KSA: The Next Frontier (Issue Number 1)

Insight & Inspiration for Investors, Sports Enthusiasts, Travelers, the Curious & More.

Letter from the publisher

Dear Reader,

I first heard about Saudi Arabia’s moonshot mindset during my time as White House envoy to the Middle East. In many meetings with HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman it was a recurring theme: The Kingdom was determined to diversify its economy, to become not just a competitor but a leader on the global stage. That was among the themes of the Kingdom’s now-famous Vision 2030.

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Developments in Diriyah

Diriyah, located on the western outskirts of the capital city of Riyadh, is known for a lot, not least as being the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Diriyah is once again poised to make a massive name for itself.

Once the center of government for the First Saudi State, and renowned as the original home of the Saudi royal family, Diriyah has long been a marvel for its mud-brick Najdi style architecture, its labyrinthine alleyways and ancient palaces evoking a sense of grandeur and history unavailable elsewhere in the Kingdom. At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the cornerstone of the Diriyah giga project. The bustling Bujairi Terrace, which in 2022 became one of the first assets to open within the Diriyah giga project, is a beautifully designed promenade overlooking the Palace and the At-Turaif district. Bujairi Terrace has quickly become one of the Kingdom’s premier dining districts, and includes a number of Michelin-star, international and local restaurants. Diriyah is once again poised to make a massive name for itself.

Diriyah Company has been developing a landmark $63 billion (U.S.) project, which will feature luxury Najdi homes for thousands of residents, over 40 luxury and ultra-luxury hotels across its two master plans – Diriyah and Wadi Safar - with over 6,500 keys, retail, including over 450 luxury and lifestyle brands, world-class museums, schools, cultural landmarks, work-spaces, golf, equestrian and luxury amenities. When complete it will represent a significant triumph in urban development and luxury living, working and playing. One jaw-dropping way to think of how enormous this project is: When complete, this 14 square kilometer Giga Project will be nearly seven times the size of Monaco. The project will even have its own Royal Diriyah Opera House.

Construction of the underground portions of the project, for parking and utilities to serve the fully pedestrianized first phase of the project, are in the completion phase. Additionally, construction on three modern metro stations began earlier this year. To complete the underground projects, Diriyah Company had to excavate 10.5 million metric tons of earth, which is being recycled as substrate for other projects and landscaping across the Kingdom.

To keep the buildings consistent with the historic Najdi-style architecture that Diriyah is known for, the Company has created a building code that mirrors the 300-year old traditional building style, which will create an absolutely unique destination once complete. Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is the first of the planned 40-plus hotels and is set to open in 2024. Seven more broke ground at the end of 2023 and are seeing steady progress, including the Aman, Oberoi, Six Senses, The Ritz-Carlton Diriyah, Address Diriyah, Capella Diriyah and Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah

Diriyah, known as “The City of Earth” is set – literally and figuratively -- against a backdrop of rich historical and cultural heritage, at the site that is the birthplace of the modern Saudi state. Designed to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings, the project is designed to symbolize the Kingdom’s rich history and cultural heritage, redefining what modern urban living can be. The project is also highly focused on sustainability. Some 6.5 million indigenous trees, shrubs and bushes are being planted in Wadi Hanifah, the valley adjacent to Diriyah. As such a wide-ranging project, Diriyah appears to be a microcosm of Vision 2030, the ambitious vision for the Kingdom championed by HRH Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, and its objectives.

The development will join an already-impressive lineup of must-see sites. In addition to At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace, tourists flock to Salwa Palace, the former royal residence of the Al Saud family, now a museum showcasing centuries of rich Arabian history.

Diriyah Company recently hosted a pop-up exhibit at one of the world's most prestigious retail destinations: Harrods, in London. The exhibit, which ran for most of July 2024, aimed to highlight the essence of Diriyah. The centerpiece of the exhibit was a display featuring a master plan for the urban development project, replete with more than 300 luxury residences, highlighted the current offering of close to 130 residences that have launched since late 2023, which have been developed by household name brands Ritz Carlton, Baccarat, and Corinthia

Rumor has it that other interesting marketing efforts are being considered as construction continues on this extraordinary project.

