Bahrain…Land of Peace

Abdullah Al Alami*

Dec 30, 2023

I write today about two important topics, King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, and the national and global excellence of the University of Bahrain.

What brought together representatives of different religions in Manama this week under one roof? I mean the Apostolic Vicariate of the Northern Arabian Peninsula, representatives of the Orthodox Churches, the Council of the Ten Commandments, the Baha'i Community, the head of the Hindu community, and representatives of other religions.

It is the event held by the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence in cooperation with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, under the title “Bahrain... Land of Peace”. Representatives of the various Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Sikh religions, in addition to the Baha'i Social Society, participated in the event.

Everyone here stood praying to make the Kingdom of Bahrain a land of love, and to promote the values ​​of coexistence, tolerance, and dialogue between religions, cultures, and civilizations.

It is the Declaration of the “Kingdom of Bahrain”... the international document to establish religious tolerance and peace.

The second topic is the University of Bahrain being ranked first in the Kingdom. We’re talking about global university rankings for sustainability for the year 2023, and 25th in the world, in education and research.

This is what I call “a great success story”, as the university is keen on sustainability in its strategic plans to improve the administrative, academic, and student affairs aspects. The university also seeks to continue its excellent research on energy, climate change, transportation, and waste management.

The university also excels in water management, scoring 90%, in rationalizing water consumption, recycling water, and combating water pollution on campus.

Thanks to the Finance and Economic Affairs Committee in the House of Representatives, for reviewing the record of violations in the oversight report for 2022-2023. Also, Bahrain’s gross domestic product increased by 2.5% in the third quarter, Bahrain’s non-oil economy grew by 4.5%, and Manama now leads the Gulf in combating money laundering, and is among the top ten in the world in information technology.

Happy New Year.

*Saudi writer

Saudi Arabia 2023... Look at the Positive Side

Abdullah Al Alami*

December 18, 2023

As we bid farewell to 2023, I summarize the important achievements in Saudi Arabia and upcoming projects.

Let me start with the five official mega-construction contracts, the value of which is expected to exceed $50 billion. The projects are Diriyah, NEOM, Qiddiya, the Red Sea destination, and Roshn.

As for training, employment, and education, the Human Resources Development Fund has concluded agreements with 5 governmental and private agencies. The objective is to train 50,000 male and female citizens in various developmental sectors in the labor market.

Three Saudi e-schools were established for Saudi students abroad, creating 172,000 jobs, and targeting 6 sectors to contribute to Vision 2030 objectives. In addition, artificial intelligence studies are being developed, and 433 male and female students have graduated from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the highest in its history.

Globally, Saudi Oil Company (Aramco) signed agreements to acquire a 40% stake in Pakistan Gas and Oil Company. More than 60 agreements were also signed with China, with a total value exceeding $26.5 billion, and a memorandum of understanding was signed with Korea to invest in machinery and equipment in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia attracted the attention of visitors to the Kingdom’s pavilion “Artigiano in Fiera” exhibition in Milan, Italy. Also, The Saudi Music Authority celebrated International Arabic Language Day, at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York, USA.

Lots were allocated for the Jubail and Yanbu Royal Commission at about 29.6 billion riyals ($7.89 billion). In addition, Saudi Arabia plans to host the International Mining Conference on January 9, as the mining sector revenues rise to one billion and 800 million Saudi Riyals.

Health services also have a share. Saudi Arabia established several hospitals in different regions with a total capacity of 1,100 beds. Three new health centers were also approved for critical radiation and nuclear accident injuries.

To achieve Riyadh’s goal of becoming a global center of financial technology, the number of companies operating in the Kingdom is expected to rise to 230 by 2025, and the percentage of digital transactions will increase to 70%. It is unsurprising that 10 Saudi banks are now ranked at the top of the 100 most powerful Arab banks.

Riyadh plans to raise its tourism share in the Gross Domestic Product to 289 billion riyals ($77 billion). The country established initiatives to attract 88 million tourists and provide 250,000 new jobs during the Riyadh exhibition “Expo 2030.”

