FIFA World Cup 2034 a ‘game changer’ for Saudi tourism, experts say

The World Cup will showcase Saudi Arabia to the world. Shutterstock

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Updated 25 April 2025

Nirmal Narayanan

April 25, 2025 11:04

FIFA World Cup 2034 a ‘game changer’ for Saudi tourism, experts say

Updated 25 April 2025

Nirmal Narayanan

April 25, 2025 11:04

RIYADH: Hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034 is expected to transform Saudi Arabia's tourism sector and accelerate the nation’s economic diversification, experts said.

The Kingdom was awarded the competition by the sport’s international governing body in December, and is set to hold the event in 15 stadiums across five cities.

Saudi Arabia’s sports tourism sector has been witnessing rapid growth since the launch of Vision 2030 nine years ago, with the Kingdom drawing 2.5 million visitors through 80 international events in the last four years, Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said in February.

Bolstering the tourism sector is one of the crucial goals outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, as the Kingdom is steadily diversifying its economy by reducing its decade-long reliance on oil revenues.

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious National Tourism Strategy aims to attract 150 million visitors by the end of this decade.

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of a host of footballing superstars who now play in the Saudi league. Getty

Speaking to Arab News, Federico Pienovi, chief business officer and CEO of New Markets at Globant, said that the mega football event presents immense opportunities for the Kingdom to develop multiple sectors.

“Hosting the FIFA World Cup is a game-changer for Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector. For Saudi Arabia, FIFA World Cup 2034 represents a key milestone in its Vision 2030 strategy, accelerating economic diversification beyond oil by boosting tourism, hospitality, infrastructure, and smart city development,” said Pienovi.

He added that the tournament accelerates the Kingdom’s tourist number ambitions by putting Saudi Arabia on the map for future leisure and business tourism.

Guillaume Thibault, partner and head of sports and entertainment at Oliver Wyman for India, the Middle East and Africa, echoed similar views and said the football gala will be a major catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification, attracting over 10 million international visitors.

Thibault added that the event is also expected to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s national strategies in tourism, transport, and quality of life, creating opportunities in construction, hospitality, fan engagement, and talent development — all while mobilizing private sector investment.

Argentina won the World Cup the only other time the competition was held in the region — Qatar in 2022. Getty

The Oliver Wyman official further said that hosting events such as the FIFA World Cup could boost the gross domestic product of Saudi Arabia, as well as creating immense job opportunities.

“On a macroeconomic level, past World Cups have contributed up to 10 percent GDP growth, as seen in South Africa 2010, while creating tens of thousands of jobs. Saudi Arabia can maximize its investment impact by aligning with local businesses and PIF-backed companies, ensuring long-term economic gains and positioning itself as a global sports and business hub,” said Thibault.

Max Klante, managing director and partner of Boston Consulting Group, said that major sporting events such as the 2034 World Cup, Formula 1, and the upcoming Asian games, will serve as an entry point for global audiences, showcasing Saudi Arabia as a travel destination.

“They provide a platform to highlight the Kingdom’s culture, heritage, and landscapes to the world while showcasing new and exciting entertainment and cultural experiences such as eSports and adventure extreme sports. The integration of sports, media, entertainment, and culture boosts international visibility and fosters long-term tourism growth,” said Klante.

Saudi Arabia has already hosted several major sporting events, including the WWE Super Showdown, the Saudi Pro-Golf Championship, Battle of the Champions, and Formula E.

The Kingdom has also witnessed E-Prix, the International Handball Federation Super Globe and the Saudi International Meeting for Disabilities Sport, as well as organizing the auction of players for the 2025 Indian Premier League, a major cricketing event which features 10 professional clubs.

Long-term impacts

According to Pienovi, hosting major sporting events will not only boost tourism in the Kingdom but will also support the country’s infrastructure growth for the long term.

“Beyond the tournament, the country will benefit from long-term infrastructure improvements, smart venue advancements, and the rise of new entertainment hubs that will attract visitors for years to come,” said Pienovi.

