King Abdullah district joins UN Global Compact to lead sustainability efforts in Kingdom
King Abdullah district joins UN Global Compact to lead sustainability efforts in Kingdom/node/2567420/saudi-arabia
King Abdullah district joins UN Global Compact to lead sustainability efforts in Kingdom
King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Co., KAFD DMC, has joined the UN Global Compact, marking a significant step toward promoting sustainable business practices in the region. (AN Photo)
King Abdullah district joins UN Global Compact to lead sustainability efforts in Kingdom
The announcement highlights the company’s commitment to aligning with the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative
By joining the UN Global Compact, KAFD pledges to integrate 10 principles covering human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption into its operations
Updated 14 August 2024
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Co., KAFD DMC, has joined the UN Global Compact, marking a significant step toward promoting sustainable business practices in the region.
The announcement, made at the KAFD Conference Center in Riyadh on Wednesday, highlights the company’s commitment to aligning with the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.
By joining the UN Global Compact, KAFD pledges to integrate 10 principles covering human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption into its operations, reinforcing its dedication to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Ibrahim Al-Helali, executive director of the UN Global Compact Network in Saudi Arabia, highlighted the importance of starting with a mindset shift toward sustainability.
“To start, begin by thinking about sustainability,” he said.
“Once businesses start thinking about it, they can explore how to develop these thoughts and ideas into strategic action plans for the future. KAFD is setting a powerful example for businesses across Saudi Arabia,” he added.
KAFD’s innovative design features, including energy-efficient buildings and the climate-controlled central wadi, demonstrate its commitment to sustainable solutions. More than 40 buildings in the district have achieved Silver and Gold LEED certifications, showcasing significant energy savings compared to conventional structures.
Gautam Sashittal, CEO of KAFD DMC, expressed pride in joining forces with the UNGC, saying: “By integrating UNGC principles into our corporate strategy, we aim to not only meet global sustainability standards, but also contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Riyadh and beyond.”
The announcement was part of KAFD’s “Spotlight Series,” which featured a panel discussion on “The Role of Business in Advancing Sustainable Development.” Key stakeholders, including representatives from PwC Middle East Network and GBCI, gathered to discuss collaborative approaches to achieving sustainable economic growth.
KAFD’s commitment to the UNGC is expected to inspire other businesses in Saudi Arabia to adopt similar sustainable practices, marking a significant milestone in the region’s journey toward a sustainable future.
Full steam ahead for Saudi Arabia’s aquaculture dream
Sector plays major role toward increasing seafood consumption rate, says official
Updated 1 min 12 sec ago
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: The Kingdom decided to introduce aquaculture more than 40 years ago, leading to the establishment of the National Fisheries Center. Since then, the sector has undergone significant development through international partnerships and collaborations, particularly with the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Aquaculture today plays a vital role in helping to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, diversifying national income sources, and transforming the sector into a genuine industry that contributes to the Kingdom’s food security.
Following its launch, the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program has enabled the Kingdom to build expertise, forming a solid foundation for achieving future goals.
Aquaculture is also encouraging growth and prosperity for coastal and rural areas, while preserving biodiversity and the environment. (Supplied/KAUST)
Abdul Majeed Al-Shehri, director of corporate communications and partnerships at the program, gave Arab News a look at the program and its developments.
He said: “We are working, through integration with other sectors, in food industries to improve production efficiency and add value to achieve self-sufficiency.
HIGHLIGHT
Aquaculture in Saudi Arabia is encouraging growth and prosperity for coastal and rural areas, while preserving biodiversity and the environment.
“This includes the establishment of Animal Protein City in the Jazan region, which aims to build emerging food clusters and develop logistical services for supply chains. In numbers, we have increased aquaculture production from 32,000 tonnes in 2016 to 120,000 tonnes in 2022.”
Aquaculture is also encouraging growth and prosperity for coastal and rural areas, while preserving biodiversity and the environment.
Aquaculture today plays a vital role in helping to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, including diversifying national income sources. (Supplied/KAUST)
According to an official statement, the sector has linked with other agricultural, medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, and contributed to the development of related industries such as seafood processing, feed production, and fishery-based manufacturing industries.
A diverse range of aquatic species have been introduced to suit the various geographic and climatic regions of the Kingdom, including Nile tilapia, carp, ornamental fish, and sturgeon in inland waters, and barramundi, marine tilapia, gilthead seabream, European seabass, and sea cucumber in marine ecosystems.
The introduction of rainbow trout has also seen encouraging success, alongside the implementation of modern technologies like closed systems in farming operations.
In numbers, we have increased aquaculture production from 32,000 tonnes in 2016 to 120,000 tonnes in 2022.
Abdul Majeed Al-Shehri, National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, corporate communications director
The aquaculture sector in Saudi Arabia produces over 140,000 tonnes annually, with a distribution of 25 percent from inland fish farms and 75 percent from marine water projects.
Several cultured products are exported, including shrimps, certain types of fish, ornamental fish, and sea cucumbers. Annually, 59,844 tonnes of fish and shrimps are exported, with a total value of SR1.1 billion ($293 million).
