Saudi Arabia, UK set up sustainable infrastructure assembly to bolster trade

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said the City of London’s leading global expertise and innovative approach matched Saudi ambitions, adding the Kingdom's long-standing partnership with the UK spans decades. (Instagram)
Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said the City of London’s leading global expertise and innovative approach matched Saudi ambitions, adding the Kingdom's long-standing partnership with the UK spans decades. (Instagram)
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Updated 14 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia, UK set up sustainable infrastructure assembly to bolster trade

Saudi Arabia, UK set up sustainable infrastructure assembly to bolster trade
  • Partnership will support initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030
  • London ‘a natural partner in achieving our shared vision,’ Saudi investment minister says

LONDON: Saudi Arabia and the UK on Sunday unveiled a new strategic partnership aimed at deepening collaboration between British financial and professional services firms and the Kingdom’s sustainable infrastructure developers.

The deal was announced by the Saudi Ministry of Investment, UK Department for Business and Trade and City of London Corp.

Central to the agreement is the establishment of the UK-Saudi Sustainable Infrastructure Assembly, a platform that will bring together companies, policymakers and industry experts from the two countries to shape the future of investment in the sector.

The assembly will initially focus on projects such as the new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co., led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sustainable Sports City project, spearheaded by the Kingdom’s National Center for Privatization.

Set to launch next month in Riyadh, the assembly will also meet in London in June under the banner of the UK Government’s “Great Futures” campaign, which showcases cooperation across trade, investment, tourism, education and culture. A final meeting will take place during the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh in the fall.

Among the Saudi members of the assembly are Deputy Assistant for Service Sectors at the Ministry of Investment Fahad Al-Hashem, and Hatim Alghamdi, Hisham Sumayli and Faisal Abdeen from the Ministry of Economy and Planning.

Sultan Al-Khalil, general manager of alternative funding at the National Debt Management Center, and Salman Badr, vice president of infrastructure advisory at the National Center for Privatization, will also take part.

The British side includes UK Export Finance CEO Tim Reid and Deputy Trade Commissioner for the Middle East Arabian Peninsula Peter Ashby.

As Saudi Arabia pursues a $1 trillion infrastructure development pipeline as part of Vision 2030, the assembly is set to help strengthen business ties between the two countries.

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said: “Saudi Arabia is driving one of the most ambitious infrastructure transformations in the world, with approximately $1 trillion committed to projects that are not only reshaping our cities but also setting new global benchmarks for sustainability.

“Through Vision 2030, we are integrating cutting-edge technologies, green financing and world-class expertise to ensure that our infrastructure delivers long-term economic, social and environmental value.

“The City of London’s leading global expertise and innovative approach to sustainable finance, infrastructure governance and public-private partnerships complement our own ambitions.

“Our long-standing partnership with the UK spans decades, making the City of London a natural partner in achieving our shared vision for a more sustainable and prosperous future,” he said.

UK Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson said the UK and Saudi Arabia shared a deep commitment to driving sustainable economic growth and attracting global investment into transformational infrastructure projects.

“These assemblies represent an opportunity to strengthen commercial ties between our two nations, ensuring that Saudi projects are well positioned to secure international capital and expertise through the UK.

“This landmark UK-Saudi collaboration exemplifies our ‘Great Futures’ campaign, fostering partnerships that will drive sustainable development and prosperity, with the UK as a trusted partner in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 journey.”

Lord Mayor of London Alastair King echoed the sentiment.

“This new partnership offers exciting opportunities for both countries,” he said.

“The UK’s expertise in sustainable finance is in demand across the globe. We are world leaders because of our reputation for innovation, access to capital and world-class clusters of expertise.

“This assembly will identify new growth opportunities for Saudi infrastructure and will make it easier for UK firms to engage with Saudi Arabia’s thriving market.”


Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience

Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience
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Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience

Makkah launches digital tools to enrich Hajj pilgrims’ experience
  • Second version of AI-powered robot Manarah 2 launched
  • Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais reveals Hajj plan Thursday 

MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched several digital tools to enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims during the Hajj season. 

The initiative aims to convey the universal message of Hajj and highlight its Shariah objectives in multiple languages. 

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, inaugurated the second version of the artificial intelligence-powered robot Manarah 2. 

The launch included several smart interactive screens, a global electronic recitation platform, and a multilingual Surah Al-Fatiha app. 

During the Hajj season, the presidency is focused on enhancing the digital experience through integrated services, AI, smart apps, and media, in line with its broader transformation goals.

The initiative also supports Vision 2030 by utilizing advanced digital tools and content developed by local experts to promote the values of moderation and guidance rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah. 

The presidency’s Hajj operational plan, to be announced on Thursday, will prioritize enriching the pilgrim experience and will include scientific, educational, and guidance-based initiatives that reflect its core mission.


Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety

Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety
Updated 05 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety

Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety
  • Vice environment minister highlights Kingdom’s focus on human capital, sustainability at Riyadh conference

Riyadh: Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Al-Mushaiti has highlighted Saudi Arabia’s significant progress toward Vision 2030, with 93 percent of annual indicators met and 85 percent of initiatives either completed or on track.

Speaking at the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Riyadh, he emphasized the environment sector’s commitment to sustainability and the prioritization of worker safety across all development projects.

Al-Mushaiti underscored the Kingdom’s focus on human capital, demonstrated by the establishment of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health and the adoption of international best practices.

He noted the water sector’s achievement of more than 190 million safe work hours and a sub-45-second emergency response time with zero serious incidents during large-scale project implementation, which he attributed to robust safety management systems.

The conference, held from May 4-6 under the theme “The Future of Occupational Safety and Health,” brings together senior officials, experts, and specialists from Saudi Arabia and around the world to explore future directions and challenges in global labor markets.

Al-Mushaiti also outlined environmental protection efforts, including a noise and light pollution monitoring program in major cities, citing potential productivity gains of more than 11 percent, according to the World Green Building Council.

He highlighted the success of the Saudi Green Initiative, which has led to the planting of more than 141 million trees, the rehabilitation of more than 313,000 hectares of degraded land, and the protection of more than 4 million hectares.

These environmental advances enhance worker safety and contribute to safer, more sustainable work environments, Al-Mushaiti said.

In agriculture, Al-Mushaiti affirmed the ministry’s adoption of Saudi Good Agricultural Practices standards, with 142 facilities accredited for safe practices, advanced pesticide control systems, and smart awareness platforms that have reduced pesticide residues to below 2 percent.

The three-day conference features scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, showcasing 30 innovative projects.


Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
Updated 05 May 2025
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Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
  • On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief completed medical programs in Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Tanzania, in line with the organization’s aim to support injured people worldwide.

The Saudi Noor Campaign, which will conclude on May 6, is tackling blindness in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The medical team examined 1,731 cases, assigned 198 prescription glasses, performed 60 operations and provided medication to 857 patients.

In Reyhanli district, Türkiye, KSrelief carried out a prosthetics and rehabilitation program.

With a team of 13 specialists, they fitted 36 individuals with prosthetics and 40 orthopedic splints.

On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The team performed 133 open-heart catheterizations and 15 open-heart operations.

 


KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria
Updated 05 May 2025
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KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to launch volunteer programs throughout the Arab world to address humanitarian crises and improve the health of Yemeni and Syrian people.

In Damascus, the team completed three volunteer initiatives that supported hundreds with disaster response, administrative training, and psychosocial support for women and children. The program ran from April 26 to May 3.

In Yemen, meanwhile, KSrelief completed the first phase of an outreach vaccination campaign in the Aden governorate in collaboration with Yemen’s Minister of Public Health and Population Qasem Buhaibeh.

On Friday, the organization launched vocational training courses in Wadi Hadhramaut, Yemen, to improve the livelihood of locals and boost economic development.

The project targeted 1,500 people and focused on home appliance maintenance, carpentry, vehicle repair, men’s tailoring, beekeeping, plumbing, photography, and electricity and energy.

 


Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
  • Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves

RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy.

Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

Rafi Dikranian and Mohammed Bajbaa speak on “From Drops to Drives: Connecting with Communities,” exploring how culture, streetwear, and grassroots branding are reshaping consumer engagement. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The agenda focused on three main themes: the evolution of fashion retail in the Kingdom; the role of cultural identity in building brands; and the rising importance of digital fashion and collaboration.

An awards ceremony honored the standout talents of this year’s cohort: APOA, Awaken, Bucketbox, Mona Al-Shebil, Noble & Fresh, Nora Al-Shaikh, Rebirth, Samar Nasraldin, The Untitled Project and USCITA.

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Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

One discussion explored consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing that the local market continues to grow despite global slowdowns.

Saudi brands that blend cultural heritage with bold innovation, as featured in the latest Fashion Lab showcase. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves.

Retail experiences — both physical and digital — were emphasized as key to engaging Saudi consumers.

Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, delivers the opening keynote at The Fashion Seminar 2025, highlighting the importance of creativity and cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of Saudi fashion. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard. Speakers discussed how fashion is being used as a tool for cultural storytelling, with an emphasis on grassroots creativity and community building.

Another topic highlighted the power of collaboration between local and international brands. Panelists discussed the importance of long-term partnerships, manufacturing localization, and mentorship to bridge gaps in knowledge and infrastructure.

Speakers also addressed the future of digital fashion, including virtual design, retail innovation, and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.

Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the regional and global fashion economy was a prominent theme of the discussions.