Oil prices likely to climb by end of 2016: Aramco

January 27, 2016

Riyadh, Jan 27: Saudi Arabia’s oil giant expects oil prices to climb toward the end of the year, saying the current price of around $30 a barrel is not sustainable.

Saudi Aramco’s CEO Amin Nasser, speaking Tuesday at the 9th Global Competitiveness Forum, said there are indications that demand for oil picked up last year and that the gap between supply and demand has been shrinking, which could drive prices up.

Nasser would not give a precise price range. He said: "Our prediction is we will see some adjustment," though not a return to the $100 barrel range of two years ago.

Brent crude, a benchmark for international oils, was trading Tuesday at $31.13 a barrel in London.

Meanwhile, Housing Minister Majed Al-Hogail said 1.5 million housing units would be built throughout the Kingdom in the next seven years.

Al-Hogail was taking part in a panel discussion on “Low oil, high growth: Prospering in a low-oil era,” at the forum which concluded on Tuesday.

He said currently there is a need for about 1.5 million units, which are expected to be completed in seven years. He stressed that the ministry is currently working out details to provide affordable prices for the houses by benefiting from the low cost of building materials.

“We call on local and international real estate to pump in more investment for the housing projects which will demand some SR1.5 trillion during the next five years.” He said low oil prices would not affect the housing program in the Kingdom.

In a separate session, Education Minister Ahmed Al-Issa said his ministry plans to privatize some government schools, which would be run by establishments managed by academics. He was delivering the keynote address on “Perspectives on education in Saudi Arabia.”

He elaborated: “The selected public schools will run as independent institutions managed by small or medium-sized economic institutions headed by qualified educationists. The facilities, services, curriculum and the tutorial staff will be in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Education.”

He pointed out that the ministry is working through three basic approaches to reform the education system in the country, which targets the student, the community and the country in general.

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UAE announces new 10-year Blue Residency Visa. Details here

News Network

May 17,2024

The United Arab Emirates has announced a 10-year Blue residency visa for individuals who have made exceptional efforts and contributions to protecting the environment.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who chaired the Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi formally approved this.

He said the move comes in line with implementing the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who had announced 2024 as the Year of Sustainability.

The Blue visa will be granted to individuals championing sustainability and the use of modern technologies in promoting the circular economy, and other relevant fields.

Sheikh Mohammed said the sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment, and our national directions in this area are clear and consistent.

He also approved the National Youth Agenda, among several initiatives, instructing the Minister of Youth to prioritise five key areas: empowering youth economically, developing their scientific skills, reinforcing their national identity, enhancing their community contributions, and activating their role in representing their country on the international stage.

CEO of Artificial Intelligence

The Cabinet has approved the introduction of the post of CEO of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in all major federal entities, in line with the UAE's strategy to strengthen its position in AI.

“Today, we approved the introduction of the CEO of Artificial Intelligence role in all major federal entities, as part of the UAE’s strategy to solidify its position in the field of artificial intelligence,” the Vice President said.

The initiative aims to facilitate the integration of AI tools within these institutions, further advancing the transition toward a new era driven by cutting-edge technologies across federal entities.

University rankings

The Cabinet also endorsed a new framework for categorising higher education institutions across the nation. The forthcoming national rankings will assess over 70 higher education establishments based on the quality of their education, the employability of their graduates, the strength of their scientific research, and their collaborations with international scientific institutions.

The unveiling of these university rankings marks a significant stride in elevating the calibre of our higher education system and fostering transparency. It empowers families to make informed decisions, selecting the most suitable and exemplary educational pathways for their children,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“During the meeting, we were updated on recent advancements in our national space sector, with our national cadres now comprising 38 per cent of personnel engaged in global space projects. Additionally, expenditure on space research has seen a 14 per cent increase."

"Our commitment remains steadfast in guiding our youth towards promising and pioneering sectors while safeguarding our environment and adopting leading international technologies within our government. Concurrently, we are dedicated to enhancing our higher education systems, ensuring a brighter future for our youth,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

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