Saudi Arabia Stresses Importance of Energy Transition to Address Climate Challenges

Riyadh proceeds with the implementation of the Green Saudi Initiative in support of addressing climate challenges. (SPA)
Riyadh proceeds with the implementation of the Green Saudi Initiative in support of addressing climate challenges. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Stresses Importance of Energy Transition to Address Climate Challenges

Riyadh proceeds with the implementation of the Green Saudi Initiative in support of addressing climate challenges. (SPA)
Riyadh proceeds with the implementation of the Green Saudi Initiative in support of addressing climate challenges. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Energy emphasized the importance of the global energy transition to address climate challenges and the expansion of international cooperation to support sustainable development and the zero emissions target.

Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman held a meeting via video conference on Thursday with the Minister of Environment and Climate Action of Portugal, Duarte Cordeiro.

The two officials discussed the importance of supporting the stability of global oil markets by encouraging dialogue and cooperation between producing and consuming countries, and the need to ensure the security of power supply.

The two officials touched on cooperation in various energy fields, such as clean hydrogen and renewable energy, and the security and reliability of electrical systems.

They also underlined their keenness to advance cooperation through the imminent signing of a memorandum of understanding in the field of energy.

The meeting emphasized Saudi Arabia’s reliable role as partner and one of the countries exporting crude oil to Portugal.

The two ministers agreed that energy transition was an important element in addressing energy and climate challenges, noting that this issue would be the focus of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), which kicks off on Sunday in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

This comes as Saudi Arabia advanced 10 places in the Green Future Index for 2022.

Issued by the MIT Technology Review of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Index highlighted Saudi Arabia’s 10 place advancement, following leading programs and initiatives led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

In a report, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) noted that the Kingdom’s rapid progress in the Green Future Index crowns the efforts, programs, and initiatives, which include the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives (SGI & MGI) and the establishment of royal natural reserves to increase vegetation in the Kingdom.



Cityscape Global in Saudi Arabia to Introduce Over 100,000 Housing Units

Photo from the second edition of the Cityscape Global Exhibition in Riyadh (SPA)
Photo from the second edition of the Cityscape Global Exhibition in Riyadh (SPA)
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Cityscape Global in Saudi Arabia to Introduce Over 100,000 Housing Units

Photo from the second edition of the Cityscape Global Exhibition in Riyadh (SPA)
Photo from the second edition of the Cityscape Global Exhibition in Riyadh (SPA)

The Cityscape Global exhibition, set to open on Monday in Riyadh, is expected to introduce more than 100,000 housing units, financing options with interest rates starting at 2.59%, and discounts of up to SAR 100,000 (around $26,600) on various projects. The event will also feature one of the largest real estate auctions in the Middle East, with an estimated value exceeding SAR 1 billion ($266.6 million).
This announcement was made by Abdullah Al-Hammad, CEO of the General Real Estate Authority, during the Cityscape Global introductory meeting held on Thursday in the Saudi capital.
Al-Hammad emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this major real estate event reflects the economic momentum the Kingdom is experiencing under Vision 2030.
He explained that the exhibition will play a key role in showcasing investment opportunities by providing comprehensive insights into real estate market trends, noting that the Kingdom is witnessing unprecedented growth in real estate and economic projects.
The exhibition will primarily focus on the Kingdom’s mega-projects, with participation from over 400 exhibitors, 100 institutional investors, and more than 500 leaders from the global real estate sector.
He added that this major gathering will facilitate access to diverse investment opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s real estate market, thus boosting foreign investment, diversifying the national economy, and supporting sustainable development.
Al-Hammad highlighted that the previous Cityscape exhibition attracted over 160,000 visitors and secured investment projects and agreements valued at over SAR 110 billion ($29 billion), including $19 billion in foreign investments. This year, the second edition is expected to see a 50% increase in transactions, projects, and agreements.
Abdulrahman Altawil, the Deputy Minister for Residential Supply Stimulus and Real Estate Development, told Asharq Al-Awsat that this major real estate event will host leading global names from various areas of the real estate industry, including development, design, and operations.
“A large number of international real estate developers are expected to participate in the event, with over 10 developers already launching projects in Saudi Arabia. The aim is to attract even more developers in partnership with local counterparts”, Altawil said.
Altawil noted that Saudi Arabia’s real estate and investment environment is highly attractive, providing promising and accessible opportunities for investors. He mentioned that the ministry is working to create a diversified landscape focused on attracting global companies to invest in the Kingdom.
The exhibition will feature a selection of experts and CEOs and will include a Real Estate Investors Forum, hosting 150 investors from 22 countries. This event aims to strengthen collaboration on investment projects, establishing itself as a key center for opportunities and investment.