Neom has announced that it is undertaking the world’s most extensive earthworks operation, with contractors moving 2 million cubic meters of earth per week to construct the Line, a linear city in the Saudi Arabian desert.

The project’s promoter, Neom, provided a video update on construction activities, stating that foundation work on the 170-kilometer-long city is advancing rapidly.

Approximately 260 excavators and 2,000 trucks are operating around the clock to lay the city’s foundations, which is part of the £414 billion Neom project in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk province.

Denis Hickey, the Line’s chief development officer, remarked in the update, “The energy within Saudi Arabia at the moment is incredible.” He added, “We have done a lot of the foundation work literally and figuratively.”

Neom also claims that the world’s largest piling operation is underway on the Line.

Last year, Middle East business magazine MEED reported that 4,500 piles had been driven as part of the foundation works on the Line, with work reaching a peak of more than 60 piles a day.

Keller has been carrying out foundation work on the Neom desert scheme following the signing of an umbrella framework agreement in the summer of 2022.

Other contractors involved in the piling works include Al-Osais, Bauer subsidiaries, NSCC, Power China, and Trevi Group. Bachy Soletanche, Huta, and Saudi Baytur are also part of the framework agreement, according to MEED.

Jacobs and Jasara, along with Atkins, are providing project and construction management consultancy.

Aecom is responsible for the transport and utilities backbone infrastructure, including environmental and geotechnical support, for the full Neom development, while Bechtel is providing design, construction, and project management services.

Recent progress continues despite Keller noting delays with piling at the Line in a trading update for the third quarter of 2023.

Keller stated that piling had been delayed and that it was “taking steps to redeploy resources in the short term.” It also mentioned an “evolution of the design, which in turn has delayed further work orders.”

The first phase of the Line is scheduled to be completed by 2030.

Image credit: NEOM/ unsplash

Egypt has inked seven memoranda of understanding with international developers in the fields of green hydrogen and renewable energy in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, paving the way for a potential investment valued at approximately $40 billion over a decade, as per a statement from the cabinet released on Wednesday.

According to Planning Minister Hala al-Said, the initial phase anticipates an investment of around $12 billion, followed by an additional $29 billion earmarked for the first phase.

Over the past two years, Egypt has entered into a series of memoranda of understanding and framework agreements for the advancement of green hydrogen. The North African nation is striving to establish itself as a prominent green hydrogen and renewable energy centre, notwithstanding competition from other countries in North Africa and the Middle East.

Amid Egypt’s pursuit of green energy initiatives, the country grapples with its own economic challenges. Years of political instability, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have strained the nation’s economy.

Egypt faces issues such as high unemployment rates, inflationary pressures, and a significant budget deficit, all of which underscore the importance of attracting substantial investments, like those in green hydrogen and renewable energy, to stimulate economic growth and development.

Furthermore, Egypt’s economic landscape has been influenced by the recent escalation of tensions and conflict in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza war, with its proximity to Egypt’s borders, has heightened security concerns and strained diplomatic relations in the region.

Egypt has been involved in mediating ceasefires and brokering peace talks, seeking to mitigate the impact of the conflict on its own stability and security. The repercussions of the Gaza war ripple beyond its borders, affecting Egypt’s geopolitical dynamics and regional stability, underscoring the need for concerted efforts towards lasting peace and stability in the region.

In recent years, Egypt has actively sought foreign investment to bolster its economy and mitigate its growing debt burden. The country has implemented economic reforms and initiatives aimed at attracting foreign capital and fostering a more business-friendly environment. These efforts have yielded some success, with significant foreign investment flowing into various sectors of the Egyptian economy, including energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

Moreover, Egypt has engaged with international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address its economic challenges and secure much-needed financial assistance. In 2016, Egypt entered into a three-year $12 billion IMF loan program aimed at implementing structural reforms to restore macroeconomic stability, stimulate growth, and create jobs. The IMF program included measures to reduce subsidies, streamline public spending, and improve the investment climate.

While the IMF program helped stabilise Egypt’s economy and restore investor confidence, it also necessitated tough austerity measures and fiscal tightening, which placed a strain on the population, particularly the most vulnerable segments. The reduction of subsidies, in particular, led to price increases for essential goods and services, exacerbating the financial strain on low-income households.

Despite the IMF assistance and foreign investment inflows, Egypt’s public debt has continued to rise in recent years, reaching alarming levels. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the country’s debt situation, as the government implemented measures to contain the virus and support the economy, leading to increased borrowing and fiscal deficits.

Egypt’s growing debt burden poses significant challenges to its long-term economic sustainability and fiscal stability. The government faces the daunting task of balancing the need for continued investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure and healthcare with the imperative of fiscal consolidation and debt management.

