Latest news with #OEC
India.com
2 days ago
- Business
- India.com
95% of Saudi Arabia is covered in sand but it still imports sand from Australia, China, Belgium due to....
95% of Saudi Arabia is covered in sand but it still imports sand from Australia, China, Belgium due to.... It might sound strange, but Saudi Arabia a country full of deserts actually imports sand from other countries like Australia, China, and Belgium, according to the OEC (Observatory of Economic Complexity). While this may seem confusing at first, there's a good reason behind it, especially as the country pushes forward with its huge Vision 2030 development plans. Why can't Saudi use its own desert sand? Although deserts are full of sand, this cannot be used for constructions because the sand found in deserts has been shaped by wind for thousands of years, which makes the grains very smooth and round. This type of sand doesn't work well for making concrete, because it doesn't hold together properly when mixed with cement and water. For construction especially for strong buildings, roads, and other big projects rough and angular sand grains are needed and these type of sand are found in riverbeds, lakes, and ocean floors, not deserts. The sharper grains stick together better and make concrete stronger. A bigger problem around the world This situation in Saudi Arabia highlights a bigger global issue: there's a growing shortage of the right kind of sand used for building. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) says that the world uses about 50 billion tonnes of sand every year, making it the most-used solid material on Earth. But only a small portion of that sand is actually good enough for construction. So even in a desert country like Saudi Arabia, builders often have to look beyond their borders to get the right kind of sand to meet their needs. Australia's role in supplying sand to Saudi Arabia Australia has become one of the world's top suppliers of high-quality construction and silica sand. According to the OEC, in 2023, Australia exported about USD 273 million worth of sand, making it the second-largest sand exporter globally out of 183 countries. Saudi Arabia was one of the countries that imported this sand. In the same year, Saudi Arabia bought around USD 140,000 worth of natural construction-grade sand from Australia. The topic gained attention again on social media in 2024, especially as Saudi Arabia pushes forward with huge projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya. The Global sand problem The world is running low on the kind of sand needed for building. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned that the planet is facing a 'sand crisis' and the problem comes from uncontrolled sand mining, which is causing serious harm to the environment. Rivers are being eroded, animal habitats are being destroyed, and many natural ecosystems are losing their biodiversity. To solve this, some countries are looking at other options, like: M-sand (manufactured sand) which is made by crushing rocks into fine particles that work well for construction. Recycled construction waste is an old concrete and building materials are being reused to reduce the need for fresh sand.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Why Saudi Arabia imports sand from Australia despite its endless deserts
Construction-grade sand imported from Australia and other nations meets Saudi Arabia's demand for coarse, angular aggregates that local desert sands cannot provide/Image: NatGeo TL;DR: Saudi Arabia imports sand from nations such as China and Australia to meet construction standards for mega projects. Desert sand is unsuitable for concrete due to its fine, rounded texture. The Kingdom's Vision 2030 projects are driving the demand for construction-grade sand . The global sand shortage , highlighted by the UNEP, is a growing concern with sustainability efforts in progress. It may sound ironic, but Saudi Arabia , known for its expansive deserts has long been importing sand from abroad, notably from Australia, China and Belgium as per the OEC. While the idea of a desert nation buying sand seems puzzling, the reason is rooted in the specifics of construction requirements. As the Kingdom races ahead with its multi-billion dollar Vision 2030 projects, the demand for a specific type of sand that deserts can't provide has led to a steady stream of imports. This lesser-known fact sheds light on a broader global issue: the growing scarcity of construction-grade sand and the paradoxes of resource dependency even in the most unlikely places. Why Desert Sand Won't Do Desert landscapes like Saudi Arabia's might be abundant in sand, but not all sand is created equal. The grains found in deserts are typically too round and smooth because they have been eroded by wind over thousands of years. This makes them poorly suited for concrete production, where angular and coarse grains are essential to form a strong, cohesive mix when combined with cement and water. The type of sand required for skyscrapers, infrastructure, and urban development usually comes from riverbeds, lakes, and seabeds, environments that produce more angular grains capable of binding effectively. