RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is a crucial partner of Germany and an important player in the key region. Our close coordination in bilateral fields and multilateral forums as two G20 members is therefore in our mutual interests and has been very intense, said Dieter W. Haller, ambassador of Germany to the Kingdom in an interview with Arab News on the occasion of German National Day.
Following are excerpts from the interview:
Q: Relations between Germany and Saudi Arabia have grown tremendously in political, commercial and cultural fields. What is your comment on that?
A: Saudi Arabia is a crucial partner of Germany and an important player in a key region. Our close coordination in bilateral field as well as at multilateral fora as two G20 members is therefore in our mutual interests and has been very intense. Common challenges especially in the region need coordinated response.
The ties between our two countries are very solid, vibrant and expanding further. In addition to the numerous visits by both countries’ heads of state as well as foreign ministers in recent times, four visits by the foreign ministers of the two countries to each other’s country in less than a year between August 2015 and May 2016 speak volumes of the excellent relations.
The growing cooperation between the German Bundestag and the Saudi Shoura Council should also be mentioned in this regard. During October and November there will three parliamentary visits, which show that the interaction between the Saudi and German people is increasing.
Germany is one of the favorite destinations among Saudis for tourism and health. Also, the interest of German media and people in the Kingdom is growing and flow of tourists from Germany to the Kingdom could increase.
Q: While Saudi-German ties are marked by considerable economic activity, it is often said that they lack strategic content. How would you respond to that claim? What are your views on the future prospects for Saudi-German bilateral relations?
A: As I have already stated, the Kingdom has been a key partner of my country. There is a historical and strategic depth in our relations, not only in the human, cultural and commercial fields, but also in security cooperation. Security cooperation has been a key pillar of our relations. Saudi help in this area has contributed to saving of lives in my country. On the other hand, the German Federal Police’s engagement in extensive training of the border security personnel of the Kingdom, especially on the northern border, as well as efforts by German companies in this field are wonderful examples of our cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
This depth in relations will not change. Germany is more than ready and willing to support Saudi Arabia in its ambitious Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program. The competence of German companies and our government’s experience after reunification in 1990 had enabled it to put ambitious reforms into practice and that could be of great value for the Kingdom. Not as blueprints but more as a source of inspiration which might help to achieve the Vision 2030. German companies have outstanding experiences in fields like renewable energy, in managing smart cities, in water and sanitation or in the privatization of the health sector
Q: What is German position on key regional issues like Syria, Yemen and the Middle East peace process? Please explain briefly.
A: Regarding Yemen we believe that there can only be a political solution. Such a solution will have to be achieved in the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 2201. We endorse the latest international calls for an immediate and unconditional cease-fire. The parties to the conflict must resume negotiations. Similarly, there can be no military solution in Syria. We support the efforts of the UN Special Envoy de Mistura.
Both conflicts serve to undermine regional and ultimately global stability. This has to stop.
Q: Is there any Saudi official visit to Germany likely in near future or is any German commercial or political delegation’s visit to the Kingdom on the cards?
A: Just last week we had two important German delegations that visited the Kingdom. The first one was a delegation from the German Bundestag composed of politicians from the German Social Democratic Party who met members of the Shoura Council and high-ranking representatives of the Saudi Ministry of Defense, among them the vice minister.
The other was a high-ranking business delegation headed by Dr. Peter Ramsauer, a former federal minister and a member of German Parliament as well as chairman for the Parliament’s Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy and President of Ghorfa (the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
The delegation also comprised MP Mrs. Dagmar Wöhrl who is chairwoman for the Parliament’s Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development.
Dr. Ramsauer and his delegation held high-level talks with officials of the Ministries of Health, Energy, Commerce and Investment, Transport and Agriculture, Water & Environment, SAGIA, the Saudi Electrical Company, KAPSARC, Shoura Council, where there was also an interaction between female members of Parliament of both sides.
Apart from political talks, the members of the delegation that comprised people associated with architecture, construction, environment and water solutions and medical supplies had fruitful business talks where they presented innovative technological solutions from Germany.
Q: What is the total value of two-way trade between the Kingdom and Germany during 2014, 2015 and during the first half of 2016. What have been your exports and imports to/from Saudi Arabia?
