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Samer Al-Kharashi to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Making Progress in Green Investments

Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Office for the Middle East.
Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Office for the Middle East.
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Samer Al-Kharashi to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Making Progress in Green Investments

Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Office for the Middle East.
Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Office for the Middle East.

Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Regional Office for the Middle East, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in advancing the tourism ecosystem in the region and promoting sustainable development in the sector.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, he stressed that the Kingdom’s hosting of the regional office reflects its commitment to making tourism a key driver of economic growth in the Middle East.

Al-Kharashi noted that the Arab Gulf and the Middle East saw the largest relative increase in international tourist arrivals, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 36% during the first quarter of 2024. This includes a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2023, making the region the global leader in tourism recovery.

In the interview, the official emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects are pivotal to Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a premier global tourist destination. He added that these projects align closely with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030, focusing on sustainable tourism, economic growth, and preserving cultural heritage.

Al-Kharashi acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s substantial progress in sustainable tourism development, citing the UNWTO’s report on tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals. He commended Riyadh’s efforts in promoting viable initiatives that benefit both people and the environment.

Since its launch in Riyadh in May 2021, the UNWTO’s Middle East office has become a key contributor to the region’s tourism growth, he noted. Its primary focus has been on capacity building, enhancing competitiveness, and fostering public-private partnerships to support tourism-driven regional development. The office also works to integrate tourism into public policy and promote rural destinations, he underlined.

On a technical level, the office supports advanced capacity-building initiatives, skill development, and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices, Al-Kharashi said, adding that it aims to create a more robust and competitive tourism sector in the Middle East, ensuring long-term, sustainable growth.

Asked about the tourism sector’s performance in the Middle East in terms of numbers, the official replied that the Middle East has made significant progress in tourism development.

According to the UNWTO Tourism Barometer, the region recorded a 36% increase in international arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels during the first quarter of 2024, he stated. This follows a strong performance in 2023, when the region was the first globally to recover fully, with a 22% increase in tourist arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Al-Kharashi emphasized that tourism is a vital part of the global labor market, providing jobs for 1 in 10 people worldwide.

“As an international organization with 160 member countries, the UNWTO is dedicated to promoting sustainable development in the tourism sector. Our strategic priorities include fostering high-quality employment, nurturing talent, driving technological innovation, and advancing sustainability and climate action,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Al-Kharashi further explained that the UNWTO promotes sustainable tourism and green investments in the region through a variety of initiatives.

The Organization focuses on three key investment areas: human capital development through education and skills training, environmental sustainability through green infrastructure investments, and economic growth through innovation and entrepreneurship, he stressed.

These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia’s Green Saudi and Green Middle East programs, he remarked.

Additionally, the UNWTO has launched a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Tourism Platform, which offers resources and expert knowledge on sustainable tourism practices, Al-Kharashi said, adding that the Organization is also committed to promoting green investments through events such as World Tourism Day 2023, which showcased opportunities for sustainable tourism development.

Discussing the current state of green investments in the Middle East’s tourism sector, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Al-Kharashi stressed that green investments are increasingly central to tourism development in the region. The UNWTO has developed investment guidelines that encourage sustainable tourism investments, including in Jordan, where foreign direct investment rose by 83% in 2022, reaching $1.1 billion.

Furthermore, he added that Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in sustainable tourism, citing the UNWTO’s report, which highlights the Kingdom’s efforts under SDG 15 (Life on Land), such as reforestation projects to combat desertification and drought.

Al-Kharashi went on to say that the UNWTO’s regional office in Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in shaping the future of tourism in the Middle East.

“By fostering close collaboration between public and private sectors, the office is helping to build a dynamic and competitive tourism environment. With over 13 affiliated members from Saudi Arabia, including representatives from hospitality, education, and travel, the office is boosting tourism capacity and development across the region,” he stated.

He continued that the office also supports initiatives such as the Tourism Tech Mentorship Program in Al-Ula, aimed at cultivating a new generation of tourism leaders. This strategy ensures that the region remains competitive, while also contributing to long-term economic and social development.

