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        <title>Saudi Gazette</title>
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        <title><![CDATA[Mannai Information Technology KSA wins major MEP and technology contract for landmark Riyadh giga-project development]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/666156/business/mannai-information-technology-ksa-wins-major-mep-and-technology-contract-for-landmark-riyadh-giga-project-development]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Mannai Corporation QPSC, one of the region's leading diversified business groups, headquartered in Doha, Qatar, announced on Tuesday that its Saudi subsidiary, Mannai Information Technology KSA (MIT KSA), has been awarded a major contract by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), an international engineering and construction company for the delivery of mechanical, electrical, public health services and technology works on a landmark development forming part of one of Riyadh's flagship giga-projects. The development forms part of one of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious urban transformation initiatives, contributing to the Kingdom's vision of creating world-class destinations that bring together culture, commerce and contemporary urban living. Representing a significant addition to Riyadh's evolving urban landscape, the project reflects the scale and ambition of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 agenda. Under the contract, Mannai will deliver the full scope of mechanical, electrical and Public health services systems together with the technology systems that will make the development a smart, connected and future-ready landmark. The project will be executed over a period of two years on a fast-tracked programme, reflecting the strategic importance of the development to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 ambitions. Mannai brings deep technology and integration experience from delivering mission-critical systems for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venues and related infrastructure. This experience in delivering world-class venues to immovable deadlines and the highest international standards positions Mannai to meet the demanding schedule, technical complexity and quality expectations of a fast-tracked giga-project. By combining MEP and technology contracting under a single, integrated delivery model, Mannai will reduce interface risk, accelerate programme certainty and provide a seamless path from design coordination through to testing, commissioning and handover. Commenting on the significance of the award, Lakshimi Narayanan, General Manager, Mannai Information Technology KSA, said: “We are honoured to be entrusted by China Harbour Engineering Company with this iconic development, one of the most significant destinations taking shape in Riyadh today. This award reflects the confidence our partners place in Mannai's ability to deliver complex, integrated MEP and technology programmes at pace. We bring the same discipline and technology leadership that we demonstrated on FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and we are proud to contribute to the Kingdom's transformation under Vision 2030.” Commenting on the collaboration, Liu Xuanyuan, CHEC’s Project Director, said: “We are pleased to welcome Mannai as our MEP and technology systems partner for this landmark development in Riyadh. The successful delivery of a project of this scale requires strong collaboration, technical expertise and a shared commitment to quality, safety and programme objectives. We look forward to working closely with Mannai and all project stakeholders to deliver integrated, high-quality solutions that contribute to the successful completion of the development and support Riyadh’s continued growth.” The award is a landmark milestone for Mannai IT KSA, headquartered in Riyadh, and underscores the rapid growth of the Group's footprint in Saudi Arabia. Mannai IT KSA delivers across six business domains: Connected Buildings & Cities; Digital Transformation & Intelligent Platforms; Applications, AI & Cybersecurity; Cloud Transformation & Digital Workspace; Enterprise & Hyperscale Infrastructure; and EPC & Technology Contracting. Mannai's momentum in the Kingdom was showcased at LEAP 2026, where the company drew strong engagement from government entities, giga-project developers and enterprise customers. To date, Mannai has signed more than 120 Memoranda of Understanding with leading global technology OEMs and strategic consultants, building a partner ecosystem that enables it to bring best-in-class solutions to Saudi Arabia's most ambitious developments. ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Tue, 10 Nov 2026 20:49:40 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Savings Season Starts Now on AMAZON.SA: Incredible Deals, Unbeatable Value, and Fast Delivery This 11.11]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/666126/business/savings-season-starts-now-on-amazonsa-incredible-deals-unbeatable-value-and-fast-delivery-this-1111]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Millions of deals from November 05 to 12 across 30+ categories on www.amazon.sa/events/double11 — from everyday essentials, electronics, beauty, and fashion to home, kitchen, Amazon Devices, sports, and grocery — all with fast delivery, including same-day and next-day delivery on eligible items.From leading names in tech like Samsung, Sony, PlayStation, and HONOR to beauty essentials from KÉRASTASE, Dyson, Dior, and Tom Ford; fashion from Skechers, Crocs, Lacoste, BOSS, and Ray-Ban; and home items from Ninja, Dyson, De'Longhi, and roborock — this 11.11 