Riyadh – Mubasher: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is to lay the foundation stone for the first phase of the King Salman Energy Park "SPARK" on Monday.

The 50-km SAR 6 billion ($1.6 billion) energy park, a mega project designed to position the Kingdom as a global energy hub, is located between Dammam and Al-Ahsa governorate.

The state-backed project, that will be managed by Saudi oil giant Aramco, will include mega infrastructure investments, along with focusing on exploration, production, refining, petrochemicals, conventional power, and water production and treatment.

Spark will also comprise investments in drilling, electrical services, liquids treatment; exploration, production, pipes, vessels, tanks, valves, and pumps.

Spark’s first phase is expected to be completed by 2021 and will significantly contribute to achieving Saudi Vision 2030.

Spark is expected to create 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, in addition to adding SAR 22.5 billion per annum to the kingdom's growth domestic product (GDP) and localising more than 350 new industrial and service facilities.