Economic Impact of Saudi Geospatial Information Stands at $10.6b Annually

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
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Economic Impact of Saudi Geospatial Information Stands at $10.6b Annually

Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser
Buildings are seen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 18, 2017. Picture taken December 18, 2017. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser

The economic impact of geospatial information according to 7 major sectors in Saudi Arabia is estimated between SAR 22 billion ($5.8 billion) and SAR 40 billion ($10.6 billion) annually.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Survey & Geospatial Information, in cooperation with the World Bank, announced the results of a study on the economic impact of geospatial information and its techniques on the Saudi economy.

The study is seen as one of the main requirements for implementing the plan for investment opportunities in geospatial space and information.

It included the most important sectors according to the Kingdom's vision 2030, which are: infrastructure, energy, health, education, public safety, security and disaster risk management, and trade.

The study came to define the importance and impact of geospatial information on the economy and national development in the Kingdom.

It seeks maximizing the benefits of information for government agencies and the private sector.

Many government and private agencies participated in workshops to analyze use cases of geospatial information according to the best international practices and in line with the local market.

It is noteworthy that the General Authority for Survey & Geospatial Information works on organizing, upgrading, supervising, and monitoring the geospatial survey and information sector to ensure quality and improve performance.

It also prepares the sector to be attractive to investment, stimulating its growth and protecting the interests of the beneficiaries.



Starbucks Workers Expand Strike in US Cities Including New York

Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
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Starbucks Workers Expand Strike in US Cities Including New York

Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)
Starbucks workers hold signs as they picket during a strike in front of a Starbucks to demand collective bargaining agreements in Burbank, California on December 20, 2024. (AFP)

Starbucks workers have expanded their strike to four more US cities, including New York, the union representing over 10,000 baristas said late on Saturday.

The five-day strike, which began on Friday and initially closed Starbucks cafes in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, has added New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis, Workers United said in a statement. It did not say where the New Jersey walkout was occurring.

Starbucks did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.

Talks between the coffee chain and the union hit an impasse with unresolved issues over wages, staffing and schedules, leading to the strike.

The union is striking in 10 cities, also including Columbus, Denver and Pittsburgh, during the busy holiday season that may impact the company's Christmas sales.

Workers United warned on Friday that the strike could reach "hundreds of stores" by Tuesday, Christmas Eve.

Starbucks began negotiations with the union in April. It said this month it had conducted more than eight bargaining sessions, during which 30 agreements had been reached.

The company operates more than 11,000 stores in the United States, employing about 200,000 workers.