Majority of energy executives expect world to reach net-zero by 2060

In February, CEO of Saudi Aramco, Amin Nasser, said the company is eyeing continuity in the production of all types of energy including oil and gas, along with renewables. (File)
Short Url
Updated 30 March 2024
Follow

Majority of energy executives expect world to reach net-zero by 2060

  • This view is most strongly held among oil and gas business leaders, survey by Bain & Co. shows

RIYADH: Around 62 percent of executives in the energy sector expect the world to reach net-zero emissions by 2060 or later, a study showed.

The survey, carried out by management consulting firm Bain & Co., revealed that this view is consistent across most regions and is most strongly held among oil and gas business leaders. 

“Despite ENR (energy and natural resources) companies’ continued investments in decarbonization, about 62 percent of executives now anticipate the world will reach net-zero by 2060 or later, up from 54 percent in last year’s survey,” said Bain & Co. 

Most of the participants in the survey pointed out the financial viability of energy transition projects as a major concern.  

According to these ENR executives, the greatest obstacle to scaling up their transition-oriented businesses is finding enough customers willing to pay higher prices to create sufficient return on investment.  

“Energy transition looks slower as it becomes even more difficult to ensure adequate investment returns and progress diverges across a fragmenting world,” said the report.  

It added: “In our view, the direct impact of higher interest rates on the cost of transition projects is one of the most important stories of 2023 and is likely shaping executives’ perspective on this issue.”   

The survey also indicated that taxes and carbon pricing, along with government subsidies, are the top levers which will influence customer behavior. 

Middle East executives confident about energy transition-related businesses

The report highlighted that executives in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America are feeling more optimistic about the prospects of their transition-oriented growth businesses.  

The survey results also revealed that ENR officials in these regions believe transition-related businesses will bring positive impacts to their company’s valuation and profits by 2030.  

Speaking to Arab News, Paul Sullivan, non-resident senior fellow of the Global Energy Center at the Atlantic Council also shared similar views and noted that countries in the Middle East have all the potential to spearhead the transition journey.  

“GCC countries may in the end be more successful at some transitions because they need the transitions to help economic diversification and economic diplomacy. And mostly they can pay for the energy transition with their oil and gas revenues. Without those revenues, it would be near impossible to do this,” said Sullivan.  

In February, Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said the company is eyeing continuity in the production of all types of energy including oil and gas, along with renewables. 

Two months earlier, Nasser said the amount of renewable energy coming to the international market falls short of fulfilling the rising demand. 

He said more investments are needed in the oil and gas sector to ensure a smooth energy transition. 

The Bain & Co. report said energy executives consider North America as the most attractive region for transition-related investments, but the stability of government policies remains a concern.  

According to the report, over 70 percent of the executives worldwide who took part in the survey revealed that reducing policy uncertainty would very significantly improve their ability to scale up transition-oriented businesses. 

“Many of the programs started by governments in the recent past and present may not survive the political changes that could be coming. Many governments are listening to their voters and are already backing down from some energy transition measures,” added Sullivan.

Jiyas Jamal, an Indian lawyer who is also a climate activist, shared similar views, and said energy transition is happening slower, but countries all across the globe have started taking the climate issue seriously.  

“I do agree that energy transition is happening slowly. However, there is a growing awareness all over the world regarding the issue of climate change. Even though financial viability is a major concern among ENR companies, the trend is reversing now, and several big names in the sector, especially in the Middle East region are seriously investing in renewable projects,” Jamal told Arab News.

The impact of AI on energy transition 

The report said advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, have a crucial role to play as the world sails toward a sustainable future.  

According to the survey, the share of ENR executives who believe AI and digital processes will have a significant effect on their businesses by 2030 increased from 56 percent in 2023 to 65 percent in 2024. 

BACKGROUND

• Most of the participants in the survey pointed out the financial viability of energy transition projects as a major concern.

