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Al-Rajhi to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Pioneers Interest in Artificial Intelligence

Saudi Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi addressing the audience during the opening of the first Global Labor Market Conference held in Riyadh from Dec. 13-14 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi addressing the audience during the opening of the first Global Labor Market Conference held in Riyadh from Dec. 13-14 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Al-Rajhi to Asharq Al-Awsat: Saudi Arabia Pioneers Interest in Artificial Intelligence

Saudi Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi addressing the audience during the opening of the first Global Labor Market Conference held in Riyadh from Dec. 13-14 (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi addressing the audience during the opening of the first Global Labor Market Conference held in Riyadh from Dec. 13-14 (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia is among the first countries to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed Al-Rajhi told Asharq Al-Awsat in a presser at the first Global Labor Market Conference.

Furthermore, Al-Rajhi anticipated that 50% of global jobs will be affected by AI, in addition to the creation of 133 million new jobs in this field by 2030.

On Wednesday, Al-Rajhi highlighted that Saudi Arabia has introduced eight major initiatives to address challenges imposed by AI.

He pointed out the commitment to provide 1.1 million training opportunities for the local private sector, aiming to equip citizens with new skills and diverse experiences to adapt to various jobs in the field by 2025.

Al-Rajhi mentioned that Saudi Arabia has launched the National Skills Standard and established 12 councils across different sectors such as energy, tourism, industry, and transportation.

These councils, in partnership with the private sector, play a crucial role in skill development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the first Global Labor Market Conference held in Riyadh from Dec. 13-14, Al-Rajhi stressed the transformation the labor market is currently seeing is unlike anything that has ever happened before.

The conference, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, is being attended by over 6,000 participants from 40 countries.

This diverse gathering includes ministers, government officials, and leaders. Additionally, heads of international and professional organizations and representatives from academic circles are also in attendance.

Al-Rajhi stated that in 2020, Saudi Arabia launched its Labor Market Strategy, implementing 70% of its initiatives.

He noted that the number of citizens in the private sector reached 2.3 million.

Emphasizing the Kingdom’s efforts, he mentioned the creation of regulatory and legislative environments for the workforce, ensuring the use of new technologies to maximize value for the global economy while eliminating exploitation.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia as having one of the world’s most diverse workforces and expressed the country's ambition to become a preferred destination for top talents.

Al-Rajhi affirmed the nation’s commitment to fostering private-sector-led work environments to meet the needs of citizens.

It is noteworthy that the conference’s opening session was preceded by a ministerial roundtable discussion, during which Al-Rajhi received minister-level labor officials from over 24 countries.

During the session, participants discussed the most pressing opportunities and changes facing labor markets, and considered joint efforts that can be undertaken to address these challenges.

During the roundtable, Al-Rajhi stressed that the current stage of the global labor market’s evolution necessitates international solidarity, cooperation, and exchange in order to effectively respond to rapid, unprecedented changes related to workplace practices, emerging technologies, and geopolitical circumstances.

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Taiwan Says It Has Assurances over LNG Supplies from 'Major' Country

The Taipei 101 skyscraper is seen lit up before the Earth Hour in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/ Chiang Ying-ying)
The Taipei 101 skyscraper is seen lit up before the Earth Hour in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/ Chiang Ying-ying)
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Taiwan Says It Has Assurances over LNG Supplies from 'Major' Country

The Taipei 101 skyscraper is seen lit up before the Earth Hour in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/ Chiang Ying-ying)
The Taipei 101 skyscraper is seen lit up before the Earth Hour in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, March 28, 2026. (AP Photo/ Chiang Ying-ying)

Taiwan has received ‌supply assurances from the energy minister of a "major" liquefied natural gas-producing country, the island's economy minister said on Saturday, speaking about the Iran war's impact on Middle East energy imports.

Taiwan, a major semiconductor producer, had relied on Qatar for around a third of its LNG before the conflict, and has said it has secured alternate supplies for the months ahead from countries including Australia and the United States, said Reuters.

Speaking to ‌reporters in Taipei, ‌Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin said that ‌because ⁠Taiwan has good ⁠relationships with its crude oil and natural gas suppliers, neither adjusting shipment origins nor purchasing additional spot cargoes would be a problem.

Kung said that about two weeks ago the energy minister of a certain "major energy-producing country" proactively contacted him.

The person "explained to us that they ⁠would fully support our natural gas needs. ‌If we have any ‌demand, we can let them know," he added.

"Another country even ‌said that some countries have released strategic petroleum ‌reserves, and they could also help coordinate matters if Taiwan needs assistance," Kung said.

"This shows that Taiwan has in fact earned considerable goodwill internationally through the long-term trust ‌it has built over the years," he said.

He declined to name the countries involved.

Angela ⁠Lin, ⁠spokesperson for state-owned refiner CPC, said at the same news conference that crude oil inventories were being maintained at pre-conflict levels and overall petrochemical feedstock supplies have remained stable.

CPC Chairman Fang Jeng-zen said that to reduce dependence on the Middle East, a new contract with the US will see 1.2 million metric tons of LNG supplied annually, with even more to come in the future, including eventually from Alaska.

However, Taiwan is not considering importing crude or LNG from Russia, he added.

