Lord mayor of London discusses key areas of collaboration during Riyadh visit

The Lord Mayor of London William Russell was visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time during his mayoralty. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 12 October 2021
Follow

Lord mayor of London discusses key areas of collaboration during Riyadh visit

  • Talks in Riyadh with business leaders to strengthen trade cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s fintech sector was a focus for talks during a visit to the Kingdom by the Lord Mayor of London William Russell.
Russell, who serves as the international ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services sector, was visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time during his mayoralty.
“British expertise and innovation in sustainable finance can help the Saudi financial services sector to unlock the huge opportunities offered by the green transition,” he said.
During his visit, Russell held talks with business leaders to strengthen areas of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the UK on financial sector policy, green finance, fintech, and open banking.
The discussions also involved Tadawul, King Abdullah Financial District, the Capital Market Authority, and the Saudi Central Bank.
His visit followed a fintech mission last December, when he headed a virtual fintech business delegation to advance commercial and policy collaboration between the two sides.
In July, he hosted the UK-Saudi Sustainable Investment Forum at London’s Mansion House.
It brought together leading public and private sector figures from both sides to discuss initiatives to achieve a more sustainable and greener economic future.
“It has been a pleasure to be here in Saudi Arabia to witness the country’s burgeoning fintech sector. With the UK being one of the world’s leading fintech hubs, we look forward to working with Saudi Arabia to further explore opportunities to collaborate and progress innovation in the digital space,” said Russell.
“Saudi investment in the UK through sovereign wealth funds has had huge mutual benefits – including urban regeneration in the UK and knowledge transfer to Saudi Arabia. This is a promising start, and there is plenty more scope for further investment.
“As part of the Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the country’s economy, London’s expertise opens up huge possibilities for closer partnership in services by acting as a key enabler of diversification and a source of funding.
“As we approach the COP26 summit and the launch of the Saudi Green Initiative, the UK is very keen for Saudi Arabia to become an ally in the fight against climate change. Working with the Green Finance Institute, the City of London Corporation will be hosting a Green Horizon Summit at COP26.
“We are delighted to see that Saudi Arabia has committed to a target of having 50 percent of its electricity generated from renewables by 2030.”


NCW releases 140 wild animals into royal reserve

Updated 12 sec ago
Follow

NCW releases 140 wild animals into royal reserve

  • This milestone reflects significant progress in the management and governance of wildlife across the Kingdom, supporting the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife released 140 wild animals into the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve as part of ongoing programs to reintroduce endangered species. The initiatives aim to enhance ecological balance and restore biodiversity in natural habitats.

The release, carried out in cooperation with the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, included 30 Arabian oryx, 70 reem gazelles (sand gazelles), and 40 houbara bustards, the SPA reported on Thursday. 

The initiative forms part of efforts to reintroduce species to their natural habitats and establish stable, self-sustaining wildlife populations capable of breeding, contributing to improved ecosystem functioning and sustainability.

The NCW continues to implement its strategic plans for wildlife development, with the total number of animals reintroduced through its specialized programs now exceeding 10,000.

This milestone reflects significant progress in the management and governance of wildlife across the Kingdom, supporting the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.