Saudi Arabia planning expansions of 12 industrial sectors

Mohannad Al Sheikh, CEO of Johnson Controls Arabia speaks during “Innovation for a sustainable tomorrow” conference in Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 08 November 2022
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Saudi Arabia planning expansions of 12 industrial sectors

  • Deputy industry minister talked about the plans during a conference on the role of innovation and smart, carbon-neutral buildings in sustainability efforts
  • ‘We discovered (the Kingdom) has enormous untapped technical potential as well as a predominantly young population with a passion for … the technological revolution,’ he said

RIYADH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Strategy, authorities are planning expansions of 12 strategic industrial sectors in which opportunities have been identified for growth and increased competition at the regional and international levels, Osama Al-Zamil, the deputy minister of industry and mineral resources, said on Tuesday.

He was speaking on the opening day of “A Renewed World,” a two-day conference organized by Johnson Controls Arabia, the joint regional arm of Johnson Control International, which specializes in smart heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration, fire safety and security systems, along with building management and control systems, in the Middle East and North Africa.




A group shot of elite speakers at the Renewed World Conference organized by Johnson Controls Arabia at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh. (Supplied)

Organizers said the aim of the event is to promote national dialogue on the vital role of innovation and the development of smart and carbon-neutral buildings in sustainability efforts. Local and international experts in the energy and industry sectors stressed the important role of partnerships between the private and public sectors in Saudi Arabia, especially in terms of innovation, in achieving the Kingdom’s sustainability goals.

Al-Zamil said the 12 sectors targeted for expansion are aerospace, automotive, maritime, renewables, chemicals, machinery and equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, food processing, building materials, mining industries, and military industries.

“Modern technology, innovation and digitization is creating disruptive transformation in the future of doing business and investments,” he told delegates.




George Oliver, chairman of Johnson Controls, speaks during “Innovation for a sustainable tomorrow” conference in Riyadh. (AN photo/Hebshi Alshammari)

“Hence, when we looked at the Kingdom’s potential we discovered that it has enormous untapped technical potential as well as a predominantly young population with a passion for, and understanding of, the technological revolution and how to keep up with the latest technologies.”

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has therefore launched a “Factories of the Future” program, “which will result in a dramatic shift in the manufacturing sector,” Al-Zamil added.

“The goal of today’s industry and mineral resources ecosystem is to develop a technological and innovative manufacturing sector,” he said. “This will significantly improve our national industry and create locally competitive products, as well as increase industrial enterprises’ contribution to the national economy.

“It will also take advantage of the Kingdom’s unique geographical location, which allows it to connect regional and international markets. Furthermore, the Kingdom boasts cutting-edge industrial infrastructure in over 36 industrial cities across the country. The Kingdom’s emphasis on industry is an inevitable choice, as evidenced by the leadership’s support for this strategic sector.”

Al-Zamil highlighted the launch of Ceer, a Saudi electric vehicle company, by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a few days earlier.

“Ceer will be an important addition that will significantly contribute to driving and enhancing the manufacturing sector in the region, being the first Saudi brand for electric vehicles in the Kingdom,” he said.

George Oliver, the chairman of Johnson Controls, told Arab News: “As a global leader in smart and sustainable buildings, we are part of this world and we have the responsibility to help address some of the pressing issues the world is facing, such as climate change.

“Advancing the national conversation of energy sustainability by having subject-matter experts, business leaders and policymakers talking about sustainable living and the need for more innovation in energy consumption is an important outcome of this event.

“At Johnson Controls International we believe sustainable innovation is all about meeting the needs of present generations without compromising the needs of future generations. It requires all actors to actively incorporate climate change and carbon neutrality into their innovation processes.”

Oliver said that buildings are currently responsible for nearly 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

“So, as a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, Johnson Controls is committed to lead the fight against carbon emissions and climate change,” he said.

