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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)
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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.

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After Trump’s Victory, Arab Demands for Competitive Advantages Due to Regional Tensions

Donald Trump addresses his supporters at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida on Wednesday. (EPA)
Donald Trump addresses his supporters at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida on Wednesday. (EPA)
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After Trump’s Victory, Arab Demands for Competitive Advantages Due to Regional Tensions

Donald Trump addresses his supporters at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida on Wednesday. (EPA)
Donald Trump addresses his supporters at the West Palm Beach Convention Center in Florida on Wednesday. (EPA)

With the election of Donald Trump as US president, the global economy has gained direction for the coming years. Trump’s policies favor corporate tax cuts, increased investment, and expansionary monetary policies. He also promotes local production to boost job creation, which involves imposing significant tariffs on trade partners, particularly in Asia. This approach could trigger a trade war, affecting inflation in both the US and worldwide.

The US economy is already grappling with high prices, slower economic growth, and rising unemployment, alongside a national debt nearing 99% of GDP. This backdrop underscores the importance of economic issues in the recent election.

For the new US administration, domestic concerns will not be the sole priority. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially recent Middle Eastern conflicts, will also impact the US economy. To gain regional insights, Asharq Al-Awsat consulted economists from various Arab nations on their expectations and requests from the US president regarding the Middle East.

Priority of Regional Stability

Dr. Mohamed Youssef, an Egyptian economist, emphasized that regional stability is crucial, benefiting the economy and paving the way for resolving complex issues like the Nile Dam dispute affecting Egypt. He highlighted the American role in fostering calm in the region.

Iraqi economist Durgham Mohamed Ali noted that US relations vary across the Middle East; while Lebanon and Yemen remain outside current US alliances, Sudan and Somalia require international aid to rebuild infrastructure.

Competitive Advantage for Arab Countries

Ahmed Moaty, a global markets expert from Egypt, suggested that reduced US tariffs would improve Arab economies’ competitiveness. However, he pointed out the American high debt could motivate the administration to impose tariffs to protect local industries and reduce imports. Ali observed that US tariffs are interest-driven and selective, favoring allies like Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea while being stringent toward BRICS members, such as China, Brazil, and South Africa. He linked tariff policies to regional geopolitics, especially the conflicts involving Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, and Iran, which could influence US economic decisions.

Dr. Mohamed Youssef also argued that easing US-China competition could benefit the global economy, as high tariffs on Chinese goods reduce China’s growth, decreasing demand for key commodities like oil.

Ibrahim Al-Nwaibet, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Value Capital, predicted that a Republican win could positively impact oil and interest rates, revitalizing the petrochemical and trade finance sectors.

On currency, Moaty noted the strong US dollar pressures emerging markets, especially in the Middle East. He suggested offering US Treasury bonds with higher yields to Arab countries as a counterbalance. Ali added that the dollar’s strength poses challenges for countries heavily reliant on US currency amid global liquidity shortages.

The BRICS Bloc

Ali also mentioned the high levels of US debt, explaining: “In general, the entire world is concerned about rising US debt, slowing growth rates... and is wary of the BRICS alliance, which some Arab countries hope to join. The question remains whether a cold economic war will ensue.”

Youssef also discussed the BRICS, which could play a role in attracting the new US president’s attention to countries joining the alliance. He added: “This may provide new competitive advantages for countries in the region, particularly as countries like Egypt, the UAE, and Iran recently joined BRICS, while Saudi Arabia is still evaluating the benefits of such move.”