Saudi Arabia to Expand Petrochemical Production, Energy Minister Says

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (Reuters)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (Reuters)
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Saudi Arabia to Expand Petrochemical Production, Energy Minister Says

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (Reuters)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (Reuters)

Saudi Arabia is moving to expand the production of petrochemicals based on Chinese techniques for converting crude oil into petrochemicals, announced Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Wednesday.

Speaking at the third forum of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for International Cooperation in Beijing, the Minister said that the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated its impact on the global economy and on the supply and value chains.

It also showed the importance of complementary work between nations and the safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of the approaches adopted by China and Saudi Arabia through the BRI and Vision 2030.

Prince Abdulaziz explained that 2022 witnessed the conclusion of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with China, and the alignment plan between Vision 2030 and the BRI to enhance cooperation and interconnection.

The Kingdom is a significant and reliable oil exporter to China, said the Minister, adding that Saudi Arabia is keen to maintain and enhance this relationship by boosting strategic ties.

Prince Abdulaziz explained that Riyadh and Beijing seek to enhance their cooperation in developing and sustaining supply chains and enabling companies to benefit from current and future infrastructure.

He explained that these efforts further bolster cooperation in several areas, such as the circular carbon economy and its technologies, which can effectively contribute to China’s aspirations to make the BRI a green initiative.

Saudi Arabia is determined to become one of the most important exporters of renewable energy and clean hydrogen to support the diversification of energy sources.

He pointed out that Saudi Arabia aims to become a global logistics center, recalling that by 2030, the Kingdom will have approximately 60 logistics regions to meet the needs of the worldwide supply chain.



Saudi Arabia Set to Unveil World’s Tallest Skyscraper

Jeddah Tower is slated for completion within 42 months
Jeddah Tower is slated for completion within 42 months
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Saudi Arabia Set to Unveil World’s Tallest Skyscraper

Jeddah Tower is slated for completion within 42 months
Jeddah Tower is slated for completion within 42 months

Construction of the Jeddah Tower in western Saudi Arabia is speeding up. Set to be completed in 2028, it will rise over 1,000 meters, becoming the world’s tallest building.
The tower will showcase engineering innovation and technological progress, marking a key addition to the global skyline.
Kingdom Holding Company announced on Monday the resumption of Jeddah Tower construction and concrete pouring, with the presence of the Chairman of the company, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, its CEO, Eng. Talal Almaiman and representatives from several real estate and architectural firms.
According to the company, Jeddah Tower, which will exceed 1,000 meters in height, will become the tallest building in the world.
It will redefine Jeddah's skyline and position the Kingdom as a hub for architectural excellence and economic opportunities, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of diversifying the economy and promoting sustainable urban development.
Prince Alwaleed praised the support the project has received from the government. He explained that most of the loans responsible for construction have been repaid, allowing the company to efficiently manage the project.
He emphasized that this support reflects the government’s commitment to major national projects.
He also confirmed that the tower will be completed in 42 months. Concrete pouring has begun for the 64th floor, and the team plans to finish one floor every four days.
The Jeddah Tower is part of a larger 5.3 million square meter development, with the first phase covering 1.3 million square meters. The total investment will exceed 100 billion riyals, and the tower is expected to house between 75,000 and 100,000 people once finished.
Regarding financing, Prince Alwaleed also highlighted the advanced technology being used in the tower’s construction, including new methods for lifting concrete to heights of up to 1,000 meters.
The tower’s design will make it a unique global landmark, with its final height to be revealed later.