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Oxagon CEO: NEOM Port to Redefine Global Trade

NEOM Port (Asharq Al-Awsat)
NEOM Port (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Oxagon CEO: NEOM Port to Redefine Global Trade

NEOM Port (Asharq Al-Awsat)
NEOM Port (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Vishal Wanchoo, CEO of Oxagon, highlighted the city as a beacon of innovation and sustainability at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, saying that the NEOM Port is set to reshape global trade.

Oxagon, a reimagined industrial city within NEOM, offers a clean ecosystem attracting factories of the future, relying entirely on renewable energy to achieve net-zero emissions. Its strategic location on the Red Sea, near global shipping lanes, positions it as a key hub for major markets and urban centers.

Embracing Sustainable Solutions

Discussing Oxagon’s strategic vision, Wanchoo noted that traditional industries often pose environmental and health risks and contribute to climate change. He emphasized the urgency of adopting sustainable solutions, which has prompted sectors to accelerate the transition to clean technologies and green energy.

“Oxagon provides a clean industrial ecosystem that welcomes factories of the future from across the globe. By relying solely on renewable energy, we offer manufacturers a platform to achieve their net-zero goals,” Wanchoo explained.

Strengthening Local Supply Chains

Wanchoo underscored Oxagon’s alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes developing promising industries, enhancing logistics, and bolstering local, regional, and international trade networks.

“Our focus is on developing seven industrial zones, along with vibrant urban areas that stimulate economic growth through retail and hospitality,” Wanchoo stated. He emphasized Oxagon’s role in making Saudi Arabia a regional hub for imports and exports through the advanced NEOM Port on the Red Sea, connecting global trade routes.

He added: “With over 13% of global trade passing through the Suez Canal annually, NEOM Port’s location enhances its significance as a gateway between Europe and Asia.”

Attracting Foreign Investments

Looking ahead, Wanchoo outlined Oxagon’s goal of driving economic diversification, fostering innovation, and attracting foreign investments over the next five years.

“We are actively engaging with major manufacturers to enhance our industrial ecosystem, strengthen local supply chains, and establish Saudi Arabia as a regional and global manufacturing hub,” he said.

Environmental Commitment

Wanchoo highlighted Oxagon’s commitment to sustainable construction methods. The pilot integrated community, Oxagon Hive, exemplifies this by reducing waste, minimizing costs, and ensuring scalability.

He noted that since taking over Duba Port in 2022, Oxagon has made significant strides in transforming it into a sustainable and automated facility.

“We have reused 100% of excavated materials and recycled decommissioned port facilities for new developments,” he said.

Challenges and Opportunities

“Building a new industrial model from scratch is complex, but we prioritize state-of-the-art infrastructure to support advanced, clean manufacturing,” the CEO of Oxagon remarked. He underlined the importance of partnerships with innovative companies and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics to address global challenges.

Pioneering Green Hydrogen

Oxagon is also home to the world’s largest green hydrogen plant, developed by NEOM Green Hydrogen Company. Scheduled to produce up to 600 metric tons of carbon-free hydrogen daily by 2026, the plant will operate entirely on solar and wind energy. Currently, 60% of the facility’s infrastructure has been completed.

The project relies on NEOM Port for equipment deliveries, including electrolyzers, wind turbines, and hydrogen storage vessels, crucial for the plant’s operation.

Research and Innovation

Oxagon’s innovation hub, Oxagon Innovation Bay, will become operational in 2025, powered by NEOM Energy & Water’s Enowa-Circle central power station. Initial projects include launching a 20 MW electrolyzer to produce 8 tons of hydrogen daily, providing valuable data to optimize the main plant’s performance.

Milestones of 2023 and 2024

Reflecting on recent achievements, Wanchoo highlighted the 2023 launch of the first global accelerator in partnership with McLaren, focusing on supply chain challenges. Seven startups were selected out of 80 applicants, with funding and connections to venture capital provided. Three pilot projects are now underway in NEOM.

In 2024, milestones include opening NEOM Port to investors and advancing seven selected startups from over 100 participants to the final stages of development.

