Siemens inaugurates electrical equipment facility in Jeddah

Siemens inaugurates electrical equipment facility in Jeddah
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef cutting the ribbon on the new Siemens factory.
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Updated 29 February 2024
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Siemens inaugurates electrical equipment facility in Jeddah

Siemens inaugurates electrical equipment facility in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Multinational technology company Siemens unveiled its new electrical equipment factory in Jeddah in the presence of the Kingdom’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef.

In partnership with its Saudi partner, Arabia Electric Ltd Equipment Co, the firm inaugurated the facility on Feb. 29 at the Modon Oasis in Jeddah.

The 6,000 sq. m factory produces electrical equipment such as substation automation systems, communication and protection panels, and other products for the utility, oil and gas, infrastructure, and petrochemical industries.

The facility will operate with a 120-person workforce.

In an interview with Arab News, the minister of industry highlighted that establishing factories by major international companies in the Kingdom indicates the country’s capability to accommodate diverse industries. Moreover, he underscored that “Saudi Made” branding will soon adorn Lucid automobiles.

“Saudi Arabia remains committed to its strategy as we have created a favorable environment for industrial investment, allowing industry investors to strengthen their capabilities within the Kingdom. This endeavor goes beyond serving the local market, aiming to expand exports to both the region and worldwide,” Alkhorayef said.

He added that the country industry clusters in Saudi Arabia can be divided into two types: “One is the industrial zones and the Modon Oases, like this one here in Jeddah. We are also working closely with several industries that need to exist in clusters to create a sort of integration between them, such as the car manufacturing cluster. We have previous experience in such clusters, like the ones of petrochemicals in Jubail and Yanbu.” 

He revealed that they are planning to establish a food manufacturing cluster in Jazan as well as a mineral industry cluster in Ras Al-Khair in the country’s Eastern Province.

Commenting on the inauguration of the Siemens factory in Jeddah, Alkhorayef congratulated the German company for establishing the facility.

“This move by Siemens serves as proof that the opportunities in Saudi Arabia position it as a significant hub for manufacturing companies,” he remarked, emphasizing that the electricity sector stands out as one of the largest divisions experiencing substantial growth.

The minister elaborated, stating: “We will persist in attracting numerous investments, leveraging capabilities previously imported from outside the Kingdom, and even exporting products developed within the country.”

Alkhorayef concluded his interview with Arab News by asserting that Saudi Arabia is earnestly prioritizing nationalization.

He highlighted that the country’s industrial strategy capitalizes on its inherent strengths, including robust domestic demand and abundant raw materials such as oil, gas, petrochemicals, and minerals.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographical location further enhances its appeal to both local and international companies.

Ahmad Hawsawi, CEO of Siemens in Saudi Arabia, said that the company is proud to contribute to the Kingdom’s journey toward an innovative and sustainable future.

“Our new factory in Jeddah is not just a manufacturing facility; it’s a hub of innovation designed to meet the Kingdom’s growing demands for energy solutions. By deploying Siemens’ cutting-edge technologies, Saudi Arabia is set to witness unparalleled improvements in the efficiency and resilience of its energy systems.” Hawsawi said.

Eltje Aderhold, consul general of Germany, said that she is “very proud” of this cooperation between Saudi Arabia and her country.

“This project represents the good development of cooperation between Germany and Saudi Arabia, and it is a sign that we are building our future together,” she said, adding that German companies and their Saudi partners are increasingly coming together.

Aderhold further said that Germany is “very much interested in working with its Saudi partners toward Vision 2030, investing, transforming new, clean energy, protecting climate and developing new technologies.” 

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs Khalil Salamah, along with executives from the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority and the National Industrial Development Center.

Additional firms in attendance included the Saudi Electricity Co., Aramco, and SABIC, as well as Ma’aden, EA Juffali & Brothers, and other prominent government and private sector companies.

Khaled Juffali, chairman of Ebrahim A. Juffali and Brothers Group, and also a member of the Arabia Electric Equipment Co. board and Siemens in Saudi Arabia, said: “We are thrilled to open our new facility in Jeddah, which represents our strong belief in the potential of Saudi Arabia’s economic development plan.

"Our commitment goes beyond investment in infrastructure; we are here to build partnerships, support talent development, and contribute to the Kingdom’s sustainability goals according to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.” 