“Johnson Controls is no stranger to the region generally or Saudi Arabia specifically. As part of its Vision 2030, the Saudi government has put plans in place to increase the country’s manufacturing and local content footprint. This is where the objectives of the Saudi government and Johnson Controls converge.

“As a global leader in building technologies, we would like to be part of the incredible economic transformation that is happening in Saudi Arabia. As Saudi Arabia is going through a massive economic transformation, where it intends to spend $7 trillion in 10 years, much of that relates to renewable energy and sustainable living.”

Mohannad Al-Sheikh, the CEO of Johnson Controls Arabia, emphasized the importance of innovative solutions that “enhance standards of efficiency and sustainability in buildings, with ambitious plans to reach net-zero carbon emissions in the Kingdom.”

He added: “The Kingdom plays a leading role in facing climate change and we, at Johnson Controls Arabia, are keen to support the visionary goals of the local environment by promoting sustainable living standards in the region.”

 


Saudi artist breaks from signature style with ‘W’ard’ exhibition

Updated 06 January 2025
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Saudi artist breaks from signature style with ‘W’ard’ exhibition

  • Dammam collection running until Jan. 10 features sculpture, video and imagery

DHAHRAN: Visitors are immersing themselves in a vibrant celebration of art as Hussain Alismail unveils his compelling solo exhibition, “W’ard,” at the SASCA Art Gallery in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Launched on Dec. 30 last year and running until Jan. 10, the exhibition is a captivating journey through the artist’s evolving vision.

‘Wa’rd’ series by Hussain Alismail showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques. (Supplied)

In the “W’ard” series, Alismail breaks free from his signature style, which often features bold continuous-line drawings in striking shades of black and red.

Instead, the collection showcases a rich blend of experimentation with different materials, colors and artistic techniques.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Primarily focused on drawing and painting, Hussain Alismail’s artworks delve into the intricate complexities of Saudi social dynamics.

• His works are a way to spark everyday conversations, encouraging viewers to think about the small details of human relationships and expressions.

Visitors can expect to encounter an array of fascinating works, from collages that fuse imagery, mixed media pieces with texture, three-dimensional sculptures, to dynamic video installations that spark imagination.

Hussain Alismail creates a new piece while visitors watch at his W’ard exhibition in Dammam. (Supplied)

At the heart of Alismail’s work lies the symbol of the rose, a timeless emblem of unity that surpasses differences, inviting connection among visitors.

He said: “For this exhibition, I selected flowers to represent the unity among Saudis from different regions, reflecting the shared appreciation for Talal Maddah’s songs that gained popularity in the late 1950s and resonated with both youth and older generations.”

This cultural reference runs throughout the exhibition, highlighting the themes in Alismail’s artwork.

For this exhibition, I selected flowers to represent the unity among Saudis from different regions, reflecting the shared appreciation for Talal Maddah’s songs that gained popularity in the late 1950s and resonated with both youth and older generations.

Hussain Alismail, Saudi artist

Through his collection, Alismail creates an artistic experience that celebrates unity in the diversity of humanity.

“I see my artwork as a reflection of who I am, but once it’s out in the world, it belongs to everyone to interpret and connect with however they choose,” he told Arab News.

Alismail is not only a gifted artist, but also a committed scholar, having recently relocated to Melbourne, Australia, to pursue a master’s degree in design innovation and technology at RMIT.

His time in academia, which he describes as research-focused, has significantly influenced his art. “I’ve found these skills super useful for my art in this exhibition and they’ll definitely play a bigger role in my upcoming projects.”

Alismail holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in drawing and painting from OCAD University in Toronto, Canada, as well as a bachelor’s degree in creative arts in visual effects and entertainment design from Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia.

His academic background enriches his creative practice, fueling his artistic exploration.

Primarily focused on drawing and painting, Alismail delves into the intricate complexities of Saudi social dynamics.

His works are a way to spark everyday conversations, encouraging viewers to think about the small details of human relationships and expressions.

