Saudi housing minister concludes official visit to Turkiye

Saudi housing minister concludes official visit to Turkiye
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail accepting an award during the meeting of the Saudi Contractors Authority and the Turkish Contractors Association in Ankara. (SPA)
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Updated 07 July 2024
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Saudi housing minister concludes official visit to Turkiye

Saudi housing minister concludes official visit to Turkiye
  • Saudi and Turkish companies in the real estate development sector and exploring current and future investment opportunities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail ended an official visit to Turkiye to enhance cooperation in real estate development, road infrastructure, waste management and recycling, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The visit was also an initiative to create new alliances between Saudi and Turkish contractors, according to the SPA.

During the visit, Al Hogail met with the head of Turkiye’s Investment Office, Burak Daglıoglu, where they discussed cooperation opportunities and exchanged successful experiences on the two countries’ strategies for improving the real estate investment environment, developing economic zones, activating partnerships between the public and private sectors, linking Saudi and Turkish companies in the real estate development sector and exploring current and future investment opportunities.




Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail and his delegation attend a meeting of representatives of Saudi Contractors Authority and the Turkish Contractors Association Erdal Eren, and representatives of Saudi and Turkish companies participated in the event. (SPA)

In Istanbul, Al-Hogail attended the launch of the Saudi-Turkish Construction Forum and the accompanying workshop, which was organized by the Saudi Contractor Authority to link contracting companies in the two countries by creating alliances in major development projects.

Turkish Deputy Minister of Trade Mustafa Tuzcu, the chairman of the board of directors of the Saudi Contractors Authority Zakria Al-Abdulqadir, the president of the Turkish Contractors Association Erdal Eren, and representatives of Saudi and Turkish companies participated in the event.

During the session, Al-Hogail stressed the importance of coordination and joint work between Saudi and Turkish companies in the fields of environment, roads, cleanliness, waste management and recycling “to develop and improve city services in a way that reflects positively on their residents,” the SPA statement said.

He expressed his optimism about the results and outcomes of the workshop in developing joint development work and increasing the volume of trade between the two countries, “harnessing all capabilities for the renaissance and prosperity of cities,” SPA added.

Al-Hogail also attended round table meetings between the Saudi and Turkish sides to review the most prominent opportunities and pioneer investment projects in the real estate sector, and highlight the Kingdom’s efforts in the fields of building technologies and development in the construction sector, infrastructure projects, waste management and recycling.

During the meetings, he expressed his desire to deepen partnerships with the Turkish side through joint cooperation with contractors, developers and investors in Turkiye’s construction sector, and to contribute to implementing and developing suburbs and major residential projects in the Kingdom.

He said that the ministry was working through the housing program to develop real estate projects in the Kingdom with approximately 200 real estate developers from private sector companies, and qualifying many developers to enter into residential projects.

The minister last visited Turkiye in July last year, where he sponsored the Saudi-Turkish Business Forum, where several cooperation agreements were signed between Saudi and Turkish companies in the fields of real estate development, construction, engineering consulting and other investment sectors.

 

 

 


Mideast, North Africa region ‘among world’s best’ for renewable energy, says UN official as climate forum opens

Mideast, North Africa region ‘among world’s best’ for renewable energy, says UN official as climate forum opens
Updated 55 min 49 sec ago
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Mideast, North Africa region ‘among world’s best’ for renewable energy, says UN official as climate forum opens

Mideast, North Africa region ‘among world’s best’ for renewable energy, says UN official as climate forum opens
  • Solar energy a major source, Mahmoud Mohieldin tells Arab News
  • More private sector support needed to fund sustainability projects

RIYADH: The Middle East North Africa region is “among the world’s best locations for renewable energy,” a UN climate official told Arab News recently, ahead of a Bahrain climate conference that opened today.

Mahmoud Mohieldin, the UN special envoy for financing the 2030 sustainable development agenda, shared his insights on the MENA region, financing climate and regional energy resilience.