Defense Does Not Rest

Saudi Arabia's defense industrial production sector has seen significant development and transformation under Vision 2030. Central to HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s vision is the enhancement of the defense sector’s capabilities to rely on local production and technological advancement, reducing Saudi dependence on imports and creating a self-sustaining defense industry. This strategic shift showcases the dual importance of defense industrial production in bolstering national security with responsive and responsible supply chains and fostering economic growth.

Vision 2030 outlines ambitious goals for the defense sector, including the establishment of Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI) as a cornerstone entity. SAMI, the Kingdom’s national defense industrial company, has already made several prominent moves as it begins its work of developing local defense capabilities across various domains. Its mandate includes fostering innovation, creating high-skilled jobs for Saudis, and enhancing the Kingdom’s defense self-sufficiency.

One notable initiative in SAMI’s portfolio is the recent launch of the Center for Development of Naval Systems through a partnership with Spanish state-owned shipbuilding company Navantia. SAMI Navantia, as the joint venture is called, is aimed at advancing Saudi Arabia’s naval defense capabilities by leveraging Navantia’s expertise in naval technology and shipbuilding to enhance the Kingdom's maritime defense capabilities and promote knowledge transfer to local Saudi talent. Doing so will emphasize building cutting-edge capabilities including artificial intelligence, enhancing cybersecurity, and learning how to integrate unmanned vehicles.

In yet another major international partnership deal, SAMI signed a joint cooperation agreement with Kia Motors to develop chassis for military vehicles, with special attention to light tactical military vehicles. This partnership aims to leverage Kia’s sterling global reputation and automotive expertise to enhance the mobility and operational effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s defense forces and production of tracked and wheeled artillery systems, logistics vehicles, and manned and unmanned ground vehicles.

Additionally, SAMI has forged partnerships with local entities like Zamil Steel Construction Company to establish an industrial complex in Al Kharj City. The facility will focus on the production of land systems, including armored vehicles, that will be key to supporting the Kingdom’s strategic defense requirements.

SAMI's capabilities, partnerships, and leadership were prominently showcased at the World Defense Show Saudi Arabia hosted in February, highlighting its role as a key player in the global defense industry landscape. The event provided a platform for SAMI to display its technological innovations, partnerships, and contributions to advancing Saudi Arabia's defense sector. It also provided a fitting platform for SAMI to announce its partnership with Kia and memoranda of understanding with other national and international firms.

At the Farnborough International Air Show, an aerospace, aviation and defense industry show that took place at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in the United Kingdom in July 2024, SAMI announced a strategic agreement with Lockheed Martin through which SAMI Alsalam will be certified as one of Lockheed Martin's 14 approved C-130 Hercules Service Centers worldwide. The meeting was attended by HE Eng. Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al-Ohali, the Governor of the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and HE Mr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). SAMI also signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopter, committing to localizing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul capabilities through Airbus helicopters with the objective of enhancing rotorcraft capabilities. According to Eng. Walid A. Abukhaled, the Chief Executive of SAMI, “[t]he two partnerships underline our commitment to fostering local capabilities and reiterates our goal to further localizing the defense industry sector.  We will continue to focus on training and developing national talent through such programs with leading global companies, aiming to support the localization of over 50% of government spending in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”

Saudi Arabia's defense industrial production sector is in its early phases, driven by Vision 2030’s strategic objectives. With strategic partnerships between SAMI and international and local firms, the Kingdom is poised to build a robust defense industry capable of meeting domestic needs while positioning itself as a major player in the global defense market.

Maritime Travel is Taking Off

The Regent Sea Glider is making waves. It’s an innovative amphibious aircraft that can float, skim, and fly above water. And it’s being powered by electricity – and Saudi investment.

Picture a sleek, amphibious aircraft gracefully taking off from the water’s surface, poised to show its dozen-or-so passengers the world from a new perspective. That’s the Regent Sea Glider for you — modern engineering designed to unlock new frontiers in maritime exploration. The aircraft combines the speed of an airplane with the convenience of a boat, with the potential to be a game-changer for tourism, commuting, research, and even shipping.

