Saudi Arabia is evaluating BRICS membership, says economy minister

Saudi Arabia is evaluating BRICS membership, says economy minister
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Updated 13 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia is evaluating BRICS membership, says economy minister

Saudi Arabia is evaluating BRICS membership, says economy minister
  • Study ongoing, says Al-Ibrahim at World Governments Summit
  • Slow forecast global growth means Kingdom needs to ‘engage’

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia is evaluating the benefits of joining the BRICS economic bloc, Faisal Alibrahim, the Kingdom’s minister of economy and planning, said at the World Governments Summit on Wednesday.

Speaking during a session titled “The Emergence of Multiple Economic Blocs,” Alibrahim highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering global dialogue while navigating an increasingly fragmented economic landscape.

The BRICS bloc was formed in 2009 and initially named after its original founders Brazil, Russia, India and China, while South Africa joined a year later. It now has 10 full members including Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE and Indonesia.

Alibrahim said economic blocs such as BRICS were not an end in themselves but tools to promote stability and integration. “Dialogue is important. It’s important for the Kingdom and for the world today.”

He said Saudi Arabia viewed such platforms as opportunities to build, protect, and expand common ground.

Since the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated an increased openness to global dialogue, aiming to enhance regulatory alignment and market integration.

The minister emphasized that while regional proximity and cultural ties were vital, meaningful economic cooperation also required open, transparent discussions on trade policies and regulatory frameworks.

“During hyperinflation days, like what happened in the 70s, we will be operating less than our potential and less than our optimal output,” he said.

“Which means we will be operating at a loss, and the global economy can’t afford this especially since it is projected to grow at 3.3 percent in 2025. We can’t afford not to continue to engage.”

Alibrahim also addressed the evolving economic dynamics within the GCC. “In the case of the GCC, we’re looking at a common market and a customs union.”

“To be very transparent, we were considering a currency union, but effectively, because of our collective peg, we are more or less pegged to the dollar. This peg has created a form of economic unity.”

The minister said GCC countries were taking a step back to reassess what Gulf economic unity and integration should look like in the future.

“We’re having very open, transparent discussions among all six countries about trade policy and many other topics,” he added.

Addressing Saudi Arabia’s potential BRICS membership, Alibrahim said the Kingdom was undergoing a “rigorous process” to evaluate the pros and cons of joining the bloc.

“Like any multilateral platform, we carefully assess the benefits and challenges,” he explained.

When asked whether BRICS membership might undermine the petrodollar system, Alibrahim dismissed such concerns, stressing that continued dialogue remained essential, even amid policy differences.

“Engagement does not mean endorsement. It’s about sharing perspectives to address global challenges,” he said.

Alibrahim reflected on the current global economic climate marked by rising protectionism and trade disruptions.

He warned that the fading era of hyper-globalization necessitated a shift from merely seeking consensus to fostering meaningful, solution-oriented discussions.

“Hyper globalization is fading. You said it. Protectionism is increasing. Trade disruptions, we don’t want to say specifically, trade wars, trade disruptions are increasing.

“This means that companies and countries are now solving for more stability, not necessarily for efficiency. We can’t afford not to engage.

The minister advocated for robust multilateralism.

“The solution is being honest with each other. We are in the Saudi government, and ministers among themselves are very candid and very respectful.

“But we critique each other, and I think governments bilaterally should develop that strong relationship to be able to comment and support and give each other feedback. And I think that will create the shift needed in global data.”

 


Saudi Arabia now 66 percent self-sufficient in grape production: MEWA 

Saudi Arabia now 66 percent self-sufficient in grape production: MEWA 
Updated 16 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia now 66 percent self-sufficient in grape production: MEWA 

Saudi Arabia now 66 percent self-sufficient in grape production: MEWA 
  • National production in 2023 exceeded 122,000 tonnes
  • 7.13 million grapes planted in over 4,720 hectares of land 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's grape production surpassed 122,000 tonnes in 2023, reflecting the growth of the local agricultural sector and its ability to meet a big portion of market demands, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported Saturday.

The figure accounts for 66 percent of current market demand in the Kingdom, said the report, citing a statement by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, or MEWA.

MEWA said more than 7.13 million grape plants, with more than 6.1 million bearing fruit. 

