First Green Residential Complex to be Developed in Eastern Saudi Arabia

The SPARK residential complex, which will be developed in phases as of 2022, expands over an area that exceeds 110,000 square meters. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The SPARK residential complex, which will be developed in phases as of 2022, expands over an area that exceeds 110,000 square meters. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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First Green Residential Complex to be Developed in Eastern Saudi Arabia

The SPARK residential complex, which will be developed in phases as of 2022, expands over an area that exceeds 110,000 square meters. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The SPARK residential complex, which will be developed in phases as of 2022, expands over an area that exceeds 110,000 square meters. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), the global integrated system in the field of localization of energy industries and services in Saudi Arabia, revealed an agreement to develop the Spark residential complex, to be the first sustainable green residential compound in the Kingdom.

The project, which will be developed in phases as of 2022, expands over an area that exceeds 110,000 square meters. It will be taken over by the Saudi Al-Maskan Al-Misar Company, which is affiliated with the Abdullah Bin Saedan & Sons Real Estate Group, with an investment of 375 million riyals (USD 100 million).

The design of the residential complex, which is located in eastern Saudi Arabia, is in line with the green initiatives adopted in Vision 2030, and will integrate green technologies with the latest sustainability standards, while providing the best amenities and competitiveness for the tenants.

CEO of SPARK, Saif Al-Qahtani, said that the success in forming a sustainable ecosystem that attracts international investors would support the Saudi society not only because of its strategic location, but also as it is built on the foundations and concepts of good living, work and leisure.

“It will enable our tenants to safely lodge their employees while offering first class amenities. This is paramount for their sustainable growth and localization value creation,” he added.

SPARK has almost completed the implementation of the first phase of the project, which consists of infrastructure, roads, facilities and real estate assets that were built over an area of 17 square kilometers.

The King Salman Energy Park adopts an integrated industrial ecosystem, and extends over an area of 50 square kilometers that is being developed to become the gateway to the regional energy sector in the future. It is also the first industrial city in the world to receive a LEED Silver certificate.

SPARK provides solutions for infrastructure, roads, utilities and real estate in accordance with international standards, to global investors in the oil and gas, machinery and equipment, electricity, environmental, non-metal and technical industries.



Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia


A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia


A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy told Asharq Al-Awsat that he and Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb have agreed to collaborate on several tourism initiatives.

These include joint marketing efforts, shared tourism programs, environmental protection measures, and promoting specific types of tourism in the Red Sea.

Fathy recently visited Riyadh, where he met with Al-Khateeb and engaged with Saudi business leaders. They discussed ways to promote tourism between their countries and increase visitor exchanges.

During his visit to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) regional office in Riyadh, Fathy stated that the office’s presence in Saudi Arabia enhances the organization’s work in the region and improves communication with other countries.

He confirmed that they plan to develop and implement the agreed initiatives in the near future.

Fathy highlighted that the Middle East is a key player in global tourism and deserves a dedicated office to support all countries in the region. This effort aims to boost collaboration and promote the Middle East as a top destination for travelers.

Tourism, National Economy: A Path to Sustainable Growth

Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the UNWTO regional office for the Middle East, stated that the office supports 13 countries in the region, with Egypt being a key member.

He highlighted that the recent visit by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, who serves as Vice President of the regional committee, creates opportunities for collaboration.

This partnership aims to boost tourism’s role in the national economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable practices that protect the environment.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Kharashi emphasized the potential for cooperation with Egypt, which has a rich tourism history and many ancient sites. He noted that the regional office has the expertise to assist member countries.

Al-Kharashi expressed optimism about the discussions, which covered various opportunities for joint projects that would benefit both Egypt and the wider region.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Fathy’s visit to the UNWTO regional office aims to enhance bilateral relations, as Cairo actively seeks to develop its tourism sector through international collaboration.

During their meeting, Fathy and Al-Kharashi addressed key issues facing Egypt’s tourism sector, including challenges and growth opportunities. They explored future cooperation, particularly in tourism training, improving services, and increasing investments.

Egypt ranks first in Africa, fifth in the Middle East, and 63rd globally on the Travel and Tourism Development Index.

The UNWTO regional office in Riyadh is the first of its kind outside the organization’s headquarters, dedicated to supporting member states in the Middle East.

The office focuses on promoting tourism education, improving infrastructure, and fostering sustainable tourism while preserving the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.