Saudi Arabia establishes new global organization to address water challenges

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
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Updated 04 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia establishes new global organization to address water challenges

  • Global Water Organization to be based in Riyadh in a bid to enhance global efforts to address water challenges
  • Initiative aligned with Saudi Arabia’s dedication to environmental sustainability

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced on Monday that the Kingdom is establishing a global water organization, which is to be based in Riyadh, to enhance efforts to address water challenges.

The organization aims to integrate and aid attempts made by governments and other bodies to secure global water sustainably.

It plans to allow the exchange of expertise while advancing technology, fostering innovation, and sharing research and development experiences.

It will promote the establishment and funding of high-priority projects, ensuring the sustainability of water resources and accessibility for everyone.

Saudi Arabia emphasizes its commitment to addressing global water supply challenges by taking this initiative.

It is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s dedication to environmental sustainability. The Kingdom has showcased notable achievements in water production, transportation, and distribution over the years, leveraging locally developed innovative solutions.

Sattam Al-Mojil, assistant professor of environmental engineering at King Saud University, told Arab News: “Water sustainability is considered one of the key drivers for economic and social growth across all sectors and activities. Challenges facing the water sector and its natural resources have increased in recent decades, resulting in numerous problems for many inhabitants of the globe. These problems include food scarcity, diseases arising from the use of contaminated water, poverty, and hunger, in addition to contributing to various geopolitical issues due to water scarcity.”




Sattam Al-Mojil, assistant professor of environmental engineering at King Saud University. (Supplied)

Al-Mojil added that despite the presence of numerous international organizations dedicated to the water sector, each operates within specific fields or domains. However, the current situation necessitates the existence of an international organization that addresses all aspects of the sector. These aspects encompass research, innovation, and technology development, facilitating financing, policy and regulation enhancements, and other elements that contribute to water sustainability.

Consequently, and as a continuation of the Kingdom’s efforts to support global economic and social growth and prosperity — and in order to unify global endeavors and efforts to address water-related challenges while providing a platform for countries and populations most affected by water issues — the International Water Organization was being established.

Faisal Al-Fadl, secretary-general and founder of the Saudi Green Building Forum, said that the announcement by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signified the culmination of the Kingdom’s commitment to Vision 2030, building upon previous efforts.




Faisal Al-Fadl, secretary-general and founder of the Saudi Green Building Forum. (Supplied)

Saudi Arabia has pledged support of SR92 billion ($24.5 billion) toward water, environment, and agriculture to help in achieving objectives within the framework of interconnected social, environmental, and economic plans.

Local communities face challenges in efficiently accessing infrastructure, facilities, and services that impact water supply and sanitation. Water scarcity in cities, along with floods and inadequate management of wastewater, hinder social and economic development.

Enhancing water usage efficiency and improving water management in urban areas is crucial to strike a balance between increasing demand across sectors and users, and conserving energy.

Al-Fadl said that the newly established international organization can positively influence outcomes by addressing climate change challenges while preventing the exacerbation of water crises.

He said these problems will persist through periods of drought, floods, and other phenomena. Pressures from armed conflicts, internal displacement, and migration will also intensify. Populations in water-scarce regions will face food insecurity and famine, with water source pollution on the rise.

The study of pollution stemming from plastic materials, agricultural products, and extractive industries need to be examined and action forthcoming. He pointed out that we must strive to better understand the links between water loss, biodiversity, and ecosystem destruction.

The UN Water Resources Committee in March last year said that 1 billion individuals lacked access to safe drinking water, while 3.6 billion people (46 percent) were unable to benefit from properly managed sanitation services.

According to the UN report, between 2 to 3 billion people experienced water scarcity for at least one month annually, posing a significant threat to livelihoods, particularly in terms of food security and electricity provision.

It is anticipated that the urban population facing water scarcity worldwide will double in number, from 930 million in 2016 to an estimated 1.7 billion to 2.4 billion people by 2050. Furthermore, the increasing occurrence of prolonged and severe droughts will place ecological systems under pressures that entail severe consequences for both plant and animal species.

During the second edition of the summit of the Green Middle East Initiative held in November 2022 in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, on the sidelines of the COP27 conference, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that the Kingdom would commit $2.5 billion for the Middle East Green Initiative over the next 10 years.

The MGI aims to reduce carbon emissions from regional hydrocarbon production by more than 60 percent. It also plans to plant 50 billion trees across the Middle East and restore an area equivalent to 200 million hectares of degraded land. The initiative will help reduce global carbon levels by 2.5 percent.

Saudi Arabia plans to rely on renewables for 50 percent of its electricity generation by 2030, the crown prince said, removing 44 million tons of carbon emissions by 2035. Saudi Arabia also aims to contribute 15 percent of the $10.4 billion required for the fund’s clean energy projects.


Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud hails Saudi-Japan ties

Updated 19 May 2025
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Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud hails Saudi-Japan ties

  • Prince Abdullah highlights investment growth with Japan
  • Praises role of Arab News Japan in boosting cooperation 

TOKYO: In an interview with Arab News Japan, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdullah bin Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud has lauded the strong ties between Japan and the Kingdom, and said he was deeply honored to have received a top honor from the Asia nation.

The former governor of the Saudi General Investment Authority received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun last month.

“Receiving the Imperial Award is indeed a great honor. Like many in the Kingdom, including officials and former officials, I hold the Japanese emperor, government and people in the highest regard,” Prince Abdullah said in the recent interview with Arab News Japan. 

Reflecting on his tenure at SAGIA, now the Ministry of Investment, Prince Abdullah highlighted the collective nature of the recognition. 

“The award reflects the work carried out during my tenure at SAGIA ... This recognition is not solely mine, it is a shared achievement with my colleagues.

“More importantly, it reflects the leadership’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relations with Japan,” he said. 

He emphasized the Kingdom’s investment in international cooperation, noting the evolution of SAGIA into a full ministry under the Council of Ministers. 

“The elevation of SAGIA to a full ministry ... highlights the strategic importance the Saudi leadership places on investment and international cooperation,” he added.

During his recent visit to the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Prince Abdullah shared his impressions of the Saudi Pavilion, which he described as a powerful representation of the Kingdom’s transformation and culture. 

“The Saudi Pavilion was excellent,” he said of the expo which opened on April 13 and ends Oct. 13. 

“I was particularly interested in the design elements of the Saudi Pavilion, how it captured the essence and transformation of our land, and how quickly and effectively the structure was developed.”

He praised the role of the Ministry of Culture and the young Saudis staffing the pavilion.

“The presence of talented young Saudi men and women at the pavilion was especially noteworthy.

“The structure itself, using stones especially brought from the Kingdom, was impressive, with features such as embedded loudspeakers, combining aesthetics and functionality,” he told Arab News Japan.

Prince Abdullah, who previously served as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US, also lauded the Japanese Pavilion, saying it was “outstanding. Their designers, architects, and scientists demonstrated exceptional innovation.”

 “I even recommended our ambassador Dr. Ghazi Binzagr, who began his academic career in physics, to revisit the pavilion, as the advanced technologies on display merit deeper understanding,” he said. 

Turning to the broader significance of Saudi Arabia-Japan relations, Prince Abdullah emphasized the need for robust media and cultural exchange, pointing to Arab News Japan’s role as a valuable bridge between the two nations. 

“First, I would like to commend the efforts behind Arab News Japan. It is an important initiative, both in its content and in the way it delivers information. 

“It serves a valuable audience and contributes meaningfully to deepening understanding between our two countries.” 

He added: “There is deep mutual respect between our peoples. There is great potential for cooperation, especially among small- and medium-sized enterprises on both sides,” he said. 

Praising Japan’s technological innovation and the Kingdom’s transformative development, he said: “What we can realize by our partnership is amazing.” 

Prince Abdullah added that Japan and Saudi Arabia will benefit from increased cooperation, as well as the global economy.


Riyadh hosts a world of jewels

Updated 19 May 2025
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Riyadh hosts a world of jewels

  • Jewelry exhibition showcasing Saudi designers and global luxury pieces dazzles visitors

RIYADH: Under the chandelier-lit halls of Riyadh’s Mandarin Oriental Al-Faisaliah Hotel, the Jewels of the World exhibition gathered more than 60 brands for an eager crowd of jewelry and watch enthusiasts.

The exhibition, which ended on Monday, featured notable global names including Bil Arabi, Yoko London, Scavia and FerriFirenze.

Local talent was also spotlighted, notably Renad Al-Amoudi’s striking Marque Legacy collection, which draws inspiration from the flora of the Saudi deserts, including Ruby Lily and Petit Iris.

Nader Freiha, director and organizer of Jewels of the World, said that the exhibition this year is “the culmination of a journey that began in 2016.”

He added that hosting the event in Riyadh reflects “the remarkable growth of the jewelry market in the Kingdom, which has become a destination for global brands thanks to its discerning clientele.”

The exhibition offers the opportunity to explore new collections debuting in Saudi Arabia, from everyday jewelry to ornate bridal sets, many of which are inspired by global artistic and cultural heritage, Freiha said.

“The exhibition is a benchmark for ensuring both quality and luxury simultaneously,” he added.

