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DRC Eyes Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline

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DRC Eyes Uganda’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline

 

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Hydrocarbons Ministry has revealed that talks are underway with neighbouring Uganda to use the latter’s $3.5 billion 1,445-kilometer pipeline dubbed as East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).  If all goes well, Uganda is expected to start pumping oil in 2025.

The pipeline will transport oil produced from Uganda’s Lake Albert oilfields to the port of Tanga in Tanzania, where the oil will then be sold to world markets.  The pipeline is buried, and once topsoil and vegetation have been re-instated, people and animals can cross freely along its length. 

Uganda acknowledged the crucial requirement of DRC to access the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)

East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), Uganda and Tanzania route

in a recently published Twitter statement, Congo’s Ministry of Hydrocarbons said that its minister Didier Budimbu met his Ugandan counterpart Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu with discussions involving access to the pipeline.

EACOP Construction

“Uganda acknowledged the crucial requirement of DRC to access the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) for the transport of crude oil to be produced from the oil exploration blocks located in the Albertine Graben in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the statement read.

According to the statement, technical teams from both sides would consult and write reports to be given to the two ministers, who would subsequently brief the presidents of the two nations on signing a Memorandum of Understanding.

The talks were verified, and the EACOP was reported to have been created with Uganda’s neighbours, notably the DRC and South Sudan, in mind, according to a representative for the country’s energy ministry in Uganda. Uganda and Tanzania’s neighbours are also hopeful that they will be able to acquire money for a proposed pipeline for exporting petroleum.

Media reports have affirmed that the president of DRC, Félix Tshisekedi, is eyeing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline even though no crude oil has been discovered on the Congolese side of Lake Albert, but on the eastern side of the lake, in land-locked Uganda, commercial production of reserves estimated at over 6.5bn barrels may commence in 2025, after long delays since the initial discovery in 2006. On the western side of the lake, in a part of the DRC, progress has been slower and first oil is further off. However, exploration licences have recently become free for two blocks that may hold over 3bn barrels of oil, according to a 2012 seismic survey. If the oil proves to be recoverable the blocks could prove profitable for the licence holders and provide much-needed revenue for the DRC, reported African Business. 

What does border reopening mean for Kenya, Somalia?

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What does border reopening mean for Kenya, Somalia?

 

Following more than a decade of common border closure that began in 2011, Kenya and Somalia have jointly agreed to reopen their land border in 90 days. Last July, the two countries announced their intention to reopen the border, but this never materialized. 

Amid warming ties between the two nations, the decision was announced by Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki and his Somalia counterpart Mohamed Ahmed Sheikh after high-level consultations in Nairobi on May 15, 2023. The meeting revolved around issues of bilateral cooperation in security, trade and the movement of people.

The first to open is Bula Hawa in Mandera in 30 days. Next is Liboi (Mandera) in 60 days and Ras Kamboni (Lamu) in 90 days, Kindiki said.

Kenya-Somalia to reopen 3 joint borders in 90 days after 12 years’ closure

Observers believe that the project, which will run over the next three years, has the potential to boost bilateral trade, regional security and counter extremism. Kenya closed its borders with Somalia in 2011 as part of Operations Linda Nchi to fight the influx of Al-Shabab fighters. 

Kenya – Somalia Border

On the security front, the two ministers revealed that the discussions centred around the need for shared cross-border intelligence and enhancement of law enforcement capacity to man the borders.

The initiative, worth over Ksh1.7 billion ($12 million), is funded by the United Kingdom, aiming to find a lasting solution to perennial insecurity and instability in the Horn of Africa due to the Al-Shabaab insurgency.

The agreement reflects improving relations between the two countries, with  Somalia severing diplomatic ties with neighbouring Kenya, accusing it of violating Somali sovereignty and meddling in its internal affairs before a general election. On the other hand, Kenya has accused Mogadishu of looking for a scapegoat for its domestic challenges. 

