How NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is championing Saudi Arabia’s clean energy transition

Special How NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is championing Saudi Arabia’s clean energy transition
Hydrogen production from renewable energy sources. (Shutterstock)
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Updated 01 October 2024
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How NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is championing Saudi Arabia’s clean energy transition

How NEOM Green Hydrogen Company is championing Saudi Arabia’s clean energy transition
  • NEOM is leading Saudi Arabia’s mission to become a top manufacturer and exporter of clean energy
  • The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, diversifying the Kingdom’s economy while cutting carbon emissions

RIYADH: As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, Saudi Arabia is making bold strides in green hydrogen production, positioning itself as a world leader in the manufacture and export of sustainable energy.

At the heart of this transformation is the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company, a key component of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s blueprint for diversifying its economy away from oil and achieving sustainability.

Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, has emerged as a critical solution in the fight against climate change.

Unlike gray or blue hydrogen, which are produced from natural gas and emit carbon dioxide or require carbon capture technologies, green hydrogen offers a zero-emissions alternative that can be used across various sectors, from transportation to manufacturing and energy storage.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s long-term energy strategy, NGHC is harnessing the country’s abundant wind and sunshine to produce green hydrogen on a massive scale.

The initiative will not only help Saudi Arabia reduce its domestic carbon footprint but also position the Kingdom as a major global supplier of green hydrogen, helping other countries reduce their emissions.




To ensure that its green hydrogen plant is carbon-free, NGHC produces hydrogen only from solar and wind, said CEO Wesam Al-Ghamdi. (Shutterstock photo)

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Wesam Al-Ghamdi, CEO of NGHC, described how NGHC’s and the project’s focus on green hydrogen is aligned with the broader objectives of Vision 2030.

“We are proud to say that our vision is driven by Vision 2030,” he said. “Our product, our green ammonia, will be saving the world 5 million tonnes of carbon emissions.”

NGHC is set to be a cornerstone in Saudi Arabia’s green energy ambitions, producing up to 600 tonnes of green hydrogen daily using renewable energy from the vast solar and wind farms situated in NEOM — a futuristic city being built in northwest Saudi Arabia. 




Wesam Al-Ghamdi, CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Company. (Supplied)

Indeed, NEOM’s geographic position, with optimal sunlight and wind conditions, makes it an ideal hub for green hydrogen production.

At the core of NGHC is its cutting-edge technology. 

According to Al-Ghamdi, this will enable us to scale production at the plant to effectively support global decarbonization efforts, even within traditionally hard-to-abate sectors.




Late last year, NEOM started receiving wind turbines to power its green hydrogen plant in Oxagon, a floating industrial city under development on the coast of the Red Sea. (NEOM photo)

Additionally, ENOWA’s Hydrogen Innovation and Development Center (HIDC), located at Oxagon features a project by NGHC and will focus on R&D, training and development and will ensure the Kingdom stays ahead of evolving green energy technologies.

Al-Ghamdi stressed the entire development was designed with environmental considerations in mind. “Since we started the development and the design phase, we have been building the plant to be environmentally friendly,” he said.

While some critics argue that large-scale hydrogen production could inadvertently create environmental challenges, NGHC’s leadership emphasizes the sustainable nature of the operation

The company aims to produce hydrogen entirely through renewable energy sources, ensuring minimal environmental disruption.

“We are building the plant to be carbon-free. We are only producing hydrogen from solar and wind,” said Al-Ghamdi.

He further highlighted that environmental policies and procedures would remain central to the project as it evolved.




NEOM Green Hydrogen Company leaders on field visit. (Supplied)

“For the future, the keyword is reinforcement,” he said. “We build our policy, procedures and framework around starting the operations and continuing the operations to be environmentally friendly.”

NGHC’s ambitions extend far beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia. The project aims to position the Kingdom as a global leader in hydrogen production, while also creating thousands of new jobs and stimulating local economies.

These efforts reflect a broader global shift toward sustainable energy, offering a glimpse into the future of the hydrogen economy.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Green hydrogen releases zero carbon dioxide and its only byproduct is water, making it the cleanest hydrogen fuel.

• By 2030, half of Saudi Arabia’s power will come from renewable sources, including green hydrogen.

• Saudi Arabia plans to invest more than $200 billion in renewable energy by 2030, boosting green hydrogen initiatives.

International collaboration is seen as a key factor in the project’s success. By working closely with leading global industry partners, ACWA Power, Air Products, and NEOM, NGHC is ensuring it remains at the forefront of green hydrogen production.

Such partnerships are crucial for knowledge-sharing and innovation in the hydrogen sector. 

“ACWA Power and their experience, deep knowledge, and renewable power continues to be a source for us,” said Al-Ghamdi.




NEOM Green Hydrogen Company recently partnered with the Energy & Water Academy to train Saudi Arabia’s future green energy workforce. (NEOM photo)

For Saudi Arabia, green hydrogen is more than just a tool for reducing emissions — it is a critical element of its Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

“Saudi Arabia especially, the major countries of the G20, the decarbonizing and net-zero targets, are telling us that there is nowhere to go but to decarbonize,” said Al-Ghamdi.