According to Al-Kharashi, Saudi Arabia’s decision to host the UNWTO’s first regional office demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy and positioning the Middle East as a leading global tourism destination. The office supports the 13 member countries of the region and strengthens collaboration with 45 affiliated members from the region.

“By promoting tourism education, skill development, and rural tourism, the regional office plays a vital role in advancing the tourism sector across the Middle East,” he remarked.

Asked about the UNWTO’s view of Saudi Arabia’s recent tourism developments, he UN official said that the Organization regards Saudi Arabia’s tourism development as highly promising, especially with the Kingdom’s ambitious goal of attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030.

To meet this target, it will be essential to bolster the sector’s capabilities through education, training, and skill development, he stated, adding that the recent agreement between the UNWTO and Saudi Arabia includes the establishment of a “Jobs Factory” and a “Tourism Labor Market Observatory,” both designed to boost capacity and assess workforce skills.

Additionally, the UNWTO has recognized two Saudi destinations - Rijal Alma and AlUla - in its “Best Tourism Villages” competition, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving cultural and natural heritage, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Al-Kharashi noted that Saudi Arabia’s mega-projects, such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and AlUla, represent a major transformation for both the region and the global tourism landscape. He explained that these projects, part of Vision 2030, are designed to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and establish it as a world-class tourist destination.

With successful bids for the 2034 FIFA World Cup and Expo 2030, alongside ambitious projects that include futuristic cities, entertainment hubs, and heritage sites, Saudi Arabia is on track to become a major player in the global tourism industry, the official said. These projects will set new benchmarks for sustainable and innovative tourism practices, enhancing the Middle East’s reputation as a leading destination for visitors worldwide.

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Business

Mawani Adds CMA CGM’s Ocean Rise Express Service to Jeddah Port

Mawani Adds CMA CGM’s Ocean Rise Express Service to Jeddah Port
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Mawani Adds CMA CGM’s Ocean Rise Express Service to Jeddah Port

Mawani Adds CMA CGM’s Ocean Rise Express Service to Jeddah Port

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has added CMA CGM's Ocean Rise Express (OCR) shipping service to Jeddah Islamic Port, aiming to strengthen maritime connectivity between Saudi Arabia and global markets, support the smooth flow of supply chains, and increase the efficiency of port operations.

The OCR service will connect Jeddah to key international ports, including Kobe, Nagoya, and Yokohama in Japan; Xiamen, Yantian, and Nansha in China; Rotterdam in the Netherlands; Hamburg in Germany; and Southampton in the United Kingdom.

The route will utilize vessels with a capacity of up to 10,000 TEUs, according to SPA.

This addition aligns with Mawani’s efforts to enhance Jeddah Islamic Port’s global competitiveness and support international trade.

By enabling access to new markets, the initiative reinforces the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.

Business

Lebanon's Financial Battles Persist Despite War Priorities

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with a delegation from the Association of Banks in Lebanon (Lebanese Presidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with a delegation from the Association of Banks in Lebanon (Lebanese Presidency)
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Lebanon's Financial Battles Persist Despite War Priorities

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with a delegation from the Association of Banks in Lebanon (Lebanese Presidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with a delegation from the Association of Banks in Lebanon (Lebanese Presidency)

Lebanon's unresolved financial and monetary issues continue to generate new and pressing obligations for the executive, legislative and monetary authorities. Although they have been partially overshadowed by the storm of war and its devastating human, reconstruction and social consequences, these issues remain high on both the political and economic agenda.

As the government's economic team works on amendments to the draft financial-gap law, including discussions over reservations raised by the central bank, newly proposed changes to the banking reform law, submitted by the government to parliament this month, have reignited the ongoing disputes within Lebanon's financial sector.