brings customers in the Kingdom unmissable deals across every category, and additional savings, along with fast and free delivery options for Prime members on eligible items. Saudi shoppers can save even more with instant bank discounts and interest-free installments with Tabby and Tamara — plus flexible payment options including 0% bank installment plans. Amazon.sa's 11.11 Sale returns on www.amazon.sa/events/double11, with incredible deals across more than 30 product categories from top local and international brands — all with fast delivery, including same-day and next-day delivery on eligible items. Customers can discover millions of deals on everything from everyday essentials, electronics, beauty, and fashion to home, kitchen, and Amazon Devices — as well as access deals from international brands shipped directly from Amazon US, UK, and Germany via the Amazon.sa Global Store, with free international delivery on eligible orders. With eight days of savings across every category and additional savings for Prime members, it's time to mark your calendars and start building your wish lists. Abdo Chlala, Country Manager, Amazon Saudi Arabia, said: "At Amazon, our customers always come first — and the 11.11 Sale is one of the moments where that commitment truly comes to life. We want every shopper on Amazon.sa to feel the thrill of discovering their favorite brands and products on deal, with the confidence that their order will arrive fast. From fashion and electronics to home, kitchen, and everyday essentials, the deals span every category from top local and international brands. And with same-day and next-day delivery, instant bank discounts, and flexible payment options, we're helping customers get more value at the speed they expect." Incredible Deals Across Every CategoryEveryday Essentials & Grocery: Up to 56% off pantry staples, household essentials, and beverages — from coffee, water, and cleaning supplies to laundry and tissue — from brands including Extra White, Comfort, Fine, Hala, Lavazza, Nescafe, illy, Coca-Cola, Berain, Volvic, and evian. Electronics & Gaming: Up to 70% off smartphones, laptops, tablets, TVs, headphones, speakers, gaming consoles, and accessories — including deals on Samsung, Sony, ASUS, LG, TCL, HONOR, HUAWEI, Anker, Soundcore, UGREEN, SHOKZ, JBL, HyperX, Xiaomi, PlayStation, Xbox, GameSir, Logitech G, and GAMEON. Customers can also enjoy up to 55% off on Amazon Devices including Ring, Echo, and Kindle. Beauty & Personal Care: Up to 60% off skincare, makeup, fragrance, hair care, and grooming — including Beauty of Joseon, medicube, Eucerin, COSRX, ANUA, Vaseline, e.l.f., NYX Professional Makeup, MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, Bourjois, Dior, Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Almajed for Oud, KÉRASTASE, Dyson, wavytalk, TYMO, Philips, and Oral-B. Fashion & Accessories: Up to 70% off clothing, footwear, bags, luggage, sunglasses, watches, and jewelry from brands including Skechers, PUMA, Crocs, New Balance, Under Armour, Reebok, Lacoste, BOSS, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger apparel, DELSEY PARIS, Ray-Ban, Marc Jacobs, Emporio Armani, GUESS, Casio, Swatch, Michael Kors, Citizen, Police, and Seiko. Home & Kitchen: Up to 60% off robot vacuums, air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, espresso machines, air fryers, and cookware from brands including Dyson, dreame, Ninja, De'Longhi, BLACK+DECKER, Levoit, roborock, and eufy. Baby & Toys: Up to 70% off toys, and baby essentials from brands including LEGO, Barbie, Mattel, Pampers, BabyJoy, WaterWipes, Pigeon, and Mustela. Sports & Fitness: Up to 70% off fitness equipment, walking pads, smart wearables, and fitness trackers from brands including Fitbit, OURA, WHOOP, WALKINGPAD, and SPARNOD FITNESS. Pet Products: Up to 50% off pet food, treats, and accessories from brands including Purina, PETLIBRO, Feandrea, and oneisall. Customers can also access deals from international brands shipped directly from Amazon US, UK, and Germany via the Amazon.sa Global Store with free international delivery on eligible orders. Customers can also enjoy up to 25% off (with minimum 11 SAR off) across trending fashion, home, lifestyle finds by using code BZR11 when ordering 7 or more units through amazon.sa/bazaar or through the Bazaar icon on the Amazon app, during the 11.11 sale. T&Cs apply. Additional Ways to SaveA great deal is one thing — but saving even more on top? That's the 11.11 difference:•⁠ ⁠Instant Bank Discounts: amazon.sa customers can enjoy additional discounts of up to 30% when using credit cards from aljazira bank and Riyad Bank on eligible 11.11 orders on Amazon.sa. T&Cs apply.•⁠ ⁠Amazon.sa eGift Cards: Buy an eGift Card worth SAR 400 or more until 13 November and receive SAR 40 in promotional credit. T&Cs apply.•⁠ ⁠Flexible Payment Options: Customers can enjoy hassle-free, affordable shopping with Tabby and Tamara, conveniently splitting payments into 4 interest-free installments, or opt for 0% installment plans available from a range of banking partners at checkout. T&Cs apply. Getting Ready for the 11.11 SaleCustomers in Saudi Arabia can join Prime at www.amazon.sa/prime for just SAR 16/month or SAR 140/year and enjoy all the benefits Prime has to offer year-round including fast and free delivery, exclusive deals, Prime Video, and Amazon Luna. Get your wish list ready and start adding your favorites to cart — download the Amazon App or visit www.amazon.sa/events/double11 to be ready when the sale goes live.