Two substations opened by Diriyah Company and Saudi Electricity Company in Riyadh

The two substations are designed according to Diriyah’s traditional Najdi architectural style to preserve Diriyah’s cultural identity. (Supplied)
The two substations are designed according to Diriyah’s traditional Najdi architectural style to preserve Diriyah’s cultural identity. (Supplied)
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Updated 06 January 2025
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Two substations opened by Diriyah Company and Saudi Electricity Company in Riyadh

Two substations opened by Diriyah Company and Saudi Electricity Company in Riyadh
  • The larger substation will support the first phase of Diriyah’s development and will be implemented through Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works

RIYADH: Two major electrical substations were launched at the Diriyah megaproject in Riyadh on Monday.

The substations will be operated by the Saudi Electricity Company and will speed up the development of projects in the historical area of Diriyah as well as nearby Wadi Safar.

“Today is very special to us,” Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, told Arab News, before underlining the importance of developing infrastructure to be able to complete projects in time for Riyadh Expo 2030.




Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, and the CEO of Saudi Electricity Company, Khalid Alghamdi during the launch of the two substations. (Supplied)

Inzerillo further elaborated on how the project requires sustainable development because it will be serving a large number of people.

The housing project “will cater to 100,000 people who will live, work, recreate, and pray with us every day,” the CEO said. “So, you need all-new, smart-city technology that the Kingdom is leading on.”

The larger substation will support the first phase of Diriyah’s development and will be implemented through Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works.

HIGHLIGHT

The two substations were designed in line with Diriyah’s traditional Najdi architectural style to preserve the area’s cultural identity.

The second substation, developed by the Saudi Electricity Company through Maetel contracting company, will be one of the main power sources for Wadi Safar.

This will result in a combination of the area’s natural beauty with modern infrastructure, including hospitality assets and sports facilities such as the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club, and Wadi Safar golf course.

Also at the event, the acting CEO of SEC, Khalid Al-Ghamdi, expressed his excitement for this significant event and milestone.

“The completion of the bulk substation and the primary substation marks a new era for Diriyah, one that combines advanced infrastructure with our shared vision of creating a sustainable, world-class city,” Al-Ghamdi said.

“We are honored to work with Diriyah Company to bring power solutions that are both reliable and in harmony with Diriyah’s architectural heritage,” he added.

Diriyah is one of Saudi Arabia’s main megaprojects, supported by the Public Investment Fund. The project will eventually have homes for 100,000 people and is aiming to host millions of visits per year by 2030.

The Diriyah project alone contributes $18.6 billion directly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and will create 178,000 job opportunities, according to the Diriyah Company.

The two substations were designed in line with Diriyah’s traditional Najdi architectural style to preserve the area’s cultural identity.

While the city is a major part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, it also has historical importance because Diryiah is the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 


Saudi Cabinet reviews regional developments, approves key agreements

Saudi Cabinet reviews regional developments, approves key agreements
Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi Cabinet reviews regional developments, approves key agreements

Saudi Cabinet reviews regional developments, approves key agreements
  • Ministers reject Israeli statements advocating displacement of Palestinians
  • Meeting praises Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts

RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the weekly Cabinet session in Riyadh on Tuesday, where key regional and international issues were discussed and agreements aimed at enhancing the Kingdom’s global partnerships were approved, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The crown prince briefed the Cabinet on his recent phone calls with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

The Cabinet strongly rejected Israeli statements advocating the displacement of Palestinians, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause. The ministers said that lasting peace could be achieved only through the two-state solution and peaceful coexistence.

The session highlighted the Kingdom’s growing influence in multilateral organizations, particularly its recent election to the Executive Committee of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities. The achievement reflects global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency.

On the domestic front, the Cabinet praised the continuing economic diversification efforts, particularly the launch of the King Salman Automobile Manufacturing Complex, which is expected to boost the economic contribution of the non-oil sector and support the National Industry and Logistics Development Program.

The ministers commended the completion of the Financial Sustainability Program’s executive plan, which aims to enhance spending efficiency, develop revenue streams and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s economic resilience under Vision 2030.

The Kingdom’s top ranking on the security index for the Group of 20 industrialized and emerging-market nations was also recognized as a testament to its leadership in ensuring stability and prosperity.