Among the recent developments, the NEOM Board of Directors announced the development of packages in “Otamo”, “Leyja” and "Sirana" sites. In addition, “Qiddiya” will attract millions of visitors annually and provide 325,000 new job opportunities.

We seek to increase the number of Co-operative Societies to 467, raising their economic contribution to roughly 2.3 billion riyals, and adding 16 thousand jobs and 300 new services. In addition, credit facilities worth 8.8 billion riyals ($2.34 billion) and insurance coverage worth 6.8 billion riyals ($623.8 million) are currently being invested in the business sector.

Last words... Saudi Arabia was selected to chair the Financial Affairs Committee to provide support to the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan was selected as Chairman of the Committee.

Yes, the last couple of years may not have been too exciting...but let's look at the positive side of a promising future.

*Saudi Economist

Saudi Arabia’s expansion in Africa

 Saudi Arabia’s expansion in Africa

Abdullah Al Alami*

 

The relationship between Saudi Arabia and Africa is approaching a new phase of cooperation. Following the Saudi African summit a few days ago, the Saudi Development Fund signed 14 new loan agreements with 12 African countries, with a value exceeding two billion Saudi Riyals.

For years, Saudi Arabia has sought to secure its vital interests and the security of its borders, by building policies within a calm strategic environment to protect its vital interests. We are talking here about an extension of well-established relations with the Horn of Africa and the Nile Valley regions.

The Red Sea is a vital outlet for the security of the Arabian Peninsula and the west of the Kingdom. Consequently, it is in the interest of the Kingdom and Africa to develop their broad common economic and trade interests.

Saudi Arabia announced the signing of more than 50 agreements with African countries, with a noble goal; to achieve a solid partnership and a promising future for all parties. In addition, this partnership supports the Saudi role in Bab al-Mandab and the Gulf of Aden. This approach also strengthens the solidity of trade and oil partnership between Saudi Arabia and the African continent.

One of the indications of Saudi success in the African continent is the attendance of more than 1,000 specialists and academics, including Saudi, Arab, and African officials, investors of various nationalities, trade unions, and international organizations, at the Saudi-Arab-African Economic Conference.

Let me provide some examples of Arab African investment projects. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, the Saudi Minister of Energy, signed 5 memorandums of understanding in areas of energy, between Saudi Arabia and 5 African countries, namely Senegal, Rwanda, Chad, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.

Also, 14 new development loan agreements were signed between the Saudi Development Fund and 12 African countries, with a value exceeding two billion Saudi Riyals. In addition, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Riyadh and Cairo to establish a high-level financial dialogue between the two countries.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has expressed its willingness to pump more than $25 billion in new diversified investments in various sectors and to finance and secure $10 billion in exports in Africa.

This is not all, Saudi Arabia has provided more than $45 billion to support development and humanitarian projects in 54 African countries, in addition to more than $450 million in aid to 46 African countries.

Saudi Arabia is determined to develop cooperation with Africa. This includes new charitable projects and programs with a value exceeding one billion dollars over a period of 10 years.

 

*Saudi economist

What does Saudi Arabia have in common with China, Korea and Singapore?

Abdullah Al Alami

Recent developments in Saudi relations with China, South Korea, and Singapore have important implications.

The Saudi National Housing Company is completing a serious plan to attract Chinese companies to the local market to expand production lines. During the 10th Arab-Chinese Business Conference 2023, Riyadh and Beijing signed important agreements in the sectors of technology, renewable energy, agriculture, real estate, mining, and health care.

An agreement was also signed with the Chinese CITIC Construction Company, a leading firm among the 250 largest international construction companies, and considered a successful global contractor in the field of comprehensive engineering services.

As for relations with Korea, the South Korean Oil Company and Saudi Aramco signed a treaty to store oil and create a joint crude reserve amounting to 5.3 million barrels. An agreement was also signed between the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the Korean Hyundai Motor Company for a car manufacturing project in the Kingdom.