UK hands out 20 carbon storage licences

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UK hands out 20 carbon storage licences

 

Twelve companies have been awarded 20 concessions in Britain’s first-ever carbon storage licensing round, the North Sea Transition Authority announced on Thursday.

The 20 offshore licences encompass around 12,000 square kilometres, with many located near Aberdeen, Teesside, Liverpool and Lincolnshire.

When all new carbon storage projects are commissioned, they could store 30 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, representing 10% of the UK’s annual emissions.

Projects are expected to begin coming on line as early as 2029, but will first require operators to obtain leases and approvals.

“The UK’s offshore waters remain the crown jewel of our energy mix, providing energy security, emissions reduction and carbon storage,” said Stuart Payne

Stuart Payne, chief executive of the North Sea Transition Authority

The carbon storage licensing round opened in June 2022, with applications closing in September 2022.

The 13 areas originally up on offer were split to create 20.

Although bidders cannot officially be announced until they accept the awards, Reuters reported that Neptune Energy won three awards, Spirit Energy won one award and Perenco won one award.

Britain’s greenhouse gas emissions stood at around 417 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2022.

“This will require more and more integration and collaboration in a crowded space, and we are working closely with governments and agencies such as The Crown Estate and Crown Estate Scotland to ensure we maximise this amazing potential.”

Top 4 Largest Sovereign Wealth Funds in 2023

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Top 4 Largest Sovereign Wealth Funds in 2023

 

What are sovereign wealth funds, and which nations have the largest in the world?
 

Sovereign wealth funds (SWF) are often associated with well-to-do countries. But an SWF or lack thereof is not necessarily the sign of a wealthy nation. There are plenty of prosperous countries that do not have an SWF and a few not-so-prosperous ones that do.

SWFs serve a purpose in certain economic architecture, and are needed when governments have to deal with the welcome challenge of surplus income.

This may sound like a made-up problem, but handling surplus income is not as easy as it sounds.

Indeed, if handled badly, surplus income can turn into a curse rather than a blessing for a government.

First, let us think about how sovereign governments earn and spend money, and how on earth a government can end up with extra money which it has – seemingly- no use for…

March for our Lives 2020

The government of a sovereign state is not only a political machine, but also a massive economic entity. The federal government of the United States, for example, spent over USD6.25 trillion in the financial year 2022.

This money must come from somewhere. In the case of most Western-style economies, government revenue comes almost exclusively from taxes paid by the citizens and the private sector: income tax, corporate tax, and value-added tax, among others.

Countries with a large public sector and a multitude of state-owned businesses may also enjoy surplus government revenues.

France, for instance is the only country in the Eurozone with a sizable SWF (3rd largest in the world), which holds some USD1.67 trillion. This is due to the unique structure of the French economy which encompasses such huge and profitable state-owned enterprises as Bpifrance and Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations (CDC).

A good question here may be “so, what do SWFs actually do?”

Well, there is no better way to explain than by showing some examples.

Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA)

The Middle East is home to the most notable SWFs of our time. The Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) was launched as the world’s first modern SWF in the 1950s to safeguard the Gulf nation’s surplus income from crude oil exports.

The fund currently manages just under USD740 billion worth of assets. Between 15-30% of Kuwait’s annual oil revenues are absorbed by the KIA each year. The fund operates following strict guidelines under the watch of a board of director’s headed by the serving minister of finance.

The KIA also manages the Kuwait Future Generations Fund (KFGF)—a fund which as the name suggests saves a part of the nation’s fortune for future generations.

Qatar Investment Authority (QIA)

This is yet another major SWF in the Gulf region. QIA has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2005, acquiring USD450 billion worth of diversified assets across the world.

The QIA is also under strict control not only by its board members but also the Emir and the Prime Minister when it comes to major spending decisions.

QIA is famously keen on UK-based assets, although in recent years it has also focused on continental Europe. Acquiring the French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain was not only another European acquisition, but also an attempt at rebranding.

Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s SWF was launched by royal decree in the fateful year of 1971, when oil prices jumped several folds. The PIF is currently managing an asset portfolio of USD1 trillion.

The PIF’s mandate is to financially support the kingdoms strategic projects. The most recent examples of such enterprises are over 15 mega projects announced by Saudi Arabia since 2016, including NEOM, the Red Sea Project, The Line, and—most recently—the Mukaab.

The PIF also owns minority stakes in overseas companies such as the aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, the tech giant, Meta Platforms, and the financier Citigroup.

Emirates Investment Authority (EIA)

The EIA has been functioning as the UAE’s only federal SWF since 2007, though it works alongside each emirate’s local investment fund, such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

The UAE’s wealth funds collectively oversee a portfolio of over USD1.35 trillion, which makes the UAE the Middle East’s leading economy in terms of sovereign wealth. The EIA’s activities are monitored by a board which is currently chaired by the Emirati royal and cabinet minister Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The EIA has a diversified asset portfolio, including majority stakes in the Abu Dhabi telecom giant, Etisalat.

All that said, SWFs are not limited to the Middle East. France was mentioned earlier as one of the few Western nations with an SWF due to its large public sector economy. Norway is yet another example, although unlike France its USD1.4 trillion SWF is filled with petrodollars.

And, of course, we have China: the quintessential state-run economy with an SWF worth USD1.8 trillion.

China-Russia Relations

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China-Russia Relations

 

Beijing finds itself in a tricky diplomatic situation with the ongoing war in Ukraine, as it tries to avoid worsening relations with the West while remaining on friendly terms with Moscow.

They are large and influential countries, both used to be communist states, and neither country is on excellent terms with Western democracies.

So it would make sense if Russia and China were close allies. The reality of the matter is not that simple, however.

Russia and China are neither close allies nor enemies. Of course, they have long-established diplomatic and economic ties, but their closeness is a matter of practicality and can—at times—waver.

Beijing’s support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been tangible enough to cause dismay in certain quarters such as the US State Department, but it probably falls short of what Moscow was expecting.

From the Kremlin’s point of view, although Beijing has echoed some of the Kremlin’s justifications for war in Ukraine, China has not openly backed up Russia’s war, nor has it offered Moscow much in the way of financial and military support.

This is simply because China cannot afford to fall out with the West in the way that Russia did in February, 2022. China’s USD17.5 trillion economy has much to lose and little to gain from unequivocal support of the Kremlin’s policies.

Beijing and the West: Not the best of friends, but it depends…

Are West, China Different? Russia Says Beijing “Doesn’t Shoot Themselves”

Chinese industrial and technology manufacturers form the backbone of the red giant’s economy, and contracts with western companies are what make them tick.

If you happen to own an American or South Korean brand of smartphone, a look at the back of your device will tell you where it was put together. Not in the US or South Korea, surely.

Much else that you see around yourself originating from brands based across the world, too, were manufactured in the same place as your smartphone.

Beijing does not want to risk its lucrative—albeit a touch shaky—business relations with the US and its allies, particularly now that the red giant’s outstanding foreign debt exceeds USD2.7 trillion, according to Bloomberg.
Nevertheless, China does not want to risk its long-standing economic and political ties with Russia, either. 

Beijing and Moscow relations

Beijing and Moscow: Longtime comrades, but not unconditional

Much has changed since the Cold War, when Moscow was the de facto leader of the Eastern Bloc and the entire socialist world.

With its rapid transformation into an economic powerhouse over the last two decades, China has completely eclipsed Russia in almost every way, ranging from GDP to influence over developing economies.

“The China-led ‘16+1’ initiative in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is crafting a soft version of the old East European bloc, this time under Chinese rather than Russian tutelage,” observed Martin Hala in a 2018 scholarly article published in the Journal of Democracy.

