How Saudi Arabia’s shift to cleaner fuels will benefit public health and improve air quality

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Updated 09 March 2024
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How Saudi Arabia’s shift to cleaner fuels will benefit public health and improve air quality

  • The Ministry of Energy recently announced the domestic rollout of cleaner Euro 5 gasoline and diesel
  • Cleaner fuels produce less carbon dioxide, helping the Kingdom cut emissions and achieve its net-zero pledge

RIYADH: In an era of increasing environmental awareness, Saudi Arabia is well on its way to balancing its carbon footprint by combating air pollution and reducing toxic emissions caused by the transport sector.

The Kingdom took a major step forward in sustainable practices last month when the Ministry of Energy announced the introduction of Euro 5-standard diesel and gasoline to the domestic market as cleaner alternatives to current fuel products.

The move demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a greener future and improving air quality in the Kingdom.




The Saudi Ministry of Energy announced the introduction of Euro 5 standard diesel and gasoline to the domestic market as cleaner alternatives to current fuel products. (AN file photo)

Its objective, in line with the eco-friendly goals of Vision 2030, is to lower carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually by the end of the decade, paving the way to reach net zero emissions by 2060.

“This is the biggest encouraging news for clean energy adoption,” Abdulaziz Almizani, head of sustainability in renewable energy and the circular economy at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, told Arab News.

Burning just one gallon (3.8 liters) of gasoline produces 8,887 grams of carbon dioxide, while one gallon of diesel emits 10,180 grams of carbon dioxide, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. The launch of Euro 5 in Saudi Arabia is expected to result in a major reduction in air pollution.

The Kingdom has already embraced sustainable aviation fuel. By expanding its use of cleaner fuels to other modes of transport, Saudi Arabia is taking a proactive role in addressing global climate concerns.

With around 15 million registered cars on its roads, the transition to cleaner fuels will offer significant benefits to the environment and public health.

Air pollution can cause a variety of health issues including strokes, ischemic heart disease and lung cancer, according to the World Health Organization. Clean fuels contain less sulfur, reducing major contributors to air pollution such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.

By adopting cleaner fuels, the country aims to enhance air quality, protect public health, and promote sustainable living for generations to come.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Inhaling small amounts of gasoline and diesel vapor can cause nose irritation, respiratory problems and dizziness, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

• Euro 5 produces 50 times less carbon discharge than regular gasoline and diesel.

• Saudi Arabia aims to establish OXAGON, a 100% sustainable industrial city with zero emissions.

This move also demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to meeting its obligations under international climate pacts such as the Paris Agreement.

Additionally, the Kingdom’s move toward clean fuels has the potential to reshape the global energy landscape.

As one of the world’s largest oil producers, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to cleaner fuels sends a strong message to other oil-producing nations that they can adapt and embrace sustainable practices.




Saudi Arabia is striving to become one of the world’s largest producers of clean energy, including green hydrogen, solar, wind and nuclear power. (MOE photo)

By providing this inspiration, the Kingdom is helping to accelerate the global transition to a low-carbon economy, while supporting environmentally sustainable development.

Although the launch of clean gasoline and diesel is an important milestone, Saudi Arabia is taking a gradual approach to its transition to fully renewable sources of energy.

In an interview last month with the quarterly bulletin of the Saudi Association for Energy Economics, Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said the need for fossil fuels is unlikely to decrease any time soon.

Despite this, Saudi Arabia is striving to become one of the world’s largest producers of clean energy, including green hydrogen, solar, wind and nuclear power.




NEOM, the futuristic smart city currently under construction in the Kingdom’s northwest, will soon host the world’s largest green hydrogen plant. (Supplied)

NEOM, the futuristic smart city currently under construction in the Kingdom’s northwest, will soon host the world’s largest green hydrogen plant.

Also planned for NEOM is OXAGON, a zero-emissions industrial smart city, which will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy. The city will include a research facility focused on environmental sustainability issues.




OXAGON, a zero-emissions industrial smart city, which will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy. (Supplied)

Along with the government’s commitment to neutralize carbon concentration in the air and promote clean energy, Saudi Arabia is also at the forefront of providing education and raising awareness of current environmental problems.

“We have to start with ourselves, us as sustainability leaders,” said Almizani, stressing the importance of starting local and thinking global.

“I should raise awareness in my family and among relatives in the beginning; then the public will recognize the adaptation from my family and network circle. I can also talk about it through the media and newspapers.”

