#بريطانيا: ستارمر سيتخذ قرارا اليوم بشأن الاعتراف بدولة فلسطينية …
#بريطانيا: ستارمر سيتخذ قرارا اليوم بشأن الاعتراف بدولة فلسطينية
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EBRD finances Infinity Power’s first greenfield wind farm in Egypt
• The EBRD delivers a US$ 74.1 million financing package for Infinity Power’s 200 MW wind farm in Ras Ghareb, Egypt.
• Infinity Power’s latest wind project and EBRD’s financing of it will advance delivery of the energy pillar of Egypt’s Nexus on Water, Food and Energy programme.
• Co-financing from the Green Climate Fund, Proparco, and JICA.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) continues to champion Egypt’s renewable energy ambitions with a new funding arrangement for the development and construction of a 200 MW wind farm in the Ras Ghareb region.
The EBRD is providing a comprehensive financing package of US$74.1 million for the 200 MW Ras Ghareb onshore wind farm in Egypt jointly owned by Infinity Power and Masdar.
The package includes an EBRD senior loan of up to US$60.7 million, a concessional loan of up to US$ 3.38 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and an investment grant of up to US$ 10 million.
The EBRD is the principal development partner for Egypt’s flagship Nexus on Water, Food and Energy (NWFE) initiative, and is acting as a lead institution on the Ras Ghareb project, marshalling resources from GCF, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Proparco to bring the wind farm to fruition.
The construction of the Ras Ghareb wind farm will start in the coming weeks.
On completion it will make a notable contribution towards Egypt’s goal of achieving 10 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2028 under the NWFE programme.
The initiative builds on the EBRD’s steadfast commitment to decarbonisation and the advancement of renewable energy in Egypt.
Once operational, the wind farm is expected to reduce the country’s annual CO2 emissions by 390,000 tonnes.
In addition, the project will enhance skills development and employment prospects by launching a certified internship programme for young engineers in the region, with a particular focus on empowering women to participate in the burgeoning energy sector.
Infinity Power is already an owner and operator of several wind and solar farms in Egypt, as well as across Africa more broadly.
The company has 1.3 GW of wind and solar in operation across Egypt, Senegal and South Africa, and an active pipeline of projects in development across the African continent.
Infinity Power aims to have 10 GW of clean power in operation across Africa by 2030.
Harry Boyd-Carpenter, Managing Director of the EBRD’s Sustainable Infrastructure Group, commented:
“We are thrilled to deepen our longstanding partnership with our valued clients Infinity and Masdar. This project stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when visionary companies join forces with committed international partners. Our collaboration with JICA and Proparco with the crucial support of the GCF, underlines the power of global cooperation in not only advancing renewable energy but also building a more sustainable and inclusive future for all. Our gratitude extends to the government of Egypt for its ongoing support and instrumental role throughout.”
Mohamed Ismail Mansour, Co-Founder and Chairman, Infinity Power, said:
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our finance partners namely the EBRD, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), JICA, and PROPARCO, which has been instrumental in bringing the Ras Ghareb project to this stage. We also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company and the Ministry of Finance. Strong partnerships of this kind are vital not only to delivering Egypt’s clean energy ambitions but also to accelerating the wider transition towards a more sustainable future across Africa.”
Nayer Fouad, Co-Founder and CEO, Infinity Power, said:
“Ras Ghareb is a clear demonstration of our commitment to turning plans into reality. Once completed, the wind farm will supply clean power to more than 300,000 homes and cut Egypt’s annual carbon emissions by around 390,000 tonnes. Each project we deliver takes us closer to our goal of 10 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, while also strengthening energy security and driving Africa’s clean energy transition.
A Call to Action: The UN Human Rights Council Commission Concludes Israel Is Committing Genocide in Gaza:
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC) joins all peace- and justice-loving people in welcoming the findings of the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. In its newly released 72-page report, the Commission concluded that Israel has committed and continues to commit acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
This report, considered the most authoritative UN assessment to date, stems from an ongoing, independent investigation launched by the Human Rights Council in 2021. The Commission determined that Israel has committed four of the five genocidal acts defined under the 1948 Genocide Convention since initiating its military campaign in Gaza on October 7, 2023. These acts include:
According to the report, over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, with thousands more missing or trapped under rubble. More than 100,000 have been injured, many with life-altering disabilities, including a high rate of amputations among children and youth.
