Who’s Who: Saad Al-Bazei, chairman of the Golden Pen Award for Most Influential Literature
Updated 06 August 2024
Arab News
Saad Al-Bazei is an academic and literary figure who was recently appointed chairman of the Golden Pen Award for Most Influential Literature by Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority.
The prize, offering a total of $750,000 across multiple categories, aims to recognize fictional Arabic works with potential for film adaptation, as well as original screenplays.
An emeritus professor of English language and literature at King Saud University’s faculty of arts, Al-Bazei brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
His career includes academia and public service, and he has served on the board of directors of the Ministry of Culture’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission since July 2020.
Al-Bazei has enjoyed a distinguished career in the cultural and media sectors. Notable roles include serving as the secretary-general of the King Khalid Award, president of the Literary Club in Riyadh, and editor-in-chief of the periodical publication, Hukul.
He was also editor-in-chief for both the Global Arab Encyclopedia and Tawbad Magazine at the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts between 1997 and 1998.
Furthermore, Al-Bazei contributed his expertise as general supervisor of the Riyadh Daily newspaper between 1986 and 1988 and as an adviser to the Ministry of Higher Education from 1985-1986.
He has held numerous positions at King Saud University and became a professor in 1998. He served as head of the English language and literature department from 1993-1997 and was promoted to associate professor in 1991.
In addition to his academic roles, Al-Bazei was a founding member of the editorial boards of Qawafel Magazine and Al-Nass Al-Jadid. In 2009 he joined the Saudi Shoura Council and served as a member of the advisory body of the Saudi Ministry of Culture from 2003 to 2005. He is also a member of the Modern Language Association in the US.
Al-Bazei is a prolific writer, having authored numerous books and critical literary studies. His work includes “The Jewish Component in Western Civilization.”
He has published several scientific and literary research papers and reviews in international peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, Al-Bazei is an accomplished translator with seven books in various cultural areas.
Al-Bazei graduated from King Saud University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in English and earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. in English and American literature from Purdue University in 1978 and 1983 respectively.
US consul general praises plan to link Iraq and GCC electricity grids at international forum
The new connection aims to help Iraq, particularly the southern part, reduce its dependency on more expensive power sources and imports from Iran
Updated 28 October 2024
Jasmine Bager
DAMMAM: The US consul general in Dhahran on Sunday praised a plan to link the electricity grids of the GCC and Iraq.
In an interview with Arab News, James Sindle said the plan to link Iraq’s grid with that of the GCC “is a vital step toward greater regional interdependence.”
“It will not only provide critical power to the Iraqi people but also pave the way for deeper economic cooperation in the years to come.”
He said that the US fully supports the plan to link the Gulf’s electricity grids and integrate renewable energy.
Sindle went on to say: “As President Biden emphasized during the April 2023 Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, addressing the climate crisis requires ambitious efforts, including reducing emissions and investing in multilateral solutions. The United States is proud to support these global efforts through contributions to the Green Climate Fund and other initiatives aimed at empowering developing countries to take climate action.”
The groundbreaking project, which the GCC Interconnection Authority launched, is scheduled for completion by late 2024.
The new connection aims to help Iraq, particularly the southern part, reduce its dependency on more expensive power sources and imports from Iran. This move is also aimed at bolstering energy security and stability across the region. This initiative is the first time the GCC has extended its grid connections beyond GCC member states.
Sindle’s comments came during a two-day international forum held at the Kempinski Al-Othman Hotel, titled: “Powering the Future Toward Net Zero.”
The event was organized by the GCCIA, in collaboration with the Electric Power Research Institute, GO15 (the association of Very Large Power Grid Operators) and the Association of the Mediterranean Transmission System Operators.
Yaqub Al Kiyumi, vice chairman of GCCIA, concurred with what Sindle said by stating: “Achieving carbon neutrality is no longer a local goal; it has become a global plan.”
