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Saudi Arabia Offers Set of Solutions to Advance Global Development Reform

Saudi Arabia actively participated in the business agenda and meetings of the G20 summit in Bali. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia actively participated in the business agenda and meetings of the G20 summit in Bali. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
    Bali - Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Offers Set of Solutions to Advance Global Development Reform

Saudi Arabia actively participated in the business agenda and meetings of the G20 summit in Bali. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia actively participated in the business agenda and meetings of the G20 summit in Bali. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia put forward a set of effective solutions and proposals to advance global development and economic reforms, through its high-level participation at the meetings of the G20 Leaders Summit in Bali, Indonesia.

The Saudi delegation to the summit is headed by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, and includes Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State, as well as a number of cabinet ministers.

Energy transition

The Energy Minister emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to collective action in order to reduce the effects of climate change by promoting the full and effective implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement.

He explained that the ministerial meeting of the Energy Transitions Working Group issued the Bali Charter, which included a set of voluntary principles to accelerate energy transition, including the implementation of the circular carbon economy approach and the shift towards more sustainable, balanced and equitable energy systems, as well as the continued flow of investments in clean energy technologies.

The minister said the Kingdom has called for focusing on the importance of comprehensive solutions and technologies, especially clean technologies, to curb greenhouse gas emissions, taking into account the security and stability of energy markets to ensure their continuity and the sustainability of their transformations.

Climate sustainability

He stated that the meetings of the Climate Sustainability Group dealt with aspects of sustainable recovery, developing ways and policies to confront the effects of climate change, reducing its negative effects on humans and population groups, implementing the Paris Agreement, and drafting plans and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Financial impact

For his part, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammad Al-Jadaan said that Saudi Arabia’s participation in the G20 Finance Ministers’ meeting came to push for mitigating the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global financial markets, and the necessary measures in the medium term to support the global economy during crises.

He affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to working with its G20 partners to prepare a sustainable financing mechanism to strengthen the response to future pandemics, in addition to improving international governance and cooperation between global policy makers.

Labor markets

The Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Engineer Ahmed Al-Rajhi, noted that the ministry, through its participation in the G20 meetings, highlighted the need for labor markets to flourish after the Covid-19 pandemic, and expressed support for the priorities of the Indonesian G20 presidency for work and employment, in addition to presenting the programs and initiatives launched by Saudi Arabia within the framework of Vision 2030.

Tourism development

Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khatib, for his part, said that the meeting of the G20 tourism ministers reviewed the development of tourism in local communities and micro, small and medium-sized projects, and the importance of the creative economy, innovation and technology in the development of tourism globally, in addition to the recovery of the tourism sector from the effects of the pandemic.

Al-Khatib stressed Saudi Arabia’s support for the Bali Guidelines to improve the role of local communities and support micro, small and medium enterprises for tourism transformation, in addition to responding to calls to curb global warming emissions.

Comprehensive education

Minister of Education Youssef Al-Bunyan said that the topics discussed during the meetings focused on providing inclusive, high-quality education for all to overcome the rapid increase in educational inequality and poverty, reduce educational loss in light of the challenges imposed by the pandemic, and improve the use of digital technology in education.

Oversight and Accountability

The head of the General Auditing Bureau, Dr. Hossam Al-Anqari, said that the meeting of the G20 Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI20) highlighted the need to enhance cooperation and knowledge exchange among the relevant bodies, and implement the best auditing practices to strengthen oversight and good governance in the G20 countries.

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Business

Saudi Industry Minister Reviews Gold Processing Technologies at Tau-Ken Altyn Refinery in Kazakhstan

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef and other officials are seen during the tour of the gold refinery in Astana on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef and other officials are seen during the tour of the gold refinery in Astana on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Industry Minister Reviews Gold Processing Technologies at Tau-Ken Altyn Refinery in Kazakhstan

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef and other officials are seen during the tour of the gold refinery in Astana on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef and other officials are seen during the tour of the gold refinery in Astana on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef visited the gold refinery operated by Tau-Ken Altyn in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana, on Tuesday.