Thibault said that hosting such events will help Saudi Arabia establish itself as a premier sports destination globally, strengthen global ties, attract international business, and enhance the Kingdom’s geopolitical influence.

“When executed strategically, major sporting events leave a lasting impact beyond the tournament itself. Mega-events drive billions in tourism, investment, and job creation. The 2012 London Olympics, for example, contributed $17 billion to the UK economy, proving their long-term financial impact,” said Thibault.

He added: “In terms of urban transformation, such events accelerate infrastructure development and reshape cities. The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics revitalized an entire region, turning legacy resorts into prime real estate. Saudi Arabia’s smart city and transport investments will ensure similar long-term benefits.”

Elevating diplomatic and bilateral relationship

The Oliver Wyman official further said that hosting such global events could help Saudi Arabia strengthen its bilateral relationship with several countries.

Saudi Arabia is already a diplomatic leader, ranking 18th in the Global Soft Power Index 2024 and has already hosted key forums including the G20 Summit and the World Economic Forum.

“Mega-events further enhance global ties by bringing nations together through sport, fostering cultural exchange, trade, and investment partnerships. By attracting global leaders, Saudi Arabia can deepen international collaborations, expand economic alliances, and position itself as a key player in global sports diplomacy,” said Thibault.

Klante also expressed identical views and said that successfully hosting global tournaments will enhance Saudi Arabia’s standing as a reliable and capable partner on the world stage.

“The ability to deliver top-tier sporting events creates unique opportunities for diplomatic engagement and strengthens economic and cultural ties with other nations. Stronger ties promote global understanding, security and prosperity,” added the BCG official.

Klante added that hosting major international events will establish Saudi Arabia’s credibility in sports management and global event organization, while also opening opportunities for developing long-term partnerships with international teams, leagues, and sports federations.

He further said that such events in Saudi Arabia could also boost the morale in the Kingdom, and the country will see more sporting heroes in the coming years.

“The ability to host major events inspires our youth to follow in the footsteps of their sports heroes. This strengthens engagement in sports, be this football, eSports, athletics or formula car racing. By inspiring the youth of today we lay the foundation for the top athletes of tomorrow,” said Klante.

A drone show in Riyadh after Saudi Arabia was announced as the host nation for the FIFA World Cup 2034 on December 11. Getty

Potential challenges

Experts who talked with Arab News also talked about the potential challenges Saudi Arabia could face as the Kingdom gears up to face global sporting events.

According to Pienovi, the challenge for the Kingdom lies in integrating cutting-edge technology for seamless fan interactions — whether it’s AI-driven crowd management, frictionless ticketing, or hyper-personalized digital experiences.

“Fans now expect an immersive, waitless, and contactless experience, powered by AI, AR/VR, and digital personalization. Implementing biometric entry, tech-driven loyalty programs and real-time engagement solutions will be key to delivering a next-level experience,” said Pienovi.

He added: “The challenge is not just in adopting these technologies but in making them intuitive, frictionless, and scalable across multiple venues.”

The Globant official believes that ensuring seamless connectivity across all platforms — from real-time streaming to AR-powered second-screen experiences — will be crucial for reaching international audiences and keeping fans engaged beyond the stadium.

Klante underscored the vitality of strengthening the transport systems in the Kingdom, as well as, bolstering the logistical prowess, and said that “world-class events require complex logistical planning, complex integration and seamless execution.”

He added: “Ensuring global accessibility, efficient transport, and a smooth visitor experience will be critical to success. A focus must always be placed on how the visitor journey interacts with the various city and intercity transport solutions — creating a unified experience like no other.”

Thibault also expressed similar views and said that logistics, crowd management and infrastructure development are crucial for Saudi Arabia to seamlessly host mega events like FIFA World Cup.

The Oliver Wyman official added that managing transport, security, and emergency response requires advanced planning, with mega-projects including NEOM and Qiddiya integrating AI-driven security and real-time crowd monitoring.