 


UAE banking sector’s net international reserves grow 11% by July 2024

UAE banking sector’s net international reserves grow 11% by July 2024
Updated 07 November 2024
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UAE banking sector’s net international reserves grow 11% by July 2024

UAE banking sector’s net international reserves grow 11% by July 2024

RIYADH: The UAE’s banking sector saw a significant increase in its net international reserves, which rose by 11.1 percent— or 127.5 billion dirhams ($34.3 billion) — during the first seven months of 2024.

By the end of July, the reserves totaled 1.273 trillion dirhams, up from 1.145 trillion dirhams at the close of 2023.

According to the Central Bank of the UAE’s June statistical bulletin, the central bank’s share of these reserves stood at 771.6 billion dirhams at the end of July, reflecting a 14.6 percent increase compared to 673.42 billion dirhams at the end of 2023. Meanwhile, the net international reserves of banks operating in the UAE amounted to 501.6 billion dirhams, marking a 6.22 percent rise from 472.2 billion dirhams at the end of last year.

The bulletin also highlighted a notable increase in the central bank’s gold reserves, which grew by 23.5 percent year on year to 21.28 billion dirhams by July’s end, up from 17.226 billion dirhams in July 2023. Over the first seven months of 2024, gold reserves increased by 17.3 percent, from 18.147 billion dirhams at the close of 2023.

In terms of banking operations, the value of transfers processed through the UAE Financial Transfer System exceeded 11.13 trillion dirhams during the first seven months of 2024, reflecting a 17 percent year-on-year growth from 9.5 trillion dirhams in the same period in 2023.

Monthly remittance values were as follows: 1.512 trillion dirhams in January, 1.449 trillion dirhams in February, 1.565 trillion dirhams in March, 1.592 trillion dirhams in April, 1.78 trillion dirhams in May, 1.42 trillion dirhams in June, and 1.81 trillion dirhams in July.

Additionally, the central bank’s data revealed that the value of cheques cleared via image technology totaled 765.08 billion dirhams across more than 13 million cheques during the first seven months of 2024.

The bulletin also showed that cash deposits at the central bank reached 111.4 billion dirhams during the period, while cash withdrawals totaled 120.3 billion dirhams.


MODON signs contracts worth over $533m to establish industrial complexes in Makkah, Al-Kharj

MODON signs contracts worth over $533m to establish industrial complexes in Makkah, Al-Kharj
Updated 07 November 2024
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MODON signs contracts worth over $533m to establish industrial complexes in Makkah, Al-Kharj

MODON signs contracts worth over $533m to establish industrial complexes in Makkah, Al-Kharj

JEDDAH: Agreements to invest over SR2 billion ($533 million) in new industrial complexes will bring growth and job opportunities to Saudi Arabia’s cities of Makkah and Al-Kharj, advancing Vision 2030.

The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, or MODON, signed two contracts with Albaddad Holding to establish complexes within the second industrial cities in both boroughs. 

The inking ceremony took place under the patronage of the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef.

Under the contracts, the company is responsible for developing the infrastructure and constructing ready-made and prefabricated buildings to create a fully integrated complex that supports industrial objectives. 

It will also improve production efficiency and enhance added value and sustainable growth opportunities, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The agreements were signed by MODON’s CEO, Majed Rafed Al-Argoubi, and Zayed bin Hussein Al-Baddad, CEO of Albaddad Holding, in the presence of the company’s chairman, Al-Fateen bin Hussein Al-Baddad.

The initiative aligns with MODON’s vision to be the preferred destination for investment growth and the leading partner for industrial and technology ecosystems, fostering an enabling environment that enhances business sustainability and contributes to national economic development.

These efforts support the goals of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Strategy and the Vision 2030 objective of transforming the Kingdom into a leading industrial powerhouse.

The Makkah project is MODON’s first privately developed complex, spanning over 1.3 million sq. meters with an investment of SR1.75 billion. 

It aims to localize promising industries through advanced production technology, create 5,000 jobs, and boost national exports, with up to 60 percent of its output targeting markets in Africa, Europe, the Americas, and countries including Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, as well as Iraq.

MODON has also launched several development projects in the second industrial city of Makkah, which is over 4.3 million sq. meters in size, including integrated infrastructure enhanced with essential services and innovative products.

This includes a new 200 megavolt-amperes substation to foster a competitive industrial environment promoting growth and sustainability.

The Al-Kharj industrial complex, spanning over 307,000 sq. meters with an investment of SR375 million, is expected to create approximately 1,000 jobs, supporting industries such as construction, exhibitions, and sports as well as cultural and entertainment events.

