The Abdul Latif Jameel Magazine Summer 2018

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In this month’s issue we talk about Featured Articles Saudi Arabia: Ready to lead the world in smart city development? Sparking a global renaissance in education – One year on Eyes on the East Painting a bright future for Middle Eastern art J-WAFS in action: ‘Living sensors’ to detect water contamination

Abdul Latif Jameel has been investing from the heart of Arabia across the promising MENAT region and beyond for over seventy years – shining a light on new opportunities for investment and growth. Trusted to open new doors; now, we are opening more. Helping people who strive for better, to have better: better means; better lives; better prospects. Helping businesses who look further, to reach further. Into new markets, new homes, and new considerations. We can do this because we are determined in our quest for new potential; and we succeed because we never lose sight of why this matters. In this magazine, we showcase our investment in the development of the economies and the quality of life of people in the region.

Contents Winds of change in global energy revolution 01 FRV makes renewable energy history in Armenia 04 Saudi Arabia: Ready to lead the world in smart city development? 05 Latest FRV scholarship winners announced 09 Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab at MIT to expand refugees’ access to higher education 10 Sparking a global renaissance in education – one year on 11 New measures to support disabled jobseekers 12 Privatization program set to reap big dividends 13 J-WEL celebrates a year of promoting excellence in education 14 Eyes on the East 15 Abdul Latif Jameel Motors agreement puts Saudi Arabian women on the road to driving success 19 Real people, real stories – no such thing as a typical day 20 New partnership provides boost for Saudi Arabian jobseekers 20 Painting a bright future for Middle Eastern art 21 J-PAL launches ‘Policy Insights’ to help shape public practice around the world 23 J-WAFS in action: ‘Living sensors’ to detect water contamination 24 First residents prepare for J|ONE opening 25 J-WAFS at MIT develops new technologies addressing water and food challenges 26 J-PAL Japanese partnership aims to enhance education in Africa 27 MITEF winners revealed in partnership with Community Jameel 28 Events round-up 28

Editorial Team – You can contact the editorial team by sending an email to [email protected] The term “Abdul Latif Jameel” refers broadly to several distinct, separate and independent legal entities. Abdul Latif Jameel is not itself a corporate entity, association or conglomerate run by an overarching parent company but merely refers to a group of distinct and wholly separate legal entities that are collectively referred to as Abdul Latif Jameel. Abdul Latif Jameel is not a corporate group as defined in section 1161(5) of the Companies Act 2006.

A new report from the Global Wind Energy Indeed, “today wind power is the most energy advances. Denmark, for example, Council highlights the continued advance and competitively priced technology in many if not generated 44% of its 2017 electricity from wind commercial viability of wind energy around most markets worldwide2,” according to GWEC. as well as adding a further 342GW of installations5. the world. It adds: “Wind power is in a rapid transition to Uruguay used wind to generate more than 30% becoming a fully commercialized, unsubsidized of its electricity, while Portugal, Ireland, Spain, The Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) technology; successfully competing in the and Germany generate approximately 17%-25% ‘Global Wind Report: Annual Market Update marketplace against heavily subsidized fossil of their electric power through wind. 2017’, published in April 2018, reveals how wind and nuclear incumbents.” installations are taking root at the centre of the Andrea Fontana, managing director (Europe) world’s renewable energy industry. More than US$ 107 billion was invested in wind of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), part energy in 2017, with 52GW of wind installations of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, believes several Wind energy will form a crucial part of the being put in place – taking global wind advances are contributing to the positivity ambitions laid out in the Paris Agreement, the installations up to a total of 539GW. Between surrounding wind energy. He said: “There’s no UN climate change agreement signed in 2016, 2007 and 2016, wind energy installations doubt the wind sector is very competitive. We which aims to ensure the unavoidable rise in around the world leapt by 399.2%3. saw that in the public tenders of 2017, where global temperatures is constrained to below the trend towards ever lower cost of energy 2°C through positive action by government and Steve Sawyer, secretary was confirmed. Equipment performance and industry. To achieve this goal, the renewable general of GWEC, capacity has increased substantially, while share of the world’s energy supply must rise says: “Wind power is installation, operation and maintenance costs from 15% today to 65% by 20501. leading the charge in have been reducing, which all contribute the transition away towards a more competitive pricing.” The GWEC report highlights many reasons to from fossil fuels, and be positive. Economic reality is advancing wind Steve Sawyer continues to blow “In lots of tenders, wind and solar must energy’s cause far more effectively than any Secretary General of GWEC away the competition compete against each other – and wind public relations campaign could hope. In North on price, performance and reliability. Both has shown now that it can compete. Wind and Latin America, North Africa, and India, onshore and offshore, wind power is energy is definitely cost-competitive and, tenders are being submitted at US$ 0.03/kWh, key to defining a sustainable energy future4.” in some cases, it is more competitive than while a recent tender in Mexico dipped below conventional energies, so it can compete in 1 Turning to Renewables: Climate-Safe Energy Solutions, International Renewable Energy Agency, November 2017 US$ 0.02/kWh. Several countries are making significant wind the tender process without any subsidies.” 2 Global Wind Report – Annual Market Update 2017, Global Wind Energy Council, 25 April 2018 3 Renewable Energy Statistics 2017, International Renewable Energy Agency, 2017 4 Cost-competitiveness puts wind in front, Global Wind Energy Council, 25 April 2018 5 Global Wind Statistics 2017, Global Wind Energy Council, 14 February 2018

Analysis from GWEC suggests that continues to develop as it has over global wind installations will show the past two years,” says GWEC’s a marked increase in 2019 after a Annual Market Update 2017, “there relatively stable 2018. “It’s very hard will be more investments to come6.” to predict, because it’s closely linked to global policies,” says FRV is one of a number of major Andrea. “But it is our expectation players sizing up opportunities in that installations will pick up again the country: “We’ve been watching in 2019, particularly in developing closely how the renewable market countries like India and China, and is coming up there,” says Andrea. mature regions with new targets, “The capacity factor in certain such as Europe, which is currently areas of Argentina is just amazing setting its goals for 2030.” compared to the rest of the word. In the southern part of the country, Andrea Fontana A global outlook you have constant stable and Managing Director (Europe) FRV The rise of wind power is not strong winds throughout the entire restricted to any single area: it is a year. The things that need to be Building a future based on worldwide phenomenon. In 2017, considered carefully, however, are innovation and efficiency every region of the world made the returns and the bankability. Although the drive towards ever significant progress on its total wind We’ve seen that financing is available, Harnessing wind power in the lower tender prices is adding new installations. The installed capacity especially for wind projects, but the MENAT region pressures on developers, Andrea of Africa and the Middle East rose by level of returns is not as high as in As part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, remains positive. “Lower prices 15.9%. In Asia, it jumped by 12%, while some other markets.” FRV is also looking to the positive put pressure on returns. But that’s Europe (up 10.4%), Latin America impact it can have on Saudi Arabia, not necessarily bad,” he says. (up 16.8%) and North America FRV is also increasingly active in its citizens and its communities. “It forces everybody to become (up 8%) also made considerable the wind energy markets of other While the country’s solar more efficient.” developments in their wind countries in Latin America. It already power potential has long been generating capabilities. has a presence in Chile, where it acknowledged around the world, He adds: “It forces creativity is developing a hybrid solar-wind Saudi Arabia also enjoys ideal and efficiency not just from the “India is another market with project to generate 540GWh per conditions for wind energy plants. developer or investor, like FRV, great potential for wind energy,” year7, and is actively following but all the stakeholders – from says Andrea. “It is extremely potential opportunities in Colombia, In the northeast and central regions, landowners, technology suppliers, competitive and there are now Peru and Uruguay (which increased as well as those near mountains in investors and sponsors through many experienced and well- its total wind installations by 295GW, the west, wind energy plants have to advisors and lenders. FRV isn’t established local players.” Although or 24.4%, in 2017 alone8). the ideal environment in which afraid to compete, and we think profit margins are tight for overseas to operate profitably. At all three wind becoming a mature and less- operators and the Indian regulatory “We think the combination of locations, average wind speeds are subsidized industry is a positive landscape is complex and highly solar and wind is definitely going 33% higher than that needed development.” challenging, Andrea says that to become more common in the for the commercial success of a FRV has discussed partnership future,” says Andrea. “Solar and wind installation9. “As we develop our own projects, opportunities with Indian turbine wind work very well together: solar we’ll have to become even manufacturers and will continue to has a daily production, while wind – more competitive and even track possible entry points into the in many cases – can complement more efficient. But we’ve been Indian market. that with night-time generation. developing projects for the last 11 years, so we’re probably in a good Another area of significant potential It provides you with a 24-hour position to tackle this challenge highlighted in the report is Latin generation core, which is and really pursue efficiency in America, and particularly Argentina. normally preferred ahead of day- everything we do.” “If the [Argentinian] market time only facilities.”

6 Global Wind Report – Annual Market Update 2017, Global Wind Energy Council, 8 Global Wind Statistics 2017, Global Wind Energy Council, 14 February 2018 25 April 2018 9 Renewable Energy in the GCC: The Human Impact, Opening Doors, 21 November 2017 7 FRV awarded 540 GWh in Chile, Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, accessed May 2018

Andrea explains: “In Saudi Arabia, the “We’ve been analyzing both the There are plenty of opportunities As technology continues to advance National Renewable Energy Program solar and the wind tenders that were elsewhere in the Middle East and across and prices consistently fall, the Global sets out the government’s ambitions issued during 2017, and we’ll continue Asia, too, he says, such as Lebanon, Wind Energy Council is confident that very clearly. It is determined to diversify our analysis and assessment of the Pakistan, and Egypt. “We’ve seen that wind energy – and hybrid installations from its reliance on oil as a source of market. We’re watching closely all the the Council of Ministers in Lebanon that also harness solar power – offer an energy, which makes it a very good programs that are being issued by the has approved a new round of wind increasingly bright vision of the world’s investment environment Saudi Arabian government through its projects. Pakistan also has a very future energy mix. for renewables.” Ministry of Energy.” attractive market, and we’re aware the authorities there will soon launch According to the Annual Market Update a new wind power tender. That’s report, “The emergence of wind/ something we’re analyzing closely.” solar hybrids, more sophisticated grid management and increasingly affordable FRV: a growing pipeline in renewable storage begin to paint a picture of what installations a fully commercial fossil-free power Whether it is in Latin America, the sector will look like10.” MENAT region, or elsewhere, FRV is clear about its ambitions. “So far, our Through Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, wind energy pipeline has around 1.1GW Abdul Latif Jameel Energy will be at the in a very advanced stage: the land forefront of this clean energy revolution, is secured, the wind measurement benefiting citizens and communities in campaign has already launched, a Saudi Arabia, the MENAT region, and the wind mast is collecting wind data, and rest of the world. inter-connection and environmental pre-feasibility studies are performing,” explains Andrea. “We’re at that stage in Mexico, for example, and in the coming months our target is to consolidate our pipeline in Mexico and make sure we’re in position to bid in the coming wind tender.”

“In Chile, we have around 140MW in a project under development, and we’re also securing 100MW in Europe and finalizing a joint development agreement.”

In Europe it’s slightly different because it’s a mature market and we started our wind activities only a couple of years ago. Because it’s a mature market, it’s easier to enter into projects that are already under development, rather than start from scratch in the same way we have done in less mature markets like Mexico and Chile.”