Saudi Arabia has launched several projects aimed at creating greater environmental awareness, particularly among young people.

Last year, the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve implemented the “School Reserve” initiative in five educational complexes, with the aim of motivating more than 500 students to volunteer for environmental awareness programs.




Saudi Arabia's Middle East Green Initiative plans to plant 50 billion trees across the region. (Supplied)

Beyond Saudi Arabia’s borders, the Middle East Green Initiative, launched in 2021, aims to combat the effects of climate change in the entire region.

Some of its projects include the planting of 50 billion trees across the Middle East and supporting plans to eliminate 670 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions.

In doing so, Saudi Arabia is contributing to the global effort to combat climate change, protect the environment, and position itself as a future leader in the renewable energy sector.

 


‘Lion King’ roars into life with Ithra live orchestra in Dhahran

Updated 05 July 2025
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‘Lion King’ roars into life with Ithra live orchestra in Dhahran

  • Family favorite is part of Ithra’s Disney in Concert series along with ‘Frozen’

DHAHRAN: Nearly three decades after it first captivated global audiences, Disney’s “The Lion King” dazzled new and older generations at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, in Dhahran this week by offering a chance to watch the film anew with a live orchestra.

“We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,” conductor Erik Ochsner told the crowd before the show. “This is a live performance, and so we would beg of you to please just enjoy it live.”

“The kids have seen the movie multiple times; we’ve all seen the movie multiple times. (Supplied)

As it has done in previous experiences, such as the 2019 and 2022 live orchestra showcases of several “Harry Potter” films in concert series, Ithra brought a full orchestra to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning score while the animated film played in the background on a large screen.

For the experience, the film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue and songs, remained untouched. The orchestra played those musical parts, breathing new life into the scenes without burying the essence of the nostalgic original.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Joining conductor Erik Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan.

• For the experience, the Disney film was stripped of the music while all the original audio, including dialogue, remained untouched.

• ‘We hope that it will bring goosebumps and tears,’ Ochsner told the crowd before the show.

People clapped and sang along when the popular “Hakuna Matata” tune came on.

Originally released in 1994, “The Lion King” quickly became one of Disney’s most iconic films, celebrated for its powerful storytelling, memorable characters, and stirring soundtrack.

People clapped and sang along when the popular “Hakuna Matata” tune came on. (Supplied)

The animated film follows Simba, a young lion prince navigating the trials of loss, betrayal, and self-discovery on his journey to reclaim his rightful place in the animal kingdom.

At Ithra, this emotional arc was heightened by the rich, resonant sound of the live symphony orchestra, turning each moment— whether turbulent or triumphant— into an unforgettable experience.

Ithra brought a full orchestra to perform Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning ‘The Lion King’ score while the film played on a large screen. (Supplied)

Joining Ochsner was the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Sergey Smbatyan.

Known for their emotionally charged style and refined sound, the orchestra has built a reputation as a cultural ambassador of Armenia, regularly performing in major concert halls worldwide, including Ithra.

“The kids have seen the movie multiple times; we’ve all seen the movie multiple times. And we thought it would be nice to see it through a live orchestra,” audience member Ahmad Hassan told Arab News during the 20-minute intermission.

Hassan brought his extended family along, including his two children.

“It’s one of my favorite films,” Hassan’s nine-year old daughter Tia told Arab News. She gave the show a thumbs-up.

Her 12-year-old brother, Bakr, said he had watched the film “at least five times” — the first when he was about two or three — but was excited at this new way of appreciating the story.

“I like the show so far. It’s really good. Why? Because you get to see how the music is made instead of it just coming out of the speaker,” he said.

“After watching the show, I’d like to play the piano,” Tia added.

The concert is part of Ithra’s cinematic symphony series, which also includes an upcoming presentation of Disney’s “Frozen,” giving families the chance to relive favorite films in a whole new way.

Tickets are priced at SR200 ($53), and each of the Disney-Ithra performances will run for two days only.

 


Madinah’s summer harvest brings Abu Zuhair lemons to market

As well as commercial harvesting, many people grow Abu Zuhair lemons at home for their fragrance. (SPA)
Updated 05 July 2025
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Madinah’s summer harvest brings Abu Zuhair lemons to market

  • The harvest, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season and both fruits are sold in Madinah’s central market

MADINAH: The harvesting of Abu Zuhair green lemons, one of the main citrus fruits cultivated in Madinah, is now well underway.

