How the adoption of electric vehicles is driving Saudi Arabia’s green agenda

The shift from traditional combustion engine vehicles to new electric models has accelerated worldwide as companies and consumers opt for greener modes of transport. (Supplied photo)
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Updated 20 April 2024
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How the adoption of electric vehicles is driving Saudi Arabia’s green agenda

  • Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund wants to produce half a million electric vehicles by 2030
  • The Kingdom has installed charging outlets in public areas in Diriyah to encourage EV ownership

RIYADH: Around the world, electric vehicles are already revolutionizing leisure, public transportation and logistics, shrinking the carbon footprint of travel, improving air quality and reducing pollution in the air, on land and in the sea.

As Saudi Arabia embarks on a range of environmental initiatives designed to address the challenges posed by climate change and foster sustainable economic development, EVs have become an important focus area.

The shift from traditional combustion engine vehicles to new electric models has accelerated worldwide as companies and consumers opt for greener modes of transport. Saudi Arabia is no exception.




Saudia, the Kingdom's national flag carrier, has signed an arrangement to acquire 100 electric-powered jets from Lilium, developer of the first all-electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) jet. (Supplied)

The transition from regular cars to electric vehicles in the Kingdom is flourishing. The EV trend has gone beyond personal vehicle ownership, with the proliferation of everything from e-scooters to electric buses.

There are even discussions around whether EV technology will soon be applied to aircraft and perhaps space travel.

Stephen Crolius, former climate adviser at the Clinton Foundation and current president of Carbon-Neutral Consulting, supports the idea of EV ownership due to its environmental benefits.

Although it might still be a challenge to educate the public in some societies about the benefits of transitioning to EVs, Crolius says the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

“For mass transition to occur on any front, there has to be a set of circumstances that cause it to happen,” he told Arab News.

“Through government encouragement, we can continue to build volume (and) cause industries to mature, like, for example, the battery industry, which has done a lot of maturing over the last 15 years … the cost of batteries and the prices of batteries have come down to an extraordinary degree.

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“We are developing renewable generation for electricity. Are we developing fast enough to head off the climate crisis? I don’t know. But compared to new generations of technology getting rolled out, we are deploying a lot of renewable electricity generation, in historical terms, really fast.”

Companies such as CEER and Lucid, which are heavily funded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, are at the forefront of driving growth in Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle industry.

US electric car manufacturer Lucid signed a contract with the PIF two years ago to build a factory in the King Abdullah Economic City on the Red Sea. Today, PIF shares a little over half of the ownership of the group in the Kingdom, and aims to produce almost half a million EVs by 2030.

Since last year, the use of electric vehicles in the Kingdom has expanded to include electric buses as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

Electric buses have zero emissions and therefore significantly reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases in urban areas, especially during the Hajj season, when pilgrims flock to the Kingdom and make use of its mass transit network.

An electric bus service connecting the airport to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah was launched by the region’s governor Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz during the last Hajj season.

DID YOUKNOW

• The Kingdom has invested at least $10 billion in US electric car manufacturer Lucid Motors.

• With 61% of shares, Saudi Arabia is the majority owner of Lucid Group through its Public Investment Fund.

• PIF aims to produce 500,000 EVs annually by 2030.

• In Riyadh, the EV share is targeted to increase by 30% in 2030.

The route connecting the two locations enabled high operational efficiency, with a bus able to travel 250 km on just a single charge.

Electric buses offer a variety of benefits, including reduced noise, improved energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs. In addition, they have a smaller carbon footprint, which is a crucial step toward sustainability.

Saudis committed to protecting the environment have also included EVs in their daily commute, with e-scooters now found in Riyadh and other cities. E-scooters provide an eco-friendly solution to local transport by cutting toxic emissions and lowering noise pollution.

Offering e-scooter services in various locations in Riyadh is a clear sign of the Kingdom’s eagerness to not only set regulations and promote electric vehicles, but also lead society in adopting a positive attitude toward sustainable living.




Gazal's e-scooter services have become a popular option for those traveling specially in crowded places in Riyadh. (Photo courtesy of Gazal)

Furthermore, with advancements in battery technology and the development of charging infrastructure, electric vehicles are becoming a viable option for companies aiming to decarbonize their operations.

For example, in public areas in Diriyah such as Albujairi and At-Turaif, standard wall outlets are available for EV owners to charge their vehicles while enjoying a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site.

As the aviation industry is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions, the concept of electric aircraft may offer a promising solution to global decarbonization.

Three years ago, British automobile maker Rolls-Royce broke records when its “Spirit of Innovation” aircraft reached 628 km per hour, making it the world’s fastest all-electric vehicle.

