How Saudi Arabia and the UK are shaping each other

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his UK counterpart John Healey discussed Saudi-British strategic partnership in November. (SPA file photo)
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his UK counterpart John Healey discussed Saudi-British strategic partnership in November. (SPA file photo)
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Updated 09 December 2024
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How Saudi Arabia and the UK are shaping each other

How Saudi Arabia and the UK are shaping each other
  • The countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $39.6 billion by 2030

RIYADH: Ahead of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s official visit to the Kingdom, Arab News reviews recent bilateral developments between the two kingdoms.

Forging alliances that transcend borders, Saudi Arabia and the UK have emerged as powerhouses of collaboration, driving innovation and reshaping global landscapes in the fields of energy, technology, and sustainable infrastructure.

In 2018, the two kingdoms established the annual UK-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council as a central platform to discuss and enhance all aspects of their bilateral relationship, including UK support for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 in various sectors.




Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan participated in roundtable meetings involving representatives from the Kingdom and British universities. (SPA)

According to Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi, bilateral trade between the two countries has surged by more than a third since 2018, exceeding $99.12 billion in value.

“The growth and the inflow of trade are matched by the growth in foreign direct investment. In 2022 alone, the inflow of British investment into (the) Saudi economy reached more than $5.4 billion,” Al-Qasabi said.  

With more than 1,100 active licenses for UK investors, developments such as the gigaprojects in Saudi Arabia and policy reforms are strengthening business opportunities in the Kingdom.

FASTFACTS

• With more than 1,100 active licenses for UK investors, developments such as the gigaprojects in Saudi Arabia and policy reforms are strengthening business opportunities in the Kingdom.

• UK cleantech leader Carbon Clean is also collaborating with Saudi Aramco, creating 2,000 jobs in the UK.

• The countries have deepened their collaboration on sustainable infrastructure through the UK-Saudi Sustainable Infrastructure Summit, held on June 24 in London.

The UK is emerging as Saudi Arabia’s second-largest investor, accumulating approximately $16 billion in investment stock, said Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih at the Great Futures Initiative Conference in May.

The conference reflected the efforts of both countries to enhance and expand their economic partnership. It saw the attendance of 2,200 economic stakeholders from both Saudi Arabia and the UK, including about 450 British business owners.




The Lord Mayor of the City of London Alderman said that Saudi Arabia is investing more in infrastructure than any other country in the Middle East region, including in 14 new giga-projects. (X @MISA)

During the conference, more than 20 bilateral ministerial meetings were held, 13 agreements were signed, and ways to develop cooperation in 13 economic fields were discussed, including tourism, culture, education, health, sports, investment, trade, and financial services.

Saudi Arabia’s investment landscape is particularly attractive to British businesses, with 52 UK companies selecting the country as their regional headquarters out of the 400 global multinational companies that have established hubs there.

Defense cooperation between the two countries is a crucial aspect of their bilateral relationship.




Saudi and British defense ministers discuss strengthening military ties and addressing regional security challenges. (X @JReynoldsMP)

Talks in November between Saudi and British defense ministers focused on strengthening military ties and addressing regional security challenges.

Prince Khalid bin Salman and John Healey discussed the Saudi-British strategic partnership and explored ways to strengthen defense cooperation.

“We also discussed our joint efforts to address regional challenges and our shared vision to promote security and stability on both regional and international levels,” Prince Khalid said.

These discussions emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the Middle East while exploring new avenues for defense technology collaboration.

At the Great Futures Conference in May, CEO of the Health Sector Transformation Program Dr. Khalid Al-Shaibani, said: “In Saudi Arabia, we have embraced digital health as a priority because of its potential to enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and drive economic growth.”

Al-Shaibani added that by integrating health, equity, and sustainability into all decision-making processes, Saudi Arabia fosters an environment that promotes the well-being of its citizens.

The partnership between the countries has expanded into cutting-edge technological domains, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and healthcare innovation.

UK-based Proximie, a technology company specializing in surgical collaboration solutions, has been working to establish strategic partnerships in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the growing technological cooperation between the two nations.

