toward climate change, and to boost food security. This is infused in our national policies and our vision for Burundi. An emerging country by 2040, and a developed country by 2060,” Evariste Ndayishimiye, president of Burundi, said.

Topics: COP28 UAE Investment

US should participate in carbon pricing rather than oppose it: IMF director

Updated 02 December 2023

Manal Al- Barakati

December 02, 2023 14:37

US should participate in carbon pricing rather than oppose it: IMF director

Updated 02 December 2023

Manal Al- Barakati

December 02, 2023 14:37

DUBAI: The US should participate, rather than being a “loud opponent,” in carbon pricing, urged the director of the International Monetary Fund.
Addressing the Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum alongside the UN Climate Conference, Kristalina Georgieva affirmed that the US must not hinder the world from “moving in the right direction.” Instead, the country should explore the standards and regulatory fees it needs to implement carbon pricing into its economic model.

The director deemed carbon pricing a “wonderful instrument” due to its dual role in revenue generation and addressing inequality. The principle is straightforward: the more emissions one creates, the more one consumes, resulting in a proportional payment.
According to Georgieva, revenues generated from carbon pricing can be strategically directed to compensate the most vulnerable parts of the global population. Assessments by the IMF indicate that allocating 20 percent of these revenues significantly support the 30 percent most vulnerable areas, providing them with the “much-needed” backing.

The IMF chief emphasized that “carbon price is a very strong incentive, much stronger than anything else we can invent.”

Addressing concerns about the political feasibility of carbon prices in various places, she expressed disagreement, asserting that carbon pricing can be implemented in diverse ways.
She added: “It can be a tax, and when it is a tax, it is the most efficient and impactful way.”

Georgieva pointed out that in countries where carbon tax was gradually introduced, emissions saw a significant reduction of 30 to 40 percent. Furthermore, she highlighted European trading mechanisms that have successfully generated $190 billion in revenue.
Despite the current average carbon price standing at $20 per ton in areas covered by carbon pricing, when amalgamating this figure with 75 percent of the world without carbon pricing, the average carbon price would fall to $5, she noted.
According to the IMF, a package of measures, including carbon pricing, the elimination of harmful subsidies, and policy support, would significantly accelerate decarbonization. The director instilled the idea that adopting such measures could empower the global population to “make this decade one that we take pride in.”

Fossil fuel direct subsidies soared to a record $1.3 trillion in the last year, driven by support measures in response to the cost-of-living crisis, as stated by Georgieva. When factoring in indirect subsidies, such as those arising from the absence of carbon pricing addressing environmental and health damage, the total surges to $7.1 trillion.

“We need to go from $900 million where we are now to $5 trillion to make decarbonization a reality. The question is, is $5 trillion, a lot of money? Well, it’s obviously not a little but put $5 trillion next to $7.1 trillion in direct and indirect subsidies, or next to the size of the world economy, which is over $100 trillion,” the director outlined.

She added: “I think we should be brave and say yes, it can be done, except it will be only done if we get the private sector to move faster and especially move faster in the developing world where emissions are growing. I’m an optimist; I have seen gradually moving on blended finance in a meaningful way.”

Emphasizing the significance of climate finance, the IMF chief affirmed that when considering all nationally determined contributions for this decade, they would result in only an 11 percent reduction in emissions.

To uphold the commitment to limiting the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, it would instead require contributions ranging between 25 and 50 percent, as highlighted by Georgieva.
Meanwhile, private funds currently contribute 40 percent to climate finance. To meet emission targets, this figure must escalate to 80 or 90 percent.
Despite climate risks being “macro-critical” and impacting economies, communities, and households, ultimately leading to financial instability, the director highlighted that transitioning to the new climate economy presents “unique opportunities” for green growth and job creation.

While the world economy has demonstrated resilience during challenges such as the pandemic and global conflicts, Georgieva, however, acknowledged that the IMF recognizes the current growth rate as “slow.”

The organization is forecasting a modest 3 percent year-on-year growth rate for the next five years, nearly a full percentage point below the average of 3.8 percent observed in the preceding decade.

