'SGI signals a new era for mankind': How the Saudi Green Initiative Forum could change the world

Workers plant trees next to a highway in the Saudi capital Riyadh. (Getty)
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Updated 20 October 2021
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'SGI signals a new era for mankind': How the Saudi Green Initiative Forum could change the world

  • "We reject the false choice between preserving the economy and protecting the environment," says Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman

Since the early part of the last century, the image and fortunes of Saudi Arabia have been inextricably linked to a single element. The discovery and exploitation of oil transformed life in the KSA and positioned the country front and center in the petrol-driven global economy.

But times have changed over the last two decades. There is a recognition that oil and its derivatives, such as plastic and petrochemicals, are a primary cause of global warming, pollution and environmental catastrophe. In the KSA, air pollution from greenhouse gases shortens life expectancy by 1.5 years, while desertification and dust storms cause $13 billion of damage per year.

This bleak picture is a wake-up call, triggering a seismic shift across the world, away from carbon-sourced energy and hyper-consumption towards a cleaner and more sustainable way of life.

An energy leader for decades, the KSA is now positioning itself at the vanguard of environmental action. This effort is encapsulated in the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) – a national program to combat pollution and land degradation, increase vegetation cover, reduce carbon emissions and preserve marine life.

“The Kingdom fully recognizes its share of responsibility in advancing the fight against the climate crisis. Just as the Kingdom underpinned energy markets during the oil and gas era, it is going to become a global leader in forging a greener world,” says Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, patron of the SGI.

Having introduced the concept of the Circular Carbon Economy (a closed-loop system involving ‘4Rs’: reduce, reuse, recycle and remove) during its presidency of the G20 summit last year, Saudi Arabia is again taking a leadership role by hosting the forthcoming SGI Forum, to be held in Riyadh on 23-24 November.

The forum will, in its own words, “catalyze climate action in a regionally and internationally coordinated manner . . . bring together heads of state, public officials, business leaders, academic pioneers and environmental specialists. . . and drive action and spark innovative solutions to help tackle climate change.”

The event will help to define a road map that seeks to rally the Gulf region and contribute to agreed global targets by confronting climate change, increasing the use of clean energy, offsetting the impact of fossil fuels and protecting the environment.

The SGI is hugely ambitious. Ten billion trees are to be planted in the Kingdom over the next decade, rehabilitating some 40 million hectares of degraded land and bringing about a 12-fold increase from current tree covers. This is equal to four percent of the global initiative to limit the degradation of land, and one percent of the target to plant one trillion trees globally.

The percentage of protected areas in Saudi Arabia will reach over 30 percent of total land – about 600,000 square kilometers — exceeding the global target of 17 percent. Carbon emissions will be reduced by 130 million tons brought about by a plan to generate 50 percent of the Kingdom’s energy from renewables by 2030; and landfills – where 95 percent of waste is currently deposited — will be reduced to only five percent of waste.

In fact, the very notion of ‘garbage’ will become largely a thing of the past, as every form of waste becomes the raw material for a value-added product or energy source, in what is a key part of the ‘circular economy’ concept.

The SGI will work in tandem with the broader Middle East Green Initiative, which includes all GCC states along with other regional countries. The overall goal is to plant 50 billion trees across the Middle East — the largest reforestation program in the world, restoring 200 million hectares of degraded land. Carbon emissions from the region are to be reduced by over 60 percent, equal to more than 10 percent of the intended global reduction.

While Saudi citizens are used to a comfortable life of big cars and disposable products, it is clear that the SGI is already having a profound cultural impact.

“I think the SGI will open up a whole new era for mankind,” Ziyad Al Shiha, chief executive of the Saudi Investment Recycling Company, a leading agency in the circular economy, told Arab News.

“We're at a turning point now and it’s part of a major shift in the world economy. We are putting investment on the ground, working with corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises and with individuals — anything that will contribute to the circular economy.”

The greening of Saudi Arabia will involve changes to the daily lives of ordinary people, and an entirely new mindset. It will be young people, in particular, who forge a new path away from the habits of the past few decades.

“The SGI is an initiative by our government for a greener future for Saudi and the Middle East,” Fatimah Ahmad, a young Saudi professional translator, told Arab News.

She added: “The KSA is taking the lead to protect tomorrow from the climate change crisis. It’s one of the Vision 2030 projects I am personally excited about. It’s an ambitious, wild dream and I am sure it will come true very soon.”

