Projects Under ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ Set to Enter Implementation Phase

Saudi Vision 2030 continues with implementation steps for targeted economic transformation (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Vision 2030 continues with implementation steps for targeted economic transformation (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Projects Under ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ Set to Enter Implementation Phase

Saudi Vision 2030 continues with implementation steps for targeted economic transformation (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Vision 2030 continues with implementation steps for targeted economic transformation (Asharq Al-Awsat)

National development projects launched under “Vision 2030” in Saudi Arabia are witnessing remarkable and steady progress as they move forward from planning to implementation across the Kingdom.

Considered bold, yet achievable, these projects will raise the international bar in terms of quality, environmental friendliness, sustainability, and the use of renewable and alternative energy.

Largescale developments like “The Line”, “Red Sea”, “AlUla”, “AlSouda”, renewable energy programs like The National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), and initiatives like the “Riyadh Strategy” are steadily moving Saudi Arabia towards achieving the goals envisioned by its national transformation plan for the decade.

The Line, for example, offers a never-before-seen approach to urbanization – a 170km-belt of re-imagined urban development with multiple, hyper-connected communities, with natural and walkable spaces.

It is a model of urban design and livability that puts people and the planet in harmony for the 21st century and beyond. Built around nature, rather than over it, large areas of land will be preserved for conservation, supporting NEOM’s environment and rich heritage.

Construction of the smart city will start in the first quarter of 2021 and is set to be a home for more than 1 million people from all over the world and will create a platform for innovation and prosperous businesses.

It will also help in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges, like climate change, urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and social disconnection.

Meanwhile, the Riyadh Strategy is on track to generate mega projects, create job opportunities, and expand the Saudi capital’s economic horizons.

It aims to make Riyadh among the top 10 economic cities in the world to drive forward the country’s economic, industrial, and tourism growth in upcoming years.

Moreover, the scheme targets increasing the capital’s population from 7.5 million to around 15 to 20 million in 2030.



Oil Prices Steady as Markets Weigh Demand against US Inventories

FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
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Oil Prices Steady as Markets Weigh Demand against US Inventories

FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)
FILE - Pump jacks extract oil from beneath the ground in North Dakota, May 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Brown, File)

Oil prices were little changed on Thursday as investors weighed firm winter fuel demand expectations against large US fuel inventories and macroeconomic concerns.

Brent crude futures were down 3 cents at $76.13 a barrel by 1003 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures dipped 10 cents to $73.22.

Both benchmarks fell more than 1% on Wednesday as a stronger dollar and a bigger than expected rise in US fuel stockpiles pressured prices.

"The oil market is still grappling with opposite forces - seasonal demand to support the bulls and macro data that supports a stronger US dollar in the medium term ... that can put a ceiling to prevent the bulls from advancing further," said OANDA senior market analyst Kelvin Wong.

JPMorgan analysts expect oil demand for January to expand by 1.4 million barrels per day (bpd) year on year to 101.4 million bpd, primarily driven by increased use of heating fuels in the Northern Hemisphere.

"Global oil demand is expected to remain strong throughout January, fuelled by colder than normal winter conditions that are boosting heating fuel consumption, as well as an earlier onset of travel activities in China for the Lunar New Year holidays," the analysts said.

The market structure in Brent futures is also indicating that traders are becoming more concerned about supply tightening at the same time demand is increasing.

The premium of the front-month Brent contract over the six-month contract reached its widest since August on Wednesday. A widening of this backwardation, when futures for prompt delivery are higher than for later delivery, typically indicates that supply is declining or demand is increasing.

Nevertheless, official Energy Information Administration (EIA) data showed rising gasoline and distillates stockpiles in the United States last week.

The dollar strengthened further on Thursday, underpinned by rising Treasury yields ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's entrance into the White House on Jan. 20.

Looking ahead, WTI crude oil is expected to oscillate within a range of $67.55 to $77.95 into February as the market awaits more clarity on Trump's administration policies and fresh fiscal stimulus measures out of China, OANDA's Wong said.