Saudi Arabia launches Ramlah Co. to boost tourism in Hail region

 Saudi Arabia launches Ramlah Co. to boost tourism in Hail region
Ramlah Co. for Tourist Trips and Resorts is a new initiative to attract visitors to the Hail region. Shutterstock
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Updated 24 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia launches Ramlah Co. to boost tourism in Hail region

 Saudi Arabia launches Ramlah Co. to boost tourism in Hail region

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism is supporting private sector growth by launching Ramlah Co. for Tourist Trips and Resorts, a new initiative to attract visitors to the Hail region.

This undertaking is part of the broader Saudi Winter Season campaign, which offers unique experiences in its key destinations.

The Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb inaugurated the Ramlah Co. during a visit to Hail, signaling the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to develop the tourism sector and foster private-sector participation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.  

Al-Khateeb, also the chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasized that the launch of the company aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to diversify the economy and promote tourism as a key growth sector. 

The Saudi Winter Season, which began in October and runs through the first quarter of 2025, highlights seven key destinations, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla, as well as the Red Sea, the Eastern Province, Madinah, and Hail.  

The campaign is designed to showcase the Kingdom’s cultural and natural attractions, with private companies like Ramlah Co. offering tailored experiences for visitors. 

Ramlah Co. has met all licensing requirements set by the Ministry of Tourism and will offer a diverse range of activities in the region, from desert camping and sandboarding to off-road safaris and historical tours of landmarks such as Jubbah.  

The company will also provide stargazing experiences and flexible tourism packages designed for families, groups, and solo travelers.  

During his visit, Al-Khateeb announced several initiatives aimed at further developing the region’s tourism infrastructure. He revealed plans for 1,000 international training opportunities and 10,000 domestic training programs for Hail residents, according to the minister’s official X account.  

He also highlighted efforts to enhance tourism initiatives and projects, underscored by the signing of two memoranda of understanding with the Hail Development Authority.  

Speaking on future investments, Al-Khateeb noted that the Tourism Development Fund is currently evaluating support for several key projects in the Hail region.   

“The fund is studying supporting a number of distinguished projects, the value of which exceeds SR1 billion and is expected to contribute to providing more than 850 hotel rooms in the area,” Al-Khateeb said.   

These projects are anticipated to boost Hail’s hospitality capacity while fostering economic growth and job creation.  

The minister also visited the Hail Tourism Development Authority, where he reviewed several qualitative initiatives designed to enhance the region’s tourism offerings.   

The launch of Ramlah Co. reflects the government’s commitment to developing regional tourism hubs and providing a platform for private companies to play a pivotal role in the country’s tourism sector.

Hail, known for its UNESCO-listed Hail Rock Art and Fayd Historic City, is one of the Kingdom’s most culturally rich regions. The area also features natural attractions like Al-Adham Park, offering tourists a range of recreational activities.

Al-Khateeb continues his tour as part of the Winter Season campaign, with AlUla being his next stop.

 


PIF prepares for Third Private Sector Forum in February 2025

PIF prepares for Third Private Sector Forum in February 2025
Updated 37 sec ago
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PIF prepares for Third Private Sector Forum in February 2025

PIF prepares for Third Private Sector Forum in February 2025

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, is set to host the third edition of its highly anticipated Private Sector Forum, a crucial platform for fostering corporate sector engagement with the Kingdom’s economic transformation.

The two-day event, scheduled for Feb. 12-13 at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center, will offer a series of specialized workshops led by experts from PIF and its portfolio companies.

These workshops aim to provide the private sector with valuable insights into localization investments and supply chain opportunities, while also highlighting the expected demand for key products and services. The goal is to equip businesses with the information needed to make informed investment decisions.

PIF noted that the forum will play a central role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which underscores the importance of partnerships between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, as well as with international collaborators, in driving the Kingdom’s long-term aspirations.