The Commission documents Israel’s systematic targeting of civilians, residential areas, schools, hospitals, journalists, rescue workers, and healthcare personnel. It also highlights the weaponization of essential resources—such as food, water, and medical aid—as part of a deliberate strategy to destroy Palestinian society.
These findings build upon the UN’s August 2025 declaration of famine in Gaza, based on data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which revealed extreme food deprivation, acute malnutrition, and widespread starvation.
The Commission’s conclusion places a moral and legal imperative on the United Nations and the international community to act swiftly to end the genocide and hold Israeli leadership accountable. Despite mounting evidence, Israel continues to reject the findings, deny responsibility, and operate in defiance of international law.
The genocide must be stopped by all means necessary. AHRC calls for urgent global action to end the genocide and for building a new order founded on peace and justice.
Forbes Middle East Reveals Its Sustainability Leaders 2025
- 126 listees span 15 categories and the region’s largest companies.
- UAE-based leaders reign with 67 entries, followed by Saudi Arabia with 23.
Forbes Middle East has released its third annual list of the region’s sustainability leaders, recognizing the executives driving sustainable initiatives and impact across the Middle East’s largest industries.
This year’s Sustainability Leaders 2025 list highlights 126 executives spearheading sustainability strategies across 15 industries: banks, energy and utilities, food and agriculture, investment and holding companies, financial services, family businesses, healthcare, manufacturing and industrials, oil and gas, real estate and construction, renewable energy, telecom, transport and logistics, travel and tourism, and waste management. The list features CEOs, chairpersons, and chief sustainability officers.
For this year’s ranking, Forbes Middle East gathered information from questionnaires, sustainability or ESG reports, official disclosures, and recent news. Each sector was assessed separately, and initiatives were horizontally compared with special weight given to sector-specific efforts. The UAE leads with 67 entries, followed by Saudi Arabia with 23 and Egypt with 12.
In the past year, the region’s major players have reported strong progress: Masdar’s portfolio grew by 62%, reaching 51 GW; Emirates Global Aluminium reached 50% completion of the UAE’s largest aluminium recycling facility; Vodafone Egypt achieved 100% renewable on-grid electricity across its operations; and Infinity Power advanced toward its 10 GW renewable capacity target with new wind and solar projects across Africa.
The Saudi Fund for Development celebrates launch of King Salman Hospital in the presence of Mauritania President
- USD 70 million funding allocated by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to build and equip the 300-bed hospital in Nouakchott
- Hospital will serve as a national referral and teaching center, supporting 15 hospitals across Mauritania and training medical professionals
In the presence of President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, His Excellency Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) participated in laying the foundation stone for the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Hospital in Mauritania. The event was also attended by Prime Minister Mokhtar Ould Diay of Mauritania; Dr. Abdallah Sidi Mohamed Weddih, the Minister of Health of Mauritania; Sid’Ahmed Ould Bouh, Minister of Economy and Finance in Mauritania; and Dr. Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Raqabi, The Saudi Ambassador to Mauritania.
The landmark project, valued at USD 70 million, aims to enhance Mauritania’s healthcare sector, particularly in the capital Nouakchott, which is home to a significant portion of the country’s population. The new hospital, with a planned capacity of 300 beds and multiple specialist departments including emergency, maternity, pediatrics, intensive care, nephrology, surgery, and diagnostic laboratories, will address the growing demand for advanced medical services. It will also serve as a national referral center supporting 15 hospitals across the country, easing pressure on existing facilities.
In addition, the facility will function as a teaching hospital, providing training and qualification programs for medical professionals, and building sustainable national healthcare capacity. The hospital complex will also include accommodation for 50 doctors, ensuring that skilled staff can be retained and supported on-site.
The visit also included the signing of an agreement under which SFD will fund nearly 40 solar-powered wells through its Saudi Program for Drilling Wells and Rural Development in Africa. This program has provided potable drinking water to over 4.5 million people across the continent, improving health outcomes and livelihoods in rural communities.
Since its inception, SFD has financed more than 20 projects in Mauritania through concessional development loans totaling over USD 665 million. In addition, the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through SFD, has provided grants exceeding USD 172 million. These projects are aimed at fostering social development and supporting sustainable economic prosperity in the country.
