Saudi Arabia Starts Allocating Land for Renewable Energy Projects

Saudi Arabia works to achieve the optimal mix of electricity production and the reliance on renewable energy. (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Saudi Arabia works to achieve the optimal mix of electricity production and the reliance on renewable energy. (Asharq Al-Awsat).
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Saudi Arabia Starts Allocating Land for Renewable Energy Projects

Saudi Arabia works to achieve the optimal mix of electricity production and the reliance on renewable energy. (Asharq Al-Awsat).
Saudi Arabia works to achieve the optimal mix of electricity production and the reliance on renewable energy. (Asharq Al-Awsat).

Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Energy, announced on Thursday the allocation of two plots of 12 million square meters for the development of two renewable energy plants in Saudi cities, within a strategy to diversify the energy mix.

The Kingdom revealed a project to build a plant with a capacity of 600 megawatts in the Jeddah 3rd Industrial City and the Rabigh Industrial City through the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (Modon).

The Kingdom aims to achieve the optimal mix of energy - the most efficient and the least expensive in the production of electricity - by replacing liquid fuels with natural gas, in addition to renewable energy sources, which will constitute approximately 50 percent of the energy mix for electricity production by 2030.

Under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman recently inaugurated the Sakaka solar power plant project, with a production capacity of 300 megawatts.

The ministry explained that the National Renewable Energy Program constituted one of the main enablers to achieve the optimal energy mix and the strategic objectives of the electricity sector by creating a competitive environment that would attract private sector investments and encourage partnerships between the public and private sectors.

The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) provides products and services to its investing partners to promote renewable energy projects in the Kingdom.

The ministry worked with the authority to provide the necessary lands for these projects within a number of industrial cities, including the Jeddah 3rd Industrial City and the Rabigh Industrial City.



Third Saudi International Maritime Forum Opens in Eastern Region

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
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Third Saudi International Maritime Forum Opens in Eastern Region

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)

The Third Saudi International Maritime Forum opened in the Eastern Region on Tuesday.

The event is organized by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces under the theme “Maritime Security in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – Trends and Threats”.

The forum, held under the patronage of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, was attended by Chief of the General Staff General Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, alongside senior naval leaders, experts, government officials, and representatives of global maritime companies and regulatory bodies.

Chief of Naval Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghuraibi expressed gratitude for the Minister of Defense’s support, noting that the forum aligns with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence shaping global maritime security.

He highlighted the forum’s objectives, including fostering international collaboration on maritime security, exchanging knowledge among naval leaders, promoting the adoption of advanced systems in the maritime sector, raising awareness about environmental conservation, and leveraging emerging technologies to address security challenges.

The forum also features an exhibition, inaugurated by Al-Ruwaili, showcasing strategic services and innovations from sectors and companies specializing in maritime security.

Spanning three days, the forum brings together 42 speakers across five dialogue sessions and 21 workshops. Key topics include maritime strategies in the age of artificial intelligence, policies and regulations for integrating AI into maritime operations, the impacts of advanced maritime systems on security and cybersecurity, training and development of maritime professionals in the AI era, and the future of military industries in AI-driven technologies.

Additionally, 29 government agencies and 23 local and international companies are participating in the exhibition, displaying the latest equipment and technologies in maritime security.

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions.