Siemens Energy Saudi Arabia Managing Director Urges Increased Investment in Arab Power Networks

Mahmoud Sulaimani, Managing Director of Siemens Energy Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Mahmoud Sulaimani, Managing Director of Siemens Energy Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Siemens Energy Saudi Arabia Managing Director Urges Increased Investment in Arab Power Networks

Mahmoud Sulaimani, Managing Director of Siemens Energy Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Mahmoud Sulaimani, Managing Director of Siemens Energy Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Mahmoud Sulaimani, Managing Director of Siemens Energy Saudi Arabia, is urging Arab countries to boost investments in power plants to better handle future challenges.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Sulaimani addressed worries about increased load shedding during this summer and its economic effects.
“We need to invest more to ensure our networks can efficiently and reliably deliver electricity now and in the future,” he said.
Many Arab nations are struggling with frequent power outages due to high summer demand. Countries like Kuwait, Egypt, Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, Lebanon, and Syria are facing serious crises. Recently, Egypt improved its situation by securing fuel for its power stations.
Sulaimani stressed the need for strategic partnerships among Arab nations.
“These partnerships are essential for better resource management and finding joint solutions. We need reforms, investment in technology, and regional cooperation to tackle these challenges,” he explained.
In Yemen, outages can last up to 12 hours daily; Iraq sees up to 10 hours, while Sudan experiences between 10 to 14 hours. In Lebanon, outages range from 12 to 20 hours, and Syria faces 10 to 20 hours.
Kuwait experiences 2 to 3 hours, while Egypt had outages of up to 3 hours before resolving its issues.
Sulaimani emphasized the importance of updating infrastructure.
“Modern power plants are much more efficient, reducing fuel use and emissions while minimizing downtime. Embracing smart technologies allows energy systems to work better together, improving efficiency and stability,” he noted.
Sulaimani warns that as Arab countries expand their energy systems to include wind, solar, hydroelectric, and nuclear sources, they will face new challenges.
Many Arab nations have ambitious plans for secure energy supplies, but short-term issues—like securing fuel for power stations and updating old infrastructure—can hinder progress.
Despite these challenges, the long-term strategy for many countries focuses on boosting renewable energy production in their overall energy mix.



Albudaiwi: Advantage Oman Forum Offers Valuable Investment Insights

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
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Albudaiwi: Advantage Oman Forum Offers Valuable Investment Insights

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said that the Advantage Oman Forum is a valuable opportunity offered by Oman to discuss and review investment opportunities and initiatives, as well as future transformations in promising sectors in this field.
This came during Albudaiwi's participation in the first edition of the Advantage Oman Forum, which was held under the patronage and attendance of Omani Deputy Prime Minister for Defense Affairs Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, and in the presence of a number of ministers of the GCC countries, Sunday in Muscat. A group of senior officials and decision-makers participated in the forum, SPA reported.
The Secretary-General stated that Oman's Organisation of this forum reflects the insightful vision of the wise Omani leadership to strengthen the national economy and attract global investments, thus contributing to achieving sustainable development goals. He also praised the forum's activities and the workshops as well as the dialogue sessions it included, which provide the elements of success and sustainability for this forum, making it a regional and international platform and a destination for those interested in economic and investment affairs in Oman.
Furthermore, Albudaiwi added that Oman, with its attractive investment environment, advanced infrastructure, well-thought-out economic policies and significant economic, in addition to investment growth indicators, has become a destination for investors from around the world, stressing that this strengthens its position as a key pillar in the economies of the GCC countries and supports the council's aspirations for regional economic integration.
The Secretary-General concluded his statement by expressing his confidence that the forum will achieve positive results that will contribute to expanding the horizons of economic and investment cooperation between the GCC countries and the world, and support the comprehensive development process in the region.