Money20/20 MiddleEast opens in Riyadh with major announcements redefining the fintech sector
Money20/20 MiddleEast officially opened at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center, Malham, marking a historic moment for the global and regional financial technology sector. With more than 450 global and regional fintech brands, and 1,050+ investors from around the globe, the event is the largest and most influential fintech gathering ever held in the Middle East.
The major event is hosted under the patronage of H.E. Mohammed Aljadaan, KSA’s Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Financial Sector Development Program Committee. His Excellency opened proceedings on the main stage highlighting how the event reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global fintech hub aligned with Vision 2030. During the opening remarks, H.E. explained why the Saudi capital market is among the fastest-growing globally, with its total value surpassing SAR 2.4 trillion by the end of Q2 2025. Digital payments in the Kingdom have surged from 18% in 2016 to 79% by the end of last year. The number of active fintech companies has also doubled, reaching 280 firms by mid-2025.
H.E. Ayman M. Al-Sayari, Governor of the Saudi Central Bank, underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in building resilient financial ecosystems. He emphasised that in today’s interconnected world, no financial system can thrive in isolation. The fintech sector, he noted, is driving transformation across the entire financial services landscape, from artificial intelligence to human-centered innovation. Collaboration will be essential for ensuring emerging technologies receive the support needed to scale responsibly and inclusively. H.E. also pointed out that the number of fintech companies in Saudi Arabia has tripled since 2022, with significant growth expected in the coming years.
As part of Saudi Arabia’s evolving national payments ecosystem, SAMA announced the official launch of Google Play enabled by MADA. This marks a significant milestone in expanding digital accessibility and consumer convenience. Alipay+ has been successfully enabled for 2026, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to integrating global payment platforms and enhancing cross-border financial connectivity.
Day one of the event featured some important announcements for the fintech industry. Tamara, a leading fintech company headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, widely recognised as the first Saudi fintech unicorn, announced that is has secured a new asset backed facility of up to $2.4 billion USD.
Money 20/20 Middle East highlighted how Saudi Arabia’s capital markets are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by digital innovation and regulatory foresight. The Capital Market Authority (CMA) has embraced artificial intelligence, deploying algorithms that have reduced false positives significantly, marking a leap in data processing efficiency. The asset management industry has surged in assets under management – more than double its size five years ago – with projections suggesting it could reach SAR 2 trillion by 2030. To support this growth, CMA has introduced the Kingdom’s first omnibus system, enabling asset management for smaller clients, and launched the most significant pension reform in Saudi history.
The event also revealed how Saudi Arabia is building an offshore licensing regime and preparing to roll out a flexible funds framework, further enhancing its global competitiveness. The reforms position Saudi capital markets not only as regional leaders but as active players on the global financial stage.
Tarmeez Capital, a Saudi fintech platform licensed by the Capital Market Authority (CMA), announced the launch of its new brand identity. The rebrand reflects the company’s vision to deliver innovative, faster, and high-quality financing solutions for both corporates seeking capital through sukuk issuance and investors looking for sustainable returns.
Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President, Tahaluf, added: “From AI-driven matchmaking to strategic partnerships, Money20/20 Middle East is delivering real business outcomes for our partners and attendees. Our founding partners and sponsors are driving the region’s fintech evolution, and this event is where new ideas, collaborations, and opportunities come to life. We look forward to seeing the impact of these connections across the Middle East and beyond.”
AlRajhi Bank, Riyad Bank, STC Bank, Saudi National Bank, Tamara, Visa and Vision Bank are founding partners of Money20/20 Middle East, demonstrating their commitment to advancing financial innovation across the region.
In addition to its founding partners, Money20/20 Middle East is backed by a strong network of strategic sponsors and partners driving innovation across the financial sector. Key names include Abdul Latif Jameel, Barq, Banque Saudi Fransi (BSF), BIM Ventures, Elm, Ejada, Enjaz, MasterCard, Neo Leap, Saudi Tadawul Group (STG), SCCC by STC, SIMAH, Tamam and Tiqmo, reflecting the event’s deep alignment with the region’s leading institutions and its growing global relevance.
Anchored around the theme “Where Money Does Business,” the agenda for Money2020 Middle East tackles everything from AI in finance to evolving regulation, inclusive innovation, and strategic capital.
