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 Real Estate Projects Surpass $40 Bn in 2024

Officials are seen at a panel discussion at the Real Estate Future Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Real Estate General Authority)
Officials are seen at a panel discussion at the Real Estate Future Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Real Estate General Authority)
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Saudi Real Estate Projects Surpass $40 Bn in 2024

Officials are seen at a panel discussion at the Real Estate Future Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Real Estate General Authority)
Officials are seen at a panel discussion at the Real Estate Future Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Real Estate General Authority)

Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector saw significant growth in 2024, with 192 licenses issued for projects valued at 147 billion riyals ($40 billion).

This growth is supported by new regulations and laws that reflect the government's focus on strengthening the market.

Speaking at the Real Estate Future Forum, held in Riyadh from January 27 to 29, Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid Al-Hogail said the sector has introduced over 20 new real estate regulations in recent years. These changes aim to boost the sector's appeal, vitality and reliability.

“The real estate sector in Saudi Arabia is no longer just about urban development; it is now a key driver of economic and social change, as well as sustainability and innovation,” said Al-Hogail.

He also pointed out that the forum offers unique global opportunities to grow the real estate sector and improve quality of life by building sustainable cities with services that meet the needs of residents.

On the private sector, Al-Hogail explained it currently manages 39% of the real estate market and aims to increase this to 70%. He also noted that the sector’s revenue has grown fourfold in the past three years.

Abdullah Al-Hammad, CEO of the Real Estate General Authority, said that the real estate sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product reached 12%, reflecting its growing importance in the national economy.

“The real estate sector achieved the highest participation rate in the labor market, with 25% of the participants in the social insurance system,” Al-Hammad said, emphasizing the sector’s role in employment generation and economic diversification.

More than 1,130 licenses for foreign real estate investments were issued during the third quarter of 2024, demonstrating increased international interest in the Saudi market, he remarked.