Frankly Speaking: How did Saudis become mediators for global conflicts?

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Updated 23 February 2025
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Frankly Speaking: How did Saudis become mediators for global conflicts?

Frankly Speaking: How did Saudis become mediators for global conflicts?
  • Saudi strategic expert and think tank founder highlights Kingdom’s balancing act in diplomacy, maintaining relations with Russia while supporting Western stances
  • Dr. Abdulaziz Sager says Riyadh’s diplomatic influence extends to Gaza, where it rejects Palestinian displacement, remains committed to two-state solution

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pivotal diplomatic hub, a fact underscored by the recent high-level talks between the US and Russia held in Riyadh designed to re-establish fractured relations between Washington and Moscow and plot a course to ending the war in Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia brokered the talks on Feb. 18, signaling its emerging influence on the world stage. It comes amid a growing recognition of the Kingdom’s potential role as a mediator, positioning it as a crucial bridge between East and West. Further talks are expected on Feb. 25.

Appearing on the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking,” Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, founder and chairman of the Gulf Research Center, highlighted the significance of the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, noting that Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance had positioned it as an ideal convener.

“Saudi Arabia has taken an important position that has led to this meeting, which means Saudi Arabia originally refused to take a side — neither with the Russians nor with the Ukrainians,” Sager said.

Global media outlets have highlighted Saudi Arabia’s unique positioning, noting that it has maintained positive ties with both Russia and the West throughout the Ukraine conflict, which began on Feb. 24, 2022, when Russia launched what it called a “special military operation.”

CNN said Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the high-stakes rapprochement meeting between US and Russian officials “underlines the Kingdom’s aspirations to become a global actor capable of successfully mediating international conflicts.”

The US broadcaster also speculated that “another likely aim” could be pursuing “added leverage for Riyadh in future talks on the fate of postwar Gaza.”

Radio Free Europe likewise suggested the discussions represented an opportunity for Saudi Arabia “to assert its political clout after it rejected US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate Gaza’s residents while resisting any normalization of relations with Israel.”




Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Gulf Research Center, spoke to Katie Jensen, host of the current affairs show “Frankly Speaking.” (AN Photo)

The fact that Riyadh “originally refused to take a side” is not to say it has condoned Russia’s behavior, nor failed to play a role in addressing the humanitarian consequences of the war, Sager said.

He noted that Saudi Arabia has consistently voted against the Russian invasion of Ukraine at the UN, contributed aid and participated in prisoner exchanges.

“In fact, they took a position that they vote in the UN for the decision against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With the GCC countries, they have taken, also, a very firm and clear position on that subject also,” Sager said.

“They have contributed to the humanitarian issue in Ukraine. They have participated in the release of some of the prisoners also — Ukrainian prisoners from the Russian side.

“And also, they have insisted, and this was stated during the visit of the (Saudi) foreign minister to Ukraine, confirming the position of Saudi Arabia on the unity of Ukraine.”

Sager added: “Yet, Saudi Arabia never wanted to be fully on the side of either, or what the American and the European countries … (said, which was): ‘Either you are with us or against us.’

“So, they have maintained relations with Russia. They never wanted to cut relations diplomatically with Russia, because Russia has been a very important and useful partner in OPEC+.”

This balanced approach, according to Sager, has allowed the Kingdom to maintain open lines of communication with both sides, creating an environment for dialogue.

The Feb. 18 talks in Riyadh were attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and on the Russian side by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, and head of Moscow’s Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev.

“It was a very important meeting that took place in Riyadh, attended by both the US secretary of state and the national security adviser. It brought the American and Russians together after many years when they did not get together, and also to discuss the current situation,” Sager told “Frankly Speaking” host Katie Jensen.

“And the result of that, of course, is to create a different committee between both sides to go in depth and in detailed discussion of the whole issue.”




Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pivotal diplomatic hub, a fact underscored by the recent high-level talks between the US and Russia held in Riyadh. (KSAMOFA)

While Ukraine was not directly involved in the Riyadh talks, Sager noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was aware of the discussions. He also pointed to subsequent meetings in Paris involving European foreign ministers, where Ukraine was likely informed of the outcomes.

