Saudi Arabia Discusses Role of Mining in Social Development

Riyadh hosts Future Minerals Forum on January 11-13. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Riyadh hosts Future Minerals Forum on January 11-13. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Discusses Role of Mining in Social Development

Riyadh hosts Future Minerals Forum on January 11-13. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Riyadh hosts Future Minerals Forum on January 11-13. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources announced the first-ever Future Minerals Forum under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

The global event will occur from January 11 to 13 at Riyadh's King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.

It discusses the mining sector in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa, features presentations on topics critical to the mining industry's future, and reviews an extensive repertoire of subjects, opportunities, and challenges confronting the world's mining industry.

The conference will be attended by over 1,000 decision-makers from more than 100 countries and 150-plus top global investors, and some 100 international speakers.

Saudi ministers and representatives of the regional and international mining industry and allied sectors will join the forum's leaders.

The first day of the conference will start with a Ministerial Mining Roundtable Special Session featuring presentations and discussions on topics critical to the mining industry's future.

The "Mining in a Day" workshop will be held in tandem with other seminars and panel discussions that will spotlight important issues, including the attraction of investments, the role of technology in mining, and the environment, social, and governance issues.

The General Forum will begin on January 12 with a plenary session and a keynote address by Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar al-Khorayef. The session on Reimagining Mining and Maximizing its Contribution to Society will commence the day's program schedule.

It will be followed by a Smart-Mining session, "Showcasing Technology & Innovation—Supporting Mining of the Future."

Two additional sessions – Highlighting Mining's Critical Role in a Low-Carbon Economy and Supporting the Region's Growth and Development and Country Briefings – will complement exhibition and networking opportunities.

The final day will highlight Saudi Arabia's role in a session entitled "Land of Opportunity – A Regional Powerhouse," along with sessions on "Global Investment Opportunities an Accessing Capital."

Deep-dive sessions, keynote fireside chats, and other animated inter-and intra-ministry discussions will follow.

The conference will be attended by Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman, Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Environment Abdulrahman al-Fadley, Minister of Investment Khalid al-Falih, and Governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund Yassir al-Rumayyan.

It will also be attended by dozens of confirmed speakers from the mining industry, leaders from multilateral global organizations such as the World Bank, International Council on Mining and Metals, and World Gold Council.



Saudi Arabia, Italy Sign 26 Investment MoUs

The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA
The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA
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Saudi Arabia, Italy Sign 26 Investment MoUs

The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA
The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday. SPA

The Saudi-Italian high-level roundtable took place in AlUla on Sunday, with the participation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, CEOs, private sector leaders, and representatives from major companies of both countries.

The meeting highlighted the expanding partnership between the two countries and resulted in the signing of 26 memoranda of understanding across key industries, including construction, renewable energy, cultural exchange, and advanced technologies.

It also explored collaborative prospects in green energy, automotive manufacturing, infrastructure development, tourism, agrifood, solar and wind energy projects, sustainable tourism initiatives, and advanced construction technologies.

Italian businesses highlighted their aim to capitalize on an estimated SAR11.8 trillion in Saudi inward investment over the next six years.

Heritage tourism was also a key focus, with participants highlighting Italy’s expertise and Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading global travel destination. As the Kingdom plans to create 1.6 million tourism jobs by 2030, Saudi-Italian partnerships are poised to drive skills development, promote sustainable tourism, and expand opportunities in the private sector.

In 2023, Saudi exports to Italy reached SAR18.5 billion, driven primarily by mineral fuels and petrochemicals, while imports from Italy totaled SAR22 billion, reflecting strong demand for Italian products such as machinery, pharmaceuticals, and advanced engineering solutions.

In 2024, 63 investment licenses were granted to Italian firms in the Kingdom—an increase of 110% over the previous year—underscoring the rising Italian interest in advanced manufacturing, construction, and renewable energy.