Ahmed Al-Shirazi, director of SJC Saudi Arabia, a destination for luxury jewelry, said that the exhibition is an opportunity to strengthen brands and attract new customers through showcasing designs and engaging directly.

The Bahraini jeweler observed a rising inclination among clients to use luxury jewelry as a form of self-expression and personal style, highlighting a heightened appreciation for the finer details in their overall look.

Nezar Mukhtar, a member of the Precious Metals and Gemstones National Committee at the Saudi Chambers Federation, observed visitors’ keen interest in renowned brand names.

“Hosting exhibitions locally spares enthusiasts and designers the hassle of traveling and saves them valuable time,” he said.

Mukhtar added that events like Jewels of the World support the national economy and spotlight the sophisticated taste of Saudi consumers.

“Such an exhibition addresses the expectations of many discerning clients seeking specific quality standards in jewelry,” he said.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Level Up’ social hub in Riyadh

Updated 19 May 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Level Up’ social hub in Riyadh

Level Up is a social hub in Riyadh for those seeking entertainment and connection. For just SR60 ($16), visitors gain access to activities ranging from board games and video games to virtual reality experiences.

This multifaceted venue stands out as a gathering place for individuals with shared interests, making it easy to forge new friendships.

One of the highlights at Level Up is its open mic nights, where local bands showcase their talents. This not only provides entertainment but also fosters a sense of community among those attending.

The friendly vibe welcomes both extroverts and introverts, making it a space where people can comfortably engage in conversation or simply enjoy the performances.

The hub also sells PlayStation 5 consoles and accessories, catering to gaming enthusiasts, as well as a range of anime and video game action figures for those into pop culture.

One of the items on the menu I enjoyed was the iced matcha, which is popular among patrons.

While visiting with a friend, I was captivated by the talented musicians at the open mic event, followed by an engaging session of board games.

Level Up hosts discussions every Tuesday, featuring industry leaders such as marketing heads, board members, talent acquisition directors, CEOs, and founders.

These events provide opportunities to learn from and engage with influential figures, helping to enrich the community experience.

Whether you are looking to socialize, enjoy live music, or dive into gaming, Level Up is well worth a visit.


Saudi deputy FM receives Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Riyadh

Updated 19 May 2025
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Saudi deputy FM receives Turkmenistan’s ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Development Affairs Abdullah bin Zarah received Oraz Mohammed Charif, Turkmenistan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, in Riyadh.

During the meeting, they reviewed economic issues of common interest, the foreign ministry said in a post on X on Monday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received a phone call from Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger during which they reviewed bilateral relations and regional and international developments


Project management forum highlights AI’s growing impact on industry

Updated 19 May 2025
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Project management forum highlights AI’s growing impact on industry

  • Ali Al-Khabouri: AI will help the project managers to predict some of these situations that can happen based on the existing information and historical patterns
  • Al-Khabouri: AI tools will evolve in a way that they will provide us the information that we need to depend on for making decisions

RIYADH: Industry leaders and innovators discussed the role of artificial intelligence in advancing project management during the final day of the Global Project Management Forum in Riyadh on Monday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, which has Arab News as a media partner, Ali Al-Khabouri, co-founder of Matrix Oman, told Arab News that AI is playing an increasingly important role in supporting decision-making in project management.

“AI will help the project managers to predict some of the information, predict some of these situations that can happen based on the existing information and historical patterns,” he said.

Al-Khabouri also discussed the importance of defining a clear strategy for AI adoption, adding that organizations should evaluate whether adopting AI is a value-adding step or simply a response to market trends.

During a panel discussion titled “The Future of Project Management: Leadership, Innovation and Strategic Integration of People, Process and Technology,” Marko Golob, head of IT PMO at SIJ d.d., highlighted the need for education in project management.

“We have a gap of 30 million project (managers) in the board in the next 10 years — 30 million. It’s a lot.”

Al-Khabouri highlighted the evolving role of artificial intelligence in improving decision-making within project environments.

He said: “AI tools will evolve in a way that they will provide us the information that we need to depend on for making decisions.”

He added that while the essence of decision-making remains constant, the tools, processes and organizational mindset supporting it are evolving in response to technological advancement.

Imad Al-Sadeq, transformation delivery partner at EY MENA, discussed the growing concern of over-reliance on artificial intelligence in project management.

“The risk here (is) that some people, including project managers, will over rely on (AI). Some people will mistrust the human side for the sake of AI,” he said.

Al-Sadeq added that this trend is already emerging in some settings, and he highlighted the need to strike a balance between technology and human insight.

“We still need to keep the human at center, keep the trust with the human judgment. Otherwise, we are not only calling for best effect, but we are calling only for best practice or previous work. And this is a big difference,” he added.