Another important development is the establishment of a partnership council between Riyadh and Seoul, and the signing of 52 memorandums of understanding for government and private agencies, including real estate, water, transportation, tourism, technology, infrastructure, cybersecurity, food, and medical products.

I will conclude with a summary of the agreement between Saudi Arabia and another important country; Singapore, where the relationship between the two countries has reached the level of a “strategic partnership” in defense and security. Among the recent developments, the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia (SAMA) concluded a cooperation agreement with the Monetary Authority of Singapore in financial technology, enhancing and facilitating the practice of activities in international markets.

The most active relationship is in energy, digital economy, logistics, electricity, petrochemicals, and the development of innovative technologies for the use of hydrocarbon resources.

Last word... Despite the continuing pressures and instability of the oil markets, Saudi Arabia continues to activate its efforts to cooperate with friendly countries and reliable financial organizations, to address the challenges facing the global economy in a way that serves all common interests.

* Saudi writer 

كل عام وأنتَ بخير يا وطني

عبدالله العلمي*

 

أحبك ياوطني بكل بقعة فيك

بجبالك ووديانك وشواطئك وبحارك وأراضيك

أحبك ياوطني في مكة المسجد الحرام حيث رفع ابراهيم عليه السلام قواعد البيت والكعبة

فقال الكون لبيك

أحب فيكِ يا مكة (المعلاة) و(المسفلة) و(الشبيكة) وكل بقعة نور طاهرة بيضاء الجبينْ

أحبك ياوطني في المدينة المنورة والمسجد النبوي الذي يحتضن قبر النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم الأمينْ

أحب فيكِ يايثرب الجبال والوديان والحرار

وتاريخ مدائن صالح ونسيم (قباء) و(العلا)...بساتين تسر الناظرينْ

أحبك ياوطني في الرياض قلب الجزيرة النابض على هضبة نجد الحصن الحصينْ

أحب فيكِ أيتها الرياض الهيفاء (وادي حنيفة) و(وادي البطحاء) و(البطينْ)

وكما أستقبلت وديانك يارياض الجزيرة مياه الامطار والسيول فسموكِ خضراء حجر حاضرة اليمامة

فأنت أيضاً يارياض اليوم تستقبلين الخير والبركات في مهرجانات الجنادرية

وعلى أبواب المصمك تروي ملاحم المحاربينْ

أحبِ فيك يانجد تاريخنا في الدرعية وملامح حي عرقة والعمارية

وقصور سلوى والأسوار والحصون والقلعتينْ

هنا سطر المؤسس عبد العزيز أسطورة التوحيد من (المليبيد)

فحقق بإذن الله النصر المبينْ

أحبك ياوطني في الشرقية في الدمام والخبر والقطيف

وكل شبر على ساحل الخليج مروراً بالخفجي ويبرينْ

أحبك ياجبل قارة الأحساء يا جبل الشبعان

تطل شامخاً على مشارف الهفوف ونخيلها المملودة وبيوتها الطينْ

أحبك ياالجبيل أيتها القرية المستلقية فوق أجمل شواطئ الخليج

والحاضنة لصناعة الوطن من الدار لقصر (دارينْ)

أحبك ياوطني في الظهران وراس تنورة وبقيق

حيث تكد سواعد الرجال وعقول النساء لضخ الخير من كل بئر وعينْ

أحب فيك ياوطني واحة القطيف أقدم مناطق الخليج عشقاً

تحكي قصص لعبة النطة والمحاذف وسبع الحجر والشعرور كما تحكي حضارات وثقافات آلاف السنينْ

أحب فيكِ سوق الخميس والعوامية وجزيرة تاروت

وقفت حجر عثرة من البرتغال إلى العثمانيينْ

ولي عشق في الشرقية في الدوحة والدانة القسيمة لا يوازيها عشق ولا تساويها محبة أو حنينْ

