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ABIC Reiterates Importance of Keeping up with Economic Boom

Gatherers at ABIC 2019. (BNA)
Gatherers at ABIC 2019. (BNA)
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ABIC Reiterates Importance of Keeping up with Economic Boom

Gatherers at ABIC 2019. (BNA)
Gatherers at ABIC 2019. (BNA)

The Arab Businessmen and Investors Conference (ABIC) held in Bahrain called for practical action to catch up with the new wave of technology-based economic boom, rather than just trying to follow it.

Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the 18th ABIC on behalf of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

ABIC speakers all admitted that Arab countries did not benefit from previous economic opportunities, warning against ignoring the current ones, namely artificial intelligence and the fourth industrial revolution.

The Crown Prince stressed that Bahrain will continue to implement initiatives and reforms that strengthen the business environment, enhance the Kingdom’s global competitiveness and support the development of innovative business models.

Prince Salman noted that innovation and creativity safeguard the resilience of the national economy while supporting sustainable economic development.

He pointed out that Bahrain continues to keep pace with the rapid development in the field of digital technology through innovative ways, adding that it is moving steadily towards creating advanced business models through devising policies and strategies for economic development.

Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Sameer Nass, stated that BCCI has accomplished many strides, stressing the importance of establishing a legislative, educational, commercial and industrial infrastructure to cope with the transformation of the digital economy.

He also pointed to the importance of establishing a specialized research and studies center that can transform the region into one capable of competing and creating effective partnerships that ensure qualitative opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Finance and National Economy Minister Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa reiterated the importance of enhancing investment opportunities while ensuring a competitive framework to complement the economic sectors in Bahrain.

Minister Al Khalifa pointed to the complementary relationship between the GCC countries at various levels and their contributions in enhancing the competitiveness of the region on the global map.

During the conference’s second session, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Kamal bin Ahmed reiterated that Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 has enabled the Kingdom to increase investment flows and drive sustainable economic growth.

“We have to engage as a government and private sector in developing and maximizing the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution.”

The Minister also discussed IOT, AI and other technologies in Bahrain, noting that they require digital infrastructure to cover the entire country.

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FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
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FAO Aims for Key Outcomes at COP16 in Saudi Arabia

Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)
Preparations in the Saudi capital ahead of hosting the COP16 conference on combating desertification (from the “COP16” page on the X platform)

Dr. Abdul Hakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stated that the organization will take an active role at COP16, the UN conference on combating desertification, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in early December.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he expressed confidence that the conference—the first of its kind in the Middle East—would produce significant outcomes.

Elwaer’s comments came during a roundtable organized by FAO’s regional office in Cairo, attended by a select group of media representatives. The session focused on FAO’s participation in the upcoming conference and the importance of the Rio Trio —the integrated framework of the three major UN conventions addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, and desertification.

Fida Haddad, FAO’s Program Officer for Land Rehabilitation and Climate Change, highlighted the interconnectedness of the three conventions and noted that COP16 would place a strong emphasis on land and water rehabilitation and their sustainable management.

Haddad pointed out that approximately 90% of the Middle East is affected by arid conditions. Despite this, local communities and Arab governments have made notable progress in addressing desertification and drought. She also announced that, for the first time, FAO has successfully placed food systems on the COP16 agenda, enabling discussions on how land rehabilitation can enhance food supply chains and systems.

Elwaer underscored FAO’s central role in achieving the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): eradicating hunger. He emphasized that FAO actively engages in the UN conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification, which collectively contribute to this mission.

FAO’s focus, according to Elwaer, is on transforming food and agricultural systems to become more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable, aiming for better production, nutrition, and livelihoods. He highlighted the organization’s success in integrating these priorities into the agendas of the three conventions and collaborating with host countries on joint initiatives.

He further noted that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 is particularly significant for the region, which faces pressing challenges such as water scarcity, desertification, and food insecurity. The conference presents an opportunity for Middle Eastern nations to highlight these issues, explore solutions, and ensure their inclusion in global environmental discussions, not only at this event but in future COP sessions, he underlined.

Elwaer emphasized the growing global attention on desertification, as it is now impacting regions previously unaffected, such as southern Europe and parts of Latin America. These areas are witnessing alarming declines in arable land and forests, prompting them to seek lessons from the Arab world, which has developed resilience strategies to combat desertification over centuries.

FAO will have a strong presence at COP16, with two dedicated pavilions—one in the Blue Zone for official delegations and another in the Green Zone to engage civil society and conference participants, he said.

He added that in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the UN, FAO will lead coordination on Food Day and Governance Day, scheduled for December 5 and 6, respectively. The organization will also participate in other specialized sessions throughout the conference.