The third annual Sustainability Forum Middle East takes place on Jan. 28 and 29.

Held under the patronage of Mohamed Bin Daina, Bahrain’s minister of oil and environment and special envoy for climate affairs, the SFME is supported by the Supreme Council for Environment.

The two-day event is expected to attract over 400 senior business leaders and sustainability experts from the region and beyond. The forum features more than 50 speakers from the MENA region, Europe, the UK, US and Brazil.

“The region is among the world’s best locations for renewable energy, and MENA countries are becoming increasingly prominent players in that sphere.”

“Between 2013 and 2023, the Middle East region quadrupled its share of solar energy generation, and it is currently home to record low levelized costs of electricity for solar PV (photovoltaic power),” he said.

While acknowledging the region’s unique strengths, Mohieldin also highlighted challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and strained economic conditions.

He stressed the importance of exploring mechanisms including carbon markets and debt swaps.

“Egypt’s launch of its first regulated voluntary carbon market is a significant step toward achieving economic and environmental sustainability,” he noted.

Mahmoud Mohieldin, the UN special envoy for financing the 2030 sustainable development agenda. (Supplied)

Commenting on the forum, Mohieldin said: “Events like the Sustainability Forum Middle East are essential to building on the momentum generated by successive COPs (Conference of the Parties) in the region and driving further action.”

On the topic of public-private collaboration, Mohieldin said: “The private sector enjoys significant financial resources that can be directed toward sustainability. Almost half of climate finance provided worldwide between 2011 and 2020 came from the private sector.”

Mohieldin also highlighted the transformative potential of technology and innovation in addressing climate challenges.

“Innovation is what made renewables today ubiquitously cheaper than any other energy source. Solar panel costs, for example, have fallen by around 20 percent for every doubling of global cumulative capacity,” he said.

Mohieldin pointed to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence as a double-edged sword, offering tools for predictive modeling and climate risk assessment while also raising concerns about the “AI divide,” which could disadvantage developing countries.

When asked about his expectations for this year’s forum, Mohieldin outlined several key areas of focus, including hydrogen, water security, and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms.

“The imminent implementation of CBAM will have notable consequences on critical industries in the region. Discussions at the forum should focus on synthesizing policy solutions to mitigate risks while using CBAM as an opportunity to nurture domestic or regional carbon markets,” he said.

Mohieldin also called for a greater emphasis on turning the region into a contributor to advanced technologies, rather than just a user, to strengthen its role in global sustainability.


Saudi FM receives Turkish counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi FM receives Turkish counterpart in Riyadh
Updated 23 min 15 sec ago
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Saudi FM receives Turkish counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi FM receives Turkish counterpart in Riyadh

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan received his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Riyadh on Tuesday for talks on bilateral relations and regional issues of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministers discussed ways to deepen ties and increase the trade exchange between their countries.

They also discussed developments on the regional and international arenas. 

Prince Faisal receives Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at the ministry headquarters in Riyadh (SPA). 

 

 

 


Saudi Arabia opens Makkah and Madinah to foreign investments

Saudi Arabia opens Makkah and Madinah to foreign investments
Updated 28 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia opens Makkah and Madinah to foreign investments

Saudi Arabia opens Makkah and Madinah to foreign investments
  • Move aims to boost the capital market’s competitiveness and align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification objectives
  • While non-Saudis allowed to purchase properties in Kingdom, there are restrictions, in the holy cities ownership is generally limited to Saudis

RIYADH: Foreigners can now invest in Saudi-listed companies owning real estate in Makkah and Madinah, following a landmark decision by the Saudi Capital Market Authority.

Effective immediately, the move aims to boost the capital market’s competitiveness and align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 economic diversification objectives, the CMA announced in a press release. 

While non-Saudis are allowed to purchase properties in the Kingdom, there are specific restrictions, and in the holy cities ownership is generally limited to Saudi nationals — although foreigners are allowed to lease properties there. 