As part of its efforts to build a more diversified and resilient economy, Saudi Arabia is focusing on increasing local production, supporting innovation, and creating a business-friendly environment that encourages both domestic and foreign investment.

A series of economic reforms have been implemented to improve the quality, efficiency, and digitalization of services, all aimed at supporting the private sector.

In addition, various programs, initiatives, funds, incubators, and accelerators have been launched to help the private sector overcome challenges, positioning it as the primary engine of the Kingdom’s economic growth.

During the forum, PIF will announce several key initiatives and programs that reflect the fund’s commitment to deepening its collaboration with the private sector.

These announcements will include major partnerships with PIF portfolio companies, showcasing the tangible progress of the Kingdom’s efforts to drive economic development through corporate collaboration.

The forum will also serve as a platform for thought leaders from key government agencies, PIF, and its portfolio companies to discuss the critical role of the private sector in Saudi Arabia's ongoing development. Success stories of corporate collaborations with PIF will be shared, highlighting new opportunities for the private sector in emerging industries and megaprojects.

Representatives from more than 90 PIF portfolio companies will have dedicated booths at the event, where they will present new projects and partnership opportunities for private sector stakeholders.

On its official website, PIF highlights numerous success stories of its strategic partnerships with both local and global companies, spanning sectors from manufacturing and energy to sustainable development.

 


Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign deal to strengthen customs cooperation

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign deal to strengthen customs cooperation
Updated 11 min 19 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign deal to strengthen customs cooperation

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan sign deal to strengthen customs cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have taken a significant step toward enhancing bilateral relations with the signing of a landmark agreement aimed at boosting cooperation in customs matters.

The deal is designed to streamline trade processes and promote the exchange of expertise and best practices in customs operations between the two nations.

The agreement was signed during the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Conference in Riyadh, with key figures in attendance, including Abdullah Al-Funtukh, deputy governor for strategy and trade facilitation at the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, and Ahmad Farooq, Pakistan’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Under the terms of the agreement, both governments will work closely to adopt advanced customs technologies, enhance administrative assistance, and improve trade facilitation.

This collaboration is expected to not only strengthen trade ties but also promote innovation and efficiency in customs operations, further cementing the economic relationship between the two countries.

The signing reflects the commitment of both governments to deepen their economic partnership and foster smoother trade exchanges. It also represents a broader effort to leverage innovation and strengthen cooperation in customs operations to support mutual growth.

Earlier in December, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the One Water Summit in Riyadh.

According to Sharif’s office, the two leaders agreed to further enhance bilateral trade and investment ties. This marked the fifth meeting between Sharif and the Saudi crown prince in the past six months, reflecting a growing engagement between the two nations.

During their previous meeting in late October at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Sharif and the crown prince discussed agreements worth $2.8 billion across sectors such as agriculture, semiconductor manufacturing, and energy.

Sharif’s office stated that both leaders agreed on the need for a “qualitative change” in their economic, trade, and investment relationship. The crown prince emphasized the importance of advancing meaningful cooperation to promote economic growth and prosperity in Pakistan.

In addition to these high-level meetings, Pakistani and Saudi businesses have signed several key agreements. On Oct. 10, during a visit by Saudi Arabia’s investment minister to Islamabad, 27 memorandums of understanding were signed, valued at $2.2 billion.

Following Sharif’s visit to Riyadh on Oct. 30, the number of MoUs increased to 34, with a total value of $2.8 billion. As of Dec. 2, seven of these MoUs have been converted into formal agreements worth $560 million.

The recent deal on customs cooperation marks another important step in strengthening trade and investment ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, signaling a commitment to ongoing collaboration and mutual growth.


Oman and Belgium strengthen green hydrogen ties with new MoU

Oman and Belgium strengthen green hydrogen ties with new MoU
Updated 36 min 29 sec ago
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Oman and Belgium strengthen green hydrogen ties with new MoU

Oman and Belgium strengthen green hydrogen ties with new MoU

RIYADH: Oman and Belgium have expanded their green hydrogen collaboration with the signing of a memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing the global clean energy economy.