“No one doubts that hydrogen is the fuel of the future.”
 

 


Saudi Arabia, IMF host roundtable on supporting conflict-affected Middle East economies

Saudi Arabia, IMF host roundtable on supporting conflict-affected Middle East economies
Updated 17 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia, IMF host roundtable on supporting conflict-affected Middle East economies

Saudi Arabia, IMF host roundtable on supporting conflict-affected Middle East economies
  • Focus on Syria as meeting calls for international cooperation in supporting devastated populations
  • Finance leaders highlight wider regional consequences of prolonged instability

ALULA: Saudi Arabia’s Finance Ministry and the International Monetary Fund co-hosted on Sunday a high-level roundtable aimed at addressing economic recovery in conflict-affected countries in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Syrian Arab Republic. 

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the inaugural AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, brought together regional finance ministers, the Syrian foreign minister, the managing director of operations at the World Bank Group, and representatives from international financial institutions and the Arab Coordination Group.

Following the discussion, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan issued a joint statement emphasizing the significance of international cooperation in rebuilding economies devastated by conflict, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They stressed the urgency of addressing humanitarian needs and facilitating a durable recovery, underscoring the commitment of participating nations and institutions to pool their expertise and resources to support affected populations, SPA added.

Participants highlighted the wider regional consequences of prolonged instability, reinforcing the need for coordinated recovery efforts. Syria remained a focal point of the discussions.

As part of a collective strategy, attendees identified three priorities for supporting conflict-affected economies.

First, they agreed on the necessity of a continuous diagnostic process to assess each country’s unique challenges, humanitarian requirements, and reconstruction needs. This would include evaluating gaps in institutional frameworks, economic policies, and financial resources.

Second, they underscored the importance of enhanced capacity development, with an emphasis on scaling up IMF and World Bank initiatives to strengthen key institutions, particularly in fiscal, monetary, and banking sectors.

Lastly, they emphasized the mobilization of financial assistance from the global community, stressing the importance of securing coordinated support from international and regional development partners for reconstruction and humanitarian programs.

The IMF, World Bank, and Arab Coordination Group reaffirmed their commitment to working together within their respective mandates to facilitate economic recovery efforts in the region.

To enhance these efforts, they agreed to establish an informal coordination group that will oversee ongoing initiatives. Further discussions are scheduled to take place at the upcoming IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings, set to be held in Washington, from April 25-27.

The meeting saw participation from regional governments, international financial institutions, and high-level Syrian representatives, marking a significant step toward a collaborative and sustained approach to economic recovery in the Middle East.


SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
Updated 17 February 2025
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SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
  • Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible

ALKHOBAR: If you were in the right place at the right time, you might have caught a glimpse of something unexpected — a vehicle led by eight art experts, transformed into a roving exhibition, rolling across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.

This year’s edition, “SINDBAD: On the Road!,” is a mobile exhibition that challenges the traditional idea of gallery spaces. The collective modified an existing vehicle with a custom extension, allowing the team to exhibit, collect and connect with creative communities throughout the journey. They started in Jeddah, their home base, and made stops in Riyadh, Alkhobar and Bahrain before returning to Jeddah for a final showcase.

Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (Supplied)

The journey began with a pre-launch event in Jeddah on Feb. 5, featuring an open mic and pickup event at Wasl Art Space.

The road trip officially kicked off on Feb. 6, as the SINDBAD team set out for Riyadh. A car meet took place on Feb. 7, followed by a pickup and open mic at Lamaat and Beast House in JAX district on Feb. 8.

In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day. The vehicle wouldn’t fit for logistical reasons, so people had to climb the stairs to witness — and submit — art.

HIGHLIGHTS

• From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.

• In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day.

• The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.

The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.

Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats. (Supplied)

The adventure will return to Jeddah, where on Feb. 20 Naqsh Art Studio will host a final exhibition showcasing the collected works and research from the entirety of the trip.

But the journey won’t stop there. SINDBAD will also participate at the N.E.S.T. Book Launch in AlUla on March 13.

This year, the structure itself was a modular three-panel system, designed to collapse, adapt and cross boundaries — literally and figuratively. The journey wasn’t just about moving art; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. Each city hosted a mix of guerrilla-style pop-ups and community activations.

Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (AN photo)

This year, the team introduced SINDBAD Radio, an online platform featuring open-mic performances, artist submissions and curated music playlists to accompany the journey.

“Whenever somebody submits a work, they come and record a voice note explaining it,” Abdullah Al-Amoudi, a co-founder of the collective, told Arab News. “We put it on SINDBAD Radio, so when you tune in, you hear their story.” The radio station also broadcast live updates from the road, allowing audiences to follow along as the team made their way across the Kingdom.