Grape farming is considered profitable because of the ease of cultivation in various soils with minimal water requirements and the plant’s adaptabilty to various climates in the Kingdom. (SPA)

In a separate report last year, the ministry reported a grape production area of 4,720 hectares across the Kingdom.

The same report highlighted Tabuk as the top grape-producing region, yielding 46,939 tonnes annually, adding that Qassim, Hail, and Asir also contributed significantly to the national production.

Grape farming is considered profitable because of the ease of cultivation in various soils with minimal water requirements. The plant could easily adapt to various climates in Saudi Arabia. 

To encourage farmers to plant grapes, the ministry has assured its continuing efforts to support and empower them by providing modern technologies, such as smart irrigation systems and organic farming.

The ministry also aims to encourage increased local fruit consumption, saying that grapes are packed with nutrients, and have health benefits.

The harvest season for grapes is from June to September, the ministry said.


Recycled ihrams promoting eco-friendly pilgrimage

Recycled ihrams promoting eco-friendly pilgrimage
Updated 15 March 2025
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Recycled ihrams promoting eco-friendly pilgrimage

Recycled ihrams promoting eco-friendly pilgrimage
  • Sustainable Ihram initiative launched by Culture Ministry
  • Tonnes have been recycled, says Fashion Commission CEO

JEDDAH: With the arrival of Ramadan and many Muslims from around the world performing Umrah, a compulsory garment for male worshippers is the ihram, a simple, white garment symbolizing purity, unity and devotion.

The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth.

The Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission recently introduced its Sustainable Ihram initiative, which focuses on recycling and repurposing used ihrams.

The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth. (Anadolu via Getty Images/SPA)

The project aims to not only honor sacred Islamic traditions but also contribute to the protection of the planet by embracing eco-friendly solutions.

Previously used garments are transformed into new, sustainable ihrams through a circular, textile recycling system.

The initiative is a collaboration with the Saudi Investment Recycling Co. and the eco-fashion firm Tadweem.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tadweem is a Saudi eco-friendly company focused on improving sustainability in the fashion industry through initiatives such as textile recycling.

• Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission and Tadweem installed 336 collection bins in Mina to gather several tonnes of ihrams, and worked with partners to transform them into new fabric.

It aims to promote sustainable practices, raise consumer awareness about fashion recycling, and support the development of a circular textile economy in Saudi Arabia.

The project aims to not only honor sacred Islamic traditions but also contribute to the protection of the planet by embracing eco-friendly solutions. (SPA)

Recognizing that millions of ihrams are manufactured and discarded annually, the commission identified an opportunity to reduce the large volume of textile waste.

Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, told Arab News: “Ihram is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of fashion, but at the same time, it’s a product that is sold and used in volumes, repeated every year, especially during Hajj.”

He continued: “We wanted to create the first circular product in the country, and what better way to start than with ihram, a textile deeply linked to Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural heritage.”

The ihram is a critical part of the Umrah and Hajj experience, consisting of two pieces of unstitched cloth. (Anadolu via Getty Images/SPA)

“To make this possible, we installed 336 collection bins in Mina, gathered several tonnes of ihrams, and worked with partners to transform them into new fabric, creating a fully circular process,” Cakmak explained.

The collected garments underwent a meticulous recycling process: sorting, cleaning, shredding, and reweaving into fresh ihrams, which “pilgrims can use with a deeper sense of purpose.”

“There is no better way to do this than for your religious pilgrimage, where you want to focus on spirituality, the core values of purity, and ensure that the product you wear represents how pure your thoughts are as you go through that journey,” Cakmak said.

We wanted to create the first circular product in the country, and what better way to start than with ihram, a textile deeply linked to Saudi Arabia’s religious and cultural heritage.

Burak Cakmak, Fashion Commission CEO

Mustafa Bukhari, the CEO of Tadweem, told Arab News about their production process. “Currently, manufacturing is done outside Saudi Arabia, but our plans include moving the manufacturing operations inside the Kingdom.”

Tadweem is a Saudi Arabia eco-friendly company focused on improving sustainability in the fashion industry through initiatives such as textile recycling.

For this project, the ihrams were converted into raw materials in Dubai, sent to Turkiye for manufacturing, and then returned to the Kingdom.

Burak Cakmak, Fashion Commission CEO

“We have ensured that the entire product is made from recycled materials, including the packaging and bags used, with no environmentally harmful materials,” Bukhari said.

