“Apart from debate on the role of fossil fuels, at COP28 all eyes will be on how the UAE and its neighboring hydrocarbon-rich states will tackle the implementation of climate mitigation policies. Because of economic and population growth, industrial expansion, rising living standards, and a sixfold increase in energy consumption since the 1980s (faster than in any other part of the world) driven in part by higher demand for cooling, the Gulf states recognize the importance of developing alternative energy sources, such as renewable energy.”
Aisha Al-Sarihi, From Sharm el Sheikh to Dubai: What to Expect From the UAE as Host of COP28 [Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington]
“The new strategy focuses on increasing the likelihood of turning research into economically beneficial innovations. This ambition will be achieved through three major initiatives: the launch of the National Transformation Institute for Applied Research to accelerate technology development and commercialization to support the Kingdom’s economic diversification aspirations; the restructuring of research centers to align with national priorities for research, development, and innovation; and the creation of a $200m fund (SR750 million) to deliver unmet investment in local and international firms specializing in high-tech, which will enhance economic diversification and contribute to the creation of high quality technical jobs.”
Saudi Arabia launches $200m fund for early investment in high-tech companies [Arab News]
“Voice and accountability are critical components of modern governance, allowing citizens to articulate their concerns, contribute to decision-making processes and hold the government accountable. Recognizing the significance of citizen engagement, Saudi Arabia has initiated numerous reforms to empower its people.”
Turki Faisal Al-Rasheed, Saudi Arabia’s commendable progress on governance indicators [Arab News]
“Honest, open, useful and fruitful talks based on neighborly policy. Through the wills of heads of the two countries, sustainable bilateral ties in all fields have persisted. We agree on ‘security and development for all’ in the region.”
-Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, in comments after meeting Friday with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of his visit to the kingdom. [ABC/AP]
“I have achieved a lot in Europe and enjoyed special times, but I have always wanted to be a global player and test myself with new challenges and opportunities in new places. I want to write new sporting history, and the Saudi Pro League has tremendous energy and quality players at the moment.”
-Neymar. [Daily Post]
“Jeddah was, for centuries, the most important, largest, and richest port on the Red Sea. Today, Historic Jeddah is the last surviving urban site along the Red Sea coast that still boasts a commercial-based economy, multi-cultural environment, isolated outward-oriented houses, coral masonry construction, facades with intricate decorative woodwork, and long used methods to aid internal ventilation common before the advent of modern air-conditioning units.”
Paige Peterson, Jeddah ~ Al-Balad ~ “The Town” [National Council on US-Arab Relations]
“Uniquely among nonnuclear powers that seek to develop civilian nuclear energy production on a large scale for economic reasons, Saudi Arabia possesses and intends to mine its own uranium. Under a 123 process, it would have to essentially mine that uranium, export it to be processed into usable rods, reimport the rods for use in Saudi reactors, and then export the spent rods again for disposal. This wouldn’t be profitable and makes little sense from a Saudi perspective. Therefore, a modified arrangement involving oversight, but not the pinball-style movement of Saudi raw and enriched uranium or spent rods, is more reasonable.”
Hussein Ibish, Obstacles From All Sides Face a U.S.-Saudi Arabia-Israel Grand Bargain [Arab Gulf States Institute in Washingon]
“Some Kuwaitis expressed astonishment that they would have to travel to the Saudi kingdom to watch the movie. Many pointed out the irony that Kuwait and Lebanon, despite objecting to the film, had long provided greater freedom of expression than many other Arab countries.”
Vivien Nereim [New York Times]
“Ronaldo brings in a massive $3.23 million per Instagram post, according to Hopper HQ, as he nears 600 million followers on the social media platform.”
Ronaldo streaks ahead of Instagram influencers in annual ranking [Reuters]
“I’m aware of people now asking the question: Where can I watch the Saudi Pro League?”
Simon Chadwick, professor of Sport and Geopolitical Economy at Skema Business School in Paris, Saudi Pro League kicks off after raiding Europe’s top football clubs [Aljazeera] See also The 966 episode with Simon Chadwick here.