Amphibious water-and-aircraft have the potential to revolutionize coastal transportation by offering direct access to coastal and remote areas without the need for extensive infrastructure, reducing travel times and enhancing accessibility to regions traditionally underserved by conventional aircraft or boats. The Regent Sea Glider can traverse routes up to 180 miles with its current battery technology, using sustainable power sources instead of traditional fuel. Eventually, the Regent Sea Glider can also support emergency response efforts in coastal communities, an invaluable tool for enhancing connectivity and resilience in coastal regions worldwide.

A major recent investment from the NEOM Investment Fund is propelling this project forward. As part of its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, the Kingdom has made the single largest investment in the latest round of funding for the sea-glider project from American manufacturer Regent, deepening ties between U.S. technology companies and manufacturers and Saudi Arabia. As part of the agreement, Regent will establish a research, development, and training center in the Middle East, enabling young Saudi engineers and technology professionals to enjoy internships and other training opportunities with Regent. 

The collaboration between the promising American startup and the Kingdom’s investment arm is only one example of a highly collaborative future between the two countries. Saudi Arabia is pursuing a sustainable, unconventional, and integrated mobility system, and allocating funds to support American engineers. In the long run, with research and development migrating to Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom will continue to cultivate its own generation of scientists to help it achieve the broad goals of Vision 2030, including being a leader in science, technology, and certain types of manufacturing.

Regent is led by Billy Thalheimer, an MIT-trained engineer who co-founded the Rhode Island-based maritime transportation company in 2020. In 2023, the company finalized a $4.75 million contract with the U.S. Marine Corps to demonstrate how its prototype amphibious vehicle could help with logistic missions, especially hopping from island to island where the U.S. maintains a military presence.

This partnership isn’t just about financial backing; it’s a strategic alliance aimed at harnessing cutting-edge technology to benefit economies across the globe. By collaborating with leading aerospace and marine-travel experts, Saudi Arabia aims to leverage the Regent Sea Glider’s capabilities to provide unique tourist opportunities at home and crucial logistics missions abroad.

Saudi Arabia's Roadmap to Expo 2030

The Kingdom's successful bid to host Expo 2030 marks a historic achievement for Saudi Arabia, one it hopes will continue to solidify its status as a global hub for cultural convergence and exchange, business, and tourism.

The World Expo, a monthslong showcase of advancements in technology, architecture, and culture from hundreds of participating countries, was awarded to Saudi Arabia in November 2023. After just one round of voting, the France-based International Bureau of Expositions announced that Riyadh had prevailed over Busan, South Korea, and Rome, Italy.  Scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031, the Expo is expected to attract tens of millions of visitors and participants worldwide as a capstone to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 project.

The Expo’s theme, “The Era of Change: Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow,” sets the tone for Saudi Arabia as it continues to foster global collaboration and innovation across sectors to improve sustainability efforts and better serve humanity as a whole. An era of change is taking shape in Riyadh as it gears up to host tens of millions of participants, technologists, and tourists in just a few years.

To prepare for the World Expo, Saudi Arabia is undertaking the monumental task of infrastructure development and logistical planning. Key initiatives include expanding transportation networks, constructing exhibition pavilions, and enhancing hospitality and accommodation facilities to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Dubai’s successful hosting of the World Expo 2020 provides a valuable blueprint for Saudi Arabia's preparations. Dubai invested heavily in building the Expo site, including the iconic Al Wasl Plaza, themed districts around the plaza, and sustainable plumbing, electric, and other infrastructure. Dubai upgraded its transportation systems and expanded hotel capacities to accommodate the nearly 25 million visitors expected (and received) during the six-month event. These efforts came as Dubai leveraged the Expo as a catalyst for long-term economic growth, attracting investment and promoting its position as a global business and tourism destination.

Saudi Arabia is expected to similarly benefit from its hosting of the 2030 World Expo. Beyond showcasing technological innovations and cultural heritage, the Expo offers Saudi Arabia a platform to strengthen international relations, stress-test its infrastructure, and showcase the Kingdom as a leading player in the global economy. 

The World Expo may be a match made in heaven for Saudi Arabia, as its timing will coincide with the Kingdom’s readiness to show off all it has built, and will be building, as part of Vision 2030. 

