Saudi electric car consumer base growing as Kingdom aims to become a hub for the technology
Updated 24 July 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Hamed Al-Rafidain, who works in HR, drives a fuel-guzzling 4 X 4, as many in Saudi Arabia do — but his other car is electric.
Al-Rafidain, 39, is part of a small but growing electric vehicle consumer base in the Kingdom, which aims to become a hub for the technology.
“What drove me to buy electric was financial considerations,” said Rafidain, who spends up to SR2,000 ($530) a month on fuel for his off-road vehicle. “Maintenance costs are also lower compared to a conventional vehicle, with no oil changes.”
For a little over $53,300, he bought a BYD mostly for short trips within the capital. Driving outside Riyadh was a “gamble, especially since the infrastructure is still underdeveloped,” Rafidain said.
Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the PIF, owns 60 percent of electric car maker Lucid and South Korea’s Hyundai plans a factory in the Kingdom. The Saudi brand CEER, launched in 2022, expects to start production in 2025. Eventually Saudi Arabia aims to produce 300,000 electric cars a year.
Meanwhile Chinese giant BYD is expected to dominate the Saudi market, since its global rival Tesla has no dealerships in the Kingdom.
Electric car sales tripled last year to nearly 800 and salesman Hassan Mohammed expects more this year. “More than one car brand has opened its doors in the Kingdom and now offers after-sales service, which has encouraged consumers,” he said.
Saudis take steps to prevent public-sector contracts crimes, says anti-corruption chief
UN meeting hears Kingdom developed electronic portal for government procurement to increase transparency and ensure more efficient public spending
Updated 03 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi authorities are working on several initiatives to prevent illegal activity in government procurement, the president of the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, also known as Nazaha, said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the UN in Vienna during an international meeting of government officials to discuss prevention of corruption, Mazin Al-Kahmous said the Kingdom has established a unified electronic portal for government procurement, called Etimad, with the aim of increasing transparency in government procurement activities, improving the efficiency of public spending, and reducing opportunities for corruption at all stages of public tenders.
He highlighted what he described as ongoing and fruitful cooperation between Nazaha and the Ministry of Finance to apply safeguards within Etimad for activities that carry a high risk of corruption, to help reduce the risk of collusion or fraud among businesses applying for government tenders.
Al-Kahmous also welcomed the support of authorities in the Kingdom for a collaboration between Nazaha and the UN Development Program on the launch of a global initiative to measure corruption and promote integrity in public procurement.
Logistics event aims to support Kingdom’s Vision 2030 targets
More than 3,500 products and services showcased in the Saudi capital
Updated 03 September 2024
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: Two expos being held side by side in Riyadh are aiming to support the Saudi logistics sector in line with the national Vision 2030 program.
The Saudi Warehousing and Logistics Expo and the Saudi Wood Expo were inaugurated by Hassan Al-Hwaizy, president of the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, bringing warehousing, logistics, wood and woodworking firms under one roof in the Kingdom.
Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center until Sept. 4, the three-day event was opened by Al-Hwaizy, who said: “We participate in this significant logistics event as a supporting partner, demonstrating our dedication to advancing and enhancing the logistics sector in support of Saudi Vision 2030.”
Featuring more than 3,500 products and services, the Riyadh event showcases the latest technologies and strategies in logistics services and warehousing solutions. (AN photo/Supplied)
Featuring more than 3,500 products and services, the event showcases the latest technologies and strategies in logistics services and warehousing solutions, he added.
Mohammed Kazi, senior vice president of construction at dmg events, the organizer of the expo, said: “The bustling aisles on the opening day underlined the growing demand for supply chain solutions and distinctive wood products in the Kingdom, reflecting its ambition to establish itself as a leading industrial powerhouse and global logistics hub.”
We participate in this significant logistics event as a supporting partner, demonstrating our dedication to advancing and enhancing the logistics sector in support of Saudi Vision 2030.
Hassan Al-Hwaizy, President, Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce
Amr El-Mansoury, chief supply chain officer at Tamer Group, told Arab News that exhibiting at the expo is “a rewarding experience” and offers the opportunity to showcase products and forge industry connections.
“The seamless coordination and support from the event organizers made it a standout opportunity for growth in our sector,” he added.
Hassan Al-Hwaizy, President, Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce
At the expo, Tenderd, a fleet management platform, showcased a live demo of its AI-powered safety system, designed for logistics and warehousing companies. The system uses advanced AI and real-time monitoring to enforce safety protocols, reduce risks and boost operational efficiency, ensuring safer work environments even in challenging conditions.