Cynical voices might say that the decline of the oil era, and the global transition to a greener way of life, will have a detrimental effect upon the economy and standard of living in Saudi Arabia.

But Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has a more positive outlook. “We reject the false choice between preserving the economy and protecting the environment,” he declared when launching the SGI in March.

He added: “Climate action will enhance competitiveness, spark innovation, and create millions of high-quality jobs. Young people, both in the Kingdom and the world, are demanding a cleaner, greener and more inclusive future, and we owe it to them to deliver on this.”

The SGI Forum will no doubt generate more ideas, greater awareness and practical solutions in the drive towards a sustainable future in Saudi Arabia and across the world.


ROSHN launches first residential community in Makkah

Updated 26 December 2024
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ROSHN launches first residential community in Makkah

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s leading property developer, ROSHN, has officially launched its first residential community in Makkah, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to improve the city’s living standards while supporting the national development goals outlined in Vision 2030.

The launch event for the Al-Manar Community project, which is ROSHN’s inaugural residential development in Makkah, took place under the patronage of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by a host of prominent figures, including Makkah Mayor Musaed bin Abdulaziz Al-Dawood, Royal Commission for Makkah and Holy Sites CEO Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rasheed, Real Estate General Authority CEO Abdullah Al-Hammad, and ROSHN’s acting CEO Khaled Jawhar. The event also saw participation from officials across both the public and private sectors.

Strategically positioned, the Al-Manar community is just a 20-minute drive from the Grand Mosque, less than an hour from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and only two minutes from Makkah’s western gateway. The development’s design thoughtfully integrates the region’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, blending modernity with tradition.

The Saudi government, under Vision 2030, has set ambitious targets to boost homeownership among citizens, aiming for 70 percent by the end of the decade.

ROSHN is playing a pivotal role in achieving this goal by developing large-scale residential projects that offer high-quality and affordable housing options for Saudi citizens. These initiatives are in line with the government’s strategy to expand the housing sector, elevate living standards, and provide homes for the country’s growing population.

At the ceremony, attendees were given a tour of model villas and previewed the diverse residential designs available within the community. The Al-Manar development will feature a variety of villas alongside essential amenities such as schools, mosques, shopping centers, healthcare facilities, open spaces, and recreational areas.

Khaled Jawhar, acting CEO of ROSHN, explained that the project spans over 21 million sq. meters and will provide more than 33,000 housing units. Additionally, it will offer more than 150 facilities designed to meet the needs of residents and support community well-being.

Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rasheed, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah and Holy Sites, emphasized the significance of the Al-Manar community as the first fully integrated ROSHN development in Makkah.

“Located at the city’s western gateway, within the Haram boundaries, this project reflects our commitment to facilitating impactful developments that drive long-term growth and sustainability,” Al-Rasheed said.


Saudi Venture Capital Invests $24bn in Jadwa GCC Private Equity Fund 1

Updated 26 December 2024
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Saudi Venture Capital Invests $24bn in Jadwa GCC Private Equity Fund 1

RIYADH: Saudi Venture Capital has invested over SR90 billion ($24 billion) in the Jadwa GCC Private Equity Fund 1.

The fund aims to raise SR1.5 billion, with a hard cap of SR2 billion, and marks Jadwa’s first regional blind-pool private equity fund, a press release issued on Thursday said.

It said the fund will focus on investing in a diversified portfolio of high-potential private equity opportunities across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council region.

Commenting on the development, Nabeel Koshak, CEO and board member of SVC, said:

“Our investment in the private equity fund by Jadwa is aligned with SVC’s strategy of supporting the evolving private equity ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. This investment will stimulate and sustain funding for high-potential companies in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the economic diversification objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”

Founded in 2018, SVC is a subsidiary of the SME Bank, part of the National Development Fund. Its mission is to stimulate and sustain financing for startups and small and medium enterprises at various stages—from pre-seed to pre-IPO—through investments in funds as well as direct investments into emerging companies.

Tariq Al-Sudairy, managing director and CEO of Jadwa Investment, added: “We are excited to have SVC on board as an investor in Jadwa GCC Private Equity Fund 1. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to identifying and nurturing high-potential companies across the GCC, with the goal of creating long-term value for our clients.”

Jadwa Investment is a leading investment management and advisory firm in the MENA region.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,859

Updated 26 December 2024
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,859

  • Parallel market Nomu declined by 120.35 points, or 0.39%, to close at 30,886.71
  • MSCI Tadawul Index also dropped 3.44 points, or 0.23%, to end at 1,490.30

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Thursday, losing 32.85 points, or 0.28 percent, to close at 11,859.47.