أحبك ياوطني في عسير ولم تكوني يوماً عسيرة

بل يسيرة المهدِ حلوة القوامِ كريمة الأصل حلوة الخدينْ

أستنشق في ربوعك ياعسير الجنوب نسيم قحطان وضيافة شهران وشهامة حطينْ

وبني عمر وبللحمر وبللسمر وبلقرن وآل عائض وشمران وأهلك الطيبينْ

أحبك ياوطني في نجران واحة المسافر العطشان

حيث نُقِشَ تاريخ الجنوب كله في أشجاركِ وصخوركِ في قرى (القابل)

و(السودا والحمر) وجبل (المسماة) وآثارمدينة (الأخدود) في كتب المؤرخينْ

وقفتِ يانجران ممشوقة القدِ رابطة الجأش أمام الغزاة المحتلينْ

حتى أتى الرومان بجيوشهم وأعتدوا على خديكِ الطاهرتين

فما نال منكِ يانجران جبروت قيصر أو غزو (معينْ)

أحبك يا وطني في الجوف وتبوك نبض المحبينْ

يا عمقنا الاستراتيجي في الشمال يابوابة الوطن أمام بلاد الشام والرافدينْ

إن كل مافيكِ من ثرواتٍ من معادن وكنوز الأرض هبة من رب العالمينْ

أحب فيكِ ياتبوك عبق شجر الزيتون كلما هبت نسمات هواؤك العليل

أحببت فيكِ ياتبوك كرم رجالك حماة الدينْ

أحب فيكِ أنوثة نسائك الخودِ فهن من زهور قطافك من الورد الجوري والأقحوان وقرنفل العاشقينْ

أحب فيك ياتبوك ولاؤك ينبض فخراً من قبائل بني عطيه والحويطات وشمر والشرارت

فصمودهم - يروي التاريخ - لا يلينْ

أحبك ياوطني في حائل يامفتاح الصحراء ياشموس البر

حين احتوت دروبك الطويلة قوافل التجار والمسافرينْ

أحبكِ ياعروس الشمال ياغيداء الأنسِ يامن شكلتِ (حائلاً)

في أوقات الغيث بين أجا وسلمى

يامن استيقظ من بين أحضانكِ حاتم الطائي أشهر العرب جوداً بل أكرم المحسنينْ

هنا قامت مدينة جبة وهناك روت الرحالة الانجليزية "الليدي آن بلنت"

قصة رحلتها الشهيرة في أعماق صحراء النفود تشهد لها الأيام والسنينْ

أحبك ياوطني في ينبع البحر يامدينة الـ 2500 عام مشى في دربك التجار من كل صوب

يحملون البهارات و البخور من اليمن السعيد إلى مصر وسواحل الأبيض المتوسط

كأنك حسناء دعجاء هجينْ

أحب فيكِ ياينبع العيص ومازلت أشم فيها قوافل وهوادج قريش في رحلتي الشتاء والصيف

تعج بالتجار والفرسان والمسافرينْ

أحبك ياوطني في الطائف اللدانة طافت على الماء كأصحاب الصريم

بنوا حائطاً حولكِ كعروس وضيئة تختال زهواً وفخراً فوق جبال الساحلينْ

أحب فيك ياوطني أبها البهية وبيوتها الطينية والحجرية

تقف شامخة منذ مئات السنينْ

أحب فيكِ يا أبها يامجدولة المطر

تحيط بكِ أشجار الخوخ والمشمش والبرشومي والرمان والتفاح والورد الطائفي

كخجل بتول من قبلة الوجنتينْ

أحبك ياوطني بدون أحزاب ولا تكتلات أو تحالفات ولا يسار أو يمينْ

هكذا أنت أجمل بدون وصاية من فلان أو فلان

يومنا الوطني هو يوم لنا كلنا بكل أطيافنا وألواننا نشعر فيه بالفرح وبهجة الآمنينْ

يومنا ليس يوم شعارات ثورية وقومية

بل يوم مبايعة نخلة رخاء وحكمة سيفينْ

 

*كاتب سعودي

The New Saudi-Bharati Era

Abdullah Al-Alami*

September 12, 2023

Saudi Arabia’s participation in the G20 summit in Bharat this week confirms Riyadh's political standing, its economic weight, and its international leadership role.

