NEOM Launches ENOWA to Accelerate Development of World-Class Energy and Water Systems

NEOM announced the launch of its subsidiary company ENOWA, which will lead the development of NEOM's world-class, sustainable energy and water systems. (Twitter)
NEOM announced the launch of its subsidiary company ENOWA, which will lead the development of NEOM's world-class, sustainable energy and water systems. (Twitter)
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NEOM Launches ENOWA to Accelerate Development of World-Class Energy and Water Systems

NEOM announced the launch of its subsidiary company ENOWA, which will lead the development of NEOM's world-class, sustainable energy and water systems. (Twitter)
NEOM announced the launch of its subsidiary company ENOWA, which will lead the development of NEOM's world-class, sustainable energy and water systems. (Twitter)

NEOM announced on Monday the launch of its subsidiary company ENOWA, which will lead the development of NEOM's world-class, sustainable energy and water systems.

Work to develop these utilities has begun to provide the critical infrastructure for NEOM's key projects: THE LINE, its revolutionary urban development; OXAGON, its reimagined industrial city; and TROJENA, its sustainable mountain tourism destination. OXAGON is actively seeking tenants for its manufacturing hub, and supply of energy and water is essential.

NEOM's goal is to ensure all residents and industries in NEOM are powered by affordable 100% renewable energy. This will be the first project in the world that enables this at scale, and NEOM will set the stage for other sustainability projects around the world.

ENOWA represents NEOM as the principal shareholder in the world's largest green hydrogen production plant in an equal joint venture with Air Products and ACWA Power. Coming onstream in 2025, the green hydrogen plant is expected to be the first of several similar plants to make NEOM a hub for green hydrogen production and innovation. The green hydrogen will be exported and used in NEOM for a variety of solutions, including fueling clean, autonomous electric vehicles.

NEOM's water and wastewater system is designed to be completely sustainable, delivering low-cost water to all residents and businesses in NEOM. Powered by 100% renewable energy, the advanced desalination plants will not put anything back into the sea and will deliver drinkable, mineralized water to all in NEOM, directly to the tap or out of a bottling plant.

A significant element of the desalination process is planned to be the production of valuable materials from seawater. The output of desalination, brine, is usually waste, but ENOWA plans to produce significant quantities of valuable, industrial materials such as industrial-grade salt, magnesium, and potassium, which can be sold commercially and effectively.

Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture and Chairman of ENOWA Eng. Abdulrahman AlFadley said: "NEOM is committed to sustainability and the creation of a circular economy. This lies at the heart of the project, and it is vital to the nation too. It is central to Vision 2030 and the nation's goal for net zero emissions by 2060. The creation of ENOWA is a significant development for NEOM and the nation, and it will be the blueprint for developments elsewhere for years to come."

CEO of NEOM Nadhmi Al-Nasr, stated: "With the guidance and support of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, we are working to make significant global impact through our businesses, projects and our subsidiaries. We welcome new investors and partners to collaborate with us through ENOWA and to help create a circular economy at scale powered by 100% renewable energy and with abundant water for residential and commercial needs."

"ENOWA’s innovative approach will create the blueprint for new, sustainable industries in Saudi Arabia whilst creating a vibrant economic sector. As a trendsetter, ENOWA will become the benchmark for integrated sustainable energy, water and hydrogen systems and extend its approach to other industries to grow the sustainability marketplace both in the region and abroad.”

Peter Terium, CEO of ENOWA, said: "Aligned with NEOM's approach to living in harmony with nature, our new company works in partnership with its environment to create a sustainable cycle. This will provide the resources to power a thriving, sustainable economy."

"Our vision is being brought to life by some of the best minds in the world, leaders in their respective fields, supported by the latest technology and innovation. We cannot and will not be able to do it alone. The challenges the world faces need global collaboration and we look forward to working with leaders around the world in the energy, hydrogen and water industries to drive innovation forward together."

NEOM's greenfield site, with no legacy infrastructure, puts innovation at the heart of ENOWA. It will serve as a catalyst and incubator for new companies, which can be wholly owned, or joint ventures.

ENOWA forms an integral part of NEOM's success. As NEOM pushes the boundaries of environmental sustainability through renewable energy and the treatment and management of water, it is rapidly becoming a global reference point for industry leaders.



Iraq Oil Output Exceeds 5 million bpd

Majnoon oil field near the Iraqi city of Basra (Reuters)
Majnoon oil field near the Iraqi city of Basra (Reuters)
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Iraq Oil Output Exceeds 5 million bpd

Majnoon oil field near the Iraqi city of Basra (Reuters)
Majnoon oil field near the Iraqi city of Basra (Reuters)

Iraq produces more than 5 million barrels of oil per day (bpd), Oil Minister Basim Mohammed told state news agency INA on Saturday.

