Solar companies gather in Riyadh to advance Kingdom’s net zero plan
“This event shone a spotlight on the impressive initiatives driving the Kingdom and the broader MENA region toward net zero, with both private and government sectors playing pivotal roles”
Updated 16 October 2024
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: Solar power companies from around the world are gathering in Riyadh to cultivate new opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s path to net zero, during the Solar & Storage Live KSA exhibition.
NEOM Green Hydrogen Co. was one of the major organizations that attended the event.
“It’s always inspiring to be surrounded by our industry peers and partners, and I was thrilled to be asked to participate in the keynote interview,” said Wesam Al-Ghamdi, CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Co.
Wesam Alghamdi, CEO of NEOM Green Hydrogen Company. (Supplied)
“I was also very happy to see the enthusiasm around NGHC’s project. The excitement about our progress toward becoming fully operational by the end of 2026 was palpable.
“This event shone a spotlight on the impressive initiatives driving the Kingdom and the broader MENA region toward net zero, with both private and government sectors playing pivotal roles.”
Solar power has emerged as a leading contender in the race for sustainable energy solutions, as the world shifts towards renewable energy sources.
Al-Ghamdi elaborated on how the solar energy system works at the company. “NGHC doesn’t produce its own solar panels, those are produced by our partners at Sungrow,” he said.
“Located in NEOM, we benefit from an optimal environment for solar energy generation, with nearly guaranteed sunlight throughout the year.
“Our solar garden will feature an impressive 5.6 million solar panels, generating up to 2.2 GW of solar energy to power our facility.”
He added: “Together with our wind farm, this renewable energy infrastructure will enable us to produce up to 600 tonnes of green hydrogen (daily) by the time we are fully operational at the end of 2026.”
Solar energy is produced through the collection of sunlight using photovoltaic panels. This technology has seen remarkable advancements over the past decade, drastically reducing costs and improving efficiency.
These lower costs make solar power an affordable energy source for many people, thus an excellent option for both developed and developing countries.
One of the biggest players in solar power is China. The country is investing heavily in solar infrastructure not only for its economic benefit but for the environmental impact it provides.
Operating worldwide, BSL BATT is a Chinese company that produces battery storage systems, including storage for solar power.
Although BSL BATT has been operating in various countries within the Middle East, they are aiming to penetrate the Saudi solar market and develop their relations even further in the Kingdom, BSL BATT EMEA’s sales manager, Russel Tong, told Arab News.
Battery storage systems are critical in making solar power a feasible supply of electricity, as stored energy can be released overnight resulting in a round-the-clock supply when solar panels are not harvesting energy from the sun.
The combination of solar power and storage not only supports environmental sustainability but also drives economic growth, as evidenced by Saudi Arabia’s growing solar power industry.
As the Kingdom ramps up its solar power capacity, targeting a total of 130GW of renewable energy by 2030, economic opportunities are also on the rise.
‘Modernity Roots’ art exhibition merges Saudi past and present
Our cultural heritage is our ultimate powerhouse, says Bilory ArtHaus founder
Updated 15 October 2024
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: A new exhibition in Jeddah will “push boundaries” in the world of Saudi art, encouraging artists to challenge stereotypes and explore new horizons, its organizer believes.
Abdulrahman Kamil Mourad, general manager of the Bilory company and founder of Bilory ArtHaus, said the “Modernity Roots” exhibition will merge Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage with contemporary art practices, creating a dynamic platform for both artists and art enthusiasts.
AFM’s camel paintings utilize bold, African-inspired colors and Saudi symbols to explore a modern, progressive identity rooted in tradition. (Supplied)
The exhibition, the gallery’s first, draws inspiration from the Arabic term for origin and centrality, symbolized by the date stone, a revered element in Saudi culture, known for its vitality and unyielding strength.
“Modernity Roots is not just an exhibition, it’s a declaration of our roots and the unyielding power they instill within us as Saudis navigating the modern world,” Mourad said.
HIGHLIGHTS
• ‘Modernity Roots’ showcases the works of AFM and Heba Ismail, two prominent Saudi artists gaining wider recognition in the region.
• Bilory ArtHaus has positioned itself not only as a gallery, but also a creative space that promotes openness and innovation.
• Alongside its commitment to promoting art, Bilory Company also plans to launch an e-commerce jewelry platform.
“In a society eager to progress, this exhibition reminds us that our cultural heritage is our ultimate powerhouse, guiding us forward without losing sight of our origins.”
‘Modernity Roots,’ Bilory ArtHaus’ debut exhibition, is setting out to push boundaries in Saudi art, while also challenging stereotypes. (Supplied)
Mourad said that the exhibition is setting out to push boundaries in Saudi art, while also challenging stereotypes.
