Efforts to boost cooperation between various sectors are gaining momentum across the Middle East, highlighted by significant partnerships focused on urban development, retail experiences, and humanitarian initiatives. Recent meetings among Egyptian officials and collaborations between charitable organizations and retail giants encapsulate the region’s proactive approach to growth.
A pivotal meeting was held between Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi and Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Sherif El-Sherbiny. This gathering aimed to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation between their respective ministries, primarily focusing on delivering natural gas to social housing and new urban projects.
Conducted at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR), the two ministers stressed the urgent need for integrated work and continuous coordination to make optimal use of available resources. "The past period witnessed fruitful meetings and positive coordination, which will be built upon to improve joint cooperation," Badawi remarked. The dual focus on urban projects aims to significantly benefit citizens through improved infrastructure and resource delivery.
The outcome of this meeting focused on extending natural gas infrastructure networks throughout West New Alamein City and facilitating the delivery of gas for approximately 30,000 new housing units within the Capital Gardens City. Plans to supply necessary resources such as bitumen for road paving were also discussed, illustrating the collaborative spirit of these ministries.
Meanwhile, Qatar Charity (QC) has entered new territory by formalizing its commitment to humanitarian efforts through cooperation with the African Development Solutions (Adeso). An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed recently by Mohamed Al Ghamdi, Chief Governance & External Affairs Officer at Qatar Charity, and Degan Ali, Executive Director of Adeso.
This agreement aims to forge pathways for collaboration on humanitarian and development initiatives, emphasizing the importance of locally-led programs. Al Ghamdi stated, "We at Qatar Charity are pleased to sign an MoU with Adeso... This partnership aligns with Qatar Charity's efforts to develop impactful initiatives for local actors to respond effectively to challenges." This sentiment signals a dedication to building local capacities and governance among organizations operating within shared regions.
Adeso's Ali echoed this perspective: "This agreement reflects our shared commitment to locally led development and empowering frontline organisations." This partnership is not simply theoretical; it aims to produce real-world impacts and improvements on the ground, illustrating the dedication to fostering sustainable and impactful humanitarian efforts.
To add to the fabric of economic growth, the Diriyah Company, responsible for the ambitious redevelopment of the historic area of Diriyah near Riyadh, is engaging global brands for retail partnerships. Recently, Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, met with key representatives from Alshaya Group and Starbucks to explore the potential for establishing a flagship Starbucks store within the Diriyah development.
Diriyah, which boasts significant historical value as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, is redefining its footprint as not only a cultural site but also as a modern, mixed-use community. The feature of the Diriyah masterplan is Diriyah Square, comprising over 566,000 square meters of lifestyle offerings and featuring more than 1,000 retail outlets and dining concepts.
"We are excited about the potential of welcoming one of the world’s most iconic brands to The City of Earth," enthused Jerry “We are excited about the potential of welcoming one of the world’s most iconic brands to The City of Earth. This meeting marks an important step to partner with global brands, positioning Diriyah as one of the world’s greatest gathering places,” he shared.
Echoing Jerry’s enthusiasm, Alshaya Group Executive Chairman Mohammed Alshaya emphasized, "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is important for Alshaya Group, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss bringing our most iconic brand..." The intent behind this flagship store is emblematic of its links to the Kingdom and support of its Vision 2030.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol also added his voice to the collaboration: "Together with our long-standing partner, Alshaya Group, we are exploring opening a one-of-a-kind flagship Starbucks... This will blend local culture with the great coffee and human connections we are known for." The combined voices of business leaders signify both confidence and excitement in fostering unique experiences within the region.
Through these significant collaborations and partnerships, there’s no denying the ambitious plans being laid down across the Middle East. With efforts targeting urban development, social empowerment, and rich cultural experiences, the future is poised for remarkable growth and engagement, translating ideas and discussions from meetings and agreements onto the ground for the benefit of communities across the region.