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Solar companies gather in Riyadh to advance Kingdom’s net zero plan

Solar companies gather in Riyadh to advance Kingdom’s net zero plan
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Exhibitors at Solar & Storage Live KSA 2024. (AN photo by Haifa Alshammari)
Solar companies gather in Riyadh to advance Kingdom’s net zero plan
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Exhibitors at Solar & Storage Live KSA 2024. (AN photo by Haifa Alshammari)
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Updated 16 October 2024

Solar companies gather in Riyadh to advance Kingdom’s net zero plan

Solar companies gather in Riyadh to advance Kingdom’s net zero plan
  • “This event shone a spotlight on the impressive initiatives driving the Kingdom and the broader MENA region toward net zero, with both private and government sectors playing pivotal roles”

RIYADH: Solar power companies from around the world are gathering in Riyadh to cultivate new opportunities in ֱ’s path to net zero, during the Solar & Storage Live KSA exhibition.

NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. was one of the major organizations that attended the event.

“It’s always inspiring to be surrounded by our industry peers and partners, and I was thrilled to be asked to participate in the keynote interview,” said Wesam Al-Ghamdi, CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. 




Wesam Alghamdi, CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Company. (Supplied)

“I was also very happy to see the enthusiasm around NGHC’s project. The excitement about our progress toward becoming fully operational by the end of 2026 was palpable.

“This event shone a spotlight on the impressive initiatives driving the Kingdom and the broader MENA region toward net zero, with both private and government sectors playing pivotal roles.”

Solar power has emerged as a leading contender in the race for sustainable energy solutions, as the world shifts towards renewable energy sources.

Al-Ghamdi elaborated on how the solar energy system works at the company. “NGHC doesn’t produce its own solar panels, those are produced by our partners at Sungrow,” he said.

“Located in NEOM, we benefit from an optimal environment for solar energy generation, with nearly guaranteed sunlight throughout the year.

“Our solar garden will feature an impressive 5.6 million solar panels, generating up to 2.2 GW of solar energy to power our facility.”

He added: “Together with our wind farm, this renewable energy infrastructure will enable us to produce up to 600 tonnes of green hydrogen (daily) by the time we are fully operational at the end of 2026.”

Solar energy is produced through the collection of sunlight using photovoltaic panels. This technology has seen remarkable advancements over the past decade, drastically reducing costs and improving efficiency.

These lower costs make solar power an affordable energy source for many people, thus an excellent option for both developed and developing countries.

One of the biggest players in solar power is China. The country is investing heavily in solar infrastructure not only for its economic benefit but for the environmental impact it provides.

Operating worldwide, BSL BATT is a Chinese company that produces battery storage systems, including storage for solar power.

Although BSL BATT has been operating in various countries within the Middle East, they are aiming to penetrate the Saudi solar market and develop their relations even further in the Kingdom, BSL BATT EMEA’s sales manager, Russel Tong, told Arab News.

Battery storage systems are critical in making solar power a feasible supply of electricity, as stored energy can be released overnight resulting in a round-the-clock supply when solar panels are not harvesting energy from the sun.

The combination of solar power and storage not only supports environmental sustainability but also drives economic growth, as evidenced by ֱ’s growing solar power industry.

As the Kingdom ramps up its solar power capacity, targeting a total of 130GW of renewable energy by 2030, economic opportunities are also on the rise.


ֱ launches Mostaqbali program to train 50,000 Saudis in AI, digital skills

ֱ launches Mostaqbali program to train 50,000 Saudis in AI, digital skills
Updated 11 October 2025

ֱ launches Mostaqbali program to train 50,000 Saudis in AI, digital skills

ֱ launches Mostaqbali program to train 50,000 Saudis in AI, digital skills
  • The program builds on the ministry’s efforts to support the shift toward smart technologies, enabling citizens to pursue eLearning and enhance their technological capabilities

RIYADH: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has launched an educational initiative to empower 50,000 Saudis for the most in-demand jobs of the future through training, upskilling, and reskilling.

In collaboration with Oracle and the National eLearning Center, the Mostaqbali (My Future) program will be delivered via the national eLearning platform FutureX, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative aims to develop national competencies and equip Saudi men and women with artificial intelligence and other in-demand digital skills for the future labor market.

