ARABIAN GULF : Gulf Statistician: GCC countries’ estimated spending to reach $542.1 billion by 2025

 The estimated budget expenditures of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for the current year 2025 amounted to USD 542.1 billion, while the estimated government revenues reached USD 487.8 billion, while the estimated deficit reached USD 54.3 billion, according to data issued by the GCC-Stat.


The GCC-Stat indicated that government revenues in the GCC countries are directly affected by the movement of global oil prices, as oil revenues constitute the largest proportion of financial resources. Countries follow a conservative approach in calculating the break-even oil price to estimate their general budgets to avoid international economic fluctuations and fluctuations in global oil prices.

Government revenues are expected to remain relatively stable, with oil prices remaining at moderate to high levels.


Most GCC countries have projected an increase in their spending in 2025 compared to their 2024 estimates. Increased spending is a determinant of growth in the GCC economies in general, directed toward completing infrastructure projects and stimulating growth in certain economic sectors, with the aim of implementing strategic development plans. Meanwhile, GCC countries plan to finance budget deficits through drawing on reserves and domestic and foreign borrowing.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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ARABIAN GULF

SYRIA : Rami Al-Ali becomes first Syrian designer to join France’s Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode

Rami Al-Ali has become the first Syrian designer to join France’s prestigious Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode as a guest member, giving him the chance to showcase his Autumn/Winter 2025 collection on the official haute couture calendar.

The invitation signifies Al-Ali’s entry into fashion’s upper echelons — to qualify, fashion houses must meet rigorous “haute couture” or “high fashion” standards and the title is legally protected under French law.

Al-Ali joins the likes of Chanel, Dior, and Schiaparelli on the official calendar next month. His latest collection will be presented on July 10, according to the provisional calendar.

It is a “historical milestone, celebrating a lifelong devotion to craftsmanship, culture, and creative expression, rooted in heritage and elevated by vision,” the fashion house posted on Instagram.

Originally from Damascus, Al-Ali honed his fashion skills in Dubai and Beirut before founding his label, Rami Al-Ali Couture, in 2001.

His creations have been worn by a variety of celebrities, including Amal Clooney, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Chastain.

Al-Ali’s work has been praised for seamlessly blending his Middle Eastern heritage with Western sensibilities. He is known for designing flowing silhouettes adorned with intricate, playful embellishments—creations that are both timeless and runway-worthy.

Al-Ali is one of just a handful of Arab designers on the official haute couture calendar. The lineup also includes Lebanese designers Georges Hobeika, Elie Saab, and Zuhair Murad, as well as Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi.  

Ashi, founder of Paris-based label Ashi Studio, became the first designer from the Gulf region to join the exclusive group in 2023 as a guest member. His designs have also been worn by global celebrities such as Beyonce, Anna Kendrick, and Jennifer Hudson.

“This appointment is the highlight of my career,” Ashi said in a statement posted on Instagram when the announcement was made in 2023. “I will honor it in the memory of the great couturiers who came before me and whom I now join in the pursuit of this grand tradition of excellence in creativity and savoir-faire. 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Rami Al-Ali has become the first Syrian designer to join France’s prestigious Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode as a guest member. (Getty Images)

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SYRIA

SAUDI ARABIA : Expert sheds light on historic mosques in Makkah that remain unknown to many

Al-Dahas highlighted the significance of Namirah Mosque in Arafat, where the Prophet delivered his sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage.

In Makkah, the holiest city in Islam, spiritual significance extends far beyond the Grand Mosque. Scattered throughout the city are historic mosques that witnessed pivotal moments in Islamic history.

Yet, amid the dense crowds and the rapid pace of modern development, many pilgrims and Umrah performers remain unaware of these sacred sites, quietly tucked away within the city’s expanding urban landscape.

Fawaz Al-Dahas, professor of history at Umm Al-Qura University, said that Makkah is home to several mosques of profound historical and religious value, yet they remain largely overlooked, receiving neither the media attention nor the organized religious visits they merit.

Al-Dahas highlighted the significance of Namirah Mosque in Arafat, where the Prophet delivered his sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage. He said that this mosque was not merely a physical structure, but a sacred site where the foundational principles of Islam were proclaimed. He also referenced the Bay’ah Mosque in Mina, which commemorates the pivotal moment when the Ansar pledged allegiance to the Prophet, paving the way for the Hijrah and the establishment of the Islamic state.