10 Global Wind Report – Annual Market Update 2017, Global Wind Energy Council, 25 April 2018

“Armenia’s growing focus on renewable energy presents numerous opportunities for Abdul Latif Jameel Energy. It further expands our global footprint, and shows that Tristan Higuero COO East, FRV shakes hands with Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan more and more countries around the world are rightly Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), part of focusing on clean energy. Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, has made history by securing the contract to build and operate one of the With countries such as first large-scale solar power plants in Armenia. Saudi Arabia putting in place initiatives such as the Roberto de Diego Arozamena The deal - awarded the competitive tender by the Chief Executive Officer, National Renewable Energy Armenia Renewable Resources and Energy Efficiency Abdul Latif Jameel Energy Program, under which the View of Yerevan City and Ararat-Mountain, Armenia Fund (R2E2) - has also generated praise from the country plans to build a solar World Bank, will see a consortium led by FRV deliver project that can supply 9.5 gigawatts of energy, there the ‘Masrik-1’ 55 MW solar power plant at a tariff of remains huge potential in renewable energy globally.” US$ 0.0419/kWh. This year alone Abdul Latif Jameel Energy has announced The plant, which is located near it has been awarded a 540 GWh hybrid solar-wind project FRV makes Mets Masrik and Vardenis in in Chile; secured financing for a Mexican solar farm the Gegharkunik Province of that will power 150,000 homes; and announced it is Armenia and covers a land area of supporting the launch of Jordan’s first nanosatellite. approximately 100 hectares - the size of 150 soccer fields combined renewable energy - will begin construction in early Gegharkunik Province, 2019 and be operational towards Republic of Armenia, the end of 2020. where Mets Masrik is located Around 300 local jobs will be created as part of the history in Armenia construction phase and during its 20-year lifetime, Masrik-1 will offset one million tons of carbon dioxide and create short- and long-term jobs. Left to right: Tristan Higuero COO East, FRV; Nicolas Fasquelle, Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, FRV; Hayk Harutyunyan, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources; Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan; Ruben Gevorgyan, Director, Armenia Renewable Resources and Energy Efficiency (R2E2) Fund

© Abdul Latif Jameel IPR Company Limited. All rights reserved. The Abdul Latif Jameel name, and the Abdul Latif Jameel logotype and pentagon-shaped graphic are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Abdul Latif Jameel IPR Company Limited. 04 As the Saudi Arabian government A closer look at just one of these The Abdul Latif Jameel Magazine pushes ahead with is stunning plans challenges – the environment – outlines Summer 2018 for a new ‘smart city’ called Neom, the size of the task confronting cities the most advanced city on the planet, around the world. According to the Abdul Latif Jameel assesses the future World Health Organization’s Global of smart cities: what are they, how Health Observatory (WHOGHO), do they work, what are the theories ambient air pollution contributes to behind them, and why are they so 5.4% of all deaths4. Currently, 92% of the important for our future health – both world’s population lives in places where economically and physically? air quality exceeds WHO guideline limits5.

Introduction In economic terms, the World Bank The human population is growing faster estimates that 75% of future GDP growth than at any time in history. In 1960, the around the world will come from global population stood at a little more cities and towns6. The UN says that for than three billion. Today, the figure all countries, urbanization is driving has skyrocketed. The World Bank puts economic growth, with higher per the 2016 population at 7.44 billion – a capita incomes and higher productivity rise of almost 146% in just 56 years. being outcomes of urbanization and the In Saudi Arabia, the figures are even process of economic agglomeration7. more startling. In 1960, the country’s However, the pressure to fulfil these population was 4.09 million. By 2016, it expectations and deliver increased living had reached 32.28 million – an increase conditions will only rise. of 689% over the same 56-year period1. Solving the environmental challenge, With these rises comes a dramatic rise while at the same time unleashing a in demand on resources, from food city’s economic potential and delivering and water through to energy, space, social justice, is a monumental test for and clean air. Around the world, cities authorities everywhere. that were designed for yesterday’s populations, using yesterday’s It is a test that many are currently failing. Saudi Arabia: ready to lead the technologies, are beginning to buckle under the strain of meeting the needs of Could the solution to these problems today’s never-envisaged populations. lie in the conception, development and advance of new smart cities? The challenge is increasing at a world in smart city development? frightening pace. According to the Realizing the Saudi potential Swiss-based international standards In its Vision 2030 national development agency, International Electrotechnical plan, the Saudi Arabian government sets Commission (IEC), “every day, urban out its ambition to have three Saudi cities areas grow by almost 150,000 people, recognized in the top-ranked 100 cities either due to migration or births2.” in the world8. It also states:

Challenges of urban population “To ensure we growth can continue Facing a population growth on such to enhance an astonishing scale, cities face three the quality of sustainability challenges: life for all and 1. Economic, in terms of providing meet the needs citizens with the capacity to develop and requirements of our citizens, we their economic potential will continue to ensure high quality 2. Social, where opportunities, stability services such as water, electricity, and security combine to affect the public transport and roads are properly quality of life provided. Open and landscaped areas 3. Environmental, either of the city’s will also be developed further, to meet

1 Data: Population, Total, The World Bank, accessed April 2018 5 Air pollution, World Health Organization, accessed April 2018 own making or through weather the recreational needs of individuals 2 Orchestrating infrastructure for sustainable Smart Cities, IEC, 2014 6 Reshaping Economic Geography: World Development Report 2009, The World Bank, 2009 or geological events3. and families.” 3 Orchestrating infrastructure for sustainable Smart Cities, IEC, 2014 7 Urban Economic Challenges and the New Urban Agenda, UN Habitat, accessed May 2018 4 Mortality and burden of disease from ambient air pollution, World Health Organization, accessed April 2018 8 Vision 2030, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is certainly well located for logical, innovative next step in terms Similarly, an IBM smart cities report from 15,000 detectors and optimizes the creation of a new global city, sitting of creating environments that help says that: signal timings across traffic lights, has at the crossroads of three continents – address the challenges of our growing reduced delays in the UK capital by Asia, Europe and Africa – and with half urban communities, rather than adding “Cognitive computing and its capacity 12%16. The same system is now used in the world’s population accessible within to them. for building citizen engagement more than 250 towns and cities across a five-hour flight9. The country is already introduce fresh opportunities for the country. a key state in the MENAT region, and its What are smart cities? government organizations to improve stock market, Tadawul, is the dominant Smart cities are new cities specifically citizens’ lives and the business Singapore, meanwhile, was ranked market in the GCC with a market designed and built to capitalize How Seoul used smart environment, deliver personalized top in all four categories – mobility, capitalization of US$ 466 billion. on the full potential of technology experiences, and optimize program health, safety and productivity – used During a trial in 2015, London to both address difficult issues technology to clean up and service outcomes14.” in Juniper Research’s Top 20 Global City transport officials found that by Alongside its economic strength, traditionally associated with large urban the city Performance Index 201717. A significant installing an inverter system on its Saudi Arabia also benefits from a development, including sustainability, part of Singapore’s success is due to its underground lines, it could reclaim young, tech-savvy population. Its congestion, transport and energy use, With a population of more than 25 holistic approach to becoming a world- energy that would “normally be lost changing demographics – about half while at the same time improving the million, South Korean capital Seoul leading smart city. when the subway is braking.” of the population is aged under 2510 quality of life for inhabitants through generates a huge amount of rubbish. – complement the reforming drive of benefits such as quicker access to It has introduced smart technology The results were impressive: in one Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. healthcare, more integrated transport However, an insufficient supply of to improve the flow of traffic while week, enough energy from one A nationwide push to deliver economic and less pollution11. public waste bins and an inefficient simultaneously using government policy inverter was generated to power diversification, in line with the ambitions waste collection program was to reduce the number of vehicles on its a tube station for two days1. The of Vision 2030, is being powered by the Precisely defining a smart city is difficult. exacerbating the problem. Indeed, roads18. It has also trialed smart video technology is now being considered country’s rising education levels. And The Smart Cities Council, a network the city was seeing an increase in surveillance to detect criminal activity as part of a major modernization across rail, sea and air, investment in of leading companies advised by top littering simply because waste bins Whatever definition is given to a smart and used digital service platforms and project across four London Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure has never universities, laboratories and standards were overflowing. city, one core element is crucial: remote monitoring devices to increase, Underground lines2. been higher. bodies, says: “The smart city sector is technology. The Smart Cities Council and improve, access to healthcare, still in the ‘I know it when I see it’ phase, City officials installed 85 ‘Clean defines a smart city “as one that has particularly among its older citizens. Beacon projects include the US$ 7.2 without a universally agreed definition12.” Cubes’ in the city center. These digital technology embedded across all billion expansion of King Abdulaziz general waste and recycling bins city functions15.” Around the world, the concept of International Airport (KAIA) at Jeddah, However, common strands apply were linked to a computer network smart cities is gathering traction. Urban the US$ 5 billion development of King across all of the world’s current smart that received live updates on the As processing power continues to planners have long advanced the Abdullah Port close to King Abdullah cities. They share, according to a UK bins’ fill level. Using this data, increase at an exponential rate, and benefits of smart cities and, increasingly, Economic City’s Industrial Valley, plus government smart cities report, a officials were able to organize more artificial intelligence, big data, cloud they are finding common allies in the plans of Saudi Arabia General “process, or series of steps, by which efficient collection routines. computing, and the Internet of Things local and national governments. As Investment Authority (SAGIA) to invest cities become more ‘livable’ and resilient reshape our lives, smart cities aim to technological advances are uncovered, Within three months waste more than US$ 141 billion on rail, metro and, hence, able to respond quicker to harness these tools to transform their smart city frameworks are solidified, and 1 London Tube trains recycle waste energy into electric and bus projects by 2024. These include new challenges13.” collection costs were cut by 83%, ability to meet the demands of 21st investments secured, smart cities are power, Smart Cities Council, 2 October 2015 overflowing waste bins were 2 London Underground – Inverter Trial Project, UK high-speed rail links between Madinah Century living. expected to become the new standard Power Networks Services, April 2018 and Makkah via King Abdullah Economic The same report suggests that smart eliminated and “there was for urban living around the world. a significant reduction of litter City, King Abdulaziz International cities bring together hard infrastructure, 1 Smart city ideas in practice Airport and Jeddah, and the Riyadh social capital including local skills and on the streets .” Elements of these theories have already metro project. community institutions, and (digital) been put into practice in several cities. technologies to fuel sustainable In London, for example, the use of the 1 Case Study: City of Seoul, Ecube Labs via Smart Cities Against this background of vision and economic development and provide Council, accessed April 2018 SCOOT traffic system, where an online progress, smart cities could be the an attractive environment for all. computer monitors live traffic flows

9 Saudi Arabia: Transport and Logistics Opportunities, Saudi Arabia General Investment Authority, September 2016 14 Smarter Cities: New cognitive approaches to long-standing challenges, IBM, accessed April 2018 10 Saudi youth anxious to see progress on prince’s reform plan, Financial Times, 27 July 2017 15 Definitions and overviews, Smart Cities Council, accessed April 2018 11 Do we really need smart cities? TechRadar, 20 March 2016 16 Pedestrian SCOOT system, TRL, accessed April 2018 12 Definitions and overviews, Smart Cities Council, accessed April 2018 17 Smart Cities – What’s In It For Citizens? Juniper Research, 12 March 2018 13 Smart Cities: Background paper, UK Department for Business Innovation and Skills, October 2013 18 Smart Cities – What’s In It For Citizens? Juniper Research, 12 March 2018