However, the absence of Ukraine from the initial talks has raised questions about inclusivity and just how sustainable a resulting peace deal might be. Zelensky has repeatedly ruled out accepting a peace deal negotiated without Ukraine.

Last Monday, European leaders held a hastily arranged summit in Paris — a day before the US-Russia talks in Riyadh — amid fears that Ukraine and Europe could be excluded from peace negotiations, raising concerns about the continent’s long-term security.

However, Sager clarified the Riyadh discussions extended beyond Ukraine, encompassing broader issues related to the US-Russia relationship.

These included the status of frozen Russian assets and sanctions, with some reports suggesting the easing of restrictions on credit card usage for Russians. Such measures could be seen as confidence-building steps aimed at fostering a more constructive dialogue.

Indeed, the Kingdom may soon play host to a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Looking ahead to future talks, Sager said: “Definitely, Ukraine will participate, and I think it was clearly stated by the US side (that) there will be participation from the Ukrainian side and the Europeans.”

Turning to the situation in Gaza, Sager reiterated Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to the two-state solution to the Middle East conflict. He sharply criticized US proposals that involve the deportation of Gazan people and the conversion of the Palestinian territory into a real estate project.

“The Saudi position never changed,” he said. “The Saudi position is still insisting on the two-state solution. If you have another solution, tell us.”




 Leaders of the GCC countries, Jordan and Egypt convened in Riyadh on Friday ahead of an emergency summit in Cairo. (AFP)

He dismissed alternative solutions as unacceptable, saying that such proposals are rejected by Arab countries. This regional consensus, he said, underscores the importance of a unified approach to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

He also speculated that the US proposals could be aimed at achieving collective recognition and normalization with Israel, which he believes is unlikely to succeed.

“I don’t think that will happen because Saudi Arabia is leading the team, and if you remember, we had the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh here, and that summit did confirm with the 57 countries attending that a two-state solution is the way forward that we will be accepting.”

Sager highlighted the widespread international support for a Palestinian state, with 149 UN member countries already recognizing it.

“The solution that President Trump presented is unacceptable,” he said. “The deportation of the people of Gaza and converting it to a real estate project — and then, there is no guarantee that they will (go) back. I don’t think this is acceptable.

“And by the way, not only Saudi Arabia but also all GCC countries along with Egypt and Jordan reject such a thing. I think he wanted to divert attention from the two-state solution, that he will put the countries in the region here in a defensive position to defend themselves from not really getting to the two-state solution that they’ve always believed in.”

Sager highlighted the importance of a unified Palestinian position, urging Hamas and other factions to participate in a unified Palestinian Authority. This call for unity reflects the belief that a cohesive Palestinian voice is essential for achieving a lasting peace.

“Definitely the Arab countries and the Arab League will ask for a unified Palestinian position, a unified Palestinian Authority,” he said.

He acknowledged the challenges posed by the designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization by some countries but suggested that individuals close to Hamas could be represented in the Palestinian Authority.

This nuanced approach recognizes the need to engage with all relevant stakeholders, even those with differing ideologies.




Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, founder and chairman of the Gulf Research Center, highlighted to Katie Jensen the significance of the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, noting that Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance had positioned it as an ideal convener. (AN Photo)

 

Sager also addressed the issue of ceasefires and hostage exchanges in Gaza, noting that they were taking place despite President Trump’s recent rhetoric. While acknowledging Trump’s tendency to escalate demands, he suggested that these threats often serve as a basis for compromise.

Regarding international legal cases against Israeli leaders, Sager affirmed the importance of pursuing justice and upholding international law.

He praised South Africa’s efforts in bringing a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and emphasized the need to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable.

“I think it’s worth pursuing because in the end, we need to respect international law and we need to respect the international court. And such an effort (that) has been put by South Africa (is) highly appreciated,” said Sager.

“And remember, the G7 meeting in 2025 will take place in South Africa. So, that effort has been appreciated, and I think that matter should continue because we should not give a chance for the genocide and those (who) commit such a crime to get away with it without getting to the court and getting to the legal side.”

Looking ahead, Sager expressed cautious optimism about the Middle East, citing successful ceasefires and hostage exchanges in Gaza as positive developments.

