Japanese Prime Minister begins Arab tour with Saudi visit

Abe will go ahead with a planned visit to the Middle East this weekend despite the crisis in the region, a spokesman said Friday, Jan. 10, 2020. (AP)
Short Url
Updated 11 January 2020
Follow

Japanese Prime Minister begins Arab tour with Saudi visit

  • Abe to explain plans to send Self-Defense Forces personnel to the region

RIYADH: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will arrive in Riyadh today as part of a trip to the Middle East to further enhance bilateral cooperation between Tokyo and the region.

Abe is visiting Saudi Arabia and the UAE to explain Japanese plans to send Self-Defense Forces (SDF) personnel to the region, the Japan Times said, citing government sources.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia he is expected to be received by King Salman in Riyadh and is also expected to make a trip to the historical site of AlUla, where he will have a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Japanese government is considering sending an SDF aircraft and patrol vessel to monitor shipping and gather information independent of the US-led coalition guarding ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route in the region.
The Kingdom and the UAE are part of the US initiative.
Japan is the world’s fourth-largest oil consumer and relies heavily on the Middle East for its supply of crude. Saudi Arabia accounted for almost 40 percent of Japanese oil imports in fiscal 2018. The import volume of Arab-L crude oil accounted for the largest share of the crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia to Japan, with around 31.6 million kiloliters.
Saudi Arabia and Japan are building on their mutual trust developed through understanding of each other’s culture to deepen and broaden the existing bilateral relations and establish a solid strategic partnership. In the spirit of mutual benefit and co-prosperity, both countries have recognized the importance to cooperate in realizing their respective visions. In Sept. 1, 2016, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe decided to set up the Joint Group for “Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 (SJV 2030)”, heralding a new era of partnership between the two countries.

BACKGROUND

• Abe last visited Saudi Arabia in 2013 when he held talks with King Abdullah and then-Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, and signed an investment agreement between Japan and the Kingdom.

• Abe also made a visit to the Kingdom in 2007 during his first term as prime minister (2006–2007).

The first Joint Group meeting was held in Riyadh, on Oct. 9, 2016. The Joint Group strives to serve as the platform for cooperation and exchange among subgroup representatives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan.
Abe last visited Saudi Arabia in 2013 when he held talks with King Abdullah and then-Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz, and signed an investment agreement between Japan and the Kingdom.
During the meeting with the then-crown prince, the two sides decided to start a security dialogue and promote defense exchanges while expanding cooperation in politics and security.
Abe also delivered a policy speech titled, “Japan’s Ties with the Middle East in a New Age of Synergy, Mutual Prosperity, and Cooperation.”
Abe also made a visit to the Kingdom in 2007 during his first term as prime minister (2006–2007).


Saudi Arabia halves desalination costs, boosts efficiency by 80%, official says

Updated 6 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia halves desalination costs, boosts efficiency by 80%, official says

  • Technological advancements have played a critical role in the Kingdom’s water conservation efforts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has improved its desalination efficiency by 80 percent and halved costs by 50 percent in recent years, a top official from the Kingdom has said.

“Our achievements in desalinated water production in the last eight years are equivalent to what was achieved in the previous four decades,” Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti said.

He outlined the accomplishments at the 2025 Budget Forum hosted by the Ministry of Finance in Riyadh, calling the progress a “historic milestone” for the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Daily desalinated water production has surged to 6 million cubic meters, contributing to a total capacity of 11.3 million cubic meters daily, he added.

The improvement is testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to water security, environmental sustainability and Vision 2030, the deputy minister said.

He highlighted the monumental scale of the Kingdom’s water infrastructure, noting that water production facilities are primarily located along the coasts, requiring water to be transported across thousands of kilometers.

“The water transmission network we have built spans more than 14,000 km — double the length of the Nile River,” he said. “It crosses mountain peaks, valleys and deserts to deliver water to communities across the Kingdom.”

Strategic water storage capacity has also seen a significant boost, rising from 13 million cubic meters in 2016 to more than 25 million cubic meters today.

“This expansion ensures the Kingdom’s resilience in times of crisis, guaranteeing reliable access to water for all regions,” said Al-Mushaiti.

He attributed the achievements to strong government support and private-sector collaboration.

“We have implemented 29 water projects worth SR28 billion ($7.46 billion), of which 30 percent — SR8 billion — is foreign investment,” he said.

Looking forward, Al-Mushaiti announced plans for private sector projects worth SR58 billion.

