CAIRO: Egypt will allow stretches of land in the southern Sinai to be used for Saudi Arabia’s planned megacity Neom project announced by the Kingdom last October.
The agreement forms part of a $10 billion joint investment fund the two countries signed during the visit to Cairo this week by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to a Saudi official.
The size of the committed land is said to be more than 1,000 square kilometers.
Saudi Arabia’s 26,500-square-kilometer Neom project is to focus on industries including water and energy, food, media, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and entertainment.
It forms part of the country’s Vision 2030 growth strategy which aims to diversify the country away from its reliance on oil.
The project will run along the coast of the Red Sea as well as the Gulf of Aqaba. Its borders will extend across Egyptian and Jordanian borders, making it the first private economic zone to span three countries.
The megacity project plans to pioneer the latest technologies including automated driving, passenger drones, the use of robots and developing new ways of growing and processing food.
The project is expected to attract more than $500 billon of investment from the Saudi government, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) and international investors. Neom’s contribution to the Kingdom’s GDP is projected to reach $100 billion.
As part of the newly signed Egypt-Saudi joint venture, Saudi Arabia is to build seven cities and tourism projects, while Egypt will focus on developing the existing resorts of Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada.
Saudi Arabia is said to be working with Egypt and Jordan on attracting more European cruise and tourism companies active in the Mediterranean to consider operating in the Red Sea as well. An official said the Kingdom was currently negotiating with more than seven tourism-related operators.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia also signed an agreement during the Crown Prince’s visit to protect the marine environment and to maintain coral reefs and beaches in the Red Sea area.
Separately, Saudi Arabia announced last August it was planning to develop 50 luxury resorts on islands and other sites on the Red Sea, backed by PIF. Construction of this development is expected to start in 2019 and be completed in 2022, according to state news agency reports.
The Crown Prince arrived in Cairo on Sunday, meeting with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to discuss future cooperation in tackling terrorism and regional insecurity as well as how to strength business ties between the two countries.
The crown prince also met with Egypt’s Coptic Pope Tawadros II in the first such visit by a Saudi official to the spiritual center of the country’s Orthodox Christian community. He also met Egypt’s top Islamic official, Ahmad Al-Tayyeb, and saw a performance at the Cairo Opera.
Prince Mohammed is scheduled to arrive in the UK on Wednesday to meet British government officials.
Egypt signs $10bn deal with Saudi Arabia to support Neom project
Egypt signs $10bn deal with Saudi Arabia to support Neom project
Saudi minister in China to explore education, research cooperation
- New agreements focus on scholarships, Chinese language programs, curriculum development
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan met leaders from various universities, institutes and research centers in China, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
He was accompanied by Saudi Ambassador to China Abdulrahman Al-Harbi and Ministry of Education Undersecretary for International Cooperation Nasser Al-Aqeeli.
The meeting, part of the minister’s visit to Beijing, aimed to explore new avenues for cooperation to enhance the educational and research systems in both countries.
The minister discussed promising investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s public and private education sectors through the “Invest Saudi” platform.
The meeting also highlighted the Saudi government’s scholarship program for Chinese students via the “Study in Saudi” platform, along with efforts to expand admission opportunities for Saudi scholarship recipients in Chinese graduate programs.
The Saudi and Chinese education ministries signed two memoranda of cooperation to exchange expertise in advanced curricula and provide scholarship programs for Saudi students in China.
One memorandum secures seats for Saudi students in top Chinese universities, enhances scholarship programs, and increases opportunities for Saudi students in high-demand fields. The China Scholarship Council represented the Chinese Ministry of Education in the signing.
The second memorandum, signed with the Chinese ministry’s Center for Language Education and Cooperation, introduces Chinese language education in Saudi public schools starting this academic year. Experts from both nations will collaborate to develop a comprehensive curriculum.
The Saudi minister also met Chinese counterpart Huai Jinpeng to discuss enhancing cooperation in general and higher education, exploring new opportunities, and exchanging expertise.
The meeting reviewed expanding partnerships between Saudi and Chinese universities and research centers in scientific research, graduate studies, scholarships, and medical education and training.
They explored investment opportunities for Chinese investors in the Saudi education sector, along with key opportunities in Chinese language education, e-learning, research, and innovation.
Indian PM Modi lands in Jeddah on two-day official visit
JEDDAH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Jeddah on Tuesday as he embarks on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia.
Modi’s plane was escorted by Saudi Royal fighter as it entered Saudi airspace, Indian newspapers reported.
This is Modi’s third trip to Saudi Arabia overall following visits in 2016 and 2019.
The prime minister was invited by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman.
The visit is expected to see several memorandums of understanding being signed.