Riyadh succeeded in achieving impressive growth in non-oil activities, amounting to about 6.1%. This is yet new evidence of successful economic diversification policies and reducing dependence on oil.

This is how the Kingdom works to achieve progress in social, cultural, and technological fields, coinciding with the growth of oil and non-oil activities. The Kingdom’s real GDP is projected to rise by 1.9% in 2023 and 2.8% in 2024.

The Kingdom also succeeded in implementing its projects in a short time. Vision 2030 seeks to reduce dependence on oil and continue to achieve its goals, especially in health, education, research and innovation, food security, women’s empowerment, digital transformation, and environmental protection.

Other success stories include the decline in the unemployment rate among Saudis to 8%, which is the lowest ever recorded in Saudi Arabia. Work also continues with strong momentum to raise the market value of all non-oil-produced goods and services, to reach an average growth of 4.9% by 2023 while maintaining efficient spending.

My last words... The signing of a memorandum of understanding for huge projects between Bharat, the Middle East, and Europe to develop infrastructure will include modern railways and ports. Furthermore, the signing of 50 joint agreements between Saudi Arabia and Bharat in the fields of petrochemicals, renewable energy, agriculture, and industry, is worth $3.5 billion.

This is how Saudi Arabia and India successfully contribute to the stability of the global economy.

*Saudi writer

India Lands on the Moon

Abdullah Al Alami*

August 24, 2023

 

As the Indian spacecraft landed on the rugged, unexplored south pole of the moon on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, a new space power is born.

The Indian public already takes great pride in the accomplishments of the nation’s space program. This is truly an impressive progress made by India in the field of science and technology.

The control room in Bengaluru became a joyous scene among the engineers, scientists, and technicians of the Indian Space Research Organization. India is the first country to ever reach this part of the lunar surface, and only the fourth country ever to land on the moon after the United States, China, and Russia.

India is achieving scientific and technological progress. In addition, India has orbited the moon and Mars and routinely launches satellites above the Earth with far fewer financial resources than other space-faring nations.

What’s next? Chandrayaan-3 is expected to remain functional for two weeks, running a series of experiments including a spectrometer analysis of the mineral composition of the lunar surface. In 2 weeks, the sun will shine on the landing site and provide energy for the solar-powered lander and rover.

India and Saudi Arabia share centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties. The landmark visits of Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi to the Kingdom in 2016 and 2019 and the State visit of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to India in 2019 has marked a new era in bilateral relations. Saudi Arabia and India signed 11 MoUs in the fields of energy, security, defense production, civil aviation, medical products, strategic petroleum reserves, small and medium-scale industries, etc.

I am also proud that an Indian businessman pumped more than half a billion Saudi riyals to invest in the field of dates, palm trees, and their derivatives in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia.

Last Word. India had its eyes on worlds beyond the moon. India is planning to launch a mission called Aditya-L1 in early September to study the sun. A human space flight called Gaganyaan is also planned possibly by 2024.

 

*Saudi writer

Mohammed bin Salman at the Elysée Palace

Abdullah Alami*

June 18, 2023

 The visit of His Highness, the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to France occupies the front page in the international news bulletins. One of the most prominent signs of the success of the relationship between the two countries is the development of Saudi French projects. I mean specifically the SATORP refinery, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Total Energy, and the French company (EDF) for renewable energy, which heads the consortium for developing the wind farm project in the Dumat al-Jandal, and other partnerships in the logistical fields as well.