These disputes remain centered on the rescue plan and the treatment of structural crises that have persisted into their seventh consecutive year, most notably reflected in the repeated failure to meet reform commitments required to secure a financing agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat from a financial official, wartime developments and their repercussions have effectively granted Lebanon additional time, at least until the autumn meetings of international financial institutions, to complete legislation forming the roadmap for restoring financial stability and recovering deposits.

This includes the sought-after reforms of the banking sector, alongside compliance with anti-money laundering requirements, particularly measures aimed at curbing the informal economy, shutting down channels used for illicit financial flows, and addressing excessive cash circulation through enhanced source-to-beneficiary verification requirements.

A notable development is expected to influence future deliberations in parliamentary committees and the legislature's general assembly. In an updated report, the IMF classified the crisis affecting Lebanon's banking sector as a "systemic crisis," placing it alongside similar crises experienced by 13 countries worldwide over the past decade, from Angola in 2015 to Vietnam in 2022. This classification is expected to help align Lebanon's reform measures and responsibilities with international standards and draw on rescue plans implemented in comparable cases.

According to the financial official, the IMF's classification could help settle long-running domestic disputes that have prolonged the failure to adopt a comprehensive plan for exiting the financial and monetary crisis and containing its social and economic consequences. Such a plan remains the only viable pathway to restoring confidence in the financial sector and returning gradually to economic recovery, particularly after the enormous reconstruction and economic losses caused by successive destructive wars, estimated to exceed $20 billion at a minimum.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun meets with Central Bank of Lebanon Governor Karim Souaid on May 7. (Lebanese Presidency)

Systemic Crisis and Financial Sector Restructuring

The official added that this approach takes on added importance amid discussions surrounding the restructuring of the financial sector, particularly the draft law on restoring financial order and recovering deposits submitted by the government to parliament.

"The recognition of the systemic nature of the crisis requires reconsidering some of the proposals currently on the table in a way that ensures a fairer distribution of responsibilities and burdens among all parties concerned, rather than reducing what happened to a narrow framework and placing the full cost of the collapse on depositors and banks," the official said.

This international reassessment is consistent with an opinion issued by Lebanon's State Council more than two years ago, which concluded that Lebanon was not facing an ordinary banking crisis but rather a systemic one, assigning primary responsibility for the financial crisis to the state because of its reliance on borrowing from the central bank to finance budget deficits.

Banks Ready to Shoulder Responsibilities

The issue resurfaced during a meeting between President Joseph Aoun and the board of the Association of Banks in Lebanon, headed by Salim Sfeir. The association conveyed the banking sector's readiness to assume its responsibilities and participate in absorbing losses, provided that reform does not amount to liquidation and that restructuring does not unfairly burden both banks and depositors. It stressed the need for a fair allocation of responsibilities and costs while safeguarding depositors' rights and preserving the sector's viability.

Aoun emphasized "the importance of reaching a fair and comprehensive solution to the banking crisis that satisfies all parties and preserves rights equally."

He stressed the importance of reform without destroying or undermining the sector, adding that "it is the state's duty to stand by the banking sector, reform it and restructure it in order to safeguard the economy and guarantee depositors' rights."

He further noted that "without a sound banking sector, there will be no investment, and there will be no country."

A general view of Beirut, Lebanon. (Reuters/File Photo)

Central Bank Governor Voices Reservations

Earlier, Central Bank Governor Karim Souaid openly expressed reservations about key provisions in the government's proposal, stating that "the draft requires further clarification and strengthening regarding the state's obligations. Since the state is ultimately the entity that used these funds over many years, its contribution must be explicitly defined, measurable, legally binding, and linked to a clear and credible timetable."

In several remarks, Souaid highlighted the challenge of distributing financial burdens and responsibilities among the state, the central bank and commercial banks. He additionally stressed the need to reduce the fiscal deficit by eliminating irregular claims, categorizing deposits into clearly defined groups, and carrying out repayments through a combination of cash payments and asset-backed financial instruments in phases and within available liquidity limits.