• According to these ENR executives, the greatest obstacle to scaling up their transition-oriented businesses is finding enough customers willing to pay higher prices to create sufficient return on investment.

• The Bain & Co. report said energy executives consider North America as the most attractive region for transition-related investments.

Improving maintenance, production, and the supply chain are currently among the most promising generative AI applications across ENR sectors, the report added.  

However, executives are skeptical that generative AI will play a significant role in reducing emissions due to its significant energy requirements. 

“AI could be an increasingly bigger part of the transition in many countries and across countries. But AI is a big consumer of energy. This energy consumption needs to be considered as a factor in the energy transition and for climate and environmental issues in the future,” said Sullivan.  

He added: “No energy is clean over its supply chains and life cycles. No energy is free — contrary to some of the ‘renewables’ salespersons. No energy is truly renewable when the technologies reach their lifetimes and need to be decommissioned. So, even the concept of renewable is up to question and is more of a continuum than an absolute.” 

Energy transition: the funding dilemma 

Talking about the energy transition progress in the global north and south, Sullivan said funding is an issue for all countries.  

He opined that richer countries have more capital that can be put into the transition efforts, but they are excessively relying on tax breaks and subsidies.

“Developed countries have built up massive public debts and yet many feel free to spend tens of billions of mostly borrowed money increasing their debt to go forward with the energy transition. This is not sustainable at all,” noted Sullivan.

He added: “Many leaders in the poorer parts of the world do not have climate as a top issue and the energy transition is very expensive. For poorer and less developed countries, they have many other more pressing problems to deal with, such as poverty, education, health, and other crushing economic and political issues.”  

For his part, Jamal concluded that energy transition is one of the crucial agendas the world is facing, and it should be achieved effectively, even though a little delay happens in the process.  

“The world is facing the heat of climate change. All the countries should try to achieve their net-zero targets for our future generations. Developed nations should continue lending their helping hand to the least developed, as this is an issue which can be addressed with cooperation,” he said.


Saudi Arabia, Kuwait sign MoU to boost anti-money laundering efforts

Updated 22 June 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia, Kuwait sign MoU to boost anti-money laundering efforts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have signed a memorandum of understanding to bolster cooperation in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, reinforcing regional efforts to strengthen financial security.

The agreement, inked between Saudi Arabia’s General Department of Financial Investigations and Kuwait’s Financial Intelligence Unit, was finalized on the sidelines of the second meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council Committee of Financial Intelligence Units, held in Kuwait, the Kuwait News Agency reported.

The MoU aims to enhance intelligence sharing and operational coordination between the two nations. It is expected to significantly improve the effectiveness of the region’s financial crime prevention frameworks, aligning with international standards and bolstering joint mechanisms among GCC financial intelligence units.

The signing follows a virtual workshop hosted in March by the National Center for Non-Profit Sector Development, which focused on preventing money laundering and terrorist financing within non-profit organizations, including charitable groups and foundations.

The agreement also reflects broader economic ties between the two Gulf neighbors. In February, Kuwait’s exports to Saudi Arabia reached SR137 million ($36.5 million), up 19.6 percent from the previous year, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity.

Officials from both countries highlighted the MoU’s role in advancing national capabilities, fostering regional integration, and aligning with best practices in financial intelligence and compliance.

The renewed cooperation comes as Saudi Arabia continues to encourage Kuwaiti investment in its mining and industrial sectors.

In April, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef met with a delegation of Kuwaiti businessmen during an official visit to Kuwait, emphasizing untapped opportunities in the Kingdom’s mining industry.

Alkhorayef underscored the sector’s importance to Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global industrial and mining hub. He cited estimates valuing Saudi mineral resources at over SR9.3 trillion.

Combatting money laundering remains a national priority for Saudi Arabia, which has implemented a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to protect the integrity of its financial system and prevent illicit funding activities, including terrorism financing.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges down 0.34% to close at 10,574

Updated 22 June 2025
Follow

Closing Bell: Saudi main index edges down 0.34% to close at 10,574

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged lower on Sunday, falling 36.44 points, or 0.34 percent, to close at 10,574.27.