A: The years 2014 and 2015 have been the most successful years of German-Saudi trade so far with a trade volume of $12 billion in 2015. The figures for the first half of this year do show an interruption of this trend but I am sure we will see further grow in the future. Major German exports to the Kingdom are machinery and industrial equipment. Imports from the Kingdom are dominated by petrochemical products.
Q: What is the total German investment in the Kingdom and vice versa? How many German companies have been licensed as foreign investors in Saudi Arabia?
A: We do not know the total volume of German investment here, but it is considerable. Let me just name Siemens’ gas turbine factory in Dammam and Linde’s chemical plant in Jubail II (both worth several hundred million US dollars), the $3 billion joint venture of Saudi Aramco and Lanxess on synthetic rubber, Evonik’s super absorber production and the many smaller joint ventures between German and Saudi companies.
Q: Which are the new areas where the two countries can cooperate and build strong partnerships for growth? Any major order or contract won by any German company recently?
A: The Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program do put a strong focus on the industrial diversification and efficient facilities. Industrial excellence and efficiency are the distinctive qualities of the German industry. High energy prices and expensive labor have forced the German industry and their suppliers for industrial equipment to provide outstanding quality and plants which can be run with minimal manpower and minimal consumption of energy and water. We are ready to assist our Saudi partners to bring the Kingdom to the forefront of industrial innovation. The Internet of things within the industry (or Industry 4.0 as we call it) brings industrial production to a new level, which will determine the best practice of the future.
As an example for recent contract awards I would like to highlight ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions (TK IS). They were awarded a contract by Yamama Cement for 2 cement production lines worth SR4.2 billion. Additionally, they are going to supply 251 elevators and 390 escalators for the Lines 1 and 2 of the Riyadh Metro.
Q: What is the total number of Saudi students currently studying in Germany? Also tell us about the total number of students from the GCC countries studying in German colleges and universities?
A: Currently, there are almost 1.500 Saudi students enrolled at German universities. From all GCC countries, about 2.300 students are studying in Germany.
Q: What is your perception about Saudi Arabia and the people of this country now that you have been posted here for the second time as German envoy?
A: I am happy to be back for my second term as German ambassador. I still have many friends here who gave me a very warm welcome. The people of Saudi Arabia are extremely friendly. I also admire them for being so brave in addressing the challenges of the future.
Being a young country, it is important that decisions are taken today that will ensure the well-being of the Saudi people for the years to come. There are so many creative and smart people in Saudi Arabia and I am sure this country will succeed on this path.
Q: The impact of the refugee policy on the Schengen agreement, the weak European response to Russia’s occupation of part of Ukraine, and the continuing financial problems and economic slowdown of the euro zone have all led to doubts about the future of the European Union. What specific reasons can one provide to support the thesis that the European Union will remain a credible global player?
A: I can assure you that the European Union will continue to be a key player in international affairs. It is true that several events not only the so-called “Brexit” make people worry about the future of the European Union. We have to question seriously and be honest with ourselves. The financial crises have left scars in Europe and the mass migration is an enormous challenge for Europe.
But at the same time there are a lot of positive developments. We have mastered the most important phase of the financial crises and the euro zone has been strengthened and has even been enlarged. Europe can and will take its part to make the world a safer place. We are exporting stability and security to our direct neighbors; we were involved in bringing the nuclear ambitions of Iran to a controlled level. The European Union has brought a phase of almost 70 years of peace and stability to its members. The challenge is now, to enlarge this experience, especially to our neighboring regions like the MENA.
Security cooperation is major pillar of Saudi-German relations
Security cooperation is major pillar of Saudi-German relations
From Seoul to Saudi: How Korean and Japanese stores are influencing Saudi tastes
- Exotic flavors find favor in Saudi cities
- Food trend spurred by pop stars and TV dramas
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s streets are no stranger to international flavors, but in recent years, Korean and Japanese specialty supermarkets have found new popularity. From rows of instant noodles and savory sauces to unique skincare products, these stores offer a slice of East Asia in the heart of Saudi Arabia. Cities like Riyadh and Alkhobar are embracing this cultural and culinary fusion, highlighting the growing appetite for global experiences among Saudis, driven by the influence of entertainment and a desire for novelty.