Let E-Games Begin

Saudi Arabia has made headlines in the global esports arena by securing the opportunity to host the first-ever Olympic E-sports Games. This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone for the Kingdom, aligning with its ambitious Vision 2030 agenda aimed at diversifying its economy, continuing to enhance its global stature, and setting the Middle Eastern nation up to become a global leader in a massive sub-sector within the entertainment industry.

The agreement between the Saudi National Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee includes a 12-year partnership with E-Sports Games occurring intermittently throughout that time.

Vision 2030, spearheaded by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seeks, among other things, to transform Saudi Arabia into a hub for entertainment, sports, and cultural events. The decision to host the Olympic E-sports Games underscores the Kingdom's commitment to embracing innovation and leveraging technology to achieve these goals. By integrating e-sports into its national strategy, Saudi Arabia aims to cultivate a vibrant digital economy and position itself as a leader in the region’s rapidly growing e-sports industry. E-sports has generated over a billion dollars in annual revenue in recent years.

International investors are closely watching Saudi Arabia's foray into e-sports, recognizing the games’ popularity among younger demographic groups and assessing the Kingdom's potential to become a lucrative market for gaming and technology ventures. The hosting of the Olympic E-sports Games not only provides a platform for global brands to showcase their products and services but also signals Saudi Arabia's openness to foreign investment in the digital and entertainment sectors. This move is expected to attract tech giants, e-sports  organizations, and gaming enthusiasts from around the world, fostering partnerships and collaborations that could drive economic growth and innovation.

Saudi Arabia's embrace of e-sports is part of its broader efforts to diversify its economy away from traditional sectors like oil and gas. By investing in entertainment and technology, the Kingdom aims to create new employment opportunities, nurture local talent, and stimulate entrepreneurial ventures. 

Hosting the first Olympic esports games represents yet another step towards realizing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives. Beyond the realm of sports, this initiative symbolizes the Kingdom's commitment to innovation, economic diversification, and global engagement in the digital age.

Saudi Arabia has stepped up its efforts to attract sporting events on screen and in traditional form. The Kingdom recently hosted the first-ever E-Sports World Cup, featuring the best players of some of the world’s most popular video games, including Call of Duty, and boasting the largest prizes in the history of e-sports. Some 1,500 gaming fanatics participated in Riyadh. In 2023, Riyadh was home to the FIFAe World Cup, welcoming the world’s best digital-soccer players.

The Kingdom will also host the 2027 Asian Cup men’s soccer tournament, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games, the latter of which will take place in a ski resort specially built for the occasion. Finally, the Kingdom plans to host the 2034 Asian Games, which features a variety of sporting competitions, in Riyadh.

Homes, Sweet Homes

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRAH) has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at addressing the growing demand for housing through the construction of new residential units across the Kingdom. This strategic move underscores the nation's commitment to bolstering its infrastructure, creating affordable housing, and accommodating its growing population.

The plan, spearheaded by MOMRAH in partnership with real estate development companies, aims to significantly increase the availability of affordable housing options for citizens and residents alike. The goal of building over 600,000 new housing units by 2030 comes as part of the broader Vision 2030 framework, which seeks to diversify the economy and enhance the quality of life across Saudi Arabia in short order.

Key aspects of the initiative include the development of modern, well-lit housing complexes, many of which are equipped with playgrounds, green space, gyms, pools, and other amenities. These units are strategically located in urban centers as well as peripheral areas, ensuring affordable access to housing across different regions. 

Moreover, the initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs in the real estate sector and the construction and building industries. Analysts have estimated that the affordable-housing effort has created more than 280,000 jobs in construction and housing, many of which have gone to young upwardly mobile Saudis.

It also promises to attract investment opportunities, further driving Saudi Arabia's economic diversification efforts. MOMRAH Minister Majid Al-Hogail has emphasized that the effort is driven by international investment, with more partnerships in the works from across the globe. “We aim to continue this effort in collaboration with leading real estate development companies,” like the National Housing Company and ROSHN, “reaching around one million housing units by 2030,” says Al-Hogail. 