According to Al-Dahas, the importance of these mosques transcends their geographic locations, reflecting their profound political and religious significance in Islamic history.

Al-Dahas shed light on Al-Rayah Mosque: “Located in the Jarwal neighborhood, where the Prophet’s banner was raised on the day of the Conquest of Makkah, a powerful symbol of victory tempered by forgiveness.”

He also drew attention to Al-Hudaibiya Mosque, situated west of Makkah, where the historic Bay’at Al-Ridwan pledge took place, an event referenced in the Holy Qur’an. He said that while the mosque still stands on the original site of the Treaty of Hudaibiya, it remains largely unknown, with few visitors aware of its exact location.

Mohammed Al-Joud, a Hajj and Umrah specialist, said that these mosques were not merely historical structures, but vital educational landmarks that enrich a pilgrim’s understanding of the deeper spiritual dimensions of Hajj. He pointed to Al-Khayf Mosque in Mina, where the Prophet and prophets before him are believed to have prayed, as a powerful symbol of the continuity of prophethood: “Yet, many pilgrims remain unaware of its significance outside the Hajj season.”

Al-Joud also highlighted Al-Mashar Al-Haram Mosque in Muzdalifah, which is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, emphasizing that awareness of such sacred sites bridges the rituals of Hajj with their Qur’anic and historical roots, enhancing the spiritual journey.

Al-Joud also drew attention to Al-Kabsh Mosque in Mina, linked to the story of the sacrifice of Ismail. He explained that the mosque symbolizes the values of sacrifice and obedience, yet remains largely overlooked in media coverage and excluded from most pilgrimage programs. He described it as an essential part of a broader, interconnected network of sacred sites that trace the prophetic journey — from revelation to migration, and from peace to conquest.

Al-Dahas underscored the importance of launching awareness initiatives to shed light on these mosques and restore their rightful standing. He said that safeguarding Makkah’s Islamic heritage was not limited to preserving its prominent landmarks, but also required reviving these historically significant mosques, which once stood as pivotal markers along the journey of the prophetic message.

He said that reconnecting pilgrims with these sacred sites revived the educational and historical depth of Hajj, enriching the journey with a more profound, informed, and spiritually immersive experience.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Scattered throughout the city are historic mosques that witnessed pivotal moments in Islamic history. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA : Exploring the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia’s sacred heritage

In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light”.

 As pilgrims complete the sacred rites of Hajj, many embark on a deeper spiritual journey by exploring historic Islamic sites across Saudi Arabia to connect with the roots of their faith.

In the holy city of Makkah, pilgrims visit Jabal Al-Nour, whose name means “Mountain of Light.” At its peak lies the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed through the Angel Jibreel.

The mountain’s distinctive camel-hump shape makes it a striking landmark, especially with the nearby Hira Cultural District, where the Revelation Gallery offers pilgrims to learn the story of divine revelation and history.

Ahmed Khan, a private tour guide said: “There’s something unexplainable about standing where it all began. When I take pilgrims to Jabal al-Nour, many of them are moved to tears it’s not just a climb, but it’s a spiritual awakening.”

To the south lies Jabal Thawr, the mountain that cradled the Prophet and his companion Abu Bakr as-Siddiq in its cave during their migration to Madinah. The story of divine protection, where a spider’s web and a dove’s nest concealed their presence from their pursuers, resonates deeply with pilgrims.

Another frequently visited site is Jabal Abu Qubays, believed in some traditions to be the first mountain placed on Earth. As the closest peak to the Grand Mosque, it resonates with the early public da’wah and the great spiritual responsibility.

FAST FACTS

• Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah, remains a must-visit site for pilgrims. 

• Programs like ‘Hala,’ launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating journeys for pilgrims to explore with knowledgeable guides. 

Nearby, the modest yet historically significant Al-Bay’ah Mosque marks the location of the Pledge of Aqabah, where the Ansar of Madinah pledged allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad.

Built during the Abbasid era, it symbolizes early Muslim unity and commitment to the new faith. A short distance away in Al-Hajun district is Jabal Al-Sayyidah, at the base of which lies the revered Al-Ma’la Cemetery, resting place of Khadijah, the Prophet’s beloved wife. Her grave remains a focal point of deep reverence.

“Pilgrims love visiting these places and it helps them to understand the sacrifices of the people who shaped Islam,” Khan added.

