Beyond Borders: How Riyadh’s Acwa Is Powering Türkiye’s Green Future

A Bold Step from the Heart of the Kingdom  

When you think about the **Kingdom of Saudi Arabia**, you picture towering skylines of **Riyadh**, rich culture, and a push towards innovation. But lately, there’s another star in the story — **Acwa**, known worldwide as *the world’s largest private water desalination company*. More than just a water giant, Acwa is a **leader in energy transition** and a daring *first mover into green hydrogen*.  

Now, Acwa’s latest move has turned heads across continents. The company has signed an **Investment Agreement Key Terms (IA Key Terms)** with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the **Republic of Türkiye**. The goal? Develop an ambitious 5 GW renewable energy program starting with Phase 1 — a whopping 2 GW of solar capacity split between two plants in **Sivas** and **Taşeli**. That’s not just big… it’s revolutionary!  

The Türkiye Connection  

Under the IA Key Terms, Acwa will roll up its sleeves and take charge — develop, finance, construct, commission, and operate both facilities. And once that sunlight turns into electricity, the **Power Purchase Agreement Key Terms (PPA Key Terms)** signed with **Elektrik Üretim Anonim Şirketi (EÜAŞ)** will make sure it’s sold locally, supporting Türkiye’s energy needs in a clean, predictable way.  

This bold renewable program builds on Acwa’s earlier success in Türkiye. Remember the 927 MW **Kırıkkale IPP project**? Valued at USD 930 million, it offsets a massive 1.8 million tons of CO₂ every year. Now, with 5 GW on the horizon, Acwa is taking things to a whole new level — helping Türkiye slash emissions by 41% by 203, work toward net zero by 2053, and scale renewable capacity to an impressive 120 GW by 2035. 

Why This Matters  

Here’s the thing: this isn’t just about green energy. It’s about giving Türkiye a shield against the rollercoaster of global fossil fuel markets. Fixed-price electricity means better planning for industries, reduced costs long-term, and a serious leap toward energy independence. Plus, there’s the economic spark — up to USD 5 billion in foreign direct investment, thousands of jobs, and plenty of high-skilled positions during operations.  

And let’s not forget localization. Acwa loves partnering with Turkish talent, and they’ve already hit 100% local employment for their developments in the country. This isn’t just a partnership; it’s a deep, rooted collaboration that blends expertise, resources, and shared ambition for a cleaner future.  

Acwa’s move from Riyadh to Türkiye isn’t just a business expansion. It’s a cross-cultural handshake, a pledge for sustainable growth, and a giant step toward global energy transition. With sunlight, strategic vision, and bold leadership, the future looks bright — literally.  

Riyadh: Gateway of the Skies – A Strategic Leap in Global Aviation

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has once again solidified its position as a central force in the world of aviation. Recently, **MATARAT Holding signed an agreement to renew the hosting of the Airports Council International (ACI) office for the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region**, in the distinguished presence of the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), senior officials, and members of ACI. This moment marks far more than a ceremonial act—it signals the Kingdom’s unyielding drive to shape the future of international air travel.  

A Commitment Written in the Sky

This agreement, witnessed by His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, President of GACA and Chairman of the Board of MATARAT Holding, is more than a formal renewal—it’s a declaration of vision. He emphasized that **signing this agreement reflects the Kingdom’s continued leadership in the global civil aviation sector** and its dedication to achieving *Saudi Vision 203*. By choosing Riyadh as the ACI regional hub, Saudi Arabia builds upon its successes, including its prestigious membership in ICAO’s Council and chairmanship of the Aviation Security Committee.  

Moreover, Al-Duailej noted that the move will significantly **strengthen international cooperation**, expand horizons in the air transport market, and enhance infrastructure. Transitioning from ambition to action, this decision positions Riyadh as a vibrant crossroads for regional and global air connectivity. It also reflects the Kingdom’s strategic ability to attract global companies, reinforcing its role as a preferred headquarters location for leading organizations worldwide. 

Connecting Today to Tomorrow

Raed Al-Idrissi, CEO of MATARAT Holding, echoed the sentiment by affirming that **renewing the hosting of the office aligns with the company’s mission** to cement Saudi Arabia’s position as a key Middle Eastern aviation hub. With world-class airport developments underway, MATARAT’s vision is clear—deliver an exceptional passenger experience rooted in innovation and best global practices.  

Adding further perspective, Stefano Baronci, Director General of Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East, hailed the Riyadh agreement as a “significant milestone.” This extension of partnership strengthens *policy engagement* and facilitates closer collaboration among airports in the region. In effect, the Riyadh office will act as a springboard for promoting Middle Eastern airports as centers of excellence, elevating their visibility, and advancing shared priorities.  