The minister reviewed the technologies and processes used in gold processing and refining and met with Tau-Ken Altyn chief executive Arnur Aidarkhanov and chief economic and financial officer Ruslan Zhumagulov.

Discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of expertise in the mining and metals industries.

The minister received a briefing on the refinery's operations and its role in enabling Kazakhstan to refine gold domestically and enhance the value added from its mineral resources.

It highlighted the refinery's contribution to strengthening the country's gold and foreign exchange reserves, with the facility regarded as a strategic asset in Kazakhstan's precious metals sector.

Alkhorayef toured the refinery’s facilities, including its gold refining operations, processing units, and gold bullion production lines, which operate using advanced technologies and in accordance with the highest international standards.

He also reviewed the refinery’s accreditation by the London Bullion Market Association, which confirms that its products comply with internationally recognized standards in the global gold market.

The minister's tour was part of his official visit to Kazakhstan, which aims to strengthen economic ties between Riyadh and Astana and build effective partnerships in the mining and metals sectors.

Business

Riyadh Air Eyes Gradual Expansion as New Aircraft Arrive

Riyadh Air’s new aircraft enters Saudi airspace (X)
Riyadh Air’s new aircraft enters Saudi airspace (X)
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Riyadh Air Eyes Gradual Expansion as New Aircraft Arrive

Riyadh Air’s new aircraft enters Saudi airspace (X)
Riyadh Air’s new aircraft enters Saudi airspace (X)

Riyadh Air has completed its structural setup phase and has moved formally into operations, advancing a gradual, carefully planned expansion strategy built around rapid fleet growth and the approaching commercial launch of Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier.

The arrival of its third Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Riyadh, along with the official start of ticket sales for its first domestic and international destinations, marks a new stage for the airline as it prepares to build a growing network focused on expanding operating capacity and targeting high-demand global markets.

The steps put into practice the goals of Vision 2030, which seeks to turn Riyadh into a global logistics hub and a key link for air transport and luxury hospitality between continents.

Osamah Alnuaiser, senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications at Riyadh Air, said the arrival of the third aircraft was a “historic moment” for the company, coming days after it received its first two planes.

He said the milestone crowned more than three years of work since the signing of the first deals with Boeing, under a plan to build a fleet of more than 182 aircraft.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Alnuaiser said the new carrier had moved from establishment to actual operations. He said the company had started intensive operational tests, including daily nonstop flights between Riyadh and London, to assess service and product quality and test its operating model before the full commercial launch.

Five destinations

Alnuaiser said the company had officially started selling tickets to five destinations - Jeddah, Cairo, Dubai, Madrid and Manchester - calling the move the beginning of a route network that will expand gradually in the coming period.

He said Riyadh Air was preparing to receive more aircraft in sequence over the coming months, supporting plans to expand destinations and increase operating capacity. The company is currently operating four daily flights between Riyadh and Jeddah, he said, as part of a strategy to strengthen air links between the Saudi capital and major economic and tourism centers worldwide.

Alnuaiser said the company was constantly studying new domestic and international destinations. The goal, he said, was not merely to increase flights but to diversify destinations and connect Riyadh with major capitals and cities, in line with the aim of turning the capital into a global aviation hub.

Innovation

Alnuaiser said innovation and leadership were central pillars of Riyadh Air’s strategy, both in passenger services and in the digital and operational experience the airline is seeking to deliver.

Asked about the challenges facing the global aviation sector, Alnuaiser said geopolitical events and supply chain disruptions were common challenges for airlines. Riyadh Air, he said, was focused on seizing opportunities and selecting markets with strong demand and promising growth prospects.

He said the company expected to have more than 11 aircraft before the end of this year, with monthly deliveries of Boeing 787 aircraft continuing, along with the start of Airbus A321 deliveries at year’s end. That, he said, would strengthen fleet diversity and operational flexibility.

