Kuala Lumpur, Riyadh to Finalize 9 Development MoUs

Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Photo: Yazeed al-Samrani)
Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Photo: Yazeed al-Samrani)
TT

Kuala Lumpur, Riyadh to Finalize 9 Development MoUs

Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Photo: Yazeed al-Samrani)
Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Photo: Yazeed al-Samrani)

A Malaysian diplomat revealed that discussions with Saudi Arabia were underway to finalize nine memoranda of understanding to enhance bilateral cooperation.

He noted that Kuala Lumpur and Riyadh have signed agreements on 18 industrial projects since December 2021, with total investments of $1.65 billion, which are expected to generate around 2,560 job opportunities.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Ambassador of Malaysia Riyadh, said: “Malaysia and the Kingdom have signed a total of 26 MoUs and agreements, and there are around 9 MoUs currently being discussed by the two sides based on the mutual visits that took place this year.”

“The two countries look forward to increasing their cooperation, including in the field of diplomatic training, health, housing development, and many other areas in the coming year.”

Datuk pointed that the two countries signed three new agreements in March 2021 during the official visit of then-Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to the Kingdom. Those included the establishment of the Saudi-Malaysian Coordination Council, an MoU on the Umrah pilgrims, an another on Islamic affairs.

According to Datuk, the projects were mainly focused on chemical industries, food processing, electronics, electrical products, textile, and plastics.

He noted that the Kingdom’s main investments in Malaysia include Petronas, a joint venture with Saudi Aramco in the Pengerang Integrated Complex (BIC), as well as a partnership in Al-Rajhi Bank.

On the two countries’ cooperation in the fields of electronic industries, technology, mining, green economy, hydrogen and renewable energy, the ambassador explained that Riyadh and Kuala Lumpur signed the minutes of the establishment of the Saudi-Malaysian Coordination Council in March 2021, during the official visit of the former Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia, hoping that the council would serve as a comprehensive bilateral forum for consultations, chaired by the foreign ministers of the two countries.

“Malaysia enjoys close relations with the Kingdom, based on common values and aspirations to strengthen the unity of the Islamic nation. The deep-rooted ties are built on extensive contacts between the peoples of the two countries,” Datuk told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“The massive economic transformation in the Kingdom over the past decades, which coincided with the economic development of Malaysia, has greatly contributed to this multifaceted bilateral cooperation.”

He added that in 2021, Saudi Arabia was Malaysia’s 17th trading partner, the 25th largest export destination, and the 15th largest source of imports, while Malaysia was Saudi Arabia’s 12th trading partner and the 21st export destination in 2020.

Datuk continued: “From January to September 2022, the total trade between the two countries increased by 135.1 percent, to $7.32 billion, compared to $3.11 billion in the same period in 2021… Exports increased by 51 percent to $1.3 billion, compared to $860 million for the same period last year.”

He explained that the main Malaysian exports to the Kingdom included palm oil agricultural products, petroleum products, processed foods, electronics, and palm oil-based products.

Imports from Saudi Arabia include, according to Datuk, chemical and petroleum products, metal industries, and rubber merchandises.



Saudi-Singaporean Business Forum to Seek Ways to Boost Economic Partnership

Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi. (SPA file photo)
Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi. (SPA file photo)
TT

Saudi-Singaporean Business Forum to Seek Ways to Boost Economic Partnership

Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi. (SPA file photo)
Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi. (SPA file photo)

Saudi Minister of Commerce Dr. Majid Al-Qasabi headed the Kingdom’s delegation consisting of 36 public and private sectors representatives to Singapore where they will participate in the Saudi-Singapore Business Forum, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

The forum, which runs through to September 27, will tackle bilateral trade in goods and services and ways to boost economic partnership.

Al-Qasabi met with Singaporean Minister of Education Chan Chun Sing, and Singaporean Minister of Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli on Monday to discuss cooperation in education, mostly equipping students with the skills required by future industries, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.

They discussed the main features of the Singaporean education system, exchanging experience and holding training courses, cooperation between universities and schools, and expanding scholarship programs.

Vice Minister of Commerce and CEO of the National Competitiveness Center Dr. Eman Al-Mutairi and Saudi Ambassador to Singapore Abdullah Al Madhi attended the meeting.