The director expressed concerns that geopolitical tensions might exacerbate economic fragmentation amid a global climate crisis. This situation has left the entity “very concerned” about the growing inequality both within and across countries.

There exists a striking contrast between economies with a robust capacity to cope and low-income countries, where many have become “way more vulnerable” to climate devastation while grappling with adaptation challenges.

In response to this disparity, the director emphasized the urgent need for cooperation. She called on companies and global bodies to emulate the proactive approach of the IMF, recognizing the importance of collective efforts in addressing the vulnerabilities and challenges posed by climate change.

The director said, “There is nothing we can do each one of us alone, but we can make a difference working together.”

She highlighted the IMF’s transformative shift in its approach over the last few years, integrating climate considerations into policy engagement. The focus involves mitigation strategies for countries facing high water levels, adaptation support for vulnerable nations, and transition plans for those heavily reliant on hydrocarbon sectors.

“As a financial institution, the IMF has to put our money where our mouth is,” asserted Georgieva. This commitment materialized in the establishment of the $40 billion Resilience and Sustainability Trust.

Concluding her statement, the director expressed gratitude to the UAE for its recent contribution, with 11 countries having already accessed the fund. The UAE, as the newest contributor, provided 200 million dirhams ($54.46 million) as of Dec. 1.

Topics: IMF Kristalina Georgieva Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum carbon pricing

African nations seek fair climate financing at COP28

Updated 02 December 2023

Reem Walid

December 02, 2023 13:22

African nations seek fair climate financing at COP28

Updated 02 December 2023

Reem Walid

December 02, 2023 13:22

RIYADH: Developing countries in Africa have urged developed nations to ensure equitable climate change financing for the implementation of adaptation and mitigation projects to address the global crisis, as highlighted by various officials participating in the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai.

On the second day of the COP28 summit, President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadéra emphasized that developed countries, being the primary polluters, should bear the cost of climate change.

“When it comes to determining who should pay for the climate bill, the answer is, bearing in mind the gap between developed countries, which are the primary polluters, and poor countries, it would be logical for the former to finance the mitigation process,” stressed Touadéra.

Also speaking on the second day, President of Equatorial Guinea Obiang Nguema Mbasogo echoed this sentiment.

He emphasized that “it is not enough, in our view, for developed countries to simply wring their hands and make empty promises.”

“Rather, they need to fulfill their commitments and obligations under the Paris Agreement, which we achieved at COP21, and ensure the rollout and implementation of tangible, concrete action to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change,” the president added.

Building on this, Côte d'Ivoire Vice President Tiemoko Meyliet Koné urged partners to mobilize more resources for the adaptation of African countries to the effects of climate change and to ensure financing for the continent’s energy transition.

“Notwithstanding this, there is a need to avoid a situation in which finance for energy transition increases the debt of countries,” Koné emphasized.

This plea comes as Africa, one of the regions with the highest rates of carbon capture and oxygen release globally, experiences minimal benefits, as highlighted by Mbasogo.

“Africa, which bears the least responsibility in terms of emissions, is responsible for just 4 percent of global emissions. Unfortunately, Africa is a primary victim of the direct impacts of climate change,” Touadéra underlined during his speech.

For her part, Italy’s President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia Meloni emphasized the importance of Africa having equal opportunities in the fight against climate change.

“Italy intends to direct an extremely significant share of the Italian climate fund whose overall endowment is €4 billion ($4.36 billion) to the African continent,” she said.
Meloni affirmed that this was not a charitable approach because “Africa did not need charity.”

According to her, Africa needed to be placed in a condition to compete on an equal footing to grow and prosper, thanks to the multitude of resources that the continent possessed.

Additionally, Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo reiterated the continent’s potential to become a green engine for the world.

“Europe will obviously not win the climate race alone; partnerships are crucial, especially with Africa, which harnesses 40 percent of the global solar energy potential. As stated by the president of Kenya at the African Climate Summit, the continent has the potential to become the green engine of the world,” De Croo confirmed.

On the second day of the UN climate summit, leaders of developing nations took the stage to urge wealthy industrial countries to share their expertise in combating global warming and to alleviate the financial burdens they face.

