JEDDAH: “I love difficult; you tell me this is the most difficult choice, I go for it.”
“In high school, I was told that King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) is the toughest in the country, that is why I am a KFUPM graduate.
“Then at university, I was told that electrical engineering is the most difficult major. This is why I am an electrical engineer.”
This is how Moosa Al-Rasheedi, CEO and co-founder of Aqar, the app listing land and property in Saudi Arabia, described his motivation to succeed.
After working in the oil industry, Al-Rasheedi became interested in information technology. “My interest in IT was motivated by my childhood friend, Yousef, who founded the country’s pioneering classified ads startup @haraj and also by my early positions at work as an automation engineer,” Al-Rasheedi said.
He was told that as the Saudi real estate market was very random, it was impossible to make it organized and that many big players had failed in their attempts to improve the situation. He kept this new challenge in mind while he went to the US to pursue his master’s degree in electrical engineering.
Once in the US, Al-Rasheedi needed to find an apartment near the campus. “I went through a couple of websites and apps that were in their early stages. Although I did not find what I wanted online, one idea stuck in my mind — placing the real estate listings based on their geographical position using mature apps such as Google Maps.
“A few months later, when Yousef visited me in the US, that was the real beginning. We discussed the idea along with a few others. That was in 2013 where the market still needed a lot of ideas. Eventually, we decided to go for Aqar, which means real estate in Arabic.”
The two friends set about gathering the team they would need to start up the venture and Moosa quit his job to begin developing Aqar alongside the new team.
The journey was challenging, not least because he had left a successful career. There was social pressure as many people found it difficult to understand why a qualified engineer would leave a good job to work full time to start up an app.
He made a big commitment to starting up the company in terms of time and money, but at times, the pressure got to him, and even he started to wonder whether he had taken on too big a challenge.
“There were times when I applied for other jobs feeling it’s time to quit, especially when I heard rumors about investors who failed after investing SR250 million ($66 million) on the same business concept.”
After all, the real estate market and application development market had seen a few trials in this field, which made it difficult to sustain the belief that @aqarapp could be successful.
But despite this pressure, the development phase faced no technical difficulties, something that he attributes to the great team that they had carefully selected.
“The main lesson I learned from Aqar is that in every business journey, you have to pass through the following stations: Dreams, how to take the first step, a long wait where you need to adjust, going through constant ups and downs, and finally success.”
The Aqar app has changed the real estate market in the Kingdom. Realtors in Saudi Arabia no longer have to rely on traditional marketing avenues to promote locations, villas and apartments. As a result, 30,000 realtors have been able to use the app.
Putting Saudi real estate on the map
Putting Saudi real estate on the map
- Realtors in Saudi Arabia no longer have to rely on traditional marketing avenues to promote locations, villas and apartments
- The Aqar app has changed the real estate market in the Kingdom
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Shared vision meets ambition as French President Macron begins Saudi Arabia state visit
- Visit to advance common goal of enhancing cooperation across various sectors in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030
- Schedule includes high-level meetings, a visit to Riyadh Metro, Saudi-French Economic Forum and cultural stops in Diriyah and AlUla
RIYADH: French President Emmanuel Macron’s arrival in Riyadh for a three-day state visit is a testament to the deepening ties between France and Saudi Arabia. His visit, which follows an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reflects the shared ambition to enhance cooperation across various sectors and to align with Saudi Vision 2030 and France 2030.
The state visit underscores a partnership rooted in mutual respect and long-term collaboration. It is the latest of several high-profile exchanges, including Macron’s Gulf tour in December 2021, which concluded in Jeddah, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Paris in June 2023, accompanied by a ministerial delegation. These meetings set the stage for France’s endorsement of Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host Expo 2030, marking a milestone in bilateral relations.
Macron’s schedule includes high-level meetings, a visit to Riyadh Metro, the Saudi-French Economic Forum and cultural stops in Diriyah and AlUla. Elysee Palace views Saudi Arabia’s ongoing modernization and reforms as vital to the strengthening of the Kingdom’s position as a central player in a more interconnected Middle East. Accordingly, it supports Saudi bids for major global events, such as hosting Expo 2030, 2034 football World Cup and Winter Olympics, considering them as opportunities for deeper cooperation.
The historical relationship between the two nations predates the Kingdom’s establishment. France opened its first consulate in 1830 in Jeddah in a part of the Arabian Peninsula that would later emerge as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It was also one of the first countries to recognize Saudi Arabia as a sovereign state in 1926. Nearly a century later, the two countries share common values in international relations, including sovereignty, non-interference and respect for international law.
This partnership has evolved to address contemporary challenges. At the Summit for a New Global Financial Compact in June 2023, Saudi Arabia and France emphasized the need for an inclusive financial system to combat inequality, fund green transitions and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Their shared vision highlights the alignment of priorities between the two leaders, united in their commitment to development and innovation.