Addressing Egypt’s debt challenges will require a multi-faceted approach that combines efforts to boost revenue generation, improve public financial management, enhance debt transparency, and pursue sustainable economic growth strategies. Moreover, attracting long-term, sustainable foreign investment will be crucial to diversifying the economy, creating jobs, and reducing reliance on external borrowing. Through prudent fiscal management and strategic economic reforms, Egypt can navigate its debt challenges and lay the foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth in the years to come.

Image Credit: Graham Carlow / Wikimedia

Turkey’s quest for self-reliance in defence technologies has taken a significant leap forward with the development of its own stealth fighter jet, the Kaan. After being expelled from the F-35 program, Turkey has accelerated its efforts to create indigenous solutions to meet its defence needs.

The Kaan, Turkey’s fifth-generation aircraft, recently completed its maiden flight in north Ankara, marking a historic milestone in the country’s aerospace industry. With sleek design and advanced capabilities, the Kaan represents Turkey’s determination to assert its sovereignty in the realm of military technology.

Once a member of the American F-35 fighter jet program, Turkey’s expulsion from the project stemmed from its decision to procure S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia. This move irked the United States, leading to strained relations between the two NATO allies.

However, Turkey refused to be deterred by external pressures. Collaborating with Britain’s BAE Systems, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) embarked on the ambitious task of developing the Kaan, a project valued at $125 million.

The Kaan’s maiden flight, a spectacle of engineering prowess, showcased its agility and power. With its landing gear deployed throughout the flight, the Kaan soared to an altitude of 8,000 feet, demonstrating its capability to operate in various conditions.

Temel Kotil, the chief executive of TAI, expressed pride in the swift progress of the Kaan project. Originally targeted for a 2025 debut, the Kaan took to the skies ahead of schedule, signaling Turkey’s commitment to technological advancement.

The Kaan’s specifications are nothing short of impressive. Powered by twin engines generating 29,000 pounds of thrust each, the fighter jet can reach speeds of up to 1.8 times the speed of sound. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Kaan is poised to rival its counterparts on the global stage.

Beyond its technological prowess, the Kaan holds symbolic significance for Turkey. It represents the nation’s aspirations for self-sufficiency and independence in defence matters. With the Kaan, Turkey joins an elite group of countries capable of developing and fielding their own fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

Haluk Gorgun, head of Turkey’s Defence Industries Directorate, emphasized the strategic importance of the Kaan. He noted that Turkey would not only possess a fifth-generation fighter jet but also proprietary technologies that few nations can boast.

The Kaan’s introduction heralds a new era for Turkey’s defense capabilities. With plans to replace its aging fleet of F-16 jets, the Kaan is expected to serve as the cornerstone of Turkey’s air defense strategy for decades to come.

Despite initial tensions, relations between Turkey and the United States have shown signs of improvement. Turkey’s approval of Sweden’s entry into NATO and subsequent deals for F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits signal a thaw in diplomatic relations.

The successful development of the Kaan underscores Turkey’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity. By charting its course in aerospace innovation, Turkey asserts its sovereignty and reaffirms its position as a regional leader in defense technology.

Looking ahead, Turkey remains committed to advancing its aerospace capabilities. Plans to manufacture 24 Kaan jets annually by 2029 underscore Turkey’s long-term vision for self-reliance in defence production.

The Kaan’s successful maiden flight underscores Turkey’s commitment to technological innovation and national defence. With its advanced capabilities and symbolic significance, the Kaan represents a monumental achievement for Turkey’s aerospace industry. As the nation looks to the future, the Kaan stands as a testament to Turkey’s resilience and determination on the global stage.

In conclusion, the development of the Kaan represents a triumph of Turkish ingenuity and determination. As Turkey forges ahead in its pursuit of aerospace sovereignty, the Kaan stands as a testament to the nation’s resolve to safeguard its interests and secure its future.

Image Credit: Turkish Presidency via AP

In light of an escalating pattern of intense heat waves, the Middle East is bracing for an alarming increase in heat-related deaths. Despite existing gaps in public health planning, experts suggest that the region’s adaptability to extreme heat could offer invaluable insights for other parts of the globe.

On the occasion when Iraq’s temperatures threaten to exceed a searing 50 degrees Celsius, locals are granted a holiday and advised to remain indoors, according to Kholoud al-Amiry, founder of a Baghdad-based network for female journalists focusing on climate change. She noted, however, that local adaptation is largely self-driven due to perceived governmental neglect.

This neglect is especially concerning given the susceptibility of the Middle East’s population to extreme heat. According to recent research in Nature Sustainability, the majority of Middle Eastern inhabitants could face exposure to extreme heat by 2050 if global temperatures exceed a 1.5 degrees Celsius rise over the next 50 years.

Another paper published in The Lancet earlier this year warned that heat-related deaths in the Middle East and North Africa could rise from the current average of about two per 100,000 people annually to approximately 123 per 100,000 in the final two decades of the century. This equates to a likely 138,000 heat-related fatalities every year in Iraq alone by 2100.