Another exhibitor, Almajdouie Logistics, a Dammam-based transport and logistics giant, unveiled new models of the Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo vans that combine advanced technology with efficiency and reliability.
Fian Group, a Jeddah-based supplier of specialized chemicals and finishing products, presented a live demo of its mobile industrial robots, which enhance infrastructure projects by “optimizing resources and maintaining operations,” and “supporting smart living in residential developments through automated services and sustainable solutions.”
Wijdan AlJahwri, operations manager, Ufnoon Gallery at the expo. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
Desert Board launched Palm Strand Boards, the world’s first sustainable three-meter, 60-minute fire-rated door core made from annual regenerated palm biomass.
The first Saudi Logistics Summit’s sessions explored industry priorities and discussed the significance of international partnerships and localizing manufacturing.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim, CEO of the Saudi Logistics Academy, highlighted the importance of the In-Kingdom Total Value Add program in supporting the expansion of the Kingdom’s logistics industry and helping Saudi Arabia climb ranks on World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index.
Visitors at Ufnoon Gallery at the expo. (AN photo by Rashid Hassan)
In another session, Ahmed Attia, group supply chain director of Zahrawi Group, said that investment in distribution efficiency will drive economic growth and enhance outcomes in the Kingdom.
The expo also features a talks program, Wood Hala Chats, where speakers lead awareness sessions focused on sustainability, digitization and automation in the woodworking industry.
Meanwhile, Ufnoon Gallery is showcasing art at the event.
Wijdan Al-Jahwri, operations manager at the gallery and a visual artist for more than 20 years, told Arab News: “Art is beauty. It speaks to all but with different nuances and that’s where the beauty lies.
“It is an expression of a human being’s creative mind, their feelings, imagination and personal emotions. I am happy that our gallery is drawing visitors at the expo.”
New report focuses on cultural sector sustainability in Saudi Arabia
Key developments, achievements and challenges highlighted
Updated 03 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture on Tuesday released its fifth annual report on the cultural situation in Saudi Arabia, titled “Sustainability in the Cultural Sector.”
This annual report for 2023 monitored the Saudi cultural movement for the past year, highlighting key developments, achievements and challenges.
It comprises six chapters: management and preservation; creativity and cultural production; knowledge and skills; cultural participation; creative economy; and sustainability in the cultural sector.
HIGHLIGHT
Sustainability in the cultural sector refers to efforts to protect cultural and natural heritage, enhance economic viability and expand cultural participation throughout society.
Sustainability in the cultural sector refers to efforts to protect cultural and natural heritage, enhance economic viability and expand cultural participation throughout society, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Since its first appeared in 2019, the report has monitored the cultural sector’s contribution to sustainable development goals in the economic, social and environmental dimensions.
The management and preservation chapter focuses on efforts to document and protect cultural and natural heritage.
The creativity and cultural production chapter evaluates levels of cultural production, including publishing, audiovisual arts, design, theater and performing arts, and tracks awards won locally and internationally.
The knowledge and skills chapter discusses developments in education and training in cultural fields, emphasizing the importance of cultural education.
The cultural participation chapter provides a multidimensional view of participation levels, highlighting individual behaviors and social engagement in non-profit cultural activities.
The creative economy chapter analyzes economic indicators in the sector, including labor statistics, business, tourism, spending and demand.
The sustainability chapter explores the relationship between the cultural sector and the environment, discussing sustainable practices in areas such as design, culinary arts and fashion.
Saudi economy minister meets Pakistan’s ambassador in Riyadh
They discussed cooperation, including avenues for strengthening economic ties
Updated 03 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim met with Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh, the embassy reported on X on Tuesday.
During the meeting, they discussed cooperation, including avenues for strengthening economic ties.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received Ambassador of Iraq to the Kingdom Safia Taleb Al-Suhail in Riyadh on Tuesday.
They discussed bilateral ties and other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry reported.
Saudi FM discusses developments in Palestinian territories with Algerian counterpart
Prince Faisal and Attaf discussed efforts made by Arab and Muslim countries aimed at ensuring the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people
Updated 03 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed developments in the Palestinian territories with his Algerian counterpart on Tuesday.
Prince Faisal and Ahmed Attaf also discussed efforts made by Arab and Muslim countries aimed at ensuring the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The ministers also discussed the importance of joint coordination to stop Israeli violations of international and humanitarian laws.
