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Oiling the wheels on a road to success in Saudi Arabia

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https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/04/these-are-the-best-universities-in-the-mena-region/
 
Truly historic.


193 billion SAR on education. Highest percentage to date and the largest expanse on the state budget for next year.

 
The Saudi Arabian funded Hrim-2 short-range ballistic missile (includes development, research and technology transfer to KSA) will have a very advanced guidance system and specifications. It will exceed the range of the Russian 9K720 Iskander.


A Saudi Arabian parent company (FPC Industrial Company) of FIBCO, has obtained accreditation from Saudi ARAMCO to manufacture technical fabrics that Saudi ARAMCO used to import from abroad previously. Textiles used to produce insulators, awnings, fuel tanks, flexible water etc.

There is tons of positive weekly news in every technical field in KSA.

A small glimpse can be seen here and those Twitter user make updates on a daily basis
.

https://twitter.com/First1Saudi?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1215668102974902274&ref_url=https://s9e.github.io/iframe/twitter.min.html#1215668102974902274

https://twitter.com/ksa_number2030?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1217226150721748992&ref_url=https://s9e.github.io/iframe/twitter.min.html#1217226150721748992

https://twitter.com/Made_In_K_S_A?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1215233129755168768&ref_url=https://s9e.github.io/iframe/twitter.min.html#1215233129755168768

The Coronavirus has increased domestic agricultural production (one of the positive things about such crisis)

ETvRKm_XYAEUsAM


The National Center for Disease Prevention and Control is about to finish studying and researching the specific genome sequences of a number of Corunavirus samples tested positive in KSA to determine the extent of similarity between them and the reference genome of the virus in China.


KAUST and the national Saudi Arabian Vaccine Company have also signed a deal to work towards finding a vaccine for the coronavirus.

Self-sufficiency in terms of equipment needed to fight the Coronavirus due to lessons learned from the 20-40 times deadlier MERS. The epicenter of MERS was KSA.


Millions of quantities produced and created with the help of local raw materials.

Speaking about coronavirus


In other news (within the past 1 week as well)


3 Saudi Arabian women found themselves on Forbes list of leading women pioneers/scientists in the field of artificial intelligence in the world. Latifa Al-Abdulkarim, Deema Al-Athel and Moudhi Al-Jamea.


https://www.forbes.com/sites/markmi...century-ai-movement-part-2-of-2/#265d780f2f05

Fantastic stuff.

If there was a vibrant Arab community on PDF threads like those could be updated weekly but nowadays I don't really bother having a monologue with myself and dealing with the ignorant cretins who mostly live in failed states in comparison here and who have zero interest in sane discourse, is not really worth it and a waste of time so PDF will mostly remain ignorant in terms of developments in KSA but so be it.:woot: We move forward regardless.
 





@Philip the Arab

Check out those amazing specs.

Joint project between KAUST and the US (Silicon Valley based) UAVOS. Saqr 1-B, range of 2600 km, operational height of up to 16.500 feet, 500 hours of testing tasks during the day, night and all type of weather conditions conducted, total of 1000 hours of takeoff and landing tasks were successfully performed as well. Saqr 1-B will be equipped with a heavy armament similar to the Predator, including a wireless communication system to control it when it is used during short flying missions.

The drone has successfully conducted tests with maximum take-off weight up to 1100 kg (!) for 19 continuous hours as well, equipped with an automatic drone system making it immune to jamming with military jamming tools and equipped with an automatic takeoff and landing system.

I want to post this news on the Arab section but I cannot find the threads dealing with Saudi Arabian drones. I will try to find it and post it there. Maybe you can help if you see this post.
 
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280 Saudi Doctors Join Frontline Battle against Coronavirus in France




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About 280 Saudi doctors are helping to fight coronavirus across France.
Jeddah – Aisha Jaffari

About 280 Saudi doctors are helping to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in hospitals across France as they take part in a French medical fellowship program.


French Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette told Asharq Al-Awsat that the fellowship program reflects the strong relations binding France and Saudi Arabia in all fields, and it is also a striking symbol of the relationship rooted in friendship and solidarity shared between the two peoples.


Gouyette thanked Saudi doctors for their dedication and the spirit of duty that they have shown in this critical phase.




Saudi cultural attaché to France and Switzerland, Abdullah Al-Thunayyan, said: “The work of Saudi doctors in French hospitals, and on the frontlines against the dangerous pandemic, highlights the value of volunteering among the Saudis.”