Korean culture, spearheaded by the global phenomenon of K-pop and K-dramas, has taken the world by storm, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. For Fahad Al-Salmi, the owner of the Japanese and Korean Mart in Riyadh, this cultural wave was a business opportunity waiting to happen. “Our decision to open a Korean supermarket in Saudi Arabia was driven by a growing interest in Korean culture, particularly through K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine,” Al-Salmi told Arab News.
“Many Saudis are curious about trying new flavors and exploring international cultures, and Korea has become a popular trend. We saw an opportunity to introduce authentic Korean products to satisfy that demand and to offer a unique experience for local customers,” he added.
This curiosity is translating into tangible lifestyle changes. Korean snacks, instant noodles, and condiments like gochujang (Korean chili paste) and soy sauce have become staples for many families. Al-Salmi observes that these products are now becoming integrated into everyday meals for many Saudi households. “With the influence of Korean entertainment, many Saudis are more open to trying international foods and incorporating them into their diets,” he noted.
HIGHLIGHTS
• While Riyadh has witnessed a growing number of specialty stores, cities like Alkhobar and Al-Shamalia are also joining the movement.
• By offering authentic and unique products, Korean and Japanese supermarkets are creating connections between cultures.
For Abdusalam Thodi, the owner of Kimchi Supermarket in Riyadh, the inspiration was personal. “I was inspired by Korea to open a Korean supermarket because I studied there,” shared Thodi. “Our bestsellers are Korean noodles and sauces, but we also offer a wide range of cultural products and specialty foods. Korean cuisine and culture are rapidly growing in popularity here in Saudi Arabia, and we’re proud to be part of this exciting trend.”
While Riyadh has witnessed a growing number of these specialty stores, cities like Alkhobar and Al-Shamalia are also joining the movement. The expansion into these regions highlights the nationwide appeal of Korean and Japanese supermarkets, catering to the tastes and preferences of Saudis across the Kingdom.
The allure of these supermarkets extends far beyond their aisles. They offer customers the chance to engage with a lifestyle that, until recently, was only accessible through screens. For long-time K-drama fan Fatimah Al-Dossari, the emergence of Korean supermarkets has been a dream come true.
With the influence of Korean entertainment, many Saudis are more open to trying international foods and incorporating them into their diets.
Fahad Al-Salmi, Japanese and Korean Mart owner
“I’ve been watching Korean dramas for 20 years, and I never imagined I’d get to try the food they enjoy on screen!” said Al-Dossari. “It’s amazing to see so many supermarkets now offering popular Korean snacks, noodles, cooking sauces, and seasonings. I couldn’t be happier — shopping for these items has become a regular treat for me every three weeks!"
Zainab Al-Salman, a frequent customer, describes the experience of shopping at these stores as a unique cultural adventure. “Trying new things that represent a different culture is always a great way to get to know this culture in your home and have a fun time exploring it,” she said. “Every time I go, it’s like visiting a museum. I tend to feel happy and joyful trying to pick what I will try next that I haven’t tried before.”
Al-Salman also appreciates the practical advantages of these markets. “Specialty markets often offer more options than just one section in other regular markets, and sometimes they are even cheaper,” she added.
The availability of Korean and Japanese products is fostering new habits in families. Al-Salman shared how her family’s shopping behavior has evolved thanks to these specialty supermarkets.
“Yes, it did help me build some habits like buying a kimchi bowl every few months for the family,” she explained. “That opened their eyes to other different things.”
Korean and Japanese supermarkets offer products and experiences that traditional supermarkets cannot replicate.
“Some of these products are not popular (enough) to be produced and sold in our markets, like different types of skincare products that are more effective than others,” noted Al-Salman. “This makes the supermarkets more attractive due to having more options to choose between.”
Al-Salman described how specialty markets provide a sense of wonder for shoppers. “For people who’ve never visited, their first visit is always like a good experience for them to see different things than a regular market,” she said.
For business owners like Al-Salmi and Thodi, the journey is as rewarding as it is exciting. By offering authentic and unique products, they are creating connections between cultures.