Education and medicine have an important place in the relationship between the two countries. There are one thousand four hundred Saudi students currently pursuing their studies in France, and three Saudi universities teach the French language. Also, hundreds of Saudi doctors were enrolled in training programs in France since 2006.

The number of French companies investing in the Kingdom increased from 259 in 2019 to 336 companies in 2022. As for the trade exchange between the Kingdom and France, its volume increased in 2021 to $7.155 billion.

The current meetings of the Saudi delegation in the French capital include bilateral economic, military, and cultural relations. The Saudi French talks also include several international files, most notably Lebanon, Iraq, and Sudan, in addition to exploring ways to end the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Here in Paris, the pace of economic investments between Riyadh and Paris is rising, and the two sides are discussing developing joint work and strengthening the strategic partnership to achieve the interests of the two countries. I specifically mean renewable energy projects such as solar and wind energy, cooperation in the field of clean hydrogen, and stabilizing global markets.

The outcome is positive, as the Kingdom ranked 53rd in the list of countries receiving French exports, with a value of $3.240 billion. This is not all, the two countries are also working to strengthen bilateral investment relations and build long-term partnerships between the private sectors in both the Kingdom and France. Among the successful evidence is the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the "Business France Program”, and the “Saudi Leadership of National Companies program”. This is how the two countries work to expand the scope of their relationship.

The fruitful cooperation between the two countries did not come out of nowhere. Both Saudi Arabia and France are committed to the principles of the “Framework Convention on Climate Change”, the exchange of strategic interests, as well as strengthening their partnership in the defense fields. The factors that bring together Riyadh and Paris also include the importance of resolving international disputes through diplomatic and peaceful means, adherence to the United Nations Charter, respect for the unity and sovereignty of states, and non-interference in their internal affairs.

Finally. Tomorrow, Monday, June 19, His Highness the Crown Prince will participate in Saudi Arabia's official reception for Riyadh's candidacy to host Expo 2030. The Elysée Palace was proactive in announcing its support for the candidacy file for the important international exhibition. His Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia will also lead the Kingdom's delegation participating in the "For a New Global Financial Pact" summit in Paris on June 22-23. Here, world leaders gather to discuss financing to fight poverty, and other climate and biological issues.

This is how Saudi Arabia became an active player in decision-making and positive international relations.

 

*Saudi writer

Mohammed ben Salmane au palais de l'Elysée

Abdullah Alami*

18 juin 2023

 

La visite de Son Altesse le prince héritier saoudien Mohammed ben Salmane en France occupe une des journaux internationaux. L'un des signes le plus marquant du succès de la relation entre les deux pays est le développement des projets franco saoudiens. Je veux dire plus précisément la raffinerie SATORP, une joint-venture entre Saudi Aramco et Total Energy, et la société française (EDF) pour les énergies renouvelables, qui dirige le consortium pour le développement du projet de parc éolien à Dumat al-Jandal, et d'autres partenariats dans les domaines logistiques également.

L'éducation et la médecine occupent une place importante dans les relations entre les deux pays. Il y a mille quatre cents étudiants saoudiens qui poursuivent actuellement leurs études en France, et trois universités saoudiennes enseignent la langue française. Aussi, des centaines de médecins saoudiens ont été inscrits dans les programmes de formation en France depuis 2006.

Le nombre d'entreprises françaises investissant dans le Royaume a passé de 259 en 2019 à 336 entreprises en 2022. Quant aux échanges commerciaux entre le Royaume et la France, leur volume a passé en 2021 à 7,155 milliards de dollars.

Les réunions actuelles de la délégation saoudienne dans la capitale française portent sur les relations économiques, militaires et culturelles bilatérales. Les pourparlers franco-saoudiens incluent également plusieurs dossiers internationaux, notamment le Liban, l'Irak et le Soudan, en plus d'explorer les moyens de mettre fin à la guerre russo-ukrainienne.