Under the new guidelines, foreign investments are limited to shares or convertible debt instruments of listed companies. Total non-Saudi ownership, including individuals and legal entities, is capped at 49 percent of a company’s shares.

However, strategic foreign investors are prohibited from holding stakes in these companies. 

The move comes amid reforms across the region, with most neighboring countries allowing foreigners to own properties, primarily in free zones or designated areas under certain restrictions. 

“Through this announcement, the Capital Market Authority aims to stimulate investment, enhance the attractiveness and efficiency of the capital market, and strengthen its regional and international competitiveness while supporting the local economy,” said the CMA. 

The changes are also designed to stimulate foreign direct investment in the Kingdom’s capital market, as well as bolster its regional and international competitiveness. 

“This includes attracting foreign capital and providing the necessary liquidity for current and future projects in Makkah and Madinah through the investment products available in the Saudi market, positioning it as a key funding source for these distinctive developmental projects,” added the CMA. 

Strengthening the real estate sector and attracting more FDI into the Kingdom is one of the key goals outlined under the Vision 2030 program, as Saudi Arabia aims to reduce its dependence on crude revenues and diversify its economy. 

The Kingdom aims to attract $100 billion in FDI by the end of this decade, and the government body has been implementing various initiatives and reforms to enhance the attractiveness of the capital market.

Some of these efforts include allowing foreign residents to directly invest in the stock market, enabling non-Saudi investors to access the market through swap agreements, and permitting qualified foreign capital institutions to invest in listed securities. 

The CMA has also allowed foreign strategic investors to acquire strategic stakes in listed companies and directly invest in debt instruments. 

In 2021, the CMA also allowed non-Saudis to subscribe to real estate funds investing within the boundaries of Makkah and Madinah, which played a crucial role in increasing the attractiveness of the capital market to both regional and international investors. 

The share prices of real estate companies listed on Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange surged following the CMA’s announcement. 

Knowledge Economic City saw its share price rise by 9.89 percent to close at SR16.66 ($4.44). 

Jabal Omar Development Co.’s share price also increased by 10 percent to SR25.85, while Makkah Construction and Development Co.’s stock price climbed 9.84 percent to close at SR106. 


From Genoa to Jeddah: Italian vessel docks to grand welcome

From Genoa to Jeddah: Italian vessel docks to grand welcome
Updated 27 January 2025
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From Genoa to Jeddah: Italian vessel docks to grand welcome

From Genoa to Jeddah: Italian vessel docks to grand welcome
  • The 33rd stop of Amerigo Vespucci’s world tour brings Italian charm and heritage to Saudi Arabia
  • Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto: We are very proud of this ship, and we are happy to share our journey with our Saudi friends

JEDDAH: The Amerigo Vespucci, a historic training ship of the Italian Navy, docked at the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina on Monday morning, where it will be open to the public until Jan. 30.

The ship is on the 33rd stage of its two-year world tour, which began on July 1, 2023, from the Port of Genoa, Italy, traversing five continents, 30 counties and 35 ports before its return to the Mediterranean.

The ship is named in honor of Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian explorer from the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Vespucci was among the first to understand that the lands Christopher Columbus reached in 1492 were not part of Asia but rather a separate continent, which was later named America in his honor by the German cartographer Martin Waldseemuller in 1507.

The inaugural ceremony of the Villaggio Italy in Jeddah, which also kicked off visits on board the 93-year-old ship, took place in the presence of Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense Talal bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi, as well as Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto and Chief of Staff of the Navy Adm. Enrico Credendino.

Also present at the ceremony were Ambassador of Italy to Saudi Arabia Carlo Baldocci; Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanche; Minister for Disabilities Alessandra Locatelli; Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Made in Italy Valentino Valentini; Undersecretary of State for Defense Matteo Perego di Cremnago; Undersecretary of State for Defense Isabella Rauti; and Consul General of Italy in Jeddah Leonardo Costa.

Marking the latest stop on the ship’s world tour, Crosetto said: “This is not an easy ship because it did not rely on modern technology but relied on human skills.