The program builds on the ministry’s efforts to support the shift toward smart technologies, enabling citizens to pursue eLearning and enhance their technological capabilities.

It also promotes the localization of digital talent and ensures equal opportunities for all segments of society across educational and professional levels, the SPA added.

Open to all age groups, the initiative offers 23 training tracks totaling 300 hours. Participants who meet the requirements will receive accredited professional certificates.

The program covers a wide range of specialties, including AI, cloud computing, database management, Oracle applications, and other key digital skills.

It focuses on empowering recent graduates, employees, and women through specialized training that enhances digital expertise and fosters AI innovation — aligning with Vision 2030’s goal of building a knowledge- and innovation-based digital economy.

The ministry invited interested individuals to register through the FutureX platform at forms.nelc.gov.sa/en/mostaqbali.

 


Riyadh book fair highlights cultural content, heritage

Riyadh book fair highlights cultural content, heritage
Updated 11 October 2025

Riyadh book fair highlights cultural content, heritage

Riyadh book fair highlights cultural content, heritage
  • Workshop on cultural media explores journalism, ideas, platforms, audiences
  • King Fahd Library demonstrates advanced manuscript-restoration techniques

RIYADH: As part of the Riyadh International Book Fair, supervised by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, Mirza Al-Khuwaildi presented a workshop titled “Cultural Journalism and Critical Reporting,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The workshop “explored the concept of cultural writing and the foundations of a structured journalistic approach capable of producing high-quality written, visual, or audio content that conveys information, ideas, entertainment, or targeted marketing to specific audiences,” according to the SPA.

The library’s pavilion at the fair showcased the latest methods for restoring and treating valuable books and manuscripts, displaying restoration tools and materials. (SPA)

Al-Khuwaildi said that cultural media plays an important role in “connection, context, and cultural communication,” adding that successful cultural media “relies on three pillars — the idea, the platform, and the audience.” He reviewed the pros and cons of various content types, from educational and cultural to artistic, analytical, tourism, and entertainment.

The book fair — which organizers claim is the Kingdom’s largest annual cultural celebration — concluded on Saturday after 10 days of events, seminars, and artistic performances.

HIGHLIGHT

Some artisans demonstrated the traditional Sadu craft, weaving decorative patterns inspired by the desert landscape. Wicker crafts were also on display, with palm leaves woven into household items, reflecting the richness of the Saudi environment.

The King Fahd National Library’s pavilion at the fair showcased the latest methods for restoring and treating valuable books and manuscripts, displaying restoration tools and materials including ink fixative, magnesium for de-acidification, glycerin for paper moisturizing, caustic soda, and a paper scale. It also featured natural Japanese paper imported specifically for manuscript repair. Restoration technicians provided explanations of the step-by-step processes used to return damaged manuscripts to their original condition.

The library follows “a precise multi-stage process for handling documents and manuscripts from both government agencies and individuals. This includes sterilization, treatment, restoration, microfilming, digital imaging, and binding,” the SPA reported.

Meanwhile, the crafts pavilion provided a rich display of traditional arts and handmade products featuring the work of several Saudi craftswomen, highlighting local artistry and cultural identity.

Some artisans demonstrated the traditional Sadu craft, weaving decorative patterns inspired by the desert landscape. Wicker crafts were also on display, with palm leaves woven into household items, “reflecting the richness of the Saudi environment,” according to the SPA.

“This participation strongly supports the Ministry of Culture’s initiative designating 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts, which aims to empower artisans, document the nation’s craftsmanship heritage, and encourage new generations to sustain these skills,” the SPA concluded.

 


Ahlaha fair looks to Saudi talent in tourism

Ahlaha fair looks to Saudi talent in tourism
Updated 11 October 2025

Ahlaha fair looks to Saudi talent in tourism

Ahlaha fair looks to Saudi talent in tourism
  • The Makkah fair offered more than 2,400 job opportunities and attracted more than 3,300 job seekers, with strong participation from hospitality establishments and international hotel chains

RIYADH: The Ministry of Tourism recently organized a job fair in Makkah to empower national talent in specialized tourism roles.

The event was part of the Ahlaha job fairs, held across various regions in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The fairs help connect Saudi job seekers in different tourism fields with establishments in the sector, including hospitality facilities.