Al-Qasabi also met with Chairman of Singapore Economic Development Board Png Cheong Boon and with Chairman of JTC Corporation Tan Chong Meng to discuss cooperation to stimulate economy, commercial solutions offered to companies, developing industrial zones and business parks, and digitization in manufacturing.

Also discussed was cooperation in the field of service economy and reviewing the best practices and key programs to enhance competitiveness.

Prospects for National Competitiveness Center and the Asia Competitiveness Institute at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy cooperation in research were also discussed with Vice Dean of the School Francesco Mancini and Director of the Institute Paul Cheung.

Over the next two days, Al-Qasabi will hold meetings with several Singaporean ministers and officials, including Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng, Minister for Communications Josephine Teo, Chairman of Enterprise Singapore Peter Ong, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Supply Chain and Logistics Academy Robert Yap.

The Saudi delegation will visit specialized educational institutions, business innovation centers, and the port of Tawas, the world's largest automated port, with the aim of getting familiarized with best practices and quality services in various fields.

It will also participate on Tuesday in the Saudi-Singapore Business Forum, organized by the National Competitiveness Center in cooperation with the Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Singapore Business Federation.

The forum will discuss the progress made in implementing the Kingdom's Vision 2030 since its launch in 2016, opportunities to boost economic partnership, and strengthening cooperation between the two countries in several vital sectors, including logistics, e-commerce, and modern technologies.

The delegation includes several government agencies, including the ministries of commerce, investment, education, health, and industry and mineral resources, the Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monshaat), the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), the Saudi Business Center, the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), the Food and Drug Authority, the National Competitiveness Center, the National E-Learning Center, the Saudi Logistics Academy, the Federation of Saudi Chambers, and officials from Saudi companies.


Saudi Crown Prince Launches Soudah Peaks Masterplan

Situated within an extraordinary natural and cultural environment in the Aseer region, the project is a key part of the Public Investment Fund’s efforts to diversify the economy.
Situated within an extraordinary natural and cultural environment in the Aseer region, the project is a key part of the Public Investment Fund’s efforts to diversify the economy.
TT

Saudi Crown Prince Launches Soudah Peaks Masterplan

Situated within an extraordinary natural and cultural environment in the Aseer region, the project is a key part of the Public Investment Fund’s efforts to diversify the economy.
Situated within an extraordinary natural and cultural environment in the Aseer region, the project is a key part of the Public Investment Fund’s efforts to diversify the economy.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of Soudah Development, launched on Monday the masterplan to develop Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa into Soudah Peaks – a luxury mountain tourism destination set 3,015 meters above sea level on Saudi Arabia's highest peak.

Situated within an extraordinary natural and cultural environment in the Aseer region (southwest Saudi Arabia), the project is a key part of the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) efforts to diversify the economy by expanding vital industries such as tourism, hospitality, and entertainment, and supporting Aseer development strategy.

Crown Prince Mohammed, Chairman of Soudah Development’s Board of Directors, stated that Soudah Peaks represents a new era of luxury mountain tourism by providing an unprecedented living experience while preserving the natural environment, cultural, and heritage richness.

It is strategically aligned with Vision 2030 goals of expanding tourism and entertainment, supporting economic growth, attracting investments, contributing more than SAR29 billion to the Kingdom’s cumulative GDP, and creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities.

The Crown Prince said: “The masterplan reaffirms our commitment to global efforts in preserving the environment and natural resources for future generations and aims to contribute to diversifying national income sources and building a strong economy that attracts local and global investments.”

“Soudah Peaks will be a significant addition to the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia and place the Kingdom on the global tourism map, whilst highlighting and celebrating the country’s rich culture and heritage. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the beauty of Soudah Peaks, explore its rich culture and heritage, and experience the authentic hospitality of the local community. Soudah Peaks will offer unforgettable experiences amidst lush greenery, above the clouds,” he added.

Soudah Peaks aims to offer high-end luxurious hospitality services to over two million visitors throughout the year by 2033. The masterplan is being designed to reflect the local traditional, and architectural styles, and will promote both the cultural and landscape heritage of the region.

The destination will be home to six unique development zones: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal, and Red Rock. Each will offer a range of world-class facilities including hotels, luxury mountain resorts, residential chalets, villas, premium mansion sites, entertainment and commercial attractions, as well as outdoor attractions dedicated to sports, adventure, wellness and culture.

