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Space Industry: A New Sector Begins in Saudi Arabia’s Economic Diversification Efforts

Falcon 9 Rocket Carrying Saudi Astronauts to the International Space Station (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Falcon 9 Rocket Carrying Saudi Astronauts to the International Space Station (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Space Industry: A New Sector Begins in Saudi Arabia’s Economic Diversification Efforts

Falcon 9 Rocket Carrying Saudi Astronauts to the International Space Station (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Falcon 9 Rocket Carrying Saudi Astronauts to the International Space Station (Asharq Al-Awsat)

In a momentous endeavor, the Falcon 9 rocket embarked on a triumphant mission, ferrying Saudi astronauts Ali Al-Qarni and Rayana Barnawi to the International Space Station.

This pivotal event is anticipated to herald a significant advancement for Saudi Arabia’s expanding economic landscape.

Aligned with the visionary objectives of Vision 2030, the mission symbolizes the nation’s steadfast commitment to diversifying its economy through the establishment of cutting-edge industries.

As the global aerospace sector witnessed an astonishing 13% growth rate in 2022, resulting in a staggering $400 billion valuation, and with projections indicating a potential surge to $2 trillion by 2040, Saudi Arabia is diligently working towards securing its role as a key player in this thriving international arena.

Leveraging its extensive capacities across diverse domains, notably in manufacturing encompassing metals, petrochemicals, and bolstered by its strategic logistical position, the Kingdom is resolute in establishing a prominent presence within the aerospace industry.

According to experts surveyed by Asharq Al-Awsat, the Saudi government has undertaken significant measures in recent years to establish the necessary infrastructure and develop a skilled workforce in the pursuit of space exploration.

This includes the establishment of a specialized authority and a Supreme Space Council, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the Prime Minister.

These initiatives provide a strong impetus to achieve set goals and contribute to the historic achievements of the country.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, space expert Mulhim Hindi affirmed that the Saudi space strategic plan is long-term and aims to achieve significant national accomplishments and economic returns. It seeks to build a new industry and localize it to diversify sources of income.

Hindi then mentioned that Riyadh has various avenues to enter the field of space, ranging from rocket structure manufacturing to its distinguished mining industries.

Additionally, the petrochemical sector plays a crucial role, as there will be an increasing demand for it as rocket fuel.

Hindi also noted that countries will compete to secure sufficient reserves of petrochemicals to ensure the continuity of their aerospace industry.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy, these industries are planned to be fully localized within the Kingdom, including the construction of space rocket launch platforms, added Hindi.

 

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Business

Fire, Smoke Upend Western Canada’s Summer Tourism Season

A helicopter works a forest fire outside of Jasper, Alberta, Canada, on Friday July 26, 2024. (Reuters)
A helicopter works a forest fire outside of Jasper, Alberta, Canada, on Friday July 26, 2024. (Reuters)
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Fire, Smoke Upend Western Canada’s Summer Tourism Season

A helicopter works a forest fire outside of Jasper, Alberta, Canada, on Friday July 26, 2024. (Reuters)
A helicopter works a forest fire outside of Jasper, Alberta, Canada, on Friday July 26, 2024. (Reuters)

Severe wildfire seasons are increasingly hurting western Canada's lucrative tourism industry, with some visitors beginning to avoid the busy late-summer months due to concerns about uncontrolled blazes, smoke-filled skies and road closures.

After a scorching start to July, nearly 600 wildfires are now ablaze across British Columbia and Alberta, including a huge fire that this week devastated the picturesque tourist town of Jasper in the Canadian Rockies.

Dozens of communities, including popular holiday spots in British Columbia's Kootenay region, are under evacuation orders and several highways are closed.

This year's surge in wildfire activity comes after Canada endured its worst-ever year for wildfires in 2023, when more than 15 million hectares (37 million acres) burned, including parts of the city of West Kelowna in the heart of British Columbia's wine region.

Ellen Walker-Matthews, head of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, said the industry was seeing a lot more last-minute travel decisions instead of booking in advance.

"It's a huge blow. July and August are traditionally the busiest months in the region," said Walker-Matthews, adding that while her region has been relatively unscathed by wildfires this summer, some visitors are choosing to avoid interior British Columbia altogether.

The members of the British Columbia Lodging and Campgrounds Association are reporting a 5-15% drop in bookings from a year ago, with the biggest declines coming from the hotter Okanagan and Cariboo regions, said Joss Penny, who heads the association.

"The concern is that this is something we have to live with and we have it every year now," said Penny.

Although wildfires in Canada's forests are natural and common, scientists say drier, hotter conditions fueled by climate change are leading to more volatile and frequent blazes.

'SMOKEY SKIES'

Some events, like the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival, usually held in August, have now been rescheduled to earlier in the summer to avoid what is now seen as peak smoke season. The festival, which was cancelled last year due to nearby wildfires, was this year moved to July to benefit from "less smokey skies."

Wildfires and extreme climatic events are prompting tourists to "change their plans not just temporarily, but permanently," said Elizabeth Halpenny, a tourism researcher and professor at the University of Alberta, noting that seasonal workers in the sector are often the hardest hit as they have few protections during a bad season or amid a cataclysmic fire.

Tourism contributed C$7.2 billion to the British Columbia economy in 2022, and C$9.9 billion to Alberta in 2023, according to the latest government data.

Jasper National Park is one of Canada's premier tourist destinations, with more than 2 million visitors a year flocking to see its pristine mountain landscapes and abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose and elk.

Kelly Torrens, vice-president of product at international tour company Kensington Tours, described western Canada as a bucket-list destination. But the company now has 49 trips that were supposed to pass through Jasper this season in limbo. Six others were forced to evacuate the park when the fire hit.

Parks Canada has cancelled all camping reservations within Jasper National Park until Aug. 6 and with potentially 50% of the town's structures destroyed by fire, the cleanup and rebuild could take years.

Halpenny is among those hedging their bets.

"I've booked a campsite stay in the mountain parks but at the same time, I booked a campsite out on the prairie somewhere and that's my backup plan because I don't want to miss out on my vacation with my family."