US-Saudi Business Council invites American delegation on business-development mission to Kingdom

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Updated 18 May 2023
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US-Saudi Business Council invites American delegation on business-development mission to Kingdom

  • The delegates will attend the 5th Future Projects Forum in Riyadh next week and meet representatives of US companies doing business in Saudi Arabia
  • ‘Saudi Arabia, the fastest-growing G20 economy in 2022 and the world’s sixth-most competitive nation, has project opportunities estimated at over $1 trillion,’ the council said

RIYADH: The US-Saudi Business Council has invited an American delegation to visit the Kingdom as part of a business-development mission designed to enhance investment and trade partnerships.

The delegates will attend the fifth annual Future Projects Forum, which will take place on May 22 and 23 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, and meet members of the Chamber of Commerce, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

They will also meet members of the business council and representatives of US companies already doing business in Saudi Arabia, to help build relationships and facilitate dialogue between business communities in the two countries.

Susanne Lendman, executive director and interim president and CEO of the US-Saudi Business Council, said the delegation includes representatives of seven American companies, some of which are newcomers to the Saudi market interested in providing products and services that meet the needs of the growing construction sector in the Kingdom. These needs include building materials, architectural services, maritime security solutions, food- and beverage-processing equipment, artificial intelligence, and engineering and consulting services for the construction and energy sectors, she added.

“Organized by the Saudi Contractors Authority, the Future Projects Forum gathers contractors, public- and private-sector owners to learn about future projects presented in detail by Saudi government and private entities. Previous (forums) showcased 9,450 projects valued at $704 billion,” the business council said, as it described the Kingdom as one of the world’s largest construction markets.

“Saudi Arabia, the fastest-growing G20 economy in 2022 and the world’s sixth-most competitive nation, has project opportunities estimated at over $1 trillion in sectors such as infrastructure, real estate, tourism, leisure, transportation, health care, energy and utilities,” it added.

“Saudi Arabia’s newly launched Circular Carbon Economy National Program and the Saudi Green Initiative to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 will provide opportunities for renewable technologies and products to improve energy efficiency.”


Arab, Islamic youth explore Saudi heritage, holy sites, progress 

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Arab, Islamic youth explore Saudi heritage, holy sites, progress 

  • Participants in Holy Sites Journey program tour Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, witnessing world-class pilgrim services

JEDDAH: The 11th Holy Sites Journey Program recently concluded in Jeddah, with more than 114 youth from 33 Arab and Islamic countries participating.

The 10-day program was organized by the Ministry of Sport, in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States.

Participants traveled across Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, exploring sacred sites, performing Umrah, and witnessing the Kingdom’s exemplary Hajj organizational practices.

They also visited historical landmarks, experienced modern sports facilities, and observed urban development projects, gaining insights into Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage, spirituality, and progress.

At a closing event in Jeddah on Thursday, Ahmed Al-Ghamlas, assistant deputy minister of sports for youth affairs, praised the participants and emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to hosting programs that empower the next generation.

He also encouraged those taking part to serve, on returning to their home countries, as ambassadors conveying the Kingdom’s advancements in services for pilgrims.

Al-Ghamlas added: “The program aimed to strengthen cultural and youth communication between Arab and Islamic countries, highlight the Kingdom's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims, and empower youth by building their capabilities.”

Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakheet, assistant secretary-general for humanitarian, cultural, and social affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in organizing the program for young people from Arab and Muslim countries, noting it as a step to promote cultural dialogue among youth from Islamic nations.

Participants expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the journey, witness the Kingdom’s transformative projects and world-class facilities, and pledged to share the knowledge, experiences, and insights they gained with peers in their home countries.

Bilal Jabiro, head of the Syrian Ministry of Youth delegation, told Arab News: “It was a great journey, and I enjoyed every minute of it. We sincerely thank Saudi Arabia for giving us this opportunity to strengthen our ties with youth from other Islamic nations and to see firsthand the great services and facilities the Kingdom offers to visitors and pilgrims.”

Youssef Issa Al-Sharifi, a member of the Supreme Council for Algerian Youth, praised the program’s objectives, saying: “Participation is an opportunity for every Arab Muslim.”

Meanwhile, Hussain Saeed from Oman told Arab News that he was happy to see the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques, adding: “It was a very informative and educational journey.”

Syrian influencer Azam Al-Khaldi said the program combined worship, knowledge, and history.

“It was an amazing journey, and I had the pleasure of showing my followers every step of the 10-day program,” he added.