“The challenge lies in balancing speed with sustainability. Legacy planning is key to avoiding underutilized venues, ensuring stadiums transition into training hubs, community centers, or professional league facilities,” added Thibault.

Topics: 2034 FIFA World Cup saudi tourism

Saudi events industry showcases different side of Vision 2030

Updated 01 November 2025

Miguel Hadchity

November 01, 2025 22:50

Saudi events industry showcases different side of Vision 2030

Sector’s rapid expansion establishes the country as a leading global hub for tech and business

Updated 01 November 2025

Miguel Hadchity

November 01, 2025 22:50

RIYADH: A decade after Vision 2030 was unveiled, Saudi Arabia’s transformation is now being driven by its booming events industry, not just its infrastructure and giga-projects.

This sector is expanding rapidly, establishing the country as a leading global hub for tech and business.

The Kingdom has successfully attracted over 20 international event brands in recent years, alongside the opening of nearly 10 international representative offices for leading global companies and exhibitions.

This momentum is being channeled through a global exhibition and conference season, a structured period from October to May designed to concentrate a wave of international gatherings.

The coming months promise an even greater intensity with a pipeline of key events, following the success seen in Global Health Exhibition and the Future Investment Initiative.

From Nov. 17 to 20, Cityscape Global will unite real estate experts and investors in the Kingdom to drive growth and opportunity aligned with Vision 2030.

The global cybersecurity community then converges in Riyadh from Dec. 2 for the three-day Black Hat MEA conference. Early next year, the renowned LEAP conference runs from Apr. 13 to 16, convening over 600 startups, 1,800 global tech brands, and 1,900 investors.

This lineup ensures Saudi Arabia remains a magnet for international professionals throughout the season. The curated season arrives at a time of growth for the sector.

Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the fastest-growing business event markets among the G20 nations, a fact underscored by over 17,000 business events held in a single year, an all-time regional high.

We’re flying them (speakers, guests) in at great expense, but we’re doing it because we understand that this is the sort of market that demands really high quality.

Mike Champion, CEO of Tahaluf

This boom is underpinned by robust infrastructure, an effective regulatory framework, and a significant expansion of venue capacity, with over 1 million sq. meters of additional space slated for development by 2030.

Speaking to Arab News, Saudi economist Talat Hafiz emphasized that “the growth of the event industry has become one of Saudi Arabia’s key priorities,” as part of the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts.

In another interview, Mike Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, said that the Kingdom is “now quickly filling the void” in the events sector that existed prior to the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016.

Tahaluf is a joint venture between Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cyber Security, Programming and Drones and the Events Investment Fund. It has been strengthening the Kingdom’s events sector since 2023 by connecting global industry communities through its in-person and digital events.

Crucially, the human capital driving this revolution is homegrown. Supported by comprehensive training programs, Saudi professionals now account for nearly 20 percent of the global Certified in Exhibition Management certificate holders, one of the highest rates worldwide. This skilled workforce is a key asset, ensuring the sector’s growth is both sustainable and rooted in local expertise.

Hafiz noted that the strong momentum in Saudi Arabia’s event industry has generated thousands of job opportunities for Saudi nationals, playing a key role in lowering the Kingdom’s unemployment rate to a record 6.8 percent in the second quarter of 2025.

FASTFACT

On this, Champion highlighted that Tahaluf has a 96 percent staff retention rate, fostering an environment that retains top talent and allows for continuous improvement. “I’ll stick by that as one of the most fundamental important reasons why Tahaluf has done so well,” he said.

To understand the landscape from the front lines, the CEO explained what makes an industry event shifting. “If an event is to shift industries, first and foremost, the event topic, the theme of that event has to be something that is a strategic theme,” he said, citing examples like Global Health Exhibition, Cityscape, and LEAP.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of choosing strategic markets and maintaining close ties with the Saudi government and co-create events with them. By focusing only on sectors critical to Vision 2030, Tahaluf ensures its events have inherent importance and attract strategic companies and thought leaders.

