Mitsubishi to Transfer Hydrogen Technology, Ammonia, High-Efficiency Equipment to Saudi Arabia

Koichi Nakagawa, Research Director and Chief Consultant at the Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) Middle East. (Saad al-Enezi)
Koichi Nakagawa, Research Director and Chief Consultant at the Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) Middle East. (Saad al-Enezi)
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Mitsubishi to Transfer Hydrogen Technology, Ammonia, High-Efficiency Equipment to Saudi Arabia

Koichi Nakagawa, Research Director and Chief Consultant at the Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) Middle East. (Saad al-Enezi)
Koichi Nakagawa, Research Director and Chief Consultant at the Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) Middle East. (Saad al-Enezi)

Koichi Nakagawa, Research Director and Chief Consultant at the Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) Middle East, revealed that Mitsubishi is planning to launch a number of understandings in Riyadh to strengthen partnerships with Saudi government agencies in the field of research and consultancy.

These understandings would help transfer knowledge and technologies in the fields of energy, agriculture, and health and come at a time Saudi Arabia is looking to localize industrial and economic expertise, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.

The company implements 1,800 annual projects for government and private companies daily, he revealed.

By doing this, Mitsubishi looks to open the door for cooperation with the Japanese government and technology providers with wide-ranging solutions to deal with climate change.

Such cooperation could boost energy sector sustainability, help develop new industries and businesses.

It also works to transfer hydrogen and ammonia technology and expertise in high-efficiency equipment, district cooling, infrastructure management, development and use of alternative fuels.

Nakagawa told Asharq Al-Awsat that the MRI chose Saudi Arabia as the first regional platform in the Middle East to launch its research and consultancy work because of the Kingdom's pivotal role in the region, the strength of its economy, and its new initiatives that emerge from Kingdom Vision 2030.

He said he was looking forward to the signing of agreements with several government agencies to launch MRI’s activities in Riyadh, and from there to all parts of the world.

He confirmed that he discussed ways of cooperation with the Ministry of Energy, especially means of transferring knowledge and consultations in the field of technology and renewable energy.

He also contacted the Ministry of Agriculture to maximize knowledge experiences in the field of agricultural and food production. Nakagawa also conducted talks related to health care technology.

He discussed with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology efforts for maximizing the green and climate economies.

Nakagawa pointed out that “the Saudi market is huge and full of opportunities.”

He emphasized that Saudi regulations are working to attract foreign investment considering the recently launched mega projects and green initiatives, as well as the Saudi drive to promote sustainable development and the green economy.

He stressed that cooperation in the field of research and consultancy between Riyadh and Tokyo is witnessing a new era, stressing that his country gives the Kingdom special attention and is working to strengthen cooperation with it in various fields.

Tokyo is eyeing energy cooperation with Riyadh, revealed Nakagawa, noting the work and research that Saudi Arabia will undertake related to climate change, circular economy, renewable energy, and energy conservation.

Nakagawa explained that 24% of MRI’s work goes to government agencies, while up to 31% is in the field of industries. Around 45% of MRI’s activities focus on projects with financial institutions, while the rest goes to information technology solutions.



Foreign Start-ups Double in Saudi Market

Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups
Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups
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Foreign Start-ups Double in Saudi Market

Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups
Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference becomes top magnet for tech start-ups

The number of foreign start‑ups holding Saudi Arabia’s “Riyadi” entrepreneurship license has more than doubled to 550 by mid‑2025, up 118 % from the same period a year earlier, the Investment Ministry said.

The Riyadi permit lets overseas founders launch and scale technology and innovation‑focused companies in the kingdom. Officials say the surge reflects a government push to position Saudi Arabia as the Gulf’s start‑up hub by easing market entry and offering flexible regulation.

The General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha’at) has meanwhile issued 364 licenses for business incubators and accelerators, helping international entrepreneurs develop prototypes, find mentors and connect with investors.

Flagship tech gatherings such as Biban and LEAP in Riyadh – along with Saudi delegations to global events including Web Summit, VivaTech and Slush – have burnished the kingdom’s credentials as a magnet for venture capital and talent, the ministry said.

The momentum comes as Riyadh chases the economic‑diversification goals of its Vision 2030 plan. The government is targeting $100 billion a year in foreign direct investment (FDI) by 2030.

Overall investment licensing jumped 67.7 % last year. In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, Saudi Arabia issued 4,615 licenses, up 59.9 % year on year.

Net FDI inflows moderated to 16.0 billion riyals ($4.27 billion) in the third quarter of 2024, 24 % lower than a year earlier but 37 % higher than the previous quarter’s 11.7 billion riyals ($3.12 billion), according to General Authority for Statistics data.

Saudi officials say the Riyadi license is integral to diversifying the economy, fostering innovation and embedding an entrepreneurial culture.