An energy authority has said measures have to be put in place to address the Kingdom's rising oil and electricity.
“The Kingdom consumes a third of its oil production. Domestic demand for electricity in the Kingdom is one of the highest in the world. This will lead to an economic and environmental catastrophe if we don’t address the issue soon,” said Abdulhadi bin Mohammad Almuraih, executive director of the National Solar Energy Systems.
The economic impact lies in the gradual reduction of the Kingdom’s petrol exports because of increased local demand, especially with the increasing demand for water desalination, he said during a meeting.
The impact on the Kingdom’s treasury will be polarized within 10 years, in addition to the negative impact it will bear on the stability of the global market because of potential low oil supplies.
King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE) was established in 2010 to conduct major changes in energy strategies in the Kingdom, decrease total dependence on oil and begin partial transformations toward alternative energy sources such as nuclear, solar and wind energy.
“KACARE completed laying out the legal, organizational and economic basis for launching alternative energy projects in cooperation and coordination with government authorities like the Ministries of Finance and Petrol, Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA), King Abdulaziz City, ARAMCO Saudi Arabia, Saudi Electric Company and other entities,” he said.
“Everyone is awaiting the activation of the legislations that will lead to new industries in the Kingdom through direct investments that exceed SR 400 billion over the next 20 years,” he added.
This will activate the local economy and create thousands of jobs for Saudi nationals, in addition to avoiding total dependency on oil for domestic consumption.
Those present discussed the importance of rationalizing water and electricity consumption and activating building codes by using scientifically approved methods, which include high-quality insulation, since studies show that there is a 30-percent rate of wasted energy in the Kingdom.
Committee member discussed obstacles that curb the use of solar energy and ways to overcome these obstacles, like government incentives and attracting an ambitious cadre to get acquainted with this technology and spread it in the market.
The committee chairman pointed to the importance of intensifying educational campaigns about alternative energy through state-supported seminars and exhibitions.
KACARE completes basis for alternative energy projects
KACARE completes basis for alternative energy projects
Saudi crown prince, Pakistan PM discuss relations
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting in Jeddah on Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency said.
The pair discussed bilateral relations, ways to boost cooperation in various fields, and the latest regional and international developments.
Saudi and Pakistani senior officials attended the meeting.
Saudi crown prince, French president discuss regional developments
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Wednesday a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They discussed resumption of Israeli strikes on Gaza, in addition to efforts to halt attacks and protect civilians.
Macron commended the Kingdom's role in the US-Russian dialogue and the talks to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.
The pair also tackled issues of mutual interest.
Saudi crown prince, UK PM discuss developments in Gaza, Ukraine during call
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received on Wednesday a phone call from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Saudi Press Agency said.
They discussed during the call developments in the Gaza Strip and their security and political repercussions.
Starmer praised the Kingdom's pivotal role in hosting the US-Russia dialogue in Jeddah.
The pair reviewed efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis.
They also discussed ways of enhancing cooperation.
Saudis tap into Ramadan’s transformative power
- Many Muslims find that the self-discipline learned during this time leads to lasting changes
RIYADH: Ramadan, for many people, is an exceptional opportunity to practice self-discipline. Some people focus on personal growth while others learn new habits or adopt healthy lifestyles.
Fasting, as one example, involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations from sunrise until sunset, teaching people to control their desires.
The shift in eating patterns allows Muslims to consume mindfully, gaining an appreciation for food and a greater understanding of the situation of millions of people around the world who lack access to safe food and drinking water.
“It is an excellent time for self-discipline,” Hind Saud told Arab News. “The essence of Ramadan and the practice of fasting is a transforming experience, making you a better person, especially if you’re aiming to develop new habits that require self-control.”
She said that she took advantage of the month of fasting to build positive habits, control her food consumption and her appetite for sweets.
“Last Ramadan, I focused on enhancing my health by cutting caffeine. The long fasting hours encouraged me to incorporate healthier beverages like fresh juices, herbal teas and plenty of water.
“I also wanted to reduce my intake of sugar and artificial sweets, which I typically enjoy in desserts and snacks outside of Ramadan. So, I replaced it with fruits and yogurt as part of my suhoor meal.”
Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection. People use this month to deepen their relationship with God through prayers, reading the Qur’an, and giving to charity. It can also be a time to meditate and practice active meditation.
“Self-control in Ramadan is spiritually achieved by freeing oneself for worship and renewing one’s soul and body from the preoccupations in the past months,” said Amira Abdulmohsen, a local from Riyadh.
She added: “It is also achieved by abstaining from distractions such as wasting time on social media and instead using the time to read the Qur’an or memorize some chapters of it. Ramadan is in general a time to cleanse the body of toxins such as smoking.”
Both spiritual reflection and meditation require separating time from hectic schedules and engaging in activities that lift the spirit and help people to manage their time effectively.
For example, many Saudis during this holy month find joy in praying Taraweeh at the masjid. This daily activity creates a sense of responsibility because it must be performed every day at a specific time.
This habit not only encourages individuals to prioritize their spiritual well-being but also raises their sense of accountability toward themselves and their community. It is a great time to bring the neighborhood closer and strengthen their bonds as well.
“Taraweeh prayer strengthens the community’s relationship with each other, while a person strengthens his relationship with neighbors through Ramadan gatherings for iftar meal or through iftar gifts,” Abdulmohsen said.
“Iftar gifts are when I prepare an iftar dish and give some of it to the neighbors minutes before sunset.
“Or, when people have an iftar meal together every day at the local masjid. Some families have a habit of delivering meals to masjids during Ramadan.”
The lessons learned during Ramadan often extend beyond the month itself. Many Muslims find that the self-discipline learned during this time leads to lasting changes.
Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs organizes iftar banquets in 61 countries, benefiting thousands
- Ministry initiative serves iftar meals to 15,000 people in Sudan’s cities and regions
- Program endorses values of unity and compassion among Muslim societies
RIYADH: Daily iftar banquets organized by the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance during the first half of Ramadan have benefited thousands in 61 countries, including Sudan, Tanzania, the Philippines, and Argentina.
In Sudan, the ministry’s initiative has served iftar meals to 15,000 people across Sudan’s cities and regions and will reach 30,000 people by the end of Ramadan, which concludes in late March.
These banquets are part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Iftar Program, which is being carried out in 61 countries worldwide during Ramadan.
The program endorses unity and compassion among Muslim societies, while strengthening brotherhood and solidarity during Ramadan, a month of worship when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.
In Tanzania, 2,000 people have benefited from the iftar program during the first half of Ramadan, with the number expected to reach 4,500 next week, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ministry organized iftar banquets in South America, where more than 7,500 people in mosques and centers across Argentina benefited from the program.
This week, the religious attache at the Saudi Embassy in the Philippines organized an iftar meal in Manila, which was attended by several heads of Islamic associations in the country.