Champion attributed Tahaluf’s rapid expansion to several factors. He stated that the company reinvests a substantial amount of its profits back into the quality of its events, rather than seeking excessive operating margins initially.

“We’re flying them (speakers, guests) in at great expense, but we’re doing it because we understand that this is the sort of market that demands really high quality. So if you’re prepared to reinvest a substantial amount of the profits into creating a really big quality product, then that’s going to have a lot of traction in the Saudi market, because it’s a very sophisticated market.”

He noted that these events attract companies and thought leaders, and the announcements made there tend to have significant economic impacts. He revealed: “Over the last two years, since 2023, we’ve had $189 billion of strategic deals announced at our events.”

Detailing the tactical approach, Champion explained that Tahaluf focuses on curated exhibitions and is content-led, with large production departments dedicated to creating bespoke speaker faculties. He also described investor programs that help facilitate foreign direct investment by connecting international capital with major Saudi projects.

The CEO outlined the multi-faceted impact of these events, including direct economic impact, positive media sentiment, and acting as a catalyst for industries. “This year, we will bring in approximately 100,000 individuals from abroad into Saudi Arabia,” he said, adding that the calculated economic impact of their events from 2023 to 2025 will be $17.6 billion.

Hafiz explained that the rapid growth in the events sector is sustainable and not just temporary. “It has been noticed during the past few years, the significant and improvement in the sector in both the infrastructure and the diversity in the sector,” he said.

Looking ahead, Champion shared that the LEAP brand will be the first Saudi-made exhibition exported abroad, launching in Hong Kong. He also announced the launch of the BIO Middle East conference brand in Saudi Arabia, co-located with the CPHI pharma event.

On the company’s financial performance, he noted: “We’re doing very strongly, our revenues will finish this year well over $200 million,” with growth trending at 38-40 percent year on year.

Regarding the prospect of an initial public offering, the CEO said: “I wouldn’t rule anything out over the next few years, because the market here is so interesting, it’s so good, but it’s an answer for shareholders to give.”

Hafiz confirmed that the “flourishing landscape of the events industry has significantly strengthened international investors’ confidence in the local market.” According to the economist, this is evidenced by the Kingdom’s emergence as a powerhouse for hosting and attracting thousands of events annually.

“Last year alone, Riyadh Season attracted more than 20 million visitors and encouraged a number of foreign companies to invest in its activities,” he added.

This influx reflects a vote of confidence from global partners and underscores the sustainable growth of this vital sector.

Topics: Saudi events Saudi Arabia Saudi Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia leads GCC region’s fixed-income issuances in Q3

Updated 01 November 2025

Nirmal Narayanan

November 01, 2025 22:39

Saudi Arabia leads GCC region’s fixed-income issuances in Q3

UAE-based issuers raised $5.82 billion through 57 offerings, marking a 47.3 percent decline

Updated 01 November 2025

Nirmal Narayanan

November 01, 2025 22:39

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia dominated the Gulf Cooperation Council region’s primary debt market in the third quarter of 2025, raising $20.32 billion through 36 issuances, representing a 62.7 percent year-on-year increase in value, according to a new analysis.

In its latest report, Kuwait Financial Center, also known as Markaz, said that primary issuances of bonds and sukuk across the GCC totaled $38.74 billion through 137 issuances during the third quarter, marking a 32.4 percent increase from the same period in 2024, when issuances reached $29.29 billion.

The debt market in the region — particularly in Saudi Arabia — has expanded significantly in recent years, driven by economic diversification efforts that have strengthened investor demand for fixed-income instruments.

The financial sector led all GCC bond and sukuk issuances in the third quarter, with a total value of $21.53 billion, followed by government issuances at $11.1 billion. (Spplied)

“As for issuance preferences, the third quarter of 2025 saw an increased appetite for sukuk issuances in the GCC, representing 52.6 percent of total issuances for the year. This is a change in issuance preferences from the third quarter of 2024, where more conventional bonds were issued,” said Markaz.

