SPARK Attracts More Than 60 Investors

 A solar energy project in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
 A solar energy project in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

SPARK Attracts More Than 60 Investors

 A solar energy project in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
 A solar energy project in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), located in Buqayq in eastern Saudi Arabia, has successfully attracted more than 60 investors, with total investments exceeding $3 billion.
SPARK was developed as an integrated industrial ecosystem aimed at maximizing economic benefits by strengthening the energy sector in the Kingdom and the broader region. It plays a key role in advancing the goals of Vision 2030 by supporting efforts to build a strong, prosperous, and diversified economy.
The city is also positioned as a prime destination for investors seeking growth and success within a global industrial ecosystem founded on excellence and innovation. It is expected to contribute over $6 billion annually to Saudi Arabia’s GDP and create up to 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.
On Sunday, the King Salman Energy Park announced that seven factories are already operational, with an additional 14 under construction.
By the end of last year, SPARK had signed lease agreements with two new investors, in addition to the start of construction on several major projects by existing investors.
These developments are key to SPARK’s continued growth and progress, playing a crucial role in its mission to localize essential products and services within the energy sector’s value chain.
The total value of the lease agreements exceeds SAR 30 million, marking significant investments that will drive sustainable industrial growth in the Kingdom.
As part of these deals, Abdulaziz & Brothers (A&BC), a company specializing in professional safety tools and equipment, will begin producing high-quality personal protective gear for the industrial and construction sectors by establishing its first facility in SPARK.
Meanwhile, Enjaz Al Mustaqbal Industrial Company plans to build a facility to support localization efforts in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) sector.
SPARK also revealed the start of construction on two major projects with a combined investment of SAR 250 million.
BAS Gulf Industrial Company, a subsidiary of the National Metal Manufacturing and Casting Company (Maadaniyat), plans to expand its operations by the fourth quarter of 2024, focusing on the manufacturing of industrial valves and providing post-sales technical services.
Global software and engineering leader Emerson has also begun construction at SPARK, preparing to launch its advanced technology operations, which are expected to commence by the fourth quarter of 2024.

 



Saudi Industry Minister Discusses Opportunities to Develop Aviation, Space Industry in the Kingdom

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visits the JetZero and SpaceX companies during his visit to the US. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visits the JetZero and SpaceX companies during his visit to the US. (SPA)
TT

Saudi Industry Minister Discusses Opportunities to Develop Aviation, Space Industry in the Kingdom

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visits the JetZero and SpaceX companies during his visit to the US. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visits the JetZero and SpaceX companies during his visit to the US. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visited JetZero, a company specializing in aviation, and SpaceX, the aerospace giant, in California, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday.

He discussed boosting opportunities for cooperation in the aviation and space industries in the Kingdom.

Alkhorayef met with JetZero founder and CTO Mark Page to discuss potential partnerships in the aviation sector, the development of local supply chains for aviation components, and the utilization of Saudi Arabia's mineral resources.

These efforts aim to boost local manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the aviation sector, which is one of the key industries targeted by Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Strategy.

JetZero, founded in 2018 in Long Beach, California, is a startup in the aviation industry. Its primary mission is to develop aircraft with an innovative "Blended Wing Body" design that aims to achieve high fuel efficiency and significantly reduce emissions.

The company focuses on becoming a leader in sustainable aviation by designing aircraft that consume up to 50% less fuel compared to conventional planes, thereby reducing aviation's carbon footprint.

Alkhorayef also met with SpaceX CFO Brett Johnson to discuss opportunities for developing the space industry and supporting efforts to bolster supply chain development. Discussions also emphasized the services and incentives offered by the Kingdom's industry and mineral resources ecosystem for such partnerships and strategic programs.

Founded by Elon Musk in 2002, SpaceX is a leading US company in the aviation and space sectors. The company's ambitious vision is to enable human exploration of Mars by developing groundbreaking rocket and spacecraft technologies.

The National Industrial Strategy outlines a promising future for the Kingdom's aviation and space sectors, aiming to launch the first Saudi satellite and focusing on the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones. This strategy will strengthen the competitiveness of the national industry and position Saudi Arabia among the world's leading countries in these fields.

Alkhorayef’s visit is part of ongoing efforts to foster industrial and mining cooperation, strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia and the US and attract high-quality investments to the Kingdom.