Notably, the Airports Council International for Asia-Pacific and Middle East is a robust network—**132 members representing 47 countries**, managing **623 airports**. It stands as a powerful force in advocating environmental responsibility, reducing aviation’s impact, and ensuring member airports’ voices are heard by governments and global organizations. 

Riyadh’s Rising Horizon

This renewed hosting agreement is far more than a strategic signature—it’s a chapter where ambition meets opportunity. By strengthening alliances, enhancing infrastructure, and committing to sustainable aviation, Saudi Arabia is charting a course toward becoming the beating heart of global air connectivity.  

With Riyadh as the stage, the skies are not the limit—they are the pathway. 

Cooling the Future: Daikin’s Bold Leap in Jeddah

A New Era in Saudi Manufacturing

In the vibrant heart of the *Kingdom of Saudi Arabia*, innovation is taking center stage. *Daikin*, a leading manufacturer of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) solutions, has begun constructing a groundbreaking manufacturing facility in Jeddah. This monumental step was celebrated on 26 November, with the steadfast support of their long-term partner and Chairman of Daikin Saudi Arabia, Mr. Tariq Almutlaq.  

The new facility will be dedicated to the localized production of chillers and hydronic heat pumps, tailored for advanced cooling needs. Designed to meet the evolving demands of regional customers in the Kingdom and beyond, this project stands as a testament to Daikin’s commitment to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s manufacturing sector while fueling regional growth. With operations guided by Daikin Applied Europe, customers can expect precision-engineered products that deliver unmatched durability, performance, and reliability — all perfectly suited for the region’s challenging climate. 

Powering Vision 2030 and Regional Growth

Driven by Saudi Arabia’s flagship projects like NEOM and the Red Sea development, the demand for energy-efficient infrastructure has reached unprecedented heights. Daikin’s strategic initiative directly supports Vision 2030, championing sustainability, job creation, and innovative industrial growth. Shinji Jodo, Managing Director of Daikin Arabia Regional Headquarter, emphasizes that this investment builds on over a decade of deep-rooted partnerships and operational expertise within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  

This new facility follows Daikin's earlier milestone in 2022 — the Sudair Industrial City plant near Riyadh — which showcased the company’s dedication to technology transfer, local employment, and eco-friendly solutions. By integrating the globally recognized Production of Daikin System (DPS), which combines lean manufacturing, rigorous quality control, and continuous improvement, the Jeddah facility ensures optimal reliability and energy efficiency. Equipped with advanced laboratories and test benches, it will perform exhaustive factory acceptance tests before any product goes out the door, ensuring excellence every single time.  

Looking Ahead

Daikin’s strategic growth plan for the Middle East revolves around sustainable expansion, local production for local consumption, and deeper market penetration. Following the UAE factory established in 2014 and the KSA factory in 2022, the Jeddah facility marks a bold new milestone in Daikin’s journey. Initially producing large, air-cooled chillers, this plant is poised to broaden its portfolio in response to market needs, creating a ripple effect of innovation and growth across the wider region.  

In essence, this project isn’t just about cooling buildings — it’s about heating up opportunities, empowering local communities, and transforming the industrial landscape of the *Kingdom of Saudi Arabia*. 

Jafurah: A New Era in Saudi Arabia's Natural Gas Landscape

Introduction to the Landmark Deal

In a significant move that underscores its commitment to expanding natural gas production, Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, has recently finalized an $11 billion lease and leaseback agreement concerning its Jafurah gas processing facilities. This strategic partnership, which involves a consortium of international investors led by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) — a subsidiary of BlackRock — marks a pivotal moment for both Aramco and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

Jafurah, boasting the title of the largest non-associated gas development in Saudi Arabia, is estimated to hold a staggering 229 trillion standard cubic feet of raw gas and 75 billion Stock Tank Barrels of condensate. This vast reservoir not only plays a vital role in Aramco's ambitious plan to increase gas production capacity by 60% between 2021 and 2030, but also positions the Kingdom to meet the growing global demand for cleaner energy sources.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

Under the terms of this landmark transaction, a newly-formed subsidiary, Jafurah Midstream Gas Company (JMGC), will lease development and usage rights for both the Jafurah Field Gas Plant and the Riyas NGL Fractionation Facility. For a period of 20 years, JMGC will lease these facilities back to Aramco, which will, in turn, pay a tariff in exchange for the exclusive rights to process and treat raw gas from the Jafurah field. Notably, Aramco will maintain a 51% majority stake in JMGC, allowing it to retain significant control over its production volumes.