China’s famous Belt and Road international investment initiative is of still higher importance in solidifying Beijing’s influence over some 70 developing nations, many of which used to be under Moscow’s sway during the Soviet era.

China is even working on economic projects on Russian soil. Chinese enterprises are active in many parts of Siberia, including around Lake Baikal, tapping into its huge freshwater reserves.

All this has caused some hard feelings among local Siberians, curbing China’s foreign direct investment in Russia since 2018.

Despite some misgivings, Moscow and Beijing still feel the need to keep their strategic alliance alive, at least for the sake of appearance, and possibly more.

Beijing, in particular, prefers to maintain its ties with Russia given the huge economic prospects, hence the political support and economic lifeline offered to Moscow after the annexation of Crimea.

Walking a fine line and an impossible choice

This time, however, things may get more intense given Russia’s large-scale and haphazard invasion of Ukraine.

Beijing is already walking a very fine line, doing its best to maintain its diplomatic and business ties with both the West and Russia, but the time may come for Beijing to make a difficult decision.

Beijing has something to gain from each of these two sets of relations, and neither is free of downsides.

It is extremely difficult, however, to predict which ties will survive if, over the coming months, China is pressed to choose one or the other.

EV Rider

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EV Rider

 

A lack of charging stations and the high cost of electric vehicles are inhibiting the transition away from combustion engines. But as a major manufacturer of cars, Mexico has great potential.
 

Scarce charging infrastructure and the price of electric vehicles are two of the main problems facing the electrification of Mexico’s transportation systems.

With 3.1 million units manufactured in 2021, Mexico is the seventh-largest vehicle producer in the world, accounting for approximately 4% of global production.

That position as a manufacturer makes the country a key point for the transition from legacy combustion vehicles to electric vehicles; however, there is still a long way to go for Mexico in terms of the adoption of green transportation systems.

In 2021, 1.1 million new cars were sold in Mexico, but only 45,939, or 4.6% of the total, were electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid units, according to data from the statistics institute INEGI. These are still small numbers compared to other markets such as China, where some 3.3 million battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars were sold in 2021, or 15% of the 21.48 million passenger cars sold that year. In the US, 667,731 electric vehicles were sold in 2021, while 328,000 were sold in Germany, figures that show the work Mexico still has to do to make progress in this market.

In Mexico, there is a fleet of around 32 million cars, traditional, hybrid, and electric. Before the pandemic, it sold more than 1.5 million vehicles annually,” said Nazareth Black

Nazareth Black, CEO of Zacua

“As a Mexican assembly company, we wanted to be the pioneers of this subject for our country,” she said. With its small electric vehicles, this company wants to contribute to Mexico maintaining its leading position as a manufacturer also in the electric vehicle segment due to its proximity to the US, its experience, its well-structured production chain, and the fact that it has some of the most important lithium mines in the world, a key mineral for the development of electric batteries.

But when it comes to electric vehicle adoption, several challenges remain. The Ministry of Energy estimates in its Prodesen electric system development roadmap that there will be 4.9 million electric vehicles in circulation by 2036. This would mean approximately 15% of the means of transportation in Mexico in about 15 years will be electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or electric buses.

Electric bus while fast charging

Currently, 39% of Mexicans are willing to buy a hybrid vehicle, but only 15% would buy a 100% electric vehicle, according to an analysis by consulting firm J.D. Power. According to those surveyed, the two biggest challenges for this market to grow are the lack of adequate charging stations and the high prices of electric vehicles. The lack of infrastructure also translates into a shortage of repair shops, which can also mean the need to purchase more expensive parts compared to traditional vehicles.

