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Saudi Government Releases Plan to Reopen Economy

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan holds a virtual conference on the impact of the novel coronavirus on the Kingdom, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan holds a virtual conference on the impact of the novel coronavirus on the Kingdom, Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Government Releases Plan to Reopen Economy

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan holds a virtual conference on the impact of the novel coronavirus on the Kingdom, Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan holds a virtual conference on the impact of the novel coronavirus on the Kingdom, Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Arabia on Thursday rolled out a six-point post-coronavirus economic plan that promises reopening the economy and the gradual return of business sectors to work. The plan, however, did not set a date.

The virus crisis is expected to continue effecting the health sector and the rest of the economy until the end of 2020.

Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan confirmed that the committee tasked with addressing challenges imposed by the virus crisis is convening daily to review initiatives, decisions and procedures.

He added that work teams overseen by the committee “continue to work around the clock to monitor the situation.”

In a press conference, Jadaan revealed the economic plan in which the health sector is a priority. The plan is set to work gradually to ensure caution and continued monitoring whereby the return of economic and commercial activity will be partial.

One of the plan’s approaches to reopen the economy is to prioritize vital activity which ensures the provision of basic services and commodities. This is provided that returning firms take all preventative measures.

“We expect the crisis to continue for a period of months, perhaps to the end of this year in the health aspect,” Jadaan said, adding that the gradual reopening of the economy will remain subject to decisions of lockdown if the need arises.

The Finance Minister revealed that the government will announce additional measures to support the economy before the end of June.

The government has also announced redistribution of public expenditure to ensure that spending is directed to certain sectors, such as the healthcare. Meanwhile, public spending on certain activities such as travel, and entertainment will be postponed in light of the current conditions.

The Kingdom, however, is committed to providing all resources to protect its citizens and support the healthcare sector, Jadaan said, expecting gross domestic product (GDP) to be impacted this year.

The Kingdom’s reserves helped it face the coronavirus crisis from a position of strength and provide the necessary support for the healthcare sector.

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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.