Riyadh Hosts GCC-UK Trade Summit 2021 on Tuesday

A night view of Riyadh on Saudi National Day in 2020. (SPA file photo)
A night view of Riyadh on Saudi National Day in 2020. (SPA file photo)
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Riyadh Hosts GCC-UK Trade Summit 2021 on Tuesday

A night view of Riyadh on Saudi National Day in 2020. (SPA file photo)
A night view of Riyadh on Saudi National Day in 2020. (SPA file photo)

The biggest names from the region’s business world will meet with top experts and decision-makers at the GCC-UK Trade Summit 2021 that will be hosted by Riyadh on Tuesday. They will meet virtually in the Saudi capital to discuss ways to boost bilateral trade and investment and take economic relations between the two regions to the next level.

The GCC-UK Trade Summit 2021 is the most important forum for businesses and investors from the Gulf Cooperation Council and the UK to connect with each other, exchange ideas and experiences, discuss investment opportunities and forge strategic partnerships.

The event aims to promote bilateral trade and facilitate foreign direct investment between the two regions by providing a platform for businesses on both sides to expand into new markets and explore collaboration opportunities.

As the GCC experiences a period of rapid growth and economic diversification, it is witnessing a corresponding upswing in its trade and economic relations with the UK.

This is evidenced by the fact that the Gulf region accounts for as much as $50.8 billion out of the estimated $57.2 billion annual trade between the UK and the Middle East.

The GCC-UK Trade Summit aims to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties and is envisioned as a platform that will catalyze a new era of collaboration between the two regions by bringing together on one stage high-profile investors, exporters, consultants, experts, service providers, and key private and public sector decision-makers.

The summit will provide updates on the most important projects currently underway in the GCC, explore ways to build technical capacities and networks of collaboration for entrepreneurs, and discuss opportunities to stimulate bilateral trade and investment over the next decade.



Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East
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Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture issued the first operational license for a commercial agricultural project utilizing aeroponics in the Middle East, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

The project aims to contribute significantly to the local market's agricultural needs through sustainable production.

The Ministry's Undersecretary for Agriculture, Eng Ahmad Al-Ayada, made the announcement during a ceremony attended by representatives of a coalition local and international companies: Tamimi Markets Group from Saudi Arabia, Mitsui Group from Japan, and Zero Group from Italy.

Through the Green Dunes Company, the coalition will come up with modern agricultural solutions powered by cutting-edge technologies and AI. These efforts align with the Kingdom's National Agriculture Strategy and the broader goals of Vision 2030, which aim to build a sustainable agricultural future.

According to the ministry, the project's first phase has been completed. It entailed the establishment of an aeroponics farm to produce various vegetable varieties. The method is noted for its efficiency, as it reduces water consumption by 95% compared to traditional farming techniques and enables year-round productivity.

The project integrates AI and automation at all production stages, employing advanced monitoring systems and performance indicators to optimize output.