Saudi Arabia announced a major Cabinet reshuffle on Saturday with a heavy focus on culture and religion, as the Kingdom undergoes a major image overhaul.
The shake-up is the second significant government change since the appointment of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in early 2015. The crown prince serves as deputy prime minister under his father, King Salman.
Ahmed bin Suleiman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Rajhi has been appointed the minister of labor and social development.
The new labor minister was born in 1967. He is one of the young sons of Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, a well-known Saudi businessman.
Al-Rajihi is the Kingdom’s 18th labor minister. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran city.
He is the chairman of the Board of Saudi Chambers, in addition to Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is also the first deputy chairman of the federation of GCC Chambers. Al-Rajihi also chairs the executive boards of a number of companies. He holds the position of chairman of the board of directors of Triomada Plastic International Co., Saudi Company for MFG. Carpet Materials (Mattex), Saudi Manufacturing Industries Holding Co., Vision Green, and AEP.
His previous experience includes being the CEO of the National Industries Group from 1997 to 2010, chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Arab Contracting Co. between 2003 and 2011, chairman of the Industrial Committee at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh from 2008 to 2012.
He was a member of the board of directors of the Industrial Cities Authority from 2011 to 2014, and a member of the board of directors of Advanced Petrochemical Manufacturing Co. from 2005 to 2013.
Al-Rajhi’s appointment as the labor minister comes as an indication of the government’s interest in partnering with the private sector in line with Vision 2030.
FaceOf: Ahmed bin Suleiman Al-Rajhi, new minister of labor and social development
FaceOf: Ahmed bin Suleiman Al-Rajhi, new minister of labor and social development
- The new labor minister is one of the young sons of Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, a well-known Saudi businessman.
Related
Red Sea Global unveils scientific model for regenerative tourism worldwide
- The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by studies covering 8 marine habitats
TABUK: Red Sea Global (RSG) has unveiled a science-based model aimed at achieving a 30 percent net positive conservation benefit across its tourism destinations by 2040.
The framework is now available for global adoption, according to a statement released by RSG.
Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Red Sea Global is the multi-project developer behind ambitious regenerative tourism destinations like “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA.”
As a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the company aims to diversify the national economy while setting new global benchmarks for sustainable, nature-positive development.
CEO John Pagano stated that openly sharing this detailed approach will help elevate the global tourism sector and secure a healthier environment for future generations.
The cornerstone of this initiative is the proprietary SIIG Model, a four-step framework:
• Survey: Establish biodiversity baselines and monitor long-term changes.
• Identify: Assess risks to priority habitats and species.
• Intervene: Execute evidence-based actions, such as regulating fishing and enhancing natural habitats.
• Gain: Measure and verify biodiversity improvements.
The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by extensive 2022–2023 environmental baseline studies covering eight marine habitats and priority species groups during 2022 and 2023.
A major intervention is the 5,015-square-kilometer Fishery Management Area in Al-Wajh Lagoon. The plan reserves 38 percent of the area for priority conservation—protecting 62 percent of local coral reefs—while allocating 61 percent for sustainable fishing.
According to scientific modeling, eliminating fishing in high-protection zones could increase reef fish populations by 113 percent, sharks and rays by 72 percent, and marine mammals by 24 percent. These measures are expected to boost coral resilience, support ecosystem recovery, and protect vulnerable species like sea turtles and seabirds.
Ihab Kindi, RSG’s Red Sea Destination Executive Director, called the data-driven model a practical roadmap for large-scale marine recovery. The complete methodology is available in the new report, “The SIIG Model: A Roadmap Toward Achieving Measurable Conservation Gains.”