It will also enhance the iron, aluminum, glass, and PVC textile industries, with plans to export 60 percent of its production to neighboring Gulf countries.

Through these efforts, MODON is driving industrial growth in the Kingdom by developing and managing distinguished industrial cities and technology zones in collaboration with the public and private sectors.

Currently, the developed land area across 37 industrial cities in Saudi Arabia exceeds 215 million sq. meters, housing approximately 6,882 industrial facilities.


Logistics and healthcare startups to get boost from Saudi government, assistant deputy minister says

Logistics and healthcare startups to get boost from Saudi government, assistant deputy minister says
Updated 07 November 2024
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Logistics and healthcare startups to get boost from Saudi government, assistant deputy minister says

Logistics and healthcare startups to get boost from Saudi government, assistant deputy minister says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is set to launch multiple programs to boost its rapidly expanding startup ecosystem, focusing on the healthcare and logistics sectors, according to a senior official.

Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of Biban 24 in Riyadh, the Assistant Deputy Minister of Entrepreneurship at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Mohammed Al-Ariefy, highlighted that these programs will be unveiled at the forum in the coming days.

These initiatives are designed to empower startups with resources and opportunities that align with the Kingdom’s ambitions to lead tech-driven industries and accelerate growth in its digital economy.

“We’re planning to launch multiple programs at Biban that focus on partnerships within logistics and healthcare. One of these is a hackathon that we’re calling the Tech Challenges, which will be launched in the next two days at Biban,” Al-Ariefy said.

He continued: “But we utilize Biban, not only to launch or sign MoUs (memorandum of understanding), but to be a part of this great ecosystem, and (we are) thanking Monsha’at for their great support and organizing such beautiful events (that) are very vibrant and very active.”

He added that these tech challenges aim to identify real-world business challenges within specific sectors, like logistics and healthcare, that these companies or industries face.

Once these challenges are identified, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology helps create or support startups aimed explicitly at developing solutions. 

Al-Ariefy further outlined a strategic focus within the ministry on growing the technology sector by supporting both large corporations and agile startups.

“The technology sector has big tech large corporations, big technology companies that are growing and performing very, very well, and we will continue to work with them and closely,” he said.

Al-Ariefy added: “Then we have the entrepreneurs. If we take one example, there are many startups that started just three or four years ago, and now they have 1,000 employees, and they are contributing to the GDP and to the technology sector and the Kingdom significantly.”

The ministry’s overarching vision is to grow the tech sector’s contribution to the economy, which requires a dual approach, retaining the growth momentum of established companies while also fostering an environment where startups can flourish.

Al-Ariefy underscored that startups in particular are seen as crucial because their speed and flexibility make it easier for them to expand and adapt, adding jobs and increasing economic output at a faster pace.

“Startups tend to scale faster, run (more) agile, so it is easier to grow faster and easier to help us increase the contribution to the economy from digital companies, as well as technology jobs,” he said.

Al-Ariefy highlighted the startup zone at Biban 24, which is focused on promoting and supporting new companies by providing them with opportunities to network, connect with potential investors and customers, and collaborate with other businesses.

The ministry also seeks to promote sector-agnostic technological advancement across real estate, finance, healthcare, and sustainable construction by enabling startups to adopt deep-tech and emerging systems that are reshaping these industries.

“We focus on the technology side. We focus on introducing more emerging and deep technology, providing support that helps startups or founders adopt those technologies, whether they choose to adopt it in proptech or in real estate, health, education or in any other sector,” he said.


Biban 24 sees deals worth over $359m on its 2nd day

Biban 24 sees deals worth over $359m on its 2nd day
Updated 07 November 2024
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Biban 24 sees deals worth over $359m on its 2nd day

Biban 24 sees deals worth over $359m on its 2nd day

RIYADH:  Agreements totaling SR1.35 billion ($359 million) were signed on the second day of Biban 24, a key event focused on supporting startups and small and medium enterprises in Saudi Arabia.

The agreements, finalized during the forum organized by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, also known as Monsha’at, are set to benefit a range of entrepreneurial initiatives across the Kingdom. The event, held under the theme “A Global Destination for Opportunities,” aims to enhance financial support and empower SMEs, fostering growth in the national economy.

Among the most notable agreements was a memorandum of cooperation between Monsha’at and the Qatar Development Bank. The partnership seeks to strengthen joint training programs, develop accelerators and incubators, and support innovation initiatives to benefit entrepreneurial projects.