Soudah Development will deliver 2,700 hospitality keys, 1,336 residential units, and 80,000 square meters of commercial space for Soudah Peaks by 2033. The masterplan will be developed over three phases, with 940 hotel keys, 391 residential units, and 32,000 square meters of retail space expected to be completed in 2027, within phase one.

Soudah Peaks is set across more than 627 square kilometers of awe-inspiring nature, with less than 1% of the land being acquired for building, reflecting Soudah Development’s commitment to protecting and preserving the environment, following best-in-class sustainability standards, and contributing to the efforts of the Saudi Green Initiative.

As a closed joint-stock company owned by PIF, Soudah Development aims to develop a unique luxury mountain tourism destination in Saudi Arabia, whilst preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of the project area spread across Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa.


Egypt Launches Bid Round for Gas, Oil Exploration in 23 New Areas

FILE PHOTO: A general view shows light around the site of the Iconic Tower skyscraper in the Central Business District (CBD) in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt August 2, 2023. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A general view shows light around the site of the Iconic Tower skyscraper in the Central Business District (CBD) in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt August 2, 2023. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo
TT

Egypt Launches Bid Round for Gas, Oil Exploration in 23 New Areas

FILE PHOTO: A general view shows light around the site of the Iconic Tower skyscraper in the Central Business District (CBD) in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt August 2, 2023. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A general view shows light around the site of the Iconic Tower skyscraper in the Central Business District (CBD) in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt August 2, 2023. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh/File Photo

Egypt's petroleum ministry launched on Monday an international bid round for gas and oil exploration in 23 new areas, it said in a statement.

The bid includes 10 areas in Egypt's Western Desert, two in the Eastern Desert, seven in the Gulf of Suez, and four areas in the Red Sea, it added.


Saudi Private Sector Prepares for GCC-Türkiye Forum

Saudi-Turkish investment forum that was recently held in Jeddah (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi-Turkish investment forum that was recently held in Jeddah (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Private Sector Prepares for GCC-Türkiye Forum

Saudi-Turkish investment forum that was recently held in Jeddah (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi-Turkish investment forum that was recently held in Jeddah (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi private sector is preparing to participate in the GCC-Türkiye Economic Forum held in Istanbul between November 11 and 13.

According to released information, the Federation of Saudi Chambers informed all commercial chambers about the Forum, which aims to strengthen economic cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Türkiye, and increase trade value.

The Statistical Center for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC-Stat) indicated that trade between GCC countries and Türkiye reached $22 billion in 2021.

Trade between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye also increased to $6.5 billion in 2022, up from $3.7 billion in 2021.

The Turkish Minister of Trade, Omer Bolat, announced that trade between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye reached $3.4 billion during the first half of 2023.

The Gulf-Turkish economy highlights several areas: trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, industry, transport, logistics services, tourism, agriculture, and food.

- Businessmen

Many officials, Gulf businessmen, and their Turkish counterparts are expected to participate in the Forum.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi is scheduled to speak at the Forum.

The Turkish government has recently increased its efforts to strengthen economic relations with Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Saudi Arabia in July, describing the Kingdom as one of the region's most important countries, with a special place in trade, investments, and contracting services.

More than 200 businessmen and investors accompanied Erdogan's visit, highlighting the Saudi market's importance and economic relations between the two nations.

- Engaging the Private Sector

The Saudi-Turkish Business Council held a meeting in Jeddah on the sidelines of Erdogan's visit.

Speaking at the meeting's onset, Saudi Minister of Investment Khaled al-Falih emphasized Riyadh's keenness to engage the local and foreign private sectors, primarily Turkish entities.

Falih indicated that Vision 2030 established a new phase in all aspects of life in the Kingdom and fostered an excellent economic environment for promising investments.

"One of the most prominent features of the Vision is the keenness to involve the Saudi and foreign private sectors, including the Turkish private sector," he said, explaining that the National Investment Strategy was aimed at enabling diversified investments with a total estimated volume of $3.3 trillion by 2030.

The Turkish Trade Minister emphasized the necessity to enhance bilateral investment and trade, noting the strong bilateral ties.

He noted that the free trade agreement would serve the two sides' interests: "Türkiye and the Kingdom are two countries that have sufficient energy to strengthen relations and work to develop all cultural, commercial, and industrial sectors."