Madinah has its own timeless legacy. Al-Qiblatain Mosque, where revelation changed the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah and marked a defining shift in Muslim identity and remains a must-visit site for pilgrims.

Hussain Rauff, regional director of Madinah Hotels at Elaf Al-Taqwa, said: “We’re planning to organize guided tours across Madinah to help pilgrims explore the city’s rich Islamic heritage. It’s a meaningful way to extend their spiritual journey beyond the rituals of Hajj.”

Further west of the Prophet’s Mosque lies the cluster known as the Seven Mosques, each linked to events from the Battle of the Trench. Among them are Al-Fath Mosque and those named after figures such as Fatimah, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Salman Al-Farsi. These mosques are rich in historical memory and serve as reminders of hardship during one of Islam’s critical battles.

Mount Uhud rises just north of Madinah city, its slopes reminds of the Battle of Uhud and the place where the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, and 70 companions were martyred. Today, pilgrims pause at the Uhud Martyrs Cemetery indicating the modesty found in victory and the strength drawn from loss.

Equally powerful is a visit to Baqi’ Al-Gharqad Cemetery, the resting place of many of the Prophet’s family members and companions. Located near the Prophet’s Mosque, the cemetery has long served as a site for prayer and remembrance, offering pilgrims a moment of intimate connection with those who stood beside the Prophet during Islam’s formative years.

Beyond the holy cities, other destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. Northwest of Madinah lies Khaybar, the site of a pivotal military campaign that showcases both the strategic and ethical dimensions of the Prophet’s leadership. Its volcanic terrain and ancient fortifications tell stories etched in stone.

Fatima Al-Mutairi, a pilgrim from Kuwait: “I am planning to visit these places in Jeddah and Taif after my Hajj. I am planning to visit the Tomb of Hawa in Jeddah and in Taif, I look forward to visiting Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas, to pay tribute to one of the great scholars whose work in Qur’anic interpretation and Hadith continues to inspire many seekers of knowledge.”

Recognizing the growing desire for such experiences, programs like “Hala,” launched by Al-Bait Guests Co., are curating immersive journeys for pilgrims to explore these sacred sites with knowledgeable guides and spiritual context.

Mohammed Al-Shahrani, experience officer in Hajj and Umrah sector said: “Our aim is to enrich the post-Hajj experience. We want pilgrims to understand that the journey of faith continues, and Saudi Arabia is opening its heritage for those who wish to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet.”

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Beyond the holy cities, other sacred destinations continue to attract pilgrims in search of spiritual enrichment. (Supplied/File photo)

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SAUDI ARABIA

MIDDLE EAST airlines to lead global profit margins in 2025, IATA says 

Global airlines are projected to record a net profit of $36 billion, with total industry revenue reaching $979 billion

Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to bolster the industry as part of their economic diversification efforts

Middle East airlines are forecast to post the world’s highest net profit margin in 2025 of 8.7 percent, outpacing global peers, according to the latest industry report. 

The forecast, released by the International Air Transport Association during its 81st Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, also projects that airlines operating in the Middle East will generate a net profit of $6.2 billion this year — slightly up from $6.1 billion in 2024. The region is also expected to earn $27.20 per passenger.

Globally, airlines are projected to record a net profit of $36 billion, with total industry revenue reaching $979 billion — below IATA’s earlier $1 trillion estimate, due in part to macroeconomic uncertainties and supply constraints. 

The growth of the aviation sector in the Middle East reflects broader regional expansion, as countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to bolster the industry as part of their economic diversification efforts. 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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MIDDLE EAST

U.S.A / EGYPT : Ancient Pigment Egyptian Blue Revived by US Researchers

Researchers at Washington State University have revived Egyptian blue—the world’s first synthetic pigment.

A team of researchers from Washington State University, in collaboration with the Carnegie Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute, has successfully recreated Egyptian blue, the oldest known synthetic pigment in the world. Originally developed over 5,000 years ago, the pigment was commonly used in ancient Egyptian art, tombs, and architecture.

The scientists tested 12 different methods to reproduce the pigment, adjusting materials and heating times to mirror ancient techniques. They discovered that a rich, vivid blue could be achieved even when only half of the mixture’s colour-bearing component was used—challenging previous assumptions about how the pigment was made. Small variations in temperature and ingredients also caused the colour to shift, from pale greens to intense blues and even greys.

