How Saudi Arabia’s shift to cleaner fuels will benefit public health and improve air quality

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The Kingdom is helping to accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon economy, while supporting environmentally sustainable development. (RCRC photo)
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Updated 09 March 2024
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How Saudi Arabia’s shift to cleaner fuels will benefit public health and improve air quality

  • The Ministry of Energy recently announced the domestic rollout of cleaner Euro 5 gasoline and diesel
  • Cleaner fuels produce less carbon dioxide, helping the Kingdom cut emissions and achieve its net-zero pledge

RIYADH: In an era of increasing environmental awareness, Saudi Arabia is well on its way to balancing its carbon footprint by combating air pollution and reducing toxic emissions caused by the transport sector.

The Kingdom took a major step forward in sustainable practices last month when the Ministry of Energy announced the introduction of Euro 5-standard diesel and gasoline to the domestic market as cleaner alternatives to current fuel products.

The move demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a greener future and improving air quality in the Kingdom.




The Saudi Ministry of Energy announced the introduction of Euro 5 standard diesel and gasoline to the domestic market as cleaner alternatives to current fuel products. (AN file photo)

Its objective, in line with the eco-friendly goals of Vision 2030, is to lower carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually by the end of the decade, paving the way to reach net zero emissions by 2060.

“This is the biggest encouraging news for clean energy adoption,” Abdulaziz Almizani, head of sustainability in renewable energy and the circular economy at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, told Arab News.

Burning just one gallon (3.8 liters) of gasoline produces 8,887 grams of carbon dioxide, while one gallon of diesel emits 10,180 grams of carbon dioxide, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. The launch of Euro 5 in Saudi Arabia is expected to result in a major reduction in air pollution.

The Kingdom has already embraced sustainable aviation fuel. By expanding its use of cleaner fuels to other modes of transport, Saudi Arabia is taking a proactive role in addressing global climate concerns.

With around 15 million registered cars on its roads, the transition to cleaner fuels will offer significant benefits to the environment and public health.

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Air pollution can cause a variety of health issues including strokes, ischemic heart disease and lung cancer, according to the World Health Organization. Clean fuels contain less sulfur, reducing major contributors to air pollution such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

By adopting cleaner fuels, the country aims to enhance air quality, protect public health, and promote sustainable living for generations to come.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Inhaling small amounts of gasoline and diesel vapor can cause nose irritation, respiratory problems and dizziness, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

• Euro 5 produces 50 times less carbon discharge than regular gasoline and diesel.

• Saudi Arabia aims to establish OXAGON, a 100% sustainable industrial city with zero emissions.

This move also demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to meeting its obligations under international climate pacts such as the Paris Agreement.

Additionally, the Kingdom’s move toward clean fuels has the potential to reshape the global energy landscape.

As one of the world’s largest oil producers, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cleaner fuels sends a strong message to other oil-producing nations that they can adapt and embrace sustainable practices.




Saudi Arabia is striving to become one of the world’s largest producers of clean energy, including green hydrogen, solar, wind and nuclear power. (MOE photo)

By providing this inspiration, the Kingdom is helping to accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon economy, while supporting environmentally sustainable development.

Although the launch of clean gasoline and diesel is an important milestone, Saudi Arabia is taking a gradual approach to its transition to fully renewable sources of energy.

In an interview last month with the quarterly bulletin of the Saudi Association for Energy Economics, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said the need for fossil fuels is unlikely to decrease any time soon.

Despite this, Saudi Arabia is striving to become one of the world’s largest producers of clean energy, including green hydrogen, solar, wind and nuclear power.




NEOM, the futuristic smart city currently under construction in the Kingdom’s northwest, will soon host the world’s largest green hydrogen plant. (Supplied)

NEOM, the futuristic smart city currently under construction in the Kingdom’s northwest, will soon host the world’s largest green hydrogen plant.

Also planned for NEOM is OXAGON, a zero-emissions industrial smart city, which will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy. The city will include a research facility focused on environmental sustainability issues.




OXAGON, a zero-emissions industrial smart city, which will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy. (Supplied)

Along with the government’s commitment to neutralize carbon concentration in the air and promote clean energy, Saudi Arabia is also at the forefront of providing education and raising awareness of current environmental problems.

“We have to start with ourselves, us as sustainability leaders,” said Almizani, stressing the importance of starting local and thinking global.

“I should raise awareness in my family and among relatives in the beginning; then the public will recognize the adaptation from my family and network circle. I can also talk about it through the media and newspapers.”

Saudi Arabia has launched several projects aimed at creating greater environmental awareness, particularly among young people.

Last year, the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve implemented the “School Reserve” initiative in five educational complexes, with the aim of motivating more than 500 students to volunteer for environmental awareness programs.