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rare, Refined, and Ready Soon – Monte South is the Answer Monte South A Joint Venture between Adani Realty and Marathon Realty Learn More Undo According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the world consumes around 50 billion tonnes of sand annually, making it the most extracted solid material globally. However, only a fraction of this is suitable for construction purposes. Australia's Role in Supplying Sand Australia has emerged as one of the key exporters of high-quality silica and construction sand. As per the OEC world, in 2023, Australia exported $273M of Sand, making it the 2nd largest exporter of Sand (out of 183) in the world with Saudi Arabia among the importers. In 2023, Saudi Arabia imported about US $140,000 worth of natural construction-grade sand from Australia. Saudi Arabia's purchase of Australian sand, highlights the Kingdom's reliance on these imports to meet construction standards for mega infrastructure projects. The conversation resurfaced on social media in 2024, the trend continues in the wake of Saudi Arabia's ambitious urban development plans, including NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and Qiddiya. These projects require not just vast amounts of concrete but also the highest standards in material quality, a demand that desert sand simply cannot fulfil. The Broader Gulf Context Saudi Arabia isn't alone in this phenomenon. Other Gulf countries such as the UAE and Qatar also import sand for similar reasons. The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, sources construction-grade sand internationally to fuel its relentless skyline expansion. A UNEP 2024 policy brief reinforced that the Middle East's rapid urbanization is contributing to rising global demand for construction sand, with regional countries increasingly looking to sustainable solutions but still dependent on imports for the near term. A Global Sand Crisis The dependence on imported sand is not just a Saudi issue; it reflects a growing global concern. The UNEP has flagged that the world is facing a "sand crisis," warning that unregulated sand extraction is leading to environmental degradation in many parts of the world, including riverbed erosion, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity. In response, some countries are investing in alternatives like manufactured sand (M-sand), made by crushing rocks to create suitable construction material. Additionally, recycled construction waste is being repurposed to alleviate pressure on natural sand resources. Saudi Arabia, too, is exploring these options. While there's no comprehensive national policy yet on reducing sand imports, experts suggest that innovation in materials science could eventually help the Kingdom lessen its reliance on foreign sand. Vision 2030 and the Need for Quality Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a blueprint to diversify the Kingdom's economy beyond oil is driving massive infrastructure developments. The $500 billion NEOM city, the futuristic The Line urban concept, and other mega-projects require specialised building materials that meet international standards. Thus, importing industrial-grade sand isn't just a matter of preference but a necessity. Without it, the construction of ultra-modern facilities, smart cities, and tourism hubs would face material shortages or quality compromises. Are There Sustainable Solutions Ahead? The focus is slowly shifting towards sustainability and resource management. Saudi Arabia's broader environmental strategies under Vision 2030, which include renewable energy targets and waste management reforms, may eventually extend to sand use as well. Research into M-sand and alternative aggregates is underway in academic institutions within the Kingdom, aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of construction. However, widespread adoption will take time, given the massive scale and immediate material requirements of ongoing projects. What seems like an amusing paradox, a desert nation importing sand actually reflects deeper realities of modern construction, resource management, and global trade. Saudi Arabia's sand imports from Australia and other nations such as China and Belgium underscore the importance of material specificity in infrastructure, even in the heart of the desert. As the Kingdom races toward its Vision 2030 goals, balancing resource demand with environmental sustainability will remain critical. For now, though, the shipments of sand from various nations continue to play a surprisingly essential role in building Saudi Arabia's future.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Major change that could impact future RBA interest rate decisions
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will reportedly soon get comprehensive monthly insight into inflation pressures, and it could mean it moves on key interest rate decisions earlier. The central bank defied expectations by holding the cash rate this month, with RBA Governor Michele Bullock noting issues around the current monthly inflation report were a key reason behind the decision. