Saudi Arabia Highlights Important Mining Investment Opportunities in Emerging Markets

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Highlights Important Mining Investment Opportunities in Emerging Markets

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Saudi government agencies will participate in the Future Minerals Summit, which will kick off in Riyadh Tuesday to present investment opportunities accompanying the Forum through an integrated platform that includes all aspects of the investor's journey in the Saudi mining sector.

The mining sector in the Kingdom includes 12 government agencies, including the Ministry of Investment, which considers the Summit a new national anchor that achieves aspirations in reviewing investment opportunities and developing and diversifying the economy according to the objectives of Vision 2030.

The Ministry aims to shed light on the mining sector in the Kingdom and investing opportunities and ease of doing business.

The three-day Summit will present several projects and opportunities in emerging markets through its sessions and workshops.

The exhibition focuses on presenting technologies that will contribute to establishing the future mining sector in which Saudi Arabia will play a fundamental role. It also has pavilions dedicated to regional countries.

The Summit and the accompanying exhibition will enhance the Kingdom's strategic leadership in this sector, contribute to the presentation of advanced technologies and innovations, and facilitate new partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture renewed its commitment to environmental sustainability and the prosperity of development sectors.

Participating in the Summit, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu aspires to bolster the sector's potential, encourage investments, and shed light on the most prominent prospects of opportunities in the Kingdom.

The Saudi Export Development Authority will review the opportunities to increase the Kingdom's exports in global markets.

The Saudi Industrial Development Fund believes the Summit will support the industrial sector as a global platform to highlight its advantages.

The Saudi EXIM Bank is also participating in the Summit to highlight the importance of investment in the Kingdom, with integration and coordination between sectors.

The Local Content and Government Procurement Authority's participation in the Summit aims to publicize its role in building a stable and sustainable economy by localizing content and establishing new economic horizons.

The National Industrial Development Center will present the ambitious Vision 2030 that the Summit will promote and highlight the qualitative opportunities and competitive advantages of investing in the mining sector and its sustainable investment opportunities.



Saudi-British Air Connectivity Expands with New Virgin Airlines Route

The agreement was signed in the presence of Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb. (Photo: Turki Al-Aqili)
The agreement was signed in the presence of Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb. (Photo: Turki Al-Aqili)
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Saudi-British Air Connectivity Expands with New Virgin Airlines Route

The agreement was signed in the presence of Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb. (Photo: Turki Al-Aqili)
The agreement was signed in the presence of Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb. (Photo: Turki Al-Aqili)

Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom are set to launch a direct route connecting Riyadh and London, following the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Air Connectivity Program and Virgin Atlantic.

The agreement, which was signed on Monday in Riyadh in the presence of Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, aims to enhance air connectivity between the two kingdoms, facilitating access to various cities in Saudi Arabia. The route will operate daily between London Heathrow Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh starting in March 2025, using Airbus A330 aircraft.

Virgin Atlantic’s entry into the Saudi market marks the tenth airline to collaborate with the Air Connectivity Program since the beginning of 2024.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Majed Khan, the CEO of the Air Connectivity Program said that the agreement will help bring visitors to and from Riyadh and other areas of Saudi Arabia, such as Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah as major cities, and then to the Red Sea, Jazan, and Al-Baha, supporting the national tourism strategy.

He further explained that Virgin Atlantic’s direct flights between London and Riyadh will support the growth of inbound international tourism from the UK and North America’s airline network.

As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Virgin Atlantic will enhance air connectivity alongside Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia Airlines, between Riyadh, London, and other destinations within the network.

Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Kingdom is experiencing rapid growth driven by Vision 2030, noting that he looks forward to introducing UK customers to Saudi Arabia’s rich culture, heritage, and commercial hub.

Weiss noted that the new services will offer great opportunities for connecting friends, relatives, and businesses, not only within the UK but also in the US, thanks to the partnership with Delta Airlines.

He continued that the agreement will boost the codeshare with its SkyTeam partner, Saudia, further expanding connectivity across the region and beyond while offering new benefits to frequent customers.

Weiss also highlighted the positive impact this step will have in attracting more tourists to Saudi Arabia, which is developing its tourism industry.

Virgin Atlantic, which has a fleet of 45 wide-body aircraft, announced last month the purchase of seven additional Airbus aircraft.

The Air Connectivity Program aims to boost tourism growth in the Kingdom by enhancing connections between Saudi Arabia and the world, through the development of current and potential air routes.