Saudi Arabia Reveals Agenda of 2024 Saudi Green Initiative Forum at UNCCD COP16

Taking place in Riyadh from December 3-4, the forum will convene global leaders, climate experts, senior government officials, and industry CEOs to advance discussions and action on global climate challenges. (COP16 Riyadh on X)
Taking place in Riyadh from December 3-4, the forum will convene global leaders, climate experts, senior government officials, and industry CEOs to advance discussions and action on global climate challenges. (COP16 Riyadh on X)
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Saudi Arabia Reveals Agenda of 2024 Saudi Green Initiative Forum at UNCCD COP16

Taking place in Riyadh from December 3-4, the forum will convene global leaders, climate experts, senior government officials, and industry CEOs to advance discussions and action on global climate challenges. (COP16 Riyadh on X)
Taking place in Riyadh from December 3-4, the forum will convene global leaders, climate experts, senior government officials, and industry CEOs to advance discussions and action on global climate challenges. (COP16 Riyadh on X)

Saudi Arabia revealed on Saturday the program for the fourth edition of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Forum.

Taking place in Riyadh from December 3-4 alongside the 16th session of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16), the forum will convene global leaders, climate experts, senior government officials, and industry CEOs to advance discussions and action on global climate challenges under the theme “Action is in Our Nature.”

The 2024 SGI Forum will feature ministerial discussions, keynote addresses, panel discussions, and conversations with prominent leaders.

Speakers include Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud; President of Senegal Macky Sall; Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir; 4th President & CEO of Saudi Aramco Amin Nasser; Secretary General & CEO of the World Energy Council Angela Wilkinson; CEO & Chairman of the Board at TotalEnergies Patrick Pouyanné; CEO of Air Liquide François Jackow, and Director General of the IUCN Dr. Grethel Aguilar.

Leading experts from global multilateral and environmental organizations, including the World Bank and the Convention on Wetlands, will also participate, providing diverse perspectives on advancing climate action.

Discussions will center around five key pillars: “Greening Land for Global Good”, “Energy Innovation Driving Emissions Reduction”, “Financing the Green Transition for Sustainable Livelihoods”, “Nature-Based Solutions for Climate and Community Resilience”, and “Biodiversity Protection as a Key to Climate Resilience”.

These pillars reflect the interconnectedness of global climate challenges and Saudi Arabia’s commitment to holistic, collaborative and pragmatic solutions towards a greener future.

In addition to the SGI Forum, the SGI Pavilion, located inside the UNCCD COP16 Green Zone, offers visitors an immersive experience designed to educate and engage.

Visitors are encouraged to journey through five zones that highlight Saudi Arabia’s approach to reducing emissions, growing 10 billion trees, protecting nature, promoting sustainability, and building a sustainable future.

The SGI Pavilion added a Kids Zone, created to inspire Saudi Arabia’s youth to become environmental heroes.

Returning after its successful launch at COP28, SGI Talks will feature international and Saudi climate experts, offering insights and discussions on sustainability trends and innovations. These 30-minute daily sessions will address issues such as renewable energy innovations, sustainable land use, and youth empowerment in climate action.



Qatar Achieves Record Tourism Revenues, Welcomes 5 Million Visitors in 2024

Qatar’s tourist destinations experienced a 38% increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. (QNA)
Qatar’s tourist destinations experienced a 38% increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. (QNA)
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Qatar Achieves Record Tourism Revenues, Welcomes 5 Million Visitors in 2024

Qatar’s tourist destinations experienced a 38% increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. (QNA)
Qatar’s tourist destinations experienced a 38% increase in total expenditure compared to the previous year. (QNA)

Recent data from Qatar Tourism reveals that the country achieved record-breaking figures in its tourism sector in 2024, with total tourism revenues reaching QAR 40 billion ($10.7 billion). Visitor numbers soared to nearly 5 million, reflecting a 25% increase compared to 2023.

The data shows that Qatar’s tourism industry experienced a 38% rise in total spending compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the hospitality sector marked a historic achievement by recording 10 million hotel nights for the first time ever, with projections of an additional 35,000 nights by year-end.

Qatar Tourism also noted its organization of over 100 business events, 120 entertainment activities, and 80 sports events in 2024. Key highlights included hosting the AFC Asian Cup, the Qatar Grand Prix for Formula 1, and a thriving 2024–2025 cruise season, all of which drew substantial visitor interest.

GCC nationals accounted for 41% of the total visitors, with the remaining visitors coming from a variety of international markets. Saudi Arabia topped the list of source countries, followed by India, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.

Regarding modes of entry, 56% of visitors arrived by air, 37% by land, and 7% by sea, highlighting ongoing enhancements in access and connectivity.

Saad Al-Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar, stated that exceeding the milestone of 5 million visitors underscores the success of the country’s tourism strategy.

“This 25% annual growth reflects our dedication to advancing the tourism sector and achieving our ambitious targets of doubling visitor numbers and increasing tourism’s contribution to GDP by 2030,” he said.

Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, attributed these achievements to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.

“We have cemented Qatar’s position as a global leader through hosting major international events and launching innovative initiatives. We look forward to a promising future for our tourism sector,” he said.