Al-Thunayyan confirmed that 280 Saudi doctors, who specialize in 35 different medical areas, are spread across major French cities.


“They are fully prepared for dedicated and effective work to face crises, such as the virus outbreak, and addressing it anywhere for humanity,” he added.


“I commend the determination and solidarity of the Saudi doctors with their French mentors and colleagues in this exceptional unprecedented situation,” Guillaume Huart, the regional counselor for Health at the Embassy of France, told Asharq Al-Awsat.

https://aawsat.com/english/home/art...n-frontline-battle-against-coronavirus-france

6000 Saudi Doctors Battle Against Coronavirus in 41 Countries

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Saudi doctors who are staying in their country of residence to face the coronavirus

Jeddah- Asharq Al-Awsat

More than 6000 expat Saudi doctors are fighting COVID-19 on the frontlines in 41 different countries around the world, representing their homeland and sending a message of peace, coexistence, and humanity.


A large number of Saudi doctors studying abroad decided to stay in their country of residence and face the pandemic, regardless of the risks they might be facing and stressing their commitment to the oath they took as doctors.


The Saudi medical students participated with doctors of different countries in helping patients infected with the coronavirus and were an extension of the Kingdom’s positions and leadership in extending a helping hand and assistance to those in need around the world.


German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jorg Ranau thanked the Saudi doctors in Germany saying they are partners in fighting coronavirus and deserve the highest of recognition.


There are about 650 Saudi doctors working in German hospitals, indicated the ambassador, adding: “I would like to thank the 650 Saudi doctors in German hospitals. They are our partners in fighting COVID-19 and deserve our highest recognition”


The French ambassador to Saudi Arabia Francois Gouyette also expressed gratitude and praised Saudi Arabian doctors who stayed in France to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.



Gouyette said the 250 doctors have displayed a “beautiful gesture of solidarity” and the courage demonstrated by these “Saudi doctors is just amazing.”


There are over 6243 Saudi medical students studying in over 41 countries around the world, who are majoring in 300 different specialties.

https://aawsat.com/english/home/art...ses-emirates-plans-limited-passenger-services


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I saw the original news report in Arabic but here is the English translation, even though MEMRI is a dubious source, I know.

Yet to see, hear or read about 3 female sisters doing this kind of job anywhere. All 3 very good looking too. I have to admit that I would be shocked to see them working in KSA and having such a job in construction.


However this might be a problem with our culture as this kind of mentality is a new thing and has nothing to do with Islamic history or past history. Actually people should praise such attitudes and employ local construction workers (male or female) rather than relying on cheap foreign construction labour. I think that the COVID-19 and upcoming financial crisis will change a lot of things in the Arab world for the better.


Aseel Al-Mansour, GM at the Saudi General Authority for Statistics



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Updated 26 April 2020
ARAB NEWS
April 26, 2020

Aseel Al-Mansour has been the general manager of the innovation and development department at the General Authority for Statistics (GaStat) since October 2016.

She has also been an associate professor of statistics at King Abdul Aziz University (KAU), Jeddah since July 2015.

Al-Mansour received her bachelor’s degree in statistics and computer science from KAU in 2003.

From 2003 to 2005, she worked for Siemens, the electrical and electronic manufacturing company, helping them to develop, promote and enhance conventional organization and methods within Siemens. She also provided analysis for the business process, created, modified and implemented methods and procedures within the company.
In 2009, she received a master’s degree in statistical science from George Mason University, Virginia. Four years later, she obtained her Ph.D. in the same major from Florida State University.

During the period from 2013 to 2015, Al-Mansour worked as a senior research officer at the research department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Washington, DC.

From 2010 to 2011, as a research assistant at Old Dominion University, Al-Mansour provided research support to project investigators by ensuring data quality, preparing analytic plans, conducting analyses for various studies, disseminating results and coordinating other research tasks.

In 2008 and 2009 respectively, she gained work experience during her summer internship programs at George Washington University and the National Commercial Bank (NCB). Al-Mansour’s Twitter handle is @aseel_almansour.

https://www.arabnews.com/node/1665441/saudi-arabia


Amazing life story. May he rest in peace.

 
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Saudi Arabia’s new renewables giant
24 January 2020

Saudi Arabia has ambitious energy diversification targets, yet execution has been slow and the kingdom remains synonymous with petroleum. However, ACWA Power, a company backed by the public investment fund and Saudi investors, is helping the country become a leader in the renewable energy sector.