The Makkah fair offered more than 2,400 job opportunities and attracted more than 3,300 job seekers, with strong participation from hospitality establishments and international hotel chains.

Makkah hosts the highest number of ministry-licensed hospitality facilities in the Kingdom, the SPA reported.

The exhibition reflected the ministry’s efforts to achieve Vision 2030 goals by promoting tourism and enhancing Saudi participation in the national tourism industry, building a strong foundation of qualified human resources.

The Ahlaha job fairs target job seekers in various tourism specializations, offering direct engagement that supports sustainable, high-quality job creation and improves services for visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

 


Health of Gulf children is "a strategic priority for shaping future of region,” says GCC chief

Health of Gulf children is
Updated 11 October 2025

Health of Gulf children is "a strategic priority for shaping future of region,” says GCC chief

Health of Gulf children is "a strategic priority for shaping future of region,” says GCC chief
  • Albudaiwi said that Gulf health action “extends beyond awareness to the comprehensive GCC Health Strategy to strengthen regional health security,” the General Secretariat said in a statement

KUWAIT CITY: Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, has said that safeguarding the health of Gulf children is “a strategic priority for shaping the region’s future.”

Albudaiwi was speaking at the opening of the first Gulf Conference on Pediatrics in Kuwait on Saturday. He also said that Gulf health action “extends beyond awareness to the comprehensive GCC Health Strategy to strengthen regional health security,” the General Secretariat said in a statement.

Kuwaiti Minister of Health Ahmed Al-Awadhi and a number of specialists, doctors, and researchers from the GCC were in attendance at the conference.

 


No limits — disabled Saudi graduate is ready for next chapter

No limits — disabled Saudi graduate is ready for next chapter
Updated 11 October 2025

No limits — disabled Saudi graduate is ready for next chapter

No limits — disabled Saudi graduate is ready for next chapter
  • Saeed Al-Dosari has overcome challenges to attain a diploma and shape his future 

RIYADH: Saeed Al-Dosari embodies the spirit of Saudi determination. Born without hands, he has gone on to earn a diploma in business intelligence and data analytics from Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University in Al-Kharj, proving perseverance and ambition can turn obstacles into opportunities.

“I embarked on my study path with great excitement despite all the challenges,” he told Arab News. “I chose my field because I believed it matched my abilities and reflected my passions. I wanted to prove to myself and to others that a disability does not stand in the way of ambition.”

Among his toughest challenges were tasks requiring manual work — such as writing — but Al-Dosari refused to give up: “I overcame every obstacle with the help of technology and the unwavering support of my classmates and professors,” he said.

Relying on specialized assistive software and devices, he felt supported and praised the university’s efforts to make learning more accessible.

Of his professors and classmates, he said: “They were incredibly supportive, always mindful of my situation and encouraging me to keep going. Some even dedicated extra time to assist me.”

Al-Dosari added his classmates’ encouragement gave him a “tremendous boost,” and that any negative experiences only increased his motivation. 

He admitted he initially feared his condition would hinder his dreams. “Naturally, I was afraid at first,” he said, adding that faith, family and persistence helped him move forward and believe determination made anything possible.

“Every small achievement I accomplished reinforced my belief that I could continue on my path,” he said, paying special tribute to his mother: “My mother has been my pillar of strength; her prayers, second only to God’s guidance, carried me through.” 

Describing his graduation, Al-Dosari said: “Graduation day is the day of my dreams — a feeling beyond words. I felt I had triumphed over every challenge, and my gown was a true badge of pride.”

Looking ahead, he plans to enter the workforce and contribute meaningfully to his community.

“And God willing, if the opportunity arises, I will continue my studies,” he said, adding he hoped to inspire others facing similar challenges: “Never give up. It is the challenges that forge resilience. The start may be tough, but the reward at the end makes it all worthwhile.”

Some people see disability as a barrier, but Al-Dosari said: “Disability is not in the body; the true limitation lies in the mind. Many successful people around the world have faced disabilities, yet they proved otherwise.”

He added: “If you cannot change reality, change your perspective of it.” 

Dr. Issa bin Khalaf Al-Dosari, dean of student affairs and the university’s official spokesperson, said: “The university is committed to enabling students with disabilities to engage fully in academic and research activities,” adding its efforts aligned with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals for empowerment and inclusion.