7. Entertainment 8. Technological and digital services Technology 9. Living (housing, educating, healthcare, etc.) Nature Community By increasing Saudi Arabia’s strength in these nine sectors, official estimates Sustainability suggest that NEOM can potentially Livability contribute US$ 100 billion to Saudi Reducing traffic with smart Arabia’s GDP by 2030, while its per- capita GDP will become the highest in parking in Barcelona the world26 – thanks in part to the use According to Urban Tide, 40% of robots and automation to eliminate of traffic in city center areas is repetitive jobs currently completed by caused by drivers looking for low-skilled human workers27. parking spaces1. Like any major city, In October 2017, Crown Prince In June 2017 Klaus Kleinfeld, the former In a statement at the unveiling of These new smart cities are likely to 6. Biometrics, which could rapidly Barcelona was blighted by significant Mohammed bin Salman unveiled the CEO of Siemens, was installed as NEOM automotive congestion. But it took country’s plans for the construction of CEO. He is credited with giving the NEOM, Crown Prince Mohammed bin be powered, in large part, by seven increase the number of people Salman gave more detail about the technologies that The World Bank around the world who are able to decisive action, and is now reaping NEOM – the world’s ultimate smart city. project significant momentum before the rewards. Built on a 10,230 square mile plot handing over to Nadhmi Al-Nasr in way this futuristic smart city – which believes will disrupt and transform how prove their identity, thereby reducing will be accessible by 70% of the world’s cities deliver services to their citizens19. fraud, waste and corruption. stretching across Saudi Arabia, Jordan July 2018. By installing sensors in parking and Egypt (a site big enough to hold population in less than eight hours – will These seven technologies are: 7. Drones, which when paired with 28 24 operate. He said : artificial intelligence, could soon spaces across the city, it was able to 37 Singapores ), NEOM will provide “We will build the city 1. 5G mobile networks, which are perform everything from parcel use a smartphone app to provide from scratch,” drivers with a live feed of which said Crown Prince “Future technologies form the expected to be up to 60 times deliveries to hazardous jobs, such cornerstone for NEOM’s development: quicker than 4G networks and as maintenance checks on rooftops spaces are available. Mohammed bin Salman. “It will be drone-friendly disruptive solutions for transportation available by 2020. or towers. from automated driving to passenger 2. Blockchain, a financial technology This had several significant effects: and a center for the it reduced wasted time, increased development of robotics. drones, new ways of growing and that allows transactions to do The ongoing challenges of urban living processing food, healthcare centered away with intermediaries like stock are already being considered across the better traffic flow, and improved We want to create the environment through reduced something different. around the patient for their holistic exchanges that currently function as Middle East, with Saudi Arabia playing a well-being, wireless high speed 20 petrol usage and noise pollution. NEOM is a place for guarantors of a transaction . particularly prominent role. internet as a free good called ‘digital 3. Artificial intelligence, which is It also provided “data about dreamers who want to parking patterns, helping officials create something new air’, free world-class continuous online already being used by Hong Kong, In May 2018, it hosted The First education, full scale e-governance Shanghai, Sydney and New York to International Conference on improve management of urban in the world, something mobility2.” extraordinary25.” putting city services at your fingertips, deliver smart parking and increased Humanizing Cities at Taibah University building codes that make net-zero energy efficiency in buildings. in Madinah. The conference was carbon houses the standard, a city 4. Autonomous vehicles, which are designed to look “at modern ways to 1 5 Smart Cities Case Studies,, Urban Tide, Backed by US$ 500 billion 8 December 2014 layout that encourages walking and set to have an enormous impact in develop public places, city centers and from Saudi Arabia’s 2 Ten Reasons Why Barcelona is a Smart City, a hi-tech hub for the world’s fastest- Public Investment Fund and a range of bicycling and all solely powered by the coming decades. Research has neighborhoods to improve urban spaces VilaWeb, 26 February 2014 renewable energy just to name a few. suggested autonomous taxis and and the quality of urban life, so that growing industries. Its strategic location international investors, the city is one of is designed to take advantage of trade the key planks of Saudi Arabia’s strategy rapid inter-urban rail systems could cities are more friendly and comfortable All of this will allow for a new way 23 routes on the Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, to diversify its economy. The city will combine to reduce the numbers of places to live .” of life to emerge that takes into cars in a city by up to 90%21. Introducing NEOM – a Saudi smart city and Suez Canal, while a new bridge – the focus on nine industries: King Salman Bridge – will create a direct 1. Energy and water account the ambitions and outlooks 5. Low-cost space exploration and Leading experts and academics from to lead the world of humankind paired with best micro-satellites, which will be the around the world flew to Saudi Arabia to As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with link between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. 2. Mobility Even in its name, NEOM makes no 3. Biotech future technologies and outstanding key element in powering the 20 take part in the conference. In the light its economic diversification and economic prospects.” billion connected things research of the NEOM announcement just seven modernization program, one major secret of its ambitions: it is derived 4. Food firm Gartner expects to be in use months beforehand, it is not hard to project has attracted attention like from neo, the Greek word for ‘new’, and 5. Advanced manufacturing by 202022. see why. few others. mostaqbal, the Arabic term for ‘future’. 6. Media and media production

19 Top 7 disruptive technologies for cities, The World Bank, 12 April 2018 22 Gartner Says 8.4 Billion Connected “Things” Will Be in Use in 2017, Up 31 Percent From 2016, 24 Saudi Arabia’s Neom: Oasis or Sand Castle? Bloomberg, 24 October 2017 28 Neom – The Destination for the Future, Discover Neom, 24 October 2017 20 Top 7 disruptive technologies for cities, The World Bank, 12 April 2018 Gartner, 7 February 2017 25 Saudi Arabia’s new city, Neom, a mecca for robots, The Washington Times, 24 October 2017 21 Creating Future Cities with Self-Driving Vehicles, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore, 23 KSA’s Madinah to host 4-day international conference on ‘humanizing cities’, Arab News, 26 Neom fact sheet, Discover Neom, accessed April 2018 26 November 2017 26 April 2018 27 Saudi Arabia’s new super city: Fast facts, Fox Business, 24 October 2017

How will NEOM work? buildings will “have a net zero Committed to advancing smart cities The ambition behind the plans for carbon footprint33.” across Saudi Arabia “The diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy is one of our country’s NEOM is without precedent. The city 6. Innovative construction: it will According to the Royal Institution of key developments in the coming years. International investors are will be developed in its own free zone, encourage new techniques and Chartered Surveyors, “important smart giving it the power to set and regulate its materials to ensure it can meet its city sectors include energy, water and already starting to see the vast potential of projects like NEOM, and own taxation, customs, and labor future requirements. transport35.” The vital industries are all Abdul Latif Jameel Investments is poised to help ambitious global laws independently of the rest of part of the ‘infrastructure of life’ in companies understand the nuances and opportunities presented by a Saudi Arabia. As emphasized by HE Crown Prince which Abdul Latif Jameel has Mohammed bin Salman, there will also extensive and world-leading revitalized Saudi Arabian economy.” This model has been successfully be an emphasis on artificial intelligence, experience and expertise. implemented elsewhere in the MENAT robotics and drones, while supermarkets Omar Al-Madhi region, and NEOM will quickly become will not exist in their familiar form. Omar Al Madhi, Senior Managing Senior Managing Director at Abdul Latif Jameel Investments the largest such zone. This will give it the Instead, automation will deliver items Director at Abdul Latif Jameel power and freedom to ensure “healthy direct to people’s homes when they Investments, believes these proven growth and wealth for the region, need them. All of these ambitions capabilities could play a crucial One of the global organizations driving Abdul Latif Jameel is fostering Investments, said: “Abdul Latif Jameel investors and residents29.” perhaps explain why leading tech contribution as Saudi Arabia charts the forward the vision for smart cities is relationships and building expertise that Investments is committed to advancing analysts are already dubbing NEOM next exciting phase of its development. the NewCities Foundation, a non- should bring best-in-class knowledge to foreign direct investment in Saudi With average wind speeds of 10.3 as “a smart city on steroids34.” profit group that works to make “cities Saudi Arabia and help to forge a vibrant, Arabia’s infrastructure of life. By meters per second30 and abundant Mr Al Madhi said: “For more than more inclusive, connected, healthy technology-driven future for its cities. carefully selecting and advocating solar resources, NEOM will be a city six decades, Abdul Latif Jameel has and vibrant36.” They organize a rolling the key industries that contribute to powered entirely by renewable energy. been at the heart of Saudi Arabian schedule of expositions, conferences A trusted partner for a smarter future Saudi Arabia and the wider MENAT Its transport systems will also be “100% enterprise. Our business has evolved and seminars across the world, bringing Abdul Latif Jameel has long supported region economically, socially and green” and “automated”31, while the and diversified, and we now work together experts and innovators from Saudi Arabia’s efforts to deliver developmentally, Abdul Latif Jameel city’s commitment to developing a across seven key sectors that many of the leading-edge fields seen as economic diversification, sustainability Investments can help to drive progress world-class quality of life will spread to contribute to the infrastructure of fundamental to the smart city concept. and growth. For seven decades, it for the next 50 years. its education, housing and healthcare life. We have brought world-class has worked to deliver a better future provision. knowledge and expertise to our At the Foundation’s third ‘Cities on the for all Saudi Arabian citizens, and its Our focus on sunrise sectors, where home country, upskilled Saudi Move’ event in November 2016, in longstanding commitment to making opportunities have sustainable The concept for NEOM is built on six Arabian citizens, and significantly Tokyo, Mr. Hassan M. Jameel said: cities more livable is clear. scalability, makes us the preferred main pillars: enhanced the quality of life of “Urban mobility is incredibly important partner for any significant entity 1. Prioritizing humans: the city will aim the communities we serve. We to enabling cities to become drivers of The first phase of NEOM is set to wishing to do business in this part to create an “idyllic society” with are immensely proud of these economic, social and environmental be completed in 2025, and of the world.” comfortable living conditions. achievements and continue to strive progress. Cities are built around Abdul Latif Jameel is excited by the 2. Healthy living and transport: to deliver a better future for all. transportation: how transportation possibilities it will offer. Indeed, as By combining global experience and the city will be built to encourage works within a city, how roads are built, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman local expertise with its track record walking and cycling, while advanced Abdul Latif Jameel is fully supportive and how movements within cities are said: “This project is not a place for of success in transport, land and real technologies will be used to create of the aims outlined in Vision 2030. made. Urban mobility and safety is a any conventional investor… This is a estate, and energy and environmental “an unprecedented transportation NEOM has the potential to be amongst key part of the focus on developing place for dreamers who want to do services, Abdul Latif Jameel Investments infrastructure32.” the ‘smartest’ cities in the World- and cities in Saudi Arabia.” something in the world38.” is uniquely placed to help investors 3. Automated services: it will be we are more than ready to play our capitalize on the exciting developments the first to deliver ‘e-government’ NEOM in numbers part in helping to deliver such an Today, these priorities are more Through Abdul Latif Jameel Investments, in the country and maximize the – a fully automated system for • Projected cost: US$ 500 billion exciting project.” important than ever. It is estimated, for its dedicated initiative to attract new potential of Saudi Arabia’s vibrant smart • Area covered: 26,500 square kilometers government services. example, that smart traffic technology private-sector finance into the Saudi city ambitions. • Stage one completion: 2025 4. Digitization: it will provide high- As well as delivering enormous benefits could reduce traffic in NEOM by 25% and Arabian economy, Abdul Latif Jameel is • 70% of world’s population less than 37 actively pursuing its ambition to become To find out more, visitwww.alj.com. speed internet access and online 8 hours’ flight away for its immediate vicinity in Saudi Arabia, congestion by 40% . education – both completely free of • 468km of pristine beaches Egypt and Jordan, NEOM will also create the most trusted investment partner in charge – to all citizens through its • 10oC cooler than GCC average temperature substantial opportunities for international By investing in its understanding of the country. “digital air” initiative. • . US$ 100 billion estimated contribution to investors as it draws in the practical urban planning and key industries 5. Sustainability: the city will use Saudi Arabian GDP by 2030 expertise and technological know-how like energy, transport and water that Omar Al-Madhi, Senior Managing only renewable energy and its necessary to turn the vision into reality. make up the ‘infrastructure of life’, Director of Abdul Latif Jameel