Beyond its historic value, Egyptian blue has properties that make it relevant for modern technology. It absorbs visible light and emits infrared radiation, which can be applied in biomedical imaging, telecommunications, and anti-counterfeiting technologies.

The recreated pigment is now on display at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh.

source/content: cairoscene.com (headline edited)

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EGYPT / U.S.A.

LEBANESE-AMERICAN : Nour Arida is the First Arab Woman to Book a Audemars Piguet Campaign

Model & Lifestyle Influencer Nour Arida Joins Serena Williams in Audemars Piguet Campaign.

When Audemars Piguet picked the faces for its 150th anniversary campaign, it chose icons. Nour Arida was the only Arab woman among them.

In the world of luxury watchmaking, Arab women aren’t often on the moodboard. But this year, that changed.

For its 150th anniversary, Audemars Piguet didn’t just call in the usual faces – it summoned a lineup of global icons. Serena Williams. Winnie Harlow. Tamara Kalinic. And, for the first time ever, an Arab woman: Nour Arida.

Draped in AP’s legacy, the Lebanese model-slash-creative-slash-cultural force owned the frame.

“I always try to push boundaries,” Arida says, in what might be the understatement of the year. “It’s like being part of a real family, being part of the AP family.”

source/content: cairoscene.com (headline edited)

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AMERICAN – LEBANESE

BAHRAIN elected to UN Security Council for 2026–2027

The Kingdom of Bahrain has secured a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, following a vote at the UN General Assembly in New York, where it received an overwhelming 186 out of 187 votes (99.5%).

Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the people of Bahrain on this achievement. He noted that the near-unanimous support is a testament to the leadership of His Majesty the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and a clear recognition of global confidence in Bahrain’s foreign policy and its commitment to peace, cooperation, and international stability.

Dr. Al Zayani emphasised Bahrain’s dedication to upholding the UN Charter, promoting multilateralism, and engaging constructively with Security Council members to address global challenges.

He said that Bahrain’s approach during its Security Council term will be guided by its core values of dialogue, coexistence, mutual respect, and consensus building. He added Bahrain’s intention to serve as a voice for diplomacy, a bridge for understanding, and a champion of solutions that reflect the aspirations of peoples for a future of peace, stability, and prosperity.

Dr. Al Zayani also commended the Kingdom’s Permanent Mission to the UN, led by Ambassador Jamal Al Rowaiei, as well as all officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the Mission, for their dedicated work in the spirit of “Team Bahrain.” He commended their tangible efforts and outstanding diplomatic work that contributed to this significant milestone and expressed gratitude to UN member states for their support.

Bahrain’s election was met with congratulations from Arab and international delegates, who extended best wishes for a successful term on the Council.

source/content: bna.bh (headline edited)

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BAHRAIN

U.A.E : Report: The UAE is the best destination for deals in the Middle East, with a total of 63 deals worth $20.3 billion

The UAE maintained its position as the top destination for deals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the first quarter of 2025, with a total of 63 deals worth $20.3 billion.

The UAE remains the preferred destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region by 2025, accounting for 53% of the total number of incoming deals and 99% of their total value. Austria was the leading investor, accounting for 94% of the total value of incoming deals, driven primarily by a major deal in the chemicals sector.

This was stated in a report issued by Ernst & Young (EY) on “Mergers and Acquisitions in the Middle East and North Africa”, which indicated that the region recorded an increase in deal activity during the first quarter of 2025, with 225 deals compared to 172 deals in the same period last year, representing a 31% increase in the number of deals year-on-year. The total value of announced deals in the first quarter of this year also increased by 66% to reach US$46 billion, compared to US$27.6 billion in the first quarter of 2024.

 role in deal volume and value, with 117 deals recorded, representing 52% of the total number of deals, valued at USD 37.3 billion, or 81% of the total value of announced deals. The first quarter of 2025 saw the highest cross-border deal activity, both in terms of volume and value, compared to the same period in the past five years, as companies increasingly sought to grow and diversify outside their home markets.

“We saw a steady flow of M&A deals in 2025, and the MENA region will continue to experience strong deal flow for the remainder of 2025,” said Brad Watson, MENA Leader, EY-Parthenon. “This strong deal flow is driven by regulatory reforms, policy shifts, and a positive macroeconomic outlook, including easing interest rates and improved investor confidence.”

 contributed 48% of the total number of deals in the first quarter of 2025. This growth in local M&A deals is in line with the International Monetary Fund’s forecast of 3.6% GDP growth for the Middle East and North Africa region this year, supported by the strong momentum of M&A activity around the world. Companies are re-aligning their strategies to better meet the needs of diversification, digital transformation, and the integration of emerging technologies.

