海角直播

Partnerships for lasting environmental protection

Partnerships for lasting environmental protection

Partnerships for lasting environmental protection
海角直播鈥檚 environmental transformation is still unfolding, but the trajectory is clear. (Saudi Green Initiative photo)
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Environmental challenges know no borders. From rising temperatures to biodiversity loss, these issues demand collective action. In 海角直播, we are responding to this global call through a model grounded in partnership, collaborating with international organizations, scientific institutions and private innovators to deliver lasting environmental protection.

Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom has embarked on a transformative journey to decarbonize its economy and restore its ecosystems. But what is especially powerful is how this journey is being shaped not only by local resolve but by global cooperation. Across ministries, research centers and giga-projects, 海角直播 is partnering with the world to deliver outcomes that serve both people and planet.

At the heart of 海角直播鈥檚 environmental agenda is the Saudi Green Initiative 鈥 a program aiming to plant 10 billion trees, rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land, and reduce carbon emissions by more than 278 million tonnes per year. SGI has aligned with global partners such as the UN Environment Programme, UNFCCC and the World Economic Forum鈥檚 1t.org platform, helping to situate the Kingdom鈥檚 afforestation and restoration efforts within a broader planetary framework.

Agricultural resilience is also receiving international support. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture works closely with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN on sustainable aquaculture and dryland farming. Through its participation in the Global Soil Partnership, 海角直播 is contributing to global knowledge on soil health in arid regions 鈥 a vital issue for food security in a warming world.

Progress would be impossible without science. The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has emerged as a world-class partner in marine science, working with multiple entities to inform data-driven conservation. Their work with the Kingdom鈥檚 smart city, NEOM, for example, includes coral reef restoration and coastal habitat mapping powered by advanced robotics and AI.

On the wildlife front, the National Center for Wildlife is collaborating with the International Union for Conservation of Nature and CITES to safeguard native species. From Arabian oryx reintroductions to hawksbill turtle protection, these programs are helping to rebuild the Kingdom鈥檚 ecological heritage.

Similarly, the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification has been instrumental in driving desert restoration. Through its leadership role in the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, and as the host of COP16, 海角直播 is demonstrating how arid nations can lead in the global fight against land degradation. Its mangrove and seagrass restoration pilots are already informing policy across the region.

In my role as group chief environment and sustainability officer at Red Sea Global, I鈥檝e witnessed firsthand the transformative power of collaboration. Our flagship regenerative tourism destinations 鈥 The Red Sea and AMAALA 鈥 are not only redefining travel but also setting new standards for environmental stewardship.

Sustainability is embedded in every stage of our projects, from development to daily operations. Whether it is through the use of renewable energy, innovative waste management systems or biodiversity conservation, our goal is to reduce our environmental footprint and ensure the long-term health of the region.

Our commitment is demonstrated through continuous environmental monitoring, strong partnerships and bold sustainability targets.

From government ministries to giga-projects, we are inviting the world to join us 鈥 not just as observers, but as co-creators of a greener future.

Raed Albasseet

We worked with KAUST to conduct the largest marine spatial planning simulation ever undertaken in 海角直播, allowing us to design with precision and avoid ecological harm.

We are also among the first developers in the world to have all operational resorts LEED-certified, working closely with the US Green Building Council to achieve the highest sustainability standards. Today, we hold the most LEED Platinum鈥揷ertified hospitality assets of any single developer globally.

Beyond our project sites, our environmental team contributes to the global knowledge base through peer-reviewed research and international conferences, including the International Association for Impact Assessment, where we have shared scientific insights on regenerative development and large-scale conservation planning.

Through our partnership with The Ocean Race, we are advancing ocean literacy among Saudi youth, while positioning AMAALA as host of the Race鈥檚 2027 Grand Finale.

On the infrastructure side, our multi-utilities agreement with EDF Group and Masdar enables AMAALA to be powered entirely by the sun, eliminating 350,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent each year. And through our collaboration with the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, we are embedding sustainable fishing practices into the heart of our destination鈥檚 food systems 鈥 protecting biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods.

