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. 

 


Two Saudi cybersecurity firms plan Tadawul listings within two years 

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Two Saudi cybersecurity firms plan Tadawul listings within two years 

RIYADH: Two Saudi cybersecurity companies, Cyber and Infratech, plan to list a portion of their shares on the Saudi Stock Exchange, or Tadawul, between 2026 and 2027, according to the companies’ chairmen, who spoke to Al-Eqtisadiah. 

Abdulrahman Al-Kenani, founder and CEO of Cyber, said: “The company is currently planning to acquire certain entities, which will be disclosed in the coming period, in addition to preparing for a public offering through the Tumooh program on the stock market within the next two years at the latest.” 

Al-Kenani explained that the financial, healthcare and services sectors are witnessing continuous cyberattacks as Saudi Arabia expands its digital transformation, accompanied by a rise in the frequency of such incidents. He added that this phenomenon is not limited to the Kingdom but is a global issue. 

The CEO added: “The company is working with several Saudi airports and vital sectors, in addition to collaborating with major international companies to provide cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.” 

Infratech plans 4 R&D centers abroad 

Ayman Al-Suhaim, CEO of Infratech, stated: “The size of the information technology and cybersecurity market in Saudi Arabia has reached approximately SR87 billion ($23.2 billion), of which SR15.7 billion are allocated to the cybersecurity sector. This includes consulting, managed services, governance, risk management, and cybersecurity within the industrial sector.” 

He said the company has a strategic plan covering the period from 2026 to 2028, which includes establishing a firm in the first quarter of next year to finance cybersecurity and artificial intelligence products, as well as launching four research and development centers in the US, Russia, China and Eastern Europe. 

The plan also includes investment in cloud storage, overseas ventures, and the expansion of operations and investments in data centers. 

Al-Suhaim said the company intends to go public in 2027, noting that it operates across multiple cybersecurity domains serving sectors including energy, defense, aviation and government services. 

The Tumooh program for small and medium-sized enterprises in Saudi Arabia is one of the support initiatives offered by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, or Monsha’at. It aims to drive SME growth by strengthening capabilities, improving performance and accelerating expansion. 

The initiative seeks to help fast-growing SMEs prepare for initial public offerings in the financial markets. To date, the program has facilitated the listing of 24 companies on the Nomu Parallel Market out of more than 2,500 firms registered under the scheme.