29 Neom: New Way, New Era, Discover Neom, accessed April 2018 33 Neom fact sheet, Discover Neom, accessed April 2018 36 Our Mission, New Cities Foundation, accessed April 2018 30 Neom fact sheet, Discover Neom, accessed April 2018 34 “A smart city on steroids” – what will it be like to live in Saudi Arabia’s $500bn digital oasis, Neom? 37 Neom: New Way, New Era, Discover Neom, accessed April 2018 31 Neom: New Way, New Era, Discover Neom, accessed April 2018 Verdict, 4 November 2017 38 Saudi Arabia seeks new economy with $500 billion business zone with Jordan, Egypt, 32 Neom fact sheet, Discover Neom, accessed April 2018 35 Smart cities, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, 2 February 2017 Reuters, 24 October 2017 © Abdul Latif Jameel IPR Company Limited. All rights reserved. The Abdul Latif Jameel name, and the Abdul Latif Jameel logotype and pentagon-shaped graphic are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Abdul Latif Jameel IPR Company Limited. 08 The Abdul Latif Jameel Magazine Summer 2018 Two students from Jordan and Mexico Mafraq II (65 MW dc) project, while the will soon advance their education at successful Mexican student to be names the illustrious Instituto de Empresa shortly will benefit due to the Potosi (IE) University in Segovia, Spain, after Solar Farm (342 MW dc) in the state of joining the growing list of recipients State of San Luis de Potosí, Mexico. of a scholarship program run by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) During their four-year degree programs and Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, as at IE University, both students will see part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy’s all their training and education costs, commitment to contributing to the including tuition fees, accommodation, communities in which it operates. academic materials, travel, and meals, covered by the scholarships. The latest entrants to the Young Talented Leaders Scholarship program Roberto De Diego Arozamena, Chief were chosen after judges were left Executive Officer of Abdul Latif Jameel hugely impressed by the quality of this Energy, said: “The Young Talented year’s applicants. Leaders Scholarship program delivers on one of our top priorities, which is Jordanian student Amina Adwan receive our commitment to helping to develop her scholarship in relation to FRV’s the communities in which we operate.”

“We are giving young and talented individuals – including from the Middle East – the opportunity to complete their studies at a first-class university, helping them build their education and skills.” Left-to-right: Javier Huergo CIO FRV, Amina Adwan, Rafael Benjumea Sr., Chairman of IE University Foundation Advisory Board, Daniel Sagi.-Vela CEO FRV, Javier de Cendra, Dean of IE’s Law School and Geoffroy Gérard; Managing Director of IE’s Foundation. Roberto De Diego Arozamena Chief Executive Officer of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy

Abdul Latif Jameel has a long history of supporting entrepreneurship, Latest FRV scholarship education and training in the Middle East and beyond, including Toyota-MIT scholarships and the Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL) at MIT.

These latest awards were announced winners announced following the visit of Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Spain. Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets King Felipe VI of Spain

Graduate-level education in data analysis and Following these efforts, J-PAL hopes to empower development economics will be available to refugees with individual roadmaps to education and refugees around the world after a pioneering new career opportunities. These will support J-PAL’s mission partnership between the MicroMasters team at the to reduce poverty by ensuring policies and programs are Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at MIT, informed by scientific evidence. and the ReACT Hub. Anna Schrimpf, Post-Doctoral Associate at J-PAL, said: The goal of this new collaboration is to empower “Our hope is the refugee learners selected for ReACT refugees with training that will enable them to leverage scholarships will be able to gain strong technical skills their local knowledge, build their technical skills, and and meaningful professional experiences in evidence- become experts in the fields of development economics based policymaking that they can bring back to their and public policy. communities and put into practice.”

Selected refugees will be sponsored by ReACT to join the MIT MicroMasters program in Data, Economics and Development Policy (DEDP) at the prestigious institution.

The MicroMasters program combines online instruction, in-person workshops, and paid internships, to enable refugee learners to advance both their education and professional career in an accessible and affordable manner. A MicroMasters is a professional and academic credential, accredited by MITx, MIT’s online learning platform, and offers individuals a route to applying for a full Master’s degree program at MIT or other universities. Hassan Jameel at the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan

“Education and learning are fundamental to a strong society, and providing access to MIT’s MicroMasters is a foundation upon which to rebuild the Abdul Latif Jameel disrupted education and careers of refugees worldwide.” “Building on the computer science and entrepreneurship support for refugees in Jordan, this collaborative effort between J-PAL, MIT, and ReACT, creates another bespoke learning opportunity for refugees, opening doors Poverty Action Lab at and knocking down barriers to higher education for learners.”

Hassan Jameel MIT to expand refugees’ President of Community Jameel Saudi Arabia Click here to find out more about the Micromasters access to higher and ReACT Hub partnership. education

one year on With the Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Have you been pleased with the response Is there anything in particular that fills you Lab (J-WEL) at the Massachusetts Institute J-WEL has received from the global with pride about this first twelve months? of Technology (MIT) celebrating its first education community? Yes. I am struck by the diversity of people anniversary in May 2018, Opening Doors spoke Yes, we have seen interest from six continents, and countries who are involved with J-WEL. to Professor Sanjay Sarma, MIT Vice President and people are telling us that the problems we Everything from well-funded American entities for Open Learning, about the Labs’ inaugural are addressing are very, very pertinent. If you to foundations working in some of the poorer 12 months and his aims for the future. take the ‘future world’ for example, you might parts of the world. The work we are involved think it’s a question for the more developed in has the potential to reach every corner of How do you assess J-WEL’s first year? markets, like the United States, but it turns the globe. We had several goals. One of them was to get out to be equally relevant to other parts of a critical mass of sponsors for our work, which the world, too. What are your ambitions for J-WEL over the we have achieved. We had also hoped to get next five to ten years? a certain amount of exposure, because this Can you outline what are the biggest We need to build on our achievements so far is an effort that will have a significant impact challenges facing education around the world? and engage ourselves more deeply in the issues on world education. We’ve also made good We see two main themes. One is based on what we see. The depth of some of the opportunities progress there. These are all things to be we’re learning from the science of learning. or challenges that people face in education, in proud of. But perhaps most importantly, the The other is what we’re learning from changing different age groups, will become clearer as our intellectual content of what we’ve been doing demographics, technology, and progress. Both research base increases. Turning that knowledge has been thrilling. It is both current, in terms of tell us that education has to change, at all levels. into new understandings and insights and finding addressing many vital issues, such as the future It has to be much more blended. It has to be new ways to disseminate them is going to be the of work, but is also fundamental, in that we much more hands on, but also much more next exhilarating step for us. Sanjay E. Sarma is the Fred Fort Flowers & Daniel Fort are bringing fundamental thinking, based on fluid in its delivery. All this means that every Flowers professor of mechanical engineering & VP science, to these problems. entity that’s involved in education faces a for Open Learning at MIT monumental challenge.

What plans do you have for further How important is the support of Are there opportunities for develop J-WEL’s work? Community Jameel to help you collaboration with the other achieve those objectives? Abdul Latif Jameel labs based One initiative we are looking at at MIT? is developing podcasts, so J-WEL In addition to getting us going, members can access this material on Community Jameel is our warmest, There’s all sorts of synergy between the move. They can stay up-to-date closest, most supportive entity. Just the different Jameel labs here at MIT. Rowaid Al-Sawaf, Deputy Managing Director, Abdul Latif Jameel Professional Solutions for Vehicles & Accessories (Left) and Ahmed Kathiri from Abdul Latif Jameel with what’s happening more easily this morning I got a message related The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action investments (right) make a presentation to Abdul Kareem Al Otaibi one of the program recipients at its launch. and more conveniently. One of the to an Asian connection that we Lab (J-PAL) is a research and outreach things I believe in deeply is ‘practiced might want to make. The beauty of effort, the Abdul Latif Jameel Water People with disabilities in Saudi • Professional training: Sponsoring Medical Rehabilitation in Jeddah. serendipity’. That is, if we inform it, is that it’s not just, “Hey, meet X.” and Food Security Lab (J-WAFS) is Arabia will benefit from a range of the cost of a professional training It aims to support the Saudi Vision ourselves about best practices It’s much deeper. “Here’s a project. a research effort, and J-WEL is an new initiatives to help them find program to help people gain work 2030 goals of enabling people around the world, something in Here’s an analysis. How do you education effort. Education very training and employment, thanks to experience, in cooperation with with disabilities to ensure their our mind connects the dots and think this might fit into some of naturally fits into both. There are a program of support announced by Nafisa Shams Academy. independence and integration as it creates a fertile environment in the projects you’re doing?” natural connections between us that Abdul Latif Jameel. effective members of society. which all sorts of ideas can occur. Community Jameel is not just help, open up a rich network of possibilities. • Stadium opportunities: In So for us, we want to create an it’s highly informed, highly selective It’s very exciting. In fact, we are Specific initiatives include: cooperation with Bab Rizq Jameel, Rowaid Al-Sawaf, Deputy Managing immersive web of information and and, as a result, highly relevant help. holding a webinar for J-WEL members people with disabilities will have Director, Abdul Latif Jameel learning that people can digest and, next week to give them the chance • You steer: Supporting individuals the opportunity to work in Professional Solutions for Vehicles & hopefully, spark some new ideas. to discuss the recent J-PAL Policy to work in the motor services in-stadium retail positions at Accessories, said: “Providing equal Brief, “Roll Call: Getting Children into industry by providing specially popular sporting events. opportunities for everyone - men School,” with the J-PAL team. adapted cars with hand-only and women, young and old - is a driving systems, along with • Adad program: Making it key theme of Saudi Vision 2030. financing support for buying easier for companies to provide By announcing these initiatives, vehicles. donations to cover the cost of we are actively contributing to training courses, the purchase of helping people with disabilities have • Trader program: Helping people a passenger cars, or the cost of exactly the same opportunities as with disabilities establish small treatment and therapy. everyone else.” businesses at retail malls. The program also offers a disability- The disability support program friendly e-commerce tool for was outlined at an event at setting-up a business. Abdul Latif Jameel Hospital for

Privatization program set to reap big

Increased job opportunities and the arrival Delivery Plan 2020 will look to implement interests of all beneficiaries and enhance the of the world’s most cutting-edge technologies privatization reforms and initiatives across fairness of transactions with the private sector. dividends are two of the expected consequences of infrastructure, energy, water, transportation, The program will result in greater control over Saudi Arabia passing an extensive privatization telecommunications, petrochemicals and finance. service providers to ensure that beneficiaries program – know as Delivery Plan 2020 – in the Its scope will cover three main objectives1: receive the best services.” last few weeks. • Establishing legal and regulatory frameworks to allow privatization to progress. During the initial stage, 10 sectors – including health, The program was launched by the country’s Council • Helping suitable organizations implement housing, education, and Hajj and Umrah – will of Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA), privatization by creating “dedicated institutions be targeted. There has also been long-rumored which is chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed to execute the policies.” speculation about the privatization of Saudi Arabia’s bin Salman. • Setting deadlines and overseeing delivery of the state-owned football clubs. privatizations. It marks a key stage in Saudi Arabia’s pursuit of one Delivery Plan 2020 is the latest in a series of economic of the central aims of its Vision 2030 development Eleven other indirect objectives 2, such as attracting and societal reforms designed to reshape Saudi strategy: to boost the private sector as a driver of foreign direct investment and easing access to Arabia and strengthen its position, both within MENA economic diversification across the country. healthcare services, are also set to be supported and on a global stage, over the coming decades. through the execution of Delivery Plan 2020. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to increase As one of the most trusted partners in Saudi Arabia, the private-sector share of GDP from 40% to 65%. The program has been widely praised by leading Abdul Latif Jameel Investments will continue to Vision 2030 says: business figures from around the world, who have work to support the government’s astute reforms hailed it as a definitive sign that Saudi Arabia is open and its ambition to secure a brighter future for “We will … grow our economy and improve for business. every citizen. With excellent brand recognition, the quality of our services, by privatizing some in-depth market knowledge and strategic links government services, improving the business As a result of the initiative, officials hope to raise stretching across the business world, we will use environment, attracting the finest talent and US$ 11 billion in non-oil revenues by 20203. our heritage and local understanding to encourage the best investments globally, and leveraging A statement from the Council of Economic investment and development in Saudi Arabia from 1 Green light for crown prince-led Saudi privatization program, Arab News, 25 April 2018 our unique strategic location in connecting Development Affairs said:“The program’s initiatives companies around the world. 2 Saudi Crown Prince approves Privatization Program, Saudi Gazette, 25 April 2018 3 Saudi targets $11 billion non-oil revenues by 2020, CPI Financial, 25 April 2018 three continents.” will be implemented to take into account the