“We are building a system where public and private sectors work hand-in-hand to achieve national goals,” he said.

Technological advancements have played a critical role in the Kingdom’s water conservation efforts.

Al-Mushaiti said that by using innovation and sustainable practices, the Kingdom is saving more than 9 billion cubic meters of groundwater annually.

“That’s equivalent to the water consumption of the entire Kingdom’s population for three years,” he added.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the water sector installed 2 million electronic meters, enabling more efficient billing and consumption monitoring.

“These meters send notifications to users when their consumption exceeds normal levels, promoting the principle of ‘responsible consumption’,” Al-Mushaiti said.

Furthermore, water rationalization initiatives in government agencies saved more than 31 million cubic meters of water in 2023 alone.

The ministry’s efforts have also spurred growth in the agricultural sector, which has seen its contribution to gross domestic product rise from SR64 billion in 2016 to SR109 billion in 2023.

“We achieved self-sufficiency rates for many crops that now exceed 100 percent,” Al-Mushaiti said, adding that these gains reflect the success of policies aimed at conserving water resources while boosting productivity.

On the environmental front, Saudi Arabia is making strides with its Saudi Green Initiative.

Al-Mushaiti said that in just three years, the country has planted more than 95 million trees using renewable water and supplementary irrigation.

“This number will surpass 100 million by the end of the year, marking the start of a green era for the Kingdom,” he said.

The deputy minister also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s leadership in addressing global water challenges.

“Water is the backbone of life and development, and achieving sustainability is one of the greatest global challenges,” he said.

In this regard, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2023 announced the establishment of the Global Water Organization, headquartered in Riyadh.

The decision underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing water sustainability worldwide, Al-Mushaiti said.

He added that the World Bank has recognized Saudi Arabia’s water system as unique and a model that others should study.

As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with its ambitious plans for water security, agriculture and environmental sustainability, Al-Mushaiti concluded with optimism: “The journey so far has been remarkable, but the best is yet to come.”


Saudi Geological Survey celebrates excellence in research, innovation

Updated 16 min 58 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Geological Survey celebrates excellence in research, innovation

  • Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef attended the event
  • CEO Abdullah Al-Shamrani reviewed 25 years of accomplishments, emphasizing the survey’s role in advancing geological sciences

JEDDAH: The Saudi Geological Survey recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special event in Jeddah, marking a quarter-century of excellence in geological research and exploration.
Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef attended the event.
The event highlighted the survey’s achievements, future initiatives, and contributions to geological research and innovation. Guests shared insights from their experiences with the organization.
CEO Abdullah Al-Shamrani reviewed 25 years of accomplishments, emphasizing the survey’s role in advancing geological sciences, supporting national development, and managing resources sustainably.
He also outlined plans to raise awareness of geological risks via the “Rawasi” platform, preserve Zamzam water sustainability, and complete digital transformation of technical services.
Al-Shamrani affirmed a commitment to advancing technical achievements, implementing projects, and supporting development for a promising future through skilled Saudi cadres.
Al-Khorayef said that since the start of the millennium, the Kingdom had made intensive efforts in mineral resource research and exploration. Led by SGS employees, this had yielded significant discoveries over the past 25 years, impacting the mining sector by boosting investment and developing mineral wealth.
He added that the aim was to position the Kingdom as a global leader in earth sciences and geology through ambitious plans, aligning with its international standing.
These efforts included fully uncovering its mineral wealth, meeting geological needs, building a global earth sciences database, and creating a platform for stakeholders worldwide, the minister said.


Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurates Riyadh Metro project

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurates the Riyadh Metro project on Wednesday. (SPA)
Updated 25 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurates Riyadh Metro project

  • Riyadh Metro consists of a network that includes six train lines measuring 176 km and 85 stations, including four main stations
  • The metro will begin to be available for public use from Dec. 1 and will operate daily from 6 a.m. to midnight

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurated the Riyadh Metro project on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The project is considered the backbone of the public transport network in Riyadh, SPA said.

King Salman watched an introductory film about the project, which is distinguished by its exceptional design and technical specifications.

The Riyadh Metro consists of a network that includes six train lines measuring 176 km and 85 stations, including four main stations.

“The Riyadh Public Transport Project, which spans metro and bus networks, is the culmination of concerted efforts made by King Salman and the outcome of his visionary leadership while serving as the Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, the predecessor of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City,” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said. 