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index reached SR2.80 billion ($747 million), as 78 stocks advanced and 143 retreated.

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu declined by 120.35 points, or 0.39 percent, to close at 30,886.71, with 37 stocks advancing and 38 retreating.

The MSCI Tadawul Index also dropped 3.44 points, or 0.23 percent, to end at 1,490.30.

The best-performing stock of the day was Rasan Information Technology Co., whose share price surged 7.58 percent to SR79.50. Other top performers included The Mediterranean and Gulf Insurance and Reinsurance Co., which rose by 7.17 percent to SR24.80, and The National Co. for Glass Industries, up 4.15 percent to SR55.20.

On the downside, Saudi Research and Media Group recorded the steepest drop, falling 3.86 percent to SR269.00. Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. saw its share price decline by 3.85 percent to SR0.50, while Red Sea International Co. dropped 3.63 percent to SR58.40.

On the announcement front, Mutakamela Insurance Co. launched its new identity and brand name, Mutakamela, following regulatory approvals and shareholder consent at its extraordinary general assembly meeting. 

Mutakamela ended the session unchanged at SR14.78.

Al-Yamamah Steel Industries Co. reported a net profit of SR70.8 million for the year ending Sept. 30, a significant turnaround from the SR130.14 million loss recorded in the previous year. The profit increase was attributed to reduced costs in the construction sector by 20.82 percent, electricity by 7.56 percent, and solar energy by 10.35 percent.

Additionally, the company’s board recommended distributing SR25.4 million in cash dividends to shareholders for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30. Eligible shareholders will receive a dividend of SR0.50 per share, representing 5 percent of the share’s par value, with 50.8 million shares eligible for the payout. 

Al-Yamamah Steel closed the session at SR35.00, down 1.75 percent.

Arabian Contracting Services Co. secured a project worth SR563 million with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to invest in and lease internal advertising spaces within the King Abdulaziz Public Transport Project in Riyadh. 

The 10-year agreement aligns with the company’s strategy to expand its advertising activities. 

Its stock rose 0.68 percent to close at SR149.00.

Bank Al-Jazira announced the start of issuing its Additional Tier 1 Sukuk under a SR5 billion program through private placement. The issuance amount and terms will be determined based on market conditions, with a minimum subscription of SR1 million. 

The sukuk offer price, par value, and return will also be market-dependent. The bank has appointed Al-Jazira Capital, Al-Rajhi Capital, and HSBC Saudi Arabia as joint lead managers and dealers.

Bank Al-Jazira’s stock rose 0.96 percent to close at SR18.68.


Turkiye lowers interest rate to 47.5%

Updated 26 December 2024
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Turkiye lowers interest rate to 47.5%

  • Central bank now expects inflation to reach 44% at the end of 2024
  • Decision signals the start of an easing cycle after eight months of steady policy

ISTANBUL: Turkiye’s central bank lowered its key interest rate on Thursday, the first cut in nearly two years as it battles with double-digit inflation.
The bank’s monetary policy committee decided to reduce the policy rate from 50 percent to 47.5 percent, with a statement citing improvement in “inflation expectations and pricing behavior.”
The last cut was in February 2023.
The central bank began to raise interest rates last year to battle soaring prices, after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dropped his opposition to orthodox monetary policy.
It has kept the main rate stable at 50 percent since March.
Thursday’s decision signals the start of an easing cycle after eight months of steady policy.
The bank said the decisiveness over its tight monetary stance “is bringing down the underlying trend of monthly inflation and strengthening the disinflation process.”
In November, Turkiye’s annual inflation rate slowed for the sixth month in a row, at 47.1 percent.
The central bank now expects inflation to reach 44 percent at the end of 2024, up from a previous estimate in August of 38 percent.
The bank said the level of the policy rate would be determined in a way to ensure the tightness required by the projected disinflation path, taking into account both realized and expected inflation.
This week, the central bank announced that it would hold fewer policy meetings next year.
“The Committee will make its decisions prudently on a meeting-by-meeting basis with a focus on the inflation outlook,” the bank said, adding it would “decisively use all the tools at its disposal in line with its main objective of price stability.”
The bank “will make its decisions in a predictable, data-driven and transparent framework,” it added.
Hakan Kara, former chief economist at the central bank, welcomed the cut as “very reasonable and balanced start” that came with a “cautious/optimistic communication.”
“In my opinion, the central bank is doing its best. From now on, the ball is in other policies,” Kara commented on social media platform X, including in the pace of spending and regulations on critical institutions.
The rate slash comes amid a moderate increase in Turkiye’s minimum wage after several rounds of negotiations.
The net monthly minimum wage has been raised by 30 percent to 22,104 lira ($600), beginning from Jan. 1 — far below the demands of the workers union.
The union had demanded a 70 percent increase.
Erdogan welcomed the rise this week and said: “We once again remained true to our promise not to let our workers be crushed by inflation.”


