OPEC+ Agrees Oil Output Cuts of 2 Mln Bpd

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (C), Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, attends a press conference of the 33rd Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting at the OPEC headquarters in Vienna, Austria, 05 October 2022. (EPA)
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (C), Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, attends a press conference of the 33rd Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting at the OPEC headquarters in Vienna, Austria, 05 October 2022. (EPA)
TT
20

OPEC+ Agrees Oil Output Cuts of 2 Mln Bpd

Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (C), Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, attends a press conference of the 33rd Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting at the OPEC headquarters in Vienna, Austria, 05 October 2022. (EPA)
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (C), Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, attends a press conference of the 33rd Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting at the OPEC headquarters in Vienna, Austria, 05 October 2022. (EPA)

The OPEC+ alliance of oil-exporting countries decided Wednesday to sharply cut production to support sagging oil prices.

Energy ministers cut production by 2 million barrels per day starting in November after gathering for their first face-to-face meeting at the Vienna headquarters of the OPEC oil cartel since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group said the decision was based on the “uncertainty that surrounds the global economic and oil market outlooks.” Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stressed the cartel’s stated role as a guardian of stable energy markets.

“We are here to stay as a moderating force, to bring about stability,” he told reporters.

Oil is trading well below its summer peaks because of fears that major global economies such as the US or Europe will sink into recession due to high inflation, rising interest rates and uncertainty over the war in Ukraine.

“We are going through a period of diverse uncertainties, which could come our way, it’s a brewing cloud,” Prince Abdulaziz said, adding that OPEC+ sought to remain “ahead of the curve.”



Gulf States Accelerate Adoption of Unified Digital Government Platforms

A Tawakkalna app events in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A Tawakkalna app events in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
20

Gulf States Accelerate Adoption of Unified Digital Government Platforms

A Tawakkalna app events in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A Tawakkalna app events in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Gulf governments are moving swiftly to leverage modern technology in reshaping citizen-government relations, with a strong push toward digital transformation and more efficient, user-centric public services.

At the forefront of this shift are unified government applications that constitute comprehensive digital platforms that combine smart technology with seamless usability.

According to a recent study by Strategy& Middle East, a member of the PwC network, these platforms are no longer optional but have become strategic necessities.

The study, titled “Unified Government Apps: Smart Choices for Services and Cost Control,” highlights that citizens and residents can now complete services such as issuing birth certificates, renewing business licenses, or applying for social support within minutes, without physically visiting a government office.

Tawakkalna: A Saudi Model

Saudi Arabia’s Tawakkalna app, originally launched as a health tool during the COVID-19 pandemic, has since evolved into a comprehensive digital gateway offering over 1,100 government services.

Dr. Esam Al-Wagait, Director of the National Information Center at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), noted the Kingdom’s aim to build a proactive digital government powered by AI.

“We are creating an integrated system that uses advanced technology to predict citizen needs and deliver personalized experiences aligned with smart and sustainable city goals,” he said.

Engineer Saleh Mosaibah, Deputy Director of the National Information Center, added that unified platforms enhance inter-agency collaboration, reduce operational costs, strengthen cybersecurity, and boost Saudi Arabia’s regional and global competitiveness.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite progress, the study noted operational and technical challenges remain, particularly around user expectations for faster, smoother service. Repeated logins and redundant data entry were identified as key obstacles.

Engineer Hani Zein, Partner at Strategy& Middle East, stressed the need for seamless, single-entry platforms powered by artificial intelligence.

“Unified interfaces are the future. They improve service delivery, enhance quality of life, and align with Gulf digital transformation goals,” he said.

Investment and Private Sector Integration

Experts stress that building such applications requires significant investment in IT infrastructure, data integration, and cybersecurity. “These are not just tech expenses, they are investments in smarter, more cost-efficient governance,” said Mosaibah.

The private sector also presents growth opportunities. Licensed companies could offer services through government platforms for a fee, or strategic partnerships could bring in private funding and innovation without straining public budgets.

Building a Sustainable Model

To ensure sustainability, Zein recommends a three-pillar approach: an agile operational model inspired by startups, strong legal and financial frameworks, and robust risk management systems. These foundations, he said, enable governments to move quickly, innovate freely, and maintain public trust.

With the right strategy, Zein and Mosaibah believe Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to set global standards for integrated digital government, offering a world-class experience for citizens and residents alike.