Forging the Future: How Riyadh Is Redefining Global Mineral Cooperation

A Defining Moment in Mineral Diplomacy

Under the gleaming desert sky of **Riyadh, Saudi Arabia**, the **5th Ministerial Roundtable** of the **Future Minerals Forum (FMF)** unfolded as more than just an event — it became a bold statement of unity and purpose. Minister **Bandar Alkhorayef**’s opening remarks reverberated across the assembly hall, declaring this gathering as the largest global ministerial meeting of its kind. Participation has surged since the FMF’s launch in 2022, growing from 32 governments to representatives from over 100 countries, alongside 59 international organizations, including all G20 member states.  

This breathtaking expansion echoes a truth that is now impossible to ignore: mineral supply is no longer a solitary national concern, but a shared global responsibility. By bridging borders and fostering dialogue, the FMF is setting the stage for responsive, resilient, and sustainable mineral supply chains that can withstand the challenges of our rapidly evolving world.

Building Permanent Pathways to Progress

Transitions from inspiration to action were swift and decisive. The **Ministerial Roundtable** announced the creation of a **Permanent Ministerial Steering Group**, charged with providing strategic guidance, monitoring initiatives, and identifying new opportunities for collaboration. With its rotating membership ensuring balanced geographic representation, this group promises to maintain momentum and accountability well beyond the forum’s conclusion.  

Vice-Minister **Khalid Al-Mudaifer** further cemented this sense of forward motion by outlining keystone progress for 2025. The **Future Minerals Framework** emerged as a powerful tool for scaling infrastructure financing, supported by the **World Bank Group**, which is now exploring funding opportunities across seven priority corridors in Africa and Latin America. Clear standards for responsible mining, backed by traceability systems, are being developed to instill transparency across supply chains. Moreover, a Network of Centers of Excellence is taking shape across Africa, West and Central Asia, and Latin America, ensuring that talent, technology, and knowledge will flow seamlessly across continents.

From Vision to Local Value

Notably, Ms. **Valerie Levkoff** of the **World Bank Group** unveiled a forward-looking minerals strategy aimed at empowering supplier countries. By extending value chains into regional processing and manufacturing, this vision promises more than resource extraction — it ensures local value creation and employment growth. This is not just strategic; it is transformative, giving communities a tangible stake in the global mineral economy.  

The conclusion of the **5th Ministerial Roundtable** in Riyadh leaves behind more than agreements and frameworks — it offers a blueprint for a cooperative and sustainable mineral future. From high-level commitments to grassroots impact, the forum proves that when nations work together, minerals become not just commodities, but catalysts for prosperity and shared progress.

Where Desert Winds Meet Dreams: The Arrival of Desert X AlUla 2026

There are places in the world where nature and art meet in a silent embrace — and then, there is **AlUla, Saudi Arabia**. Here, carved canyons and endless dunes stand as witnesses to a history spanning thousands of years. Today marks a spectacular milestone: the official opening of **Desert X AlUla 2026**, the landmark fourth edition of the celebrated open-air biennial exhibition.  

This year, under skies painted with desert gold, **Arts AlUla**, in collaboration with Desert X, welcomes curious souls to wander among earthworks, sculptures, and installations that breathe life into the ancient landscapes. It is here that Saudi and international artists converge, their creative spirits speaking directly to the stones, winds, and whispers of this breathtaking land.  

A Dialogue Between Earth and Imagination

From monumental kinetic sculptures that dance with the desert breeze, to sound explorations reverberating beneath the earth, **Desert X AlUla 2026** offers a sensory journey unlike any other. Eleven acclaimed artists — including **Sara Abdu**, **Mohammad Alfaraj**, **Agnes Denes**, and **Héctor Zamora** — weave a tapestry of ideas, materials, and cultural traditions, each deeply rooted in AlUla’s distinctive environment.  

This fourth edition, curated by **Wejdan Reda** and **Zoé Whitley**, with artistic direction by **Neville Wakefield** and **Raneem Farsi**, explores the theme *"Space Without Measure"*. Inspired by Kahlil Gibran’s poetic vision, it challenges visitors to imagine the infinite and to see beyond boundaries. As part of the **AlUla Arts Festival**, this exhibition doesn’t just occupy space — it transforms it, offering a preview of monumental projects like **Wadi AlFann**, a permanent 'Valley of the Arts'.  

And the desert listens. It listens to past and future, to ancient roots and modern aspirations, and to the human desire to create beauty alongside — rather than against — nature.  

AlUla: More Than a Destination, A Living Canvas

**Hamad Alhomiedan**, Director of Arts & Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla, captures it best when he says that audiences here will engage with art that “deeply converses with AlUla’s unique landscapes and rich heritage.” This is more than an exhibition; it is a powerful statement about AlUla’s transformation into a major global art destination.  

Until **February 28, 2026**, visitors can step into this dialogue — between the desert and the imagination, between history and the future. In AlUla, art does not merely decorate the land; it becomes part of it.  

Desert X AlUla 2026 is not just an event, it’s an experience — one where *time feels suspended, measure loses meaning, and the desert breathes art*.  

Shaping Tomorrow’s Energy: HYXiPOWER’s Bold Debut at WFES 2026 in Abu Dhabi

In the heart of **Abu Dhabi, UAE**, the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2026 is setting the stage for transformative conversations about clean energy. From January’s bustling exhibition halls to thought-provoking panel discussions, this event unites policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders — all determined to accelerate the global energy transition.  

This year marks a particularly exciting milestone: **HYXiPOWER** is making its debut at WFES 2026, proudly exhibiting at Booth 734. Known for its cutting-edge photovoltaic and energy storage systems, the company is introducing groundbreaking solutions crafted specifically for the Middle East’s unique energy landscape. With a focus on high-temperature resilience, grid stability, and diverse consumption needs, HYXiPOWER’s portfolio spans both residential and **commercial & industrial (C&I)** energy storage markets, fully aligned with the UAE Energy Roadmap.  

Innovation Meets Endurance

Transitioning into a new era of smart energy management, HYXiPOWER is unveiling advanced residential products such as the **High Voltage Battery 2.** and **High Voltage Battery 3.**. These systems, built with A+ grade automotive-standard cells, embody durability and precision. Rated IP65, they promise a long cycle life, enhanced safety, and remarkable efficiency.  

Furthermore, their modular scalability allows homeowners to tailor solutions to their unique energy requirements. Coupled with an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) and AI-powered cloud controls, households can enjoy real-time monitoring, maximize solar self-consumption, and achieve greater energy independence. The result is a perfect blend of modern technology and sustainable living — a vision that fits seamlessly into the UAE’s progressive energy agenda.  

Powering Businesses for the Future*

While HYXiPOWER’s residential solutions inspire individual change, its C&I offerings aim to transform the way businesses operate. The air-cooled **215 kWh Energy Storage System (ESS)** stands out as a robust tool for grid resilience and cost optimization. Featuring smart Energy Management Systems (EMS), DC-coupled configurations, and lightning-fast STS 20ms switching, this system ensures uninterrupted power supply even in critical conditions.  

Equipped with four levels of fire protection, pre-tested in factory conditions, and delivered ready for rapid installation, HYXiPOWER’s commercial solution embodies efficiency and safety in equal measure. For enterprises across the Middle East seeking energy continuity and operational stability, these innovations offer not just performance but peace of mind.  

HYXiPOWER’s debut at WFES 2026 is far more than a business showcase — it’s a statement of intent. By marrying advanced technology with local service expertise, the company is here to empower a cleaner, more resilient, and future-ready energy ecosystem for **Abu Dhabi, UAE**, and beyond.