Beyond canvas and paper, Alismail’s artistic skills include photography, videography and digital graphics, allowing him to create stories that invite exploration.

“Medium serves as a platform for discovery. I constantly challenge myself to go deeper into techniques and artistic presentations,” he said.

For the exhibition, Alismail embraced a variety of innovative mediums. “I played around with 3D design, 3D printing, AI generative imagery and various other hands-on mediums,” he said.

Additionally, he aims to create a vibrant experience, expressing his desire that viewers feel “joyful and leave with a smile on their face.”

Inspired by cultural stories around him, Alismail combines personal and community tales in his art, enhancing the diverse narratives he shares.

With an eye toward revitalizing cultural connections, his work fosters an enriched understanding of our shared human experiences.

“What my audience has seen from me before is different from what I’m creating now, and I know it’ll have even more depth down the line.”

 


Two substations opened by Diriyah Company and Saudi Electricity Company in Riyadh

Updated 52 min 9 sec ago
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Two substations opened by Diriyah Company and Saudi Electricity Company in Riyadh

  • The larger substation will support the first phase of Diriyah’s development and will be implemented through Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works

RIYADH: Two major electrical substations were launched at the Diriyah megaproject in Riyadh on Monday.

The substations will be operated by the Saudi Electricity Company and will speed up the development of projects in the historical area of Diriyah as well as nearby Wadi Safar.

“Today is very special to us,” Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, told Arab News, before underlining the importance of developing infrastructure to be able to complete projects in time for Riyadh Expo 2030.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, and the CEO of Saudi Electricity Company, Khalid Alghamdi during the launch of the two substations. (Supplied)

Inzerillo further elaborated on how the project requires sustainable development because it will be serving a large number of people.

The housing project “will cater to 100,000 people who will live, work, recreate, and pray with us every day,” the CEO said. “So, you need all-new, smart-city technology that the Kingdom is leading on.”

The larger substation will support the first phase of Diriyah’s development and will be implemented through Saudi Services for Electro Mechanic Works.

HIGHLIGHT

The two substations were designed in line with Diriyah’s traditional Najdi architectural style to preserve the area’s cultural identity.

The second substation, developed by the Saudi Electricity Company through Maetel contracting company, will be one of the main power sources for Wadi Safar.

This will result in a combination of the area’s natural beauty with modern infrastructure, including hospitality assets and sports facilities such as the Royal Diriyah Equestrian and Polo Club, and Wadi Safar golf course.

Also at the event, the acting CEO of SEC, Khalid Al-Ghamdi, expressed his excitement for this significant event and milestone.

“The completion of the bulk substation and the primary substation marks a new era for Diriyah, one that combines advanced infrastructure with our shared vision of creating a sustainable, world-class city,” Al-Ghamdi said.

“We are honored to work with Diriyah Company to bring power solutions that are both reliable and in harmony with Diriyah’s architectural heritage,” he added.

Diriyah is one of Saudi Arabia’s main megaprojects, supported by the Public Investment Fund. The project will eventually have homes for 100,000 people and is aiming to host millions of visits per year by 2030.

The Diriyah project alone contributes $18.6 billion directly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and will create 178,000 job opportunities, according to the Diriyah Company.

The two substations were designed in line with Diriyah’s traditional Najdi architectural style to preserve the area’s cultural identity.

While the city is a major part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, it also has historical importance because Diryiah is the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 


Saudi aid agency KSrelief sends humanitarian aid to Syria by road and air

Updated 06 January 2025
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief sends humanitarian aid to Syria by road and air

  • 60 agency trucks deliver food, shelter materials and medical supplies to meet needs of the Syrian people
  • Six planes carrying aid from the Kingdom arrive at Damascus International Airport

RIYADH: Sixty trucks carrying relief supplies from Saudi Arabia crossed the Nasib Border Crossing into Syria on Monday, as part of a humanitarian effort organized by Saudi aid agency KSrelief.

