Saudi Arabia Leads Globally in Water Safety Standards
Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in water safety and drowning prevention standards, following the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy. The achievement comes in the wake of the adoption of the National Policy for Drowning Prevention, which has led to a 17% reduction in drowning deaths across the Kingdom.
The policy was enacted through 12 integrated national initiatives developed by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. These initiatives align with broader preventive frameworks and strategic investments in national programs designed to enhance public health and safety. In addition to saving lives, the measures are estimated to have prevented over SAR 800 million in economic losses, underscoring the societal and financial impact of the country's water safety efforts.
Saudi Arabia's approach is grounded in both domestic legislation and international agreements, with best global practices adapted to reflect the Kingdom's specific environmental and geographic context. A key component of the strategy is the creation of a sustainable and effective national system for water safety.
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CairoScene
5 days ago
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Saudi Arabia Leads Globally in Water Safety Standards
Saudi Arabia's water safety initiatives have led to a 17% drop in drowning deaths and saved over SAR 800 million in economic burden, positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in prevention. Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in water safety and drowning prevention standards, following the implementation of a comprehensive national strategy. The achievement comes in the wake of the adoption of the National Policy for Drowning Prevention, which has led to a 17% reduction in drowning deaths across the Kingdom. The policy was enacted through 12 integrated national initiatives developed by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. These initiatives align with broader preventive frameworks and strategic investments in national programs designed to enhance public health and safety. In addition to saving lives, the measures are estimated to have prevented over SAR 800 million in economic losses, underscoring the societal and financial impact of the country's water safety efforts. Saudi Arabia's approach is grounded in both domestic legislation and international agreements, with best global practices adapted to reflect the Kingdom's specific environmental and geographic context. A key component of the strategy is the creation of a sustainable and effective national system for water safety.
Mid East Info
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Cenomi Retail announces the signing of a share purchase agreement between its founding shareholders and Al-Futtaim for the sale of 49.95% stake to Al-Futtaim
Al-Futtaim enters into a Share Purchase Agreement SPA to acquire 49.95% of Cenomi Retail from its founding shareholders namely, Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair, Abdul Majeed Abdulaziz Alhokair, Salman Abdulaziz Alhokair, Saudi FAS Holding Company, and FAS Real Estate Company. Shares are priced at SAR 44 each, valuing the transaction at more than SAR 2.5 billion. • Al-Futtaim and Cenomi Retail are currently negotiating, as part of the SPA completion conditions, entering into a shareholder loan agreement for the provision of an amount not less than SAR 1.3 billion shareholder loan upon completion of the transaction, to strengthen Cenomi Retail's balance sheet and fuel its growth ambitions. • Al-Futtaim, as a strategic investor, and a prominent private business group, brings strategic alignment, operational strength, and long-term confidence in Cenomi Retail's growth strategy. • This milestone of a foreign direct investment aims to reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a premier destination for global capital, while advancing Vision 2030 goals through private sector empowerment, scalable retail expansion, and digital transformation. Dubai, United Arab Emirates,July 2025: Cenomi Retail, Saudi Arabia's leading retail brand partner, today announced that its founding shareholders have signed a share purchase agreement (SPA) with Al-Futtaim, one of the region's most prominent and diversified private business groups. Pursuant to the SPA, Al-Futtaim will acquire a 49.95% stake in Cenomi Retail from the selling shareholders, namely, Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair, Abdul Majeed Abdulaziz Alhokair, Salman Abdulaziz Alhokair, Saudi FAS Holding Company, and FAS Real Estate Company. The shares are priced at SAR 44 each, valuing the transaction at more than SAR 2.5 billion. 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Al-Futtaim brings not only significant capital but also deep retail expertise, operational capabilities, and a strong track record of building successful consumer platforms across the region. The company believes this strategic collaboration will accelerate its ability to seize new opportunities and deliver long-term value to its shareholders. Al-Futtaim is one of the region's most established private business groups, with operations spanning automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and healthcare across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The group brings a proven track record in retail, including exclusive operations of leading Inditex brands like Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Bershka across key markets such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, as well as other retail operations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. Their global expertise and operational excellence will further enhance Cenomi Retail's platform and future growth trajectory. Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair, in his capacity as one of the selling shareholders of Cenomi Retail in the private transaction: 'This transaction marks a transformative milestone for Cenomi Retail and our shareholders. By deleveraging our balance sheet and establishing a stronger financial foundation, we are reinforcing long-term partnerships with stakeholders and positioning the company to deliver sustainable growth and enhanced shareholder value. The entry of Al-Futtaim as a strategic investor in the company will provide it with the investor's deep sector expertise, operational scale, and a shared long-term vision. Al-Futtaim's global retail footprint, financial strength, and presence in the Kingdom make them an ideal strategic investor. This strategic investment unlocks significant value for all stakeholders and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment.' 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Salim Fakhouri, Chief Executive Officer at Cenomi Retail: 'Today's announcement demonstrates that Cenomi Retail is firmly on the right strategic path towards our next phase of growth, focused on scalable, high-performing global brands that drive long-term value to our shareholders. Having Al-Futtaim as a strategic investor enables us to capitalize on their proven capabilities and further solidify our leadership in the retail sector and position us for sustainable growth and compelling shareholder returns.' Upon completion of the transaction, Al-Futtaim will work closely with Cenomi Retail's management and board to drive operational efficiencies, enhance customer offerings, and unlock significant value for all shareholders. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, including clearance from the General Authority for Competition in Saudi Arabia, and other contractual conditions. Further updates will be provided as the transaction progresses. 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Saudi Mining Exploration Companies Increase to 134 in 2025
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