He stressed that the UAE maintained its position as the top destination in the Middle East and North Africa region in the first quarter of 2025, recording 63 deals worth a total of USD 20.3 billion. Kuwait ranked second in terms of deal revenue, with USD 2.3 billion, driven by two major deals in the diversified industrial products and energy and utilities sectors.

During the first three months of 2025, Canada attracted the highest value of outbound deals from Middle Eastern and North African investors, at US$6.4 billion, while the United States remained the preferred target destination in terms of the number of deals.

 number of deals in the first quarter of 2025, while the value of deals increased significantly to USD 8.7 billion, compared to USD 1.69 billion in the first quarter of 2024.

The technology sector led local mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the first quarter of 2025, contributing 37% of the total value of local deals and 27% of the total number of deals.

Inter-regional deals involving the UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia accounted for 83% of the total value of local deals and 56% of the total number, highlighting the strong activity of cross-regional mergers and acquisitions, particularly in the technology, industrial, and real estate sectors.

 foreign direct investment (FDI) during the first few months of 2025, with the number of inbound deals increasing by 21% and their value rising to USD 17.6 billion, compared to USD 2.5 billion in the first quarter of 2024.

The report indicated a 63% increase in the number of deals issued during the first three months of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024, reaching USD 19.7 billion, contributing 43% of the total deal value. The UAE and Saudi Arabia topped the list of deals issued from the Middle East and North Africa region, accounting for 77% of the total number of deals and 94% of their total value.

Anil Menon, MENA M&A and Capital Markets Leader, EY-Parthenon, said: “The MENA deal market has remained resilient, and the MENA deal pipeline for the rest of 2025 is promising and strong, with increased activity expected in the consumer, technology, and energy sectors. Artificial intelligence will drive fundamental value shifts, as we see significant capital allocation in technology.” 

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

MOROCCO, UAE Sign $14 Billion Megadeal: Key Details on the Largest Private Investment in Morocco’s History

The pact interweaves water security, renewable energy mastery, and industrial sovereignty – binding Morocco’s future with a 1,400 km electricity superhighway, four desalination jewels, and 25,000 employment opportunities in a $14 billion choreography.

 The largest private investment in Morocco’s modern history has just been inscribed in the country’s economic annals. Yesterday, the country sealed an extraordinary $14 billion accord with the United Arab Emirates – an injection of unprecedented scale that promises to permanently alter the country’s water and energy equation, while fundamentally reshaping its infrastructure landscape for generations to come.

The ceremonial ink still fresh, the agreement binds Morocco’s government and the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) with a consortium of financial titans: the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, TAQA Morocco (the local subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s energy colossus), and Nareva (the energy arm of the royal holding Al Mada).

At MAD 130 billion ($14 billion), this collaboration transcends mere commercial arrangement – it heralds a profound reengineering of critical national infrastructure by 2030.

Central to this ambitious blueprint stands a colossal 1,400-kilometer high-voltage transmission corridor stretching from Western Sahara to Casablanca, complemented by a network of sophisticated seawater desalination facilities.

These projects emerge as the culmination of meticulous diplomatic chess moves, coming just five months after King Mohammed VI’s private visit to Abu Dhabi and 18 months following his official state visit to the Emirati capital, where the groundwork for this Moroccan-Emirati renaissance was carefully laid.

Desert kingdoms understand water’s value. The consortium’s hydric strategy unfolds with architectural precision: a vast network connecting the Sebou and Oum Rabia river basins, engineered to channel 800 million cubic meters annually across thirsty territories.

The first phase of water transfer between the Sebou and Bouregreg basins became operational in August 2023, successfully diverting approximately 350 million cubic meters to the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah dam, critical for supplying drinking water to the Rabat region.

Four jewels in this water crown will rise across Morocco’s map. In Tanger, a 50-million-cubic-meter annual capacity station will quench the industrial thirst of this burgeoning port hub.

Nador’s installation, six times more ambitious at 300 million cubic meters, will transform the eastern region’s hydric calculus. The agricultural heartland of Souss will benefit from Tiznit’s 350-million-cubic-meter facility – the largest of the quartet. Completing this hydraulic network, either Tan-Tan or Guelmim will host a 100-million-cubic-meter operation to serve the arid southern frontier.