The trucks contained essential supplies including food, shelter materials and medical supplies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Also on Monday, six planes planes carrying aid from the Kingdom arrived at Damascus International Airport.

Jordanian authorities said 600 trucks filled with aid have entered Syria through the Jordanian-Syrian Free Zone since the collapse of President Bashar Assad’s regime on Dec. 8. The director general of the zone, Irfan Khasawneh, told the Jordan News Agency that the flow of goods has remained consistent since then.

The shipments are addressing the needs of the Syrian people for essential items such as food supplies, energy equipment and spare parts for machinery, he added.

Trade is flowing smoothly, with transactions completed promptly and without delays, Khasawneh said, and staff at the zone are ready to handle larger volumes of trucks and goods in the days ahead.


Anti-extremism group Etidal helps Telegram remove 160m items of extremist content in 3 years

Updated 06 January 2025
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Anti-extremism group Etidal helps Telegram remove 160m items of extremist content in 3 years

  • Riyadh-based organization says the collaboration has had a significant effect in curbing the spread of extremist propaganda and recruitment efforts
  • Platform thanks Etidal, says partnership has been instrumental in efforts to identify and remove harmful content

RIYADH: The Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology, also known as Etidal, said on Monday that more than 31 million items of extremist content were removed from messaging service Telegram during the final quarter of 2024.

This brought the total number of such items removed from the platform since the start of their partnership in 2021 to more than 160 million, it added.

Etidal, which is based in Riyadh, said international cooperation is important in efforts to address extremist ideologies and counter the global threat posed by terrorist organizations, and that the collaboration with Telegram has had a significant effect in curbing the spread of extremist propaganda and recruitment efforts.

The platform said it has intensified its efforts to combat extremism since 2022 and expressed its appreciation for the partnership with Etidal, saying it has proved to be instrumental in efforts to identify and remove harmful content.

“There is no place for incitement to violence or terrorist propaganda on Telegram,” it added.

Etidal said it uses advanced technologies to help monitor and analyze extremist content, and detect the deceptive propaganda and tactics used by terrorist organizations in an attempt to evade content removal. It added that its efforts form part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to help safeguard societies through an integrated approach, including targeted media campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of extremism.

In addition to its partnership with Telegram, Etidal has established strategic collaborations with other international organizations. In 2021, for example, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the UN Counter-Terrorism Center.


King Faisal Prize to announce 2025 winners on Wednesday

King Faisal Prize was established by the King Faisal Foundation in 1977 and was granted for the first time in 1979. (Supplied)
Updated 06 January 2025
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King Faisal Prize to announce 2025 winners on Wednesday

  • Selection committees start meetings to select winners in Islamic studies, Arabic language & literature, medicine and science

RIYADH: The names of the King Faisal Prize winners for 2025 will be announced on Jan. 8 in Riyadh.

Ahead of the event, specialized selection committees for the prize’s four categories — Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine and science — convened at the prize’s headquarters starting Monday, the General Secretariat of King Faisal Prize said.

Deliberations will continue through Jan. 8, it added.

The General Secretariat had previously announced the themes for the KFP 2025: Islamic studies focuses on Studies of Archaeology in the Arabian Peninsula, Arabic language and literature explores Studies of Identity in Arabic Literature, medicine highlights Cellular Therapy and Science centers on Physics.

Nominations for the prize are accepted by universities, research centers and scientific institutions, ensuring that nominees meet rigorous criteria.

Candidates must be living, and their work must already be published, intellectually impactful and beneficial to humanity’s progress. Nominations from individuals or political groups are not accepted, the secretariat said.

This year, the selection committees include prominent experts, scholars and specialists from 16 different countries. The evaluation process adheres to the highest standards of integrity.

The announcement of the winners will be made by the General Secretariat on Jan. 8 at 8:00 p.m. during a ceremony at the Prince Sultan Grand Hall in the Al-Faisaliah Center, Riyadh.

The KFP was established by the King Faisal Foundation in 1977 and was granted for the first time in 1979.