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.



Dubai Awards $5.5 Bln Metro Line Project to Consortium

The metro line will span 30 km and include 14 stations
The metro line will span 30 km and include 14 stations
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Dubai Awards $5.5 Bln Metro Line Project to Consortium

The metro line will span 30 km and include 14 stations
The metro line will span 30 km and include 14 stations

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) awarded on Thursday a 20.5 billion dirham ($5.5 billion) contract for the Dubai Metro Blue Line project to a consortium of three companies.

The consortium consists of Türkiye's MAPA and Limak, and China's state-owned CRRC.

The metro line will span 30 km and include 14 stations.

The project is scheduled to be completed on September 9, 2029, with construction slated to begin in April 2025. The completion date is 20 years to the day since Dubai Metro opened, initially with 10 Red Line stations, on September 9, 2009.

The Blue Line will offer “sustainable and flexible public transport solutions that enhance mobility for residents and visitors, elevate quality of life, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for events and activities,” said RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer.

The Blue Line is expected to generate 56.5 billion dirhams in economic benefits by 2040, driven by savings in time, fuel consumption, reduced road accident deaths, and lower carbon emissions, he added.