During the session, the Cabinet approved several agreements to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s international partnerships. In the field of security cooperation, ministers signed a deal with Jordan to combat narcotics trafficking, while on the diplomatic front, a mutual visa exemption deal was finalized with the Solomon Islands for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports.

Economic and trade relations were also discussed, with the Cabinet authorizing negotiations for a political consultations memorandum with Armenia and approving a commercial cooperation agreement with the Maldives.

A new partnership was also established with Oman in the field of economy and planning, while a separate memorandum of understanding was signed with Qatar to enhance financial cooperation. The government also approved an agreement with Serbia to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion.

In the cultural and scientific fields, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Morocco’s Hassan II Mosque Foundation to promote traditional arts, while another was agreed with the UK’s Meteorological Office for cooperation in meteorology.

Transport and infrastructure initiatives were also on the agenda, with the approval of an agreement with Egypt to enhance maritime connectivity and passenger transport in the Gulf of Aqaba. In the financial sector, the Cabinet endorsed a new partnership to enhance cooperation between the Saudi Central Bank and the Central Bank of Turkiye.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Public Prosecution Law and the Board of Grievances Law, adding experienced professionals to their respective councils. Additionally, key promotions were confirmed, including the appointment of Abdul-Moneim bin Abdul-Rahman bin Saleh Al-Mahmoud as an ambassador at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


Saudi paralympic ball game helping empower people with disabilities

Boccia, a precision ball game, was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984 and has since rocketed in popularity. (SPA)
Boccia, a precision ball game, was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984 and has since rocketed in popularity. (SPA)
Updated 11 min 43 sec ago
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Saudi paralympic ball game helping empower people with disabilities

Boccia, a precision ball game, was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984 and has since rocketed in popularity. (SPA)
  • Boccia uses six leather balls per side and can be played by individuals, pairs, or teams of three

RIYADH: The sport of boccia is helping to empower people living with severe physical disabilities across the Kingdom, the head of its governing body said.

The precision ball game, which is related to bowls and petanque, was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984 and has since rocketed in popularity.

Boccia, a precision ball game, was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984 and has since rocketed in popularity. (SPA)

Mohsen Al-Ismail, president of the Saudi Boccia Federation, said his organization was committed to promoting the sport throughout the Kingdom and helping nurture talent, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

When the game was introduced to the Paralympics it was designed to be played by people with cerebral palsy but now includes athletes with other disabilities affecting motor skills.

FASTFACTS

• Mohsen Al-Ismail, president of the Saudi Boccia Federation, said his organization was committed to promoting the sport throughout the Kingdom and helping nurture talent.

• In 1984, the sport attracted just 19 athletes from five countries. In 2024, there were 116 players from 75 countries.

In 1984, the sport attracted just 19 athletes from five countries. In 2024, there were 116 players from 75 countries.

Al-Ismail said the sport helped individuals with cerebral palsy, particularly those with nerve issues, by improving balance, stimulating blood circulation, strengthening muscles and supporting motor rehabilitation.

Boccia uses six leather balls per side and can be played by individuals, pairs, or teams of three. The aim is for players to throw their balls as close as they can to a white target ball, or jack.

The game dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt and its name is derived from the Latin word for “boss.”

 


Saudi Arabia tops G20 Safety Index, GASTAT report says

Saudi Arabia tops G20 Safety Index, GASTAT report says
Updated 24 min 21 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia tops G20 Safety Index, GASTAT report says

Saudi Arabia tops G20 Safety Index, GASTAT report says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has ranked first among G20 countries in public safety perception, with 92.6 percent of the Kingdom’s population feeling safe walking alone at night in their residential areas, according to the 2023 Safety Index Publication issued by the General Authority for Statistics.

The data, drawn from the Global Sustainable Development Goals Indicators Database, highlights the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at enhancing security and quality of life across the country, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

GASTAT said the results reflected the contributions of various government sectors in ensuring the safety of individuals across all regions and governorates.

Saudi Arabia’s ranking aligned with its broader efforts as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance stability and well-being across multiple domains, including economic, food, environmental, health, social, political, intellectual, technological, and cybersecurity safety, SPA added.

The Safety Index Publication was a key outcome of the 2023 Household Socio-Economic Survey, which assessed various aspects of economic and social life in Saudi Arabia, including residents’ perceptions of safety in their local communities.