Total trading turnover reached SR3.72 billion ($991 million), with 134 stocks posting gains and 102 declining.

The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, also recorded a slight dip, losing 27.14 points, or 0.10 percent, to settle at 26,148.69, as 34 stocks advanced and 39 retreated. Meanwhile, the MSCI Tadawul 30 Index dropped 5.34 points, or 0.39 percent, to finish at 1,361.80.

Alistithmar AREIC Diversified REIT Fund was the best-performing stock of the session, with its share price rising 10 percent to SR8.25. Al Sagr Cooperative Insurance Co. followed with a 9.96 percent increase to SR12.36, while Knowledge Economic City climbed 5.36 percent to close at SR12.98.

On the losing side, Retal Urban Development Co. saw the steepest decline, falling 5.10 percent to SR13.02. Flynas Co. dropped 4.13 percent to SR74.20, and Saudi Chemical Co. declined 3.85 percent to SR6.24.

Shares of Hawiya Identity Auctions began trading on Nomu at SR13 per share. According to a Tadawul statement, the offering comprised 2.4 million shares, with Derayah Financial Co. acting as lead manager.

Gas Arabian Services Co. announced the signing of a joint venture agreement with Italy’s BONOMI Co. to establish a valve manufacturing company in the Kingdom.

The new company will have a capital of SR5 million, with BONOMI holding a 60 percent stake and Gas Arabian Services owning 40 percent.

The Saudi firm will fund its SR2 million share from internal resources. The deal is expected to have a long-term positive financial impact, though it remains subject to regulatory approvals and the fulfillment of conditions outlined in the agreement. Gas Arabian Services shares closed at SR15, up 0.40 percent.

Mayar Holding Co. revealed that its subsidiary, NewPlast Co., has signed a two-year memorandum of understanding with Avant Sports to produce plastic chairs for sports stadiums.

The chairs will be manufactured at NewPlast’s Riyadh facility and will meet international and FIFA standards. The agreement supports Mayar’s commitment to localizing specialized industries in line with Vision 2030 goals.

The price range for the offering of the Sports Clubs Co. ranged between SR7 and SR7.5 per share, according to a statement by Saudi Fransi Capital, the financial advisor and bookrunner for the institutional subscription.

The offering includes 34.32 million ordinary shares, representing 30 percent of the company’s capital.


Saudi culture sector to triple GDP share to $48bn by 2030, says minister

Updated 22 June 2025
Follow

Saudi culture sector to triple GDP share to $48bn by 2030, says minister

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia plans to raise the cultural sector’s contribution to gross domestic product to 3 percent — or SR180 billion ($48 billion) — by 2030, up from under 1 percent, according to Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.

In an interview with Al-Eqtisadiah, the minister said the sector has already surpassed its previous 0.91 percent GDP share, with Vision 2030 targets being met ahead of schedule.

“Vision 2030 forms the foundation of the Ministry of Culture’s strategy and direction,” he said. 

“By 2030, we envision a cultural environment that nurtures talent, encourages innovation both locally and internationally, and supports the flourishing of creative and cultural enterprises.” Prince Badr said in the interview. 

“Ultimately, our goal is to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP to 3 percent, equivalent to SR180 billion,” he said. “This represents the core mission of the Ministry of Culture and its affiliated bodies in driving an ambitious cultural transformation.”

Since the ministry’s founding in 2018, employment in the sector has jumped 318 percent, while the number of cultural graduates reached 28,800 in 2024, up 79 percent from 2018. The ministry has also issued over 9,000 licenses, while cultural associations and amateur clubs surged from 28 to 993.