With $80 million in funding, Proximie is strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia through strategic partnerships aimed at supporting the country’s healthcare system.

The company uses virtual surgery technology, AI, and real-time connectivity to enhance healthcare delivery and reduce inequities in medical access.

Education remains a cornerstone of Saudi-UK relations, with approximately 14,000 Saudi students pursuing higher education in the UK during the academic years 2020-2023.

To leverage their expertise, both countries agreed to collaborate in the field of education, particularly to support the development of early-stage education.

A memorandum of understanding was signed to facilitate this partnership, focusing on improving teaching methodologies and capacity building.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan made a statement late in 2023 that the educational partnership with the UK aims to increase the participation of the British private education sector in Saudi education.

This includes establishing British schools and universities, addressing skills gaps, training healthcare professionals, and supporting the development of education in line with the ambition of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

“Our strategic partnership focuses on six main areas, which include building a stronger and deeper partnership in the field of education; supporting the professional development of Saudi educators and enhancing their knowledge, skills, and abilities,” Al-Benyan said. “… as well as enhancing cooperation and partnerships in the field of university education, including research cooperation, student scholarships, and transnational education.”

Plans are underway to establish 10 British schools in the Kingdom by 2030, further strengthening educational ties between the two countries.

In September, the two countries tackled the stimulation and financing of emerging companies in promising fields based on research and innovation.

This falls in line with the two countries’ target to increase bilateral trade to $39.6 billion by 2030.

Jobs will be boosted in the north of England after the launch on Monday of the world-first new graphene-enriched carbon fibre plant project in Saudi Arabia.

UK company Graphene Innovation Manchester on Dec. 9 announced the launch of the world’s first commercial production of graphene-enriched carbon fibre with Saudi Arabia’s NEOM — a step forward in environmentally sustainable advanced materials.

The project aims to generate $319 million of investment into a research and innovation hub in Greater Manchester and is expected to create more than 1,000 skilled jobs in the region.

Prior to his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, Starmer said in a statement: “Further boosting the green energy relationship between the UK and Saudi Arabia, Oxford-based private equity fund HYCAP is supporting Saudi Arabia’s plans to reach net zero emissions by 2060 by investing £785 million to develop hydrogen mobility clusters in Northern Ireland and across the UK.”

The project will deliver hydrogen buses, trucks, critical components, and other elements of hydrogen production and distribution while removing more than 25 million tonnes of transport-related CO2 over the lifetime of the project.

Ed Miliband, the UK secretary of state for energy security and net zero, said: “Clean energy can be the source of the jobs of the future ... these new investments and partnerships will deliver new jobs in new industries, boosting our country’s energy independence and economic growth.”  

The UK and Saudi Arabia will also establish a Joint International Institute for Clean Hydrogen, featuring Newcastle University and other British and Saudi universities, to develop state-of-the-art expertise and skills in clean energy.

UK cleantech leader Carbon Clean is also collaborating with Saudi Aramco to develop modular carbon capture technology, creating 2,000 jobs in the UK.

Sustainable Cement Company and Saudi City Cement Company will drive $255 million in sustainable concrete production investment.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia and the UK have deepened their collaboration on sustainable infrastructure through the UK-Saudi Sustainable Infrastructure Summit, held on June 24 in London.

The summit provided a platform for adopting and exchanging knowledge gained from Vision 2030, forming a global model for cooperation in sustainable development.

Building on their 2022 green finance agreement, the summit presented Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions, including reducing carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually by 2030 and increasing renewable energy capacity by 50 percent.

Former Lord Mayor of the City of London Michael Mainelli said that Saudi Arabia is investing more in infrastructure than any other country in the Middle East region, including in 14 new gigaprojects.

He said: “This investment, combined with the City of London’s expertise and leadership in sustainable finance, can set a global template for sustainable development.”

The country’s focus on sectors historically characterized by underinvestment, while addressing global challenges such as energy transition and technological advancement, creates natural synergies for collaboration with UK businesses.

