Energy Conservation Program Kicks Off in Saudi Government Facilities

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS file photo.
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS file photo.
TT

Energy Conservation Program Kicks Off in Saudi Government Facilities

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS file photo.
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS file photo.

A program to improve the rationalization of energy consumption has kicked off in Saudi state institutions.

The city of Riyadh has seen the launch of the "Energy Conservation in Buildings" course targeting experts working in government facilities. The course is organized by the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center (SEEC) in cooperation with the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training over four days.

The training program is the first-of-its-kind, and one of 10 courses that are set to be launched by the end of 2019 in many of the Kingdom's cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Yanbu, Tabuk, and Jazan.

According to a statement, the courses aim at increasing the competence of experts in government facilities so they commit to regular maintenance that contribute to higher energy consumption efficiency in public buildings.

In line with an earlier agreement between the SEEC and the General Organization for Technical and Vocational Training, the free courses are provided for trainees working in the relevant government administrative units, such as maintenance and project departments, support services, and public services.

As part of its interest in implementing mechanisms to rationalize electricity consumption in the government sector, the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center works on three levels. The first is the technical level that aims at explaining the required standards to improve the efficiency of electricity consumption in government facilities and buildings.

The second focuses on organizing training programs that contribute to improving the capacities and qualification of a competent staff in government agencies to perform the rationalization tasks and improve energy efficiency in their facilities.

Finally, the third focuses on spreading awareness on the importance of rationalizing energy consumption and its efficiency through sustainable awareness programs and activities for employees.



Al Khateeb: Tourism Sector Tops Agenda at WEF Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos

A landmark is lit up in the colors of the national flag in Diriyah on the occasion of Saudi National Day. (SPA file photo)
A landmark is lit up in the colors of the national flag in Diriyah on the occasion of Saudi National Day. (SPA file photo)
TT

Al Khateeb: Tourism Sector Tops Agenda at WEF Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos

A landmark is lit up in the colors of the national flag in Diriyah on the occasion of Saudi National Day. (SPA file photo)
A landmark is lit up in the colors of the national flag in Diriyah on the occasion of Saudi National Day. (SPA file photo)

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb stressed on Monday that Saudi Arabia's participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, underscores its steadfast commitment to shaping the global dialogue on travel and tourism as key drivers of economic growth and cultural exchange.

Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Al Khateeb highlighted that tourism is a central focus at this year’s forum, with Saudi Arabia showcasing its achievements and fostering partnerships to drive the sector’s global growth.

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia's tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented expansion under Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program, positioning the Kingdom as a leading global destination with an ambitious goal of welcoming 150 million tourists annually.

The minister noted that tourism currently contributes 5% to Saudi Arabia's GDP, with projections to double to 10% by 2030. This growth is fueled by strategic investments in groundbreaking projects such as the Red Sea Project, Diriyah, and Qiddiya, alongside numerous private-sector initiatives that are boosting tourism across the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is leveraging its natural and cultural assets to establish a global benchmark for tourism-led economic development, he added.

Al Khateeb also highlighted tourism's vital role in the global economy, citing the 2023 Economic Impact Report (EIR) by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which revealed that the global travel and tourism sector contributed 9.1% to global GDP—a 23.2% increase from the previous year.

He described Saudi Arabia's participation in Davos as an opportunity to amplify its achievements through collaboration with global leaders, strengthen public-private partnerships, and reinforce its role as a hub for international cooperation.