Through the centuries, France has positioned itself as a global power in defense, energy, engineering, diplomacy, art and culture. But modern France is also undergoing a transformation aimed at adapting its economy to new emerging industries, collectively termed the Fourth Industrial Revolution, empowering its youth, and addressing climate-related challenges.
This transformation into a greener, more technology-driven economy aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions under Vision 2030. Both countries have prioritized clean energy, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a significant player in renewable energy. Its investments in solar, wind, and hydro projects are matched by its leadership in the circular carbon economy, all key pillars of its Saudi Green and Middle East Green Initiatives. These initiatives resonate with France’s own climate goals, fostering a natural synergy between the two nations.
FASTFACTS
• The number of French companies operating in Saudi Arabia has increased by more than 43% since 2020.
• French investors in KSA: Air Liquide, Airbus, Alstom, Crédit Agricole, L’Oréal, Sanofi Aventis, Thales, Total and Veolia.
Economic collaboration continues to flourish. French companies are integral to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts, spanning sectors such as energy, healthcare, retail and tourism. Organizations like Business France and the Saudi-French Business Council play pivotal roles in facilitating trade and investment. Initiatives like Vision Golfe, an annual gathering of French and Gulf Cooperation Council ministers, entrepreneurs and executives, further cement this partnership through dialogue and innovation by offering a platform to promote business cooperation in markets with high growth potential.
Security and stability remain central to this relationship, particularly in addressing global challenges such as the Ukraine conflict. France has sought Saudi support in navigating the war’s human and economic repercussions and its impact on global supply chains. Energy security has also emerged as a focal point, with Saudi Arabia supplying hydrocarbons to Europe while advancing its role as a clean energy provider and one of the world’s biggest investors in renewables like solar, wind and hydro.
Saudi Arabia’s investments in renewable energy resources are part of a broader environmental strategy, being implemented as part of Vision 2030, Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, as well as the Kingdom’s adoption of the circular carbon economy
Regional developments will also likely figure prominently in the discussions during Macron’s visit, particularly regarding Lebanon, which remains without a president after more than two years of political paralysis.
Saudi Arabia and France have both played roles in seeking solutions to Lebanon’s crises, so any initiatives taken by them in the wake of the devastating monthslong conflict between Israel and the military wing of Hezbollah will be eagerly awaited. Partnership and consultation with Saudi Arabia are viewed by France as crucial to restoring order to the chaos in Lebanon.
With regard to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Elysee Palace is pushing for a ceasefire, release of hostages and humanitarian protections in Gaza. To this end, it has emphasized the importance of Saudi contributions through the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to advance a two-state solution for Palestine.
In addition to these pressing issues, Macron’s visit coincides with Saudi Arabia hosting COP16, a global platform addressing desertification under the theme “Our Land. Our Future.” Alongside this, he will attend the One Water Summit, co-chaired by France and Kazakhstan, which aims to address water resource management challenges in the face of climate change. These events underscore the commitment of both nations to environmental sustainability, a cornerstone of their partnership.
The relationship between Saudi Arabia and France is of course not limited to defense, business and energy transition. Cultural collaboration also forms a significant part of the Franco-Saudi relationship. Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, from AlUla to Diriyah and the Sarawat Mountains, offers a canvas for joint initiatives. At the heart of this is Villa Hegra, a cultural institution in AlUla, the ancient Saudi city, established through an intergovernmental agreement in 2021.
Villa Hegra was officially established following an intergovernmental agreement signed on Dec. 4, 2021, by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud and Jean-Yves Le Drian, the then French minister of foreign affairs and current president of Afalula, the French agency for the development of AlAula. Villa Hegra serves as an incubator for artists and creators, fostering dialogue and collaboration while exploring the socio-economic impact of cultural projects on local communities.
The duality of Villa Hegra, blending Saudi and French influences, mirrors the broader partnership between the two nations. Macron’s anticipated visit to AlUla will underscore the significance of these cultural ties and highlight Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a regional hub for art and heritage. This emphasis on culture complements the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy, attract global talent and position itself as a tourism and investment destination.
Amid these developments, the relationship between France and Saudi Arabia remains firmly anchored in mutual respect and shared goals. Macron’s visit offers an opportunity to build on a foundation that spans nearly two centuries, reinforcing partnerships in defense, energy, culture and economic development. The discussions in Riyadh will likely set the tone for future collaborations, as both nations continue to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape.
After Macron concludes his stay, the focus will shift to the outcomes of this visit, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, fintech and cybersecurity. France’s upcoming AI Action Summit in February 2025 presents another opportunity to align technological ambitions, ensuring that the partnership remains dynamic and forward-looking. Whether in addressing global challenges or celebrating shared heritage, the relationship between France and Saudi Arabia stands as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration.
KSrelief distributes clothing vouchers, shelter kits to hundreds in Lebanon, Afghanistan
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has distributed hundreds of vouchers across Lebanon to those most in need to buy winter clothing, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
KSrelief gave out 455 vouchers in Miniyeh district, and 420 in the Beirut and Akkar governorates, to orphans and people with special needs. The vouchers enable people to buy winter clothing from approved stores.