The forum’s agenda featured discussions on a “Futuristic Visionary Perspective on Energy Transition,” guided by distinguished speakers. Session one centered on power sector policies from around the world for achieving net-zero objectives. The second panel focused on accelerating decarbonization.
Governor of the Eastern Province Prince Saud bin Nayef inaugurated and attended the forum.
Speaking about the event, Ahmed Al Ebrahim, CEO of GCCIA, underscored the organization’s commitment to advancing regional and global energy collaboration by saying: “At GCCIA, we are dedicated to enabling the Gulf region’s energy transition through stronger interconnections, efficient power trading, and regional cooperation.
“This forum represents a vital opportunity to unite global thought leaders and decision-makers in shaping the energy strategies of tomorrow,” he added. “Our work towards a resilient and sustainable energy future continues to be at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to engaging with key stakeholders to drive the transformation needed to achieve net-zero targets.”
Leaders and innovators from the Gulf — and beyond — came together for the event to collaborate on mutually ambitious goals to drive sustainable energy, reduce carbon footprints and build a resilient, greener future for generations to come. The event was live-streamed and will be available for viewing on the GCCIA social media platforms.
“EPRI is honored to collaborate with GCCIA, GO15, and Med-TSO in this critical dialogue on transitioning to a sustainable energy future,” said EPRI’s CEO and president, Arshad Mansoor. “Through our research and global partnerships, we continue to support the energy industry in addressing the challenges of flexibility and reliability as we work together to achieve economy-wide net-zero targets.”
During his keynote speech, Mansoor addressed the global energy landscape and the role of strategic collaboration in advancing net-zero goals.
EPRI also led various sessions, including discussions on the technical foundations necessary for the energy transition and insights into optimizing the grid to support a resilient and affordable net-zero future.
Neva Espinoza, EPRI’s senior vice president of energy supply and low-carbon resources and chief generation officer, moderated sessions focused on power sector strategies to achieve net-zero and accelerate decarbonization through global collaboration and innovation. Those sessions aimed to provide actionable insights on balancing affordability, resilience and sustainability, particularly as the energy sector integrates more renewable resources and introduces advanced generation technologies.
The second day will shift focus to the “Essential Technical Pillars of Energy Transition.” Discussions will address the complexities of variability challenges, solutions for enhancing flexibility, the influence of market reforms, and strategies for grid planning and operations, with an emphasis on the critical role of technology. To see the full schedule, visit the website.
Experts explore architecture’s societal impact in Saudi Arabia’s Baha
Updated 27 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Architecture and Design Commission recently hosted a meeting in its Architecture and Design Cafe series which focused on the King Salman Charter for Architecture and Urbanism and its societal impact.
The event gathered experts to discuss architecture’s role in shaping communities and promoting well-being, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
Held at Al-Zitona Farm in Baha, the event aimed to enrich the community by sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, and supporting national talents in architecture and design.
Discussions centered on the charter’s societal impact, emphasizing six core values: authenticity, continuity, human-centricity, livability, innovation, and sustainability.
Each value was explored for its relevance to design principles that architects and urban planners should uphold, the SPA added.
The series serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing among academics, specialists, practitioners and students in architecture and design.
Received by Governor of the Riyadh Region Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz
Updated 27 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The president of Senegal and the king of Bhutan arrived separately in Riyadh on Sunday evening, Saudi Press Agency reported.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck arrived in the Kingdom’s capital ahead of the Future Investment Initiative forum which will take place from October 29 -31.
Artificial intelligence and new technologies will top the agenda when the FII holds its eighth conference, the CEO of the FII Institute Richard Attias told Arab News recently.
Frankly Speaking: What to expect from this year’s FII?
Richard Attias says Oct. 29-31 conference in Riyadh will focus on AI and tech, reflecting their growing influence across industries
Veteran events producer says Saudi Arabia’s strategic location has been key to the Future Investment Initiative’s success
Updated 27 October 2024
Arab News
DUBAI: Artificial intelligence and new technologies will top the agenda when the Future Investment Initiative (FII) holds its eighth conference in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, from Oct. 29 to 31, CEO of the FII Institute Richard Attias has said.