Ici à Paris, le rythme des investissements économiques entre Riyad et Paris s'accélère, et les deux parties discutent le développement d'un travail conjoint et du renforcement du partenariat stratégique pour réaliser les intérêts des deux pays. Je veux dire en particulier les projets d'énergie renouvelable tels que l'énergie solaire et éolienne, la coopération dans le domaine de l'hydrogène propre et la stabilisation des marchés mondiaux.

Le bilan est positif, puisque le Royaume se classe au 53e rang dans la liste des pays destinataires des exportations françaises, avec une valeur de 3,240 milliards de dollars. Ce n'est pas tout, mais les deux pays s'emploient également à renforcer les relations d'investissement bilatérales et à construire des partenariats à long terme entre les secteurs privés du Royaume et de la France. Parmi les preuves de succès, la signature d'un protocole d'accord entre le "Programme Business France" et le "Programme Saudi Leadership of National Companies". C'est ainsi que les deux pays travaillent à élargir le champ de leur relation.

La coopération fructueuse entre les deux pays n'est pas sortie de nulle part. L'Arabie saoudite et la France sont toutes deux attachées aux principes de la "Convention-cadre sur le changement climatique", à l'échange d'intérêts stratégiques, ainsi qu'au renforcement de leur partenariat dans les domaines de la défense. Les facteurs qui rapprochent Riyad et Paris incluent également l'importance de résoudre les différences internationaux par des moyens diplomatiques et pacifiques, l'adhésion à la Charte des Nations Unies, le respect de l'unité et de la souveraineté des États et la non-ingérence dans leurs affaires intérieures.

Enfin. Demain, lundi 19 juin, Son Altesse le Prince héritier participera à la réception officielle de l'Arabie saoudite pour la candidature de Riyad à l'accueil de l'Expo 2030. Le Palais de l'Elysée a été proactif en annonçant son soutien au dossier de candidature à l'importante exposition internationale. Son Altesse le Prince héritier d'Arabie saoudite conduira également la délégation du Royaume participant au sommet "Pour un nouveau pacte financier mondial" à Paris les 22 et 23 juin. Ici, les dirigeants mondiaux se réunissent pour discuter le financement de la lutte contre la pauvreté et d'autres problèmes climatiques et biologiques.

C'est ainsi que l'Arabie saoudite est devenue un acteur actif de la prise de décision et des relations internationales positives.

 

*écrivain saoudien

 مشاركتي في برنامح حديث الخليج

قناة الحرة

"غلاء المعيشة في دول الخليج"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWiLbtViQqA&t=334s

Saudi Arabia Continues to Diversify its Economy

Abdullah Al Alami*

May 10, 2023

The US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank announcements of interest rate hike, confirms that the inflation will remain high for a long time. The repetition of this scenario several times recently leads the way to tightening monetary measures throughout the world.

As for Saudi Arabia, it continues to diversify its economy, taking several factors into consideration. I specifically mean the growth of investment in new areas including non-oil sectors, the launch of huge infrastructure, introducing new tourism projects, and utilizing advanced technology in financial services.

Let me provide a couple of examples. Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha'at) announced 23 new initiatives as part of the 7 strategic programs. These initiatives include national transformation, financial sector sustainability, with concentration on human resources development.

This is not all, Riyadh announced its desire to retreat from dependence on oil. This is an important and positive path, as 90% of the state's revenues used to be generated from oil, but have recently dropped to 60%. In addition, the Saudi Gross Domestic Product (GDP) achieved the highest growth rate among the G20 countries, at 9.9% in 2022, and is expected to be the same in 2023.

Among other positive developments, the International Monetary Fund expected Saudi non-oil GDP growth to reach 4.9% in 2023 and 4.2% next year. This is a result of applying financial and economic policies and managing investment projects in a professional manner.

Saudi Arabia continues to implement its development projects in cooperation with international companies. I am specifically talking about 108 regional companies that have moved their headquarters to Riyadh during the past two years, including 26 American companies. This is a result of new promising opportunities and profitable partnership with the Saudi institutions.

 

*Saudi writer