As Al-Dossari summed it up: “It’s amazing to see how food can bring people closer to a culture.”
With the growing influence of global cultures, Saudi Arabia’s retail sector is transforming, one supermarket aisle at a time. Cities like Alkhobar and Al-Shamalia are now key players in this transformation, ensuring that the bond between cultures continues to grow stronger with each passing year.
Qassim’s berry farms revolutionizing Saudi agriculture
- Local produce matching global quality standards
- Advanced hydroponics vital to success, says expert
QASSIM: The Qassim region has become the leading producer of strawberries and blueberries in Saudi Arabia, challenging international imports with produce that matches global quality standards, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
This success has been driven by many farmers’ ambition to innovate, modernize, and create quality alternatives to imported varieties.
The path to premium berry production in Qassim required multiple developments, agricultural engineer Saleh Ibrahim Al-Keaid told the SPA.
Al-Keaid said that the journey to excellence involved extensive research and collaboration with international experts.
“We spent a full year experimenting with different varieties and agricultural elements to achieve our current success,” he said.
The result is a premium product that rivals American and European berries in quality, size and yield.
FASTFACTS
• Modern approach to farming prioritizes organic farming methods, ensuring all fertilizers and pesticides meet strict safety standards.
• Advanced hydropnic systems utilize vertical farming towers — up to seven levels high —equipped with volcanic rock substrates and top-down irrigation.
These types of fruits are sensitive, requiring special soil, complementary elements, and suitable conditions through protected greenhouses.
The success hinges on innovative farming techniques, particularly the adoption of advanced hydroponic systems.
These systems utilize vertical farming towers — up to seven levels high —equipped with volcanic rock substrates and top-down irrigation.
This modern approach prioritizes organic farming methods, ensuring all fertilizers and pesticides meet strict safety standards.
Perhaps most impressive are the efficiency gains. According to Al-Keaid, the hydroponic system achieves remarkable water conservation, reducing consumption by 80 percent compared to traditional methods.
Additionally, the production capacity in hydroponic farming is multiple times that of soil-based farming.
The space efficiency is equally striking: a single greenhouse of 360 sq. meters can accommodate 9,000 seedlings — approximately triple the capacity of conventional soil-based farming.
Furthermore, caring for the seedlings is easier, requires less effort, and uses fewer fertilizers compared to soil-based farming.
How a Saudi royal reserve combines sustainability with support for the local community
- Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve promotes educational partnerships, controlled grazing, and sustainable hunting
- Authority CEO Mohammed Al-Shaalan says community engagement links environmental protection with economic development
RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve in northern Saudi Arabia was established in 2018 to help preserve a thriving natural environment and to promote a sustainable local economy, free from overgrazing and unregulated hunting.
Committed to enhancing the quality of life for the local community, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority works to protect biodiversity while engaging residents as stakeholders in advancing its environmental and development goals.
Headquartered in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, the authority invites residents to take part in educational programs, workshops, and collaborations to actively protect the environment and promote sustainable livelihoods.
This collaboration includes specialized training courses held in partnership with educational and development institutions, including the University of Hail, Northern Border University, and the Human Resources Development Fund.
These courses are designed to equip the community with the skills needed to support the reserve’s environmental and development goals, including the effort to increase vegetation through tree planting and the prevention of logging.
“Seven hundred thousand trees have been planted” since the reserve was established, Mohammed Al-Shaalan, the authority’s CEO, told Arab News on the sidelines of the UN conference on biodiversity, COP16, in Riyadh last month.
“Because of the plantation and the protection, the normalized difference vegetation index has increased from 2 percent to 8 percent over the past four years, which tells us that if we give a little bit of breath for the environment, it could restore itself very fast.”
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The index is a measure for assessing vegetation health and density using sensor data, helping track changes in plant health.
The reserve’s efforts align with the Kingdom’s goal of planting 10 billion trees by 2100 as part of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to rehabilitate more than 74 million hectares of land.
To date, more than 70 million trees have been planted nationwide.
In addition to its commitment to enhancing biodiversity, the reserve provides valuable resources for the local community. It grants controlled access to local herders, allowing their animals to graze and maintain a healthy biocycle for plants.
