Hajj Ministry Announces More Details of its Innovation Competition

Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)
Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)
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Hajj Ministry Announces More Details of its Innovation Competition

Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)
Worshippers perform prayers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Friday. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the launch of the challenge phases of its competition that is aimed at introducing innovative solutions to improving the pilgrimage experience.

The competition was announced through the Open Innovation Platform.

The top three finalists of the competition will receive prize money of up to 50,000 riyals.

The ministry has opened the competition to anyone who believes they have innovative and pioneering ideas that can improve the experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Participants have until May 23 to submit their ideas.

The ministry had held a virtual training seminar on the impact and importance of open innovation.

The platform aims to create the largest innovation community in the Kingdom in cooperation was various sectors.

It will help facilitate communication with the sectors and propose solutions to problems with the aim of improving society and the national economy as a whole.

Participants in the competition will be able to develop their research skills and overcome challenges through several innovative paths.

The competition will also hold consultative and training sessions and provide the opportunity to develop pioneering projects and receive support from participating parties.

The Hajj challenge is divided into three paths: The main services path that focuses on the challenges encountered by pilgrims, the enrichment path that focuses on services that enrich their experience, and the virtual experience path that covers the digital platforms available to the pilgrims.



Aramco, Rongsheng Petrochemical Sign Framework Agreement to Advance SASREF Expansion

Aramco, Rongsheng Petrochemical Sign Framework Agreement to Advance SASREF Expansion
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Aramco, Rongsheng Petrochemical Sign Framework Agreement to Advance SASREF Expansion

Aramco, Rongsheng Petrochemical Sign Framework Agreement to Advance SASREF Expansion

Saudi Aramco, one of the world's leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, Aramco affiliate Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery Company (SASREF), and an affiliate of Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (Rongsheng Petrochemical) signed a Development Framework Agreement in Beijing, China, that paves the way for an expansion project at SASREF in Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

The tripartite agreement outlines the cooperation mechanism and planning for the project's design and development. The project aims to expand SASREF's refining and petrochemical capabilities while fostering international collaboration, said Aramco in a statement on Tuesday.

Aramco Downstream President Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani said: "By aligning our efforts, Aramco and Rongsheng Petrochemical aim to deliver additional value to our stakeholders. This Development Framework Agreement underscores Aramco's intentions to foster closer collaboration with key partners and progress its strategic downstream expansion, both in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and internationally. It also highlights the potential of the Kingdom's downstream sector to attract overseas players."

Rongsheng Petrochemical Chairman Li Shuirong said: "The signing of the Development Framework Agreement sets the stage for Rongsheng Petrochemical's in-depth participation in the SASREF expansion project."

"Saudi Arabia has abundant energy resources and significant market potential, and Rongsheng Petrochemical will bring strong momentum to the partnership through our excellent operation and management capabilities and market competitiveness," he added

"This collaborative project not only has important strategic value for the future development of both companies but will also make contributions to China's Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030," he stressed.

In April, Aramco and Rongsheng Petrochemical signed a Cooperation Framework Agreement relating to the planned formation of a joint venture in SASREF and significant investments in the Saudi and Chinese petrochemical sectors. Preliminary documentation relating to the Development Framework Agreement was signed in September.

The SASREF expansion project is located in Jubail Industrial City, which is along the Arabian Gulf coast in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. The city has a well-developed infrastructure and strategic geographical advantages.

The project, which is currently in the PREFEED stage, envisages the construction of large-scale steam crackers and the integration of associated downstream derivatives into the existing SASREF complex, enhancing its ability to meet the growing demand for high-quality petrochemical products.