These efforts form only a fraction of 海角直播鈥檚 broader journey. But they reflect a truth I believe in deeply: When knowledge, resources and values are shared across borders, we can do more than sustain the environment 鈥 we can regenerate it.

海角直播鈥檚 environmental transformation is still unfolding, but the trajectory is clear. It is a story of shared responsibility. From government ministries to giga-projects, we are inviting the world to join us 鈥 not just as observers, but as co-creators of a greener future.

If collaboration is the climate solution, 海角直播 is becoming one of its strongest conveners. And as the world looks to scale up its environmental impact, the Kingdom stands ready to collaborate, contribute and lead where it matters most.

* Raed Albasseet is head of environment and sustainability at The Red Sea Development Company.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

GCC growth forecast raised to 4.4% amid oil rebound, diversification push: ICAEW聽

GCC growth forecast raised to 4.4% amid oil rebound, diversification push: ICAEW聽
Updated 4 min 31 sec ago

GCC growth forecast raised to 4.4% amid oil rebound, diversification push: ICAEW聽

GCC growth forecast raised to 4.4% amid oil rebound, diversification push: ICAEW聽

RIYADH: Gulf Cooperation Council economies are expected to grow 4.4 percent in 2025, up from an earlier forecast of 4 percent, as rising oil output and resilient non-oil sector activity offset global trade headwinds. 

In its latest economic update, prepared with Oxford Economics, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales said 海角直播 and the UAE will lead regional growth despite weaker crude prices and rising geopolitical uncertainty. 

The revision comes amid stronger-than-expected gains in OPEC+ production and continued investment in infrastructure, tourism, and technology. In May, the International Monetary Fund said that the GCC region鈥檚 economy will grow by 3 percent in 2025, driven by gains in the non-oil sector. 

The analysis by ICAEW affirms the progress of the economic diversification efforts undertaken by GCC member states, including 海角直播 and the UAE, aimed at strengthening their non-oil sectors and reducing reliance on crude revenues. 

Hanadi Khalife, head of Middle East at ICAEW, said: 鈥淭he GCC economies are showing remarkable adaptability amid shifting global trade dynamics.鈥 

She added: 鈥淚nvestments in tourism, technology, and infrastructure continue to pay dividends, strengthening resilience and laying the groundwork for long-term growth.鈥 

The report noted Brent crude is expected to average $67.3 a barrel in 2025, increasing fiscal pressure across the bloc. Qatar and the UAE are likely to maintain budget surpluses, underscoring diverging fiscal positions within the region. 

Scott Livermore, economic adviser at ICAEW and chief economist and managing director at Oxford Economics Middle East, said the upgraded GCC economic growth forecast was due to faster OPEC+ output increases and sustained non-oil momentum in key economies like 海角直播 and the UAE. 

鈥淲hile uncertainty and trade shifts may place pressures on fiscal policy, the region鈥檚 two key economies are expected to continue to progress toward economic diversification and attract global capital at an accelerated pace,鈥 added Livermore. 

The impact of the US 10 percent tariff on imports from GCC countries is expected to be limited, given the region鈥檚 low US export exposure and the exemption of energy products. 

Overall, non-oil sectors in the GCC are forecast to grow by 4.1 percent in 2025, supported by strong domestic demand, investment momentum, and diversification initiatives. 

ICAEW added that the region is also favorably positioned to absorb any trade rebalances resulting from tariff headwinds and geopolitical tensions. 

海角直播 outlook 

海角直播鈥檚 economy is expected to witness growth of 5.2 percent in 2025, according to ICAEW. 

The non-oil sector in the Kingdom is projected to grow by 5.3 percent in 2025, while the oil economy is also forecast to expand by 5.2 percent this year. 

The report added that 海角直播鈥檚 oil production is averaging 9.7 million barrels per day, while non-oil sectors, including construction and trade, are contributing to the ongoing growth momentum. 

