Saudi Economy Minister: Riyadh WEF Special Meeting is a ‘Unique Opportunity’ to Reshape Development

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim and WEF President Borge Brende. SPA
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim and WEF President Borge Brende. SPA
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Saudi Economy Minister: Riyadh WEF Special Meeting is a ‘Unique Opportunity’ to Reshape Development

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim and WEF President Borge Brende. SPA
Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim and WEF President Borge Brende. SPA

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim has said the World Economic Forum's (WEF) special meeting in Riyadh presents a vital chance to reshape development strategies globally.

This opportunity allows for a new approach to international cooperation, prioritizing overcoming differences and fostering mutual prosperity.

Alibrahim made this statement during the meeting's initial press conference, joined by WEF President Borge Brende. The conference took place at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, leading up to the special meeting on April 28-29.

This year's theme is "Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development.”

Heads of state and government representatives from 92 nations will gather to discuss the challenges of worldwide economic instability, climate change, and technological disruption. Their objective is to discover fresh avenues for sustainable development while fostering greater collaboration among nations.

The meeting will serve as an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to present Vision 2030 as a strategic plan for fostering innovation-led development and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Alibrahim stated that Saudi Arabia is ready to spearhead a progressive growth model centered on transformation, innovation, and sustainability. “Our vision is to cultivate a flourishing economy driven by knowledge and innovation, fully harnessing the immense potential of our people.”

The primary focus will be on crafting forward-thinking strategies to tackle climate change, economic volatility, and natural disasters.

The WEF's upcoming special meeting is expected to generate new recommendations and guide nations towards increased collaboration in addressing global challenges. Its objective is to forge a more sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.



Bahrain Inaugurates Bapco Refinery’s Modernization Project

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the inauguration of the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). Photo: BNA
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the inauguration of the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). Photo: BNA
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Bahrain Inaugurates Bapco Refinery’s Modernization Project

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the inauguration of the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). Photo: BNA
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during the inauguration of the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). Photo: BNA

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has inaugurated the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP), which stands as the largest strategic undertaking in the Kingdom’s history and a pivotal development in the energy sector. It is expected that production capacity will reach 400,000 barrels per day.

The inauguration took place on Thursday in the presence of Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and on Bahrain’s 53rd National Day celebrations and the Silver Jubilee of the King’s accession.

The King underscored the significance of BMP in fostering national development and sustainability, aligning with Bahrain’s ambition to maximize the value of its natural resources for economic and societal advancement.
"This landmark project reflects our enduring commitment to sustainable growth, utilizing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s natural energy resources to power economic progress and development," he stated.

King Hamad highlighted the BMP’s role in driving the Kingdom’s energy transition strategy, emphasizing the government’s steadfast dedication under the leadership of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to advancing economic recovery through strategic investments in high-potential sectors.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Energies Mark Thomas and Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Refining, highlighted during a joint press conference held on the sidelines of the inauguration of BMP, that the initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing Bahrain’s production capacity in oil refining.

They noted that the project is expected to substantially support the national economy and increase revenues, representing a strategic step to strengthen Bahrain’s economy by creating new jobs and improving the quality of petroleum products, with a focus on employing Bahrainis in the project.

They also expressed their optimism about the strategic project, which will serve as a foundation for launching new initiatives to enhance Bahrain's position as a leading investment destination. It is expected that production capacity will reach 400,000 barrels per day, representing a 42% increase.

Jawahery highlighted the historical cooperation between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, commending the partnership between Bapco and Saudi Aramco. "We currently import 220,000 barrels per day of Saudi crude oil, and with the project’s completion, imported quantities will exceed 320,000 barrels per day. This sustainable cooperation spanning more than 70 years serves as a model for Gulf integration," he said.