Banks continue to insist on their right to participate in discussions that will determine their future. They have outlined an approach that seeks to balance depositor protection with the sector's continued viability. In a memorandum submitted to officials, they argued that "instead of ensuring a fair distribution of responsibilities, the draft law submitted to parliament exempts the state, which bears primary responsibility for the financial gap, from making any clear contribution toward losses. Moreover, the proposal harms both the banking sector and depositors alike."

For instance, the draft law, despite objections from the monetary authorities, requires the removal of impaired assets, meaning assets deemed unrecoverable for depositors, and proposes deducting them from deposits without returning them to their owners. At the same time, banks would be required to absorb their value as losses. In practice, this would impose losses on both depositors and banks, pushing banks toward liquidation rather than enabling them to repay deposits.

Consequently, if banks are burdened with obligations that exceed their responsibilities and capacities, the outcome will be clear: the liquidation of the majority of banks.

The financial official noted that international experience shows that systemic crises, regardless of their severity, can become a starting point for rebuilding stronger and more modern financial systems when political will and serious reforms are present. The current period therefore represents an opportunity to redesign a new economic and financial model that can restore Lebanon's regional financial role and rebuild confidence both domestically and internationally.

In this context, the official said, it is essential to adopt a balanced and inclusive approach that rebuilds confidence in the financial and banking sectors while safeguarding the rights of depositors and investors and ensuring the continuity of financial institutions.

Economic recovery cannot be achieved through confrontational policies or temporary solutions, but rather through a comprehensive reform vision that recognizes the true scale of the crisis and lays the groundwork for a gradual and sustainable recovery.

Business

World Bank: 27 Countries Seeking to Ensure Access to Crisis Funds

The war and ⁠resulting disruption of global ⁠energy markets have hit global supply chains and prevented vital fertilizer shipments from reaching developing countries (Reuters)
The war and ⁠resulting disruption of global ⁠energy markets have hit global supply chains and prevented vital fertilizer shipments from reaching developing countries (Reuters)
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World Bank: 27 Countries Seeking to Ensure Access to Crisis Funds

The war and ⁠resulting disruption of global ⁠energy markets have hit global supply chains and prevented vital fertilizer shipments from reaching developing countries (Reuters)
The war and ⁠resulting disruption of global ⁠energy markets have hit global supply chains and prevented vital fertilizer shipments from reaching developing countries (Reuters)

Twenty-seven countries have moved since the Iran war started to put in place crisis instruments that could quickly access funding from existing World Bank programs, according to an internal document viewed by Reuters.

The World Bank document did not name the countries or the total amount of funds potentially being sought. The World Bank declined to comment.

The document showed that three countries had approved new instruments since the Middle East conflict began on February 28 while the others were still completing the process.

The war and ⁠resulting disruption of global ⁠energy markets have hit global supply chains and prevented vital fertilizer shipments from reaching developing countries.

Officials in Kenya and Iraq have confirmed they are seeking rapid financial support from the World Bank to deal with the war's fallout such as surging fuel prices hitting the African nation to a massive drop in oil revenue for Iraq.

The 27 countries ⁠are among 101 that had access to some form of pre-arranged financing instrument that they could tap in a crisis, including 54 that signed up to the Rapid Response Option, which allows countries to use up to 10% of their undisbursed financing.

World Bank President Ajay Banga last month said the bank's crisis toolkit would allow countries to draw on pre-arranged contingent financing, existing project balances and fast-disbursing instruments to access an estimated $20 billion to $25 billion.

He said the bank could also reorient parts of its portfolio to bring the total to $60 billion over six months, ⁠with further longer-term ⁠changes possible to bring the total to around $100 billion.

At the time, the head of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, said she expected up to a dozen countries to seek $20 billion to $50 billion in near-term assistance from the global lender. But few requests have been logged, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

"Countries are definitely in wait-and-see mode," said one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Kevin Gallagher, director of the Global Development Policy Center at Boston University, said countries were more willing to seek World Bank funds than negotiate with the IMF because IMF programs generally require austerity measures that could compound the social unrest already seen in countries like Kenya.