Crown prince: Saudi Arabia emerging as a global hub for investment, innovation

The crown prince briefed ministers on the outcomes of his discussions with several world leaders and heads of government who visited the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Updated 04 November 2025
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Crown prince: Saudi Arabia emerging as a global hub for investment, innovation

  • The cabinet affirmed that the high-level international attendance at the event reflected global confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economy

RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s growing status as a leading global destination for investment and innovation, as he chaired the weekly cabinet session in Riyadh.

At the start of the meeting, the crown prince briefed ministers on the outcomes of his discussions with several world leaders and heads of government who visited the Kingdom to participate in the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference.

The cabinet affirmed that the high-level international attendance at the event reflected global confidence in Saudi Arabia’s economy and appreciation for its achievements and vision. The Kingdom, ministers said, has become “an international economic destination and a global center that brings together leaders and innovators to transform visions into practical strategies that shape the future of investment.”

The council discussed the strength and flexibility of the Saudi economy, its ability to adapt to global transformations, and its sustained growth across non-oil sectors such as advanced manufacturing, technology, tourism, and entrepreneurship.

Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dossari said in a statement that the cabinet commended the private sector’s growing role in driving non-oil activities since the launch of Vision 2030, describing it as proof of the success of economic reforms and the expansion of the business environment.

The cabinet also celebrated Saudi Arabia’s election to preside over the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) for three years starting in 2031, calling it further recognition of the Kingdom’s leadership in transparency and governance.

The council also praised AlUla’s receipt of three World Travel Awards for 2025, and its rising prominence as a regional tourism hub and a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

 


Najran farmers find sugarcane cultivation viable, promising lucrative economic returns

Updated 26 min 53 sec ago
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Najran farmers find sugarcane cultivation viable, promising lucrative economic returns

  • Mountain regions in Najran have a temperate climate and abundant water resources, suitable for sugarcane production

NAJRAN: Farmers in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern region of Najran are finding that sugarcane production is a viable enterprise, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

One farmer, Ibrahim Shakwan, confirmed to SPA the success of his 7.3-hectare sugarcane farm and noted “growing regional interest due to its high productivity and lucrative economic returns.”

Najran was chosen as a trial area for sugarcane production owing to the temperate climate, diverse soils, and abundant water resources in its mountainous parts. The experiment is in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which calls for enhancing food security and self-sufficiency.

Other regions in the Kingdom’s southwest, such as Jazan, Asir and Baha, have features similar to Najran.

Sugarcane is easily propagated via cuttings that yield a high number of plantable pieces. (SPA)

Sugarcane is easily propagated via cuttings that yield a high number of plantable segments. Planting occurs primarily in the summer, although seedlings can be planted year round. 

Effective cultivation methods include selecting disease-resistant varieties, proper soil preparation, and balanced irrigation and fertilization, according to the report.

The crop is harvested about eight months after planting, with fertilization ending three months before and irrigation ceasing 20 days prior to harvest to boost sugar concentration and improve juice quality, which is rich in natural sugars, vitamins, and minerals.

Several countries in the Middle East have long been growing sugarcane, with Egypt and Iran the key producers. 

Botanists believe sugarcane was first cultivated 10,000 years ago in what is now New Guinea in the southwest Pacific Ocean, where the environment is humid, according to an article titled Sugar Please published in the Aramcoworld magazine in 2012.