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 23:06:30 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Community Jameel Saudi Foundation concludes the 2026 university challenge and announces the Kingdom champions]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/666115/business/community-jameel-saudi-foundation-concludes-the-2026-university-challenge-and-announces-the-kingdom-champions]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[StartSmart Saudi, supported by Community Jameel Saudi Foundation, concluded the University Challenge initiative held in partnership with five Saudi universities: King Abdulaziz University, University of Jeddah, Effat University, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, and Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University. The initiative aimed to empower university students to transform their technical ideas into AI-powered prototypes through a practical experience, combining learning-by-doing, mentorship, and technical development. The University Challenge program launched last September, when the five participating universities nominated 50 student teams to take part in intensive bootcamps held in Riyadh and Jeddah. This was followed by a semi-final qualification phase that selected 15 outstanding student teams to undergo a full month of dedicated mentorship and follow-up. Finally, the national finals phase arrived, during which participants presented their prototypes, reflecting the skills they acquired in building tech products and leveraging AI tools to develop solutions tailored to user needs and market demands. **media[2792035]**The program relied on a hands-on learning methodology, where participants worked from day one on developing their ideas and turning them into showcase-ready, testable prototypes. This was achieved through an intensive training environment that bridged entrepreneurial and technical aspects, fostering systematic thinking, solution-building, and teamwork capabilities. At the closing event, three top teams were crowned and awarded prizes and benefits valued at SAR 10,000, in recognition of their project excellence and prototype quality. Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Mohammed Abdulgaffar, a Director at Community Jameel Saudi Foundation, commented: "The University Challenge succeeded in delivering an integrated practical experience, allowing students to transition from concept development to building prototypes that reflect their capacity for innovation and their adept utilization of AI and advanced technologies. The caliber of the participating projects underscores the immense potential of Saudi youth and highlights the vital need for specialized programs that grant them the opportunity to refine their ideas in an environment combining learning, application, and mentorship; ultimately shaping a new generation of tech entrepreneurs equipped to contribute to the Kingdom's digital economy." **media[2792034]**For his part, Dr. Hassan Al-Shehri, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at King Abdulaziz University, stated during his address at the ceremony: "The University Challenge brought together a diverse range of intellects from different universities and academic disciplines. Despite these differences, their work spanned topics ranging from human-centric issues to service and design solutions. While their pathways varied, they converged around a noble purpose: making knowledge impactful and utilizing innovation as a vehicle to improve and enhance human life. Furthermore, concerted efforts and strategic partnerships yield far greater impact than individual endeavors. Hence, at King Abdulaziz University, we take immense pride in our impactful partnership with our strategic partner, Community Jameel Saudi." During the event, the three winning teams of the inaugural edition of the University Challenge were announced. Team "Orion" from the University of Jeddah secured first place for their intelligent platform driven by AI agents, designed to assist entrepreneurs in communicating with manufacturers, selecting reliable suppliers and factories for store setup, and streamlining supply chain management. Second place went to team "Ejaz" from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, which developed a smart facility management system linking beneficiaries, technicians, and facility owners to process and analyze facility maintenance reports via Telegram using smart agent technology. Finally, team "Manasak" took third place with a project that generates digital twins to simulate and test operational crowd management plans during the Hajj season, ensuring faster decision-making and a safe pilgrimage. **media[2792037]**At the conclusion of the ceremony, the launch of the second edition of the University Challenge for 2027 was announced. It will expand to include a larger number of universities across the Kingdom, continuing the joint commitment of Community Jameel Saudi Foundation and StartSmart Saudi to empower entrepreneurs, support the tech entrepreneurship ecosystem, and foster a culture of innovation among university students, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to develop national talent, spur modern technology adoption, and build a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2026 15:00:28 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Beyond ONE KSA named Best MVNO in the Middle East at the Telecom Review Excellence Awards]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/666082/business/beyond-one-ksa-named-best-mvno-in-the-middle-east-at-the-telecom-review-excellence-awards]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Beyond ONE KSA has been named Best MVNO in the Middle East at the Telecom Review Excellence Awards. Led by CEO Yaarob Alsayegh, Beyond ONE KSA is the Saudi Arabian operating company of digital services group Beyond ONE. The