“Moving to electric transportation is an urgent issue and a must-do. Mexico also has to work on the recharging infrastructure as well as raising overall awareness. We also need to develop special payment plans so people can buy them, as they are more expensive than gas-powered ones,” said Black. In Mexico, seven out of 10 cars are sold on credit; however, Black points out there are currently no special financing plans designed exclusively for electric cars, and the firm is working to increase access to credit for such vehicles. “We offer financial services with a company called Car Fast Financial, and we have developed an eight-year plan for electric cars. We also have to work on public policies and some inner incentives,” she added.

This slow implementation of electric vehicles is not unique to Mexico but is something shared with the rest of Latin America. “The US will be 40% electric by 2030. Mexico and Latin America will take a while longer,” said José Román, President and Managing Director at Nissan Mexicana. “Electrification will not happen simply because we, as automotive companies, launch the necessary technology. There are three legs to this chair. The first is the client, the second is the government, and the third comes the company,” Román added.

Pointing out that Latin American governments have not yet widely deployed charging stations to help the adoption of these means of transport, this is why the company decided to focus primarily on selling hybrid vehicles at affordable prices to consumers. “The first solution we came up with not so long ago was to launch the hybrid: The Nissan X-Trail. What we are planning to do is to install electrification technologies in much cheaper cars. We want to bring democracy to electrification. Electrification will arrive in Mexico but won’t be fully implemented for at least another decade,” Román concluded.

The rise of AI and robotics

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The rise of AI and robotics

 

The integration of AI and robotics is gradually being embraced by society, opening up possibilities that were once unimaginable. Throughout history, each generation has experienced the humbling realization that its perceived pinnacle of achievement is merely a stepping stone to further advancements.

This phenomenon is exemplified by Charles H. Duell, the Commissioner of the US Patent Office, who famously declared in 1889 that all inventions had already been made, only to be proven wrong when the first plane took flight in 1903. Similarly, the emergence of the internet in the mid-1990s shattered post-war generations’ perception of reality. Curiosities have consistently transformed the way we live, and now AI, accompanied by its tangible counterpart, robotics, is poised to do the same.

AI has long captured the imagination of the public, finding its place in popular science fiction since its inception, championed by visionaries like Alan Turing.

Robotics and Ai – image by FreePik

Robotics has often been associated with AI, creating narratives of insidious machines rising against human oppression. Presently, ChatGPT, an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, has sparked curiosity and raised concerns about a potential future where physically embodied superintelligent AI could lead to a robot uprising. However, there are numerous proponents who believe in the potential of AI and robotics to revolutionize our lives and work for the better.

Smartphone artificial intelligence, futuristic communication network technology – Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

Thanks to sophisticated algorithms, machines can already undertake tasks that previously demanded human involvement. The real-time development of this technology is evident in the autonomous vehicles we see on the roads and the voice assistants we interact with daily. Additionally, healthcare is experiencing significant transformation through the utilization of robotics and AI. Medical robots perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, minimizing the risk of errors and complications. AI-powered diagnostic tools aid physicians in making accurate diagnoses and offering improved treatment options to patients.

Education is another field benefiting from the integration of robotics and AI. Intelligent tutoring systems are bringing personalized learning experiences to students, tailoring the content and pace to their individual needs. This ensures that every student receives the necessary support to succeed.

Sustainability is yet another area where robotics and AI can make a profound impact. Through autonomous drones and robots, we can efficiently monitor and maintain our environment. Furthermore, AI-powered energy management systems optimize energy usage, aiding in the reduction of our carbon footprint.

While discussions about AI often seem confined to Silicon Valley or Tokyo labs, the democratization of technology, facilitated by the internet’s rise three decades ago, has allowed scientists, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs from diverse locations to participate in this transformative journey. The Future Investment Initiative Institute (FII) in Saudi Arabia is one such organization that recognizes the potential of robotics and AI. During its recent FII 6 conference held in October 2022 in Riyadh, the institute extensively discussed the topic. In the aftermath, FII published the Atlas of Humanity, a unique book centered around the world’s most pressing issues, with Riyadh as the focal point. The publication even delves into the concept of the singularity, an idea that envisions the convergence of robotics and AI with potentially transformative, even perilous consequences for humanity. The FII followed up with another publication, Powering Up: A Revolution In Robotics And Artificial Intelligence, further exploring the potential effects of AI and robotics on society.