These cutting-edge desalination facilities, engineered to operate exclusively on renewable energy, will collectively produce 900 million cubic meters annually.

Notably, they will maintain competitive pricing at or below MAD 4.50 per cubic meter (excluding tax), aligning with national benchmark rates established for ongoing desalination initiatives – all without requiring public subsidies.

The electric heartbeat: Energy sovereignty reimagined

The consortium’s energy infrastructure vision is anchored by a groundbreaking high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission network spanning 1,400 kilometers between Morocco’s southern territories and its central economic hub.

This sophisticated “electricity highway” will connect Dakhla to Casablanca with a 3,000 megawatt capacity, dramatically strengthening energy distribution capabilities while catalyzing economic and industrial development throughout the corridor.

This transmission masterpiece will be fed by 1,200 megawatts of fresh renewable capacity, predominantly harvested from the sun-drenched southern provinces. The geographic strategy is to harness the natural abundance of Morocco’s desert regions, translate it into clean energy, and deliver it to industrial centers at competitive rates.

Complementing these renewable ambitions, the Tahaddart complex will undergo a renaissance. This gas-fired installation will see its capacity quadrupled through new combined-cycle units, elevating total output to 1,500 megawatts. This expansion offers crucial ballast to a grid increasingly danced upon by the variable rhythms of wind energy.

The human dividend, capital choreography, and implementation cadence

Beyond pipes and pylons lies perhaps the most valuable yield: people. This grand design promises to spawn over 25,000 employment opportunities through construction and operation, with 10,000 permanent positions taking root after commissioning.

The consortium envisions not merely infrastructure but ecosystem – a fertile soil where technology transfer blooms and local industrial expertise in desalination and renewable energy flourishes. From this terrain will grow new educational pathways and technical specializations, training the standard-bearers of Morocco’s water and energy future.

The financial architecture of this mammoth endeavor will be orchestrated by the consortium, drawing capital from domestic and international financial wellsprings. The urgency is palpable; the project’s partners have pledged to assemble elite technical minds to ensure methodical implementation through 2030.

As with all ventures of this magnitude, regulatory gauntlets must be run, particularly regarding concentration operations. Each project component will be governed by bespoke development agreements between ONEE and the consortium. The first such accord, focusing on Tahaddart’s expansion, has already materialized.

The architects of the alliance

This historic partnership harmonizes complementary strengths. Nareva, Morocco’s private electricity champion, brings 3,200 megawatts of installed capacity producing over 15 terawatt-hours annually. As Africa’s wind energy pioneer, it operates eleven parks totaling 1,810 megawatts alongside the thermal goliath of Safi (1,386 megawatts).

With extensive expertise in electrical transmission infrastructure (exceeding 300 kilometers of high-voltage lines) and advanced water engineering, Nareva currently leads the innovative Amensouss project and is constructing the world’s first exclusively renewable-powered desalination facility in Dakhla.

TAQA Morocco, publicly traded on the Casablanca Stock Exchange since 2013, delivers 34% of Morocco’s national electricity requirements despite representing only 17% of installed capacity.

With a strategic focus on desalination, renewable energy development, low-carbon solutions, and infrastructure networks, the company actively advances national energy transition objectives and water security initiatives.

Its parent organization, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), operates as a diversified energy and utilities powerhouse with operations spanning 25 countries worldwide.

A diplomatic masterpiece

These accords signal the diplomatic renaissance between Morocco and the Emirates after a period of relative ambiguity. They physically manifest the vision sketched during King Mohammed VI’s December 2023 meeting with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan – a blueprint for collaboration in strategically vital domains.

This official visit established a “renewed partnership” between the Maghreb and Gulf country with announcements of strengthened collaboration in strategic domains including energy and infrastructure development. 

The sovereign’s subsequent private voyage proved equally fertile, brokering peace between telecommunications titans Maroc Telecom and Inwi, ending a decade-long legal skirmish and birthing a joint venture to develop 5G infrastructure for international events including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup.

For fifteen years, Morocco has methodically invested in renewable energy, which now covers 38% of its electricity needs, with aspirations to reach 52% by 2030. Simultaneously confronting chronic water scarcity, the kingdom has embraced desalination as salvation. This Emirati partnership accelerates both these vital transitions, binding two desert nations in a quest for resource security and sustainable prosperity.

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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MOROCC0 / U..A.E