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) releases monthly and quarterly inflation data. The quarterly CPI data is comprehensive and captures changes in prices for all goods and services. It is what the RBA and Treasury use to make forecasts, and the RBA is holding out for quarterly data before making another interest rate decision in August. The monthly CPI data isn't as comprehensive because it only includes up-to-date price information for 66 to 77 per cent of the CPI basket each month. Each month has different components in it, and the trimmed mean inflation isn't calculated the same way as quarterly. RELATED NAB, ANZ slash interest rates as lenders move despite RBA cash rate hold Common neighbour problem plaguing Aussie houses Compensation sought for millions of Qantas customers From November 26, the Sydney Morning Herald reports the ABS will release a fully formed monthly inflation report. This will bring Australia in line with all but one OECD nation. The May monthly CPI indicator showed headline inflation at 2.1 per cent and trimmed mean inflation at 2.4 per cent. In comparison, the March quarterly CPI indicator showed inflation at 2.4 per cent and trimmed mean inflation at 2.9 per cent, falling within the RBA's 2 to 3 per cent target band. The ABS will reportedly receive $156.7 million to compile data and rebuild its IT systems before moving to a full monthly inflation report. The extra funding will allow it to collect data every month on the expenditure classes not currently captured by the monthly figures, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. It will continue to release the quarterly inflation report for at least the next 18 waiting for inflation data to move on rates Following the RBA's decision this month, Bullock emphasised the board viewed the quarterly CPI as the most comprehensive inflation reading. 'This, of course, is our problem because we only get four readings a year,' she said. 'And it is very difficult, I have said this before — it is very difficult on four readings a year to get an idea of momentum of inflation. 'Other countries have full CPIs every month, and a much better idea about the momentum of inflation coming from that. 'So that's why, and I think the board in its decision has been cautious, careful and it is trying to make sure that it gets this right. This has paid off well for us.' Bullock noted the May monthly inflation reading was 'a little too volatile and not quite representative of what's really going on with inflation'. Bullock said the board had decided to wait to confirm with the next full quarterly CPI data, due July 30, that inflation was still on track. 'We'll reconsider again in August with this extra information and new forecasts, and that will allow us to decide whether or not we're still on track for continuing to ease,' she said. All of the Big Four banks are expecting the RBA will cut interest rates in August, with the recent unemployment data further paving the way for a rate cut. The unemployment rate rose 4.3 per cent in June, up from 4.1 per cent in May. Employment increased by 2,000 people during the month, but the number of officially unemployed people jumped by 33,600.
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Some Filipino workers frustrated by limited online contract verification slots
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on July 7 launched a new online system that allows Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to submit and verify their documents remotely — without having to visit the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai in person. This contract verification process is a crucial step for OFWs planning to travel to the Philippines, as it is a prerequisite for obtaining the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) — a document needed for re-entry into the UAE. However, as the MWO-Dubai begins pilot testing its new online verification system for OFWs, some residents are expressing concerns over the limited number of appointment slots being opened daily. Kris Ibesate, a 35-year-old food safety assistant manager, said the current system remains inconvenient and inefficient. 'It doesn't make sense that appointment slots are so limited. Even the requirement for contract verification itself feels excessive." Under the previous process, OFWs could submit documents online but were still required to visit the Philippine Consulate and MWO-Dubai in person to complete verification. Kris and her husband struggled to secure an appointment slot online despite trying multiple times over the two weeks leading up to their departure for the Philippines. 'It was incredibly stressful because our flights were already booked, and we weren't sure if we could go home this summer. We were worried it might affect our ability to return to the UAE,' Kris said. Limited slots With nearly one million Filipinos calling the UAE home — making up around 6.8 per cent of the total population — the smooth processing of employment documents is important, as it directly impacts one of the country's largest and most active expatriate communities. Currently, the system accepts up to 200 applications per weekday between 8am and 11.59pm, with officials noting the capacity may expand based on demand and evaluator availability. However, repeated attempts by this reporter to book a slot across several days — at 6am, 7am, 8am, and even midnight — yielded the same message: maximum application exceeded. Check out the screenshot below: Many, like Kris and her husband, have been trying since the pilot began, only to find slots consistently filled almost immediately. With no other option but to file for leave from work, Kris and her husband who live nearby, opted to walk in. But even then, the process was far from smooth. 