Saudi exports to Austria up by 146% last year, says envoy
Saudi exports to Austria up by 146% last year, says envoy/node/2576759/saudi-arabia
Saudi exports to Austria up by 146% last year, says envoy
Oskar Wustinger, Ambassador of Austria to Saudi Arabia, speaking at a reception hosted by the Embassy of Austria in Riyadh to celebrate Austria’s National Day. (Jaafer Alsaleh)
Saudi exports to Austria up by 146% last year, says envoy
Updated 25 October 2024
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: Imports from Saudi Arabia to Austria totaled €442.4 million ($477.9 million) in 2023, an increase of 146.2 percent on the previous year.
Oskar Wustinger, the Austrian ambassador to the Kingdom, said exports from his country to the Kingdom also showed a strong upward trend, increasing 11.9 percent to €537.8 million.
At a reception hosted by the Austrian Embassy in Riyadh, he described the growth in trade as “impressive” and said Austrian exports to Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2024 had also surged, up 57 percent on the same period last year.
Some 200,000 Saudis visited Austria last year, he added, describing it as “a big increase and new record with a further increase this year.”
According to the embassy’s website, Saudis made up the largest group of tourists from Gulf region with over 194,600 arrivals and 540,000 overnight stays.
The ambassador said he expected to see a further increase in tourism, with many visas already issued through the new “cascade” system.
Wustinger, who took up his current role in September last year, said the “very good relations” between Austria and the Kingdom were based on solid friendship and covered many fields.
During his tenure, he hopes to expand cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, mobility, mining, tourism, tourism infrastructure, the entertainment sector, green tech and renewable energy.
He said: “Vision 2030 is impressively bold and very ambitious,” adding he continued to be amazed by the rapid pace of change and the “energy, enthusiasm, and creativity of Saudi youth which is the biggest treasure of all.”
The ambassador also highlighted several Austrian companies which have established a presence in Saudi Arabia in the past few years, such as Hoerbiger and Andritz, adding that TUV Austria had celebrated the opening of its regional headquarters in Riyadh in May.
“Austrian businesses have world-leading expertise, break new ground, and think outside the box,” he said.
During his speech, the ambassador also listed numerous trade missions organized by the Austrian Embassy, including the commercial section which focused on green tech, tourism know-how and infrastructure.
He said another trade mission to Riyadh this month would bring a delegation to Abha to learn more about the developing tourist region of Aseer.
There was cooperation in the world of football, too, he said, with an increasing number of Saudi teams — including Al-Hilal — holding summer camps in Austria.
He also highlighted Austria’s National Day as “a very good occasion to bring together colleagues, Saudi friends, contacts and business people who are involved in trying to further enhance Austria and Saudi relations in the cultural field, economic and political fields.
Saudi Arabia welcomes moves by Australia, New Zealand toward recognizing Palestinian state
Updated 4 sec ago
Arab News
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed on Monday the recent announcements by Australia and New Zealand signaling steps toward recognizing the State of Palestine.
Jordan's King Abdullah II will meet Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Updated 9 min ago
Arab News
CAIRO: Jordan's King Abdullah II departed on Monday on a visit to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Jordanian Royal Court said.
King Abdullah was accompanied by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II.
Masam Project eliminates 1,140 explosive devices across Yemen
Project clears unexploded ordnance, other mine types
Masam Project has cleared 509,612 devices since 2018
Updated 4 min 45 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Project for Landmine Clearance, known as Masam and launched by the nation’s aid agency KSrelief, eliminated 1,140 explosive devices this month across Yemen.
Engineers cleared 1,090 items of unexploded ordnance, 49 anti-tank mines, and one anti-personnel mine, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Masam Project has now cleared 509,612 explosive devices from the conflict-ravaged nation since its inception in July 2018.
The mines were scattered randomly across Yemeni territory, creating a significant threat to innocent civilians, it said in a statement.
Project Masam provides training and equipment for local demining engineers. Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The project’s demining efforts have significantly reduced casualties and allowed displaced individuals and farmers to return to their land and resume cultivation.
The work has earned widespread praise from the UN and international organizations.
Tabuk’s governor launches environmental, water, agricultural projects worth more than SR4.3bn
Initiatives aim to improve services, strengthen sustainability, support objectives of Saudi Vision 2030
Updated 10 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Tabuk Governor Prince Fahd bin Sultan has inaugurated 23 environmental, water, and agricultural projects with a combined value of more than SR3.8 billion ($1 billion), and laid the foundation for a further 25 projects worth over SR580 million, it was announced on Sunday.
The initiatives, launched in the presence of Environment, Water and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, aim to improve services for residents, strengthen environmental and water sustainability, and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Prince Fahd thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their backing of the infrastructure projects, and praised ministry staff for their efforts in enhancing public services and bolstering the Kingdom’s food security.
According to Al-Fadli, the projects include small desalination plants along the western coast with a design capacity of more than 93,000 cubic meters per day, and new water transmission systems able to carry 72,000 cubic meters per day to boost supplies in the governorates of Duba, Al-Wajh, and Umluj.
The National Water Company has launched 16 initiatives worth more than SR860 million to expand drinking water distribution and wastewater services in Tabuk, while the Saudi Water Partnership Company has completed the SR550 million Tabuk-2 Wastewater Treatment Plant with a peak capacity of 135,000 cubic meters per day.