The expansion comes as Riyadh Air accelerates preparations to launch commercial operations, as part of Saudi Arabia’s plans to strengthen the aviation sector and increase international air connectivity, in line with Vision 2030 targets to make the Kingdom a global transport and logistics hub.

Aircraft delivery ceremony

Saudi Arabia’s new carrier celebrated the delivery of the new aircraft at a special ceremony in Riyadh attended by several ministers and officials.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Public Investment Fund and chairman of Riyadh Air, said at the ceremony that the moment embodied Vision 2030’s goals of strengthening the Kingdom’s connection to the world and supporting economic diversification.

He said the new national carrier was moving to cement Saudi Arabia’s position as a global transport and logistics hub, while Riyadh Air continued to build a new model for air travel linking Riyadh with the world.

Al-Rumayyan and Douglas, along with other officials, are seen inside the cabin of the new plane (X)

Saudi Arabia as a global hub

As Riyadh Air approaches commercial operations, Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector is expanding rapidly, led by several national carriers. Saudia operates more than 530 flights a day to over 100 destinations worldwide, while flynas runs about 2,000 flights a week, or about 285 a day.

Riyadh Air has started trial operations with daily flights to London before expanding to other destinations, while flyadeal reaches 38 domestic and international destinations through a network of 159 air routes.

The origins of Riyadh Air

The Riyadh Air project grew out of a vision to establish a new national carrier that would support the goals of Vision 2030.

On March 12, 2023, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of Riyadh Air as a company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund. The airline is intended to connect the Saudi capital with more than 100 destinations worldwide by 2030.

Raid Ismail, PIF’s head of direct investments for the Middle East and North Africa, said Riyadh Air had started where others had left off. He said the region had seen expansion in low-cost carriers over the past two decades, but had not seen the creation of a major integrated airline built on a modern model from the start.

According to available information, the company has focused since its establishment on technology, innovation and the customer experience, positioning itself as a key enabler of growth in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector, stronger international air connectivity and higher visitor numbers.

Ismail said the new carrier aims to make Riyadh an attractive destination and a major transit point for travelers, helping connect the Saudi capital to global destinations and supporting access to major projects such as Qiddiya, Diriyah and Riyadh Season, as well as other tourism and development destinations across the Kingdom.

He said establishing a new company gave Riyadh Air greater flexibility to build a modern operating model based on digital technologies, sustainability and an improved passenger experience, which became one of the main foundations of the airline’s strategy from the project’s launch.

Riyadh Air has started trial operations with daily flights to London before expanding to other destinations (X)

Reviving the golden age of aviation

Riyadh Air’s strategy is to reshape the air travel experience by combining luxury services with modern digital technologies.

Chief Executive Officer of Riyadh Air Tony Douglas has said the new national carrier does not aim only to transport passengers, but to redefine the entire journey through digital innovation and seamless connectivity.

Douglas said the company pays close attention to the smallest details, drawing inspiration from the golden age of aviation, when air travel was part of a complete hospitality experience.

He said Riyadh Air aims to restore that concept by offering a refined, distinctive experience on the ground and in the air, thereby strengthening its position as a global player in luxury air travel.

According to officials, artificial intelligence will be a central part of the operating model, through digital services capable of personalizing the passenger experience, suggesting activities, events and suitable options during the journey, and providing a smooth digital experience that allows passengers to complete services easily and quickly.

Riyadh Air says it is targeting an existing market with strong demand that still needs more services and options. Douglas said Saudi Arabia’s young population and wide use of digital technologies provide a favorable environment for the company’s growth.

He said the new carrier would play an important role in supporting the Kingdom’s tourism goals by making it easier for visitors to reach Riyadh and other Saudi destinations, and by strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position on the global travel map.

Business

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Sign MoUs on Railway and Logistics Cooperation, Connecting Gulf with Europe

Al-Jasser and Uraloglu shake hands after signing the MoUs. (X)
Al-Jasser and Uraloglu shake hands after signing the MoUs. (X)
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Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Sign MoUs on Railway and Logistics Cooperation, Connecting Gulf with Europe

Al-Jasser and Uraloglu shake hands after signing the MoUs. (X)
Al-Jasser and Uraloglu shake hands after signing the MoUs. (X)

Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have taken a major step toward forming a new regional logistics corridor that could reshape trade flows between the Gulf and Europe.

