Saudi Arabia’s completed Qunfudah-Sabt Al-Jarah road project expected to improve traffic safety

Saudi Arabia’s completed Qunfudah-Sabt Al-Jarah road project expected to improve traffic safety
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The two-lane Qunfudah-Sabt al-Jarah road is 8 kilometers long and has three bridges. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s completed Qunfudah-Sabt Al-Jarah road project expected to improve traffic safety
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The two-lane Qunfudah-Sabt al-Jarah road is 8 kilometers long and has three bridges. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s completed Qunfudah-Sabt Al-Jarah road project expected to improve traffic safety
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The two-lane Qunfudah-Sabt al-Jarah road is 8 kilometers long and has three bridges. (SPA)
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Updated 08 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s completed Qunfudah-Sabt Al-Jarah road project expected to improve traffic safety

Saudi Arabia’s completed Qunfudah-Sabt Al-Jarah road project expected to improve traffic safety

RIYADH: The road development project connecting Saudi Arabia’s western regions of Makkah and Asir is now complete, the General Authority for Roads said in a report carried by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

The two-lane Qunfudah-Sabt Al-Jarah road is 8 kilometers long and has three bridges, according to the report.

The new concrete road is expected to reduce accidents caused by vehicles sidding into valleys during torrents, as well as increase road capacity and cut travel time between the two regions.

Engineers modified the path of the old Sabt Al-Jarah road to bypass flood channels, installed 100 guidance panels, 2,000 ground reflectors, 97,000 meters of painted road markings and vibration warning areas to improve safety, SPA reported.


The road to COP16: synergy among conventions paves the way for Riyadh

The road to COP16: synergy among conventions paves the way for Riyadh
Updated 40 sec ago
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The road to COP16: synergy among conventions paves the way for Riyadh

The road to COP16: synergy among conventions paves the way for Riyadh
  • Khaled Al-Abdulkader: Land degradation impacts agricultural systems, soil fertility, and climate stability
  • Al-Abdulkader: If you invest $1 in land restoration, the returns can reach up to $30

BAKU: As the world looks ahead to COP16 in Riyadh, a clear message is emerging from discussions at COP29 in Baku: addressing global challenges requires breaking down silos between conventions on land, climate, and biodiversity. These three pillars are deeply interconnected, and their integration is essential for building a sustainable future.

The importance of land degradation is a recurring theme, with experts pointing to its role as both a symptom and a driver of broader environmental crises.

Land degradation not only diminishes biodiversity but also reduces agricultural productivity and undermines climate resilience, leading to an estimated $10 trillion in annual economic losses, according to the Economics of Land Degradation Initiative.

COP16 aims to position land rehabilitation at the forefront of global environmental policy by emphasizing its cross-cutting role in achieving sustainable development goals.

The intersection of land, climate, and biodiversity

In an interview with Arab News, Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development, underlined the significance of restoring degraded lands as a cornerstone of integrated environmental action.

“Land degradation impacts agricultural systems, soil fertility, and climate stability. Restoring land not only enhances biodiversity and carbon sequestration but also offers significant economic benefits, creating opportunities for local communities,” he said.

Al-Abdulkader highlighted how Saudi Arabia is implementing initiatives that directly align with the objectives of the UN’s three major conventions: the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Projects such as mangrove restoration and ecosystem rehabilitation illustrate how land restoration can simultaneously support biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, and provide financial returns.

“If you invest $1 in land restoration, the returns can reach up to $30. This demonstrates how land-based solutions can address not only environmental challenges but also economic and social priorities,” he added.

Nature-based solutions: a transformative investment

A panel discussion at the Saudi Pavilion during COP29 also shed light on the potential of nature-based solutions in tackling land degradation and its associated impacts. These involve human interventions that emphasize existing facets of healthy ecosystems.

Astrid Schomaker, executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, stressed that sustainable land use and rethinking agricultural practices are critical. “Nature-based solutions, when implemented with societal and environmental safeguards, yield outstanding returns. They represent a transformative investment for both ecosystems and communities,” she remarked.

Schomaker called for agriculture to shift towards more sustainable practices, recognizing its dual role as a contributor to and a victim of environmental degradation. This aligns with the broader push for nature-based solutions that can mitigate climate change, conserve biodiversity, and ensure food security, all while fostering economic resilience.

