Saudi chemicals giant SABIC targeting net zero by 2050, CEO says

Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh (R), CEO of the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, was speaking at the “Demand for Energy ... Transforming Costs into Gains” panel during the special meeting of the WEF in Riyadh. (WEF)
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Updated 29 April 2024
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Saudi chemicals giant SABIC targeting net zero by 2050, CEO says

  • SABIC aims to convert 1 million tons of waste into feedstock for the petrochemical industry by 2030, Al-Fageeh said

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s top chemicals company is turning to circular economy solutions to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and advance the Kingdom’s net-zero agenda, its CEO has said.

Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO of the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, was speaking at the “Demand for Energy ... Transforming Costs into Gains” panel during the special meeting of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh.

SABIC aims to convert 1 million tons of waste into feedstock for the petrochemical industry by 2030, he said.

The circular carbon economy has helped the chemicals sector expand its investment horizon since 2020, he added.

Al-Fageeh said that SABIC marked achievements in energy efficiency and reduced its carbon footprint at the end of 2023 by 12.74 percent. The company is targeting carbon neutrality by 2050.

SABIC has also adopted alternative energy from plastic waste, seeking to produce 1 million tons of sustainably sourced chemicals by 2030.

Energy efficiency

Al-Fageeh said that his company had started sustainability programs at an early stage, improved reliability, developed 90 initiatives and projects, and closed a number of sites due to ineffectiveness.

In 2023, SABIC had more than 200 patents, 40 percent of which related to sustainability in energy efficiency.


Middle East Sports Investment Forum concludes 2nd day with a package of investments in the sports sector announced

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Middle East Sports Investment Forum concludes 2nd day with a package of investments in the sports sector announced

RIYADH: The Middle East Sports Investment Forum, in partnership with the Ministry of Investment, the Ministry of Sports, and Sela Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, and with the support of Invest in Saudi Arabia, concluded its second day at the Kingdom Arena with the announcement of a package of strategic investments and partnerships.

These initiatives reflect the rapid growth of the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and underscore its increasing attractiveness to local and international investors.

The second day witnessed the announcement of several strategic agreements and alliances across various fields. 

Among the most prominent was the launch of specialized industrial investments in manufacturing components for sports stadium infrastructure. This will contribute to localizing supply chains and enhancing local content within the sports sector.

Partnerships in the field of sports medicine were also announced during the forum. These aim to transfer advanced medical expertise, develop healthcare services for athletes, and improve the efficiency of the healthcare system supporting the sports sector in the Kingdom.

The announcements also included collaboration in the field of temporary sports facilities and construction to support the Kingdom’s readiness to host major sporting events and championships and elevate the efficiency of the sector’s resilient infrastructure. 

The partnerships also seek to invest in sports technology, including digital solutions, performance analytics, and technological innovation, as well as expanding sports marketing, supporting clubs and events, and building sports brands.

The forum also included the formation of strategic alliances to develop specialized programs in a number of diverse sports, contributing to broadening the base of participants, raising the level of professionalism, and developing sporting talent. 

Participants affirmed that these announcements reflect the high confidence in the Saudi sports market and the Kingdom’s growing role as a regional and global hub for sports investment, supported by its advanced infrastructure, market size, and the diverse opportunities offered by Vision 2030. 

The Middle East Sports Investment Forum is a strategic platform for connecting investors and decision-makers, stimulating long-term partnerships, and accelerating the growth of the sports economy in the Kingdom and the region.