Gulf Monitor | Jessica Obeid | Renewable energy

Seeking security
Saudi Arabia is known for its large petroleum reserves, constituting 18% of the global proven reserves, according to OPEC, and ranks as the largest exporter of oil. While petroleum has traditionally dominated the kingdom’s energy markets, including power generation, energy security is a major concern for the sustainability of the sector.

Energy security is a matter of national security, driving policies, regulations, investments and foreign relations across the world. While the term is vague, it generally refers to the security of uninterrupted energy supply – and contrary to common belief, the risk of disruption in supply in petroleum-producing economies is quite significant.

Electricity consumption in the kingdom has been increasing at a significant rate, largely driven by population growth and industrial development. Climate change has also played a role, with temperature increases resulting in a higher demand for cooling in addition to water scarcity and subsidies. Electricity and fuel subsidies have resulted in cheap electricity tariffs, increasing wasteful consumption and pressure on the state budget. Growth in peak demand averaged 7.3% between 2005 and 2015, compared to an average of 5.5% in non-OECD countries. Reduction in subsidies and efficiency efforts in the past three years have decreased the demand growth rate, but it remains significant. Meanwhile, annual installed capacity growth has similarly averaged 7.7%.

The growing domestic electricity demand and the technologies in use have led to a retraction in the share of oil and an increase in the share of natural gas in power generation. Domestic production of the latter is insufficient to meet the rising need, requiring substantial investments in infrastructure and gas, and eliminating any future export potential while rendering the power sector more vulnerable. In light of this, diversification and investment in alternative energy sources, including renewables, are not only important to decarbonising the power sector and mitigating climate change – they will also be crucial to decreasing the sector’s vulnerabilities and enhancing energy security.

Slow start
Saudi Arabia has set ambitious renewable energy targets, yet implementation remains unmatched with aspiration, and the policies lag behind. The current power generation capacity stands at around 80 GW, and the peak demand in 2030 is forecasted at 130 GW. The kingdom has great potential for success with wind, photovoltaic (PV) systems and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, and early last year announced a new target of 27.3 GW of renewable energy by 2023 and 58.7 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. The 2030 target includes 40 GW from solar PV, 16 GW from wind, and 2.7 GW from CSP. But only a few projects have been awarded or completed to date: the 300-MW Sakaka solar PV plant (currently online in its pilot phase), the 400-MW Dumat Al Jandal wind farm (under construction), and the 50-MW Waad El Shamal CSP plant (completed).

A giant in the making
Energy diversification differs across countries and regions. The changing energy scene, technological advancements and climate commitments are creating a new set of national challenges across the globe. Petroleum-producing economies, oil companies and sovereign wealth funds are diversifying their investment portfolios to reduce the risk of carbon taxes, stranded assets and long-lasting lower oil prices. Many are also attempting to rebrand themselves and transition to more diverse economies and more resilient business models.

But while Saudi Arabia’s brand remains tied to petroleum, Riyadh-headquartered ACWA Power, a private company operating in power and water desalination, is increasing its market share in the renewables segment. The company’s strategy seems to be entering new markets from early renewable deployment stages through medium- to large-scale utility projects in accordance with national energy plans. With shareholders including Saudi Public Investment Fund and the International Finance Corporation, ACWA Power is showcasing Saudi leadership in the global energy sector, with a renewable energy portfolio across nine countries: Bulgaria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the UAE and Vietnam. Earlier this month, the company signed a new agreement to develop a 240-MW wind power project in Azerbaijan.


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The company has a renewable energy portfolio of around 20 projects and total installed capacity of 3,186 MW, amounting to $10.57bn and divided between solar PV, CSP and wind. Its largest generation capacity is in solar PV with 1,706 MW and financing of $2.28bn. Its highest financing portfolio is in CSP, with projects of 1,360 MW and totalling $8.1bn.


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**UAE- Noor I CSP and PV project finance is $4.3bn, resized in the chart to optimise visualisation


Regional influencer
Morocco is on the forefront of diversification efforts in renewable energy, and ACWA Power has been a dominant player in the solar industry. It has developed the CSP and solar PV projects in the country totalling 802 MW, while its share of the 1,200-MW wind projects is only 120 MW. More players are gaining momentum in the sector as upcoming solar projects, totalling 420 MW, have recently been awarded to a consortium led by France’s EDF and UAE’s Masdar.