Saudi Arabia's Middle East Green Initiative plans to plant 50 billion trees across the region. (Supplied)

Beyond Saudi Arabia’s borders, the Middle East Green Initiative, launched in 2021, aims to combat the effects of climate change in the entire region.

Some of its projects include the planting of 50 billion trees across the Middle East and supporting plans to eliminate 670 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions.

In doing so, Saudi Arabia is contributing to the global effort to combat climate change, protect the environment, and position itself as a future leader in the renewable energy sector.

 


KSA showcases urban initiatives at Cairo forum 

Updated 9 sec ago
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KSA showcases urban initiatives at Cairo forum 

  • The pavilion highlights Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in urban development and sustainable city planning

RIYADH: Egypt’s Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, head of the Kingdom’s delegation, visited Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo, which began on Monday and ends on Nov. 8.

The pavilion, organized by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, features spaces for meetings, workshops and dialogue sessions. It includes over 40 interactive activities and hosts 150 representatives from various Saudi entities. 

The pavilion highlights Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in urban development and sustainable city planning, showcasing innovative projects and successful experiences, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday. 

Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, head of the Saudi delegation, visited the Saudi pavilion at the 12th World Urban Forum in Cairo. (SPA)

It also showcases the Kingdom’s achievements under Vision 2030, including sustainable transport networks, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced municipal services in cities. 

On the sidelines of the forum, Prince Faisal met with several delegation heads to discuss enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise. 

He discussed potential collaboration between Riyadh and Istanbul with Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, focusing on the exchange of skills.

He also met with Anar Guliyev, a member of the cabinet and chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture in Azerbaijan, to discuss cooperation.


Athar Festival begins in Riyadh

Updated 13 min 56 sec ago
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Athar Festival begins in Riyadh

  • Almost 2,000 people registered for second edition, says organizer
  • Veteran Gulf publisher aims to gather region’s creative community

RIYADH: The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity kicked off on Tuesday with a full house in Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will feature 100 regional and international speakers and is expected to bring together almost 2,000 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor-in-chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, with Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS, as vice chairman.

In an interview with Arab News, Fairservice said: “Athar has a role in bringing together the creative community, and the marketing community.

“The whole ethos of Athar is to create a community, albeit just for a couple of days, where everybody can come together and communicate and share ideas and develop new ones.”

He highlighted the increase of attendees this year, compared to last year’s event.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner of Motivate Media Group and chairman of Athar Festival, delivers a speech on the first day of the festival on Nov. 5, 2024 in Riyadh. (Loai Elkelawy)

“All of our numbers have pretty much doubled on last year. We have almost 2,000 attendees registered and, as you can see around us here, it’s absolutely buzzing. The main stage area is completely full. There are probably 100 people standing at the back watching our first keynote speaker today,” he said.

“In terms of other numbers, we have 400 entries for the awards for tomorrow night, of which there are 211 shortlisted.”

Fairservice’s knowledge of the region comes from living in Dubai for 47 years. He formed Motivate Media Group back in 1979 and launched one of the country’s first English-language magazines, “What’s On,” which had a primary readership of tourists and expatriates.

The inspiration behind it was simple — there was no media. It was, he recalls, an era “with no television, no radio, no newspapers, no magazines.”

Today, Motivate Media Group publishes numerous magazines such as “Emirates Woman,” “Gulf Business” and “Business Traveler Middle East.”

“We’ve grown the company organically and have gone into every different aspect of media across the board,” said Fairservice. “It’s been a privilege and a fantastic opportunity to have been able to do this from the ground floor.”

Athar Festival will continue on Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations and fireside chats focused on growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.


KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones

Updated 25 min 42 sec ago
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KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones

  • The 19th plane sent from Riyadh to Lebanon arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief is intensifying efforts to deliver aid to Lebanon and recently supported those in need of medical assistance in Turkiye.

The 19th plane sent from Riyadh to Lebanon arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday, carrying food, shelter and medical supplies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The aid will be used to assist the growing number of people displaced by Israeli airstrikes. Countries such as the UAE, Turkiye, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Canada, Romania and France are also sending aid to Lebanon.

In Turkiye, KSrelief recently concluded a week-long voluntary medical program for specialized surgeries in Tarsus. A team of 32 volunteers performed 31 open-heart operations, five therapeutic catheterizations, and 18 diagnostic catheterizations.

The Saudi aid agency also completed a medical project in Reyhanli for victims of the earthquake in February last year. During this campaign, the medical team treated 537 patients in family medicine, 417 in dermatology, 380 in optometry, and 219 in endocrinology.

In February 2023, KSrelief launched a campaign through the Sahem platform to aid earthquake victims in Syria and Turkiye, raising more than SR524 million ($139.5 million) from more than 3.4 million donations.


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Updated 04 November 2024
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Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.