Aquaculture today plays a vital role in helping to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, including diversifying national income sources. (Supplied/KAUST)
Biosecurity monitoring programs have enhanced quality and safety standards, resulting in Saudi aquaculture products being sought by consumers in nearly 35 countries.
Countries importing shrimps from the Kingdom include Japan, China, the US, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Netherlands, South Africa, the EU countries, and Russia.
Al-Shehri said: “In the field of shrimp farming, we cultivate whiteleg shrimp. We also have an initiative for applied research to explore the introduction of several new species suitable for farming in the Kingdom, in collaboration with KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology).
“Additionally, we are working on cultivating several types of microalgae and have studied two species of seaweed.”
Alongside increasing the aquaculture sector’s contribution to food security and achieving self-sufficiency in seafood, Al-Shehri added: “We aim for the sector to play a major role in providing fresh and healthy seafood to the community, with leadership focused on improving quality of life and transitioning to healthier lifestyles.
“This includes increasing the seafood consumption rate to the global average of 18 percent by 2030.”
He added that the seafood consumption rate in the Kingdom had increased from 9 percent in 2016 to 13 percent in 2023.
The National Center for Fisheries Research in Jeddah, which was established in 1982, has played a pivotal role in advancing aquaculture research and development in Saudi Arabia.
The center has contributed to sharing its knowledge with the private sector to boost shrimp production projects, as well as cultivating marine tilapia in fully saline water and introducing barramundi to the Kingdom.
Collaborative studies with institutions like KAUST have been instrumental in assessing stocks of fish species and looking at critical habitats, guiding conservation efforts.
Inland aquaculture initiatives, such as the partnership with the Innovators Center at King Abdulaziz University, highlight the center’s dedication to exploring modern technologies and enhancing productivity in aquaculture systems.
Al-Shehri said: “We (have) launched the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, which includes an initiative to develop fishing ports. This initiative has worked on developing 16 fishing ports, intending to develop 28 more, bringing the total number of ports to 44 across various locations in the Kingdom. This initiative has reduced fishing effort by 40 percent.
“We (have) also conducted a study in collaboration with KAUST to assess the stocks of major fish species and critical fishery habitats.”
In addressing the challenge of aquatic diseases, the center has set a high standard for biosecurity and quality control in aquaculture projects.
Since its inception, the program has been highly effective in safeguarding aquaculture organisms from diseases. Currently, 95 percent of aquaculture projects in the Kingdom are certified under Best Aquaculture Practices.
The Fish Health and Safety Laboratory in Jeddah serves as the reference diagnostic laboratory for the World Organisation for Animal Health in the Middle East. The laboratory provides comprehensive diagnostic reports for companies and entities requiring aquatic health testing.
It recently earned the ISO/IEC 17025 certification for testing laboratories and has established a twinning program with the University of Arizona’s Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory.
Saudi Arabia earlier this year chaired the 36th session of the Committee on Fisheries in Rome, an international government forum at which members reviewed and discussed global fishery and aquaculture challenges.
Flamboyant flamingos, sand dunes attract visitors to Al-Asfar Lake
"The lake is known for its population of flamingos, which create a beautiful and charming vibe that visitors can enjoy at sunset"
Updated 1 min 22 sec ago
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Al-Asfar Lake, a vast landscape teeming with bird and wildlife, is an important site on the route of many migratory birds.
Owing to its beauty and natural landscape, the lake is frequented by hikers, tourists and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
The lake is known for its population of flamingos, which create a beautiful and charming vibe that visitors can enjoy at sunset. (SPA)
A tourist guide in the region, Deif Ahmed, told Arab News that Al-Asfar is one of the most important destinations for tourism in Al-Ahsa Governorate.
The lake dates back hundreds of years and has about 162 springs, he added. Al-Haql Spring, for example, produces about 80,000 liters of water per minute. Together with the Al-Khodoud Spring and others, fresh water moves into the Thmahlab River on its way to the lake.
Rolling sand dunes around Al-Asfar lake offer visitors an ideal vantage point to watch the sunset and wildlife. (SPA)
Ahmed said that the spring water was known to be sweet and fresh, and was once collected and used by locals.
Bedouins used to set up tents around the lake, he added. The green flats around the lake could be used to feed sheep and camels.
The lake dates back hundreds of years and has about 162 springs. (SPA)
In 1970, King Faisal ordered the establishment of a project to collect spring water pouring into the lake, to be used for palm irrigation in Al-Ahsa, Ahmed said.
The governorate had 11 million palm trees at the time.
The drainage and irrigation project guides water from the springs to palm trees and farmers in Al-Ahsa. The remaining water runs through agricultural drainage channels to Al-Asfar Lake.
Ahmed said that migratory birds stay around the lake because of the abundance of fish.
The lake is known for its population of flamingos, which create a beautiful and charming vibe that visitors can enjoy at sunset, he added.
Nearby, rolling sand dunes offer visitors an ideal vantage point to watch the sunset, Ahmed said.