'I queued from 8am to 1.30pm. Imagine those coming from far-off areas of Dubai, commuting just to stand in line. You spend nearly half your day there. That time could be spent resting or preparing for your trip home," she said. "And when you're finally inside, you're shuffled from one counter to another,' she added. Kris also questioned the lack of modern digital solutions. 'In today's world of AI and advanced tech, why can't they invest in an efficient app for this? Even the consulate's website feels outdated and isn't user-friendly at all.' Multiple queues Mary Ann Bautista, a teaching assistant supervisor at a private nursery, shared a similar frustration — particularly about the multiple queues inside the consulate. 'Even just to show the receipt of what you paid for, there's another queue,' said the 37-year-old Dubai resident. 'There are so many desks, and you have to line up at each one.' She also urged authorities to expand eligibility for online contract verification — especially for OFWs with lower basic salaries. 'Not everyone earns a high wage. I hope they reconsider and make the system more inclusive.' Ludy, another Dubai-based OFW, echoed similar concerns. 'There aren't enough staff to accommodate everyone, so you end up using your day off just to get your contract verified. I didn't finish until 6pm.' The 60-year-old domestic worker described the experience as exhausting. 'You're shuffled from one room to another, sometimes even transferred to a different building. The queue starts outside, so you're standing in the heat before you can even sit down inside." "It's a real struggle. The whole process is such a hassle, but we have no choice — it's something we need to do so we can go home.' While many are frustrated, some have had more positive experiences. Pinky Azarcon, a teaching assistant at a private nursery, recalled a smoother process during her visit to the consulate in July last year. That day, she said, slots were specifically set aside for school staff. 'They even gave us free food while we waited,' she said. 'The only issue was having to stand outside in the heat, waiting for the gates to open.' She found out about the opportunity through a TikTok post announcing that school employees could visit the consulate on that particular Saturday morning. Why are slots limited? Addressing the growing frustration, Atty John Rio A. Bautista, Labor Attaché of MWO Dubai, clarified that the current online verification system is still in its pilot phase. 'Slots are limited because this is just the preliminary trial of a new system before a wider or full-scale implementation,' he said. "The number of slots offered at the moment was computed based on the number of available evaluators, which is currently very limited." Atty Bautista further explained that the same staff responsible for reviewing online submissions are also tasked with evaluating documents submitted onsite by walk-in OFWs. "Evaluators will only have time to review online applications after all walk-in clients have been served," he noted. Online system pilot phase He also emphasised that the purpose of this pilot run is twofold — to test the functionality of the system and to assess how well OFWs respond to this new method. Bautista also noted that the online system is offered as an alternative. While walk-in processing remains available, especially for those with confirmed flights, the digital option was introduced for OFWs who urgently need contract verification. The online verification allows OFWs to submit their employment documents and have it verified, even if they don't have a scheduled departure yet. What happens after the pilot? When asked about the next steps once the 30-day pilot ends, Bautista explained that the system will undergo a thorough evaluation. This will be based on client feedback collected through post-process surveys, public comments, and an internal review of how effectively the system improved processes for both OFWs and the MWO. "Depending on the findings, the Department of Migrant Workers, through MWO-Dubai, will decide on how to best roll out the system and the improvements which may be necessary for it to be more user-friendly and accessible to more OFWs," Bautista said. To address the current limitations, MWO-Dubai is also exploring the possibility of assigning offsite evaluators. These would be DMW based in the Philippines who will be trained to review employment documents from the UAE. Having more evaluators, even remotely, would allow for a higher number of applications to be processed daily. Importance of contract verification According to Atty Bautista, contract verification plays a vital role in safeguarding the rights, benefits, and welfare of OFWs. By reviewing the terms of employment and comparing them with the standards set by both the Philippine and UAE governments, the MWO ensures that workers are treated fairly and in accordance with labour laws. "It also guarantees that OFWs are documented by the Philippine government," he said. "This makes it easier for the DMW to locate and assist them when needed." Dubai-based HR professional Allaine Alves echoed this sentiment. She emphasised that verified contracts aren't just for OFWs returning home — they also serve as essential documents for accessing key services. 'Having this record allows you to open bank accounts that don't require a deposit and makes registering for your Social Security System (SSS) retirement much easier,' said the 27-year-old OFW. She also pointed out another practical benefit: "It provides you with the advantage of tax exemption when travelling back home."