Another key agreement was signed between Monsha’at and Milton International, aimed at providing further support to startups and fostering billion-dollar business collaborations between the two organizations.

Monsha’at also entered into a cooperation agreement with Arab National Bank to launch a business accelerator focused on financial technology, designed to bolster the growth of fintech enterprises.

The event also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the National Events Center to support entrepreneurship within the events sector. This collaboration will involve launching competitions to address challenges through an innovation center.

In another significant move, Monsha’at partnered with Noon Co. to enhance its Mahali platform. This initiative will help local businesses develop online stores and tap into new sales opportunities, promoting competitive, locally-produced goods throughout the Kingdom.

These agreements are part of Monsha’at’s broader strategy to drive the growth and competitiveness of SMEs by forging partnerships with key industry players, both locally and internationally.

 


Energy efficiency investment to hit $660bn in 2024: IEA

Energy efficiency investment to hit $660bn in 2024: IEA
Updated 07 November 2024
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Energy efficiency investment to hit $660bn in 2024: IEA

Energy efficiency investment to hit $660bn in 2024: IEA
  • Skilled labor shortages and cooling solutions among key challenges, IEA warns

RIYADH: The International Energy Agency has projected global investment in energy efficiency to reach a record $660 billion in 2024, maintaining the levels seen in 2022.

Significant increases are expected in emerging markets, with Africa anticipated to see a 60 percent rise, the Middle East a 40 percent increase, and Latin America a 20 percent boost.

Despite this positive growth, the Energy Efficiency 2024 report emphasizes that to meet net-zero targets by 2030, global investment in energy efficiency needs to rise to $1.9 trillion.

A major hurdle in achieving these ambitious targets is the ongoing shortage of skilled labor in the energy sector. The IEA report highlights a critical need for workers in specialized fields like HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), heat pump installation, and electrical work to support the growing demand for energy-efficient technologies.

To address this skills gap, the IEA calls for more inclusive policies that encourage greater participation of women in the energy workforce. Women currently represent less than 20 percent of the energy sector, despite making up 39 percent of the global labor force. Increasing women’s representation in the sector could help fill the labor shortage and accelerate energy efficiency progress.

The report also points to the urgent need for energy-efficient cooling solutions in response to rising global temperatures. With 2024 seeing record-breaking heatwaves and soaring air conditioner sales, the IEA stresses that efficient cooling systems can alleviate pressure on electricity grids, especially in regions like Southeast Asia, where efficient air conditioners offer substantial lifetime savings.

These models are becoming increasingly cost-competitive in rapidly growing markets, helping to reduce both energy consumption and grid strain.

The IEA also underscores the critical role that energy efficiency plays in reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In its net-zero emissions by 2050 scenario, the IEA projects that energy efficiency improvements could account for more than a third of the carbon dioxide reductions needed by 2030.

For instance, a transition to electric vehicles and improvements in building insulation could reduce oil demand to levels equivalent to China’s total oil consumption and cut natural gas consumption to levels comparable to Europe’s total use in 2024.

The report highlighted notable progress toward the energy efficiency targets set at the 2023 COP28 summit, where nearly 200 countries committed to doubling the global rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. The IEA views this as a significant milestone for energy efficiency in global policy.

However, the global energy efficiency improvement rate for 2024 is projected to remain at 1 percent, consistent with the previous year. The report emphasizes that meeting the targets will require a much stronger push in policy implementation and stronger enforcement of energy efficiency measures.

A key driver of progress is electrification, which is expected to increase by nearly 2 percent in 2024. The growing adoption of electric vehicles and energy-efficient air conditioners, especially in regions facing extreme heat like India and Southeast Asia, is accelerating this transition.

The report also highlights regional trends, with China and India projected to see energy efficiency improvements of 1.5 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively. These gains are largely supported by national policies aimed at promoting energy-efficient technologies and encouraging the adoption of EVs.

“China, India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America together account for nearly half of global energy demand, positioning these regions as key drivers of global energy efficiency improvements in the years ahead,” the report said.

To support global efforts, the IEA has launched the Energy Efficiency Progress Tracker, a new tool that provides real-time data on national and regional trends in energy intensity, demand, and electrification. This tracker is designed to help policymakers and stakeholders monitor progress and implement actions needed to meet the energy efficiency targets set at COP28.

“The IEA is working more closely than ever with governments to ensure that energy efficiency remains central to secure, affordable, and inclusive energy transitions,” the report concluded. “Well-designed and effectively implemented policies will be essential to achieving these global goals.”