New Saudi Development Projects' Funds Exceed $40 Bln

Two photos of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Crown Prince at the entrance to the city of Waad AlShamal project, Asharq Al-Awsat
Two photos of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Crown Prince at the entrance to the city of Waad AlShamal project, Asharq Al-Awsat
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New Saudi Development Projects' Funds Exceed $40 Bln

Two photos of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Crown Prince at the entrance to the city of Waad AlShamal project, Asharq Al-Awsat
Two photos of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Crown Prince at the entrance to the city of Waad AlShamal project, Asharq Al-Awsat

Mega development projects nationwide have been inaugurated by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, in the presence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during a royal tour of the Kingdom.

The new development projects will see astronomical investments totaling SAR150 billion ($40 billion), of which SAR 85 billion ($22.6 billion) is allocated to Waad AlShamal Development City, the largest industrial project in the region and the future’s largest phosphate producer worldwide.

Most new projects are being implemented by national ministries and agencies.

There have also been 11 projects for the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, 69 projects for the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, 21 projects for the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, 16 projects for the Ministry of Transport, 18 port projects, as well as housing and education projects.

Waad AlShamal is propped up as an integrated mineral city, located northeast of the city of Tarif which lies near the Kingdom’s northern border region.

At least 600 Qasim region projects will boost the Kingdom’s central district’s performance across 12 sectors. It is worth noting that the spot is known for abundant natural resources in addition to a strategic heartland geographic location.

The most notable projects have been launched for the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources. These projects are worth 4.94 billion Saudi riyals ($1.3 billion).

Apart from its economic value, the Qasim region is also home to historic cultural heritage.

King Salman also launched 259 projects in the northern region of Ha’il at a cost of 7 billion Saudi riyals ($1.9 billion).

As for projects launched in the Tabuk region, they will cover an area of more than 3,800 sq km and will target more than 2,500 hotel keys and 700 residential villas, apartments and estate homes, plus over 200 high-end retail establishments with an eclectic mix of galleries, ateliers, artisan workshops and bespoke retail shops supported by a wide range of international and local signature dining venues.

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage is set to own 11 of the projects worth SAR 98 million and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs owns 69 projects worth SAR 757 million.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture will cover 21 projects worth SAR1.5 billion; the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources owns two projects for the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities worth SAR46 million and three projects for the electricity department worth SAR5 billion; the Ministry of Housing owns two projects worth SAR408 million; the Ministry of Education owns 11 projects, six of which are educational projects and five for the University of Tabuk, worth SAR1.6 billion; the Ministry of Transport owns 16 projects worth SAR1.6 billion; and the General Authority of Ports owns 18 projects at a total value of SAR 876 million.



Saudi Arabia’s GAMI Concludes Participation in Farnborough Int’l Airshow 2024

GAMI participated in various international meetings and partnerships aimed at enhancing cooperation in the military and defense field and exchanging expertise. (SPA)
GAMI participated in various international meetings and partnerships aimed at enhancing cooperation in the military and defense field and exchanging expertise. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia’s GAMI Concludes Participation in Farnborough Int’l Airshow 2024

GAMI participated in various international meetings and partnerships aimed at enhancing cooperation in the military and defense field and exchanging expertise. (SPA)
GAMI participated in various international meetings and partnerships aimed at enhancing cooperation in the military and defense field and exchanging expertise. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) concluded its participation in Farnborough International Airshow, held recently in London, UK, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

GAMI's goal through this engagement was to enable national and major international companies in the defense industry in achieving national targets in the process of localizing the sector, with more than 50% of government spending on military equipment and services by 2030, by creating an investment environment that encourages, supports, and welcomes investors from across the globe.

During the airshow, GAMI Governor Eng. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali presided over the signing of agreements between Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), Airbus Helicopters, and Lockheed Martin. The agreements aim to boost local capabilities and support GAMI's efforts to develop the aviation and aerospace sector in the region.

One agreement entails SAMI Alsalam Aerospace Industries becoming part of a select group of 14 nations that have approved service centers for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of Lockheed Martin's C-130 Hercules aircraft, based on the most stringent international quality criteria. The agreement also covers services for systems and structural modifications.

As per the terms of the agreement, Sami Alsalam Aerospace Industries offers assistance to operators of these aircraft both regionally and globally.

As per the other agreement, SAMI commits to localize helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul in partnership with Airbus Helicopters, to enhance Saudi Arabia’s capabilities in helicopter repair services.

During the show, GAMI participated in various international meetings and partnerships aimed at enhancing cooperation in the military and defense field and exchanging expertise. GAMI also showcased the supply chains it has established to bolster promising investment opportunities for local and foreign SMEs, highlighting the local capabilities in the Kingdom's military industries sector that fulfill the operational requirements of military forces.

GAMI also highlighted its primary responsibilities, domestic priorities, localization and empowerment initiatives, and appealing investment incentives in the military sector. It emphasized the capabilities of the Saudi military and defense industries, along with the significant accomplishments in developing industrial and service capabilities in the Kingdom, in line with its strategic objective to ensure that over 50% of government spending on military equipment and services is directed towards domestic suppliers by 2030.

GAMI’S participation in international exhibitions focusing on defense and security reflects one of the goals for which it was established, which is to review the capabilities of the military industries sector in the Kingdom and boost its essential role in building a vibrant and prosperous economy by creating and developing an encouraging investment environment for military industries.

Through its unified platform for military industries on its website, GAMI offers services for military licensing, human capital development, military standards and specifications, localization, and military industries. It offers its services to individuals, local companies, government entities, and educational institutions.