According to the report, UAE-based issuers raised $5.82 billion through 57 offerings in the third quarter, marking a 47.3 percent decline compared with the same period in 2024. Qatar ranked third in terms of issuance value, with $5.69 billion raised through 29 issuances, followed by Kuwait, where issuers raised $3.42 billion through eight issuances, reflecting a 118.4 percent increase year on year.

FASTFACTS

• Primary issuances of bonds and sukuk across the GCC totaled $38.74 billion through 137 issuances during the third quarter, marking a 32.4 percent increase from the same period in 2024, when issuances reached $29.29 billion.

• Total GCC corporate primary issuances grew 4 percent in the third quarter to $26.59 billion. Conventional issuances decreased 18.6 percent to $18.37 billion, while sukuk issuances rose sharply — up 202.7 percent during the quarter — reaching a total value of $20.37 billion for the year to date.

Issuances in Bahrain surged 539 percent from a year earlier to $2.55 billion across four issuances, while Omani entities recorded the lowest total, raising $0.94 billion through three issuances.

Markaz added that total GCC corporate primary issuances grew 4 percent in the third quarter to $26.59 billion. Conventional issuances decreased 18.6 percent to $18.37 billion, while sukuk issuances rose sharply — up 202.7 percent during the quarter — reaching a total value of $20.37 billion for the year to date.

The financial sector led all GCC bond and sukuk issuances in the third quarter, with a total value of $21.53 billion, followed by government issuances at $11.1 billion, the report said.

Topics: Saudi Arabia GCC sukuk issuance

Saudi startups surge ahead with bold deals, fresh capital

Updated 01 November 2025

Nour El-Shaeri

November 01, 2025 22:33

Saudi startups surge ahead with bold deals, fresh capital

Funding across key sectors includes AI, logistics, fintech, and HR technology

Updated 01 November 2025

Nour El-Shaeri

November 01, 2025 22:33

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia led this week’s startup activity, with a surge of venture deals, strategic partnerships, and funding announcements across key sectors including artificial intelligence, logistics, fintech, and HR technology.

The wave of investment underscores the Kingdom’s growing prominence as a hub for innovation and its continued push to diversify its economy through technology-driven enterprises.

Saudi food delivery platform Jahez has partnered with noon to integrate their services and enhance delivery speed, convenience, and product choice across the Kingdom.

The collaboration enables users to access noon Minutes through the Jahez app, offering a broad selection of products delivered via noon’s dark store infrastructure, while Jahez’s food delivery services will also be embedded within the noon platform.

According to both companies, the integration aims to boost customer engagement, drive repeat orders, and strengthen loyalty, positioning the partnership as one of the most extensive digital commerce ecosystems in the region.

AI startup rmz.ai secures $100k pre-seed

Saudi generative AI startup rmz.ai has closed a $100,000 pre-seed funding round led by Beyond.xyz, a local virtual production studio.

Founded in 2025, rmz.ai develops intelligent tools for managing image, audio, and video workflows through a unified interface aimed at content creators.

The capital will support the development of the company’s “Creative Agents,” AI-powered assistants designed to simplify content production processes and enhance creative output quality.

Logexa raises $2m

Logistics platform Logexa has completed a $2 million pre-series A funding round led by SEEDRA Ventures, with participation from Nour Nouf Ventures and angel investors.

Established in 2021 by Hussam Sindi and Hussam Spano, the company optimizes underutilized warehousing and transport infrastructure across Saudi Arabia.

The funds will be used to expand operations, upgrade the digital platform, and launch a marketplace focused on shared logistics and storage services.

PIF and Aramco move to combine AI assets under Humain

The Public Investment Fund and Aramco have signed a non-binding term sheet to combine their AI assets under Humain, a PIF-owned entity launched in May.

Under the agreement, Aramco will acquire a significant minority stake in Humain, while PIF retains majority ownership.

The strategic collaboration includes transferring AI assets, talent, and capabilities to accelerate Humain’s growth and international reach.