The players are more diverse in Egypt and Jordan. In Egypt, ACWA has developed 120 MW of the 1,800-MW Benban PV project and 200 MW of the Kom Ombo solar PV project. In Jordan, where renewable energy projects installed, planned or under development since 2011 total 1,560 MW, ACWA Power is a latecomer. There, the company has only developed two projects of 50 MW each: Mafraq and Risha in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

In the Gulf, the company is developing the 260-MW Shuaa PV and Noor Energy I in Dubai, which is the 4thphase of the 5-GW Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The project is a $4.3bn 950-MW plant of combined CSP and solar PV and is the world’s largest single-site CSP and single hybrid solar power plant. ACWA Power has also developed the 300-MW Sakaka PV project; the first utility-scale renewable energy plant in Saudi Arabia.

The company’s presence in South Africa remains low, with only 150 MW CSP of a total of approximately 1,500 MW of installed solar capacity. But in Ethiopia, the company is a significant player in a growing market, as it is developing two projects of 125 MW each – a large portion of the 350 MW in total existing solar energy projects – and the first two projects in the country implemented through the World Bank’s Scaling Solar project. The country’s plan is to implement between 1,000 MW and 1,350 MW in solar projects by 2024.

ACWA’s success is not only a sign of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to branching out of petroleum – it also shows the kingdom’s ability to command a significant presence in renewables. With its record low prices and a rapidly extending reach, the company’s renewable energy arm is making a name for itself as a key player in the Gulf region and beyond.



Jessica Obeid is an independent energy consultant and academy associate at Chatham House, where she previously served as a resident fellow in the Energy, Environment and Resources Department. She previously worked as chief energy engineer at the UN Development Programme in Beirut. Jessica holds a master’s degree in Political Sciences and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. She is a senior advisor at Castlereagh Associates.


https://castlereagh.net/saudi-arabias-new-renewables-giant/


Related thread:

https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/ksa-taps-the-sun-to-meet-a-third-of-its-energy-needs.310345/

Saudi’s ACWA Power to build $2.5bn Uzbekistan renewable energy plants
ACWA Power will build a 1,500MW CCGT power plant, a 500MW-1000MW wind power plant, and a training centre
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ACWA Power
Saudi’s ACWA Power to build $2.5bn Uzbekistan renewable energy plants
by Anup Oommen
09 Mar 2020

Saudi Arabia-based developer and operator of power generation and water desalination projects ACWA Power has inked three strategic agreements, worth up to $2.5bn, with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy to amplify power generation and develop technical expertise in the nation.

The first strategic deal comprised a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) and investment agreement – valued at $1.2bn – which includes the development, construction, and operation of a 1,500MW combined cycle gas-turbine (CCGT) power plant.

The project will be located in the Shirin City of the Sirdarya region and will be developed as a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) project. ACWA Power will take the lead in constructing, engineering, operating, and maintaining the plant.

The 1500MW CCGT power plant is expected to contribute to Uzbekistan’s plan to attract foreign direct investment in essential key sectors and implement its energy diversification strategy.

JSC National Electric Grids of Uzbekistan will act as the sole off-taker. The CCGT plant’s efficiency rate is expected to be in excess of 60% -- saving almost twice the natural gas currently used for electricity production.

In addition, the Uzbekistan ministry and ACWA Power have inked a second agreement – an implementation agreement worth $550m - $1.1bn – for the construction of 500MW-1000MW wind power plants.


The Uzbekistan ministry and ACWA Power have also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of a training centre aimed at enhancing the technical skills of Uzbek students and professionals.


The agreements reflect Uzbekistan’s growing role in the global energy market, its commitment to energy security, and the use of the latest technologies.

Commenting on the agreements, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov, said: “With infrastructure development key to our economic progress, we want the best international expertise to support our ambitious energy goals. We have chosen ACWA Power to be the government’s partner in upscaling Uzbekistan’s energy generation capacity because of their exceptional track record in delivering results.”

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Alisher Sultanov, added: “ACWA Power’s focus on smart, energy efficient technologies will provide more than 2,000MW of added power and enable us to achieve a more sustainable, secure, and affordable energy ecosystem for our country.”

The chairman of ACWA Power, Mohammad Abunayyan, concluded that the agreements inked with the Uzbek government will contribute to creating job opportunities, developing community, and achieving a sustainable future for the country.

https://www.constructionweekonline....build-25bn-uzbekistan-renewable-energy-plants
 

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