“The primary purpose of ‘Modernity Roots’ was to highlight that it is OK and desirable to be courageous and daring in the art production process, pushing boundaries and challenging the stereotypes surrounding Saudi art.
“Each artist embodies strong dedication and resilience, building on their rich Saudi cultural backgrounds, while exploring new horizons and opportunities,” he said.
‘Modernity Roots,’ Bilory ArtHaus’ debut exhibition, is setting out to push boundaries in Saudi art, while also challenging stereotypes. (Supplied)
The exhibition showcases the works of AFM and Heba Ismail, two prominent Saudi artists gaining wider recognition in the region.
AFM’s camel paintings merge pop art with cartoonish abstraction, utilizing bold, African-inspired colors and Saudi symbols to explore a modern, progressive identity rooted in tradition.
Ismail’s “The Holy Grail” series brings a cubist perspective to the theme of cultural identity and self-exploration, using modernist abstraction and striking colors to challenge perceptions and evoke deep emotional responses.
Together, their work creates a dialogue that bridges past and present, inviting viewers to reflect on the power of heritage in shaping the future.
Ismail said: “I’ve been involved with the team from the very beginning, and we spent months preparing for the launch.
“I contributed 23 paintings, all of which are very dear to me. The team was incredible. We became friends along the way, and the launch was a huge success.
“It was wonderful to work alongside AFM for the third time, and I love how our work complements and enhances each other’s.”
Mourad also explained Bilory’s approach to selecting artists for the inaugural exhibition, emphasizing a commitment to Saudi Vision 2030.
“From our perspective, there will never be a solid perfect choice when it comes to selecting art and artists; there are only different tastes and perspectives.
“Our main focus initially was to find creative Saudi artists who work with great passion. The main factor guiding our choice of these two artists was their alignment with our broader vision of participating in Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to create more cultural art spaces and improve the overall quality of life.”
Bilory ArtHaus has positioned itself not only as a gallery, but also a creative space that promotes openness and innovation.
Mourad outlined the gallery’s broader ambitions, saying: “We aim to create a balanced and harmonious gallery that fosters multi-talented artists who challenge themselves and inspire others to do the same.
“This creative space will feature diverse exhibitions, showcasing both well-established and emerging local Saudi artists, as well as hosting international artists.
“We strongly believe that Bilory ArtHaus will play a major role in shaping the local art scene by promoting and exposing outstanding available talents.”
Alongside its commitment to promoting art, Bilory Company also plans to launch an e-commerce jewelry platform.
The exhibition, open daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. until Oct. 31, offers visitors an immersive experience that highlights Saudi Arabia’s cultural evolution, and the enduring connection between tradition and modernity.
Crown prince to lead Saudi delegation at GCC-EU summit in Brussels
Senior EU officials held a briefing in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss “ambitious agenda” of event
Updated 15 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will lead Saudi Arabia’s delegation at the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union summit in Brussels on Wednesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
His participation follows directives from King Salman, SPA added.
Senior EU officials held a briefing in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss the “ambitious agenda” of the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-EU summit in Brussels on Oct. 16.
GCC and EU leaders will address regional stability, trade, and people-to-people cooperation during the summit.
The officials discussed issues of common interest in a spirit of cooperation
Updated 15 October 2024
Arab News
TAIF: Taif Gov. Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud received Japanese Consul General Daisuke Yamamoto in Taif on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan met with Ambassador of Bahrain to the Kingdom Sheikh Ali Abdulrahman bin Ali Al-Khalifa, at his office on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the meetings, the officials discussed issues of common interest in a spirit of cooperation.
Third Saudi International Maritime Forum to focus on AI and maritime security
Forum will host more than 55 national and international entities from 22 countries
Updated 15 October 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces will host the third Saudi International Maritime Forum from Nov. 19 to 21, with artificial intelligence and maritime security set to top the agenda.
The event will be held at the Dhahran Convention and Exhibition Center in the Eastern Province under the patronage of Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Saudi minister of defense, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The forum will address various themes through a series of workshops and specialized sessions, including how AI is reshaping naval operations and the new strategies that need to be implemented to enhance security measures at sea.
The future of military industries within the context of AI will also be explored, delving into how AI-driven innovations are set to transform military technologies and defense strategies in the maritime sector.
Another key topic of discussion will be the impact of modern maritime systems on security and the challenges posed by cybersecurity threats.
Lt. Gen. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi, chief of staff of the naval forces, thanked the minister of defense’s sponsorship of the event, SPA reported.
The event will gather naval leaders from around the world, along with experts in the military, scientific, and technical fields. Attendees will also include government officials, maritime company executives, and regulatory authorities.
The forum will host more than 55 national and international entities from 22 countries. An accompanying exhibition will showcase the latest equipment, technologies, and systems in maritime security, featuring contributions from leading local, regional, and international companies.