At the time, Warren East, the company’s then-CEO, said that electric aircraft could make “jet zero” a reality and help decarbonize all forms of transport.

Compared to existing commercial aircraft, which rely on petroleum and synthetic fuel blends, electric planes produce less noise, have lower operating costs and emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases.

However, there are still several obstacles to the widespread adoption of electric aircraft — in particular the sheer expense of adapting the existing infrastructure needed to support their use.

Though governments and private companies worldwide could collaborate and build a comprehensive network of charging stations to meet growing demand, this may burden the economies of some countries.

Nevertheless, the growing importance of electric vehicles beyond cars, such as buses, electric scooters and airplanes, holds great promise for a decarbonized future.




The growing importance of electric vehicles beyond cars, such as buses, electric scooters and airplanes, holds great promise for a decarbonized future. (Shutterstock photo)

Utilizing alternative sources of energy in these areas can change the carbon emissions game for the better, fight air pollution, and pave the way for sustainable transport systems in the Kingdom and around the world.

To realize the full potential of electric vehicles, however, governments and businesses will first have to address challenges such as the provision of sufficient charging infrastructure as well as range limitations in battery technology.

Through continued innovation and investment, electric vehicles will play a key role in creating a greener and more sustainable future.
 

 


Saudi Ministry of Tourism closes 40 facilities in Asir region for various violations

Updated 24 sec ago
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Saudi Ministry of Tourism closes 40 facilities in Asir region for various violations

  • Tourism operators had been warned of heavy penalties if they do business before obtaining the necessary licenses.

ABHA: The Saudi Ministry of Tourism recorded more than 350 violations during its inspection tours of hospitality facilities in the Asir region, closing 40 of them.
It addressed about 270 complaints regarding the services provided in facilities such as hotels and serviced apartments, as part of the Our Guests Are A Priority campaign during the first quarter of 2024.
The ministry’s supervisory teams conducted about 650 supervisory and inspection tours of hospitality facilities.
The tours were part of ongoing efforts to enhance the tourism sector in all regions of the Kingdom, in addition to ensuring the quality of services provided by various types of hospitality facilities to visitors and tourists.
The ministry said it would impose the strictest penalties on those who engaged in activities before obtaining the necessary licenses. It also said it would not be lenient in imposing regulatory penalties on violators, the closure of the facility in question, or both penalties in some cases.


KSRelief mission performs free eye examinations, surgeries in Sri Lankan town

Updated 22 min 34 sec ago
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KSRelief mission performs free eye examinations, surgeries in Sri Lankan town

  • 8-day mission being carried out in cooperation with the International Sight Foundation

COLOMBO: The King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian Aid has successfully carried out at least 200 eye surgeries in its ongoing anti-blindness campaign in the Sri Lankan town of Kattankudy, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Dubbed Saudi Noor Volunteer Program to Combat Blindness, the campaign has also examined at least 2,000 individuals so far.

The campaign, which is being carried out in cooperation with the International Sight Foundation, started May 4 and will conclude on May 11, SPA said.

The Kattankudy mission is just one of the humanitarian and relief projects being carried out by Saudi Arabia's aid agency in various friendly countries worldwide. 

 

 


2 Saudi students among top coding winners in Apple’s Swift Student Challenge

Updated 10 May 2024
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2 Saudi students among top coding winners in Apple’s Swift Student Challenge

  • Afrah bin Jubeir and Jawaher Al-Anzi recently showcased their abilities in Apple’s Swift Student Challenge

RIYADH: Two Saudi students have used their skills in coding and app creation to put social issues under the spotlight.

Afrah bin Jubeir and Jawaher Al-Anzi recently showcased their abilities in Apple’s Swift Student Challenge, where they were named among the top coding winners.

“This challenge offers us a platform to acquire skills that are applicable in the real world, and I am very excited to share the solutions and innovations I developed,” said Jubeir. “It is an opportunity not only to boost my knowledge and skills but also to make a positive impact in the tech community.”

Passionate about the sea and marine life, the 26-year-old created an app called “Fin’s Adventure.” It was developed not only as an entertaining game but also an educational tool to promote awareness of maritime environment matters and the importance of preserving the oceans.

“The game revolves around a fish character named ‘Fin’ who tries to survive in an ocean filled with plastic pieces,” Jubeir told Arab News. “The player will have to help Fin avoid these threats and promote awareness of the importance of keeping the oceans clean.”

The inspiration behind “Fin’s Adventure” came after Jubeir attended a conference where she noticed games had significant capabilities to convey educational messages and raise awareness. 

Afrah bin Jubeir's “Fin’s Adventur.” was developed not only as an entertaining game but also an educational tool to promote awareness of maritime environment matters.

