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Gulf Industrial Sector Grows by 8% Reaching $434 Bln

The Sultanate of Oman hosts meetings of the Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the 6th Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs.
The Sultanate of Oman hosts meetings of the Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the 6th Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs.
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Gulf Industrial Sector Grows by 8% Reaching $434 Bln

The Sultanate of Oman hosts meetings of the Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the 6th Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs.
The Sultanate of Oman hosts meetings of the Ministers of Commerce and Industry and the 6th Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs.

Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef said that industry is a key economic sector at the level of the GCC countries.

It ranks second among the member countries with a contribution of more than 12.2 percent, he added.

This sector grew by 8 percent during 2022 compared to 2021, reaching $434 billion.

The city of Salalah witnessed the inauguration of the first Gulf industrial exhibition, on the sidelines of the 65th Trade Cooperation Committee, the 51st Industrial Cooperation Committee, the 6th Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs, and the consultative meeting between Commerce and Industry ministries and heads of federations and chambers of the GCC states in the period between 13-15 September.

Al-Youssef noted that the GCC countries achieved a growth of more than 6 percent in the Gulf economy during 2022 and their GCD passed $2.4 trillion. It is further expected to reach $6 trillion in 2050.

GCC intra-trade exceeded $107 billion, added the minister, noting that the sovereign fund financial assets at the GCC countries surpassed $3225 billion.

The 65th GCC Trade Cooperation Committee meeting discussed several important topics, including the creation of a permanent committee concerned with investment, taking a decision regarding the trade and economic ministers meeting with China 6+1, and the GCC trade laws.

It was attended by Nigel Huddleston, the UK Minister of State for International Trade. The meeting reviewed the GCC-UK free trade agreement that is still being negotiated between the GCC and the UK.

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Vision 2030 Sets Saudi Arabia on the Path to Energy Sustainability, Emissions Reduction

 A solar energy project in Saudi Arabia (SPA) 
 A solar energy project in Saudi Arabia (SPA) 
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Vision 2030 Sets Saudi Arabia on the Path to Energy Sustainability, Emissions Reduction

 A solar energy project in Saudi Arabia (SPA) 
 A solar energy project in Saudi Arabia (SPA) 

For decades, Saudi Arabia heavily relied on traditional energy sources as a cornerstone of its national energy mix. This reliance led to significant fossil fuel consumption and a rise in carbon emissions. Despite the Kingdom’s abundant natural resources in solar and wind energy, previous investments in these renewable sources were not scaled to their full potential.

However, with the launch of Vision 2030, a transformative shift began. Diversifying energy sources became a strategic priority for achieving environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Saudi Arabia introduced the National Renewable Energy Program and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Initiative for Renewable Energy. According to the Vision 2030 Report for 2024, these initiatives have significantly accelerated the diversification of the national energy portfolio.

Under these frameworks, Saudi Arabia has achieved notable milestones in the renewable energy sector, including setting a global record for the lowest cost of electricity production from solar and wind energy. The Kingdom has also begun implementing sustainable transportation solutions utilizing hydrogen, while actively supporting the broader transition to a low-carbon energy future.

As part of these efforts, Saudi Arabia has taken practical steps to develop hydrogen-powered transportation solutions and to expand its reliance on low-carbon energy sources. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Kingdom’s energy resources, thereby advancing sustainable development and supporting the creation of a thriving green economy.

In the field of energy storage, Saudi Arabia now ranks among the world’s top ten markets. Current projects provide 26 gigawatts of storage capacity, with a target of reaching 48 gigawatts by 2030. Among these projects is the Bisha Energy Storage Project, one of the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, boasting a capacity of 2,000 megawatt-hours and housing 488 state-of-the-art battery containers.

The Kingdom has also made significant advancements in the conventional energy sector. Two new oil fields and two unconventional reservoirs were discovered in the Eastern Province, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s standing as a leading global energy supplier. These new discoveries produce approximately 11,437 barrels per day of Arabian oil and 9.39 million standard cubic feet per day of associated gas.

In addition, two natural gas fields and two reservoirs were discovered in the Empty Quarter, yielding 140 barrels per day of condensates and 19.5 million standard cubic feet per day of associated gas.