Al-Baha, Eastern Province municipalities now offering over 1,000 investment opportunities

An image from Al-Baha showing houses constructed by stones laid one atop another. File/SPA
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Updated 03 April 2024
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Al-Baha, Eastern Province municipalities now offering over 1,000 investment opportunities

RIYADH: Investors can now access over 1,000 opportunities in sectors, including tourism, across the Al-Baha and the Eastern Province municipalities, according to the Saudi Press Agency.   

The borough of the southwestern region of Al-Baha has presented a total of 1,088 acquisition prospects, both permanent and temporary, throughout the district, the SPA report noted. 

Additionally, in collaboration with the Sharqia Development Authority, the Eastern Province municipality has introduced an opportunity to establish, develop, operate, and invest in Saihat Lake as a tourist and recreational park. 

The Al-Baha municipality has disclosed the identification of over 1,000 investment sites between 2023 and the initial quarter of 2024, with the number of municipal incubators reaching 31. 

Saleh Shaiban, deputy mayor for investment for Al-Baha, clarified that these prospects are designed to involve the private sector, including investors and entrepreneurs, in municipal funding ventures and to enhance the capital operations of the region in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. 

He added that their approach to attracting funding interest to the region has been instrumental in drawing prominent local and global business. 

Moreover, the Al-Baha municipality invited interested investors and entrepreneurs to take advantage of investment regulations and incentives, such as contractual periods of up to 50 years and exemption periods to support investors, which can reach up to 10 percent of the contract duration. 

It added that these advantages also include a 25 percent reduction in bank guarantees for the tender value. 

The municipality noted that information on business opportunities can be accessed via the digital portal or the Forsah platform. 

The Eastern Province municipality, on the other hand, emphasized that the lake opportunity encompasses the establishment of recreational, tourist, and sports projects, along with restaurants and cafes. 

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the lake area spans over 600,000 sq. m., with a construction ratio capped at 5 percent. This restriction is intended to offer extensive space for visitors and park attendees. 

The mayoralty also highlighted that the project incorporates a range of supportive activities in line with the Saudi Green Initiative. Furthermore, it emphasized that the contract could extend up to 25 years as an incentive for investors. 

These schemes are part of the municipalities’ ongoing efforts to stimulate economic activity and enhance regional development. They also aim to improve the urban landscape, develop waterfronts, and enhance tourism and entertainment attractions. 


Acwa signs key terms to develop 5GW of renewable energy capacity in Turkiye

Updated 23 February 2026
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Acwa signs key terms to develop 5GW of renewable energy capacity in Turkiye

JEDDAH: Saudi utility giant Acwa has signed key investment agreements with Turkiye’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources to develop up to 5 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, starting with 2GW of solar power across two plants in Sivas and Taseli.

Under the investment agreement, Acwa will develop, finance, and construct, as well as commission and operate both facilities, according to a press release.

The program builds on the company’s first investment in Turkiye, the 927-megawatt Kirikkale Independent Power Plant, valued at $930 million, which offsets approximately 1.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, the statement added.

A separate power purchase agreement has been concluded with Elektrik Uretim Anonim Sirketi for the sale of electricity generated by each facility.

Turkiye aims to boost solar and wind capacity to 120GW by 2035, supported by around $80 billion in investment, while recent projects have already helped prevent 12.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and reduced reliance on imported natural gas.

Turkiye’s energy sector has undergone a rapid transformation in recent years, with renewable power emerging as a central pillar of its strategy.

Raad Al-Saady, vice chairman and managing director of ACWA, said: “The signing of the IA (implementation agreement) and PPA key terms marks a pivotal moment in Acwa’s partnership with Turkiye, reflecting the country’s strong potential as a clean energy leader and manufacturing powerhouse.”

He added: “Building on our long-standing presence, including the 927MW Kirikkale Power Plant commissioned in 2017, this step elevates our partnership to a new level,” Al-Saady said.

In its statement, Acwa said the 5GW renewable energy program will deliver electricity at fixed prices, enhancing predictability for grid planning and supporting long-term industrial investment.

By replacing imported fossil fuels with domestically generated clean energy, the initiative is expected to reduce Turkiye’s exposure to global energy market volatility, strengthening energy security and lowering long-term power costs.

The company added that the economic impact will extend beyond the anticipated investment of up to $5 billion in foreign direct investment, with thousands of jobs expected during the construction phase and hundreds of high-skilled roles created during operations.

The energy firm concluded that its existing progress in Turkiye reflects a strong appreciation for Turkish engineering, construction, and manufacturing capacity, adding that localization has been a strategic priority, and it has already achieved 100 percent local employment at its developments in the country.