He added: “The main material is recycled cotton, which we used in the ihrams and even in the packaging, where we also made the packaging bags from recycled cotton, ensuring the environmental sustainability of the entire product.”

At the Jeddah Hajj and Umrah conference held in January this year, Tadweem showcased how the fabric from recycled ihrams was incorporated into high-quality leather bags.

Priced at SR98 ($25.98), the ihrams are currently available in Madinah, with the distribution to be expanded to Makkah, major airports, and other regions in the future.

They will also be available via a dedicated store for sustainable ihrams in the Kingdom, and at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, which runs until May 25.

Cakmak said: “The hope is that we are highlighting the importance of sustainability not just through art and creativity, but through everyday products that people can adopt.

“This is about offering a conscious choice, aligning the spiritual journey with sustainability.”

 


Spirituality meets sustainability at Indian Consulate iftar in Jeddah

Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan spoke about the significance of Ramadan. (Supplied)
Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan spoke about the significance of Ramadan. (Supplied)
Updated 15 March 2025
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Spirituality meets sustainability at Indian Consulate iftar in Jeddah

Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan spoke about the significance of Ramadan. (Supplied)
  • The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service

JEDDAH: Warmth and unity reigned supreme at an iftar organized by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to celebrate Ramadan.

The event featured organic flavors to highlight the theme of sustainability and brought together a distinguished group of guests including representatives of the Saudi government, diplomatic community, Indian diaspora, and leaders from sectors such as business, media and culture.

Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reflected on 'Organic Iftar,' the theme of the evening. (Supplied)

The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service. He emphasized the strong ties between his country and the Kingdom, particularly in areas like trade, cultural exchange and sustainable development.

FASTFACTS

• The Indian ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, spoke about the significance of Ramadan, highlighting its values of reflection, compassion and service.

• Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri discussed the consulate’s focus on sustainability and the growing importance of organic farming in India and beyond.

Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reflected on “Organic Iftar,” the theme of the evening, and discussed the consulate’s focus on sustainability and the growing importance of organic farming in India and beyond.

Indian Consulate’s iftar in Jeddah featured the theme of sustainability and emphasized the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and India. (Supplied)

The iftar featured a variety of dishes representing the rich flavors of India, made using organic ingredients to reflect not only a commitment to health and wellness but also to protect the environment for future generations.

These were supplied by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Government of India, with additional support from local partners like LuLu Group and Siafa Dates.

 


Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project

Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project
Updated 15 March 2025
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Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project

Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project
  • The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance

RIYADH: The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques has expanded to include the restoration of Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance.

It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad marked his direction of prayer at the site using bones while en route to the Battle of Tabuk in the ninth year of the Hijra, SPA added.

The renovation will be carried out in the traditional architectural style of Madinah, and will ensure the mosque can accommodate up to 580 worshippers.

The project will use natural materials, including clay, stone, and wood sourced from local trees. Historically built with stone and plastered interior walls, the mosque has undergone multiple architectural changes over the centuries.

A key feature of the restoration will be the use of cut stones of varying sizes, bonded with clay mortar, and palm tree components for roofing, providing both structural support and insulation, SPA reported.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques seeks to strike a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern construction standards, ensuring the preservation of historic mosque elements while integrating sustainable development practices.

The restoration efforts are being carried out by Saudi firms specializing in heritage architecture.

Al-Azm Mosque’s updates come as part of a broader initiative, which in its second phase includes the rehabilitation of 30 mosques across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia.

This phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which restored 30 mosques across 10 regions.


KSrelief’s global efforts to empower women highlighted at UN session

KSrelief’s global efforts to empower women highlighted at UN session
Updated 16 March 2025
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KSrelief’s global efforts to empower women highlighted at UN session

KSrelief’s global efforts to empower women highlighted at UN session
  • KSrelief has implemented 1,072 projects to support women in 79 countries, at a total cost of more than $723 million

NEW YORK: Saudi aid agency KSrelief took part in a high-level session at UN Headquarters in New York City recently as part of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women.

During the session, the agency highlighted its global efforts to empower women, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

KSrelief has implemented 1,072 projects to support women in 79 countries, at a total cost of more than $723 million.

The projects include vocational training programs and entrepreneurship support for Yemeni women, healthcare schemes, and initiatives to combat gender-based violence through awareness campaigns and survivor support programs.