Saudi Energy Minister discusses clean energy efforts with European delegation

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held a meeting with a delegation of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee. (SPA))
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Updated 20 December 2022
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Saudi Energy Minister discusses clean energy efforts with European delegation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz held a meeting with a delegation of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss the Kingdom’s sustainability efforts and the vitality of cooperation.

The conference took place in the minister’s office in Riyadh on Tuesday and was led by its Chair David James McEllister.  

The attendees reviewed the Kingdom’s efforts towards its pursuit of leading the transformation in the field of energy through local and regional initiatives.   

The meeting particularly focused on the Kingdom’s performance in the field of clean energy technologies to control hydrocarbon emissions and promote renewable energy sources.   

Efforts of the Saudi Green initiative and Middle East Green initiative were also evaluated during the get-together in Riyadh.   

In addition, they went over the Saudi efforts in managing emissions through capturing, using, recycling and storing of carbon within the carbon circular economy approach, as well as its plan of action to become the world's largest clean hydrogen exporter.  

The minister further emphasized the importance of collaboration between Middle East exporters and European consumers to boost their efforts and aid in their advancement.    

The Saudi minister also acquainted the delegation with the county’s efforts to support and encourage innovation in the energy sector.   

“Climate action will enhance competitiveness, spark innovation, and create millions of high-quality jobs,” noted prince Mohamed ibn Salman bin Abdelaziz. 

He added: “young people, both in the Kingdom and in the world, are demanding a cleaner, greener and more inclusive future and we owe it to them to deliver on this.” 

Saudi Arabia has been taking a number of initiatives in the area of clean energy, with millions of dollars being pumped into developing green technology to produce sustainable solutions as part of its net-zero goals.  

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman last year announced the Saudi Green Initiative and since then more than 60 initiatives have been activated to help Kingdom achieve the three targets of reducing emissions, afforestation, and land and sea protection.

During this year's SGI Forum which was held in tandem with COP27 in November, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said: “We are ushering in a new green era for the region; in which we are collectively leading and reaping its fruits, in our joint belief that the effects of climate change are not limited to the natural environment only, but also to the economy and security of our nations.” 


King Abdulaziz Airport among world’s busiest after record-breaking 2025

Updated 02 January 2026
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King Abdulaziz Airport among world’s busiest after record-breaking 2025

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz International Airport has achieved a new historical milestone, reaching 53.4 million passengers in a single year.

This is the highest number ever recorded at a Saudi airport since the beginning of air travel in the Kingdom, placing it among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger traffic, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The airport handled a total of 310,000 flights and 60.4 million bags, representing a 12 percent increase compared to 2024. It also handled 9.57 million Zamzam water containers and 2,968 cargo flights. 

This achievement reflects the airport’s qualitative transformation and its position as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world. It also highlights its role in facilitating the movement of visitors and pilgrims, promoting tourism in line with the goals of Vision 2030, diversifying the economy, and providing a distinguished travel experience. 

For his part, CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. Mazen Johar, affirmed that reaching 53.4 million passengers confirms the airport’s high operational readiness and represents a pivotal milestone for moving to the next phase, in preparation for doubling this number, God willing, in the coming years. 

He pointed out that this national achievement would not have been possible without the grace of God Almighty, followed by the directives of the wise leadership and the continuous follow-up from the minister of transport and logistics, the president of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, and the CEO of Airports Holding Co. 

He explained that King Abdulaziz International Airport is strengthening its position as a major aviation hub in the region through expansions, increased capacity, and improved services, supporting the objectives of the aviation program and aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. 

The CEO of Jeddah Airports Co. expressed his gratitude to the partners in success from various government and private sectors for their fruitful cooperation through a collaborative work system that contributed to providing the best services.