Consumers have appetite for green fashion, executive says

Special Consumers have appetite for green fashion, executive says
The World Environment, Social and Governance Summit in Riyadh highlighted various ESG topics and investment opportunities. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 10 February 2025
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Consumers have appetite for green fashion, executive says

Consumers have appetite for green fashion, executive says
  • Riyadh conference highlights how businesses are transitioning to circular economy
  • Recycled goods, AI implementation are cutting carbon emissions

RIYADH: Consumers have an appetite for fashion items produced in a circular economy model, an executive said on Monday at a Riyadh conference.

“When it comes specifically to the fashion industry, we all know that we contribute to 10 percent of CO2 emissions, and (it) is the second-largest consumer of water,” Florence Bulte, chief sustainability officer at Chalhoub Group, said during a panel discussion at the World ESG Summit.

“We have been looking for a solution to change this aspect,” Bulte added.

She highlighted how the company realized that there was “an appetite” among consumers for green fashion.

One example Bulte noted is second-hand luxury items which are repaired before being resold — recycling materials and lowering costs while appealing to the demand for high-quality goods.

The conference highlighted how many businesses are working to switch from traditional to circular economy models.

This approach is presented as a sustainable alternative to the linear economy, which mainly focuses on taking, making and disposing.

In a linear model, resources are extracted, used and discarded, leading to an unsustainable depletion of natural resources and increased waste, whereas a circular economy focuses on designing products and systems that minimize waste, promote resource efficiency and extend the life cycle of materials.

This approach not only addresses environmental challenges, but also opens new avenues for economic growth and innovation.

As the Kingdom continues to promote sustainable development, the World Environment, Social and Governance Summit in Riyadh highlighted various ESG topics and investment opportunities.

During the event, one of the panel discussions focused on the transition to the circular economy and some of the strategies used by companies.

Among the panelists was SAWACO Water Group CEO Nizar Kammourie, who discussed how the company maintains sustainable practices in private water utility, including by launching AI in its water digitalization initiative.

“The purpose of this AI implementation is to have productive maintenance in place, so we know exactly what needs to be repaired before emergency shutdown,” said Kammourie.

The initiative reduced power consumption and maintenance costs, he added, preserving water resources and minimizing waste.

“So, less carbon emissions and more water,” Kammourie said.


Saudi Arabia condemns

Saudi Arabia condemns
Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns

Saudi Arabia condemns

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack that targeted a group of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir. 

“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns in the strongest terms the terror attack that took place in Pahalgam, in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which led to killing and injuries of dozens,” the frorigen ministry said in a statement Wednesday.  

The attack left at least 26 people killed Tuesday and more than a dozen injured after gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists, in what was described as the worst assault targeting civilians in years.

 


$13,000 fine for sponsors failing to report departure by visa expiry

$13,000 fine for sponsors failing to report departure by visa expiry
The fine of up to SAR50,000, imprisonment for up to six months and deportation. (SPA)
Updated 27 min 18 sec ago
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$13,000 fine for sponsors failing to report departure by visa expiry

$13,000 fine for sponsors failing to report departure by visa expiry

Riyadh:  A fine of up to $13,000, imprisonment for up to six months, and deportation for expats who fail to leave the country by the visa expiry date, state news agency SPA reported on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Interior stated that the fine will be imposed on any sponsor who fails to report the departure of those they sponsored by the expiration date of the entry visa.
The ministry also emphasized the importance of adhering to the Kingdom’s official Hajj and Umrah guidelines and instructions.


Jordan’s King Abdullah heads to Saudi Arabia

Jordan’s King Abdullah heads to Saudi Arabia
Updated 23 April 2025
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Jordan’s King Abdullah heads to Saudi Arabia

Jordan’s King Abdullah heads to Saudi Arabia

CAIRO: Jordan’s King Abdullah II departed the Hashmite kingdom on Wednesday for an official visit to Saudi Arabia. 

His Majesty is accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, according to Petra News Agency.


Saudi Green Building Forum to convene in Riyadh this October

Saudi Green Building Forum to convene in Riyadh this October
This year's edition serves as a strategic platform to review progress at the midpoint of integrating the SDGs. (SPA)
Updated 31 min 44 sec ago
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Saudi Green Building Forum to convene in Riyadh this October

Saudi Green Building Forum to convene in Riyadh this October
  • It will feature the participation of national and international leaders, and representatives from major development projects in Saudi Arabia.

Riyadh: The15th edition of the Saudi Green Building Forum will take place in Riyadh from October 1-3, 2025, state news agency SPA reported on Wednesday.

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, the forum will focus on challenges, green and comprehensive solutions, and best practices supporting Saudi Vision 2030.
This year's edition serves as a strategic platform to review progress at the midpoint of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the Kingdom's development. It will feature the participation of national and international leaders, and representatives from major development projects in Saudi Arabia.
This edition reinforces the forum's pivotal role in supporting national and international sustainability initiatives and enhancing the Kingdom's leadership in ecological and architectural transformation regionally and globally.


Saudi Arabia, India agree to cooperate in several fields, including energy

Saudi Arabia, India agree to cooperate in several fields, including energy
Updated 23 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia, India agree to cooperate in several fields, including energy

Saudi Arabia, India agree to cooperate in several fields, including energy

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and India have agreed to cooperate in several fields, including defense industries, and exploring joint projects in refineries and petrochemicals, according to a joint statement issued on Wednesday. 

The two countries agreed to boost cooperation in the energy sector, including in the supplies of crude and liquefied petroleum gas, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The statement, which was released after a short visit to the Kingdom by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizes their shared stances on several issues. 

They agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the two countries in international organizations and forums, including the G20, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to support efforts to address the challenges facing the global economy.

They also welcomed the expansion of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council to four ministerial committees. 

The statement also said the Saudi and Indian leaders shared their views on several regional issues, including Yemen. 

The two sides affirmed their full support for international and regional efforts at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen. The Indian side appreciated the Kingdom’s efforts and initiatives to encourage dialogue and reconciliation among the Yemeni parties.

The Indian side also expressed its appreciation to the Kingdom for its continued care of 2.7 million Indian citizens living in the Kingdom, which reflects the strong ties between the two peoples.