$37m water projects boost Diriyah supply
RIYADH: The National Water Co. has completed two major water supply projects in Diriyah governorate, Riyadh, at a cost of more than SR140 million ($37 million).
It is part of efforts to enhance water and environmental infrastructure, and expand service coverage, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The projects, covering more than 26 km, will boost supply to Diriyah and nearby Riyadh districts, including Hittin, Al-Nakheel and Al-Khuzama, while also supporting the Diriyah Gate project.
They will add 146,000 cubic meters of water per day to the network, improving operational efficiency, expanding coverage and enhancing service quality.
It aligns with strategic plans aimed at supporting urban growth, ensuring water sustainability and improving infrastructure efficiency to the highest standards, the SPA reported.
The company highlighted its commitment to reliable services, sustainability and improving quality of life in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Riyadh to host falconry, hunting expo in October
- This prominent global event brings together falconry and hunting enthusiasts
- The exhibition highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural heritage
RIYADH: The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition will take place in Riyadh from Oct. 2–11, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This prominent global event brings together falconry and hunting enthusiasts from around the world at the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of the capital.
The exhibition highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cultural heritage by showcasing the significance of falconry, promoting environmental awareness, and encouraging economic contributions.
It blends tradition and innovation, featuring the latest global practices, technologies, and specialized equipment, along with unique auctions.
Each year, the event offers exceptional visitor experiences through interactive activities and tourism events focused on hunting, off-roading, and camping — inviting exploration of the Kingdom’s unique environment, biodiversity, and wildlife.
The 2024 edition attracted more than 640,000 visitors and 1,210 exhibitors from 45 countries, the SPA reported.
This underscores its status as a major international event supporting national heritage, the events sector, and Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for falconry and sustainable hunting.
Earth Day in AlUla to connect nature, community at Arch Rock
- Bilal Fahad: “Arch Rock was chosen because it’s a significant landmark in AlUla, and its setting perfectly aligns with the Earth Day theme and the nature of the experience”
JEDDAH: In the heart of AlUla, a Saudi community platform, Motnfs, is hosting an Earth Day event on April 22 at the iconic Rainbow Rock, also known as Arch Rock.
The 2025 theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlights the vital role of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind in creating a cleaner, greener future.
The experience in AlUla is designed to deepen connections with nature, foster social bonds, and promote environmental awareness in a fun and engaging setting.
FASTFACT
The 2025 Earth Day theme, ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ highlights the vital role of renewable energy sources in creating a cleaner, greener future.
Bilal Fahad, founder and experience designer at Motnfs, said: “We decided to align the initiative with the Earth Day 2025 theme through an experience that practically incentivizes teamwork despite the diversity of the participants in a way that raises environmental awareness, creating an environment that encourages the adoption of sustainable eco-friendly habits that reflect our common strength to protect the planet and reflect on this year’s Earth Day theme.”
Rainbow Rock earns its name from its distinctive shape. It resembles an arch or rainbow flanked by two cloud-like formations. The site’s surreal beauty, paired with AlUla’s minimal light pollution, makes it a prime destination for camping and stargazing under crystal-clear skies.
“Arch Rock was chosen because it’s a significant landmark in AlUla, and its setting perfectly aligns with the Earth Day theme and the nature of the experience,” Fahad added.
Earth Day, marked globally on April 22 since 1970, unites more than 1 billion people across 193 countries to advance environmental protection. Initiatives like tree planting and sustainability workshops highlight collective efforts to combat climate change, preserve biodiversity and reduce waste.
The core of the Earth Day event in AlUla is a community clean-up designed to raise awareness about environmental care and promote a shared sense of responsibility for preserving natural spaces.
“Success is measured by the area cleaned and the level of participant engagement during the activity,” said Salman Al-Kanani, co-founder and social media manager at Motnfs.
Motnfs encourages environmental consciousness not only during Earth Day, but also throughout its activities.
“We design experiences in an innovative way that instills a sense of environmental responsibility in participants. This is what characterizes our experiences — redefining people’s connection with nature and bringing themselves away from the pressures of modern life,” said Batool Al-Humaidi, co-founder and public relations lead.
The Earth Day event includes a treasure hunt, blending fun with environmental education.
“The experience is centered around a treasure hunt, where the real treasure is the earth we live on and the participants themselves — highlighting that with the right practices, they are true treasures of our treasure earth,” added Al-Humaidi.
Another key moment of the day will be stargazing, which Fahad believes is a powerful way to connect with the environment.
“The astronomy guide leads participants through a journey of the night sky, sharing stories and facts that spark awe and awareness. By looking up, we’re reminded of our place in the universe and the importance of protecting our planet, tying back to Earth Day’s message of care and responsibility,” Fahad said.
Motnfs operates in Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla, with plans to expand to more destinations within and beyond the Kingdom.