Saudi Arabia’s role on the global stage

As the host of COP16 in December, Saudi Arabia is poised to bring innovative frameworks to the table. Al-Abdulkader noted that the Riyadh conference will feature groundbreaking initiatives, including the introduction of thematic days focused on land, agricultural systems, innovation, and people.

The Kingdom has already demonstrated its leadership through its commitment to restoring vegetation cover and promoting sustainable land use. Such efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental sustainability alongside economic diversification.

The need for global synergy

COP16 in Riyadh will serve as a platform to enhance collaboration across borders, ensuring that land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate action are addressed in tandem.

“We need to foster more synergy among the conventions,” Al-Abdulkader emphasized. “This includes not just technical cooperation but also mobilizing financial resources, improving institutional capacities, and ensuring that every stakeholder — from governments to local communities — is involved.”

The call for enhanced cooperation was echoed by Manual Pulgar-Vidal, former president of COP20, who emphasized the need for actionable targets that integrate the efforts of all three conventions. “The Riyadh conference will be an opportunity to launch a comprehensive action agenda that ensures land restoration remains a global priority,” he said.

The road ahead

With the road to COP16 now clearly mapped out, the focus is on uniting nations, organizations, and individuals to address the challenges of land degradation and its ripple effects. The discussions at COP29 have laid the groundwork for a future where land restoration is recognized not only as an environmental necessity but also as an economic opportunity.

The Riyadh conference promises to be a milestone in global environmental cooperation, with the potential to set new standards for integrating land, biodiversity, and climate objectives.


Saudi Arabia pursues new fuel technologies to decarbonize aviation

Saudi Arabia pursues new fuel technologies to decarbonize aviation
Updated 21 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia pursues new fuel technologies to decarbonize aviation

Saudi Arabia pursues new fuel technologies to decarbonize aviation
  • Mohammad Altayyar: The Kingdom is actively pursuing innovative technologies that will enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions
  • Altayyar: These initiatives not only support global climate goals but also establish the Kingdom as a leader in developing balanced, cleaner energy solutions

BAKU: Saudi Arabia is pursuing new technologies to improve fuel efficiency and decarbonize the aviation sector, an oil sustainability program spokesperson told Arab News.

Mohammad Altayyar, program director of the Saudi Ministry of Energy’s oil sustainability program, spoke to Arab News during the COP29 UN climate conference about the Kingdom’s efforts to improve sustainability in aviation.

He said: “Today we stand with an opportunity, an opportunity to contribute to the global efforts in addressing climate change.

“With the aviation sector contributing to 2 percent of global emissions, and with countries pursuing sustainable development, their travel demand continues to grow, and nations continue to work on meeting the climate challenge.”

Altayyar highlighted that discussions at COP29 exemplified the ministry’s collective commitment to tackling pressing issues through dialogue on advances in aviation fuels.

He further emphasized Saudi Arabia’s progress in the aviation sector, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.

“Saudi Arabia as a global key player in the global energy landscape making significant strides and pioneering the promotion of sustainable practices within the aviation sector, upholds the commitments of Vision 2030, which clearly outline an ambitious framework for its economic diversification and environmental stewardship.

“The Kingdom is actively pursuing innovative technologies that will enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, working toward long-term global objectives.

“These initiatives not only support global climate goals but also establish the Kingdom as a leader in developing balanced, cleaner energy solutions,” Altayyar said.

In other developments at COP29, the Saudi Ministry of Energy signed an executive program for cooperation in renewable energy with counterparts from three Asian nations: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The program emphasizes the formation of strategic partnerships to explore regional power grid interconnections powered by renewable energy. It also aims to boost the efficiency of energy infrastructure and integrate renewable projects into the national grids of the participating countries.

Additionally, the Ministry of Energy observed the signing of two strategic agreements between Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and various entities to advance renewable energy initiatives in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

The first agreement focused on collaboration with the Uzbek Ministry of Energy to develop battery energy storage systems with a capacity of up to 2 GWh, aimed at improving grid stability.

The second agreement was a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan’s oil company SOCAR and the UAE’s Masdar to develop offshore wind power projects in the Caspian Sea with a capacity of up to 3.5 GW.

In conjunction with the executive program, ACWA Power’s Khyzi Absheron wind power project in Azerbaijan, slated for a capacity of 240 MW, is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2026.


