Diplomats get insider’s guide to King Abdullah Economic City future

Diplomats from more than 40 countries were shown the investment and educational advantages of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) during a one-day visit organized by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The visit on Wednesday — the first organized by the ministry to KAEC — included commercial attaches from 42 general consulates and their spouses.
The visit highlighted the economic city’s modern services, world-class infrastructure, promising investment environment and new educational projects.
Visitors toured the city’s principal features and public facilities, including Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College (MBSC), KAEC industrial valley, King Abdullah Port and the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club.
Dr. Asma Siddiki, the interim dean of MBSC, outlined the college’s academic programs and achievements.
She highlighted the diversity of MBA students at the business school and described future collaborations with other countries through scholarships and internships.
After touring MBSC, the diplomats visited the city’s industrial valley, which is in a prime location to serve global trade on the Red Sea corridor. KAEC aims to become the new global gateway to the region.
They also visited King Abdullah Port, which is strategically located on the main Asia-Europe trunk line.
The port handled 1.2 million TEU (20-foot equivalent unit) of container traffic during the first half of 2018, a record 50 percent increase on the same period last year, making it one of the fastest-growing ports in the world.
KAEC, which occupies an area of 181 million square meters on the Red Sea coast, north of Jeddah, is expected to become one of the most important trading hubs in the Middle East and an example of the country’s commitment to private-public partnership.
Diplomats visited the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club on the beachside, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by European Golf Design and operated by Troon, the largest third-party manager of golf operations in the world.
Hafiz Issahaku, consul general of Ghana, told Arab News: “The trip was far beyond expectations. The visit to MBSC was the most interesting part. It offered an excellent view of the Vision 2030 objectives for this country.
“With such a world-class institution, the graduates the college produces will be leaders in business, innovation and entrepreneurship, and help to take the country forward.”