SINDBAD Collective was founded in 2021 in Jeddah by a group of artists, designers, curators and researchers who wanted to create a more inclusive and experimental art platform.

The SINDBAD has been collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities since Feb. 6. (Supplied)

Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats.

“The space of SINDBAD is a space of discovery. It’s a space for learning. It’s a space to make mistakes,” said his sister Ahaad Al-Amoudi, a founding member of the collective. “We take most of the works that are submitted. We never say no to any work.”

Ahaad is an accomplished artist whose work addresses history and representation. She earned degrees in visual communication from Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah and a master’s degree in print from the Royal College of Art, London.

Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker. (Supplied)

In her research about Saudi Arabia’s ethnography, Ahaad’s photography, video and print installations are meant to reinterpret historical renditions of a reforming culture.

Ahaad and Abdullah’s mother, Effat Fadag, is an associate professor of fine arts at the University of Jeddah and a multidisciplinary artist — and the biggest champion of the group.

Abdullah is a designer and artist trained in film and landscape architecture, and the co-founder of THIRD SPACE* Studio. Together, they form the core of the collective.

They chose the name SINDBAD because of its deep cultural resonance. “Everybody has a different memory of who Sindbad is, but he’s always journeying,” Ahaad explained. “That’s why we thought he fit really well. He’s young, he’s fresh, he’s journeying.”

For the SINDBAD team, this year was all about community-building. “There’s so much happening in Riyadh, in Bahrain, in Jeddah,” Ahaad said. “We wanted to create a bond where we’re coming to you in Alkhobar, but you’re also coming to us.”

The idea of an open, evolving exhibition resonated deeply with people.

“We got to Alkhobar, and we thought — Bahrain is close enough, right?” Ahaad recalled. “We can cross the border. We can take this even further.”

As they traveled, something unexpected happened: Artists started pulling out artworks from their pockets. “They would see the truck open, see the artworks inside, and then literally take pieces out of their pockets and hand them to us,” Abdullah said. “They were ready for it. Some would even go back home, grab their artworks, and return.” The trip became a testament to artistic spontaneity and inclusivity.

“A lot of young artists feel like they have to apply to an open call, that they have to be at a certain level,” the siblings said. “We’re trying to break that barrier. We want them to feel safe, to feel like they can showcase their work, even if it’s a work in progress or something they made years ago. It’s time for them to take that step.”

Since Feb. 6, the SINDBAD team has been on the road, collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities.

Abdullah, who drove the entire 15-hour stretch from Riyadh to Alkhobar, described it as part of the fun. “I enjoy it a lot,” he said. “We have a radio station this year with SINDBAD Radio. It’s curated, and we go live on Instagram. People can tune in and listen as we drive — ‘We’re coming, we’re passing through this city, we’re on our way to that city.’”

With each stop, SINDBAD brought new voices into the fold, proving that art isn’t confined to galleries — it’s everywhere.

Beyond the Al-Amoudi family, SINDBAD Collective includes a diverse group of artists and researchers.

Mohsin Ali is an architectural researcher and curator exploring post-colonial migration and decolonial processes through architecture. He is currently an assistant curator at Art Jameel.

Damon James Owen is a multidisciplinary artist and educator working in printmaking, publishing, and experimental media.

Manar Eissa is a graphic designer and illustrator whose nature-inspired art reflects her passion for storytelling.

Yasser Al-Zahrani is a production manager and art director specializing in Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene.

Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker.

Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible. And if you missed them this time, keep your eyes on the road. You never know when SINDBAD might roll through your city next.

 


Deputy foreign minister meets Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 16 February 2025
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Deputy foreign minister meets Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • The two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji met with Ambassador of Russia to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation, as well as other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of New Zealand to the Kingdom Charles Kingston on Sunday in Riyadh, where they engaged in cordial talks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

 

 


Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference

Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference
Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference

Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference
  • Al-Jubeir said land safety is essential for achieving security and stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification in partnership with the UN

MUNICH: The Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir took part in a key dialogue session on land reclamation and security at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday.

The session, organized in collaboration with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the Adelphi Research Foundation, addressed the link between land preservation and global stability.

Al-Jubeir said land safety is essential for achieving security and stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification in partnership with the UN.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s leadership at COP16, which focused on the negative repercussions of land degradation and the need for sustainable solutions.

Al-Jubeir outlined Saudi Arabia’s local, regional, and international initiatives aimed at protecting land and addressing desertification.

He also called for strong international cooperation to tackle the cross-border challenges posed by land degradation and urged global policymakers to implement effective strategies to safeguard both the environment and security.


Saudi crown prince discusses regional developments with French President Macron

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi crown prince discusses regional developments with French President Macron

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • During the call, areas of joint cooperation and regional and international developments were discussed

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, areas of joint cooperation and ways to enhance them were reviewed, and regional and international developments were discussed. 

The two officials also exchanged views on the latest developments and efforts made toward them to achieve security and stability.