Amin H. Nasser, Aramco’s President & CEO, highlighted the importance of the Jafurah project, stating, “This cornerstone of our ambitious gas expansion program demonstrates the attractive value proposition of the project.” Nasser’s remarks emphasize the project's role in not only enhancing energy output but also in supporting emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and data centers within the Kingdom. Furthermore, the investment by GIP and its co-investors from Asia and the Middle East reflects the global interest in Saudi Arabia’s natural gas infrastructure, a crucial component of the international energy market.

A Bright Future Ahead

As the Jafurah project prepares to commence phase one production, the future looks promising for both Aramco and its investors. This strategic partnership not only reinforces Aramco’s position within the global energy landscape but also highlights the Kingdom’s appeal as an attractive destination for foreign direct investment. With the backing of a consortium that understands the strategic importance of natural gas, Aramco is poised to optimize its assets and capitalize on the immense potential of the Jafurah gas field.

In summary, the $11 billion investment in Jafurah not only signifies a monumental step in Aramco’s growth trajectory but also heralds a new era for Saudi Arabia’s energy sector. As the Kingdom continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving energy landscape, it remains committed to leveraging its natural resources for sustainable economic growth and energy security.

NEOM: A New Dawn for Sustainable Trade in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformative journey, spearheaded by ambitious projects that aim to redefine its economic landscape. Among these initiatives, NEOM stands out as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Central to this futuristic vision is the Port of NEOM, which is rapidly evolving into an advanced and sustainable port. Recently, it marked a significant milestone with the arrival of the first fully automated, remote-controlled Ship-To-Shore (STS) and Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry (eRTG) cranes. This development not only underscores NEOM’s ambition to become a global hub for smart trade but also emphasizes the Kingdom's commitment to revolutionizing its logistics and industrial sectors.

A Strategic Location with Global Implications

Strategically located along the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, the Port of NEOM is poised to serve as a critical gateway on the East–West trade route. The new state-of-the-art cranes will play an essential role in the port's automation strategy, facilitating high-volume and high-efficiency operations. The capabilities of these cranes are particularly noteworthy; their remote-control functionality allows operators to manage equipment from secure and ergonomic environments. This innovative approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also lays the groundwork for a future-ready workforce model. As the logistics landscape evolves, the Port of NEOM is ensuring that its workforce is equipped to meet the demands of an increasingly automated industry.

The ongoing development of the Port of NEOM continues at a remarkable pace, especially as the 2026 opening of Terminal 1 approaches. This next-generation container terminal is set to feature cutting-edge technologies, including horizontal transport automation, aligning with the broader goal of achieving full automation. Notably, recent milestones include the completion of a 900-meter quay wall and the deepening of the port channel to 18.5 meters. These enhancements enable the world's largest vessels, transiting the Suez Canal, to call at Port of NEOM, further solidifying its role as a pivotal player in global trade. By significantly expanding the port's logistics capacity, NEOM is not only driving regional industrial growth but also enhancing supply chain resilience and unlocking new business opportunities.

Empowering a New Workforce

In parallel with its ambitious infrastructure investments, the Port of NEOM remains committed to developing local talent, particularly focusing on empowering Saudi women in high-tech roles. This commitment is embodied in a pioneering initiative aimed at training the next generation of Production Specialists to become remote crane operators. Such efforts are vital in shaping a more inclusive future within the logistics and industrial sectors, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals of economic diversification and workforce empowerment.

Currently, ten participants from the Tabuk region are enrolled in an intensive two-year program that combines technical instruction with hands-on training and dedicated mentorship. This program not only equips trainees with the necessary skills but also fosters a sense of community and teamwork. Hajjer Alatawi, a trainee participating in this initiative, articulated her insights: "This experience has shown me that port logistics is far more complex than just moving cargo; it’s about teamwork, precision, and responsibility. Seeing more Saudi women entering this space gives me hope for a future where industries are defined by skills, not gender."

By investing in local talent and providing opportunities for skill development, the Port of NEOM supports NEOM’s vision of becoming a catalyst for a sustainable, diverse, and innovative ecosystem. This strategy not only empowers Saudi workers but also reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing its economic goals.

The Port of NEOM is not merely a logistics hub; it is a symbol of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strategic vision for the future. Through the integration of advanced technologies and the empowerment of local talent, NEOM is setting new benchmarks for performance, efficiency, and innovation. As the port continues its development journey, it will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of trade, not only for the region but also on a global scale. By embracing sustainability and inclusivity, the Port of NEOM is primed to become a vital trade gateway, driving economic resilience and growth in the Kingdom and beyond.