Tourism cooperation between the two countries has seen significant development in recent years, exemplified by the signing of a Joint Statement of Intent between the Saudi Tourism Authority and Visit Britain to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise.

The Kingdom has become a destination for British tourists, hosting more than 165,000 visitors from the UK in the first quarter of 2024 and issuing over 560,000 electronic visas.

The Kingdom and the UK also share strong educational and cultural ties, with approximately 14,000 Saudi students studying in British universities.

The University of Strathclyde plans to become the first British university to establish a branch in the Kingdom in collaboration with Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

As both countries work toward their respective strategic goals, the relationship is expected to strengthen further in other sectors, creating new opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit.

 


Saudi crown prince, Iranian president discuss regional developments

Saudi crown prince, Iranian president discuss regional developments
Updated 04 April 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Iranian president discuss regional developments

Saudi crown prince, Iranian president discuss regional developments

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shared a call with  Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, the Saudi Press Agency reported early on Friday.
During the call, the leaders discussed recent developments in the region and reviewed several issues of mutual concern.


How AI can be leveraged to reduce food loss, improve nutrition, and cut emissions

How AI can be leveraged to reduce food loss, improve nutrition, and cut emissions
Updated 04 April 2025
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How AI can be leveraged to reduce food loss, improve nutrition, and cut emissions

How AI can be leveraged to reduce food loss, improve nutrition, and cut emissions
  • By optimizing food processing at its source, AI is playing a role in reducing emissions and making food production more sustainable
  • Preservation techniques, such as freeze-drying and 3D printing, are being optimized with AI to create long-lasting, nutritious products

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing nearly every industry, and food production is no exception. From precision farming to lab-grown meat, AI is enabling more sustainable, efficient, and innovative ways to feed the world’s growing population.

One of the most promising applications is the use of AI to tackle food loss — one of the biggest challenges facing global food security. Each year, an estimated $1 trillion worth of food is lost before it even reaches consumers due to spoilage, supply chain inefficiencies, and market rejections.

But AI-powered solutions are beginning to change that, helping to extend shelf life, maximize nutritional value, and reduce environmental impact.

At the forefront of this movement is Essence Food, a company that has combined AI, 3D printing, and advanced freeze-drying techniques to transform surplus produce into nutrient-rich, long-lasting food products.

Essence Food's CEO and founder Marcio Barradas explaining the concept of his company at a forum. (Instagram: 3dessencefood)

Led by CEO and founder Marcio Barradas, the company is pioneering a data-driven approach to food preservation, proving that cutting-edge technology can turn food loss into opportunity — benefiting both the planet and public health.

During a 2017 TED talk, Barradas highlighted the crucial difference between food loss and food waste. He explained that food loss occurs early in the supply chain, before products reach consumers, while food waste happens at the consumer level.

The consequences of food loss are significant, leading to a drastic reduction in the volume of food available for consumption. Several factors contribute to this issue, including poor yields, quality inconsistencies, spoilage, and inefficiencies in transportation and storage.

One particularly troubling aspect of food loss is the rejection of perfectly edible fruits and vegetables by retailers due to aesthetic imperfections. This practice results in vast quantities of nutritious food being discarded before it ever reaches a plate.

By integrating AI with the freeze-drying process, Essence Food repurposes surplus and rejected produce that might otherwise go to waste. (Supplied)

Reflecting on his TED talk, Barradas told Arab News: “It was a call to the industry to wake up and stop wasting foods when they can actually monetize them. So it was sort of from trash to cash.”

Despite growing awareness of food loss, Barradas observed that as recently as 2019, no large-scale solutions had been implemented to tackle the problem effectively. Determined to change this, he launched Essence Food, a company dedicated to reducing food loss through advanced technology.

By integrating AI with the freeze-drying process, Essence Food repurposes surplus and rejected produce that might otherwise go to waste. This not only preserves valuable nutrients but also addresses long-term health and environmental concerns associated with food production.

Freeze-drying, unlike other dehydration methods, retains a greater percentage of a food’s original nutrients while significantly improving shelf life and product quality. These advantages make it an ideal technology for tackling food loss on a global scale.

