Saudi Energy Minister Says National Industry Strategy Provides Attractive Opportunities for Investors

Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, Reuters
Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, Reuters
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Saudi Energy Minister Says National Industry Strategy Provides Attractive Opportunities for Investors

Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, Reuters
Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih, Reuters

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid A. Al-Falih stressed n Wednesday the importance of the role played by the national industry in supporting and achieving the initiatives and objectives of the Kingdom Vision 2030, the National Transformational Program 2020 in addition to enhancing participation of the private sector, especially the industrial sector, in achieving the goals of this vision which seeks to restructure the national economy and diversify sources of income.

This came during a round-table meeting organized by Riyadh Chamber on the challenges the industrial sector is facing, such as overlapping the powers of government agencies in the domain of industrial development, different perspectives on the industrial strategy and its priorities in addition to the lack of clarity on the governance of the relevant bodies in the industrial sector.

Falih affirmed that addressing these challenges has made the Kingdom's leadership to reform the government agencies, including the sectors of energy, industry and minerals, in order to overcome obstacles facing the industrial sector.

He also highlighted the program of developing national industry and logistic services, considered one of the most important programs of the vision aiming to practice the governance of the industrial sector and transforming the Kingdom into regional industrial hub and global logistics center, stressing the importance of the private sector's participation in the national strategy for industry.

Falih addressed challenges and obstacles facing the private sector in the fields of mining, licensing and industrial and financing services.



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.