Money20/20 Middle East features dedicated partnership pavilions, executive networking lounges, and curated meeting programs to maximise ROI for sponsors and exhibitors. The event’s AI-powered matchmaking platform will facilitate thousands of pre-scheduled meetings between sponsors, attendees, and investors.
For more information about partnership opportunities, visit www.money2020middleeast.com
RLC Global Forum 2026 to Convene in Riyadh as Global Growth Crossroads Emerge
The RLC Global Forum has confirmed Riyadh as the host city for its flagship 2026 meeting, taking place on 3 and 4 February under the strategic theme “Growth Crossroads.” As the leading cross-sector platform for the global retail and consumer-facing industries, the Forum will bring together CEOs, policymakers, investors, and innovators from around the world to explore where growth is emerging and how to navigate it amid profound shifts in markets and technologies.
The announcement follows a record-breaking 2025 edition, which convened over 2,000 senior leaders from 42 countries and generated tangible outcomes across cross-border commerce, grocery retail, luxury, technology, and innovation.
The 2026 program will bring together regional and global leaders to focus on:
- Public-private leadership sessions addressing cross-industry and policy priorities.
- Retail, real estate and infrastructure tracks on future lifestyle destinations.
- Innovation showcases across luxury, fashion, beauty, grocery, and fintech.
- Cross-sector working groups on trade, labor, and regional integration.
As the Gulf emerges as a center of gravity for retail innovation and investment, the Forum strengthens its global commitment to multilateral dialogue and cross-market collaboration, connecting growth hubs from the Global South with established economies to build a more resilient and inclusive future.
RLC 2026 will convene top decision-makers and innovators from around the world, including:
- Sam Kim, Vice Chairman & Group CEO, Lotte Retail, South Korea
- André Maeder, CEO, Selfridges Group, UK
- Marco Bizzarri, Co-founder and CEO, Forel, Italy
- Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO, Cenomi Centers, KSA
- Sima Ved, Founder & Chairwoman, Apparel Group, UAE
- Geoffroy Van Raemdonck, Independent Director, Moncler Group, USA
- Dr. Bander Hamooh, CEO, Panda Retail Company, KSA
- Michael Chalhoub, CEO, Chalhoub Group, UAE
- Jaume Miquel Naudi, Chairman & CEO, Tendam, Spain
- Selvane Mohandas du Menil, Managing Director, IADS, France
- Stefania Lazzaroni, CEO, Altagamma, Italy
- Mina Fader, Managing Director, Jay H. Baker Retailing Center, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, USA
- Dr. Martyn Davies, Executive Advisor, Royal Commission for Riyadh City, KSA
- Emanuela Prandelli, PhD, LVMH Professor of Fashion and Luxury Management, Bocconi University, Italy
- Fahed Ghanim, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim – Lifestyle, UAE
- Sebastian Suhl, CEO, END., UK
“In a world that’s being rewired, the pursuit of growth has never been more strategic,” said Panos Linardos, Chairman of RLC Global Forum. “By selecting Riyadh once again, we are placing the Forum at the center of a region driving new forms of growth and exploring how these emerging hubs connect with established markets to shape the future of retail and trade.”
The Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum launches the fourth edition of the Egyptian Women’s Summit, under the patronage and in cooperation with the National Council for Women.
The Forum of the 50 Most Influential Women, under the patronage and in cooperation with the National Council for Women, announces the launch of the fourth edition of the Egyptian Women’s Summit, held this year under the theme:
“The Future of Women in Science, Technology, and Innovation”
(STEM and Future Innovation Summit).
This fourth edition is considered the most prominent event in the region, evolving from a national activity into a high-level regional and international platform. It attracts more than 6,000 female leaders from Egypt, the Arab world, and Africa, alongside senior officials, policymakers, leaders of public and private institutions, and representatives of international and regional organizations, as well as youth delegations from public and private universities.
The summit focuses on the role of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), linking them with innovation and entrepreneurship. The aim is to empower young female leaders to keep pace with the demands of the digital era and strengthen women’s presence in the knowledge economy and future technological transformations up to 2035.
The event’s agenda includes high-level ministerial sessions bringing together decision-makers and officials concerned with women’s issues and development.
• Specialized training workshops on innovation and entrepreneurship will provide new generations with opportunities to learn from inspiring leaders.
• The summit will also host the second edition of the Employment Forum for Girls and Fresh Graduates, with major private sector companies participating to offer direct job and training opportunities.