The agency also distributed 164 shelter bags in Afghanistan, benefiting 984 people as part of a shelter project for people returning from Pakistan and those affected by this year’s floods.
Saudi envoy attends Palestine solidarity event at Arab League HQ in Cairo
- Organization’s secretary-general: Israel making life for Palestinians ‘impossible’
- International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People organized by UN since 1977
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the Arab League, Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Matar, attended an event marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at the organization’s headquarters in Cairo on Sunday.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, also attended, as did Saeed Abu Ali, an assistant on the Palestinian issue to Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, among other Arab ministers and officials.
They confirmed full solidarity with the Palestinian people’s struggle to achieve their legitimate rights of freedom and independence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Aboul Gheit said Israeli actions in the Occupied Territories aim “at ending the Palestinian presence, liquidating the project of the Palestinian state, and forced displacement, by making the life of Palestinian society ... impossible.”
The Arab League honored UNRWA during a ceremony for its vital work in delivering aid and securing shelter for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People has been organized by the UN since 1977.
Events worldwide, including at the UN headquarters in New York, are planned yearly on Nov. 29.
Right on track: Riyadh Metro commuters on board with excitement
- Arab News speaks to commuters at King Abdullah Financial District Station
RIYADH: The Saudi capital is ending the year on a high as Riyadh Metro trains officially began running on Dec. 1.
Stations were buzzing with excitement across the blue, yellow, and purple lines as commuters celebrated the opening of a project which was 12 years in the making.
At the King Abdullah Financial District Station, which connects all three lines, Saudis, residents, and tourists spoke to Arab News about their eagerness to try out the city’s new mode of transportation.
Khalid Alohari, who was en route to visit his grandmother, told Arab News: “I live in the north, near to the KAFD Station, and my grandma is in the far east, so going by car was always a hassle. Now the metro will make visiting her so much easier. The experience is just phenomenal. I’ve been waiting for this.”
As a medical student at King Saud University, he was eligible for a 50 percent discount on all fares. He plans to use the metro system regularly to attend classes.
He added: “A month (of) using public transport, the metro, the buses, the supplementary cars, for just SR70 ($18) for a student, it’s just something we didn’t imagine could happen. I have a station close to my home. I’m going to take it to the university, and use it for the commute.
“As a medical student, I can use the 30-40 minutes of the commute to study, and it will also have a positive impact on my grades. It’s a win-win for everyone basically.”
He said that the metro will play a crucial role in reducing the growing traffic problem in Saudi Arabia, while also making transportation a greener experience as the system runs primarily on electrical energy rather than oil combustion.
Tourists Greg and Emma Turra were visiting Riyadh from Australia. Unsure how to spend their last day in the city, they decided to hop on the train to see where it took them. They were surprised to learn that the special day was the first they could have accessed the mass transit system.
Greg told Arab News: “We were just looking at a bit of time to waste on our last six hours, and what better way than doing this? It’s not every day you ride a train on its opening day.”
They started their journey from Alinma Bank Station on the blue line and made it to KAFD.
Emma said: “The first thing we saw was that it was brand new, modern, futuristic, and the architectural brilliance of it, really, is quite special.
“Everyone was so excited to be traveling on it — we couldn’t believe that. That’s how we realized that it was obviously the first day.”
She added that the system could be an attraction for tourists as the city’s traffic has been a well-known problem for tourists.
She added: “Before I came to Riyadh I was told the traffic was a nightmare. And when we arrived, we took close to two hours to get to our hotel. This line goes to the airport so that might be another option for people.”
Ameera Alrumaih, a student at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, told Arab News: “I've been thinking about this project for forever.
“I’ve been seeing it being built near our house. Every outing we have, I always see the metro. I’ve been excited for forever to try it.”
Alrumaih and her friend hopped on the train from the university to grab breakfast at KAFD, and headed back to continue their classes.
Alrumaih said: “We traveled from our university to KAFD in less than 10 minutes, which is so much easier, especially for me. I think I would use it. I live in the east so from east to east I’ll still use my car, but from east to north I think I’ll use the metro.
“I’ve tried the metro in Istanbul and London. I think (in Riyadh) it is much clearer, much nicer and well-lit.”
Commuter Osama Alharbi arrived at KAFD Station from Khurais Road with a sense of pride, and said: “It was so easy to come here. It’s around 15 or 20 minutes around this time but if you take a car from my house to KAFD, maybe an hour.
“When I came to the train station the support was so amazing. The (station managers and assistants) came up to the door to bring me to the ticket (machine) and tell me about the prices.”
The only issue he noted was that there was no clear direction between the standard and first-class sections so travelers could easily hop in any of the cars.
Saudi crown prince arrives in UAE on private visit
- Prince Mohammed was greeted by the UAE’s president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on arrival
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in the UAE on Sunday on a private visit, Saudi Press Agency reported.
He was greeted by the country’s president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on arrival.
Earlier on Sunday, the crown prince participated in a Gulf Cooperation Council summit held in Kuwait.