The announcement has generated significant interest among stakeholders, including developers, investors, and prospective homeowners. The emphasis on sustainability and modernity in housing design aligns with global trends, reflecting Saudi Arabia's commitment to environmental stewardship, integrating modern amenities while maintaining historic backdrops, and the Kingdom’s interest in economically dynamic urban planning. The housing plan’s centrality to Vision 2030 – while many young Saudis seek affordable and comfortable places to live – suggests that efforts to meet these demands will continue to receive plenty of attention as the decade progresses.

The Kingdom’s major infrastructure projects, including these housing units, several hundred thousand new hotel units, and tens of millions of commercial-use square footage, have recently been valued at over $1.25 trillion.

Jeddah Goes Yuge

In a move that underscores the intersection of global business, luxury, and world-renowned brands, with a little geopolitics thrown in, The Trump Organization recently announced the development of a Trump Tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The new tower will be developed by Dar Global, the international arm of Saudi mega-developer Dar Al Arkan

The Jeddah tower will be The Trump Organization’s first major project in Saudi Arabia. The New York-based firm, which owns and operates many luxury properties across the world, has recently begun to ramp up its presence in the Middle East.

Though some on the left side of politics find President Donald Trump polarizing or are against some of the policies he championed as President of the United States and as the leading candidate for the 47th President of the United States, his legacy as a successful developer and world-famous luxury brand remains robust. Recent developments in the Middle East show that the Trump name continues to carry very significant commercial cachet.

Jeddah, known as the gateway to Islam’s holiest city, Mecca, is a thriving economic hub in Saudi Arabia. The city’s consistent growth and strategic importance make it a prime location for a high-profile development such as this.

Trump’s ventures in the Middle East continue to expand as companies seek to find strong brands synonymous with high quality, luxury, and outstanding service, as the Trump brand is known for. As construction begins on Trump Tower in Jeddah, it promises to reshape the city’s skyline and contribute to its status as a burgeoning metropolis in the Gulf region.

Dar Al Arkan, a prominent Saudi real estate developer, has forged a strategic partnership with The Trump Organization to develop luxury projects across the Middle East. This collaboration aims to leverage Dar Al Arkan’s local expertise with Trump’s global brand recognition to deliver premium real estate offerings under a recognized and highly respected name in Middle Eastern markets.

Trump Tower Dubai, which is being developed by Dar Global, is set to begin construction in 2025. The Trump Organization’s Saudi partner currently has nearly $6 billion worth of developments underway in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, the UK, Spain, and Bosnia.

The Saudi Arabia project joins a growing portfolio of similar collaborations between Trump and Dar Global in the Middle East. The firms recently unveiled plans a $500 million Trump International Hotel complex near Muscat, Oman. That development, featuring a 5-star hotel, villas, and luxury apartments, is projected to open in late 2028. It features an 18-hole Championship golf course with a training academy, and nightlife in the “Cliff Hanging Night Club,” all set on a hill hundreds of feet above surrounding canyons and beaches. 

Take the Wheel and Ceer

The Saudi automotive industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by initiatives like Vision 2030, which includes among its goals diversifying the Saudi economy, contributing to eco-friendly development, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a major producer of certain types of goods, including luxury goods. Recent Saudi investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology have begun the process of realizing those goals by fostering domestic production of electric sedans and SUVs, reducing dependence on imports, and marking the Kingdom’s role in reducing carbon emissions.

Electric vehicle and original equipment manufacturer Ceer is the leading player in this evolving landscape. Established as part of Saudi Arabia’s vision to localize industries, Ceer focuses on advancing the automotive sector through technological innovation, manufacturing efficiency, and global partnerships. Through its partnerships with trusted brands like Siemens, BMW, and ABB,  the company is committed to producing top-of-the-line luxury vehicles, while aligning with global sustainability standards and contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals.

Central to Vision 2030, Ceer plays a crucial role in bolstering Saudi Arabia’s industrial base and reducing reliance on imports in the automotive sector. By promoting local manufacturing and technological advancement, Ceer aims to enhance the nation’s self-sufficiency and create jobs for Saudi nationals, thereby stimulating economic growth and development.

