JAZAN: A number of agreements were signed here yesterday to set up Jazan Refinery, which is scheduled to go on stream in 2016, supplying 400,000 barrels of oil products daily.
Jazan Gov. Prince Muhammad bin Nasser, who witnessed the signing ceremony, said the refinery would set off the region’s development by attracting new investment projects.
Located in the heart of Jazan Economic City in Beesh, the refinery would cover 12 sq. km. The SR 5.2 billion refinery will provide more than 5,000 jobs including 4,000 indirect jobs.
The refinery will be capable of processing Arabian Heavy and Arabian Medium crude oil and produce gasoline, ultra-low sulfur diesel and benzene.
The marine terminal at the facility will have the capability of receiving very large crude carriers for the supply of crude oil to the refinery and will have berths to support refined product exports from the refinery.
Khaled Al-Buainain of Saudi Aramco signed the agreements with representatives of eight national and international companies: Abdul Aali Al-Ajami, Petrofac Saudi Arabia Ltd., Hyundai Arabia Co. Ltd., Hanwha Engineering and Construction Corp. (Korea), SK Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. (Korea), Tecnicas Reunidas (Spain), JGC Corporation (Japan) and Hitachi Plant Technologies Ltd. (Japan).
“We witness today the realization of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah’s vision for the Jazan region,” said the governor. “We hope it would be a good start for other projects in the Jazan Economic City.”
Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Ali Al-Naimi, who was present at the ceremony, said the project would boost Jazan’s growth, adding that King Abdullah launched the project as part of his vision to achieve a balanced development for all regions.
Prince Faisal bin Turki, adviser at the Ministry of Petroleum and Minerals, said the new projects including a seaport and an electricity plant would spur Jazan’s industrial expansion. “Jazan will become a new base for downstream and support industries,” he added.
According to Abdullatif Al-Othman, governor of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), the refinery will serve as a major attraction for investment in Jazan.
“Efforts are under way to speed up the implementation of infrastructure projects at Jazan Economic City to attract industrial and service investment,” he added.
Khalid Al-Falih, president and CEO of Saudi Aramco, said the refinery would meet the Kingdom’s growing requirements of refined petroleum products, especially in the country’s southern and western regions. “The surplus products will be exported,” he added.
The cutting-edge Saudi Aramco refinery and terminal mega-project will form the backbone of the Jazan Economic City that will transform the economic fortunes of Jazan.
Once operational, the refinery will be capable of processing heavy and medium crudes to manufacture approximately 75,000 bpd of gasoline, 250,000 bpd of ultra-low-sulfur diesel, and 80,000 bpd of vacuum residual, which will be sent to an adjacent new power block. In addition, products at Jazan will also include LPG, sulfur, asphalt and more than 1 million tons per year of benzene and para-xylene.
SR 5.2-billion refinery to spur Jazan’s growth
SR 5.2-billion refinery to spur Jazan’s growth
Sha’abanah festival brings Hijazi heritage to life ahead of Ramadan
Jeddah: The Sha’abanah festival celebrating Hijazi heritage drew more than 18,000 visitors to the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah as part of the city’s pre-Ramadan festivities.
Organized by Vertex 33, the three-day event from Jan. 22-24 offered an immersive celebration of local culture, crafts, and cuisine.
The festival featured local boutiques offering oud incense and perfumes, artisanal shoes and a variety of handcrafted products from local entrepreneurs.
Visitors also enjoyed a range of artistic workshops, such as pottery and mosaic, while children engaged in scented candle-making, art activities by Global Art, and thread kneading to create keychains and home wall hangings with Ramadan themes.
A dining area served traditional Saudi cuisine, coffee, and festive Ramadan treats.
Guests were entertained with live traditional Yanbu’awi performances, Al-Ajal dance displays, and a contemporary Saudi-style DJ, bringing together the energy of modern entertainment with the rich cultural heritage of Hijaz.
The project was led by four young cultural enthusiasts, Abdulaziz Al-Jehani, Abdulmajeed Abualkheer, Ghoroub Al-Barakati and Shahad Abualkheer.
Al-Jehani, CEO of Vertex 33, said Sha’abanah was inspired by a desire to revive the social traditions that once brought Hijazi communities together ahead of Ramadan.
“At Vertex 33, we believe events should feel meaningful, not just entertaining, and Sha’abanah was our way of creating a space where people could reconnect with heritage in a lively, modern setting,” he told Arab News.
“Bringing the festival together took just three months of planning, from concept development and cultural research to vendor selection, design, and on-ground coordination.
“The positive response from attendees has reinforced Vertex 33’s commitment to supporting local artists and making Hijazi heritage central to future events,” he added.
Entrepreneurs taking part in Sha’abanah praised the festival for providing exposure and opportunities to engage directly with customers.
Afraa Damanhouri, founder of RuaqAfraa, said: “We are participating to make scented cake candles for both adults and children. Workshops like these promote business and help people understand the process behind different types of candles.”
Reem Awad, founder and CEO of Black Mus, said: “Through Sha’abanah, we were able to meet our customers face to face, share the story behind our products, and help them understand the range of services and items we offer.”
Chef Fayzah Al-Sulami, who took part in the event preparing and selling her homemade spices and traditional white sweet Saudi coffee, said: “I started teaching cooking on YouTube, and when people asked about the ingredients I use, I began selling my products.
“It was amazing to see so many people take an interest, and sales were strong throughout all three days of the festival.”
With Ramadan approaching, many local entrepreneurs offered gift packages, prayer baskets, homemade traditional coffee, and spices.
Duaa Shukri, founder of Printful, said: “Ramadan is a time for giving. We created unique gift packages for children, teenagers and adults, with thoughtful items.”