- Red Sea Project

Bolat revealed that Saudi Arabia's investments in his country exceeded $2 billion, which he said confirmed "the confidence of our Saudi brothers in Türkiye."

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar al-Khorayef visited Ankara last August and participated in a Turkish-Saudi roundtable where he expressed his country's confidence in Turkish investors.

Khorayef hoped Turkish investors would take advantage of the investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

Last March, Saudi Arabia agreed to deposit $5 billion into Türkiye's central bank through its Saudi Fund for Development.

The decision demonstrates the Kingdom's commitment to supporting Türkiye's efforts to strengthen its economy following the devastating earthquake that hit Türkiye and Syria last February.


Egypt Locally Manufactures Salt Separators to Develop Oil Refineries

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El-Molla and heads of government oil companies during the meeting. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El-Molla and heads of government oil companies during the meeting. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Egypt Locally Manufactures Salt Separators to Develop Oil Refineries

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El-Molla and heads of government oil companies during the meeting. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El-Molla and heads of government oil companies during the meeting. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El-Molla has revealed that his country is intensifying efforts to increase reliance on local components in the development of oil refineries.

Petrojet company manufactures some of the main components that are installed in the production units in refineries such as salt separators, he added.

El-Molla stressed the significance of refineries in the country, specifically Alexandria which represents around 40 percent of the oil refineries across the country.

He made his remarks as he chaired through videoconference a meeting for several state-owned oil companies such as Alexandria Petroleum Company, Amreya Petroleum Refining Company, Egyptian Petrochemical Company, and Petroleum Pipelines Co.

Minister of Local Development Hisham Amna and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ahmed Samir, were also present.

El-Molla remarked that investments continue to be pumped to develop the national petroleum transportation network, which boosts Egypt’s role as a regional hub for energy trade. This role must go in parallel with a modern, safe, and strong network of high efficiency to transport oil products, he said.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Petroleum Pipelines Co. Fathi Mansour stated that the firm started the implementation of new transportation lines to transport oil and the expansion of two storage terminals with an investment value exceeding EGP6 billion.

Mansour added that new lines would extend over 600 km with an investment value surpassing EGP11 billion.


Key Speakers to take Part in Saudi Arabia's First World Tourism Day

An event at Boulevard Riyadh City in the Saudi capital (Asharq Al-Awsat)
An event at Boulevard Riyadh City in the Saudi capital (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Key Speakers to take Part in Saudi Arabia's First World Tourism Day

An event at Boulevard Riyadh City in the Saudi capital (Asharq Al-Awsat)
An event at Boulevard Riyadh City in the Saudi capital (Asharq Al-Awsat)

More than 500 government officials, industry leaders, and experts from 120 countries are set to attend the World Tourism Day (WTD), which will be held in Riyadh for the first time.

According to the recent UNWTO Barometer Report, the Middle East reported the best results in January 2023, with arrivals 20 percent above pre-pandemic levels.

The region continues to be the only one to exceed 2019 levels, with Saudi witnessing extraordinary growth exceeding 58 percent.

The organizing committee for the WTD announced on Sunday that the exceptional participation reflects the significance of this occasion.

- Green investment

WTD 2023, on September 27 and 28, will be held under the theme "Tourism and Green Investments."

The event aims to foster global collaboration to examine investment opportunities and strengthen the resilience of the tourism industry, steering the sector towards an investment-led and sustainably focused future.

On the evening of the first day, a gala dinner will be hosted in Saudi Arabia's UNESCO heritage site, Diriyah, to celebrate WTD 2023.

A WTD 2024 handover session will be conducted between Saudi Arabia and Georgia ahead of Tbilisi's hosting of the event next year.

Hosting this significant event in the heart of Riyadh bolsters the city's global standing and leadership across various sectors, including the international tourism industry.

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, stated on World Tourism Day: "We recognize the vital need for green investments to build a tourism sector that delivers for people and planet. Governments and businesses must invest in sustainable and resilient tourism practices."

- Participating officials

The Kingdom was elected Chair of the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for 2023 and hosted the World Travel and Tourism Council's Global Summit in Riyadh last year.

Riyadh also houses the regional office of the World Tourism Organization in the Middle East.

WTD2023 will have a high-level speaker line-up, showcasing the collective movement across the industry to celebrate the sector's successes while exploring solutions to its most pressing challenges.