Additional works include dam construction projects worth more than SR92 million, and mangrove planting and rangeland reserve protection valued at over SR18 million, as well as irrigation, rural development, and vegetation cover initiatives across the region.
Riyadh welcomes Istituto Marangoni as Saudi fashion ambitions grow
Italian fashion school’s new campus to train Saudi talent, merge heritage with global trends
Updated 11 August 2025
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: Italian fashion school Istituto Marangoni will open its first campus in Riyadh on Aug. 28, marking a major step in the Kingdom’s bid to become a global fashion hub.
The new campus, which is located in the Riyadh Creative District within the King Abdullah Financial District, follows extensive market research with the Saudi Fashion Commission.
Istituto Marangoni’s Riyadh campus is located in the Riyadh Creative District within the King Abdullah Financial District. (Instagram/istitutomarangoniriyadh)
Surrounded by a growing cluster of creative companies and institutions, it will offer specialized programs tailored to Saudi Arabia’s evolving industry.
Stefania Valenti, the managing director of Istituto Marangoni, told Arab News: “There has never been a more opportune moment to invest in Saudi Arabia. The Riyadh campus is not only a symbol of our commitment to international education, but also a platform for cultural exchange, innovation, and empowerment.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• Istituto Marangoni programs have been designed in collaboration with the Saudi Fashion Commission to merge the Kingdom’s cultural heritage with modern global fashion trends.
• The school will offer three-year undergraduate advanced training diploma courses, accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation.
The school will offer three-year undergraduate advanced training diploma courses, accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, in areas such as fashion design and accessories, fashion communication and image, fashion management, digital communication and media, fashion product, and fragrances and cosmetics management.
Burak Cakmak, Saudi Fashion Commission CEO
The programs have been designed in collaboration with the Saudi Fashion Commission to merge the Kingdom’s cultural heritage with modern global fashion trends.
“It means that the three-year fashion design program offers pathways in sewing and modest fashion, reflecting local aesthetics,” Valenti explained, adding that the fashion communication and image course focused on visual storytelling for both local and international audiences. The business and management track will prepare leaders for the luxury sector.
This initiative contributes to a more diversified economy, generates new jobs, and positions the Kingdom as a hub for cultural exchange.
Burak Cakmak, Saudi Fashion Commission CEO
She added: “By fusing local identity with global standards we aim to cultivate a new generation of fashion professionals who can represent Saudi creativity on the world stage.”
To nurture and support creative young Saudis, 50 students will receive scholarships for the diploma programs through an initiative backed by the Ministry of Culture’s Fashion Commission.
Stefania Valenti, Istituto Marangoni managing director
The Riyadh campus will link to Istituto Marangoni’s global network, and Valenti said: “After two years at the Riyadh campus, students can progress to the final year at Istituto Marangoni London or Paris and get a bachelor’s degree in the chosen field of study.”
Saudi students will be helped to gain employment after their academic journey at Istituto Marangoni Riyadh, for either a Saudi or a global brand.
By fusing local identity with global standards we aim to cultivate a new generation of fashion professionals who can represent Saudi creativity on the world stage.
Stefania Valenti, Istituto Marangoni managing director
Istituto Marangoni works with more than 45,000 luxury and fashion companies worldwide and grants 91 percent placement after graduation. Its alumni network includes prominent figures such as Dario Vitale, creative director at Versace, and Alessandro Sartori, artistic director at Zegna.
Valenti stressed the institute’s commitment to empowering women and fostering entrepreneurship, aligning closely with Vision 2030’s ambitions to diversify the economy and promote cultural innovation.
Burak Cakmak, the CEO of the Saudi Fashion Commission, called the opening “a pivotal milestone for Saudi Arabia’s fashion ecosystem,” adding that it created “a sustainable talent pipeline.”
The Riyadh campus is not only a symbol of our commitment to international education, but also a platform for cultural exchange, innovation, and empowerment.” (Supplied)
He said Istituto Marangoni was chosen for its global reputation and ability to adapt to local contexts.
He added: “Their presence in Riyadh ensures that our talents receive education that meets global standards while remaining grounded in Saudi cultural expression.
“Through immersive programs, mentorship, and access to industry networks, students will gain the skills and confidence to lead, innovate, and build meaningful careers.”
Istituto Marangoni works with more than 45,000 luxury and fashion companies worldwide and grants 91 percent placement after graduation. (Supplied)
He stressed that the courses were embedded within the local context, and added: “It encourages students to draw inspiration from their heritage and personal narratives, equipping them to tell authentic Saudi stories on international platforms, from runways and campaigns to entrepreneurial ventures rooted in sustainability.”
On the commission’s broader goals and vision, Cakmak said: “We take a holistic approach that encompasses every stage of the value chain, including design, product development, manufacturing, communications, merchandising, and retail.
“Education is at the heart of this vision. Through strategic partnerships, such as our collaboration with Istituto Marangoni, we are redefining what fashion learning can look like in the region and setting new benchmarks for creative excellence.”
Istituto Marangoni works with more than 45,000 luxury and fashion companies worldwide and grants 91 percent placement after graduation. (Supplied)
He linked the initiative to Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of unlocking Saudi talent, adding: “By investing in fashion academies like Istituto Marangoni, we are creating tangible opportunities for the local youth to pursue careers in culture, creativity, and innovation.
“This initiative contributes to a more diversified economy, generates new jobs, and positions the Kingdom as a hub for cultural exchange. At the same time it strengthens our global presence while ensuring that our heritage continues to evolve and inspire.”