“One notable outcome is the increase in the percentage of citizens who believe culture is important—from under 70 percent to 92 percent,” Prince Badr said. The ministry also oversees national celebrations such as Founding Day and Flag Day and has documented 9,317 antiquities sites and 25,000 urban heritage locations.

Saudi Arabia has now met its Vision 2030 target of having eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, with Al-Faw joining the list in 2024. Cultural event attendance exceeded 23.5 million between 2021 and 2024, and major festivals such as the Red Sea Film Festival and Islamic Arts Biennale have become global draws.

The Cultural Scholarship Program has awarded scholarships to 1,222 students studying at over 120 institutions across countries, including the US, the UK, and France. The program’s flexible design — no age limit or required academic background — has broadened participation. “Today, scholarship recipients are pursuing degrees in fields such as music, theater, and visual arts,” the minister said.

Through the Cultural Development Fund, the ministry has disbursed SR377 million to more than 120 projects. “Key areas of growth include heritage, music, and fashion. More than 1,200 creatives and entrepreneurs have benefited from its development services,” he added.

“Globally, there is increasing recognition of culture’s role in sustainable economic value creation,” the minister said. “Our role is to preserve and promote cultural identity while making it accessible and economically valuable.”


Saudi Arabia surpasses 116m tourists in 2024, exceeds goal for 2nd year 

Updated 22 June 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia surpasses 116m tourists in 2024, exceeds goal for 2nd year 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed 116 million tourists in 2024, exceeding its annual visitor target for the second year in a row, the official data showed. 

According to the Ministry of Tourism’s latest annual statistical report, the figure includes 29.7 million inbound tourists, an 8 percent increase year on year, and 86.2 million domestic trips, up 5 percent from 2023. 

The milestone reflects the continued acceleration of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy, which positions tourism as a central driver of economic diversification.  

After surpassing its original 100 million visitor goal six years ahead of schedule in 2023, Saudi Arabia has revised its ambitions upward, now aiming to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030. This figure is split between 70 million international and 80 million domestic visitors. 

In a post on X, Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb said: “The 2024 Annual Statistical Report showcases the sector’s remarkable growth and its role in enabling Saudi Vision2030, a record performance achieved with the support and guidance of the Kingdom’s visionary leadership.”

Total tourism spending in 2024 hit SR283.8 billion ($75.6 billion), with inbound tourists contributing SR168.5 billion, up 19 percent from 2023, while domestic tourist expenditure reached SR115.3 billion, a 1 percent rise.  

“The tourism sector continued to achieve record growth, reaffirming its transformation into a key driver of economic development and a fundamental pillar in advancing and diversifying the national economy,” the minister said.   

Inbound tourism also reached a record monthly peak in March with 3.2 million visitors. The average international tourist stayed 19 nights and spent SR5,669 per trip.  

A standout development in 2024 was the continued rise in non-religious tourism, now representing 59 percent of inbound visits compared to 44 percent in 2019.  

Leisure and holiday travel topped this category, with related spending reaching SR36.4 billion.   

Makkah remained the top destination, drawing 17.4 million overnight visitors, and Egypt was the leading source market with 3.2 million arrivals.   

Regional analysis revealed that Asia and the Pacific accounted for the largest share of inbound tourists, at 33 percent, followed by the Middle East and North Africa at 28 percent, and the Gulf Cooperation Council at 27 percent.  

Europe contributed 8 percent, while both the Americas and Africa each made up 2 percent of total visitors.  

The sustained growth reflects the Kingdom’s continued focus on developing its tourism infrastructure and global outreach.   

The ministry noted that this report highlights the exceptional and accelerated growth achieved by the sector through targeted marketing campaigns and support programs, contributing to the sector’s record-breaking performance.  
 


Air France eyes daily Paris-Riyadh flights amid soaring demand

Updated 22 June 2025
Follow

Air France eyes daily Paris-Riyadh flights amid soaring demand

  • New route reflects airline’s ambition to reestablish presence in Saudi market
  • It comes in response to growing demand to access Kingdom’s expanding economic opportunities

RIYADH: Air France is planning to operate daily flights between Paris and Riyadh, a senior airline official told Arab News in an exclusive interview.