The Public Transport Project in Riyadh City was launched based on various studies prepared by the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh.

The studies considered the current and future needs of the public transport sector in the capital and identified the best solutions and options for establishing a sustainable public transport system that is compatible with the city and its characteristics.

The metro will begin to be available for public use from Dec. 1 and will operate daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. 

The lines will open over the next two months in stages — with the blue, yellow and purple lines opening on Dec. 1, the red and green lines opening on Dec. 15, and the orange line opening on Jan. 5, 2025. 

Abeer Al-Shehri, a Riyadh-based lawyer, told Arab News that the new metro would cut the time she spent in traffic and the number of postponed appointments.

“As a lawyer, my profession involves fieldwork at courts, the Public Prosecution and police stations. Sometimes I have to attend sessions at the office while also having two important appointments to attend,” she said.

“With the traffic, there’s not enough time for both, so I’m forced to postpone one. Additionally, client meetings at the company’s office often take place around noon, and it’s well known that at that time, it’s impossible to reach the location within an hour without being late.

“This forces me to leave at least an hour earlier. The metro will significantly improve the time wasted in traffic, and as a lawyer, it will allow me to commute back and forth to the office in record time.”

Riyadh resident Faisal Suliman Al-Anzy told Arab News that he was “happy and excited” about Wednesday’s announcement.

He plans to use the metro “for visiting friends, (especially at) the weekend when there are traffic jams everywhere.”


Saudi teams shine at Formula 1 in Schools World Finals

Updated 27 November 2024
Follow

Saudi teams shine at Formula 1 in Schools World Finals

  • Over 450 young innovators from around the globe join together for the event in Dhahran
  • Competitors worked in 55 teams to design, build and race miniature F1 cars on a 20-meter track

RIYADH: Three Saudi teams have scooped awards at the 2024 Aramco Formula 1 in Schools World Finals.

Over 450 students from gathered at Dhahran Expo from Nov. 23-26 for the competition, the first time it has been hosted in the Kingdom. The finalists emerged from an initial 29,000 schools worldwide.

The Clad team won the Enterprise Portfolio Award, while Oryx claimed Best Engineered Car and Shaheen took Best Application of Project Management.

Competitors worked in 55 teams to design, build and race miniature F1 cars on a 20-meter track. Those taking part were aged from nine to 19, one third of whom were female.

The competition reflects Aramco’s commitment to developing future leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, otherwise known as Ithra, oversaw the Saudi teams’ preparation during a nine-month training period. Led by 37 experts from six specialized centers, the program focused on engineering, design and teamwork.

It has become a key platform for developing Saudi Arabia’s next generation of scientific talent and putting innovation firmly on the global stage.

At the 2023 World Finals in Singapore, Saudi teams won the Innovative Thinking, Women in Motorsport and Identity awards.

The Aramco Formula 1 in Schools World Finals offer young innovators an opportunity to shape Saudi Arabia's future creative industries.

The program follows a unified curriculum covering physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacturing, branding, graphic design, sponsorship, marketing, leadership, teamwork, media skills and financial strategies.


Grand mufti of Saudi Arabia meets Pakistan’s Senate chair

Updated 27 November 2024
Follow

Grand mufti of Saudi Arabia meets Pakistan’s Senate chair

  • Al-Sheikh highlights role of Council of Senior Scholars on Islamic issues
  • Council ‘keen to promote moderation and combat extremism in the region’

RIYADH: The Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday received the chairperson of Pakistan’s senate at the presidential headquarters in Riyadh.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh met Yusuf Raza Gilani, who was accompanied by a delegation of members of the upper house in the Pakistani parliament.

Al-Sheikh, who is also chairperson of the Council of Senior Scholars, and president general of scientific research and ifta, highlighted the depth and distinguished brotherly Islamic relations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He highlighted the significant role the Council of Senior Scholars performs in the Kingdom to explain Shariah rulings about issues that concern Muslims. It has issued more than 30,000 fatwas and 200 rulings.

The council is keen to promote moderation and combat extremism in the region, he added.

He said that King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman continue to serve the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah, ensuring that visitors and pilgrims receive appropriate services.

Gilani expressed his happiness to visit Saudi Arabia, noting the great role the Kingdom is playing through its leadership as well as the ties it has developed with Pakistan on various issues.

The meeting was attended by the secretary-general of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Fahd Al-Majed, and Shoura Council member Abdulrahman Al-Harbi.