The Abdul Latif Jameel World J-WEL Executive Director Vijay learners in the developing Education Lab (J-WEL) marked Kumar said: “This is just the world, those underserved its first anniversary in May 2018, beginning. It has been an by education such as women promising to continue to work exciting year, pointing to both and girls, a growing displaced for educational reform and the tremendous opportunity for population that includes transformation around making an impactful educational refugees, and a workforce in the world. difference globally as well as the need of STEM knowledge hard work ahead to realize it.” and skills.” Based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and MIT President Rafael L. Reif In its first year, J-WEL hosted funded through a generous gift acknowledged J-WEL’s role two member gatherings on the from MIT alumnus Mohammed in helping MIT “carry out the MIT campus. Branded as ‘J-WEL Abdul Latif Jameel ’78, J-WEL biggest aspiration we have – to Weeks’, the events attracted promotes excellence in primary educate as many people in the more than 220 attendees from and higher education, and world as possible.” 30 countries. J-WEL has also workplace learning. awarded grants of almost Fady Mohammed Jameel, US$ 500,000 to MIT faculty President of Community Jameel, to fund educational innovation praised the organization’s first and research. 12 months. He said: “We are acutely aware of the importance MIT Vice President for Open of transforming education Learning Sanjay Sarma said: and learning at all levels, and “J-WEL is quickly becoming equipping individuals — both MIT’s platform for educational young and of working age — transformation with the world, with the skills and abilities not just for digital learning, needed for the future. This but for any kind of means schools, universities, educational change.” educational environments, and employers working together Fady Mohammed Jameel, President, with one common goal. J-WEL’s Community Jameel International focus populations include J-WEL celebrates a year of promoting excellence in education

Sanjay E. Sarma is the Fred Fort Flowers & Daniel Fort Flowers professor of mechanical engineering & VP for Open Learning at MIT

Introduction the uncertainty they bring to businesses and economy, and the second biggest market A decade ago, the world was struggling to consumers could produce cycles of retaliation for Saudi Arabia’s exports. And another Far contain the challenges of a major financial that would weigh heavily on global trade East economy, Singapore, is fourth9. In 2014, crisis. Few countries were left unaffected and output6.” The Economist recognized that Saudi Arabia by what the IMF deemed the worst global had “the greatest potential to change the recession since the 1930s1. Yet there are still strategic routes to success investment dynamics of the (GCC) region, available to economies willing to diversify and largely thanks to its mega-projects pipeline Today, confidence is returning. focus their energies eastward. Much of the requiring major external project finance and GCC has already developed deep and ever- further steps towards liberalisation”, and World real GDP is expected to increase by increasing links with the Far East. “Largely that “Chinese investment into Saudi Arabia is 3.2% in 2018 and 3.1% in 20192. In a survey under the radar, these growing ties between growing at a fast clip10.” conducted by Emirates Investment Bank, 65% the Gulf and Asia have the potential to reshape of high net-worth individuals based in the Gulf geopolitical patters and relationships,” says Indeed, through its ambitious Belt and Road Cooperation Council (GCC) thought the global The Washington Post7. Initiative, which aims to connect 70 countries economic situation was either improving or across Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania stable3. The World Bank has described 2017 The World Economic Forum expects China, through new railroads and shipping lines11, as “much stronger than expected4,” while the the East’s major power, to overtake the United China is already showing its determination to International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes States as the world’s dominant economic forge new trade routes fit for the 21st Century. that “the world economy continues to show power by 20308. It states that “China’s policy broad-based momentum5.” of enhancing its capabilities and building So, what could a burgeoning trade relationship economic links with many countries has seen between Saudi Arabia, the wider – and rapidly 1 Press Release: Statement by the IMF Mission to the Russian Federation, International Monetary Fund, 1 June 2009 2 Strong trade growth in 2018 rests on policy choices, World Trade Organization, 12 April 2018 However, there remain some threatening it “become viewed as a vital overseas partner developing – economies of the Middle East, 3 2018 GCC Wealth Insight Report, Emirates Investment Bank, accessed May 2018 signs in the global trade environment, with a and investor.” North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region 4 Global Economy to Edge Up to 3.1 Percent in 2018 but Future Potential Growth a Concern, The World Bank, 9 January 2018 5 Global Economy: Good News for Now but Trade Tensions a Threat, International Monetary Fund, 17 April 2018 protectionist U.S. president and the potential and Eastern powers including China, Japan, 6 Strong trade growth in 2018 rests on policy choices, World Trade Organization, 12 April 2018 reaction he incites causing concern among Saudi Arabia too has already long since Korea and the ASEAN bloc, notably Singapore 7 The Gulf states are turning to Asia in a big way. Here’s why it matters. The Washington Post, 21 April 2017 8 Why China could lead the next phase of globalization, World Economic Forum, 22 November 2016 many. The World Trade Organization (WTO) established strong trade links with China. and Malaysia, mean for the future flow of 9 Saudi Arabia: Trade Statistics, Global Edge, accessed May 2018 is one such body. It argues that “increased The world’s most populous country is the investment between the Middle East and 10 GCC Trade and Investment Flow, The Economist Intelligence Unit, 2014 11 Inside ‘Belt and Road,’ China’s mega-project that is linking 70 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa, Business Insider, 31 January use of restrictive trade policy measures and biggest importer of goods to the Saudi Arabian the Far East?

A more prosperous Middle East The ‘belt’, according to the UK’s The The relationship between the Middle non-oil and gas exports to the GCC by This East-to-East trade growth can be Vincent Lo, Chairman of the Hong Kong Guardian newspaper, is “a series of East and China is a relationship borne 5.6% (US$ 3.49 billion), with a series of seen very visually as shown below26: Trade Development Council (HKTDC), overland corridors connecting China of mutual respect, convenience and government programs launched and believes China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Europe, via Central Asia and the economic realities. “As China looks west, quarterly targets announced22. could have unprecedented benefits Middle East13.” Arab countries turn east,” is the verdict for the markets involved. He said: of The Economist, which reports that Similarly, the GCC-Singapore Free Trade “The initiative offers immense In June 2018, more than 3,000 China’s oil imports from the Middle East Agreement (GSFTA) came into effect development opportunities for both government officials and business will double from three million barrels a almost five years ago, in September developed and emerging economies leaders from 51 countries gathered day in 2015 to 6 million barrels a day 201323. And there are also significant around the world12.” at the Hong Kong Convention and in 203520. links between the GCC and South Korea. Exhibition Centre for the third annual According to a report from the Middle Belt and Road Summit. The Belt and Chinese Premier, Xi Jinping meets with Crown Prince Beyond China East Institute, exports from Korea to the Mohammad bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, August 31, 2016 Road plans aim to “promote economic The GCC’s trade links with the Far East GCC reached US$ 17.8 billion in 2013, with cooperation and connectivity’ through The increased trade links between China extend beyond China, however. cars, steel, machinery and electronics a massive infrastructure development and the Middle East are one of three among the most popular Korean project14.” They are viewed as a serious reasons, alongside growth opportunities Japan imports 76% of its oil from Saudi imports into the GCC24. signal of China’s intent to strengthen its across MENA and China’s ‘Going Global’ Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait, while economic ties with countries both near economy policy, that lead BMI Research bilateral trade between Japan and the An indication of the ever-growing links Saudi Arabia: pioneering trade links and far. to indicate that Chinese investment in UAE was worth US$ 51 billion in 201421. between the Middle and Far East is For Saudi Arabia, increasing the links the infrastructure markets of the MENA summed up in a report from French with China and other Far Eastern This appears to be good news for nations countries will continue to gather pace in In addition to its practical legislative think tank Institutes Francais des economies is an economic imperative. across the MENAT region, and particularly the coming years18. changes and insightful strategic Relations Internationales, (IFRI) which As Crown Prince Mohammed bin the economically powerful GCC bloc. policies, Saudi Arabia’s determination to found that Gulf States’ exports to Salman continues to drive forward China’s first Arab policy paper revealed The Middle East Institute also recognises spread its message led to the country’s Japan, South Korea, China and India with the ambitious and far-reaching in January 2016, that trade between the these changes. It affirms that China involvement in several high-profile were more than three times larger reforms of Vision 2030, which puts Middle East and Beijing increased by is already the largest trading partner international trade and diplomatic than to the United States and the economic diversification at its central 600% in the decade up to 201415, reaching with the region and growing its trade initiatives during spring 2017. European Union, and the figure is pillar, there is increasing optimism and US$ 230 billion in that same year16. It also relations with the Arab states is set to grow over the remainder of belief in the possibilities afforded by outlined some of the key areas that could “a top priority for China”, its goal being In 2017, Indonesia also announced plans this decade25. expanding east. Vincent HS Lo, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade further benefit the Middle East in the to double its trade with the region to to increase its trading links with the Development Council medium- and long-term. US$ 600 billion by 202019.” Middle East. Its ambition is to increase

“We support the entry of more non-oil products from Arab states into the Chinese market. We will continue to improve the trade structure and push for sustained and steady development of two-way trade. We will strengthen exchanges and consultations between Chinese and Arab trade authorities, complete China-GCC FTA negotiations, and sign a free trade agreement at an early date 17.”

Vincent Lo Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)

12 Belt and Road: From Vision to Action, The 2nd Belt and Road Summit, 11 September 2017 21 Japan-GCC: A renewable partnership, Gulf News, 29 February 2016 13 The $900bn question: What is the Belt and Road initiative? The Guardian, 12 May 2017 22 Indonesia Targets 5.6% Export Increase to GCC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Indonesia, 14 The Middle East is the Hub for China’s Modern Silk Road, Middle East Institute, 15 August 2017 1 June 2017 15 Is China pivoting towards the Middle East? World Economic Forum, 4 April 2017 23 Gulf Cooperation Council-Singapore Free Trade Agreement comes into force on Sept 1, 16 The great well of China, The Economist, 18 June 2015 The Straits Times, 1 September 2013 17 Full text of China’s Arab Policy Paper, Xinhuanet, 13 January 2016 24 Korea and the GCC: Reaching a Sustainable Economic Partnership, Middle East Institute, 6 June 2014 18 China Set To Expand MENA Market Share, BMI Research, 11 January 2017 25 The GCC States of the Persian Gulf and Asia Energy Relations, IFRI, September 2012. 19 The Middle East is the Hub for China’s Modern Silk Road, Middle East Institute, 15 August 2017 26 Global Marine Trends 2030, Lloyd’s Register Marine & University of Strathclyde 20 The great well of China, The Economist, 18 June 2015

economically and politically. Indeed, Saudi Arabia is right at the crossroads of important international Bahrain, Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia all trade routes between three continents: Asia, Europe and Africa. import more from China than any other We will therefore maximize the benefits from our exceptional and country, with Saudi Arabia joining Iran and Oman in exporting more goods to strategic geographic position, agree new strategic partnerships to China than any other country38. grow our economy, and help Saudi companies to increase exports of their products 27.”