After its initial launch in Spain, Essence Food quickly expanded its footprint in the Middle East, beginning with the UAE and now moving into Saudi Arabia.

Visitors attend a demo of Essence Food at the Gulfood in Dubai. (Supplied)

“We presented it at Gulfood in Dubai, and amazingly, we won as most innovative startup back in 2019,” said Barradas, referring to the company’s 3D-printed products, which have been showcased at the prestigious food industry event.

“This allowed us to expand very fast in the region and start to see how we can optimize all the resources that exist, knowing there is a region that imports the majority of its fruits and vegetables.

“Encouraged by winning that award at Gulfood, what I saw is that in the Middle East, there is an advantage compared to Europe. It’s less bureaucratic. When the decision-makers here believe in something, they will bring it to the front and it will be implemented.”

Although freeze-drying and 3D printing are not new technologies, AI has revolutionized their efficiency. When Barradas founded Essence Food, the company was already “very proactive with machine learning.

“All our data was being stored and analyzed in terms of accelerating the processes, having better decision-making, and also using that machine-learning capacity to really teach our machines.”

As the company worked to develop a more efficient freeze-dryer, AI emerged as the key to optimizing the technique. (Supplied)

As the company worked to develop a more efficient freeze-dryer, AI emerged as the key to optimizing the technique. “Now, the age of AI came really strong in the last two years. So, what we’re doing is a virtual library,” said Barradas.

Every fruit or vegetable that enters Essence Food’s freeze-drying process undergoes rigorous analysis in a laboratory. Strawberries, bananas, tomatoes, beetroot — each ingredient is tested to determine its precise nutritional content.

The data collected is then fed into a virtual AI library, creating a vast database of nutritional insights. This system allows for an unprecedented level of food customization, tailored to individual dietary needs.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Food loss occurs early in the supply chain, often due to spoilage and market rejection, while food waste happens at the consumer level.

• Preservation techniques, such as freeze-drying and 3D printing, are being optimized with AI to create long-lasting, nutritious products.

• By optimizing food processing at its source, AI is playing a role in reducing emissions and making food production more sustainable.

“Having that library connected now with AI, you can only imagine how we can customize food for each individual.”

Barradas envisions a future where AI-driven food technology plays a direct role in preventive healthcare. Through Essence Food’s new smartphone app, users will be able to personalize their nutrition with nutrient-rich foods, including a healthier take on gummy bears.

“If I connect your mobile device, which you use every day, and it knows your steps and habits, everything is stored there. If you connect to this app that we are launching, you’ll be able to have customized gummy bears for the whole week,” he said.

“So, you’ll take two gummy bears a day, or one gummy bear a day, not to cure any disease, but to prevent you from getting any disease.”

Visitors get a taste of samples of Essence Food products at the Gulfood in Dubai. (Supplied)

He believes that modern diets have led to an over-reliance on supplements and pharmaceuticals. “We are only dealing with the consequences, with the symptoms, but we’re not fighting the causes,” he said.

Beyond nutrition, machine learning is also driving new sustainability initiatives within Essence Food’s freeze-drying technology.

One of the company’s most innovative breakthroughs is the recovery of water from fruits during the drying process. This reclaimed water has the potential to support vertical farming and other water-scarce agricultural initiatives.

“There’s something really amazing in this technology,” said Barradas. “It doesn’t need water, but it brings back water. So, any time you freeze-dry in the machine, it gives you potable water that was inside the fruits.”

The implications of this discovery are particularly relevant for regions like Saudi Arabia, where water scarcity is a pressing issue.

Some of the dried fresh fruit products of Essence Food. (Instagram: 3dessencefood)

“If we load the machine with 40 kg of strawberries, we will be removing 35 liters, 32 liters, of potable water,” said Barradas.

This water recovery system can be integrated with vertical farming operations, creating a closed-loop system where food loss is minimized and essential resources are conserved.