Meanwhile, they highlighted their own natural resources, which absorb heat-trapping carbon from the air.

Topics: COP28 Africa President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadéra President of Equatorial Guinea Obiang Nguema Mbasogo Côte d'Ivoire Vice President Tiemoko Meyliet Koné #climatechange

Exhibition World Bahrain wins World’s Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023 award

Updated 02 December 2023

Arab News

December 02, 2023 13:14

Exhibition World Bahrain wins World’s Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023 award

Updated 02 December 2023

Arab News

December 02, 2023 13:14

DUBAI: Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) secured the World’s Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023 award at the World Travel Awards 2023, according to an official statement.

The award was presented to Dr. Nasser Qaedi, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), during the World Travel Awards 2023 Grand Final Gala Ceremony, which took place at Burj A-Arab in Dubai on Friday. The award was handed out in the presence of Philip Joseph Pierre, the prime minister of Saint Lucia, tourism ministers, and travel elites across the globe.

EWB captured the highest number of votes, clinching the internationally recognized award from Bharat Mandapam, India, and Takina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, New Zealand.

With this win, "Bahrain has further cemented its reputation as the leading global hub for the meetings industry (also known as the MICE industry) due to EWB’s versatility, with its ultramodern amenities and innovative services that cater to all types of events," the statement said.

Winning the award coincides with EWB’s first anniversary and celebrates a remarkable set of milestones. The venue is a sought-after destination for prestigious events, having hosted large-scale exhibitions, conventions, conferences, grand weddings, live concerts, product launches, seminars and much more.

EWB is strategically nestled within Bahrain’s vibrant Sakhir area, the kingdom’s up-and-coming hub for events, sports, and entertainment. The modern Arabesque structure is adjacent to Bahrain International Circuit, the home of Formula One and motorsport in the Middle East; Al-Dana Amphitheatre, the newest live entertainment destination in the region; and the soon-to-be developed Bahrain International Sports City, with easy access to the new Bahrain International Airport, over 18,000 hotel rooms across the island, and a wide range of attractions and dining experiences.

“It has been a privilege to receive this coveted award at the WTA ceremony. This remarkable accomplishment reaffirms EWB’s exceptional performance and continuous strides in the MICE industry, which is aligned with Bahrain’s tourism strategy 2022-2026 objectives to position Bahrain as a key regional player in business tourism and host major international exhibitions and conventions, increasing the tourism contribution to GDP, (increasing) the number of target markets, and diversifying the tourism product,” said Nasser Qaedi, CEO of BTEA.

“With the implementation of mega tourism projects, the kingdom of Bahrain is solidifying its position as one of the most sought-after destinations in the next five years, backed by well-developed infrastructure, unique attractions, and enticing promotional packages offering travel experiences and accommodations in the kingdom’s most prominent hotels,” Dr. Qaedi added.

EWB will host the ninth World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism in 2024, the world’s largest gastronomy tourism event.

Topics: Bahrain

NEOM attracting interest from Japanese investors, tourists

NEOM attracting interest from Japanese investors, tourists

Red Sea Global’s giga-projects looking to involve Japanese companies

Tokyo event showcases Saudi Arabia’s NEOM

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global clean energy advocacy stressed at COP28

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global clean energy advocacy stressed at COP28

Global leaders call for binding agreements, increased renewable energy investments at COP28

Global leaders call for binding agreements, increased renewable energy investments at COP28

Global leaders call for binding agreements, increased renewable energy investments at COP28

COP28 Business & Philanthropy Climate Forum mobilizes $5bn in funding to advance climate action

US should participate in carbon pricing rather than oppose it: IMF director

US should participate in carbon pricing rather than oppose it: IMF director

African nations seek fair climate financing at COP28

African nations seek fair climate financing at COP28

African nations seek fair climate financing at COP28

UN official urges strategic plans for climate-vulnerable nations at COP28

Exhibition World Bahrain wins World’s Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023 award

Exhibition World Bahrain wins World’s Leading New Exhibition and Convention Centre 2023 award

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Bahraini interior minister receives Islamic counter-terrorism chief in Manama

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NEOM attracting interest from Japanese investors, tourists

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