“We are very proud of this ship, and we are happy to share our journey with our Saudi friends.”

He paid tribute to the long friendship between the Saudi and Italian people: “This is a testament (to) the growing relationship between the two countries, the growing ties in the fields of politics and diplomacy, economics, security and defense, culture, science, sports and much more.”

Al-Otaibi welcomed the Amerigo Vespucci to Jeddah and expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for this gesture, acknowledging the significance of the event in promoting peace, security, and cooperation.

He noted that the arrival of the ship underscores the commitment of both nations to expanding their naval partnership and reflects a broader effort to enhance diplomatic and military ties.

Speaking to Arab News, Costa said: “The Amerigo Vespucci’s visit to Jeddah reflects the enduring friendship between our nations. We are honored to share Italy’s naval legacy with the people of Saudi Arabia.

“It is not only that we are sharing the arrival of the Amerigo Vespucci ship but we (are) also sharing our culture, art, music, food and history at the Italian Village, which will be open to (the) public starting Tuesday,” he added. “Therefore, I encourage everyone to take advantage of this unique chance to step aboard one of the world’s most iconic ships.”

After 19 months on board the Amerigo Vespucci, Capt. Giuseppe Lai, commander of the ship, told Arab News that it has been a challenging journey: “We are so proud to reach our 33rd stage here in Jeddah for the first time.

“We are very proud to show the value and history of Italy, but at the same (time), we are pleased to learn more about other cultures and know other people.”

He noted that the ship is scheduled to complete the tour on June 10.

Following stops in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Darwin, Singapore, Mumbai, Doha, Oman and Abu Dhabi, the Villaggio Italia will be hosted, together with the Amerigo Vespucci, at the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina.

Villaggio Italia is an international exposition showcasing Italy’s finest products and industries, reinforcing the country’s values and promoting its culture globally.

As part of its Jeddah stopover on an ongoing world tour, the 1930-built ship is hosting a series of engaging events including a painting competition, film screenings, and a concert by the Italian Air Force band.

On-board visits will be available from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as a morning slot from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday.


Umrah guests praise Kingdom’s rich heritage

Umrah guests praise Kingdom’s rich heritage
Updated 27 January 2025
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Umrah guests praise Kingdom’s rich heritage

Umrah guests praise Kingdom’s rich heritage
  • Sheikh Khadem Mbaki, a preacher from Senegal, expressed his joy at witnessing Madinah’s rich cultural and historical heritage
  • Ali Coulibaly from Mali said that the Kingdom is a global religious and cultural destination

RIYADH: Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visit praised Saudi Arabia’s development and progress across various fields.

They commended efforts to preserve religious sites and historical monuments, highlighting a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their tour of religious sites and monuments in Madinah, part of a program organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, they expressed gratitude to the Kingdom for hosting them.

Sheikh Khadem Mbaki, a preacher from Senegal, expressed his joy at witnessing Madinah’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

He highlighted how the sites reflect various aspects of Islamic civilization, and praised the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving these important landmarks.

Mbaki also acknowledged the Kingdom’s efforts to ensure the well-being of visitors and Umrah performers from around the world.

Ali Coulibaly from Mali said that the Kingdom is a global religious and cultural destination due to its many historical monuments and archaeological sites in regions like AlUla and NEOM.

He also noted the rapid development of infrastructure projects, which enhance the Kingdom’s ability to welcome tourists and visitors and provide year-round access to these historical and cultural sites.

Mohammed Abdo Abu Yaali from Morocco praised the cultural and historical richness he experienced during his visit to Madinah’s historical sites.

He appreciated the in-depth explanations about the significance of these sites as well as their connection to Islamic history and the life of the Prophet.

Amin Baddad from Algeria expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Saudi leadership for hosting him to visit Madinah and perform Umrah.

He shared the beautiful memories created during his visit and prayed to Allah to reward those responsible for the program for their efforts.