Vision 2030 outlines a clear ambition becoming a major destination for foreign for Saudi Arabia: to be “the heart of the direct investment. As a leading member Arab and Islamic worlds, the investment of the GCC, Saudi Arabia offers the powerhouse, and the hub connecting benefit of providing duty-free access three continents.” Saudi Arabia wants to to each of the other five members of increase foreign direct investment from the organization. There are concrete links with other US$ 8 billion in 2017 to US$ 18.6 billion major Eastern powers, too. The Saudi by 202028. By 2030, it aims to increase Companies doing business in Saudi His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar – Governor, Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) Japan Vision 2030 is a formal agreement foreign direct investment from 3.8% of Arabia also enjoy several financial to strengthen bilateral economic GDP to 5.7%29. benefits, including a complete absence Judging from their reactions, they “Saudi Arabia also provides a base cooperation between the two countries. of income tax, sales tax, and property perhaps came to Saudi Arabia with one for investors to reach an even larger In Spring 2017, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman “Opening Saudi Arabia further for tax. Overseas investors enjoy just 20% perception, and left with another. market of approximately 1.5 billion visited Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo business will boost productivity and corporate tax on total profits and 5% consumers in some of the world’s Abe in Tokyo to mark the agreement. smooth our journey to become one of withholding tax, with any losses being While we are a country with a fastest growing markets, which are just the largest economies in the world… “To take full advantage of these able to be “carried forward indefinitely population of nearly 32 million, more a short five-hour flight from Riyadh.” The Saudi-Japan relationship is borne of We will create an environment investments, we plan to work with the to offset future taxes33.” than half of whom are under the age of a combination of Saudi Arabia’s Vision attractive to both local and foreign private sector and enter into a new 25, this population is growing at a rate Saudi Arabia already benefits from a 2030 and Japan’s Growth Strategy, which investors, and earn their confidence series of international partnerships In 2017, His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim Al- of around 2.5% annually. This strong deep and extensive relationship with was unveiled in 2013 and three years later in the resilience and potential of our to complete, improve and link our Omar was appointed as the Governor of consumer-led market is driven by China, based first on foreign policy but defined three requirements to achieve national economy30.” infrastructure internally and across the Saudi Arabian General Investment relatively high amounts of purchasing with increasingly deep economic ties35. its ambitions – the first of which was borders. … Air, maritime, and other Authority (SAGIA). One of his priorities power compared to our regional peers.” In 2017, for example, Saudi Arabia’s “strategic expansion into ‘promising Across Saudi Arabia, there is physical transport operators will be encouraged is to continue to develop Saudi Arabia’s King Salman led a trade mission to markets’ 39.” evidence of the commitment the to make the most of their capacity: attractiveness on the international stage. China that resulted in more than government is giving to its Vision 2030 achieving durable links between existing He said34: US$ 65 billion worth of economic Other investments are also being made ambitions. From a new airport in Al- trade hubs, as well as opening new trade and trade deals signed36. with Eastern partners. In early 2017, Qunfudah through to the US$ 7.2 billion routes. This will reinforce our position “Whenever SAGIA meets with foreign Saudi Aramco committed US$ 7 billion expansion of Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz as a distinctive logistical gateway to the investors unfamiliar with Saudi Analysis by The Economist revealed to buy a stake in a major refining and International Airport (KAIA), a growing three continents32.” Arabia, they often leave surprised and that bilateral trade flows between Saudi petrochemical project of Malaysian capacity for air freight and a 21% increase in impressed with what they see and Arabia and China were worth more than firm Petronas. The venture, known annual throughput at King Abdullah Port 31, A focal point for foreign direct hear when we discuss the on-going the trade flowing between Saudi Arabia as PRefChem, is likely to be used as Saudi Arabia is making a determined investment transformational changes under and the United States37, traditionally a platform to other investments in move to become a global logistics hub. Saudi Arabia is also, increasingly, Vision 2030. its strongest Western ally both Southeast Asia40.

27 Vision 2030, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 32 Vision 2030, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 37 Is China pivoting towards the Middle East? World Economic Forum, 4 April 2017 28 Saudi Arabia: An Attractive and Fast-Growing Destination for Foreign Direct Investment, 33 Saudi Arabia: An Attractive and Fast-Growing Destination for Foreign Direct Investment, 38 The great well of China, The Economist, 18 June 2015 Opening Doors, Summer 2017 Opening Doors, Summer 2017 39 Saudi Japan Vision 2030, accessed May 2018 29 Vision 2030, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 34 A vision to become an investment powerhouse, Opening Doors, Winter 2017/18 40 Saudi Aramco to buy $7 billion stake in Petronas’ RAPID refinery project, Reuters, 28 February 2017 30 Vision 2030, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 35 The Middle East is the Hub for China’s Modern Silk Road, Middle East Institute, 15 August 2017 31 Saudi Arabia: At the heart of global trade routes, Opening Doors, Spring 2018. 36 The Middle East is the Hub for China’s Modern Silk Road, Middle East Institute, 15 August 2017

The combination of regulatory reforms For the last 17 years, we have also been That history was one of the key reasons is demonstrating its determination to and diplomatic efforts appears to be involved in a joint venture with DENSO, why HIGER Bus, the world’s third largest accelerate and help deliver the economic bearing significant fruit elsewhere, too. another Japanese firm, providing air bus manufacturer and one of China’s diversification outlined in Vision 2030. In February 2017, PepsiCo indicated its conditioning and refrigeration equipment top 500 most valuable brands, chose It also affirms our position as one of confidence in Saudi Arabia’s future by for human and food transportation. As to partner with Abdul Latif Jameel as a the most trusted investment partners unveiling plans to open a significant well as manufacturing and assembling vehicle to extend its reach into the in the region. manufacturing plant in Jeddah. It will air conditioning for the Toyota Hilux Saudi Arabian market. initially supply the entire Gulf region, pickup, the joint venture also distributes Under the leadership of Senior Managing before expanding further in future years. DENSO parts across North Africa, as well Director Omar Al-Madhi – recognised Sanjeev Chadha, CEO of PepsiCo in Asia, as manufacturing vehicle air conditioning by the World Economic Forum as a the Middle East and North Africa, said: equipment in Turkey. ‘young global leader’ and a former “The plant is going to be one of the chief executive officer of Volkswagen largest in the PepsiCo system globally41.” Elsewhere in the east, their Singapore Group Saudi Arabia and prior to that a hub enables DJ Parts – one of our member of SAGIA’s executive team – Global electronics giant Sony is also three automotive aftermarket parts Abdul Latif Jameel Investments provides aiming to grow its presence across the brands – to conduct its research insights and guidance to a wide range of Middle East and Africa. It aims to increase and development. P2 and FBK, two investment partners looking to tap into business by 20 percent in 2017 through a parts brands, operate out of factories the very real development and growth combination of new product launches in Malaysia and China, where the 姜海峰 Jiang Haifeng, General Manager opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the and a refreshed business strategy42. organization also has its own Overseas of HIGER Bus Company wider MENAT region. distribution points. Jiang Haifeng, General Manager Historical leaders in East-to-East trade Overseas of HIGER Bus Company, Since 1955, when Abdul Latif Jameel Pioneering East-to-East relations, said: “HIGER’s partnership with “Abdul Latif Jameel Investments is committed to advancing foreign secured an agreement with Japanese Abdul Latif Jameel also has significant Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery will direct investment in Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure of life. By carefully automotive manufacturer Toyota to relationships with China’s enormous further strengthen the brand and will selecting and advocating the key industries that contribute to Saudi become its official distributer in Saudi economy. provide customers peace of mind.” Arabia and the wider MENAT region economically, socially and Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel has been at developmentally, Abdul Latif Jameel Investments will help to drive the forefront of East-to-East trade links. Hassan Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel, progress for the next 50 years. The vision of founder, the late also commented: “This is another Abdul Latif Jameel, has passed demonstration of our position as “Our focus on sunrise sectors, where opportunities have sustainable down through generations of an investment partner of choice for Omar Al-Madhi, Senior Managing Director Abdul Latif Jameel Investments scalability, makes us the preferred partner for any significant entity Abdul Latif Jameel staff. By adding international businesses operating in wishing to do business in this part of the world. And by bringing together value and encouraging development Saudi Arabia and the region.” Abdul Latif Jameel Investments in the communities where they combines a deep knowledge of our operational, strategic and financial expertise developed in other operate, Abdul Latif Jameel has forged Strategic guidance and support for MENAT markets, including links with markets, particularly in the East, we are ideally positioned to support the longstanding international links with global investment partners governments, financial institutions and ambitions of, Japanese, Chinese and ASEAN organizations.” a network of partners. The growth of Saudi Arabia and the brand partners, with assets that are development of external trade links ready to be deployed. Omar Al-Madhi, Senior Managing Director The business’ roots in eastern markets has always been a major focus for Abdul Latif Jameel Investments were humble, with an initial order Abdul Latif Jameel. In 2016, this It builds on Abdul Latif Jameel’s history of just four Toyota BJ all-terrain vision entered another chapter with of exploring new markets and expanding vehicles more than 60 years ago. the formation of Abdul Latif Jameel its international reach into territories Today, Abdul Latif Jameel’s position Investments. rich with potential, and provides To learn more about the opportunities as a leading distributor and retailer of investors the opportunity to leverage available in Saudi Arabia to proactive some of the world’s leading passenger By committing considerable resources strategic partnerships and gain access organizations from China, Japan and vehicle brands has helped make them a to this venture, which is designed to into the significant and developing ASEAN countries, visit the investments significant contribution to the economic George (Heng) Wang, Country General Manager for facilitate foreign direct investment consumer markets of Saudi Arabia and section of our the Abdul Latif Jameel development of Saudi Arabia. Abdul Latif Jameel Motors in China into Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel the MENAT region. website.