According to Reuters, Iraq is pushing for a higher OPEC production quota as the economic fallout from the Iran war and new investment by oil majors increase pressure on Baghdad to boost output, potentially putting it at odds with the producer group.

The conflict has hit Iraq particularly hard, forcing major export cuts and depriving the state of oil revenue, which accounted for 88% of government income last year.


IMF: Any Slowdown in AI-driven Growth Would be Factor for Central Banks

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during the Annual Meetings Plenary at the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok on October 16, 2026. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during the Annual Meetings Plenary at the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok on October 16, 2026. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
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IMF: Any Slowdown in AI-driven Growth Would be Factor for Central Banks

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during the Annual Meetings Plenary at the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok on October 16, 2026. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during the Annual Meetings Plenary at the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok on October 16, 2026. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

Central bankers around the world would need to consider any slowdown in AI-driven growth as they assess steps in their fight against inflation, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Friday.

Georgieva said concerns about dependence on the AI investment boom and high valuations were impacting markets around the world.

"Things are going up and down, and this is likely to continue," she told an audience at IMF headquarters in Washington, adding that the volatility would complicate the job of central banks at a time when risks to price stability had been growing.

A steep rout in technology stocks on Thursday rippled through markets on fears that ⁠the Democrats' victory ⁠in the US midterm elections would increase regulatory scrutiny of AI and slow the data center build-out, sending investors to the safety of bonds.

The political jitters are hitting an AI trade already on shaky footing due to worry about return on massive spending on AI-related infrastructure, with the meltdown spurring margin calls and spooking retail investors and hedge ⁠funds alike.

Georgieva said the AI investment boom was lifting growth in some countries, helping to offset a negative oil-supply shock triggered by the war in the Middle East, but it was also adding to inflationary pressures and financial stability concerns.

The IMF last month flagged significant growth and financial stability risks from a potential ending of the AI investment boom, among other factors, including a prolonged Middle East war. At the time, it warned that a steep drop in AI investment could lead to a sharp fall in asset prices, ultimately cutting global GDP ⁠by 1.1% ⁠by 2028, including a 1.8% drop in US output.

Georgieva did not repeat the downside forecast on Friday, but acknowledged the recent market volatility.

"Should there be a slowdown in the AI-driven growth impulse, it would need to be factored in as central banks assess the necessary steps in the fight against stubborn inflation," she said.

Democrats are planning to unleash a flood of new legislation targeting artificial intelligence systems and data-center development when they take control of the US Congress in January, Reuters reported on Friday, citing congressional aides and advocates.

That would mark a sharp shift from the Republican-led Congress, where lawmakers largely focused on promoting AI development and declined to pass legislation restricting the technology.


World Food Prices Dip in October, but Remain Higher Than a Year Ago

A worker carries loaves of bread for sale at a bakery in the capital city of Cairo, Egypt November 4, 2026. (Reuters)
A worker carries loaves of bread for sale at a bakery in the capital city of Cairo, Egypt November 4, 2026. (Reuters)
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World Food Prices Dip in October, but Remain Higher Than a Year Ago

A worker carries loaves of bread for sale at a bakery in the capital city of Cairo, Egypt November 4, 2026. (Reuters)
A worker carries loaves of bread for sale at a bakery in the capital city of Cairo, Egypt November 4, 2026. (Reuters)

World food prices edged lower in October as weaker import demand contributed to monthly declines in cereal, dairy and meat prices, but were still nearly 6% higher than a year earlier, the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization said on Friday.

The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in international prices for a basket of food commodities, ‌averaged 133.9 points ‌in October, down from a revised ‌135.6 ⁠in September.

The index ⁠was 5.9% higher than a year earlier, but remained 16.4% below its March 2022 peak.

FAO's cereal price index fell 4.5% from September and was 12.6% lower than a year ago, as wheat and maize quotations declined. Wheat prices eased on weak import demand ⁠and improved production prospects, especially in Argentina.

"Expectations of ‌easing constraints on Black ‌Sea export flows added to the downward pressure on prices, ‌although continued disruptions to Black Sea logistics limited the decline," ‌FAO said in a statement.

Maize prices also eased after reaching a three-year high in September, pressured by the US harvest, expectations of ample supplies in South America and renewed ‌prospects of easing tensions in the Black Sea region.

Vegetable oil prices edged up 0.3%, ⁠as ⁠higher soybean and sunflower oil prices more than offset a fall in rapeseed oil prices.

Sugar prices rose 6.6%, their fourth straight monthly increase, to the highest level since December 2024, after rainfall disrupted harvesting in Brazil. They were now 28.8% above a year ago.

The dairy index fell 1.1%, as lower butter and cheese prices linked to ample supplies and subdued demand outweighed gains in milk powder.

The meat index declined 1.2%, while still slightly above its year-earlier level, as ovine and bovine meat prices fell.