Humain is focused on building full-stack AI capabilities across data centers, cloud infrastructure, advanced models — including the Arabic large language model ALLAM — and AI solutions. The deal remains subject to regulatory approvals and final agreements.

Tabby reaches $4.5bn valuation

Fintech company Tabby has completed a secondary share sale involving existing shareholders, attracting investors such as HSG and Boyu Capital.

The transaction, which did not involve the issuance of new shares or proceeds to the company, values Tabby at $4.5 billion.

The deal reflects continued investor confidence in Tabby’s growth trajectory and market positioning in the region’s buy now, pay later sector.

BRKZ secures $30m in growth debt

Saudi construction technology firm BRKZ has secured up to $30 million in growth debt from Stride Ventures to support its expansion.

Founded in 2023 by Ibrahim Manna, BRKZ provides a B2B platform for contractors and factories to access building materials and flexible financing options.

The funding will accelerate the development of AI-powered procurement tools, cloud manufacturing models, and global supplier networks. BRKZ, which completed a $17 million series A extension earlier this year, is part of the Saudi Unicorns Program.

Najeeb.ai raises pre-seed round to scale AI insurance tools

Insurtech startup Najeeb.ai has raised an undisclosed pre-seed round from regional angel investors.

Established in 2023 by Ahmed Yasmina and Hammam Homsi, the company integrates artificial intelligence with insurance services to drive transparency and operational efficiency.

Proceeds from the round will support the development of AI-powered products, deepen insurer and healthcare integrations, and prepare the company for regional market entry.

Squadio raises $3m

Human resources tech company Squadio has secured $3 million in a pre-Series A round backed by Wa’ed Ventures, 500 Sanabil MENA, and Nour Nouf Ventures, as well as SEEDRA Ventures, and NTDP.

Founded in 2019 by Khaled Senawy, the platform connects companies with global, remote-first tech talent.

The investment will be used to improve Squadio’s AI-matching engine, grow its presence in MENA, Africa, and Silicon Valley, and expand its partner network. The company previously closed its seed round with SEEDRA Ventures in 2022.

MidLyr raises $2.5m

US-based fintech MidLyr has raised $2.5 million in pre-seed funding led by Silicon Badia, with participation from Wedbush Ventures, Hustle Fund, DCG, and Story Ventures.

Founded in 2025 by Wael El-Sahhar and Ruochen Ren, MidLyr helps banks transform regulatory text into AI-driven workflows for risk, compliance, and marketing functions.

The new funds will drive product development, expand bank partnerships, and scale hiring in the US and Middle East, leveraging the region’s engineering and data science talent.

HALA Capital debuts as CMA-licensed private capital firm

HALA Capital, formerly HALA Ventures, has launched as a licensed private capital firm under the Capital Market Authority, marking its transition from venture capital to a broader asset management strategy. The firm now covers venture capital, private equity, and private credit.

Founded in 2018 by Ali Abussaud and Hussain Al-Marhoon, HALA Capital aims to support innovation, scale enterprises, and deliver long-term impact across the Saudi and regional investment landscape.

The firm emphasizes agility and ecosystem development as central to its investment approach.

Velents.ai raises $1.5m and launches Arabic AI employee

HRtech startup Velents.ai has raised $1.5 million in a round backed by angel investors, including former executives from Google and BCG.

The company also launched Agent.sa, described as the first fully Arabic-speaking AI employee for businesses in the Middle East.

Founded in 2020 by Mohamed Gaber and Abdulaziz Al-Muhaydib, Velents began in recruitment automation and now serves clients in both Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The capital will support expansion of the company’s AI infrastructure and adoption ahead of a larger funding round planned for early 2026.

KarmSolar enters Cyprus with $5.78m solar project

Egypt-based renewable energy provider KarmSolar has launched its first international expansion through the establishment of KarmCyprus, marking its entry into the Cypriot solar energy market.