41 Pepsi building ‘one of its largest plants’ in Saudi Arabia – reports, FoodBev Media, 22 February 2017 42 Sony aims to grow business by 20pc in region, TradeArabia, 6 April 2017

Tens of thousands of Saudi Arabian women will Abdul Latif Jameel Motors’ partnership with the Abdul Latif Jameel Motors have convenient and affordable access to driving four universities, which has been branded ‘Together schools across the country after Abdul Latif Jameel from the Start’, was announced in May 2018 at Motors signed an agreement supply more than Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman University. agreement puts Saudi Arabian 500 Toyota vehicles. Senior figures attending the event included The partnership will see Abdul Latif Jameel Motors His Excellency Major General Mohammed Al deliver cars to driving schools at Princess Noura Bint Bassami, General Directorate of Traffic; Hassan women on the road to Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, King Abdulaziz Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman of University in Jeddah, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal Abdul Latif Jameel; and Nobuhiko Murakami, University in Dammam and Tabuk University. Chief Executive Officer, East Asia, Oceania and driving success Middle East Region for Toyota Motor Corporation. In common with all learning vehicles, the fleet of Toyota cars will be specially adapted to feature dual Hassan Jameel said: “Allowing women to drive is controls, so the vehicles can be controlled by both a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia, and our the instructor and the learner. Abdul Latif Jameel society as a whole, and we are delighted to be Motors will also provide maintenance, spare parts playing a part in the process. Women driving will and technical support for each of the vehicles. ultimately give them more mobility in every sense – logistically, socially and economically – while Women have been able to drive on Saudi Arabian at the same time have a positive impact on the roads since June 24, 2018. More than 20,000 country’s development in the long term, which is females applied to driving schools in the days after a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030.” the change was announced in 2017. Supporting women across Saudi Arabia Abdul Latif Jameel’s support for the empowerment of women within Saudi Arabia stretches beyond its driving school partnership. The new law is seen as another major step in the Saudi Vision 2030 modernization program driven Since our earliest days, it has long-valued the talents, by His Excellency Crown Prince Mohammed bin skills and dedication of Saudi Arabia’s females. Salman, which is set to deliver dramatic changes in By 2016, its job creation and training initiative the economic and social outlook of the country’s 16 Bab Rizq Jameel, which is part of Community Jameel, million women. It also follows other landmark steps, had created more than 100,000 jobs for women in including opening Saudi Arabia’s football stadiums Saudi Arabia through partnerships with almost to women, allowing women to vote and run in 1,400 private-sector companies. municipal elections from 2015, and the re-opening of cinemas for the first time in 35 years. Those efforts will also be enhanced under the terms of the ‘Together from the Start’ initiative, Together from the Start with Bab Rizq Jameel running courses on female Abdul Latif Jameel Motors’ partnership with the empowerment, small business development in the four universities, which has been branded ‘Together arts and culture sector, and road safety at each of from the Start’, was announced in May 2018 at the four universities. Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman University. These steps are all designed to help the Senior figures attending the event included government achieve its Vision 2030 ambition of His Excellency Major General Mohammed Al increasing women’s participation in the workforce Bassami, General Directorate of Traffic; Hassan from 22% to 30%. Abdul Latif Jameel is proud Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman of to work towards a better future for all Saudi Abdul Latif Jameel; and Nobuhiko Murakami, Arabian citizens, and will continue to enhance the Chief Executive Officer, East Asia, Oceania and communities in which we serve. Middle East Region for Toyota Motor Corporation.

Real people, real stories –

no such thing as a typical day Saudi Arabian jobseekers will soon openings, and manage the by the recruitment industry have more opportunities to build employment process.” in Saudi Arabia.” rewarding careers at small and Abdul Latif Jameel isn’t the average employer. Our “One of the things I really appreciate about working medium-sized businesses in the The two organizations will also team Since its inception in 2007, core values guide the way we work with our business for Abdul Latif Jameel is that they are fair. Regardless country, following confirmation of up to offer recruitment services to Bab Rizq Jameel Recruitment has partners, within our communities, and with each of your nationality, race or religion, they value an exciting partnership between small and medium-sized businesses helped to create almost 300,000 job other, and we invest considerable time, effort and hard work and believe in equal opportunities for Bab Rizq Jameel Recruitment and across Saudi Arabia. The deal is opportunities in Saudi Arabia. Last resources in maintaining a working culture that everybody. You’re given a chance to show the best Bayt.com, one of the leading job specifically designed to help both year alone, it worked with several is open, collaborative and nurturing. Today, we that you can offer, and I really appreciate that. sites in the Middle East and companies “make a positive and business sectors to provide a total are a culturally diverse business, employing more North Africa. sustainable social impact on the lives of 51,449 jobs across the country. than 16,000 people worldwide from a variety of There’s no such thing as a typical day, I’m always of the young men and women in professional backgrounds, representing over on the go, traveling from site to site and different Saudi Arabia and beyond.” Its three core programs – 40 nationalities. offices, having meetings and checking paperwork, recruitment programs, stadium but I really like this diversity. Being part of a Rola Basamad, Senior General job opportunities, and vehicle job Eduardo Mendoza, General Manager, Abdul Latif Jameel multicultural team is also something I really enjoy. Manager of Bab Rizq Jameel, was opportunities – have helped to boost Land, grew up in the Philippines, where he worked as a It’s always interesting to understand how people Under the agreement, which was delighted to have confirmed this the Saudization of the labor market project engineer. He joined Abdul Latif Jameel as a site from other countries work and think. signed at a ceremony at Dar Hussein groundbreaking initiative. She said: and given fresh economic assistance engineer in 1994 and has been promoted several times Jameel in Jeddah, Bab Rizq Jameel “The agreement will allow us to families in more than 110 locations since, thanks partly to the regular and wide-ranging Jeddah is a very family-oriented place. We dine out Recruitment “will use the Bayt.com to share the best expertise, across the country. training opportunities he has enjoyed. every Saturday night and enjoy picnics in the parks. platform to search for registered knowledge and resources to I’m very aware of the importance of staying healthy candidates, announce job address the challenges faced here, with so many restaurants and different cuisines it would be very easy to slip into unhealthy habits, so I play tennis, swim and often go jogging too – the corniche is a great place for an evening stroll after work.”

As Director of Art Jameel, Antonia Carver has a front-row seat as the Middle East’s art scene develops a worldwide reputation.

She spoke to Opening Doors to discuss Art Jameel’s role in the exciting changes affecting Saudi Arabia, UAE and the wider region’s art sector.

In the almost 20 years since Antonia Carver arrived in the Middle East, many things have changed. But few have undergone such a vibrant transformation as the arts scene of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. “There’s been a seismic shift in interest and understanding of the Middle East and awareness of the great artistic talent that comes out of this region,” she says. example, became a place where the art As an organization, Art Jameel operates It is an opportunity, she believes, that world at large came to access art from on an international and a local level,” the region has quickly grasped. Saudi South Asia, from Iran, and from the says Carver. “Our main bases are in Arabia has a dynamic and fast-growing wider Arab world.” Dubai and Jeddah, and we also have arts scene. Sharjah has more museums major supporters in London (The than any other Gulf city and the Sharjah It is a backdrop against which Art V&A) and New York (the Met). But at Biennial has run for more than 20 years. Jameel, the creative industries arm of the heart of the organization is the Abu Dhabi is home to The Louvre. And Community Jameel, has been able to nurturing and showcasing of Middle Dubai hosts more galleries than any flourish. It is currently developing major Eastern artists to the rest of the world. other Middle Eastern city, while its new arts centers in both Saudi Arabia and In Saudi Arabia, for example, we’re auction houses and art fair has helped Dubai. Hayy: Creative Hub will open in working very locally, from the ground it to become the commercial hub for 2019 in Jeddah, while Dubai’s Jameel Arts up, and then pairing that with an Middle Eastern art. Centre, which will be a contemporary international approach by being the arts institution hosting world-class connector that links those exhibitions supported by library and two scenes.” Painting a bright learning opportunities, is scheduled to future for Middle open in November this year. So while places like Baghdad, Beirut, Amman and Cairo have been ‘grand old centers of culture’ for centuries, new cities are now forging an exciting path to Eastern art global dominance.

Carver explains: “In the mid-2000s there was a big shift towards understanding Gulf cities. They were cultural destinations and places that could bring together people in a Project Space Art Jameel, in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, features a year-round programme of art exhibitions, studios, way no other sites could. Dubai, for workshops and events.

The Jameel Arts Center, Dubai Mehdi Moutashar and Marina Tabassum announced as first ever joint winners of Jameel Prize 5, flanked by Antonia Carver, left, The Hayy Creative Hub Jeddah Saudi Arabia (artist’s impression) Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A (far left) and Fady M Jameel, right.

In Dubai, an international approach dominates every Staging the award also provides a bank of knowledge “Our audience in Jeddah will be more local in “Having these two centers, one in Dubai and one in aspect of life – including the arts, where Art Jameel that helps to shape Art Jameel’s operations in Saudi orientation. There have been enormous strides in Jeddah, is also something we can develop in terms of acts an important catalyst. “The Jameel Arts Centre is Arabia and Dubai, where different audiences benefit recent years, especially by the Saudi Arts Council, the UAE-Saudi Arabia relationship. Our understanding a place for everyone,” says Carver. “That’s a message from different experiences. the General Entertainment Authority, the General from the governments in both countries is that they’re that comes from the very top of our organization. Cultural Authority, the MiSK Foundation, and the looking more and more for the exchange between the We’re really looking at communities at large, Ministry of Arts, but the number of international two countries to be something that could be played and looking at how art can impact on lives and practitioners coming to Jeddah is still relatively low. out in the cultural sector. We want to play our part. contribute to a building a thriving society.” That’s one of the things Hayy hopes to do: we want We aim to be the institution that brings these two Carver says: “The Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai is to create a local-international exchange.” communities together.” Through initiatives such as the Jameel Prize, an quite close to the airport, which is one of the World’s international award for contemporary art and design busiest. So it’s ideal for people coming in transit, taking inspired by Islamic tradition and run in partnership with a few hours out between flights or before they head London’s V&A museum, Art Jameel encourages and off to a hotel, and coming to see the center. That mix supports the growth of Middle Eastern art around between a local audience and an international one is the world. more pronounced in Dubai than it is in Jeddah.”

© Abdul Latif Jameel IPR Company Limited. All rights reserved. The Abdul Latif Jameel name, and the Abdul Latif Jameel logotype and pentagon-shaped graphic are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Abdul Latif Jameel IPR Company Limited. 22 Governments, NGOs, firms, funders • Reducing energy and water use The Abdul Latif Jameel Magazine and policy makers can now quickly through information and social Summer 2018 understand and benefit from the comparisons lessons learned from leading-edge research, thanks to the launch of the • Increasing college access by making new Policy Insights program from the application process easier the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). Each Insight is compiled by extensive searches for published and working J-PAL’s Policy Insights program is a series papers around the world using Google of brief publications highlighting the Scholar, peer-reviewed journal portals, theories, results and insights of research online evaluation databases, and existing from around the world in J-PAL’s nine literature reviews. sectors: agriculture; crime, violence and conflict; education; environment and These are drawn together by J-PAL’s energy; finance; gender; health; labor Sector Chairs and staff. They also include markets; and political economy and a summary of their perspective on the governance. evidence around a specific topic, as well as highlighting open questions or areas The Policy Insights library, which was of debate where applicable. launched in May 2018, contains a unique range of detail to help governments and The authors of all studies cited in each other shape policy and practice around Policy Insight can also provide input on evidence-based research. Some of its the publication, while each Insight will latest topics include: also be updated as the relevant body of evidence grows. • Credit’s limited impact on smallholder farmer profitability

“Policy Insights … offer a perspective on the important takeaways from the growing evidence base on highly policy-relevant topics, and provide some direction for policymakers seeking to inform policy with scientific evidence.” “When combined with a detailed understanding of context and program implementation, we hope these insights can be practical J-PAL launches ‘Policy Insights’ inputs for policy and program design.” “Over time, we hope this can become a go-to resource for policymakers looking for a quick synopsis of the state of the to help shape public practice evidence on a wide range of topics.” Benjamin Olken, around the world Director of J-PAL Click here to learn more about J-PAL’s Policy Insights

