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CEO of Thales Group: ‘Saudi Arabia is Prepared to Attract Global Investments’

Logo of Thales Group
Logo of Thales Group
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CEO of Thales Group: ‘Saudi Arabia is Prepared to Attract Global Investments’

Logo of Thales Group
Logo of Thales Group

Patrice Caine, Chief Executive of the multinational Thales Group, which designs and builds electrical systems and provides services for the aerospace, defense, transportation and security markets, said that the Saudi environment has become prepared more than ever to attract institutional investments on the global level.

Caine expected Riyadh to move to leading positions in this field in order to write a new chapter in its history of economic development, which reaches four percent annually.

CEO of the French-based group said that the qualitative change in Saudi exports is a very important indicator of the Kingdom's efforts to diversify the economy, with encouraging data showing the growth of non-oil exports at a rate that exceeds the growth rate of oil exports in recent years.

However, oil still constitutes the largest share of the country’s foreign sales, reflecting the volume of the challenge the Kingdom faces in order to achieve economic diversification.

During his visit to Riyadh and on the sidelines of his participation in the Future Investment Initiative recently, Caine told Asharq Al-Awsat that in order to enhance non-oil exports, the Saudi government has established the Saudi Export Development Authority (SEDA), which has undertaken the duty of promoting non-oil products at the external level in parallel with supporting local companies and helping them export their goods.”

“Within this framework, SEDA constitutes a step in the right direction towards creating an economic environment of an international character, which will enhance the economy, create jobs and accelerate growth."

Caine also said Thales is ready to participate in future changes in Saudi Arabia in the framework of joint research programs and to promote the development of local capacities to match the programs of Vision 2030 through technological innovation, digital transformation, creating exceptional opportunities and enhancing areas of technology such as artificial intelligence, digital security, smart and secured cities and self-transport.

Saudi economy is considered one of the largest economies on the level of the Middle East, according to Caine, who added that it constitutes one of the 20 most important markets in the world as it has been achieving four percent growth annually for the past 25 years, contributing to the creation of millions of new job opportunities.

He pointed out that Thales will boost its work in the region, especially in Saudi Arabia, in light of the great opportunities available to it within the various sectors in which it operates.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.