Dubbed “Davos in the Desert,” FII is a platform where global leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and policymakers gather to shape the future of industries, governance, and humanity.
While the annual conference has historically drawn participants from the financial sector, Attias told the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking” this week that this year’s gathering marks a significant shift toward tech-driven industries.
“At the beginning of FII, the majority of our participants and delegates were coming from the financial sector, from sovereign wealth funds, private equities, and I would say the key ‘old economy’ industries,” said Attias.
“This year, we are extremely happy to see that we have more and more people coming from the tech industries, including AI, because AI is everywhere, and AI is now. And AI is disrupting almost all industries and all sectors.”
This focus on AI reflects broader global trends. With industries from healthcare to entertainment being transformed by new technologies, Attias says FII seeks to bring together tech innovators and established global players to explore the potential of these innovations.
“If you ask me what I want the legacy of the FI Institute to be, it is to be really an inclusive platform, a bridge between global CEOs from the traditional economies and young entrepreneurs,” he said.
Attias has developed and produced more than 2,000 events over a career spanning 30 years, including the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting at Davos, the Clinton Global Initiative, Nobel Laureates Conferences, the New York Forum, and the UNESCO NGO Forum.
When FII first got off the ground in 2017, it was met with skepticism in some quarters. Many questioned whether the world needed another forum for business and political leaders, and there were doubts about Saudi Arabia’s ability to pull off such an ambitious event.
FII CEO Richard Attias told the Arab News current affairs program “Frankly Speaking” this week that this year’s gathering marks a significant shift toward tech-driven industries. (AN Photo)
However, FII has not only survived but thrived. In the past seven yers, the conference has facilitated deals worth $128 billion — an indication, perhaps, that FII is far more than just a networking opportunity.
“I don’t want to be too pretentious, but I think we don’t see any more skeptical people,” said Attias. “When people come back and come back every year, this is the answer. Because global CEOs don’t have time to lose. Time is money for them.”
He added: “People are coming back because they find great content, they are inspired, they realize that these platforms, such as FII, are calls to action. They also make deals. It’s not just about networking. It’s really making deals.”
Another indicator of its success is how it bounced back from the lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed on such events during the coronavirus pandemic.
“COVID-19 has proven that in-person meetings are absolutely crucial,” said Attias. “And despite the virtue of the hybrid formulas of conferences, people are coming back again and in even bigger numbers.”
Attias believes the choice of Saudi Arabia as the host country for FII has been integral to its success, with the Kingdom’s strategic location making it a natural meeting point for the world’s economic centers of gravity.
“Saudi Arabia is definitely a global hub today, and it is, I would say, a catalyst between north and south and west and east,” he said. “It is extremely well located if you look at the world map.”
Attias highlighted the forum’s role in fostering discussions between key global powers. “We see great conversations between Chinese and Americans,” which is significant given the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
FII Institute CEO Richard Attias speaks at a press conference in Riyadh on Tuesday to announce details about the eighth edition of FII. (AN Photo)
More than that, Attias views Saudi Arabia as a prime example of a nation that is investing and adopting innovation to power its economic transformation.
“Beyond FII, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is definitely now a place where global conversations are happening on multiple industries, on mining, on the future of aviation, on the future of logistics, on the future of technology, and so forth,” he said.
“You have an amazing program, a vision called Vision 2030. And if people read Vision 2030 very well, they understand that this country is in full transformation, creating amazing sectors, which are contributing to the diversification of the economy.
“And the Kingdom is moving from being an oil-producer economy to a very diverse economy. So all these platforms are becoming the global conversations on all these sectors which are supporting the diversification of the economy. And this is how Saudi leads.
“And people are very happy to come here. It reminds me of what happened in China 20-plus years ago when China moved from almost a country which was one single economy to an open global economy.”
With attendees flying into Riyadh from across the globe, FII appears to have emerged as a truly international platform.