Saudi Arabia’s real estate giant ROSHN using AI to enhance efficiency, improve services

Pablo Sanz, Executive Director of Digital Products at ROSHN Group speaks to Arab News at LEAP 2025. (AN photo)
Pablo Sanz, Executive Director of Digital Products at ROSHN Group speaks to Arab News at LEAP 2025. (AN photo)
Updated 11 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s real estate giant ROSHN using AI to enhance efficiency, improve services

Pablo Sanz, Executive Director of Digital Products at ROSHN Group speaks to Arab News at LEAP 2025. (AN photo)
  • Technology helps build 3D models, automate procurement, executive says
  • State-owned developer has plans to build fully integrated communities in 9 cities

RIYADH: State-owned property developer ROSHN said it is using artificial intelligence across its operations to enhance efficiency, improve the customer experience and support its sustainability efforts.

Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the LEAP 2025 technology conference in Riyadh, Pablo Sanz, executive director of digital products, said: “We are deploying multiple AI agents … so we can serve you better or we can solve your problems in a more convenient way.”

The move was part of the company’s broader strategy to simplify processes and improve accessibility, to assist customers with purchases, moving in and managing services, he said.

Sanz said AI-powered tools were being used to create 3D models of buildings, automate the procurement process, streamline construction, reduce waste, improve efficiency and analyze data on real estate markets.

ROSHN recently partnered with Google Cloud to enhance its AI capabilities. The collaboration is designed to improve data-driven decision making and ensure the company’s developments align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for smart and sustainable cities.

“AI is changing how we do a lot of things,” Sanz said. “The human touch is still important, but AI allows us to work faster and make processes more convenient in many areas, from customer interactions to supplier relationships.”

ROSHN has plans to build fully integrated communities in nine cities across the country and is a key player in the Kingdom’s goal to achieve 70 percent home ownership by 2030.

 


Experts weigh improving sustainability while remaining profitable

Experts weigh improving sustainability while remaining profitable
Updated 11 February 2025
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Experts weigh improving sustainability while remaining profitable

Experts weigh improving sustainability while remaining profitable
  • Significant investment needed to meet UN SDGs
  • Sustainable ecosystem, supply chains crucial

RIYADH: Experts at a Riyadh conference have discussed the challenge of improving sustainable practices while remaining profitable.

Javed Akbar, chief governance, risk, insurance and compliance officer at chemical manufacturer Tasnee, spoke to Arab News on the sidelines of the World ESG Summit in Riyadh on Tuesday.

“Balancing itself is a challenge, in terms of achieving economic goals and sustainability development goals,” he said.

“Significant spending” is required to achieve sustainability goals,” Akbar added.

A 2024 UN report found that between $2.5 trillion to $4 trillion needs to be spent annually to meet the organization’s sustainable development goals.

Akbar said businesses that are “primarily for profit” struggle to focus on sustainability.

Another challenge businesses face is the lack of a strong sustainable ecosystem, he said.

For example, some businesses may have positive intentions and want to invest in sustainability goals, but other partners may not share these goals.

Muna Abdulkadir Al-Amer, general manager at Naqaa Solutions for Environmental Services, spoke to Arab News about the financial benefits of sustainability.

When asked about how companies could balance economic growth and environmental protection, she said: “It actually goes hand in hand. We can provide it in a model where it can be profitable as well and has some sort of financial sustainability for the client.”

She highlighted how green practices can be profitable, saying: “When you are recycling, the materials that you are collecting, after they are segregated and cleaned, are worth money.

“When we sell them for the recycling factories, they are worth money and this money goes back to the client.”

However, she added that Naqaa’s primary focus was sustainability and not profitability.

This results in reducing waste and encouraging environmental protection, while “the financial return will go back to you,” Al-Amer said.

Naqaa was founded in 2011 as a university project between Al-Amer and her friends. Soon after the group graduated from Dar Alhekma University in Jeddah, they began receiving clients, including international companies aiming to improve sustainability efforts.

Finally, focusing on economic growth and environmental protection can bring a sense of social responsibility for people toward their societies, as collaborative work can make a difference for the overall ecosystem, Al-Amer said.

“What we are looking for is the social impacts of it there, where they (employees) come to a working environment and they are engaging in a bigger purpose in the organization they work at,” said Al-Amer.