However, he acknowledged the ongoing challenges and the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region, particularly in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran.

“There are many cases still open,” he said. “We have almost seven countries in an almost failed state. The situation in the Arab world, we have Yemen, Sudan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Gaza, of course, the Palestinian side, all of those, there is a huge demand for reconstruction, which can cost trillions.”

Given the uneven recovery in different parts of the Middle East and North Africa, is Sager more or less optimistic about the region’s future than he was last year?

“I’m always optimistic,” he said. “But also with optimism, with cautious optimism, I see that there is a lot of hard work (that) needs to be done to overcome a lot of those issues.”

 

 


How Saudi Arabia can balance its AI infrastructure and sustainable water usage

How Saudi Arabia can balance its AI infrastructure and sustainable water usage
Updated 25 April 2025
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How Saudi Arabia can balance its AI infrastructure and sustainable water usage

How Saudi Arabia can balance its AI infrastructure and sustainable water usage
  • While AI’s energy demands are widely known, its vast and growing water footprint remains largely out of sight
  • Experts urge early-stage planning and water-smart designs to reduce risk and future-proof AI growth in arid climates

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence has opened up remarkable new possibilities — but beneath its sleek, digital surface lies an overlooked environmental cost: Water.

While debates over AI’s energy demands have captured headlines, its vast and growing water footprint remains largely out of sight. That blind spot, experts warn, could carry serious consequences.

Salah Al-Kafrawi, senior consultant at EY for data and AI, told Arab News: “We have no universal approach to assess how much water is consumed while using or training AI,” leaving the true scale of the problem poorly understood.

Although a few tech firms publish rough water usage estimates, most businesses — from e-commerce to aviation — remain unaware of their consumption. “Many aren’t even aware of their water footprint,” Al-Kafrawi said

Even available data likely underestimates reality by a factor of 10 or more. In a world facing increasing water scarcity, AI’s mounting thirst is a silent crisis — one that demands innovation, transparency and smarter systems.

AI’s water usage is complex. It includes both direct consumption, such as cooling servers, and indirect usage tied to the electricity that powers them.

“AI requires significant data for training and evaluation, along with electricity to operate and cooling systems to prevent overheating,” Al-Kafrawi said.

That electricity often comes from water-intensive power sources. Coal-fired and nuclear plants, for instance, consume “millions of gallons of water daily” for steam production and cooling — a hidden environmental cost rarely accounted for in sustainability reports.

Meanwhile, data centers use vast amounts of water to stop their servers from overheating.

An artist's rendition of the data center of KAUST. (KAUST photo)

“Data centers often use water cooling towers to dissipate heat generated by their servers,” said Al-Kafrawi, noting this creates “another significant source of water usage.”

This leads to a vicious cycle: AI requires power, power generates heat, and cooling that heat requires more water.

“The combination of water needed for electricity generation and cooling systems means that AI’s water footprint extends far beyond what might be immediately apparent,” Al-Kafrawi said.

In Saudi Arabia, where water is scarce and AI infrastructure is booming, managing this balance is becoming increasingly urgent.

Abdulelah Al-Shehri, assistant professor of chemical engineering at King Saud University, said that most global data centers rely on potable water — despite its scarcity.

“Water purity directly affects a system’s lifespan,” he said. Indeed, reclaimed water can risk corrosion and microbial contamination, though efforts to safely reuse non-potable sources are gaining traction.

Most global data centers rely on potable water, putting pressure on scarce supply. (AFP photo)

Currently, most data centers in the Kingdom use hybrid cooling systems.

“Saudi data centers rely on high-efficiency mechanical cooling systems combining air-cooled and water-cooled chillers,” said Al-Shehri, referencing Microsoft’s climate-adaptive guidelines and the Saudi Telecom Company’s 2023 Sustainability Report.

Even these efficient systems come with a significant toll. Al-Shehri said that cooling infrastructure for the country’s 300 MW of operational data centers consumes between 2.3 and 2.8 liters of water per kilowatt-hour.

“If we look at current capacity operating at full load year-round, annual water use would approach 6.7 million cubic meters,” he warned — roughly the same amount used by 160,000 Saudi households each year.

