Makkah Environment presents 35 investment opportunities to support the green economy

In a move aimed at strengthening partnerships with the private sector and driving sustainable development, the Makkah Region branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture organized an introductory program entitled "Investment Opportunities and Regulatory Enablers in the Sectors of the System." This program is the result of strategic cooperation and integration between the Makkah Region Development Authority and the Ministry, highlighting the region's untapped potential.

Map of new investment opportunities

The program showcased a wide range of opportunities that extend beyond traditional frameworks, presenting 17 geographically distributed investment opportunities across several vital governorates, including Taif, Al-Lith, Al-Jumum, Khulais, and Al-Kamil. These opportunities encompass agricultural activities and the development of national parks, reflecting the diverse topography and climate of the Makkah region.

In addition, (18) specialized investment opportunities in the environmental field were revealed, focusing primarily on developing vegetation cover and combating desertification. Among the most prominent targeted sites are Taif National Park, a major summer tourist destination, and Jabal Al Qamar Park in Khulais Governorate, which is gaining widespread popularity as a destination for hiking and stargazing enthusiasts, thus opening up broad prospects for investment in ecotourism and rural tourism.

Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative

This movement cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader national context; these initiatives are an integral part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, specifically the Quality of Life Program and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative. Through these proposals, the Ministry aims to expand green spaces and reduce carbon emissions, while transforming environmental challenges into promising economic opportunities.

These projects work to achieve a balance between preserving natural resources and exploiting them in sustainable ways, which contributes to protecting the unique biodiversity that abounds in the mountains, plains and coasts of the Makkah region.

Expected economic and developmental impact

These opportunities are expected to have a tangible positive impact at both the local and regional levels, through:

• Stimulating the economic cycle: by attracting local and foreign capital to invest in non-oil sectors.
• Creating job opportunities: Providing direct and indirect jobs for young men and women in the region in the fields of agriculture, tourism, and logistics.
• Enhancing food security: by supporting modern agricultural projects that use water-saving technologies.

Financing options and investor support

The program concluded by addressing the most crucial aspect for investors: "financial enablers." It showcased the financing solutions and products offered by government funds and support organizations for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the environmental and agricultural sectors. This initiative aims to remove obstacles for entrepreneurs, ensure the sustainability and success of their projects in achieving rewarding investment returns, and contribute to realizing ambitious national goals.