The reserve issues special permits for grazing in designated areas, allowing livestock owners to sustainably utilize the vegetation. This organized grazing process helps mitigate risks associated with excessive growth, including the potential for wildfires.
Among the local herders who frequently visits the reserve to graze his cattle is Farhan Al-Rughailan. He believes allowing livestock to graze helps maintain plant health, prevents diseases, and ensures sustainable use of the reserve’s resources.
hen plants are growing, they must be cut regularly, otherwise they become poisonous if they stay for too long without animals grazing on them,” he told Arab News.
Like other herders, Al-Rughailan is only permitted to visit the reserve during specific times specified on his permit. The policy has helped reduce the economic cost of feeding livestock.
“As a royal reserve, one of our mandates is the local community, and we have to take care of it,” said authority CEO Al-Shaalan.
“Today, we have more than 150 livestock, between camels and sheep, and livestock breeders in the local community are used to paying SAR 100 million ($26.6 million) to SAR 120 million to buy food for livestock. So, instead of buying hay and livestock feed, we allow them to graze.”
In addition to sustainable grazing, the authority has introduced sustainable hunting in a designated area located in the northern part of the reserve, which is also intended to support the local community without harming the ecosystem.
Although the sustainable hunting area makes up just 2.18 percent of the reserve’s total area, it provides a valuable boost to the local economy. Prey is raised in a controlled environment to ensure the sustainability of targeted species while preserving the reserve’s ecosystem.
DID YOUKNOW?
• The Imam Turki Royal Reserve employs 180 rangers to monitor and address issues related to wildlife and plants.
• According to its CEO, nearly 90 percent of the reserve is now protected.
• The Royal Reserve’s Development Authority uses drone technology to monitor and protect the environment.
• The reserve offers volunteer opportunities, fostering cooperation and environmental responsibility within the community.
Hunting is a popular activity for both locals and tourists in Saudi Arabia, but it has historically had a negative impact on native wildlife. Overhunting in the past has led to the decline of species such as the Arabian leopard, ibex, and oryx.
Today, the Kingdom’s Environmental Law and executive regulations prohibit the trade, killing, or hunting of endangered wildlife species, along with their derivatives and products. Violators can face fines of up to SAR 30 million, 10 years in prison, or both.
“Instead of people going and hunting in the wilderness, we provide a sustainable production of wildlife that we can release for hunting,” said Al-Shaalan.
This model was adopted by the UN in 1992, with the biodiversity agreement recognizing sustainable hunting as a conservation tool, affirming that wildlife can be preserved by allowing controlled hunting.
“There are always people who want to hunt,” he said. “But if you give them a legitimate way to hunt, it will reduce the pressure on wildlife.”
MWL sends condolences to Montenegro shooting victims
- The organization affirmed its full solidarity with Montenegro in this difficult period
MAKKAH: The Muslim World League has extended its condolences and sympathies to the government and people of Montenegro, as well as to the families of the victims, following the shooting incident in Cetinje, resulting in deaths and injuries to several people.
The organization affirmed its full solidarity with Montenegro in this difficult period.
Attempts to smuggle over 220k banned pills thwarted
- Mina’s customs officials intercepted an attempt to smuggle 34,084 Captagon pills, which were found hidden inside the driver seat cavity of a truck that entered the Kingdom
RIYADH: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority thwarted three attempts — at the King Fahd Causeway, Al-Haditha and Mina crossings — to smuggle over 220,000 banned pills found hidden in vehicles that entered the Kingdom, as well as in a passenger’s luggage.
The authority clarified that in the first attempt, the King Fahd Causeway’s customs agents halted an attempt to smuggle 120,370 Captagon pills, in addition to 45,975 other banned pills, which were found hidden inside four door cavities of a vehicle that entered the Kingdom through the crossing.
In the second attempt, Al-Haditha’s customs officers stopped an attempt to smuggle 21,011 Captagon pills, which were found in the luggage of a passenger that entered the Kingdom through the crossing.
During the third attempt, Mina’s customs officials intercepted an attempt to smuggle 34,084 Captagon pills, which were found hidden inside the driver seat cavity of a truck that entered the Kingdom.