Saudi Arabia’s JEDCO, Tarshid partner to boost energy efficiency at King Abdulaziz Int’l Airport

Updated 26 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s JEDCO, Tarshid partner to boost energy efficiency at King Abdulaziz Int’l Airport

  • Tarshid will conduct on-site surveys and technical studies of KAIA’s targeted buildings and facilities
  • Project aims to encourage the aviation industry to adopt sustainable practices

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz International Airport is set to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions through a strategic partnership with the country’s National Energy Services Co., or Tarshid.

The pact between Jeddah Airports Co., or JEDCO, the airport’s operating company, and Tarshid, a Public Investment Fund company, aims to deliver sustainable energy efficiency solutions for the airport’s facilities. The partnership is facilitated through a Tarshid subsidiary and aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, minister of energy and chairman of Tarshid’s board of directors, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The deal, which aims to launch innovative energy-saving initiatives and promote environmental responsibility, supports Saudi Arabia’s Civil Aviation Environmental Sustainability Program and contributes to achieving the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030, which seek to improve energy efficiency and implement sustainable solutions across public and private sector facilities in the Kingdom.

The Kingdom has been developing the Civil Aviation Environmental Sustainability Plan, which seeks to mitigate the environmental impact associated with the expected growth of the country’s civil aviation sector.

The plan is crafted to align with global commitments outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement and the emission reduction targets set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The country has made several national-level achievements over the past years in the pursuit of its net-zero emissions goal, set for 2060. It is also pursuing new technologies to improve fuel efficiency and decarbonize the aviation sector.

Ranked among the top 100 airports globally, KAIA holds the distinction of being the third-best airport in the Middle East, according to rankings by UK-based consulting firm Skytrax.

Under the agreement, Tarshid will conduct on-site surveys and technical studies of KAIA’s targeted buildings and facilities, recommending optimal solutions to enhance energy efficiency and reduce consumption within the project’s scope.

Waled Abdullah Al-Ghreri, CEO of Tarshid and board member, said that they are dedicated to realizing Vision 2030’s objectives of enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in Saudi Arabia.

“Tarshid continues to strengthen its partnerships with both public and private sectors, and our collaboration with Jeddah Airports Co. is a pivotal step toward establishing new energy efficiency benchmarks in the aviation sector, reflecting a future that merges operational excellence with environmental responsibility.”

Mazen bin Mohammed Johar, CEO of JEDCO, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying that the agreement is a significant step in advancing the company’s efforts to enhance the operational efficiency of airport facilities.

Johar added that the agreement aligns with the National Aviation Strategy’s goal of operating a world-class, sustainable airport with high energy efficiency standards, consistent with Vision 2030.

He highlighted KAIA’s achievements in environmental preservation, including sustainability projects such as a recycling initiative that reduces carbon emissions and achieves net-zero targets, electricity and water conservation projects utilizing solar panels and smart technologies, and air quality monitoring in collaboration with the National Center for Environmental Compliance.

He said that the airport has increased green spaces to mitigate carbon emissions.

Established in 2017, Tarshid specializes in retrofitting buildings and facilities to improve energy efficiency and sustainability across government and private sectors. The KAIA project is among its key initiatives with the private sector, aiming to encourage the aviation industry to adopt sustainable practices.

By the end of the third quarter of this year, the company had achieved annual energy savings of 7.3 terawatt-hours across various projects, equivalent to conserving over 11.7 million barrels of oil equivalent and avoiding approximately 4.2 million metric tonnes of harmful emissions. These efforts equate to the environmental impact of planting more than 69.4 million seedlings annually, SPA reported.

Tarshid has recently signed a similar agreement with SAL Logistics Services, underscoring its role in advancing energy efficiency and sustainability across both governmental and private sectors.