Energy, investment and sustainability on the agenda at Saudi-Russian forum

More than 400 delegates attended the Saudi-Russian CEO Forum in Riyadh on Monday. (SPA)
Updated 15 October 2019
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Energy, investment and sustainability on the agenda at Saudi-Russian forum

  • Saudi Arabia’s economy one of the strongest and fastest growing among G20 countries, says minister

RIYADH: A Saudi-Russian business forum aimed at boosting investment opportunities between the two countries was held on Monday to coincide with President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to the Kingdom.
The gathering in Riyadh resulted in the signing of 17 memorandums of understanding (MoU) and the granting of four investment licenses covering a range of industry sectors.
The Saudi-Russian CEOs’ forum was organized by the Saudi Center for International Strategic Partnerships, in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
More than 400 delegates attended the event representing the Saudi and Russian ministries of energy, commerce and investment, environment, water and agriculture along with public and private bodies from both sides.
The forum discussed a number of vital topics such as the future of energy, solutions for its sustainability, ongoing and upcoming investments between the two countries, joint opportunities for cooperation, as well as agricultural sustainability and global food security.
Energy minister and chairman of the Saudi-Russian joint committee, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman, stressed the importance of Saudi-Russian relations and common interests, and said the desire to boost cooperation by the leaderships of both countries had culminated in the exchange visits of King Salman and Putin.
He said that both countries were working toward achieving the strategic aspirations and goals of the Vision 2030 and Russian strategic development plans, along with the expansion of cooperation from the energy industry to all developmental, economic and financial sectors.
The prince noted that the partnership between the two countries was focused through the Saudi-Russian committee on the oil industry, other energy sectors, scientific research, space, health services, fiscal administration, mineral wealth, tourism, the aviation industry, cultural cooperation and strengthening trade relations in the diplomatic framework and others.
Minister of Commerce and Investment Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qassabi said that relations between the Kingdom and Russia were solid and stressed the importance of the CEOs’ forum and the topics under discussion.
He added that the Saudi economy was one of the strongest and fastest growing among the G20 countries and noted that the Kingdom provided valuable investment opportunities for Russian investors to start their work in the Saudi market.

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Energy Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman said that both Saudi Arabia and Russia are working toward achieving the strategic aspirations and goals of Vision 2030 and Russian strategic development plans, along with the expansion of cooperation from the energy industry to all economic and financial sectors.

The minister pointed out that the forum provided a platform to discover new avenues for investment between the two nations and enhance existing cooperation.
In addition, Al-Qassabi said the gathering offered a chance to gain deeper knowledge about the two countries’ cultures, which in turn would help toward building a promising global economic future.
In a session on agricultural sustainability and food security, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli said that there were clear opportunities for Saudi-Russian partnerships in the area of agriculture and food security, especially due to the Kingdom’s geographic location linking it to many continents. He noted that both countries had the necessary elements for success in this area.
Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the RDIF, said: “The unprecedented visit of the high-level Russian delegation to the Kingdom is within the context of the Russian president’s visit to discuss the most important global and common topics between both countries.”
He noted that both sides were looking for prospects of cooperation in the sector of energy, and bilateral investments in projects ranging from technology to food security.
Seventeen MoUs were signed between Saudi and Russian bodies in targeted sectors such as technology, petrochemicals, transport, logistic services, energy, financial services and space.
Russian organizations involved included the RDIF, Gazprom, as well as Chelyabinsk, Russian Railways, electrical equipment supplier Izolyator, the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, and the Russian Institute for Energy and Finance.
During the forum, SAGIA granted four investment licenses to Saudi and Russian bodies operating in construction and real estate development, information and communication technologies, financial consulting and architecture.
The investments are in line with the Kingdom’s economic reforms aimed at attracting quality funding into Saudi markets.
SAGIA recently announced the issuing of 291 foreign investment licenses during the second quarter of 2019, more than double on the same period in 2018 and a 103 percent increase on the first quarter of 2019.


Saudi transport chief elected MENA president of global body

Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi transport chief elected MENA president of global body

  • Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih was selected in a vote during the International Association of Public Transport’s summit in Hamburg
  • Al-Rumaih was selected for his expertise in developing modern transport systems, leading national projects and representing Saudi Arabia in international forums

RIYADH: The acting president of Saudi Arabia’s Public Transport Authority has been elected president of the International Association of Public Transport for the MENA region.

Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih was selected in a vote during the association’s summit in Hamburg, Germany, this week. He will occupy the role until 2028.

Al-Rumaih was selected for his expertise in developing modern transport systems, leading national projects and representing Saudi Arabia in international forums, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Having previously served as CEO of the Saudi Railway Company and president of the Transport General Authority, Al-Rumaih has a track record of working to improve the sustainability and quality of transport in urban settings.

“I am delighted to be with you today, and to start this new phase of work with a distinguished team that brings together a number of leaders and professionals,” he said during the conference.

“I believe that public transport is not just about infrastructure, but about experience, justice, accessibility, and sustainability.

Al-Rumaih highlighted the success of the Riyadh Metro system, which became fully operational earlier this year.

He said that the metro is witnessing high rates of usage and is changing commuter behavior in the capital.

“When we provide appropriate transportation services that are clean, safe, accessible, and reliable, people respond to and adapt to them,” he said.

Al-Rumaih also spoke about how building sustainable and people-centered transport systems requires collaboration between governments, operators, the private sector, and civil society.

“The International Association of Public Transport has always been a driver of this collaboration and will grow in importance in the years to come.”

Al-Rumaih also highlighted the findings of the MENA Transport Report 2025, which assessed trends in the industry in 40 cities across 14 countries in the region.


Saudi Arabia displays cultural depth at Seoul, Beijing book fairs

Updated 19 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia displays cultural depth at Seoul, Beijing book fairs

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, led by the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, is taking part in the Seoul International Book Fair and the Beijing International Book Fair, both being held from June 18 to 22.

The Kingdom inaugurated its pavilion at the Seoul International Book Fair 2025 on Wednesday at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center in the South Korean capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Commission CEO Abdullatif Abdulaziz Al-Wasel said Saudi Arabia’s participation reflects its growing presence in global cultural events.

He said the initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering partnerships with international publishing houses and building cultural bridges.

The Saudi delegation includes representatives from the King Abdulaziz Public Library, King Fahd National Library, the Publishing Association, and local publishing houses, as well as the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, and Nashir publishing and distribution company.

KSGAAL Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Washmi said the fair provides a platform for engaging with those interested in the Arabic language and culture. It also offers an opportunity to underscore Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support the Arabic language and promote its use in academic and technical fields.

The academy is presenting a selection of its latest publications and introducing visitors to its digital platforms and initiatives for teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, compiling dictionaries, and developing linguistic resources to support Arabic digital content.

The Saudi pavilion is also at the Beijing International Book Fair 2025, which kicked off at the China National Convention and Exhibition Center on Wednesday.

The book fair is part of 2025 being celebrated as Saudi-Chinese Cultural Year, reflecting the strength of bilateral relations built on decades of friendship and cooperation and embodying both countries’ aspirations to enhance cultural and intellectual exchanges between their peoples.

During the five-day book fair, the Saudi pavilion presents a diverse literary and cultural program that reflects the growing momentum of the Saudi cultural scene, displaying the Kingdom’s evolving creative and intellectual landscape.

The pavilion reflects a spirit of cultural dialogue and openness, making the exhibition a key international platform to present Saudi initiatives in the book sector while deepening literary and cultural relations with intellectual figures and global publishing houses.


Saudi fashion showcased in Selfridges

Updated 18 June 2025
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Saudi fashion showcased in Selfridges

  • London store to host designs by Kingdom’s rising stars

RIYADH: The Saudi Fashion Commission has teamed up with the Cultural Development Fund and British high-end department store Selfridges to showcase some of the Kingdom’s leading stylists.

Selected labels from the Saudi 100 Brands program and CDF beneficiaries, all of which blend modern Saudi aesthetics with innovative design techniques, will be on display at the store in London for the next two months, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The commission’s CEO Burak Cakmak said: “This is more than retail, it marks a new era for Saudi fashion, from Riyadh to London.”

The Saudi 100 Brands program supported designers in refining their craft and building global business opportunities, he said.

The partnership with Selfridges represents a significant milestone for the Saudi fashion industry, reflecting its rising momentum and evolving talent base. It also coincides with the Kingdom’s Year of Handicrafts 2025.

CDF CEO Majed Al-Hogail said the event highlighted the sector’s growing role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s cultural economy.

