Saudi Tourism Minister Announces Support for 17 Tourism Projects in Al-Ahsa

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the main investment opportunities in the tourism sector. SPA
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the main investment opportunities in the tourism sector. SPA
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Saudi Tourism Minister Announces Support for 17 Tourism Projects in Al-Ahsa

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the main investment opportunities in the tourism sector. SPA
Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlighted the main investment opportunities in the tourism sector. SPA

Saudi Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb has met with several investors and entrepreneurs in Al-Ahsa Governorate as part of his tour to various regions and governorates of the Kingdom coinciding with the Saudi winter events calendar.
In the meeting, he highlighted the main investment opportunities in the tourism sector, emphasizing the ministry's commitment to providing comprehensive services and facilities to enable investors to join the promising sector.

Al-Khateeb noted that the tourism ecosystem supports numerous projects in Al-Ahsa, including 17 unique tourism initiatives valued at over SAR3.5 billion, providing more than 1,800 hotel rooms.

The projects aim to boost the tourism sector, leveraging Al-Ahsa's exceptional features that qualify it to become a major tourist destination in the Kingdom and the region, the minister said.

During his tour, he made a stop at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Al-Ahsa, a beneficiary of the Tourism Development Fund. Covering an area of over 10,000 square meters and costing more than SAR200 million, the hotel boasts more than 180 rooms.

It stands as a model tourist destination that combines international luxury with local authenticity, reflecting the unique charm of Al-Ahsa.



Brazil President Signs Law Authorizing Offshore Wind Development

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends an event marking two years since the alleged coup attempt when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro invaded government buildings and called for a military intervention, in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP)
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends an event marking two years since the alleged coup attempt when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro invaded government buildings and called for a military intervention, in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP)
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Brazil President Signs Law Authorizing Offshore Wind Development

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends an event marking two years since the alleged coup attempt when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro invaded government buildings and called for a military intervention, in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP)
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attends an event marking two years since the alleged coup attempt when supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro invaded government buildings and called for a military intervention, in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (AP)

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has signed into law a bill authorizing the development of offshore wind farms, a statement said late on Friday, a bid to strengthen the country's energy security and spark a wave of investment.

The new law foresees incentives for the development of offshore energy projects in Brazilian territorial waters, the statement said.

Offshore wind speeds tend to be faster and steadier than on land, a potential advantage compared with wind farms built on a continent. But offshore wind farms can be expensive, difficult to build and potentially affect marine animals and birds, according to the American Geosciences Institute.

The Brazilian government said the law provides guidelines for projects and restoration of explored areas, in addition to requiring prior consultations with affected communities to ensure "respect for traditional maritime practices and local culture."

More than 80% of Brazil's electricity comes from renewable sources, mainly hydroelectric, according to government data.

The president vetoed provisions in the law, introduced during the congressional debate, which would maintain incentives for "more polluting, expensive and inefficient energy sources such as thermoelectric, coal and gas plants," the statement said.