The agreement, inked between Hydrom Oman and the Belgian Hydrogen Council, was a key milestone during Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said’s official visit to Belgium, the Oman News Agency reported.

This agreement aligns with Oman’s goal to produce 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency’s Renewables 2024 report. The country is one of the few in the Middle East advancing beyond its national targets for low-carbon hydrogen production.

Oman has set its sights on attracting $40 billion in green hydrogen investments by 2030, with that figure expected to rise to $140 billion by 2050. The MoU further supports these aspirations, creating a platform for exchange and collaboration between industrial entities, universities, research institutes, and policymakers in both countries.

The cooperation will focus on analyzing the value chains for importing green hydrogen, developing shipping infrastructure in Oman, and overcoming legislative challenges. Additionally, the deal will promote joint research initiatives and support technical training programs and awareness campaigns to foster green hydrogen adoption.

The MoU was signed by Salim bin Nasir bin Said Al-Aufi, Oman’s minister of Energy and Minerals and chairman of Hydrom Oman, and Tom Hautekiet, chairman of the Belgian Hydrogen Council. 

The signing was witnessed by high-level officials, including Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq earlier this week. During the two-day state visit, both parties discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in key areas such as energy, security, and infrastructure.

The agreement also follows Oman’s commitment to leveraging its low-cost land for hydrogen production projects aimed at both local industrial needs and export, particularly for ammonia. 

The IEA’s report highlights how hydrogen use in industry and hydrogen-based fuels are significantly contributing to the growth of renewable energy capacity in both Oman and the broader Middle East region.

Through this MoU, Oman and Belgium are further solidifying their positions as global leaders in green hydrogen, setting the stage for a robust partnership in clean energy innovation.


ACWA Power’s ESG focus aligns with global sustainability efforts, says official 

ACWA Power’s ESG focus aligns with global sustainability efforts, says official 
Updated 05 December 2024
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ACWA Power’s ESG focus aligns with global sustainability efforts, says official 

ACWA Power’s ESG focus aligns with global sustainability efforts, says official 

RIYADH: Saudi utility giant ACWA Power is leading efforts in the global energy and water sectors by significantly reducing the power consumption of desalination processes, a key official said.

In an interview on the sidelines of the COP16, Abdurahman Al-Sum, executive director of environmental, social, and governance at ACWA Power, highlighted the company’s achievements in cutting desalination energy use by more than 87 percent over the last decade. These efficiency milestones reflect the firm’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

“We are also the first mover in the green hydrogen sector. We provide water to communities at a very low rate, and we also provide decarbonized energy to these communities, as well. This, in turn, indirectly helps tackle water scarcity,” Al-Sum explained.

ACWA Power, one of the largest private sector players in water desalination and renewable energy, is prioritizing environmental protection through initiatives in biodiversity, particularly in its water, sea, and land operations. 

Al-Sum explained that biodiversity protection is integrated at every stage of its operations, from design to execution. “We start with the design phase, and we do all the studies needed for biodiversity while we are doing environmental and social impact assessments,” he said.

The company has also committed to planting one million trees by 2030 as part of the Saudi Green Initiative, further underlining its dedication to sustainability. “We have a nursery in Shuaibah for whoever wants to contribute or participate. They can get the plants and start planting it,” Al-Sum added.

Highlighting ACWA Power’s emphasis on collaboration, Al-Sum discussed how the company relies on joint ventures and partnerships to fulfill its mission. “We always work with partners. We always work in joint ventures with others,” he said, referencing the company’s projects in the Red Sea region, which are vital to providing fresh water to local communities.

In terms of innovation, Al-Sum noted that research and development has been a central pillar of the company’s operations since its inception. ACWA Power’s focus on R&D has enabled significant reductions in desalination energy use. “Ten years ago, one cubic meter needed around more than 20 kilowatt-hours. Today, we are producing the same with less than three. It is 2 point something kWh per cubic meter,” he said.