As science, commerce, and industry continue to refine the packaging of AI and robotics for the skeptical yet curious public, the ultimate outcome of this journey remains uncertain, leaving us with only vague assumptions. Nevertheless, the fact that the entire world is engaged in discussions about this paradigm shift is a significant step forward.

Integrating Molecular Biology into Environmental Science: A Paradigm Shift

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Integrating Molecular Biology into Environmental Science: A Paradigm Shift

 

A groundbreaking research expedition is utilizing mobile laboratories to investigate the impact of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change on Europe’s coastal ecosystems. These mobile truck labs will be deployed to over 100 coastal locations in 24 countries, allowing scientists to collect and analyze samples on-site using state-of-the-art equipment. This represents a significant advancement as it enables detailed molecular biology research to be conducted in the field for the first time.

Studying the ocean has always been challenging due to factors like limited visibility, pressure changes, salinity issues, and tides. Additionally, the lack of standardization in hardware, surveying methods, and data recording systems further complicates research in this field. The Traversing European Coastlines (Trec) project aims to address these challenges by developing mobile labs capable of analyzing samples directly in the field, thus mitigating the problem of sample degradation during transport to central laboratories.

By bringing cutting-edge technologies to the coastal areas where research is conducted, the project revolutionizes the exploration of land/water interface ecosystems.

The Contribution Of Molecular Biology To Environmental Science

By bringing cutting-edge technologies to the coastal areas where research is conducted, the project revolutionizes the exploration of land/water interface ecosystems. The Trec initiative is coordinated by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), in collaboration with France’s Tara Ocean Foundation and the European Marine Biological Resource Centre. It commenced last month and will cover 120 sampling sites along the EU coastline, starting from Roscoff in France. At each location, samples of soil, sediment, and water will be collected and analyzed in the mobile labs, which are equipped with microscopes, freezers, and sample preparation equipment for imaging, genomic analysis, and metabolomic analysis.

Preliminary results from the project are already promising. Researchers have gained unprecedented insights into the ultrastructure of dinoflagellates, discovering new organelles that will take years to unravel their functions. The field data generated by the project is also expected to contribute to the identification of new protein complexes in the coming years.

While mobile labs have become increasingly common in healthcare, they are not yet mainstream in environmental science. The Trec project aims to establish this approach as the standard for molecular biologists working in the field. By incorporating quality assurance and quality control protocols, mobile labs can significantly enhance data collection methodologies, as stated by Giuseppe Manzella, co-founder of OceanHis, a company specializing in manufacturing mobile mini-labs for real-time ocean data collection.
The research conducted through the Trec project will enhance our understanding of the surveyed sections of the European coastline. Combining the Trec data with existing datasets from the European Marine Observation and Data Network (Emodnet) will unlock new insights. The integration of various forms of data is crucial to provide a comprehensive picture of the marine environment, including not only spatial distribution but also information on the water column and seafloor.

EMBL aims to set a new standard for environmental molecular biology with the deployment of mobile labs and hopes that the results of the Trec expedition will serve as a reference point for other researchers. The project aligns with the Horizon Europe Oceans Mission and complements another project called BIOOcean5D, in which EMBL is involved. BIOOcean5D focuses on the standardization of protocols for environmental data collection, which will contribute to the Trec initiative.

Bahrain’s Mega Solar Park Sees Progress as Beyon Completes Second Phase

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Bahrain’s Mega Solar Park Sees Progress as Beyon Completes Second Phase

 

Beyon, a leading telecommunications and technology group headquartered in Bahrain, has achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards carbon neutrality with the completion of Phase 2 of its solar park. The chairman of Beyon, Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, made this announcement during a ceremony held at the Royal Golf Club in Riffa, emphasizing the company’s strong commitment to sustainability and clean energy production.