International Maritime Organization welcomes Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative

International Maritime Organization welcomes Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative
Updated 14 sec ago
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International Maritime Organization welcomes Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative

International Maritime Organization welcomes Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative
  • The Kingdom secured a place on the IMO’s 40-member council for 2024 and 2025

RIYADH: The International Maritime Organization accepted on Wednesday the credentials of Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez welcomed Kamal bin Mohammed Al-Junaidi to the organization during a meeting in London. The event was attended by the Saudi deputy transport minister, Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih.

The UK-based UN agency is the global maritime authority that sets international standards designed to ensure the safety and security of maritime transport. 

It also aims to reduce pollution from ships and implement initiatives that help preserve the marine environment and protect nature.

Saudi Arabia won a majority vote in December to become a member of the IMO’s 40-member council for 2024 and 2025.

Al-Junaidi will represent Saudi Arabia during IMO events, including the signing of maritime agreements, treaties, and codes.

He will highlight Riyadh’s efforts and plans to develop its maritime transport industry and international trade.

By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to handle 40 million containers a year, facilitate cargo-handling procedures and develop marine tourism through cruise ships and coastal transportation.

The representation at the IMO highlights the Kingdom’s strategic maritime location, including its coastline along the Red Sea through which 13 percent of global trade passes.


International sustainability accreditation for Buraidah Oasis

International sustainability accreditation for Buraidah Oasis
Updated 21 November 2024
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International sustainability accreditation for Buraidah Oasis

International sustainability accreditation for Buraidah Oasis
  • Buraidah Oasis’ carbon footprint report, certified by a German government board, revealed that it has zero emissions
  • Oasis is home to a million trees, surrounding a lake holding 86,000 cubic meters of treated water

RIYADH: Buraidah Oasis has received international accreditation for its water and carbon sustainability, reported Saudi Press Agency.

The site’s carbon footprint report, certified by a German government board, revealed it has zero emissions and serves as a giant reservoir that absorbs carbon from the atmosphere at a rate of 0.12 percent per year.

The certificate of accreditation was presented to National Water Company CEO Fuad Al-Sheikh Mubarak.

As the first anniversary since its launch approaches, a spokesperson for the National Water Company-sponsored project described the oasis as one of the Kingdom’s “most important projects related to environmental sustainability efforts.”

The Buraidah Oasis is home to a million trees, surrounding a lake holding 86,000 cubic meters of treated water produced from the National Water Company’s plant — part of its vision for sustainability and environmental regeneration.

Irrigated with recycled water from the treatment plant, the project forms part of the company’s contribution to the Saudi Green Initiative. 

A reem antelope sanctuary was recently opened in the oasis, with 15 antelopes recently released into the sanctuary which occupies an area of 50,000 square meters.

Earlier in October, Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, said that the biodiversity of the oasis was assessed regularly to determine the importance of releasing endangered species, including both resident and migratory animals.


Tuwaiq Academy becomes authorized Google Cloud training partner

Tuwaiq Academy becomes authorized Google Cloud training partner
Updated 21 November 2024
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Tuwaiq Academy becomes authorized Google Cloud training partner

Tuwaiq Academy becomes authorized Google Cloud training partner

RIYADH: The leading Saudi programming trainer Tuwaiq Academy has been selected as a Google Cloud Authorized Training Partner to introduce boot camps and programs featuring professional certifications.

A number of the academy’s staff members have received certification in instructing Google Cloud’s cloud computing technologies and services.

Google Cloud’s endorsement of Tuwaiq Academy highlights the institution’s adherence to worldwide standards in fostering expertise in cloud infrastructure, data science, machine learning and application development while providing professional certifications, said CEO of Tuwaiq Academy Abdulaziz Alhammadi.

These certifications include certified professional cloud architect, certified professional data engineer, certified professional cloud developer, certified professional cloud security engineer and certified professional machine learning engineer.

This milestone follows the staff’s acquisition of various professional certifications in teaching cutting-edge technologies across multiple cloud computing disciplines.

Alhammadi highlighted the academy’s dedication to forging partnerships with prominent global organizations to offer professional boot camps and programs within an environment equipped with the latest technologies.

The objective is to cultivate outstanding national talents capable of developing innovative solutions across diverse sectors.

Tuwaiq Academy stands out as the first of its kind to offer a multitude of boot camps and programs in partnership with leading global entities, benefiting more than 1,000 trainees daily, Alhammadi said.

Founded in 2019, it provides a range of training and educational courses in cybersecurity, programming and software development in a bid to position Saudi Arabia among the ranks of technologically advanced countries.

The academy employs a practical application-based learning methodology to remain current with modern technological advancements and align with job market demands.