Al-Sum also highlighted the company’s global efforts to support coral reef research in collaboration with the Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform, a G20 initiative focused on protecting the world’s coral reefs. “Our coral research is freely available for global benefit,” he said.

The company’s contributions to Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability goals were also discussed, with Al-Sum emphasizing the firm’s work in clean water, renewable energy, and climate action. “SDG number six, for instance, is about clean water, which is central to our business. We also focus on SDG seven, which promotes affordable and clean energy. Climate action is another major focus for us,” he explained.

Additionally, the Energy and Water Academy, a nonprofit that trains students in renewable energy and desalination, has trained over 15,000 students, many of whom are now working in Saudi Arabia’s energy and water sectors. “The academy is a nonprofit organization where even our competitors send their students and employees for training,” Al-Sum said, adding that the institution also ensures opportunities for women in these specialized fields.

Looking ahead, Al-Sum discussed the company’s role in Saudi Arabia’s transition to renewable energy, working with the government to integrate clean energy into the country’s grid. He emphasized the importance of a gradual transition to avoid disruption to daily life.

In closing, Al-Sum talked about a recent partnership with the Sekaya Charitable Foundation to build a micro water grid in one of ACWA Power’s operating communities. “We are partnering with Sekaya Charitable Foundation to build a micro water grid in one of the communities where we operate,” he said. 

This partnership, alongside others in the public and private sectors, is seen as a key part of ACWA Power’s role in contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic and sustainability goals.


Saudi Ministry of Economy and UNDP collaborate to boost economic, social development 

Saudi Ministry of Economy and UNDP collaborate to boost economic, social development 
Updated 3 min 39 sec ago
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Saudi Ministry of Economy and UNDP collaborate to boost economic, social development 

Saudi Ministry of Economy and UNDP collaborate to boost economic, social development 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning has signed an agreement with the UN Development Programme to enhance economic and social policy planning, with a focus on sustainable development.  

The deal, signed by Hattan Bin Samman, general supervisor for international organizations at the Ministry of Economy and Planning, and Nahid Hussein, UNDP resident representative for Saudi Arabia, aims to advance the Kingdom’s efforts under Vision 2030. 

The partnership will bolster national policy development and enhance the exchange of expertise in sustainable development, supporting the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to achieving its economic and social aspirations, according to a press release.  

“This cooperation comes as part of the Kingdom's commitment to promoting sustainable economic and social development, and achieving its national aspirations under Saudi Vision 2030, which contributes to developing national policies and strengthening institutional competencies,” the release added. 

The signing ceremony, attended by key officials including Faisal Al-Ibrahim, minister of Economy and Planning, Achim Steiner, UNDP administrator, and Ammar Nagadi, vice minister of Economy and Planning, also emphasized the role of collaboration in strengthening institutional competencies and showcasing national achievements on the global stage. 

This initiative further highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and development as part of its long-term strategy. 

It also coincides with Riyadh hosting COP16, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in sustainable development and highlighting the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges. 

The agreement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s leadership at COP16, where the Kingdom has emphasized global cooperation to address critical environmental issues such as drought and desertification.  

Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment and incoming COP16 president, highlighted the need for collective action during his opening remarks on the first day of the conference, themed “Our Land. Our Future,” running from Dec. 2 to 13 in Riyadh. 

Throughout the event, Saudi Arabia highlighted its aim to foster collaboration and secure concrete outcomes from COP16 by establishing a “Friends of the Chair” group tasked with drafting the Riyadh Policy Declaration, a key outcome document of the conference.

UNDP is the UN’s lead agency for international development. The organization supports countries and communities in their efforts to eradicate poverty, implement the Paris Agreement on climate change, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It advocates for transformative change and connects nations with the resources necessary to help people build better lives.