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Business

Oil Falls by 13% After Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Open

Hafnia Lillesand, a crude oil and product tanker, sits at Viva Energy Australia's Gore Bay fuel terminal overlooking the city skyline in Sydney, Australia April 14, 2026. (Reuters)
Hafnia Lillesand, a crude oil and product tanker, sits at Viva Energy Australia's Gore Bay fuel terminal overlooking the city skyline in Sydney, Australia April 14, 2026. (Reuters)
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Oil Falls by 13% After Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Open

Hafnia Lillesand, a crude oil and product tanker, sits at Viva Energy Australia's Gore Bay fuel terminal overlooking the city skyline in Sydney, Australia April 14, 2026. (Reuters)
Hafnia Lillesand, a crude oil and product tanker, sits at Viva Energy Australia's Gore Bay fuel terminal overlooking the city skyline in Sydney, Australia April 14, 2026. (Reuters)

Oil prices plunged by about 13% on Friday after Iran's foreign minister said passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was open for the remaining ceasefire period and US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed to never close the strait again.

Brent crude futures fell $12.87, or 12.95%, to $86.52 a barrel by 10:50 a.m. EDT (1450 GMT), after falling to a session low of $86.09. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down $13.50, or 14.26%, at $81.19 a barrel, after touching $80.56.

Both contracts were trading at ‌their lowest since ‌March 10, and set for their largest daily declines ‌since ⁠April 8.

Iranian Foreign ⁠Minister Abbas Araqchi said the Strait of Hormuz was open following the agreement of a ceasefire in Lebanon.

"Comments from Iran's foreign minister indicate a de-escalation as long as the ceasefire is in place, now we need to see if the number of tankers crossing the Strait increases substantially," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

PROGRESS IN NEGOTIATIONS

The US and Iran have made progress in the negotiations over a three-page memorandum of understanding to ⁠end the war, according to an Axios reporter on X.

Prices had ‌already fallen earlier in the session as ‌possible further talks between the United States and Iran over the weekend and a 10-day ceasefire ‌between Lebanon and Israel raised investors' hopes the war in the Middle East ‌could be nearing an end.

Addressing a sticking point in talks, Trump said Tehran had offered to not possess nuclear weapons for more than 20 years.

"We're going to see what happens. But I think we're very close to making a deal with Iran," Trump told reporters ‌outside the White House on Thursday.

Trump also said on Friday that the United States has banned Israel from further bombing ⁠in Lebanon, using ⁠a harsher tone than usual with the longtime US ally.

Shortly after the announcement that the strait was open, a US official told Reuters that a military blockade of Iran involving more than 10,000 personnel remains in effect.

While the opening up of the strait was a step in the right direction, the European market would remain tight for a while, analyst Ole Hvalbye at SEB Research said, since it takes roughly 21 days for ships to move from the Gulf to Rotterdam, the main crude port in the region.

Traffic could be halted once again in the strait, if an agreement about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and lifting the US sanctions remains elusive, said Tamas Varga, an analyst at PVM Oil Associates.

Business

Saudi CEDA Reviews Vision 2030 Progress

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser 
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser 
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Saudi CEDA Reviews Vision 2030 Progress

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser 
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser 

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA) held a virtual meeting to consider a package of strategic reports outlining the Kingdom’s economic and development trajectory.

The council issued the 2025 annual report on Saudi Vision 2030, showing clear progress across its three pillars — a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation — while underscoring the resilience of the national economy, supported by prudent fiscal policies and solid logistics infrastructure.

The report highlighted qualitative advances during the Vision’s second phase, reflecting its flexibility and ability to adapt to changing conditions in line with its third phase. It emphasized efforts to build on gains achieved in the first two phases and accelerate implementation by sharpening priorities and advancing national programs and strategies.

Resilience amid global developments

CEDA also discussed the monthly report from the Ministry of Economy and Planning, which covered global economic developments and growth prospects in light of current regional events and their repercussions for both major and emerging economies.