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India Says Crude Oil Supplies Secured, No Payment Issues for Iran Imports

The Indian-flagged carrier Jag Vasant, carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) via the Strait of Hormuz, arrives at Mumbai Port in Mumbai, India, 01 April 2026. EPA/DIVYAKANT SOLANKI
The Indian-flagged carrier Jag Vasant, carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) via the Strait of Hormuz, arrives at Mumbai Port in Mumbai, India, 01 April 2026. EPA/DIVYAKANT SOLANKI
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India Says Crude Oil Supplies Secured, No Payment Issues for Iran Imports

The Indian-flagged carrier Jag Vasant, carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) via the Strait of Hormuz, arrives at Mumbai Port in Mumbai, India, 01 April 2026. EPA/DIVYAKANT SOLANKI
The Indian-flagged carrier Jag Vasant, carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) via the Strait of Hormuz, arrives at Mumbai Port in Mumbai, India, 01 April 2026. EPA/DIVYAKANT SOLANKI

India's petroleum ministry said in a post on X on ‌Saturday ‌that the ‌country's ⁠refiners have secured their ⁠crude requirements, including from Iran, ⁠and ‌there are ‌no payment hurdles ‌for ‌Iranian imports.

India's crude oil ‌requirements remain fully secured ⁠for the coming ⁠months, the ministry added.

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From Asia to the Americas: Governments Race to Contain Energy Shock

A gas station in Los Angeles, California (AFP) 
A gas station in Los Angeles, California (AFP) 
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From Asia to the Americas: Governments Race to Contain Energy Shock

A gas station in Los Angeles, California (AFP) 
A gas station in Los Angeles, California (AFP) 

Governments worldwide are moving swiftly to contain the fallout from a sharp rise in energy costs, as global supply disruptions linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran rattle markets.

Surging fuel and electricity prices have prompted urgent steps to protect consumers and secure supplies, with mounting pressure on economies.

In Asia, India has taken measures to safeguard domestic supply, signaling a potential review of fuel exports if needed while prioritizing the local market. Requests from neighboring countries for fuel will be met only if surplus is available.

Authorities have also barred consumers connected to piped gas networks from using liquefied petroleum gas cylinders to manage demand. New Delhi has invoked emergency powers, directing refiners to maximize cooking gas output while cutting industrial supplies to meet household needs.

South Korea is boosting domestic energy production by easing restrictions on coal-fired plants and increasing nuclear utilization to 80 percent of capacity. It is also considering additional support vouchers for vulnerable households. To bolster supply, Seoul has begun implementing a ban on naphtha exports.

China has imposed restrictions on refined fuel exports as a precaution against domestic shortages, while allowing drawdowns from fertilizer reserves to support agriculture ahead of the spring season.

In Southeast Asia, Singapore will accelerate previously announced budget support measures to ease pressure on households and businesses. Indonesia aims to increase coal output, is weighing export taxes, and plans a biofuel program using a diesel–palm oil blend. Cambodia is importing additional fuel from Singapore and Malaysia to offset shortages.

Japan will temporarily ease restrictions to expand coal-fired power generation for one year and has called for coordination through the Group of Seven and the International Energy Agency to stabilize markets. It has also asked Australia to boost liquefied natural gas output.

Elsewhere, the Philippines has suspended wholesale spot electricity trading due to price volatility and supply risks, while activating a 20 billion peso emergency fund.

Vietnam is accelerating a shift to ethanol-blended gasoline, and Australia is drawing on fuel reserves to address shortages, particularly in rural areas, while warning of prolonged economic impacts. Authorities have urged reduced fuel use, including greater reliance on public transport.

Europe acts

European Union institutions have called for temporary measures, including cuts to electricity taxes and network charges, alongside direct support for households.

Italy is considering reducing fuel levies and may impose windfall taxes on companies benefiting from the crisis. Spain is preparing aid and tax relief for households and hard-hit sectors.

In Eastern Europe, Romania has cut diesel excise duties. Serbia has reduced fees on crude oil and extended a ban on exports of oil and derivatives. Slovenia has imposed temporary limits on fuel purchases.

Greece announced 300 million euros in support for fuel and fertilizers, along with reduced maritime transport costs to ease pressure on consumers and farmers.

Americas, Africa respond

In Latin America, Argentina has postponed fuel tax increases. Brazil has scrapped federal diesel taxes, imposed a levy on oil exports and unveiled plans to support fuel imports at the state level.

In Africa, South Africa has temporarily reduced fuel taxes, Ethiopia has increased subsidies, and Namibia has cut fuel levies by 50 percent for three months. Other countries are considering similar steps.

In the Middle East and North Africa, Egypt has capped prices for unsubsidized bread and raised procurement prices for local wheat to strengthen strategic reserves.

Other measures include tax cuts in North Macedonia, energy-saving steps in Mauritius, efforts to secure additional supplies in Sri Lanka and a possible reduction in value-added tax on fuel in Poland.

The breadth of these actions underscores the scale of the global response, as governments seek to cushion households and economies from rising energy costs. Amid persistent geopolitical tensions, policymakers continue to adjust strategies to manage supply risks and price volatility.