“This year, despite the fact that for many people you need to become a member of the organization, of the FI Institute, we are approaching a number of 8,000 global CEOs, C-suites, entrepreneurs, and public figures,” said Attias.
This diverse representation ensures that the discussions at FII are rich with insights from various perspectives, industries, and regions. “It’s a real global conversation,” said Attias, with 30 percent of attendees coming from the US, 20 percent from Europe, and 20 percent from Asia.
FII is committed to fostering positive change through effective solutions across various domains, including global connectivity, mining, AI, health-tech, sports, the other key areas. (AN Photo)
One of FII’s most critical contributions to global development is its emphasis on sustainable investment. From renewable energy to healthcare and affordable housing, FII aims to encourage investments that have a lasting impact on humanity.
“The way you measure a long-term impact is how investment, for example, in sustainable developments are happening, in renewable energy, in sustainable agriculture, in green infrastructure,” said Attias.
The forum has pioneered a new ESG (environmental, social, and governance) framework, which Attias refers to as his ESG 2.0 framework. The new model is necessary because “the current one was not fair and was excluding emerging countries,” he said.
Attias believes the adoption of this new framework could unlock trillions in new investment for regions like Asia and Africa, helping to combat challenges like climate change and social inequality. “This has a direct impact on quality of life, which means impact on humanity,” he added.
FII’s influence is not confined to Riyadh. The initiative has expanded globally with satellite events in major cities like Miami, London, and Rio. Attias sees these events as essential to expanding FII’s global relevance.
“We decided to go also to our members’ regions, continents, and countries. This is why we will have an FII satellite event, what we call a FII priority summit, on each continent,” he said.
Attias believes FII is uniquely positioned to address some of the world’s most pressing issues. From inflation and climate change to digital transformation, the forum brings together “visionary thinkers, game changers, and innovators to discuss solutions,” he said.
Business leaders are particularly concerned about economic uncertainty, rising interest rates, and supply chain disruptions — issues that are top of mind for many attendees, said Attias.
But FII does not just focus on the challenges — it aims to inspire optimism. “People need to talk, people need to be inspired, people want to exchange ideas, and people want to be optimistic,” Attias said.
A partnership between Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District Management and Development Co. and the Future Investment Initiative Institute, launched last year, is set to drive the Saudi capital’s economic resilience and prosperity. (Supplied)
Indeed, he said the forum is committed to fostering collaboration and developing actionable solutions that can be implemented on a global scale.
“By having unexpected conversations, in total transparency, where people who are sometimes having separate visions, separate approaches, is helping to solve the problem,” said Attias. “And when people come with solutions and actions, definitely the question after is implementation.
“But we see more and more leaders now who are changing their mindset. They don’t want just to be visionary leaders or dreamers, to quote His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince (Mohammed bin Salman), he said this place is a place for dreamers and doers, talking about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“And I think this is what FII is about. FII is a global conversation where you see many dreamers who are doers.”
Despite the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and beyond, Attias says FII attendees remain focused on the positive role that investment and collaboration can play in creating stability.
“We saw that even last year, our conference was happening just after the dramatic Oct. 7, I would say, catastrophe,” he said. “I was expecting people to maybe pull out, not attend. It was the opposite, everybody came. And they wanted to have this conversation.”
He added: “They want to continue to be optimistic because they know that it’s only by building prosperity that you will bring peace. It’s only by investing in these regions that you will fight against terrorism. And it’s only by sending a message of optimism that you will show that our world is extremely resilient.
“And it’s also a message to politicians (that the) private sector will continue to do what we have to do for the benefit of our employees, for the benefit of our citizens, for the benefit of our countries.”
Attias remains confident the world will overcome its present challenges — as long as conversations like the annual FII event continue.
“Humanity is extremely resilient. Trust me,” he said. “We saw that after COVID-19, and this is why this global conversation is happening. I think ultimately, we will see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am convinced of that. And we will build and continue to build a sustainable world.”