award was presented recently at The Ritz Carlton, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach, where Hani ElKukhun, Acting Group CEO, and Remo Schmid, Chairman, accepted it on behalf of the Beyond ONE KSA team. The award recognises a period of strong, profitable growth for the business. Beyond ONE KSA is today the largest MVNO in Saudi Arabia, with close to half of the Kingdom's MVNO market and roughly a tenth of the total mobile market. It is also the fastest growing MVNO in the Kingdom, ranked first for base growth. Since 2023, its active customer base has grown by more than a third. Together, these results reflect growth that creates lasting value for customers and for the business. Behind that growth is a clear idea: serve each community in the way that suits it best. Virgin Mobile offers Saudi customers premium, digital first plans. Friendi Mobile is built for the Kingdom's expatriate community, with fair prices and international connectivity at its heart. Two brands, two communities, one shared platform. The same focus on people has shaped how the company innovates. In 2025, Beyond ONE introduced Virgin Mobile Switch Postpaid, Saudi Arabia's first pay as you use postpaid plan, giving customers the ease of postpaid while paying only for the data they use. In 2026, it launched Virgin Mobile Aman Plans, the Kingdom's first network level child protection service, created in response to parents' concerns about their children's digital lives. **media[2791477]** Over the same period, Beyond ONE KSA has grown into a wider range of everyday services. Home Broadband with Virgin Mobile Vnet now connects households and Friendi Pay brings mobile financial services to the expatriate community, supporting financial inclusion in line with Vision 2030. Hani ElKukhun, Acting Group CEO, Beyond ONE, said: "This win belongs to our team in Saudi Arabia as we accept this award on their behalf. Under Yaarob's leadership as CEO, Beyond ONE KSA has shown that growth and value can go hand in hand and that the best ideas start with real people. Parents wanted a safer digital world for their children, and Aman Plans gave them that. Customers wanted a fairer way to pay, and Virgin Mobile Switch Postpaid followed. We are proud of every person who made this possible." Yaarob Alsayegh, CEO, Beyond ONE KSA, said: “Being named Best MVNO in the Middle East is a proud moment for every one of us in Saudi Arabia. Everything we build starts with listening to our customers and the communities we serve. That is why we have grown from mobile into home broadband and mobile financial services, so our customers have one partner for how they connect, live and pay. This award belongs to our customers as much as our team, and it gives us even more energy for what we will build next in the Kingdom.” Earlier in the day, Hani ElKukhun joined fellow industry leaders on the Telecom Leaders' Panel at Telecom Review Summit 2026. Looking ahead, Beyond ONE KSA will build on this foundation by growing its services for households, families and the expatriate community, with one goal in mind: making everyday connectivity simpler and fairer for customers across the Kingdom. For more information, visit: www.beyond.one]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2026 15:23:05 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Saudi experts share what parents should know about RSV during the season]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/666023/business/saudi-experts-share-what-parents-should-know-about-rsv-during-the-season]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Specialists at a recent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) awareness meeting in Jeddah shared practical guidance for parents of young infants, explaining that more serious RSV illness is not limited to premature babies or those with underlying conditions. Speakers included Dr Ashraf Amir, Consultant in Family Medicine and Chief Medical Officer at the International Medical Center (IMC), and Dr Muawiyah Qasem, Consultant Pediatrician and Chairperson of the Children’s Health Centre at IMC, who discussed how RSV can affect infants, when parents should seek medical advice and the prevention options available.RSV is a common respiratory virus that often causes cold-like symptoms. In some young infants, it can progress to lower respiratory tract illness, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Infants under 6 months are more vulnerable and are among the groups more likely to develop more serious illness. However, Dr Ashraf Amir explained that healthy, full-term babies can also be affected, saying: “Being healthy and born at term does not remove the possibility of more serious RSV illness. Parents should watch how symptoms develop and seek medical advice if breathing becomes difficult, feeding decreases or the baby’s overall condition changes.”Because RSV often starts with symptoms like a common cold, he added, it is how symptoms change over the following days that helps parents know when to seek advice. Dr Muawiyah Qasem said: “The aim is to reduce a baby’s risk before illness develops. Everyday practical measures at home help limit exposure, and parents can also ask their healthcare provider about other prevention options, including whether RSV immunization is recommended for their child.” Simple everyday measures can also help reduce exposure and help keep infants in the Kingdom protected during the season, including regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, keeping babies away from people who are unwell, cleaning surfaces that are touched often and protecting infants from second-hand smoke. The doctors also referred to the recently updated Saudi National Immunization Schedule for Children. Its RSV immunization recommendations cover all infants born during the RSV season between October and March and all infants who are younger than 8 months when the season starts. For infants aged 8 to 19 months at the start of their second RSV season, there are specific recommendations for those who remain at increased risk of severe RSV disease. The meeting closed with a simple message for families: parents play the most important role in protecting their babies, through everyday prevention and by noticing early when symptoms change. ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:39:16 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Dallah Al Nakheel ranked among the world’s best hospitals for medical tourism 2027]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665992/business/dallah-al-nakheel-ranked-among-the-worlds-best-hospitals-for-medical-tourism-2027]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[In another significant international achievement reflecting the growing global recognition of Dallah Health hospitals, Newsweek magazine named Dallah Al Nakheel Hospital among the World’s Best Hospitals for Medical Tourism 2027.This prestigious recognition further underscores the hospital’s advanced clinical capabilities, highly qualified healthcare professionals, and unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality, patient safety, and patient-centered care.The significance of this global ranking lies in its comprehensive, multidimensional evaluation methodology, which incorporates surveys of healthcare professionals, hospital reputation, the availability of specialized medical services, international accreditations, and considerations related to clinical outcomes and patient experience, among other criteria. Together, these elements reflect a healthcare institution’s ability to deliver high-quality, reliable, and internationally competitive medical services to both domestic and international patients.This latest recognition builds upon Dallah Al Nakheel’s longstanding journey of clinical excellence and continuous advancement. As the flagship tertiary care hospital of Dallah Health, it offers a comprehensive range of medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties, supported by advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies and highly experienced medical professionals.The achievement also reflects the hospital’s sustained commitment to internationally recognized standards of healthcare quality and patient safety, as demonstrated by its numerous national and international accreditations. These include accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI), alongside other specialized international accreditations that demonstrate institutional maturity, clinical excellence, and adherence to internationally recognized best practices.A particularly distinguishing feature of Dallah Al Nakheel’s approach to healthcare excellence is its strategic commitment to measuring Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), increasingly recognized as essential indicators of healthcare quality and fundamental components of Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC).Today, evaluating healthcare success extends beyond traditional clinical outcome indicators to include patients’ own assessments of improvements in their health, functional abilities,and overall quality of life following treatment. In recognition of its commitment to this patient-centered approach, Dallah Al Nakheel previously achieved Newsweek’s highest recognition level for the implementation and measurement of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), earning the prestigious Five-Ribbon distinction. This achievement reflects the hospital’s advanced efforts to systematically incorporate patients’ perspectives into outcome measurement and continuous quality improvement. More importantly, it represents a fundamental evolution in the definition of healthcare excellence: success is measured not only by clinical effectiveness but also by the meaningful improvements patients experience in their health, well-being, and everyday lives.The latest Newsweek ranking adds to a growing portfolio of international achievements that have strengthened Dallah Al Nakheel’s reputation as a leading healthcare institution.Among these milestones was the hospital’s achievement of Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA) for Medical Travel Services in October 2024, demonstrating its commitment to internationally recognized standards for delivering comprehensive, safe, and patient-centered medical travel services. In addition, Newsweek recognized Dallah Al Nakheel among the Best Specialized Hospitals in the Middle East for 2026, further highlighting its clinical capabilities and specialized healthcare services. These international recognitions collectively reinforce the hospital’s commitment to providing an integrated and seamless healthcare experience for international patients, encompassing clinical quality, patient safety, coordinated care, effective communication, and responsiveness to the unique needs of patients traveling from abroad. This commitment extends throughout the entire patient journey, from initial treatment planning and travel coordination to medical care, recovery, discharge, and post-treatment follow-up. Such achievements further strengthen international confidence in the hospital’s ability to welcome patients from around the world and deliver advanced medical care within a safe, compassionate, and professionally coordinated healthcare environment.Dallah Al Nakheel’s inclusion among the World’s Best Hospitals for Medical Tourism, following its