The Shura Council calls for electricity performance indicators and recommends privatizing Umm Al-Qura and developing meteorology.

Decisions Related to Electricity and Energy

The Council called on the Saudi Electricity Regulatory Authority to prepare an annual indicator measuring the availability of thermal and renewable generation plants, encourage wholesale electricity sales activities, monitor the commitment of vital government facilities to providing backup energy sources, and study ways to improve the visual appearance of distribution stations within neighborhoods.

Media and Culture: News Agency and Umm Al-Qura Newspaper

The Shura Council urged the Saudi News Agency to enhance international cooperation to establish a platform for exchanging and showcasing documentary films, and to study the feasibility of continuing to operate overseas offices versus activating specialized correspondents. The Council also discussed the possibility of privatizing Umm Al-Qura newspaper and transforming it into a government-owned company to improve efficiency and increase revenues.

Environmental, Mining, and Road Sectors

The Council urged the National Center for Meteorology to adopt hybrid systems combining artificial intelligence and traditional forecasting methods, establish a specialized training center, and develop financial sustainability models through partnerships with the private sector. It also called on the Saudi Geological Survey to turn mineral exploration results into investment opportunities, support startups in the digital field, and measure the efficiency of exploration spending. Additionally, the Council discussed the report of the General Authority for Roads, emphasizing the importance of improving project risk management, qualifying personnel, enhancing safety levels, and exploring investment opportunities in the road network.

Sports, Heritage, and General Oversight

The Shura Council called for strengthening training and scholarships in the equestrian sector and establishing non-profit associations to support sports. It also urged including environmental capacity criteria in licenses for preserving coral reefs in the Red Sea. In conclusion, the Council emphasized continuing to review annual reports of government agencies to enhance operational efficiency, improve service quality, support economic and environmental sustainability, and align with national development targets.

Umm Al-Qura newspaper

Umm Al-Qura is the official gazette of Saudi Arabia, first published in 1924 under the authority of King Abdulaziz. It serves as the primary legal publication for announcing royal decrees, laws, and government announcements. The newspaper’s name references “Umm Al-Qura” (Mother of Villages), a historical name for Mecca, reflecting its role in disseminating official information across the kingdom.

Saudi Geological Survey

The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) is a government agency established in 1999 to study and map the Kingdom’s geology, mineral resources, and natural hazards. Its headquarters in Jeddah houses extensive geological databases and a rock museum, supporting research and economic development. The SGS plays a key role in assessing risks like earthquakes and volcanic activity, particularly in the western region’s volcanic fields (harrats).

General Authority for Roads

The General Authority for Roads is a Saudi government agency established in 2024 to oversee the planning, regulation, and development of the country’s road network. It was created to enhance road safety, improve infrastructure quality, and support Vision 2030 by integrating modern technologies and sustainable practices. This authority consolidates previous road-related responsibilities under one entity to streamline management and boost efficiency.

Red Sea

The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia, known for

Umm Al-Qura newspaper

Umm Al-Qura is the official gazette of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, first published in 1924 under the direction of King Abdulaziz. It serves as the primary legal publication for announcing royal decrees, government regulations, and official notices. The newspaper derives its name from “Umm Al-Qura,” a historical term for Mecca, reflecting its role as a key source of state and religious information.

Saudi Geological Survey

The Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) is a government agency established in 1999 to study and map the Kingdom’s geology, mineral resources, and natural hazards. It plays a key role in supporting economic development by assessing mineral wealth and providing geoscientific data for infrastructure projects. The SGS also monitors volcanic activity and earthquakes, contributing to public safety and environmental protection across Saudi Arabia.

General Authority for Roads

The General Authority for Roads is a Saudi Arabian government entity responsible for planning, developing, and regulating the nation’s road network to enhance safety and efficiency. Established to oversee the expansion and modernization of the Kingdom’s highways and urban roads, it plays a key role in supporting economic growth and connectivity under Saudi Vision 2030. The authority works to integrate advanced technologies and international standards into road infrastructure projects.

Red Sea

The Red Sea is a narrow, elongated seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, lying between Africa and Asia. Historically significant as a vital trade route since ancient times, it was famously crossed by the Israelites in the biblical Exodus story. Today, it is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, coral reefs, and as a major destination for diving and tourism.