The announcement follows the launch of the carrier’s first direct route between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and King Khalid International Airport.

Stefan Gumuseli, the airline’s general manager for India and the Middle East, outlined the importance of the new route for the Air France-KLM Group and said it reflects the airline’s ambition to reestablish its presence in the Saudi market.

The decision comes in response to growing demand from travelers and investors eager to access the Kingdom’s expanding economic opportunities.

The new route marks a strategic step for Air France as it expands operations in the region and aligns with the growing connectivity between Europe and Saudi Arabia.

As part of its sustainability strategy, Air France is adopting a comprehensive approach across its operations. Supplied

Talking to Arab News, Gumuseli said: “We’re starting with three weekly flights in mid-June, then gradually increasing to five. Our first major goal is to move to a daily service.”

He added that the market is not only outward-looking; the airline is also responding to rising inbound demand for Saudi Arabia, noting that it is experiencing almost exponential year-on-year growth.

Gumuseli also pointed to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which reflects a strong commitment to developing tourism, hospitality, and culture, supported by substantial ongoing investments. He said: “All these megaprojects are a clear sign that tourism is booming. We have a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia and are expanding our cooperation.”

His comments were echoed by Air France’s Senior Vice President for Benelux, Asia, India, the Middle East, and East Africa Bas Gerressen, who told Arab News: “Tourism is a very important factor, but we also need traffic, which has grown significantly over the past two years.

“The more connectivity there is between the two countries, the more economic exchange will flourish in both directions,” Gerressen added. 

Air France-KLM has entered into codeshare agreements to strengthen its network connectivity.

“We also place our code on these flights. So, when you consider all that connectivity from both sides, demand can only grow,” Gerressen said.

He added: “I believe Saudi Arabia has many premium travelers, and we need to reach them in specific markets. We already have strong demand across our business, premium and economy classes.”

At the same time, the airline is leveraging its distinctive French identity.

The new route marks a strategic step for Air France as it expands operations in the region. Supplied

‘We position ourselves as a truly French brand — luxury, elegance, sophistication ... The French Touch. You can feel it the moment you board,” said Gerressen.

High-end products, gourmet in-flight dining, La Premiere lounges, and exclusive cabin experiences all reinforce this premium positioning. “We offer one of the best cabins in the region with our new first class, featuring a seat with five windows and just four seats in the entire cabin. It’s a revolution in the industry,” Gerressen added.

He emphasized the cabin crew’s vital role in shaping the passenger experience, highlighting their attentiveness and approachable demeanor.

As part of its sustainability strategy, Air France is adopting a comprehensive approach across its operations.

“Each new generation of aircraft reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 25 percent. Today, 28 percent of our fleet consists of these new aircraft, and our goal is to increase this figure to 80 percent by 2030,” Gerressen said. 

The airline is also the world’s leading buyer of sustainable aviation fuel. 

Gumuseli said: “We account for nearly 16 percent of global SAF usage, despite representing only 3 percent of total global kerosene consumption.”

Air France is investing in technology to enhance the passenger experience.

“We’ve decided to install high-speed Wi-Fi on board. In the event of a delay, passengers will receive updates about their connecting flights directly on their screens. With data and technology, we can truly personalize the service,” Gumuseli said.

“Our target customers include expatriates living in Saudi Arabia and tourists wishing to travel to Europe, North America, South America or Africa. Businesses are also a key audience, given the strong commercial ties between France and Saudi Arabia. We aim to serve all these segments,” said Gumuseli.

“Religious tourism should not be overlooked. Pilgrims can now combine Umrah with a more tourist-oriented experience,” he added.

Gerressen stressed the importance of the eVisa: “It is crucial. Simplifying the visa process will be essential in convincing more people to visit Saudi Arabia.”