Saudi center, UK firm team up on environmental goals
The agreement supports the center’s strategy to build partnerships
The partnership includes a knowledge-exchange program
Updated 29 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification is working with British firm Kew Reach to help advance the Kingdom’s National Greening Program.
The agreement supports the center’s strategy to build partnerships that foster knowledge transfer and environmental sustainability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Kew Reach will help establish baseline data, conduct assessments and define planning parameters to support the long-term goals of the program and the Saudi Green Initiative.
It will also offer expertise in ecosystem restoration, seed conservation, sustainable land management, advisory services and capacity building, the report said.
The partnership includes a knowledge-exchange program, enabling center researchers to gain hands-on experience at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London.
The gardens are home to the world’s largest collection of botanical and fungal specimens — more than 8.5 million — covering about 95 percent of known vascular plant genera and 60 percent of fungal genera.
Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the center, said the collaboration would leverage Kew’s botanical expertise to restore degraded land and advance environmental goals under the Saudi Green Initiative.
Hail’s ancient legacy of life and language etched in stone
Thamudic scripts, petroglyphs carved into rock in Hail offers a glimpse of Arabian Peninsula’s civilizations thousands of years ago
Updated 10 May 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: Carved into the rocks of Hail, across its mountains and plateaus, Thamudic inscriptions stand as enduring testaments to a civilization that flourished over thousands of years ago.
More than mere markings, these inscriptions form a visual archive that offers rich insights into the lives, beliefs, customs and language of ancient Arabs, preserving their names, expressions, and everyday experiences.
Mamdouh Al-Fadel, a researcher into the history of Hail and ancient Thamudic Arabic inscriptions, told Arab News that Thamudic script was one of the most important early forms of Arabic writing.
“These inscriptions offer detailed insights into both religious and social life. They preserve a vivid record of names and ancient Arabic vocabulary.
“And portray animals that inhabited the region at the time, such as camels, ibex, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, and ostriches, helping to paint a comprehensive picture of the desert environment and way of life during that period.”
The Thamudic scripts had been found across many regions, particularly in the north, including Hail, Tayma, Tabuk and AlUla. (Supplied)
Al-Fadel said that among the most significant sites preserving these rock arts and inscriptions are Jabal Umm Sinman in the city of Jubbah, as well as the sites of Yatab, Janine Mountain, Al-Tuwal Mountain, Al-Julf, Habran, Al-Musma, and Arnan.
He said the rich vocabulary and the diversity of names found at these sites reflect the depth and complexity of social and cultural life during that era.
He highlighted the significant global impact of these discoveries, which have turned the inscription sites in Hail into important destinations for researchers and visitors from around the world.
Several of these locations, such as Jubbah, Jabal Al-Manjor, and Jabal Raat at Shuwaymis are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, reflecting their profound archeological significance and cultural value on the global stage.
Al-Fadel said the Ministry of Culture is preserving these ancient petroglyphs by documenting archeological sites, conducting regular inspections, and fostering continuous research and academic studies.
When asked about the most striking aspects of life portrayed in the inscriptions, Al-Fadel explained: “They reveal a wealth of information about religious rituals, diverse hunting techniques, and the tools used, such as bows and arrows, spears, and even boomerangs.
“The inscriptions also depict clever hunting strategies, festive occasions like wedding dances, methods of adapting to the desert environment, the domestication of animals, and scenes of horse and camel racing, all illustrated with remarkable realism and detail.”
The script encompasses thousands of inscriptions written in various ancient Arabic languages and dialects. (SUpplied
The Thamudic inscriptions in Hail stand as timeless historical treasures that transport us to the far reaches of antiquity, placing the Kingdom among the earliest cradles of human civilization.
Saad Al-Sharif, a researcher in ancient Arabic inscriptions, notes that the Thamudic script is among the oldest and most significant writing systems used in the Arabian Peninsula.
It has been found across many regions, particularly in the north, including Hail, Tayma, Tabuk and AlUla.
He said that the script is not directly attributed to the Thamud tribe, but scholars had adopted the term “Thamudic” as a convenient label to categorize it.
The script encompasses thousands of inscriptions written in various ancient Arabic languages and dialects.
Al-Sharif said Thamudic inscriptions are a vital source for understanding the linguistic evolution of Arabic, acting as a transitional link between ancient scripts such as Lihyanite and Nabataean and the modern Arabic script.