ICAEW further stated that 海角直播 recorded an economic growth of 3.4 percent year on year in the first quarter, driven by a 4.9 percent expansion in non-oil activities. 

鈥淭he rebasing of national accounts boosted the non-oil sector鈥檚 share of GDP, reinforcing the Kingdom鈥檚 diversification drive. However, weaker oil prices are expected to widen the fiscal deficit to 3.4 percent of the gross domestic product,鈥 said ICAEW. 

In May, a separate report released by the General Authority for Statistics revealed that 海角直播鈥檚 economy expanded by 2.7 percent year on year in the first quarter, driven by strong non-oil activity. 

Commenting on the GDP figures at that time, Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim, who also chairs GASTAT鈥檚 board, said the contribution of non-oil activities to the Kingdom鈥檚 GDP reached 53.2 percent 鈥 an increase of 5.7 percent from previous estimates. 

The minister added that 海角直播鈥檚 economic outlook remains positive, supported by structural reforms and high-quality, state-led projects across various sectors. 

The ICAEW report noted that despite potential risks, investor sentiment remains strong, with credit rating agency S&P Global upgrading the Kingdom鈥檚 credit rating to A+. 

In March, S&P Global said that 海角直播鈥檚 strong rating is driven by the economic and social transformation taking place in the Kingdom. 

In February, Fitch Ratings also affirmed 海角直播鈥檚 Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating at 鈥楢+鈥 with a stable outlook, citing the Kingdom鈥檚 strong fiscal and external balance sheets. 

UAE growth driven by investments 

The UAE economy is projected to expand by 5.1 percent in 2025, driven by a recovery in oil output and a 4.7 percent rise in non-oil GDP, according to ICAEW. 

鈥淭ourism remains a key growth driver, with international visitor spending expected to contribute nearly 13 percent of GDP in 2025. In the first quarter, Dubai welcomed 5.3 million international visitors, up 3 percent year on year, consolidating its position as a leading tourism hub,鈥 said the report. 

Strategic investments are also fueling momentum in the UAE, including a $1.4 trillion investment pipeline and new AI-focused collaborations following President Trump鈥檚 visit to the Emirates in May. 

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, president of the UAE, on the sidelines of Trump鈥檚 visit, said that this planned $1.4 trillion investment in the US over the next decade underscores a strong partnership with Washington. 

The UAE president added that investments would span critical sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, and energy. 

鈥淲hile rising tariffs are likely to suppress global inflation, a weaker US dollar may push up import prices in the UAE 鈥 particularly from non-dollar trade partners 鈥 offsetting some of the disinflationary effects,鈥 concluded ICAEW. 

Earlier this month, the Central Bank of the UAE revealed that the Emirates鈥 GDP reached 1.77 billion dirhams ($481.4 million) in 2024, recording 4 percent growth, with non-oil sectors contributing 75.5 percent of the total. 

CBUAE added that the Emirates is expected to witness economic growth of 4.5 percent in 2025, before accelerating further to 5.5 percent in 2026. 


Iran says parliament is preparing bill to leave nuclear non-proliferation treaty

Iran says parliament is preparing bill to leave nuclear non-proliferation treaty
Updated 5 min 9 sec ago

Iran says parliament is preparing bill to leave nuclear non-proliferation treaty

Iran says parliament is preparing bill to leave nuclear non-proliferation treaty

DUBAI: Iranian parliamentarians are preparing a bill that could push Tehran toward exiting the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty the foreign ministry said on Monday, while reiterating Tehran鈥檚 official stance against developing nuclear weapons.
鈥淚n light of recent developments, we will take an appropriate decision. Government has to enforce parliament bills but such a proposal is just being prepared and we will coordinate in the later stages with parliament,鈥 the ministry鈥檚 spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, when asked at a press conference about Tehran potentially leaving the NPT.
The NPT, which Iran ratified in 1970, guarantees countries the right to pursue civilian nuclear power in return for requiring them to forego atomic weapons and cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA.