She designed the game to be exciting and educational, introducing players to the negative impacts of plastic pollution and encouraging them to take small steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

“Owing to its fun and interactive delivery method, the game attracts both kids and adults, making it an effective tool that contributes to changing behaviors in the long run,” she said.

Jubeir began her vocational training in September 2023 when she joined the Apple Developer Academy. A nine-month program enhanced her software skills and understanding of advanced technologies, before she decided to apply to the Swift Student Challenge.

She said other students considering an application should ensure they understood the necessary requirements first. They should start with a unique idea addressing a specific problem, before going on to develop a seamless design and attractive user experience.

“Ask for feedback from your friends and acquaintances to improve your project and remember that any challenge you face is an opportunity to learn and progress. Even if you don’t win, the opportunity itself adds to your experiences and teaches you,” she said.

Al-Anzi, a 27-year-old from Riyadh, competed against 350 other students from 35 countries and was named one of 50 Distinguished Winners in the challenge.

Her app, “My Child,” aims to help children with speech impediments and was inspired by her own story.

Jawaher Al-Anzi's app, “My Child,” aims to help children with speech impediments. 

As a child, following the death of her grandfather, she developed a stutter. She eventually overcame it and, years later, began training at the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh.

“It took around a month to build the application, from coming up with the idea to executing it,” she told Arab News.

“The application will contribute to solving stuttering among all members of the community of different ages. Hopefully, in the near future, it will be available for download on the App Store.”

She said her experience of participating in the Apple competition paved the way for her app creation.

“It’s an opportunity to create an application and learn how to build projects and new techniques, in addition to creating an application that contributes to helping society as a whole.”

Asked what advice she would give others hoping to follow in her footsteps, she said it would be the same advice that was given in the Apple academy: “Everyone can code.”
 


EU ambassador holds Europe Day celebration in Riyadh 

Updated 09 May 2024
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EU ambassador holds Europe Day celebration in Riyadh 

  • Attending as guest of honor was Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El Khereiji

RIYADH: Christophe Farnaud, the EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman, marked his first Europe Day celebration in the Kingdom, inviting fellow European nation ambassadors, Saudi foreign affairs officials, and friends of the embassy to celebrate the occasion in his residence in the diplomatic quarter.  

“There is a very dynamic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the European Union,” Farnaud told Arab News.

He added: “It’s political, economic, and it’s also cultural, and since the Kingdom is in the process of this very impressive, this very spectacular transformation, it is important for us as Europeans to be present because we have strong relationships.” 

Attending as guest of honor was Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El Khereiji.

Discussing Saudi-EU ties, Farnaud said: “I think it is important that we do more, and I think that the challenges of the world now, which are pandemics, economic transitions ... but also the globalization which is going on, it needs countries to have partners, reliable partners people that you know, that you can trust, and which whom you can bring solutions.

“For me as European ambassador, it is key to build on that with Saudi Arabia because I think the potential of this country is enormous and I am glad that people enjoyed tonight because it’s a good sign for the relations.” 

To open the Europe Day celebration, the ambassador gave his opening remarks highlighting the bilateral ties between not only Saudi Arabia and the EU but also the wider GCC region. 

Farnaud noted the multiple visits of EU officials to the region, including Josep Borrell, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, and vice president of the European Commission to the Kingdom.

“Regular exchanges foster a useful dialogue. Last January, the European Union and the GCC held their first regional security dialogue followed by a high-level forum on regional security and cooperation at a ministerial level last month in Luxembourg.  

“These exchanges reflecting common views and interests for the most part are indispensable. We must work together to contribute to lasting solutions,” he said. 

Europe Day is celebrated annually on May 9 in all EU member states to mark the Schuman Declaration of May 9, 1950, by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman which laid the foundations for the modern-day EU. 

Saudi Arabia and the EU have maintained strong relations over the decades, and developed cooperation in key strategic areas and sectors. 

Farnaud also highlighted Saudi Arabia and the EU’s strong trade relations, saying that the EU is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner.

Within the same day of the national day celebrations, the European Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia held its inauguration with guests including Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, assistant minister of investment; and Luigi Di Maio, EU special representative for the Gulf.


Saudi foreign minister receives letter from counterpart in Belarus on developing ties

Updated 09 May 2024
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Saudi foreign minister receives letter from counterpart in Belarus on developing ties

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan has received a written message from Sergei Aleinik, his counterpart in Belarus, regarding bilateral relations between the countries and ways to support and enhance them.

The message was received by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji during a meeting in Riyadh with his opposite number in Belarus Evgeny Shestakov, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The parties discussed ways to strengthen relations, along with regional and international developments.