The move includes the development of a 7.6-megawatt solar PV plant in Monagroulli, southern Cyprus, backed by €5 million ($5.78 million) in project financing from Eurobank. Operations are slated to commence by September 2026.

Founded in 2011 by Ahmed Zahran, Xavier Auclair, Yumna Madi, and Randa Fahmy, KarmSolar supplies renewable energy across multiple sectors in Egypt.

The company invested €2 million to establish KarmCyprus and raised an additional €8 million from Egyptian and international investors.

The expansion follows KarmSolar’s vertically integrated model encompassing power generation, distribution, storage, and e-mobility, positioning the firm as a credible player in the Mediterranean clean energy sector.

Topics: Start-up of the Week saudi startups

Saudi Eksab, Guyana government sign MoU on investment collaboration in key strategic sectors

Updated 01 November 2025

Arab News

November 01, 2025 16:06

Saudi Eksab, Guyana government sign MoU on investment collaboration in key strategic sectors

Updated 01 November 2025

Arab News

November 01, 2025 16:06

RIYADH: Saudi Eksab and the government of Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore investment collaboration across key strategic sectors on the sidelines of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh.

The MoU was signed by Yazeed Alyahya, CEO of Saudi Eksab and Zulfikar Ally, Guyana’s minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, with Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali witnessing the event.

The MoU paves the way for enhanced collaboration to advance strategic investment opportunities and unlock future areas of mutual interest, and strengthens Saudi Eksab’s role as a trusted partner supporting sustainable growth and economic diversification, a statement said.

“Guyana is entering a transformative phase of development. Through this collaboration with Saudi Eksab, we are eager to explore partnerships that accelerate infrastructure development and economic diversification while fostering global cooperation,” Ally said in the statement.

“This partnership marks an exciting step forward in our mission to identify high-impact investment initiatives that drive shared economic growth. We look forward to identifying meaningful opportunities,” AlYahya meanwhile said.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Guyana Saudi Eksab

Why it is vital to protect acacia trees from invasive beetle

Updated 01 November 2025

Haifa Alshammari

October 31, 2025 21:17

Why it is vital to protect acacia trees from invasive beetle

A wood-boring beetle has been killing trees in the Kingdom, including the important acacia and jujube
But an environmental expert cautions against using insecticides that could harm the ecosystem

Updated 01 November 2025

Haifa Alshammari

October 31, 2025 21:17

RIYADH: The acacia tree is of significant importance to both the environment and culture in Saudi Arabia. It provides shelter for migratory birds and protects travelers and Bedouins in the Arabian Peninsula’s hot desert.

Among the many environmental benefits of the acacia tree is its ability to prevent desertification; its roots improve soil fertility; it provides shade and lower temperatures; it stores carbon and reduces carbon dioxide levels; and it stabilizes dunes in desert areas.

An invasive beetle — scientific name Agrilus planipennis fairmaire — has been attacking trees for years, killing many of them in the Kingdom, including perennial trees.

The 'Emerald ash borer' (scientific name: Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is a highly destructive wood-boring beetle feeding on the phloem of ash trees. (Supplied)

Oubaid Alouni, an environmental consultant and former consultant at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, explained the role of the acacia tree in the ecosystem and how the pest threatens its existence.

He outlined the different types of acacia trees in Saudi Arabia.

“The acacia tree grows naturally in the desert. It is a desert umbrella tree and is divided into two types; the Iraqi acacia and the Najdi acacia, and reaches around 55 types in total,” Alouni said.

There is also another type of acacia tree that grows in Asir, locally known as Al-Kanhbal, scientific name Vachellia origena, that differs from the Najdi acacia, which has long branches and provides ample shade.

While some acacia trees are native to Saudi Arabia, others were imported, such as acacia raddiana. They all share a similar trait, providing vital protection from strong sunlight.

While some acacia trees are native to Saudi Arabia, while others were imported, along with the wood borer. (SPA file photo)

“Any hiker, any traveler, who wants to go to the desert must pass by this tree and take shelter under it,” Alouni said, describing how people have always been connected to this species and valued it.