Saudi Transport and Logistics Services Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser and Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu signed two major memorandums of understanding on railway and logistics cooperation.

The agreements, along with other deals, point to a potential shift in international trade routes through a seamless land corridor linking the Gulf directly to Europe.

Uraloglu said in an official post on X that the memorandums, marked the start of a new phase of cooperation. He said they would strengthen the exchange of expertise and technical cooperation across areas ranging from logistics centers to modern applications.

He said both countries wanted to build railway cooperation on stronger, more sustainable foundations, particularly in technology, infrastructure, training, and human resources development.

He hoped the steps would deepen regional connectivity and support trade and development.

Al-Jasser had earlier said joint studies on a regional rail link between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye through Jordan and Syria were expected to be completed before the end of this year.

The project builds on existing infrastructure. Saudi Arabia’s national railway network already extends to the Jordanian border via the Al-Haditha crossing.

Route map

The latest push builds on routes that began to emerge after a previous agreement between the transport ministries of Türkiye, Syria, and Jordan. That agreement set a four- to five-year technical roadmap to rehabilitate damaged infrastructure.

The route would begin from Turkish networks connected to southern Europe, cross Syria for 350 km through routes in Aleppo and Damascus, reach Amman and the port of Aqaba, and then connect to Saudi Arabia’s network, which extends toward the rest of the Gulf and Oman on the Indian Ocean.

The plans are moving on two tracks.

The first is the quick activation of rail crossings between Ankara and Damascus to boost trade. The second is a long-term strategic link using fast freight trains to move containers directly from Gulf ports to the heart of Europe.

The route could cut commercial shipping time from 15 days to six days and lower costs by 20% to 30%. It would also provide supply chains with a secure land corridor that bypasses tense waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandab.

Damascus and Ankara

The wider strategy is moving in parallel with intensified activity along the Ankara Damascus line, aimed at securing the project’s northern corridors and preparing its infrastructure and banking systems before the launch of the continental link train.

Alongside the broader rail project, economic ties between Ankara and Damascus have entered a new phase.

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat told the Anadolu City Economies Summit in the Turkish border city of Gaziantep that preparations had been completed to open the Islahiye railway crossing with Syria and that Türkiye was preparing to open the Nusaybin crossing.

He said work had also begun to study legislation that would allow Turkish banks and business institutions to open branches in Syrian cities.

Bolat outlined a plan to raise trade from $3 billion now to $5 billion in the near term and $10 billion by 2030.

Ankara’s top priority remained preserving the unity of the Syrian state and its national sovereignty, he stressed, adding that Türkiye had provided all possible diplomatic and economic support for stability in its neighbor.

Syrian Economy and Industry Minister Mohammad Nedal Alchaar presented the economic vision of what he called the “new Syria,” sending a direct message to Turkish investors and businesspeople.

He said they must target “long-term strategic partnerships aimed at building, not profit alone.”

Alchaar said Syria “today has a huge industrial opportunity that does not exist in many countries of the world, as an emerging country full of expertise and young talent.”

He said many Turkish companies had already begun operating on the ground, especially in Aleppo province, a historic industrial hub, while others were working to complete their licenses.

Alchaar said stronger economic growth in Damascus, as Ankara’s natural partner, would directly boost growth in both countries.

In the diplomatic framework shaping the emerging partnership, Turkish Ambassador to Damascus Nuh Yilmaz said the new phase rested entirely on a “win-win” principle.

He said lasting political stability in Syria would only come through renewed prosperity and economic recovery.

Yilmaz described Türkiye as “the main and safe gateway for Syrian products to global markets and Europe.” In return, he said, Syria is “the strategic and vital logistics corridor for Türkiye toward Middle Eastern markets and the depth of the Gulf.”