Saudi dishes, local products promoted at Irth cafe
The initiative aims to foster culinary innovation and elevate Saudi cuisine locally and globally, while promoting collaboration between chefs and local producers
Updated 3 min 17 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Culinary Arts Commission has announced the launch of Irth Store and Cafe in Madinah, Jeddah and Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
The project supports local chefs by featuring Saudi dishes, while offering a platform for local producers to showcase and sell their products to a wider audience.
Irth will open in Madinah and Jeddah in mid-September, with the Riyadh branch set for October, the SPA added.
The initiative aims to foster culinary innovation and elevate Saudi cuisine locally and globally, while promoting collaboration between chefs and local producers.
The project is part of the commission’s vision to establish Saudi culinary culture and transform the Kingdom into a hub for exceptional culinary experiences.
The Culinary Arts Commission has worked since its establishment in 2020 to highlight Saudi cuisine at both local and international levels, making the Kingdom a leading gourmet destination.
They discussed the Saudi leadership’s interest in economic programs and projects that contribute to developing job opportunities in Qassim for Saudi men and women
Updated 46 sec ago
Arab News
BURAIDAH: Qassim Governor Prince Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud met with Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Qasabi in Buraidah on Monday.
During the meeting, they discussed the Saudi leadership’s interest in economic programs and projects that contribute to developing job opportunities in Qassim for Saudi men and women.
They also noted the ministry’s efforts to overcome challenges and implement projects that contribute to the region’s development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a post on X, Al-Qasabi wrote: “I also met with businessmen, businesswomen, and investors, and discussed their thoughts and challenges to facilitate procedures and develop various sectors.”
GCC strengthens ties with Russia, India, Brazil at Riyadh summit
Ministers meet to bolster cooperation and address regional challenges
Updated 09 September 2024
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: The 161st Ministerial Council meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council, chaired by Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and attended by GCC ministers of foreign affairs, was held in Riyadh on Monday.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the GCC held three separate ministerial meetings with Russia, India and Brazil to open new horizons for cooperation.
The seventh GCC-Russia strategic dialogue ministerial meeting was held with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the GCC-India meeting with Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and the GCC-Brazil meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji attended all the meetings.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi underlined that the joint ministerial meetings aim to strengthen strategic relations with countries and organizations.
Participants examined GCC-Russian relations and explored opportunities to strengthen and expand cooperation. They also discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis and the international community’s efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution and support initiatives aimed at ensuring global peace and security.
Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov speaks at the seventh GCC-Russia strategic dialogue ministerial meeting in Riyadh on Monday. (Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
The meeting emphasized the need for increased coordination on regional and international issues, as well as the importance of multilateral cooperation and stronger economic collaboration to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goals.
Albudaiwi underlined that the meeting is “a continuation of the considerable efforts made by both sides to strengthen friendly relations that fulfill their aspirations, particularly given that this dialogue serves as a permanent platform for discussion at the ministerial level, as it facilitates the exchange of views on key issues of mutual concern, including threats to regional and global security, as well as exploring ways to enhance cooperation in various fields to serve common interests.”
He also reaffirmed the GCC’s solidarity with the Palestinian people, demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to military operations by Israel’s occupying forces, and stressing the importance of ensuring access to all humanitarian and relief aid and essential needs for the residents of Gaza, alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.
During the first GCC-India meeting, Albudaiwi said that the relations between the GCC countries and India are historical and deep rooted, extending over several centuries and built on foundations of mutual trust and fruitful cooperation, stating that these relations continuously witness significant developments, reflecting the strong will of both parties to enhance the partnership in various fields.
The foreign ministers of GCC countries and India pose for a family photo at the GCC - India Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in Riyadh on Monday. (Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
The meeting covered a range of topics, including the joint action plan and ways of bolstering cooperation between the GCC and India. Discussions also focused on reinforcing bilateral and multilateral coordination to enhance international security and peace.
Albudaiwi said: “Today's meeting will contribute to strengthen the ties between us and open new horizons for joint cooperation, as we stand before a great opportunity to enhance collaboration in the various areas addressed in the memorandum of understanding and to implement the joint action plan that has been reached between the GCC and India for the period (2024-2028).”
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar said: “Our meeting today is not just an occasion to reflect on our achievements but an opportunity to chart an ambitious and far-reaching course for the future.
Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar speaks at a GCC-India meeting in Riyadh on Monday. (Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
“The relationship between India and the GCC is rooted in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and shared values. These bonds have grown stronger with time, evolving into partnerships that span economics, energy, defense, technology, education, people-to-people ties, and beyond,” the Indian minister said.
Jaishankar said that the framework to grow GCC-India cooperation details “the three Ps: people, prosperity, progress.” He said that close to nine million Indians live and work in the GCC. “Our interactions are key to driving prosperity in the GCC and in India.”
The Indian minister also emphasized that the GCC is a cornerstone of energy supply.
The meeting discussed several reports regarding the implementation of decisions made by the Supreme Council of the GCC during the 44th summit held in Doha in December 2023. The meeting also reviewed memoranda and reports submitted by the ministerial and technical committees and the GCC General Secretariat, as well as topics related to dialogues and strategic relations between GCC member states and various countries and global blocs.