The report examined the impact of geopolitical tensions on Gulf economies and supply chains, as well as their potential implications for Saudi Arabia’s economic and financial outlook. It pointed to the Kingdom’s “exceptional resilience,” supported by strong economic and fiscal policies and robust logistics infrastructure.

Public sector performance

The council reviewed a presentation by the National Center for Performance Measurement of Public Agencies (Adaa) on its 2025 annual performance report. The findings showed continued positive performance by government entities in meeting targets, reflecting stable delivery and efficient execution.

The report also outlined the center’s work in strengthening the measurement of national strategies and reviewing strategic documents to ensure that indicators and initiatives fully cover all objectives. It included results from the latest evaluation cycle of performance management practices across public entities.

CEDA also discussed a presentation by the National Center for Privatization (NCP), highlighting key results for the second half of 2025, including the performance of supervisory committees and progress on major projects. The presentation showed improved overall performance and an increase in the number of privatization projects during the period.

Grand Mosque services and infrastructure

The council discussed a presentation by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites on projects in the central area of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The briefing addressed the use of advanced technologies to monitor and manage waste, measures to facilitate the movement of vehicles and goods into the central area, and steps to enhance safety procedures and intensify oversight of expansion projects to ensure the safety of worshippers.

It also outlined a three-year plan covering systems related to health, safety, security and the environment.

Governance and policy updates

Moreover, CEDA saw a report on the updated national framework for governance, risk, compliance and internal audit functions, including its pilot application across selected government entities, proposals for broader implementation and mechanisms to measure compliance.

The council also considered a number of procedural matters, including a draft national intellectual property policy.

It was briefed on the semiannual report of the ministerial committee on social support and subsidies, as well as updates from the committee on improving the balance of payments and advancing economic diversification.

Further briefings included a monthly report on progress in implementing the executive plan to host regional headquarters of international organizations, a quarterly report from the standing committee for price monitoring, and summaries of the latest consumer price index and wholesale price index reports, along with the underlying data.

Business

1st SKorean Tanker Transits Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu in Alternative Red Sea Route

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delivers a eulogy during a memorial service to pay tribute to the victims of the sinking of the ferry Sewol off Jin Island on South Korea's southwest coast in Ansan, south of Seoul, South Korea, 16 April 2026. EPA/YONHAP
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delivers a eulogy during a memorial service to pay tribute to the victims of the sinking of the ferry Sewol off Jin Island on South Korea's southwest coast in Ansan, south of Seoul, South Korea, 16 April 2026. EPA/YONHAP
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1st SKorean Tanker Transits Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu in Alternative Red Sea Route

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delivers a eulogy during a memorial service to pay tribute to the victims of the sinking of the ferry Sewol off Jin Island on South Korea's southwest coast in Ansan, south of Seoul, South Korea, 16 April 2026. EPA/YONHAP
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delivers a eulogy during a memorial service to pay tribute to the victims of the sinking of the ferry Sewol off Jin Island on South Korea's southwest coast in Ansan, south of Seoul, South Korea, 16 April 2026. EPA/YONHAP

A South Korean oil tanker has transited the Red Sea for the first time since the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Seoul's oceans ministry said on Friday.

Import-dependent South Korea has taken steps to mitigate the risks to its energy supplies since US-Israeli attacks on Iran in late February prompted Tehran to shut off access to the strait, now under a US blockade.

Seoul has sought new sources of oil and said this month that it would send five Korean-flagged ships to the Saudi Arabian Red Sea port of Yanbu to establish alternative routes.

The ministry announced on Friday the "first case of crude oil being transported into the country via the Red Sea, a detour, since the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz".

President Lee Jae Myung called it "a valuable achievement made by the relevant ministries moving as one team".

"I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who worked hard day and night despite difficult conditions, especially the sailors," he said on X.

Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to the president, said on Wednesday that South Korea had secured supplies of more than 270 million barrels of crude oil via routes unaffected by Hormuz crisis through the end of the year.

The figure is equivalent to more than three months of South Korea's oil needs based on last year's figures, Kang said.

The official recently returned from a trip to Kazakhstan, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar in a bid to secure alternative fuel sources.