J-WAFS in action: ‘Living sensors’ to detect water contamination

Tzu-Chieh Tang (Zijay) is a doctoral student in self-healing surfaces. They’re all out there the Department of Biological Engineering at in nature. Since it’s very difficult to replicate MIT, funded by the Abdul Latif Jameel Water these processes using artificial approaches, and Food Security Lab (J-WAFS). His research I wanted to know how I could use a living part is focused on developing ‘living water sensors’ of nature to recreate these systems. So of that can record contaminant levels in water course, I looked to MIT, which is one of the supplies and serve as bioremediation tools. strongest places to do research in synthetic Originally from Taiwan, Zijay joined MIT after biology. MIT also has a strong materials science completing a masters at the Masdar Institute community, which appealed to my interest in the United Arab Emirates. in materials and surfaces, so it was a good Q. How do your biosensors work? combination for me. Our lab is engineering living materials that can J-WAFS communications and program manager sense and respond to environmental stimuli. Andi Sutton spoke to Zijay about his research Q. What problems are you trying to address We are using synthetic biology to engineer and its aims. with your research? microbes, such as E. coli and budding yeast, to Water sensing is usually done with electronic sense and record specific contaminants (heavy Q. What brought you to study with J-WAFS sensors or mass spectrometers. These methods metals and other chemicals) by lighting up at MIT? provide better results than current biological when they come in contact with them. When I was an undergrad, synthetic biology was sensors can provide. Even though bio-sensing a relatively new field. I came across a paper that has been understood for a while, people haven’t The major challenge of making a device out looked at how you could apply the principles of yet found a way to deploy bio-sensors safely of living materials is that there is no actual computer science and electrical engineering to and cheaply. Our lab is trying to solve this structure to contain the cells. The E.coli that do circuit design in living cells, and I thought, problem. We want to prove how bio-sensors we use are free-floating; they don’t form a bulk ‘This is really cool!’ can have advantages over electronic sensors, material. So, we worked with Professor Xuanhe like functioning without a power supply, so they Zhao’s group in the mechanical engineering Tzu-Chieh Tang (Zijay) department at MIT, to use a tough hydrogel Doctoral student in the Department I’ve always looked to nature for inspiration. can be used in remote areas that lack modern of Biological Engineering at MIT Many living things have self-cleaning and infrastructure. they developed to contain the microbes.

the Department of Bioengineering Q. Besides your current work, what at Imperial College London, other water research excites you at as well as another lab in MIT’s the moment? Department of Materials Science Based on my experience and and Engineering, that uses yeasts discussions with others in my field, to do bioremediation, to create it’s clear that there is already a lot a living filter that can sense and of work being done in sensing and remove chemical and biological removing different contaminants contaminants. The work is still from water, like heavy metal ions in its early stages, but the results and chemicals. Right now, though, are promising. we don’t have very good sensors for pathogens like microbes. I think Q. Synthetic biology research often it would be really nice if we could has a long time horizon. How will use the fact that some microbes you define completion for your can detect others to build bio- project? sensors to detect pathogens in food First residents prepare for Completion will mean that we can and water. This is where we could beat the results of the electronic beat electronic sensors in terms of water sensor counterparts in terms sensitivity. The issue of biological of specificity and sensitivity. But we contaminants is, to me, equally if not J|ONE opening are not there yet. I believe that if we more important than chemical ones. can show the potential of our bio- Two hundred and forty-two families will soon be facilities including outdoor pools, a health club, home sensors to be viable water sensing Q. What are your next steps enjoying the life-enhancing benefits of brand new theatre, café, lounge, gaming room, beauty salon and products for industry, we might get after MIT? homes after Abdul Latif Jameel Land unveiled its mini-market. A daycare nursery is also available for more support. I’m really excited about the research completed J|ONE residential development residents with young children, while more than 300 This serves as a division of labor: I’ve been doing, but last year I was in Jeddah. parking lots and a CCTV network offer convenience the hydrogel provides the structural Q. How important has J-WAFS’ involved in a start-up competition. and security. integrity, and the engineered support been for your research? So, I could see developing research The launch marks the culmination of a remarkable bacteria do the sensing. One area I’m keen to do further for commercialization as a possible project. First announced in 2016, the build of the research is in optimizing the sensors career path. But, there are so many one- to four-bedroom apartments was completed Q. Does this produce the self- to see the true extent of their things I still want to do, so I’m still in just 19.5 months. generating living system that you potential. This is another way that exploring my options. were originally inspired to make? J-WAFS has been really helpful. Actually, no. What we’d really like Through J-WAFS, I was introduced Spread over 64,000m2, J|ONE is Abdul Latif Jameel to do is see if we can make the to people at Xylem Inc., another Land’s first response to the housing issues facing Saudi microbes, or other living organisms, J-WAFS research affiliate, about their Arabia. The Company is now determined to build on this produce their own container, as interest in this work and possible Residents in the new complex in the Al Salamah area demonstrated ability to create communities with vibrant well as doing the water sensing. future support. This would never in Jeddah’s north west will be able to relax in shared social, commercial and residential hubs. This is what I’m working on now. have happened if I had not had this I’m collaborating with someone in J-WAFS’ affiliation.

“J-ONE is a pioneering residential development for both Abdul Latif Jameel Land and Saudi Arabia. It is a key milestone in delivering upon the residential development and housing ownership goals identified in Saudi Vision 2030, and in addressing growing housing demand in the market. For the residents, our focus on the community element of residential living is what will set apart J-ONE in the Jeddah market.” Fady Mohammed Jameel, Deputy President and Vice Chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel

© Abdul Latif Jameel IPR Company Limited. All rights reserved. The Abdul Latif Jameel name, and the Abdul Latif Jameel logotype and pentagon-shaped graphic are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Abdul Latif Jameel IPR Company Limited. 25 The Abdul Latif Jameel Magazine Summer 2018 Several new research projects have of models to identify and Since 2014, we have seen J-WAFS been supported in the latest round disseminate more effective researchers develop technology of seed grant funding announced strategies that take into account that converts water from air, even by the Abdul Latif Jameel World how and where dangerous in arid conditions, while another Water and Food Security Lab concentrations of arsenic exist project resulted in reduced storm- (J-WAFS), at Massachusetts to help promote water safety. water runoff and improved water Institute of Technology (MIT) in systems in urban centers.” the United States. • Improving understanding of soil and climate impacts on “J-WAFS research can make a real The research includes projects agriculture for improved crop difference to communities, and at such as production: Climate change the same time is an opportunity to is bringing temperature and tackle some of the most pressing • Silk-based food safety sensor: precipitation changes that will issues related to food and water The development of a silk-based increasingly stress the crops our safety and security in the Middle food safety sensor that changes global food system depends on, East and around the world.” color based on the presence and these changes are affecting of common food viruses and regions of the world. J-WAFS aims J-WAFS enables the world’s leading diseases. The aim is to print inks, to improve future practices to researchers to explore scalable which are edible and visible to the breed plants for stress tolerance, solutions for water and food systems. naked eye, on food packaging such as droughts, by developing Since 2014, it has supported 30 or directly on food. This sensor new tools to understand the research projects aiming to improve could enable point-of-use structure and dynamics of food and water safety and security. detection of contamination and the plant genes and how food spoilage for meat and dairy they respond to changes in John Lienhard, the Abdul Latif Jameel products. the environment. Professor of Water and Food at MIT, said: “Investing in research results • New approaches to ensure safe Eleven principal investigators in creative innovations in food and drinking water: The problem of working across six MIT departments water that will enable a sustainable arsenic contamination in water will lead the projects, each of which future. Further, these seed grants occurs throughout the globe, has received a two-year grant of up have repeatedly been leveraged and is particularly extreme in to US$ 200,000. by their recipients to develop South Asia where over 100 million significant follow-on programs, people experience daily exposure Fady Mohammed Jameel, President that further multiply the impact.” J-WAFS at MIT develops to dangerous concentrations of of Community Jameel International, arsenic that occurs naturally in said: “J-WAFS is at the forefront of Click here for a full list of J-WAFS’ groundwater. J-WAFS funding delivering real solutions to help current funded projects. new technologies will support the development tackle food and water challenges. addressing water and food challenges

Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) has signed The centerpiece event, held at JICA headquarters, was an a cooperation agreement with Japan International opportunity for attendees from Japanese academic institutions Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Pratham, a global education and government agencies to learn about J-PAL and Pratham’s charity, to enhance education in parts of Africa. recent research, particularly in the education sector.

The cooperation agreement was signed at a public forum J-PAL and Pratham also convened a series of private meetings on health and education in Tokyo in June, co-hosted by the and workshops with the JICA leadership and education and three organizations. health sector teams.

Through the new collaboration, the organizations will work to expand the ‘Teaching at the Right Level’ (TaRL) program for school education in Africa, following a successful scale-up of the program in Zambia.

TaRL is a pedagogical approach that involves evaluating children using a simple assessment tool and then grouping them according to learning level rather than age or grade. It was pioneered by Pratham in India and its effectiveness has been evaluated and enhanced in collaboration with J-PAL’s rigorous scientific approach.

“J-PAL’s pioneering education research with Pratham in India, the ‘Teaching at the Right Level’ program and now its scale-up in Zambia, are helping to improve learning outcomes for millions of children around the world,” said Fady Jameel, President of Community Jameel International.”

J-PAL Japanese “Through cooperation with JICA, with its outstanding record of development work in Africa and beyond, the impact of J-PAL’s research and Pratham’s education work is set to achieve an impact at an even greater scale.” partnership aims to Fady Jameel President of Community Jameel International

enhance education J-PAL has a track-record of leveraging insights gained from its To date, J-PAL affiliated researchers have conducted more than research to support policymaking around the world, including in 860 evaluations in 80 countries, and more than 300 million the Middle East, where J-PAL has active and completed research people have been reached by programs tested and found to projects and local partnerships to support policymaking in be effective through J-PAL evaluations. The organization has in Africa Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco. been instrumental in increasing the number and quality of randomized evaluations on development interventions.

MITEF winners revealed in partnership with Community Jameel Events round-up More than 400 investors, The main winners included Quirkpod, Fady Mohammed Jameel, President entrepreneurs, media representatives an Egyptian online life-coaching of Community Jameel International, A brief look at some of the upcoming business events in the region. and renowned public figures platform to help young people said: “We are honored to serve gathered in Muscat, Oman, for the develop valuable skills; Al Khuadairi, entrepreneurs across the region and 11th annual awards ceremony of the an Egyptian organization that have been delighted that our efforts Arab Startup Competition held by the converts waste and soil-damaging have been so well received. International Conference on Economics and Higher Education and Careers Fair, MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) Pan- chemical fertilizers into energy; and Business Research, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Arab Region. ProvenMed International, a Tunisian “The major success of the MITEF August 13-14, 2018 September 28-30, 2018 firm working on lifestyle solutions for Pan Arab competition has been www.10times.com/icebr-riyadh www.hecfsaudi.com The awards, which took place in April, patients suffering from incontinence. our record of translating ideas into Participants from across the globe share their insights Now in its third iteration, HEFC brings together global are organized in partnership with successful businesses, and innovative and experiences in relation to the very latest issues and educational institutes and aspiring international Community Jameel among others. Hala Fadel, Chair of the Board of concepts into stories of success.” ideas in economics and business research. students from across Saudi Arabia under the same roof. They are designed to support MITEF Pan Arab, said: “Investing entrepreneurs in the Middle East. in Arab entrepreneurship will… “Since launching in 2006, we have contribute to the revitalization provided financial support totaling Ten winners across three categories of the economy, and lead to the almost $970,000 to over 430 – Ideas, Social Entrepreneurship, creation of new partnerships that technology and knowledge-based and Startups – were revealed at can eventually transform into large start-ups. More than 2,300 young Innovative Cities Summit, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Water, Energy, Technology and Environment the ceremony, which also featured institutions.” and ambitious entrepreneurs have September 23-24, 2018 Exhibition (WETEX), Dubai, UAE on-stage panel discussions entitled received high-level training by www.innovative-smartcities.com October 23-25, 2018 ‘Building Emerging Ecosystems’ and Community Jameel, a social enterprise regional and world experts creating Government leaders and industry experts will address www.wetex.ae ‘What Silicon Valley Investors Want to organization that promotes a positive at least 2,600 new some of the key challenges around inhabitable and Organised by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, See in MENA’. society and economic sustainability, job opportunities.” sustainable cities, exploring how cities can better this exhibition brings together the latest innovations, has been a partner of the competition govern and build up resilience through policy, technologies, advances in research, regulatory since its inception 12 years ago. technology and social innovations. information and other developments in water, energy and the environment.