The lemon trees grow throughout the province, especially in places like Abyar Al-Mashi, Abyar Ali, Asira and AlUla, where they thrive in the dry conditions and clay soil, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Most lemons grown in Madinah are sold locally though some are shipped to Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa. (SPA)

The harvest, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season and both fruits are sold in Madinah’s central market.

The lemons are sold in 2-25 kg batches at daily auctions that run from 5-11 a.m.

FASTFACTS

• The harvest of Abu Zuhair lemons, which runs from June to August, overlaps with the rhutab (semi-ripe dates) season.

• The lemons are sold in 2-25 kg batches at daily auctions in Madinah’s central market from 5-11 a.m

A vendor at the central market said Abu Zuhair lemons, which are smaller and greener than imported varieties, were ideal for juices and cooking, and paired well with many hot dishes and salads.

Toward the end of the harvest season, the lemons start to turn yellow and dry and are used for pickling.

The fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and support the immune system. (SPA)

Another vendor said the leaves of the lemon tree, known as nawami, could be added to tea and other cold beverages.

As well as commercial harvesting, many people grow Abu Zuhair lemons at home for their fragrance. The fruits are also a good source of vitamin C and support the immune system.

Most lemons grown in Madinah are sold locally though some are shipped to Makkah, Riyadh and Al-Ahsa. The small numbers produced mean they are never exported.

 


Registration opens for Bocuse d’Or, Pastry World Cup contests in Riyadh

Participants will undergo a process that includes technical tests, creativity evaluations and interviews. (X @MOCCulinary)
Updated 05 July 2025
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Registration opens for Bocuse d’Or, Pastry World Cup contests in Riyadh

  • The initiative extends the partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, boosting competition in the national culinary sector and helping Saudi chefs make their mark internationally

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission has opened registration for the Bocuse d'Or championship and Pastry World Cup, both taking place during the Sirha Arabia exhibition in Riyadh in October.

The competitions will select top Saudi chefs to compete in the Middle East qualifiers, to be hosted by the Kingdom in 2026 in collaboration with Sirha Food. These in turn lead to the global finals which will take place in France at the Sirha Lyon exhibition in January 2027.

The initiative extends the partnership between the commission and Sirha Food, boosting competition in the national culinary sector and helping Saudi chefs make their mark internationally.

The competitions will discover and develop local talent, providing a platform for Saudi chefs to display their skills and highlight the diversity and creativity of the Kingdom’s cuisine.

Participants will undergo a process that includes technical tests, creativity evaluations and interviews. Finalists will receive tailored support to prepare for the international stage.

For Bocuse d’Or, dishes must exhibit mastery of either the turned vegetable or brunoise technique. Candidates must be Saudi, aged 23 or over and provide proof of identity.

For the Pastry World Cup, entries must creatively reflect the theme of “Elevating Saudi Dessert.” There is no age restriction, but non-Saudi applicants must state how long they have worked in the Kingdom.

Hopeful chefs can register at engage.moc.gov.sa/reg_forms/tracks/40/?lang=ar.

 


Mayor of Riyadh attends Rwanda national day celebration

Updated 05 July 2025
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Mayor of Riyadh attends Rwanda national day celebration

  • Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki recently met Pakistani federal secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Drug Control, Mohammed Khurram Agha

RIYADH: Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf attended the National Day celebration held by the Embassy of Rwanda at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The mayor was received by Rwandan Ambassador to the Kingdom Eugene Segore Kayihura and other officials.

Separately, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki recently met Pakistani federal secretary of the Ministry of Interior and Drug Control, Mohammed Khurram Agha. The pair discussed topics of common interest, the ambassador wrote on X.

 


Diriyah supports local creativity, national brands

The event is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products. (SPA)
Updated 05 July 2025
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Diriyah supports local creativity, national brands

  • The initiative supports creative industries by connecting the public with local entrepreneurs and innovators, boosting the cultural economy and encouraging artistic and craft production

RIYADH: A daily event featuring Saudi brand stores and promoting local art, accessories and modern designs is taking place in Diriyah’s JAX District.

The event, which began on Wednesday and runs until July 8, is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products.

The event is open from 8.30 p.m. until midnight and aims to support creativity and national products. (SPA)

Brands taking part are presenting a range of innovative pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative supports creative industries by connecting the public with local entrepreneurs and innovators, boosting the cultural economy and encouraging artistic and craft production.