Securing native trees, not only acacia, holds a deeper meaning for the culture and tradition, he said, such as when the Prophet Muhammad used to sit under the Ziziphus spina-christi.

The acacia tree is threatened by the Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire as this species relies on the tree for nutrients.

“This insect reached Saudi Arabia through imported wood, as they found larvae inside wood imported from Russia,” Alouni said.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Some of the finest honey in the Kingdom is produced from acacia and jujube trees.

• Acacia trees help reduce sand encroachment in the desert and provide shelter for several bird species.

• The acacia tree can withstand drought for up to 10 years, even severe drought.

The pest is a highly destructive wood-boring beetle feeding on the phloem of ash trees. It is also known as the Emerald ash borer, and is native to China, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia and Russia.

This bug is typically a small, metallic green beetle, around half an inch (about 1.2 to 1.5 cm in length), and one of its distinguishing features is that when the wing covers are lifted, the upper abdomen is bright red.

Its life cycle involves multiple stages. The first is the egg stage, during which females lay 40-53 eggs.

The larva lives inside the tree for one to two years, eating the layer between the bark and the main trunk. (Supplied)

Then comes the larva, the longest stage of the beetle’s life cycle, lasting almost a year.

“The larva lives inside the tree for one to two years, eating the layer between the bark and the main trunk,” Alouni said.

After that, it goes through a shorter stage, as a pupae, that lasts about 20 days.

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Finally, it reaches the adult stage and is known for chewing through the wood and emerging from trees, forming a small, D-shaped exit hole about 3 to 4 mm wide. This stage of its life is usually short, lasting about 20 days.

The pest is now attacking olive trees in the US, Alouni said.

“In Ohio, I believe, it has begun to invade olive trees terrifyingly. This insect is very dangerous.”

The life cycle of Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire involves multiple stages before reaching adulthood. The first stage is the egg stage, during which females lay 40-53 eggs. (Supplied)

Among the factors that enabled this insect population to increase nationwide is the hunting of birds, especially migratory birds, because they usually feed on insects.

However, the biggest threat to the ecosystem is ignorance, Alouni said, as many people believe the insect is part of the Kingdom’s native environment and that protecting it contributes to a balanced ecosystem.

“There are still people who say, ‘Leave it alone; it’s part of the ecological balance,’ which is, of course, incorrect. This insect is an invasive species in our environment,” he said.

Oubaid Alouni, an environmental consultant and former consultant at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification. (Supplied)

He also believes that pruning trees leaves branches exposed and vulnerable to this insect entering the tree, and that transferring wood from one location to another may provide an opportunity for the larva to expand and increase its numbers.

To address this environmental issue, Alouni told Arab News about the efforts being made to safeguard and protect the Kingdom’s natural treasures, including organizing discussions and workshops to explore the issue and exchange potential solutions among experts.

Also, he believes that a particular bird species, the woodpecker, is one of the most effective ways to reduce the numbers of the beetle.

The pest is a highly destructive wood-boring beetle feeding on the phloem of ash trees. (Supplied)

“It’s called the Arabian woodpecker, yet it only exists in Asir and in small populations, too,” he said.

According to Alouni, the Arabian woodpecker hears the insect inside the tree, hits the branch with its beak and removes it.

Arabian woodpecker. (James Eaton photo / via Wikimedia Commons)

One of the strongest methods to contain pests is biological control, which uses other species to help the ecosystem naturally protect and restore its balance.

One animal feeds on another to keep the environment balanced, such as using Orussidae — a parasitic wood wasp — or placing large numbers of chickens and other birds in forests and farms.

The Orussidae or the parasitic wood wasps, along with birds, are better alternatives to harmful pesticides in fighting the destructive beetle. (Wikimedia Commons)

“It is called Orussidae in the United States … it kills insects very fast.”

Chemical methods can also be used, but Alouni does not endorse these due to their environmental risks.

Topics: Green & Blue Editor’s Choice acacia tree Oubaid Alouni

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