Royal Commission for AlUla aims to slash emissions by 270 metric tons annually

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Updated 23 October 2021
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Royal Commission for AlUla aims to slash emissions by 270 metric tons annually

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla aims to reduce carbon emissions by 270 metric tons annually by adopting a circular carbon economy approach, said the commission’s CEO Amr AlMadani on Saturday.

He was speaking at a session titled “Give to nature, Nature gives back: The business case for a circular economy” held on the sidelines of the Saudi Green Initiative Forum in Riyadh.

AlMadani said: “If we look today at AlUla the culture, oases and its current state demonstrate clearly why a circular carbon economy and sustainable practices are must do today for this oasis to revive. 

“We are committed through our masterplan to free the Oasis (AlUla) from the negative effects.” Almadani said.

He said the commission is already working on a solar and renewable energy complex, which would produce 500 MW in excess to support the growing power demand by 2035.  “We are also integrating with the national (power) grid to make sure that any generated excess energy that is sustainable (should) flow through the sustainable grid,” AlMadani said. 

The session was attended by Magdi Batato, executive vice president, head of operation, Nestle and Renat Heuberger, co-founder and CEO, South Pole. 

 


Closing Bell: Saudi benchmark index edged up to close at 10,549

Updated 01 January 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi benchmark index edged up to close at 10,549

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index rose on Thursday, gaining 58.39 points, or 0.56 percent, to close at 10,549.08.

Total trading turnover reached SR1.59 billion ($425 million), with 218 stocks advancing and 37 declining.

The parallel market, Nomu, added 222.72 points, or 0.96 percent, to finish at 23,519.01, as 43 stocks rose and 21 retreated. Meanwhile, the MSCI Tadawul Index increased by 6.11 points, or 0.44 percent, to close at 1,393.42.

Leading the day’s gains was Alkhaleej Training and Education Co., whose shares jumped 7.63 percent to SR20.45. Other strong performers included Consolidated Grunenfelder Saady Holding Co., up 6.60 percent to SR9.69, and Abdullah Saad Mohammed Abo Moati for Bookstores Co., which rose 6.48 percent to SR48.98.

On the downside, Naseej International Trading Co. recorded the largest decline, falling 2.44 percent to SR34.44, while National Gas and Industrialization Co. dropped 1.79 percent to SR93.10 and Nama Chemicals Co. slipped 1.32 percent to SR23.99.

Saudi Aramco Base Oil Co., or Luberef announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Aramco for a GIII+ production facility in Jazan.

The 18-month agreement, which may be renewed, is a key step in the Group III+ Project aimed at enhancing production capacity. The MoU is non-binding, and any future approvals, formal agreements, or financial impacts will be disclosed in line with regulatory guidelines. Luberef ended the session at SR96.10, down 0.26 percent.

Meanwhile, the Power and Water Utility Co. for Jubail and Yanbu, or Marafiq, reported receiving official notice of higher energy product prices used in production. The company estimated the financial impact for 2026 at 5.6 percent of total cost of sales, based on its most recent audited 2024 statements.

The effect is expected to appear in the first quarter of the 2026 fiscal year. Marafiq said it is working to mitigate the impact through improved production efficiency, enhanced plant reliability, optimized asset utilization, and cost reductions. The stock closed at SR36.80, up 1.03 percent.