Saudi Arabia’s FM: Upcoming GCC summit will discuss various issues including stability in the region
Meeting was also attended by Egyptian FM Sameh Shoukry and GCC secretary-general
Updated 14 December 2021
Lojien Ben Gassem
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led a meeting on Sunday of foreign ministers from the six GCC countries to set the agenda for the organization’s annual leaders’ summit in the Kingdom next week.
The meeting was the first since Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s tour of the Gulf states last week. Ministers decided to place collective security, regional conflicts and the region’s development at the top of the summit agenda.
Sunday’s meeting was also attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and GCC secretary-general Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf.
There was a close and strategic relationship between Egypt and the Gulf states, Shoukry said. “We are coordinating with the GCC countries on all issues. We hope the meeting will contribute to the stability of the region and people’sprosperity.”
Al-Hajraf said: “There is continuing consultation between the Gulf states and Egypt to enhance the stability of the region and the world. The ministerial meeting affirmed support for Gulf-Egyptian relations.”
Prince Faisal said the summit came at a delicate and sensitive time, and the security of the region would be a key item on the agenda.
Saudi Arabia holds the presidency of the 42nd session of the GCC, chaired by King Salman, which will begin on Dec. 14. The summit is held annually to discuss progress in achieving coordination, integration, and interdependence between the Gulf states in the economic, commercial, educational, and cultural fields to enhance the development of their countries and people.
Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport
A PIF-linked initiative highlights technical and engineering careers behind electric racing events
Updated 24 January 2026
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Students from local and international schools in Jeddah were introduced to STEM-related career pathways in electric motorsport this week, as part of an education program linked to the UIM E1 World Championship held on the Red Sea.
The sessions formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners, to familiarize students aged eight to 18 with science, technology, engineering and mathematics through electric racing and sustainability-focused industries.
The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)
The programme took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access designed to show how engineering, data, broadcast technology and event operations function within professional motorsport.
According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The program took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access.
• Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
• According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
John Williams, managing director at E1, told Arab News: “The PIF is absolutely vital to everything we do here at the E1. They were crucial initial investment partner since the start of the championship and they continue to support us in a number of ways and more specifically around the Driving Force program.”
The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)
Elaborating more on the program, he said: “What we are doing is presenting and showing these students the available careers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as careers in sports, not only pilots but also engineers and mechanics.”
Williams added that the main key to the program was bringing a new generation to the mechanism of sport.
“We are introducing to these exciting new technologies around the race but it could be our technology on the boat or our broadcast products, as well as how to manage the event its self. There are a range of opportunities to show it to the children in addition to enjoying the excitement of the race and meeting the pilots.”
The program’s Jeddah activities began at King Abdulaziz University’s faculty of maritime studies, where students took part in a hands-on workshop focused on STEM careers in the motorsport and sustainability areas conducted by technology experts and famous water pilots such as Dani Clos, Emma Kimilainen and Patricia Pita.
Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
They also enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the E1 Jeddah GP, pilot meet-and-greets, and front-row seats to watch the RaceBird boats in action.