• For the first time, the official announcement of the Top 50 Most Influential African Women 2025 list will be made during the African Women Awards ceremony. This strategic step enhances Egypt’s position as a bridge for regional and international communication and affirms its role in leading women’s development movements across Africa.
Dina Abdel Fattah, Founder and Chairwoman of the Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum, stated:
“The Egyptian Women’s Summit has become a leading regional platform that reflects Egypt’s successful experience in empowering women and opens new horizons for cooperation among Egyptian, Arab, and African female leaders. This edition places women at the heart of digital transformation and cements Egypt’s role as a key supporter of female leadership and entrepreneurship across the continent.”
She added:
“Launching the Top 50 Most Influential African Women Awards from Cairo is a strategic step that transforms the summit into a permanent international platform. It gives the continent an opportunity to spotlight its most influential female leaders in technology, innovation, and leadership.”
The summit thus consolidates the international standing of the Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum as a unifying platform for exchanging expertise and building strategic partnerships—not only at the national level but across Africa and the Arab world. It affirms that Egyptian, Arab, and African women are not just part of the change, but at the forefront of leading it, from university classrooms to top management positions
EFG Hermes Advises Vision Invest on Landmark Capital Raise in Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms
EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, announced today that it acted as a financial advisor to Vision Invest on its landmark investment in Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise), one of Africa’s largest private infrastructure transactions to date.
The transaction, which involved a total capital raise of USD 700 million, welcomed Vision Invest, a leading Saudi Arabian investor and developer of infrastructure assets, into Arise’s shareholder base alongside the continued support of existing institutional shareholders. The raise underscores the company’s rapid expansion from a single-country operator in 2020 to its current presence across 14 African markets.
Saud Altassan, CEO of EFG Hermes KSA, commented, “EFG Hermes is proud to support leading Saudi investors in executing landmark transactions beyond the Kingdom. Our partnership with Vision Invest underscores our commitment to enabling KSA capital to access high-quality opportunities abroad, creating long-term value while reinforcing the Kingdom’s global investment footprint.
Commenting on the transaction, Karim Meleka, Co-Head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes said, “We are proud to have advised Vision Invest on this landmark transaction, one of the largest private infrastructure capital raises in Africa. This deal underscores both the appetite of leading institutional investors for high-quality assets and EFG Hermes’ unrivalled ability to execute complex cross-border transactions. We look forward to supporting Vision Invest as it continues to grow its global footprint.”
Since the beginning of the year, EFG Hermes has advised on 4 M&A transactions, 9 DCM, and 8 ECM transactions across the region, including landmark transactions in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt, underscoring its leadership in regional markets.
24 Years Later: September 11 — United We Stand Against Hate and Terror, Condemns the Killing of Charlie Kirk
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins the nation in solemn remembrance of the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. This 24th anniversary is a powerful reminder that terrorism—whether domestic or international, individual, or state-sponsored—is a common enemy of all believers in human rights.
This year’s commemoration coincides with another tragic event: the brutal killing of Mr. Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. His murder is a stark and painful reminder that though hate, and political violence constitute a fundamental problem. No disagreement, ideological divide, or political stance—whether from the far left or far right—can ever justify such an act.
Both the September 11 anniversary and the killing of Mr. Kirk reaffirm our collective responsibility to uphold and protect the core values of freedom of speech, civil discourse, and democratic principles. Mr. Kirk’s death occurred amid a deeply polarized and toxic political climate, underscoring the urgent need for unity and vigilance.
AHRC unequivocally condemns the killing of Mr. Kirk and calls on all Americans to reject hate and resist efforts to divide us. In doing so, we honor the memory of all those who perished on September 11 and reaffirm our commitment to a more just, peaceful, and united nation.
“There is absolutely no excuse for political violence,” said Dr. Ahmed Ghanim, community leader and activist. “This is not the time to take cheap political shots at political opponents. It is time for everyone- left or right- to come together and condemn such violence,” continued Dr. Ghanim. “The moment we resort to violence to resolve political differences is the moment we lose democracy,” concluded Dr. Ghanim.
“We honor the memory of September 11 by standing firm against hate, violence, and division. The killing of Charlie Kirk is a tragic reminder that our democracy depends on protecting every voice—even those we disagree with,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director.