In June, Ceer made headlines by signing a significant deal to supply Hyundai Transys with advanced electric vehicle drive systems. The $2.18 billion partnership enlists Ceer in producing a novel “integrated” electric drive system, which eliminates the need for separate motors, inverters, and reduction gears, thereby reducing the size and weight of the vehicle and increasing power efficiency.

The deal underscores Ceer’s commitment to meeting the highest standards in sustainable yet high-end technology and contributing to the global shift towards sustainable mobility solutions. Such collaborations not only push eco-friendly transportation technology forward, but also position Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global electric vehicle and original equipment markets.

In line with the expansion plans necessary to fulfill its part in such deals, Ceer has embarked on construction of a $1.3 billion electric car production complex in King Abdullah Economic City. This ambitious project, featuring a million-square-meter facility with dedicated zones for each stage of vehicle production, aims to bolster Saudi Arabia’s position as a hub for electric vehicle production in the region. The complex will house state-of-the-art facilities for logistics, waste management, and a test track for the brand-new electric vehicles, and in the process will create many jobs in construction, operations, and manufacturing.

Ceer is led by CEO James DeLuca, who previously held senior leadership roles at General Motors and VinFast, the Vietnam-based manufacturer known for producing southeast Asia’s first electric vehicle brand. The joint venture between Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and multinational electronics contract manufacturer Foxconn hopes to bring its first vehicles to market in 2025.

Sustainability in Mining

Saudi Arabia's national mining company, Ma’aden, stands at the forefront of the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 initiative. Ma’aden is pivotal in the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s economy, leveraging the country's rich mineral resources to drive economic growth, innovation, and sustainability. With a comprehensive strategy focused on expanding its operations and partnering with multinational giants to develop cutting-edge technologies, Ma’aden is set to play a crucial role in reshaping the mining sector and providing the raw materials for the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals.

Vision 2030’s goal for mining is that resource extraction will contribute significantly to national economic growth, generate job opportunities, and foster technological advancements to help with efficiency across sectors. For starters, Saudi Arabia’s untapped mineral wealth potential is now valued at $2.5 trillion. The country is also already the world’s fifth-biggest producer of phosphate fertilizers, and ranks second in phosphate industry expertise. But beyond that, Ma’aden's strategic investments, expansions, and partnerships, and its focus on developing and exporting sustainable practices, should meaningfully establish Saudi Arabia as a competitive global player in the minerals market.

In a move towards modernizing mining operations, Ma’aden announced in January that it would partner with Hexagon, the multinational digital-solutions firm, to integrate cutting-edge digital mining technologies into its mining projects. This collaboration aims to enhance its operations through sensors, software, and autonomous technology that will make Saudi mining efforts more efficient, productive, and safe. Hexagon’s digital solutions are set to transform Ma’aden’s mining processes, using advanced technology to facilitate improved decision-making and optimize resource management.

Ma’aden has announced that it has teamed up with international decarbonization firm GlassPoint to showcase the potential of solar steam technology in mining operations. The partnership focuses on constructing a pioneering facility that utilizes solar energy to produce steam, which is then used in various mining processes, including aluminum production. GlassPoint is also making solar components for Saudi use, in a regional manufacturing facility to supply Middle Eastern countries – famously rich in sunshine – with solar-energy-utilizing parts. Vision 2030’s goal is to generate half its electricity through renewable energy and cut 278 million tons of carbon dioxide by the end of this decade. The GlassPoint partnership has that ambitious project up and running powered by nothing but the Kingdom's desert sun.

In yet another massive international deal, Ma’aden has joined forces with Metso and thyssenkrupp Uhde to develop innovative solutions for phosphogypsum recycling and carbon dioxide capturing. This collaboration aims to address two critical environmental challenges: repurposing waste from phosphate production and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The joint effort focuses on creating efficient processes for recycling phosphogypsum, a byproduct of phosphate processing, and capturing carbon dioxide to minimize environmental impact. Through this development and licensing agreement, these major chemical and mining firms aim to build a complex on undeveloped land that will test this ambitious new dual-purpose technological process. In doing so, Ma’aden has underscored its commitment to a greener and more sustainable mining industry.

Publisher: Jason Greenblatt Productions LLC