Key speakers include, among others, Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed al-Khateeb, Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih, WTO Sec-Gen Zurab Pololikashvili, and South Africa's Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille.

Notably, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz recently discussed developments in the Saudi tourism sector during a TV interview with Fox News, revealing that the sector's contribution to the GDP has increased from three to seven percent.


CMA Develops Strategy for 2024/2026

Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (File photo: Reuters)
Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (File photo: Reuters)
TT

CMA Develops Strategy for 2024/2026

Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (File photo: Reuters)
Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (File photo: Reuters)

Saudi Arabia's Capital Markets Authority (CMA) is working on its strategic plan for 2024-2026, announced Chairman Mohammed el-Kuwaiz.

By the end of 2022, the financial market surpassed the targets for several indicators set in CMA's strategic plan.

Speaking on the Saudi 93rd National Day, Kuwaiz said the number of listings on the financial market reached 49 in 2022, while the target was 24, with a completion rate of 204 percent.

"The market value of the stock market as a percentage of the domestic product reached 91 percent, with a completion rate of 118 percent, compared to the target rate of 77 percent," he indicated.

The strategic plan targeted the size of the debt instruments market as a percentage of the domestic product to reach 18.7 percent, while what was achieved amounted to 32 percent, with a completion rate of 171 percent.

Kuwaiz pointed out that these numbers and other achievements made the market a role model among the region's needs.

The Authority's 2024-2026 strategic plan aims to achieve sustainable development of the financial sector and new achievements and records that will reflect positively on the financial market and the financial industry in general.

"As we celebrate this year's National Day, the Kingdom has advanced seven positions in the World Competitiveness Yearbook issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) for 2023," he said.

Saudi Arabia reached 17th position globally out of 64 countries that are the most competitive in the world and third place among G20 countries, supported by strong economic and financial performance in 2022 and improved business legislation.

He said that the Kingdom's ranking rose in six out of 12 financial market indicators, and the ranking of two other indicators was maintained, while six indicators ranked among the top ten in the world.

During Q2 2023, the number of investment funds jumped to 1,130, marking a historic peak, with a surge of 34.68 percent, compared to 839 funds in the second quarter of last year.

Kuwaiz noted that the number of public and private investment fund subscribers increased by 33.5 percent to 901,900, up from 675,500 subscribers at the end of Q2 2022.

The Chairman added that qualified foreign investors' ownership of the leading stock market amounted to $79.5 billion in Q2 2023, up from $75 billion in Q2 2022, a 5.1 percent increase annually.

"All the achievements incentivized international institutions to praise the Kingdom's economy, including the International Monetary Fund's praise for the Kingdom's continuing efforts to complete economic and financial reforms and achieve Vision 2030 goals."


Oman Signs MoU with Eden GeoPower to Explore Hydrogen


Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals signs an MoU with an American company in the field of geologic hydrogen. (Oman News Agency)
Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals signs an MoU with an American company in the field of geologic hydrogen. (Oman News Agency)
TT

Oman Signs MoU with Eden GeoPower to Explore Hydrogen


Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals signs an MoU with an American company in the field of geologic hydrogen. (Oman News Agency)
Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals signs an MoU with an American company in the field of geologic hydrogen. (Oman News Agency)

Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) has signed two memoranda of understanding with two companies – one from the US and the other from Oman – to assess the potential of geologic hydrogen exploration in the Sultanate.

The MoUs inked with American ‘Eden Geopower’ and the Omani Earth Sciences Consultancy Center represent a substantial stride in bolstering cooperation in this field.

These agreements have been meticulously designed to foster scientific dialogues, conduct in-depth preliminary studies, and pinpoint suitable locations for experimental research.

MEM Undersecretary Mohsen Hamad Al Hadrami underscored the strategic importance of geologic hydrogen within Oman’s comprehensive energy transition plan.

He expressed his enthusiasm for the expanding hydrogen sector, recognizing its significance not only from an economic standpoint but also for its potential contributions to environmental sustainability.

Hydrogen is poised to play an instrumental role in bolstering global energy security. Consequently, robust research and exploration in this sector are of paramount importance to attain the most favorable outcomes.

Moreover, Al Hadrami stressed the vital role of international collaboration and coordination with experts and partners in advancing the scientific and technical dimensions of geologic hydrogen.

