News Trail, a leading English daily with editions in Bangalore and Qatar, has collaborated with the government of Karnataka to host the NRI Investment Summit Roadshow in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.  This initiative underscores Karnataka’s commitment to unlocking global investment opportunities and fostering economic growth.

The roadshow in Jeddah was held on Dec. 22 at the Park Hyatt. It will be held in Riyadh on Dec. 23 at the InterContinental Riyadh and in Dubai on Dec. 24 at the Grand Hyatt. 

The government of Karnataka, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, aims to connect with non-resident Indians in GCC nations, offering a platform to explore the state’s diverse investment opportunities. 

With a minimum investment requirement of 50 million Indian rupees ($588,600), Karnataka is opening its doors to a world of possibilities across sectors such as micro, small and medium enterprises, tourism and wellness, IT, textiles, and agriculture.

The state, known as India’s “Silicon Valley,” contributes 8 percent to India’s GDP and leads the nation in IT exports, accounting for a staggering 40 percent. It has emerged as a hub of economic innovation, supported by its robust infrastructure, skilled workforce, and business-friendly policies.

Senior officials from the Karnataka government, led by Dr. P.C. Jaffer, IAS, secretary to government (budget and resources), Department of Finance; Vipul Bansal, secretary to MSME department; Nitesh Patil, director MSME; Dr. Rajendra, managing director — KSSIDC; and Varnit Negi, managing director, Karnataka Handloom Development Corporation; will deliver exclusive presentations on the state’s investment potential. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with top bureaucrats, gain insights into lucrative opportunities, and engage in discussions to facilitate investments.

“As a trusted voice in the GCC and Karnataka, News Trail is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between Karnataka’s dynamic economy and the global diaspora. Through this partnership, we aim to amplify the message of growth, innovation, and collaboration that Karnataka stands for,” a press release said.

News Trail is edited by Rajendra Menon.

Hyundai Motor Company has successfully concluded a strategic initiative to evaluate hydrogen-based mobility in the Kingdom. The project was conducted in partnership with Saudi Transport General Authority, Saudi Public Transport Company, Almajdouie Motors Company, Air Products Qudra, Abdullah Hashim Gases, and Aramco.

The collaboration involved a two-month trial of the Hyundai Universe Fuel Cell Coach Bus in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The project assessed the feasibility and performance of hydrogen-powered transportation, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s journey toward sustainable mobility.

Hyundai Motor supplied its advanced hydrogen fuel cell bus, leveraging its globally recognized expertise in hydrogen technology. Abdullah Hashim Gases managed the hydrogen supply, whereas Air Products Qudra and Aramco provided fueling infrastructure. SAPTCO oversaw the trial operations, including driver resources and implementation, while Almajdouie Motors offered technological and service support throughout the initiative.

Bryan Park, head of Hyundai Motor Company Middle East and Africa headquarters, said: “‘Progress for Humanity’ is the vision guiding Hyundai Motor Company’s innovation. Through pioneering hydrogen technologies, we are advancing carbon neutrality and sustainability. Collaborating with our trusted partners in Saudi Arabia, we have made a meaningful contribution toward emissions-free mobility, aligning with the region’s forward-looking strategies.”

Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Acting President of the Transport General Authority Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih said the bus trial is part of the TGA’s efforts to support innovation and adopt sustainable transportation methods that help reduce carbon emissions, in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to continuing collaboration with public and private-sector partners to promote the use of modern technologies and develop the transportation sector, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness regionally and globally.

Sherif El-Gohary, managing director at Almajdouie Motors Hyundai, added: “We at Almajdouie Motors are very eager to support a sustainable eco-friendly future, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by providing transportation solutions that offer superior technologies.”

Aligned with the directives of Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Energy is actively working to promote sustainable energy solutions. 

The adoption of sustainable transport, powered by clean energy sources, is a key component of this strategy, as it contributes to reduced carbon emissions and environmental protection.

Hyundai Motor has long been at the forefront of hydrogen-powered mobility in the Middle East. This trial builds on Hyundai Motor’s earlier successes, including the export of ELEC CITY Fuel Cell buses and XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks to Saudi Arabia in 2020, and its continued efforts to test hydrogen vehicles under extreme weather conditions.

The completion of this trial reflects Hyundai Motor’s unwavering commitment to sustainable mobility and reinforces the importance of partnerships in achieving shared goals for a cleaner, greener future.