He underscored the importance of continued research and exploration in this field to deepen understanding of the Arabian Peninsula’s history.
How new car manufacturers and startups are turning Saudi Arabia into an electric mobility hub
As global automakers like Tesla and Lucid expand, Saudi Arabia fast-tracks its EV transition under Vision 2030
Public-private partnerships power Saudi EV growth, with firms like ESSCO rolling out climate-resilient charging solutions nationwide
Updated 10 May 2025
Nada Alturki
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle sector is gaining traction, marked by Tesla’s first dealership in Riyadh and a growing network of charging stations, signaling increased foreign investment and a drive toward sustainability.
The momentum aligns with Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s reform plan that prioritizes sustainability and clean energy. As the government sets the stage for widespread electric vehicle adoption, companies are rapidly expanding infrastructure to meet rising local demand.
Industry leaders say the Kingdom’s approach resonates beyond its borders.
“We see Saudi Arabia’s efforts in sustainability not merely as a national initiative, but as a global inspiration,” Abdulmajeed Al-Ghamdi, general manager of sustainable solutions company ESSCO, told Arab News.
“With the development of mega-projects and smart cities powered by clean energy and intelligent mobility, we believe the future holds unprecedented potential and we are ready to be a part of it.”
ESSCO is among the companies helping to build Saudi Arabia’s EV charging network, balancing environmental priorities with user convenience. Through partnerships with leading EV charger manufacturers in Europe and China, the company has trained its workforce in installation and operational procedures.
People check out a car on display during Tesla's official launch ceremony in Riyadh on April 10, 2025. The Tesla electric vehicle company owned by billionaire Elon Musk on April 10 opened its first showrooms in oil-rich Saudi Arabia, where hybrid cars are still not a common sight. (AFP)
Al-Ghamdi believes ESSCO’s nationwide maintenance expertise gives the company a competitive edge.
“The nature of our company, which also specializes in maintenance, gives us a significant advantage, as we already have high caliber maintenance teams distributed across various regions in the Kingdom,” he said.
“This widespread presence allows us to deploy resources quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime and ensuring timely project execution.”
To align with regulatory standards, ESSCO collaborates with the Saudi Electricity Company and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs. ESSCO is also addressing the unique challenges posed by the Kingdom’s vast terrain and extreme climate.
“These standards are based on rigorous data and research provided by SASO, which plays a crucial — though sometimes under-recognized — role in advancing sustainability efforts in the Kingdom,” Al-Ghamdi said.
DID YOU KNOW?
• EVs don’t emit exhaust gases, improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• The global EV market is expected to reach $1.57 trillion by 2032.
• China leads the global EV market, accounting for some 58 percent of global EV production in 2023, driven by its top automaker, BYD.
Rather than viewing the harsh climate as a hurdle, ESSCO sees it as a chance for innovation.
“Drawing from our extensive experience with solar energy systems in both public and private sector projects, we are actively working on integrating solar power and energy storage solutions into our EV charging infrastructure,” Al-Ghamdi explained.
“By capitalizing on Saudi Arabia’s abundant natural sunlight, we are helping pave the way for a more self-sustaining and resilient charging network.”
The company’s work highlights the growing cooperation between the public and private sectors in building a sustainable EV infrastructure.
“We closely follow the significant role played by the Public Investment Fund in driving large-scale investments in the EV sector,” Al-Ghamdi explained.
PIF has played a central role in advancing the Kingdom’s EV industry, most notably through its backing of Lucid, a US-based electric vehicle manufacturer.
Lucid established the Kingdom’s first EV production facility and became the first global automaker to join the “Made in Saudi” program — a milestone in localizing high-tech manufacturing and promoting national industrial growth.
The firm’s assembly plant in Jeddah’s King Abdullah Economic City, which opened in September 2023, is already operational, with a full-scale manufacturing facility expected by 2026.
“I’m very proud of the team, what we’ve been able to accomplish in Saudi Arabia — the first-ever international automotive manufacturing plant in the Kingdom,” Faisal Sultan, vice president and managing director of Lucid Middle East, told Arab News earlier this year.
Lucid is not the only player driving Saudi Arabia’s EV ambitions.