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Imee Marcos eyes new Omnibus Election Code
Voters fill out their ballots at Silang Central Elementary School in Silang, Cavite on Monday, May 12, 2025, for the midterm national and local elections. SANDRA AGUINALDO/ GMA Integrated News Senator Imee Marcos has filed a measure seeking to revise and recodify all the election statutes, paving the way for the New Omnibus Election Code of 2025. In the explanatory note of Senate Bill 425, Marcos, chairman of the Senate committee on electoral reforms and people's participation, said certain provisions of the 1985 Omnibus Election Code are "outrightly ill-suited for modern times." "The [OEC] is well more than three decades old. Since the inception of the OEC, there have been many significant changes in the manner by which elections are conducted," the senator said. "Likewise, regulations and limitations under the OEC have since been proven inadequate to realistically ensure a more level-playing field for candidates," she added. In 2023, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) finished a 964-page draft of proposed amendments to the Omnibus Election Code, according to poll chairman George Garcia. He said the proposed revisions include provisions on the overhaul of the party-list system and changes in campaign finance. The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission, which sent a delegation to monitor Eleksyon 2025, said in its report that nearly half of the provisions of the Omnibus Election Code, including those for campaign finance and election offenses, are already "outdated." Those provisions, the report said, were already superseded by the 1987 Constitution and by numerous subsequent laws and regulations. BSKE term of office Under Marcos' bill, the Comelec shall have exclusive charge of enforcement and administration of all laws and regulations to the conduct of election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall for the purpose of ensuring free orderly and honest elections. The measure also provides for the conduct of a hybrid election system—a combination of the automated election system and the manual election system—to ensure transparency and credibility of the electoral processes. This hybrid election system shall be applicable to the May 2028 elections and all national, local, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) polls thereafter. The bill also stated that the term of office of all elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) officials shall be four years. The BSKE elections will be held on the first Monday of November 2026 and every four years thereafter. No elective barangay official shall also serve for more than three consecutive terms in the same positions, while no elective SK official shall serve for more than one term in the same post. Party-list, substitution The bill also classified the party-list system into: a) political parties or coalition of political parties; and b) sectoral parties or organizations. Each of these classifications shall have 50% of the seats allocated for the party-list. Each registered party, organization, or coalition shall submit to the Comelec a list of names of not less than five nominees from which party-list representatives shall be chosen in case it obtains the required number of votes, together with the certificates of nomination and acceptance of all the nominees in such list. Substitution shall also be allowed for any nominee who dies, becomes physically incapacitated, or has been disqualified. "No substitution shall be allowed for nominees who withdrew their acceptance to the nomination. In the event the list of nominees of a party-list group is exhausted because of the withdrawal of all its nominees, such party, organization, or coalition shall be deemed to have withdrawn its manifestation of intent to participate in the elections," the bill noted. Only a person belonging to and nominated by the same political party may file a certificate of candidacy to replace any official candidate who died, became incapacitated, or was disqualified after the last day of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs). In all cases of substitution after the period for filing of COCs, the substitute candidate must have the same surname as the candidate being substituted for. Cha-cha The proposed measure also states that a petition for an initiative on the 1987 Constitution must have at least 12% of the total number of registered voters as signatories, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least 3% of the registered voters. Initiative on the Constitution may also be exercised only once every five years. So far in the 20th Congress, only Senator Robin Padilla has filed a resolution seeking to revise the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines through a constitutional convention. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