And this is just the beginning. Al-Shehri projected that capacity could more than quadruple to 1,300 MW within five years — putting total water use on par with the needs of 700,000 households.

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“These figures only capture direct water use for cooling,” he added. The indirect cost, tied to fossil fuel-based energy production, remains even greater.

Despite the growing demand, Al-Shehri said that there are promising solutions — but they require investment and vision.

“Multiple solutions are emerging to reduce water usage in data center cooling, though investors often hesitate because of the intensive capital investment and costly retrofits.”

Among the most promising ideas is rethinking traditional cooling standards. “Microsoft and Google have piloted these so-called ‘high-temperature data centers,’ which would effectively drive the direct water footprint to zero,” he said.

Raising operating temperatures from 21 degrees Celsius to as high as 35 Celsius allows systems to rely more on air than water.

Other technologies focus on recycling heat. “Absorption chillers can reclaim up to 40 percent of waste heat here and repurpose it for cooling,” said Al-Shehri, pointing to global examples such as Swiss company Infomaniak, which now uses server heat to warm 6,000 homes.

The Swiss company Infomaniak uses absorption chillers to reclaim waste heat, which it then sells to warm 6,000 homes. (X: @infomaniak_de)

There is also the energy mix to consider. “Diversifying energy sources for AI power isn’t a simple swap,” he said. “It hinges on resource availability, proximity to data centers, and the water footprint.”

Research shows that solar and wind are the most water-efficient sources. By contrast, biomass — a widely promoted renewable option — can consume “up to 100 times more water than natural gas,” Al-Shehri said.

Another overlooked cost comes from the treatment and transportation of water itself — a point highlighted by Abdullah Al-Otaibi, Saudi Arabia managing director at global water solutions firm Ecolab.

“Water must be moved, heated, cooled and treated to be fit for business use, which requires energy,” Al-Otaibi told Arab News. He framed water and energy as interconnected levers — what scientists call the “water-energy nexus.”

“Water serves a dual purpose in data centers. It cools infrastructure directly and gets consumed indirectly when generating the electricity that powers high-performance computing,” he said.

Failing to manage this interdependency is risky. “Overlooking water creates risk — particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia, where water is scarce, and digital infrastructure is expanding rapidly.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• AI systems consume large volumes of water through energy generation and data center cooling.  

• High-temperature data centers and heat-recycling systems offer promising ways to reduce direct water use.  

• Experts urge early-stage planning and water-smart designs to reduce risk and future-proof AI growth.

Al-Otaibi said that better data and AI tools can help companies to understand and reduce their water and energy footprints. “With the right data and technologies, businesses can make water use more visible — and more manageable,” he said.

Ecolab’s audits show significant gains are possible. Their tools have helped clients to cut water usage by 44 percent, energy by 22 percent and emissions by 12 percent, all while improving reliability.

“Water efficiency can become a business enabler — supporting uptime and sustainability targets at the same time,” Al-Otaibi said.

With AI infrastructure expanding rapidly across the Gulf, Al-Otaibi urged stakeholders to act now — especially in design stages. “The key is starting early — smart water strategies begin before construction,” he said.

He cited Ecolab’s partnership with global data center operator Digital Realty, where their AI-driven system is expected to reduce water use by up to 15 percent and prevent the withdrawal of 126 million gallons of potable water annually.

For Saudi Arabia, where water is precious and technology ambitions are vast, that kind of efficiency is not just smart — it is essential.


 


Environment minister leads meeting on Saudi Irrigation Organization’s progress

Environment minister leads meeting on Saudi Irrigation Organization’s progress
Updated 24 April 2025
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Environment minister leads meeting on Saudi Irrigation Organization’s progress

Environment minister leads meeting on Saudi Irrigation Organization’s progress
  • The board looked at a report on the institution which included performance indicators, achievement rates, and the progress of ongoing projects in various regions of the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Saudi Irrigation Organization’s board of directors held its 24th meeting on Thursday in Riyadh.

The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadli.

The board looked at a report on the institution which included performance indicators, achievement rates, and the progress of ongoing projects in various regions of the Kingdom.

It also looked into updates on activities and initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of water resource use and boosting agricultural sustainability.