Ceer, the Kingdom’s first homegrown electric vehicle brand, is also preparing to launch its debut model in 2026. The company’s production facility is designed for an annual output of 240,000 units, CEO Jim DeLuca told Arab News earlier this year.
Despite global headwinds, DeLuca remains optimistic — but realistic — about the pace of EV adoption.
In the same interview, he acknowledged that global market growth has been slower than expected, noting that product quality, affordability, infrastructure and government incentives will determine how quickly Saudi Arabia transitions to EVs.
“The Ministry of Investment is working on ecosystem incentives to accelerate EV adoption,” DeLuca said. “We see steady growth in the early days, but incentives will be key to making EVs the catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s automotive transformation.”
Backed by the PIF, both Lucid and Ceer benefit from an expanding web of financial support, industrial licensing and regulatory frameworks. These tools have created fertile ground for a local EV ecosystem — one that attracts international players while empowering domestic champions.
The Kingdom’s ambitions stretch beyond manufacturing.
In 2023, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co. inaugurated a research and development center in Riyadh, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s push toward becoming a regional innovation hub. That same year, the Kingdom launched its first EV fast-charging station in the capital, marking a critical milestone in public infrastructure readiness.
Saudi Arabia’s bold push into the EV market signals more than just an economic pivot; it positions the Kingdom as a leader in environmental transformation across the Middle East.
With Vision 2030 in full swing, the country has committed billions to electrifying its transport sector. Its dual-track strategy — nurturing local brands like Ceer while partnering with global manufacturers like Lucid — underscores a long-term commitment to sustainability.
Adding momentum to this shift, Tesla opened its first dealership and service center in Saudi Arabia in April 2025, marking a key milestone in its Middle East expansion. The flagship Riyadh location offers the Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck. Tesla also plans pop-up stores in Jeddah and Dammam, along with new Supercharger stations and service centers.
The effort comes as the region, long dependent on oil exports, faces growing international pressure to decarbonize. By advancing EV adoption, Saudi Arabia is setting a new tone — one focused on reducing transport-related carbon emissions and improving urban air quality in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah.
EV adoption is only part of the equation. With parallel investments in renewable energy — including solar and green hydrogen — the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for a carbon-neutral power grid. This transition could eventually allow EVs to operate with net-zero emissions, amplifying their environmental impact.
Regionally, Saudi Arabia’s leadership is likely to influence policy beyond its borders.
As the largest economy in the Arab world, the Kingdom’s bold approach to sustainable mobility may push neighboring Gulf states to follow suit — whether through regulatory reform, infrastructure development or public-private collaboration.
EU delegation to Riyadh celebrates Europe Day 2025
We are privileged to be Saudi Arabia’s strategic partner says EU envoy
Occasion celebrates day in 1950 when the Schuman Declaration was adopted
Updated 09 May 2025
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: The Delegation of the European Union to Saudi Arabia hosted a reception on Thursday night at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter to celebrate Europe Day.
Europe Day officially falls on May 9 to mark the adoption of the Schuman Declaration, which in 1950 laid the foundations of what would later become the European Union. The occasion holds special significance this year as it marks 75 years of the signing of the declaration.
Guest of honor was Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed El Khereiji.
Christophe Farnaud, the EU ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, said May 9, 1950 paved the way for the birth of the EU as a project of peace for the European continent.
What became known as the Schuman Declaration sought to make war “not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible.”
In recognition of this extraordinary achievement, the EU was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2012, he added.
The Schuman Declaration is a powerful reminder that peace is not a given. It must be nurtured, defended, and promoted, he said, adding that after being the battleground for two world wars, Europe learned the hard way that it is only through cooperation and creating interconnected societies that countries can achieve lasting peace, prosperity and progress.
While the world is changing rapidly and becoming more fragmented, the EU continues to promote dialogue, stability, prosperity and mutual understanding.
Against this backdrop, Farnaud said: “We are privileged to be Saudi Arabia’s strategic partner as the Kingdom opens up to the world, having embarked on a spectacular social and economic transformation under the Vision 2030 program.
This partnership grows stronger every day — solid, productive and expanding. We have found common ground across many sectors, including security, economic cooperation, energy, green transition, tourism, education, the arts and sports.”
Over the past year, he said, bilateral relations have achieved significant milestones and an exceptional number of high-level visits and exchanges between the EU and Saudi Arabia further strengthened ties.