Israel began bombing Iran last week, saying Tehran was on the verge of building a nuclear bomb. Iran has always said its nuclear program is peaceful, although the IAEA declared last week that Tehran was in violation of its NPT obligations.
President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated on Monday that nuclear weapons were against a religious edict by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran鈥檚 state media said that no decision on quitting the NPT had yet been made by parliament, while a parliamentarian said that the proposal was at the initial stages of the legal process.
Baghaei said that developments such as Israel鈥檚 attack 鈥渘aturally affect the strategic decisions of the state,鈥 noting that Israel鈥檚 attack had followed the IAEA resolution, which he suggested was to blame.
鈥淭hose voting for the resolution prepared the ground for the attack,鈥 Baghaei said.
Israel, which never joined the NPT, is widely assumed by regional governments to possess nuclear weapons, although it does not confirm or deny this.
鈥淭he Zionist regime is the only possessor of weapons of mass destruction in the region,鈥 Baghaei said.


Rain predicted in parts of Punjab in next 24 hours as heatwave eases

Rain predicted in parts of Punjab in next 24 hours as heatwave eases
Updated 11 min 27 sec ago

Rain predicted in parts of Punjab in next 24 hours as heatwave eases

Rain predicted in parts of Punjab in next 24 hours as heatwave eases
  • Met Office said on June 10 heatwave in several parts of the country was expected to continue well into middle of the month
  • Heat wave has begun to subside with rainfall in many areas of Punjab in the last 24 hours, disaster management officials say

ISLAMABAD: Light rain is forecast in several divisions of Pakistan鈥檚 Punjab province over the next 24 hours, provincial disaster management officials said on Monday, as a prolonged heat wave begins to ease in some areas.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on June 10 an ongoing heatwave in several parts of the country was expected to continue well into the middle of the month, with temperatures soaring above normal, disrupting daily life and raising health concerns.

However, the heat wave has begun to subside, a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said in a situation report, and in the past 24 hours, Bahawalnagar recorded 8 millimeters of rain, Sahiwal 3 mm, and Toba Tek Singh up to 2 mm.

Rainfall was also reported in Multan, Sialkot, Jhang, Kasur, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi districts.

鈥淩ain is predicted in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Gujranwala, D.G. Khan, and Sahiwal divisions in the next 24 hours,鈥 the PDMA spokesperson said.

Five people were injured in a roof collapse caused by rain in Kasur district in the last 24 hours, the PDMA confirmed. 

PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia 鈥渋nstructed to provide the best medical assistance to the injured鈥 and urged residents to exercise caution during unstable weather.

鈥淐itizens are requested to take precautionary measures in bad weather conditions,鈥 Kathia said in the statement. 鈥淪tay in safe places in bad weather conditions. Never go out under the open sky during thunderstorms.鈥

Pakistan ranks among the top ten countries most vulnerable to climate change and has faced increasingly frequent extreme weather events in recent years, including deadly heat waves and floods.

Temperatures in the upper parts of the country including parts of Punjab, Islamabad, northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the northern regions of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan remained 5掳C to 7掳C above normal this past week. Temperatures in the southern Sindh, eastern Punjab and southwestern Balochistan provinces stayed 4掳C to 6掳C above normal.
 


Five militants with suspected India links killed in Pakistan鈥檚 northwest 鈥 army

Five militants with suspected India links killed in Pakistan鈥檚 northwest 鈥 army
Updated 23 min 28 sec ago

Five militants with suspected India links killed in Pakistan鈥檚 northwest 鈥 army

Five militants with suspected India links killed in Pakistan鈥檚 northwest 鈥 army
  • Four militants killed in a raid in Peshawar district late on Sunday
  • Another was shot dead during separate operation in North Waziristan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have killed five suspected militants in two separate intelligence-based operations in the country鈥檚 northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said on Monday, alleging the insurgents had links to India.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army鈥檚 media wing, said four militants were killed in a raid in Peshawar district late Sunday, while another was shot dead during a separate operation in North Waziristan.