These studies also highlighted the increased vulnerability of the ageing population and city dwellers to the deleterious effects of heat. By 2100, older people will outnumber the young in the region, and by the 2050s, nearly 70% of the population is expected to reside in major cities. Cities are particularly prone to high temperatures due to the urban heat island effect, caused by denser buildings, heat-absorbing asphalt streets, and a lack of greenery.

Eleni Myrivili, the global chief heat officer for UN Habitat, highlighted the urgent need for governments to increase awareness, preparedness, and resilience against this threat.

Despite most Middle Eastern countries passing laws on sustainable development and environmental protection, a comprehensive plan to address the long-term health effects of climate change remains elusive. This deficiency is especially evident in the lack of heat action plans, which could include government-run cooling centres, educational campaigns about heat safety, and urban tree planting initiatives.

The wealth divide in the region also influences adaptive capabilities. For instance, air conditioning can shield vulnerable populations in wealthier nations, such as the Gulf states, but it is not a feasible solution in poorer nations or for those unable to afford it.

However, there is also potential to learn from the region’s long history of adapting to high temperatures. Sylvia Bergh, a professor at the Erasmus University Rotterdam, highlighted the Middle East’s centuries-old strategies for dealing with water scarcity and hot climate, including “wind catcher” towers, irrigation tunnels, and screens instead of walls.

Moving forward, Myrivili and Bergh both believe local and urban authorities have a key role to play in raising awareness, increasing preparedness, and redesigning urban environments.

Researchers of The Lancet’s recent study also proposed that limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels could prevent over 80% of the projected heat-related deaths in the Middle East. This simpler, yet daunting proposition underscores the critical need for international cooperation in addressing climate change.

Image Credit: Mariam Soliman / Unsplash

Millions of fish have been found dead along the banks of the river in Iraq’s southern province of Maysan, prompting concerns of a serious ecological disaster. The resulting scene is a direct consequence of a significant surge in salinity and pollution, which can be traced back to the region’s chronic shortage of freshwater resources.

According to Ahmed Salih Nima, an environmental activist, the primary reason for the mass death of fish is the dwindling water supply from the Tigris River. The Tigris River has historically fed smaller rivers and canals in various parts of the province, helping to maintain a balanced aquatic ecosystem.

“As water supplies decline, the oxygen levels drop while the salinity rate increases. This shift in balance leads to a rise in pH levels, resulting in the death of millions of fish,” Nima explained. “Regular replenishment of freshwater in these rivers and canals is crucial to prevent temperature increases, oxygen depletion and salinity spikes.”

The Al Mijar Al Kabeer district and surrounding areas, previously brimming with aquatic life and a crucial source of income for locals, now starkly resemble a graveyard. Dead fish now carpet the riverbanks as far as the eye can see. This calamity has had a catastrophic impact on the local fishing community and businesses it supports, with boats now unable to ply the once-bustling waterways.

“Ninety per cent of the local population depend on fishing. With the fish now gone, this has affected everyone from fishermen to associated businesses like ice sellers, boat repairers, truck drivers, and wholesale and retail traders,” Nima noted. Not to forget the cattle breeders who have relied on these rivers for generations, and who now find themselves in dire straits.

Dr Bassim Oraibi, the General Director of Maysan Veterinary Hospital, revealed that the oxygen content in the water has fallen to a mere 25 per cent of the minimum requirement. Pollution levels have soared, with industrial waste, untreated sewage, and agricultural run-off making the water toxic, decimating aquatic life.

While the immediate disaster is severe, it’s the long-term environmental consequences that have scientists and environmentalists worried. The river’s rising salinity levels, exacerbated by drought and overuse of water resources, coupled with uncontrolled pollution, suggest the perfect storm of environmental neglect and climate change.

These findings have led to an urgent call for immediate action. Environmentalists and concerned citizens are urging the government to restore freshwater supplies and implement stringent pollution control measures. More than ever, there’s a pressing need for robust waste management systems and sustainable agricultural practices.

Once known as Mesopotamia or the Land Between the Two Rivers, Iraq finds itself in the grips of an escalating water crisis, worsened by climate change, mismanagement, and pollution. Today, the United Nations classifies it as the fifth most vulnerable country globally to climate change.

With an ongoing water crisis that has been worsening for decades, 39 per cent of the country is affected by desertification, and 54 per cent of its agricultural land has been degraded, primarily due to soil salinity.

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Iraq’s main water sources accounting for over 90 per cent of the country’s freshwater reserves, have been on a significant decline. Construction of dams and water diversion upstream in Turkey and Iran has only added to the crisis, leaving downstream nations like Iraq in a tight spot.

Nima warns that the issue could escalate across Maysan province unless immediate and effective measures are implemented. “The environment in Maysan will drastically worsen over the next fortnight, and we’re likely to lose more fish in other areas,” he cautions.

Image Credit: NASA on Unplash