Board members spoke of their appreciation of the wise leadership’s ongoing support, affirming that the significant attention given to the water sector consolidated sustainability factors, and enhanced the institution’s ability to effectively contribute to achieving Saudi Vision 2030.

The meeting concluded with a series of decisions and directives which aim to enhance institutional performance efficiency, and expand partnership possibilities with the relevant entities.


Blue tea cultivation in Jazan highlighted

Blue tea cultivation in Jazan highlighted
Updated 24 April 2025
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Blue tea cultivation in Jazan highlighted

Blue tea cultivation in Jazan highlighted
  • The cultivation project is a part of Jazan Mountainous Areas Development and Reconstruction Authority’s strategic initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture in the mountainous area of Jazan
  • Project plays a key role in supporting the local economy and expanding income sources within the agricultural sector

RIYADH: The Jazan Mountainous Areas Development and Reconstruction Authority is currently showcasing its expertise in cultivating blue tea.

The showcase is a part of the authority’s participation in Environment Week 2025, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, with government, private, and nonprofit organizations.

The authority’s pavilion has been visited by a number of people intrigued by blue tea’s nutritional benefits, unique flavor and vibrant color.

The cultivation project is a part of the authority’s strategic initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture in the mountainous area of Jazan.

The project plays a key role in supporting the local economy and expanding income sources within the agricultural sector.


Saudi Islamic affairs ministry participates in Muscat book fair

Saudi Islamic affairs ministry participates in Muscat book fair
Updated 24 April 2025
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Saudi Islamic affairs ministry participates in Muscat book fair

Saudi Islamic affairs ministry participates in Muscat book fair
  • The ministry’s booth showcases a variety of editions of the Qur’an printed by the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah

RIYADH: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the General Secretariat for Exhibitions and Conferences, is at the Kingdom’s pavilion for the 29th edition of the Muscat International Book Fair.

The fair began on Wednesday and runs until May 3.

The event is hosting 674 publishing houses from 35 countries this year, with 640 participating directly and 34 through agencies. 

The ministry’s booth showcases a variety of editions of the Qur’an printed by the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah, along with translations of its meanings in more than 77 languages.

It is also presenting a detailed explanation of the mechanism of printing the Qur’an, the stages it undergoes within the complex, and the modern technologies used, with the aim of informing visitors about the message the Kingdom delivers in caring for the Qur’an through its printing and distribution to Muslims around the world.

In addition, the ministry is displaying numerous applications and digital programs to serve the exhibition’s visitors.


Taif rose forum attracts 350,000 visitors in 10 days

Taif rose forum attracts 350,000 visitors in 10 days
Updated 24 April 2025
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Taif rose forum attracts 350,000 visitors in 10 days

Taif rose forum attracts 350,000 visitors in 10 days
  • Highlights include ‘flower carpet’ made from 850,000 blooms
  • Event at Arruddaf Park runs until Saturday

TAIF: The inaugural Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum attracted more than 350,000 visitors in its first 10 days.

The event at Arruddaf Park in Taif opened on April 13 and runs until Saturday. It marks a significant milestone for the region, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.

The organizers have incorporated artificial intelligence, automated monitoring systems and comprehensive historical documentation of Taif’s famous roses.

The innovative displays and exhibitions have attracted tourists from around the world, underscoring Taif’s growing reputation as a premier destination for natural beauty and botanical diversity.

In a stunning centerpiece that has become the festival’s most photographed attraction, Taif Municipality unveiled an elaborate flower carpet featuring more than 850,000 individual blooms.

The display combines elements of traditional Saudi architecture and Taif’s distinctive building style. It also tells a story of the region’s evolution, featuring a model of the Al-Hada mountains and representations of transport systems through the ages.

Visitors can trace the journey from the historic Camel Path that once connected Taif and Makkah to the modern Al-Masafala Road, culminating with a representation of today’s cable car system that whisks travelers through the mountainous terrain in minutes — a powerful symbol of the city’s technological and cultural advancement.

This festival reinforces Taif’s identity as the City of Roses and a unique tourist destination, and aligns perfectly with Saudi Vision 2030’s ambitious objectives for developing both the tourism and technology sectors.