“We want to create a synergy with vertical farming, where we recover food losses from these vertical farms in the desert, and with the water that we recover, we create more food,” said Barradas.

“Because Saudi Arabia, being such a vast region, and knowing the region where dates are grown, it will be amazing to bring the technology to the source and not bring the ingredient to Riyadh, for example, to transform it.

“Because the impact of transport and moving fresh ingredients is really big on the planet. We’re looking to go to the source of the ingredient to minimize everything that has to do with CO2 emissions.”
 

 


Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of Israeli raids on Syrian territory

Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of Israeli raids on Syrian territory
Updated 03 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of Israeli raids on Syrian territory

Saudi Arabia leads Arab condemnation of Israeli raids on Syrian territory
  • Kingdom urges Security Council’s permanent members to address violations in Syria and the region
  • Egypt says raids represent flagrant violation of international law
  • Jordan reiterates support for Syria’s security, stability, sovereignty

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has led Arab condemnation of Israeli airstrikes which violated the Syrian Arab Republic’s sovereignty and resulted in dozens of civilian and military casualties.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Israeli raids were “attempts to threaten the security and stability of Syria and the region through violating international laws.”

The Kingdom urged the UN Security Council’s permanent members to firmly address ongoing Israeli violations in Syria and the region, and called for the activation of accountability mechanisms.

Israeli airstrikes overnight targeted five areas in Syria, including the capital Damascus, and Hama Airport. Multiple people were injured while the actions, and a ground incursion, resulted in 13 fatalities.

Since the fall of the Bashar Assad regime in December, Israel has captured areas of Syria’s southern territory in a bid to keep the forces of the new government back from the border.

Egypt said on Thursday that Israeli raids represented a new and flagrant violation of international law. It called on international actors to compel Israel to end its occupation of Syrian territory and to respect the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates reiterated Amman’s support for Syria’s security, stability, and sovereignty. It stressed the need for Israel to adhere to international law and UN resolutions that call for respecting state sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.


Bahrain cabinet minister welcomes new Saudi ambassador in Manama

Hamad bin Faisal Al-Malki (R) and Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi at Gudaibiya Palace in Manama. (Supplied)
Hamad bin Faisal Al-Malki (R) and Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi at Gudaibiya Palace in Manama. (Supplied)
Updated 03 April 2025
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Bahrain cabinet minister welcomes new Saudi ambassador in Manama

Hamad bin Faisal Al-Malki (R) and Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi at Gudaibiya Palace in Manama. (Supplied)
  • Al-Malki highlighted the brotherly relations between the two Gulf kingdoms, describing them as founded on mutual affection

MANAMA: Bahrain’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs Hamad bin Faisal Al-Malki received on Thursday Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed Ambassador Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi at Gudaibiya Palace in Manama.

During the official reception, Al-Malki highlighted the brotherly relations between the two Gulf kingdoms, describing them as founded on mutual affection and deep-rooted historical ties that continued to flourish under the leadership of both nations.

Al-Sudairi expressed his commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing joint initiatives between the two countries.

 

 


Scientific papers submission closes for Riyadh forum

Scientific papers submission closes for Riyadh forum
Updated 03 April 2025
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Scientific papers submission closes for Riyadh forum

Scientific papers submission closes for Riyadh forum
  • The two-day conference, themed “The Global Lexicography Industry: Experiences, Efforts, and Prospects,” continues the academy’s mission of advancing Arabic language research

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language has closed submissions of scientific papers for its fourth annual international conference, set for mid-October in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Under the patronage of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the event will host experts, linguistic academies and organizations from more than 20 countries.

The two-day conference, themed “The Global Lexicography Industry: Experiences, Efforts, and Prospects,” continues the academy’s mission of advancing Arabic language research.

Abdullah Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, said that the conference would aim to foster collaboration between the academy and linguistic institutions worldwide.

It will serve as a platform for experts to share insights, review successful initiatives in lexicography, and explore ways to modernize dictionary development through emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, he added.

The conference will also highlight key Arabic and international projects while facilitating knowledge exchange among linguists, language academies and technology experts.