These partnerships also serve as magnets for attracting investments, which are indispensable for unlocking the full potential of this clean energy source.

Oman’s aim is crystal clear: to establish itself as a leading and trusted player on the global stage in the domain of geologic hydrogen, added Hadrami.

He further elaborated that this workshop and the research agreements in the field of geologic hydrogen with the US have the potential to bolster economic opportunities and strategic partnerships related to geologic hydrogen, exploring its utility as a clean natural resource through further research and exploration.

The MoUs were signed on the sidelines of a workshop on the untapped potential of geologic hydrogen held by MEM and its American counterpart.

The workshop discussed various methods to stimulate the production of geological hydrogen and ongoing research related to this emerging field.

During the workshop, the Ministry of Energy and Minerals announced the acceptance of research and experimental proposals in the realm of geological hydrogen exploration within the Sultanate of Oman, welcoming submissions from interested parties.

Participants also acknowledged the significance of the positive measures undertaken by the Sultanate to promote environmental sustainability in a broader context, with a particular emphasis on advancing the renewable energy sector and clean hydrogen initiatives.

Oman has embraced ambitious plans to become one of the world's leading producers of clean hydrogen.

Substantial steps have already been taken in this direction, including the issuance of Royal Decree No. 10/2023 in February. This decree allocates land for the development of renewable energy and clean hydrogen projects.

In collaboration with the Department of Energy, private sector entities, and research institutions, the US is actively exploring the potential associated with Geologic Hydrogen production.

The US Department of Energy has recently announced that it has allocated funding for $20 million to support research and experimentation in the exploration and production of geologic hydrogen.


UAE's Alpha Dhabi to Buy Majority Stake in Water Project Developer Metito

UAE's Alpha Dhabi to Buy Majority Stake in Water Project Developer Metito
TT

UAE's Alpha Dhabi to Buy Majority Stake in Water Project Developer Metito

UAE's Alpha Dhabi to Buy Majority Stake in Water Project Developer Metito

United Arab Emirates-based conglomerate Alpha Dhabi said on Monday it plans to acquire a majority stake in the United Arab Emirates-based water and wastewater project developer Metito Holdings.

Pending regulatory approvals, Alpha Dhabi said it plans to acquire the stake from Metito's selling shareholders Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and Gulf Capital.

Alpha Dhabi has around 20 offices and 4,500 employees across the world.

The Ghandour family, Metito’s founding shareholders, will retain their leadership roles, Alpha Dhabi said in the statement on Monday, Reuters reported.

Alpha Dhabi is linked to Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's national security adviser and a brother of the country's president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Tahnoun owns the Royal Group, which has a 74% stake in the parent of Alpha Dhabi, the International Holding Company (IHC).


ADNOC, Abu Dhabi's TAQA Secure Financing for $2.2 Bln Water Project

Logos of ADNOC are seen at Gastech, the world's biggest expo for the gas industry, in Chiba, Japan, April 4, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai
Logos of ADNOC are seen at Gastech, the world's biggest expo for the gas industry, in Chiba, Japan, April 4, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai
TT

ADNOC, Abu Dhabi's TAQA Secure Financing for $2.2 Bln Water Project

Logos of ADNOC are seen at Gastech, the world's biggest expo for the gas industry, in Chiba, Japan, April 4, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai
Logos of ADNOC are seen at Gastech, the world's biggest expo for the gas industry, in Chiba, Japan, April 4, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai

State oil giant Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) said on Monday they secured the financing for a $2.2 billion project to provide sustainable water supply to ADNOC's onshore operations.

The project, which was announced in May, will comprise a centralized seawater treatment facility for ADNOC's operations at the Bab and Bu Hasa fields in Abu Dhabi, as part of the oil giant's efforts to decarbonize its business.

A group of nine local banks and international banks will finance the project, through a combination of commercial and Islamic finance facilities, ADNOC and TAQA said in a bourse statement.

The banks to finance the project are First Abu Dhabi Bank, Gulf International Bank, Natixis, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Emirates NBD, Emirates Development Bank and Warba Bank.

A consortium comprising Orascom Construction and Metito will construct a seawater treatment facility and transportation and distribution network.

ADNOC and TAQA each own a 25.5% stake in the project, resulting in a combined 51% majority, while the consortium will own the remainder under a build, own, operate and transfer model.