“Saudi talents are redefining our creative identity, rooted in heritage, expressed globally,” he said.


New award honors top Hajj hospitality centers

Updated 18 June 2025
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New award honors top Hajj hospitality centers

  • The award recognizes top-performing hospitality centers affiliated with Ekram Al-Dayf

MAKKAH: Amr Al-Maddah, undersecretary for Hajj and Umrah services at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, has launched the inaugural Ekram Excellence Award for Hajj season 2025.

The award recognizes top-performing hospitality centers affiliated with Ekram Al-Dayf, a division of Ashraqat company serving Arab pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Adnan Saleh Al-Shehri, adviser for excellence and awards at Ekram Al-Dayf, said the initiative aims to inspire excellence in administration and operations.

It seeks to deliver high-quality, sustainable services in line with Vision 2030, the ministry’s goals, the Pilgrim Experience Program, and Ekram Al-Dayf’s strategy.

The award honors outstanding centers, promotes a culture of quality and commitment, and encourages compliance with service standards.

It also aims to boost competition among providers, improve performance indicators, and support innovation, according to the SPA.

The initiative further promotes social responsibility, volunteerism, and enhances the overall pilgrim experience. It aligns with the ministry’s broader efforts to raise hospitality standards and ensure an exceptional Hajj journey.


JIAT clears coalition of alleged rights violations in Yemen

Updated 18 June 2025
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JIAT clears coalition of alleged rights violations in Yemen

  • Coalition forces identified four locations and carried out an air mission on what was considered a legitimate military target and in line with international humanitarian law

RIYADH: The Joint Incidents Assessment Team on Wednesday issued a statement in response to allegations of human rights violations in Yemen over the targeting of Sarwah Rural Hospital in Harib directorate, Marib governorate on April 24, 2015.

After examining various documents, including air tasking orders, daily mission schedules, mission execution procedures, after-mission reports and satellite images, the JIAT concluded that the hospital is located in Sarwah village and included on the coalition forces’ no-strike list.

Specialists studied satellite images of the hospital and found no trace of damage to its structures caused by aerial targeting.

Analyzing coalition air missions on April 24, 2015, the JIAT found no evidence of operations in Sarwah village. Similarly, missions on April 23 and April 25 showed no activity in the area.

In a press conference in Riyadh, JIAT spokesman Mansour Al-Mansour addressed an allegation that coalition forces targeted a mosque in Al-Sawad in Yemen’s Amran governorate on Sept. 23, 2019.

After reviewing air missions, the JIAT found that no coalition operations were carried out in Amran on that date.

By studying missions conducted the day before, the JIAT reported that intelligence indicated Houthi militia fighters were gathering at mobilization sites in Harf Sufyan in Amran in preparation for a major attack.

Coalition forces identified four locations and carried out an air mission on what was considered a legitimate military target and in line with international humanitarian law.

“The coalition forces have taken all possible precautions to avoid accidental loss or damage to civilians and civilian objects, or in any case, to minimize it to the lowest possible level, during the planning and execution of the military operation,” Al-Mansour said.

The precautions included the use of “guided bombs proportionate to the size of the military targets and ensuring that there were no civilians present before or during the targeting,” he said.

The JIAT concluded that the strike was lawful. It noted that while the targeted structure was claimed to be a mosque, no indications such as a minaret were found.

It also addressed an allegation that a coalition airstrike hit a pickup truck in Al-Jarr village, Hajjah governorate, followed by a second strike 10 minutes later that destroyed a house on June 16, 2019.

After reviewing air mission data, satellite images and visiting operational centers, the JIAT found no evidence of coalition activity on that date, nor on the days before or after. Satellite imagery also showed no signs of aerial targeting.

The JIAT concluded that coalition forces did not target Al-Jarr village, as claimed.

It also addressed an allegation that coalition forces targeted houses in Al-Hijrah village, Markhah Al-Sofla directorate in Shabwah on Jan. 4, 2019.

After reviewing air tasking orders, mission schedules, post-mission reports and satellite images, it found that no coalition air missions were conducted in Shabwah.

The JIAT also confirmed that no air missions were carried out in the governorate on Jan. 3 or Jan. 5, 2019, and concluded that coalition forces did not target houses in Al-Hijrah village as claimed.