The army described the militants as being 鈥淚ndian proxies.鈥

The military said troops 鈥渟killfully surrounded and effectively engaged the Indian-sponsored Khwarij location,鈥 and after an 鈥渋ntense fire exchange, four Indian-sponsored Khwarij, including Kharji Haris and Kharji Baseer, were sent to hell.鈥

A search operation in North Waziristan led to the killing of another suspected militant, the statement added. Troops recovered weapons, ammunition and explosives at both sites.

Pakistan has long accused its neighbor India of backing separatist and other militants to destabilize its territory, a charge New Delhi strongly denies.

Militant violence has surged in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province since 2021, when a fragile ceasefire with the Pakistani Taliban collapsed. Attacks by separatists have also spiked in southwestern Balochistan. Islamabad claims that militants receive sanctuary and funding from foreign states like India, Afghanistan and Iran. All three deny the accusations. 

There was no immediate response from India鈥檚 foreign ministry to the latest allegations.


Pakistan set to hold policy rate as Israel-Iran conflict overshadows growth push

Pakistan set to hold policy rate as Israel-Iran conflict overshadows growth push
Updated 16 June 2025

Pakistan set to hold policy rate as Israel-Iran conflict overshadows growth push

Pakistan set to hold policy rate as Israel-Iran conflict overshadows growth push
  • Eleven of 14 respondents in a snap poll expected central bank to leave the benchmark rate unchanged at 11 percent
  • Central bank paused its easing cycle in March after cumulative cuts of 1,000 basis points from a record high of 22 percent

KARACHI: Pakistan鈥檚 central bank is expected to hold its policy rate today, Monday, a Reuters poll showed, as many analysts shifted their previous view of a cut in the wake of Israel鈥檚 military strike on Iran, citing inflation risks from rising global commodity prices.
Israel said on Friday it targeted nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders in a 鈥減reemptive strike鈥 to prevent Tehran from building an atomic weapon.
Several brokerages had initially expected a cut but revised their forecasts after the Israeli strikes sparked fears of a broader conflict.
The escalating hostilities triggered a sharp spike in oil prices 鈥 a worry for Pakistan given the broader impact on imported inflation from a potentially prolonged conflict and tightening of crude supplies.
Eleven of 14 respondents in a snap poll expected the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to leave the benchmark rate unchanged at 11 percent. Two forecast a 100 basis-point cut and one predicted a 50 bps cut.
鈥淭here remains an upside risk of a rise in global commodity prices in light of geopolitical tensions which could mark a return to inflationary pressures,鈥 said Ahmad Mobeen, senior economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
鈥淭he resultant higher import bill could also threaten external sector performance and bring pressure to the exchange rate.鈥
Inflation in the South Asian country has been declining for several months after it soared to around 40 percent in May 2023.
Last month, however, inflation picked up to 3.5 percent, above the finance ministry鈥檚 projection of up to 2 percent, partly due to the fading of the year-go base effects. The SBP expects average inflation between 5.5 percent and 7.5 percent for the fiscal year ending June.
The central bank paused its easing cycle in March after cumulative cuts of 1,000 basis points from a record high of 22 percent, and resumed it with a 100-basis-point reduction in May.
The policy meeting follows the release a tight annual budget, which saw Pakistan raise defense spending by 20 percent but overall expenditure was reduced by 7 percent, with GDP growth forecast at 4.2 percent.
Pakistan says its $350 billion economy has stabilized under a $7 billion IMF bailout that had helped it staved a default threat.
Some analysts are skeptical of the government鈥檚 ability to reach the growth target amid fiscal and external challenges.
Abdul Azeem, head of research at Al Habib Capital Markets, which forecast a 50-bp cut, said a lower rate could 鈥渟upport the GDP target of 4.2 percent and reduce the debt financing burden.鈥