In October last year, the first EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit was held in Brussels, a historic moment, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attending.
“We have common geopolitical interests. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing major crisis in Palestine and Israel frame the challenges of our shared future. The EU welcomed the Saudi role to facilitate a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” Farnaud said.
“On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we have joined efforts to reinvigorate the political process toward a two-state solution and established the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, co-sponsored by Saudi Arabia, Norway and the EU,” he said.
On the economic front the EU is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner and its first direct foreign investor.
“But we want to go further, whether through free trade agreements, sectoral collaborations or expanded dialogue,” the ambassador said.
“Last year we launched the European Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region.
“Another area is security cooperation. Through naval operations Atalanta and Aspides, the EU contributes to freedom of navigation, safeguarding maritime security in this region, from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.”
The EU on Feb. 19 last year launched the EU Naval Force Operation Aspides, in response to escalating Houthi attacks on warships and merchant vessels in the Red Sea and northwest Indian Ocean.
Saudi Arabia takes part in Doha International Book Fair 2025
Saudi delegation is led by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission
Updated 09 May 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, is participating in the 34th Doha International Book Fair 2025, being held at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center May 8-17.
The Saudi delegation, headed by the commission, includes prominent literary and cultural figures including representatives from the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, the King Abdulaziz Public Library, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, the King Fahd National Library, Nasher Publishing and Distribution Co., and the Publishing Association.
The Saudi pavilion features a rich and diverse array of cultural and literary content that reflects the vibrant creative landscape of the Kingdom.
Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasel, CEO of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, emphasized that the Kingdom’s participation in the Doha International Book Fair stems from the strong cultural ties between the Kingdom and Qatar.
He explained that the commission seeks, through this participation, to enhance joint cooperation in the fields of literature, publishing, and translation, given the flourishing cultural movement and intellectual advancement witnessed in the Kingdom and Qatar.
He noted that the exhibition represents a supportive opportunity for the publishing market, allowing Saudi publishers to connect with their counterparts from around the world.
The book fair serves as an important platform to boost the Kingdom’s presence on the international stage, opening doors for knowledge exchange and fostering engagement with intellectuals and publishing houses from around the world, embodying cultural integration that enriches both parties and enhances intercultural dialogue.
Through its participation in the fair, Saudi Arabia aims to provide visitors from various countries with the opportunity to see the extent of the cultural progress and transformation taking place in the Kingdom under Saudi Vision 2030, particularly in the literature, publishing, and translation sectors.
The Doha International Book Fair launched in 1972, and organized by the Ministry of Information and Culture, was transformed into an international exhibition in 1982.
Saudi science and engineering team heads to US for ISEF 2025 competition
Updated 09 May 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: A Saudi science and engineering team left the Kingdom today, heading to Columbus, Ohio to compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2025, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event, the world’s largest scientific platform for research and innovative projects for pre-university students, will take place May 10–16, with the participation of more than 1,700 students representing 70 countries.
According to SPA, the Kingdom, represented by Mawhiba and the Ministry of Education, has participated annually in this fair since 2007, winning 160 awards in total — 110 grand prizes and 50 special prizes.
The Saudi team includes 40 students participating in distinguished projects in promising scientific fields, selected from among the top winners of the grand prizes in the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, or Ibdaa 2025. These finalists were chosen from a competitive pool of 200 students whose projects qualified for the last round of the Olympiad, which is one of 20 programs that Mawhiba offers annually for gifted students.
In late 2024, the organizing body of ISEF announced an increase in the number of Saudi projects participating in the 2025 fair to 40, up from 35 in previous editions.
Engineer Anas Al-Hunaihan, director of research programs and innovation development at Mawhiba, explained that three key factors contributed to this expanded participation were: “The demonstrated excellence of Saudi projects at past international competitions, significant growth in the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity registration numbers, and broader student engagement in both regional and central educational exhibitions throughout the Kingdom.”
According to SPA, more than 291,000 students registered for Ibdaa 2025, submitting 23,000 projects across 22 scientific categories. These projects underwent competition and selection through various stages to advance to the Ibdaa Science and Engineering Fair, which was hosted by Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh last February.
Prior to their departure, the team members completed comprehensive training regimens spanning an entire year implemented by Mawhiba, aimed at developing their scientific and research skills and preparing them to represent the Kingdom in global forums.
