Latest news with #Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Arab News
22-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi cabinet backs Syria reconstruction efforts, urges global action to end Gaza war and aid blockade
Ministry of culture highlights 2024 achievements in historic Jeddah JEDDAH: The Saudi Ministry of Culture has unveiled a series of landmark achievements in the revitalization of Historic Jeddah, illustrating continued progress under the directive of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Launched in 2021, the project plays a key role in the national strategy to preserve the Kingdom's heritage and enhance its cultural landscape, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. In 2024, the ministry successfully restored 27 historic buildings, rehabilitated an additional 10 structures, and supported the stabilization of 39 others, fortifying the district's unique architectural identity. As part of broader adaptive reuse efforts, the first three heritage hotels opened their doors, delivering luxury experiences steeped in authenticity. This is the beginning of an initiative to transform 34 heritage buildings into boutique accommodations that merge cultural heritage with modern hospitality. Important archaeological findings further enriched Jeddah's historical narrative. Excavations at the Othman bin Affan Mosque revealed Ceylonese wooden fragments on mihrab pillars dating back to the 1st century AH (7th century CE). Also, the discovery of a 13th-century pottery shard reaffirmed Jeddah's long-standing status as a pivotal maritime and commercial hub linking the Islamic world to the Far East. In a milestone of urban regeneration, the ministry completed Phase I of the Al-Arbaeen Lagoon waterfront project, which included the removal of obstructive infrastructure to reconnect the sea with the historic Al-Bunt Port. In parallel, 90,000 sq. meters of green space were developed, significantly enhancing the environmental and visual quality of the district. To enhance operational readiness, 110 pieces of equipment were used to service a six-sq. kilometer area. Historic Jeddah is also going through a surge in cultural engagement. The Red Sea International Film Festival was hosted at Culture Square for the first time, attracting local and international audiences. Simultaneously, the ministry inaugurated the teamLab Borderless Jeddah museum, spanning 10,000 sq. meters, and launched a Performing Arts and Cinema Centre, offering immersive experiences that bridge traditional heritage with contemporary expression. A significant step in skills development was marked by the opening of the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts, which promotes local craftsmanship and empowers Saudi youth to participate in cultural restoration. To integrate leisure with heritage, the ministry introduced Irth, a concept store and cafe that blends cultural offerings with a modern hospitality experience. In support of long-term sustainability, the ministry signed six strategic agreements aimed at bolstering investment and enhancing cultural infrastructure. A dedicated digital tourism platform was also launched to provide comprehensive access to landmarks, events, and visitor services in the district. In 2024, more than 140 educational trips were organized, engaging 2,100 students in immersive cultural experiences. To enrich visitor journeys, 500,000 copies of the official visitor map were distributed. These efforts contributed to a record-breaking 5.7 million visitors to Historic Jeddah over the year, including 2.5 million during Ramadan. As part of the Historic Jeddah Master Plan, the Ministry of Culture is committed to restoration, infrastructure enhancement, and improving livability. These endeavors aim to position the district as a global destination for cultural tourism and creative industries, reflecting the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 and celebrating the Kingdom's enduring cultural legacy.
Arab News
13-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia issues over 1,300 new industrial licenses in 2024: Ministry report
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has issued 1,346 new industrial licenses in 2024, attracting over SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) in new investments, a recent report revealed. Private sector investments in industrial cities and zones totaled SR1.9 trillion, and the number of licensed workers in the field was 1.09 million, with a 36 percent Saudization rate, the analysis by the Kingdom's Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources said. The new figures are consistent with the nation's efforts to transform its industrial sector to boost the number of factories to 36,000 by 2035, of which 4,000 will be fully automated. The goal is part of the Kingdom's strategy to foster a dynamic, innovation-driven industrial sector. They also align with data from January, when the country's industrial production index rose by 1.3 percent year-on-year, driven by ongoing growth in manufacturing and waste management, according to the General Authority for Statistics. Monthly, the index remained stable at 103.9, unchanged from December. 'We have all the capabilities to achieve a competitive and sustainable industrial economy, including ambitious young talent, a distinguished geographical location, rich natural resources, and leading national industrial companies,' the report said, citing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 'Through the National Industrial Strategy and in partnership with the private sector, the Kingdom will become a leading industrial power, contributing to securing global supply chains and exporting high-tech products to the world,' he added. The ministry has also developed 454 investment opportunities worth SR143 billion, which are linked to the industrial sectors targeted in the National Industrial Strategy. The report shed light on how Saudi Arabia has achieved a global ranking of 33 in the Competitive Industrial Production Index. 'This progress reflects the Kingdom's significant efforts to strengthen its industrial sector as part of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. This achievement also represents an advance of two places from the target, which is 35th place globally,' the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Alkhorayef, said. 'These visions and objectives set forth major ambitions to align with the Kingdom's position as an influential regional power within the G20 group and achieve Saudi Arabia 2030, which envisions the Kingdom as a leading industrial nation in which the mining sector is the third pillar of the national economy,' Alkhorayef added. In June, Saudi Arabia launched the second phase of its standardized industrial incentives program to enhance competitiveness and strengthen the Kingdom's trade balance. Speaking at the Saudi Industry Forum in Dhahran at the time, Khalil Ibn Salamah, deputy minister of industry and mineral resources for industrial affairs, said the initiative supports the government's efforts to drive high-value investments in priority sectors. This comes as the nation works to position itself as a regional and global industrial hub. Since its initial launch, the program has drawn more than 1,000. Of the 118 applications received, 12 have reached the final qualification stage.