Located at Ras Abu Jarjur, Beyon’s Solar Park Phase 1 and 2 will generate an impressive annual output of 3.6 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy. This substantial contribution to renewable energy will result in a carbon footprint reduction of over 2,000 tonnes and cost savings amounting to BD105,000.

Beyon unveiled its plans to embark on the implementation of Phase 3 of the solar park project in Hamala.

Beyon announces data centre in Bahrain fully powered by clean energy

Shaikh Abdulla took pride in Beyon’s remarkable achievement in the telecommunications and technology sector, highlighting the company’s data center as the first in Bahrain to operate entirely on clean energy sourced from its solar park situated in the Beyon Data Oasis.

Furthermore, Beyon unveiled its plans to embark on the implementation of Phase 3 of the solar park project in Hamala. Once completed, Beyon’s total annual clean energy production is estimated to reach approximately 6 GWh, further solidifying the company’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Shaikh Abdulla underlined the company’s alignment with Bahrain’s vision, as declared by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Glasgow, Scotland. The vision sets forth Bahrain’s ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

Expressing gratitude to the ministries, relevant authorities, and partners for their invaluable support, Shaikh Abdulla concluded the event on a positive note. Distinguished guests included Kamal Ahmed, President of the Electricity and Water Authority; Mohamed Al Kaabi, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications; Yasser Humaidan, Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs; Noor Al Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development; Mohamed Almoayyed, Director of YK Almoayyed & Sons; and various members of Beyon’s board, executives, and project team.

Qatar’s Cultural Attractions and Modern Infrastructure Drive Tourism in 2023

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Qatar’s Cultural Attractions and Modern Infrastructure Drive Tourism in 2023

 

After the conclusion of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, there has been a growing interest among visitors to explore Qatar’s cultural attractions and modern infrastructure, according to travel industry officials. Qatar’s tourism sector is set to experience a positive outlook in 2023 as the Qatar Tourism Authority continues its efforts to offer a diverse range of activities and events, catering to both local residents and inbound tourists.

Lourdes Dolor, Marketing Manager at Darwish Travel Company, expressed pride in collaborating with Qatar Tourism to promote local events and provide inbound tourism activities and staycation packages for clients and Qatar residents, particularly during the upcoming Eid holidays. These offerings include various activities like dhow boat cruising, sand dune bashing, and attraction tickets, with prices starting at QR150. Additionally, staycation packages for families begin at QR550.

Qatar has ambitious plans to attract a significant number of visitors in the years to come.

Get Amazed with the Beauty of the Pearl-Qatar

In 2023, Qatar has witnessed significant growth in tourism-related activities, positioning itself as one of the most sought-after leisure destinations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The successful hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022 has raised Qatar’s global profile and attracted tourists eager to discover its cultural heritage, natural attractions, and modern infrastructure, as highlighted by Ahmed Atta, Sales and Marketing Manager at Victoria Travels.

The expected surge in tourist numbers is anticipated to contribute substantially to the growth and success of Qatar’s tourism industry. This influx will also bring forth new hotels, amusement parks, and other tourist conveniences, further bolstering the country’s economic prosperity. Recent achievements, such as Doha being ranked among the top ten safest tourism destinations and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 receiving the best tourism sports festival award from the Arab Union for Tourist Media, have further added to Qatar’s positive outlook.

Qatar has ambitious plans to attract a significant number of visitors in the years to come. During the FIFA World Cup 2022, the country already welcomed over two million tourists in November and December alone. Looking ahead, Berthold Trenkel, Chief Operating Officer at Qatar Tourism, shared during the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries held in Qatar that the country aims to welcome six million visitors annually by 2030. This optimistic projection reflects Qatar’s determination to continue its growth as a prominent tourism destination.

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