earlier recognition among the Middle East’s Best Specialized Hospitals, represents more than a series of prestigious distinctions. It is the culmination of a sustained institutional commitment to clinical excellence, investment in medical expertise, expansion of specialized services, adoption of international best practices, and continuous improvement in healthcare quality, patient safety, and patient experience.These achievements also demonstrate the increasing ability of Saudi healthcare institutions to compete on the global stage. International competitiveness is no longer defined solely by sophisticated infrastructure and advanced medical technologies. It is equally determined by the quality of clinical outcomes, internationally recognized accreditations, professional reputation, and the trust earned from patients and the broader medical community. Dallah Al Nakheel’s achievements reflect this broader understanding of healthcare excellence, in which clinical expertise, measurable outcomes, and patient-centered care collectively define institutional performance and international standing.This global recognition is closely aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program, which emphasize improving healthcare quality, enhancing patient experience, strengthening healthcare system efficiency, and advancing patient-centered and value-based models of care. The recognition also contributes to the Kingdom’s ambition to establish itself as a leading regional and international destination for advanced healthcare and medical tourism. By demonstrating internationally competitive clinical capabilities and adherence to globally recognized standards, Dallah Al Nakheel contributes to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s attractiveness to international patients seeking high-quality, specialized medical services.Furthermore, this achievement highlights the increasingly important role of the private healthcare sector as a strategic partner in realizing the Kingdom’s healthcare transformation objectives.Through sustained investment in quality, innovation, clinical excellence, and patient-centered care, Dallah Health continues to contribute to strengthening the international competitiveness and reputation of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector.Dallah Health views this latest international recognition not merely as an achievement to celebrate, but as further motivation to advance its commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety, and continuous improvement. Dallah Health remains dedicated to investing in advanced medical services, enhancing the patient experience, and expanding the systematic measurement and utilization of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures to ensure that healthcare quality and meaningful patient outcomes remain at the center of its development strategies.At Dallah Al Nakheel, healthcare excellence is measured not only by the sophistication of the services provided, but also by the tangible improvements achieved in patients’ health, well-being, and quality of life.This latest global recognition confirms that the hospital’s pursuit of excellence has evolved beyond national and regional leadership to become part of Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global healthcare stage. Dallah Al Nakheel has advanced from national leadership to global recognition, and from excellence in delivering healthcare to excellence in clinical outcomes and patient experience.]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665992/business/dallah-al-nakheel-ranked-among-the-worlds-best-hospitals-for-medical-tourism-2027]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:54:53 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Saudi Awwal Bank and Cultural Development Fund sign financing agreement to support development of a new cultural museum in Riyadh]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665960/business/saudi-awwal-bank-and-cultural-development-fund-sign-financing-agreement-to-support-development-of-a-new-cultural-museum-in-riyadh]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) and the Cultural Development Fund (CDF) have signed a financing agreement to support the development of a new museum in Riyadh, offering visitors an interactive experience that explores aspects of the Kingdom’s history and cultural heritage. The agreement marks another step in strengthening their partnership to support cultural projects and reinforce the financial sector's role as an active partner in developing the cultural sector and the creative economy. Yasser Al-Barrak, Chief Corporate and Institutional Banking Officer at SAB, said: "Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector offers significant opportunities for investment and growth, with financing playing an important role in helping businesses bring ambitious cultural projects to life. Through our partnership with CDF, we are helping businesses access the financing they need to develop projects, expand their operations and contribute to the sector’s continued development." He added: "This collaboration supports the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030 by encouraging greater private sector participation, creating economic opportunities and jobs, and contributing to a vibrant cultural landscape. It also demonstrates the role that financial institutions can play in supporting projects that celebrate the Kingdom’s heritage and create engaging experiences for future generations." Basil Al Alola, Chief Business Officer at the Cultural Development Fund, said: "At the Cultural Development Fund, we are working to expand the financing available to the cultural sector by encouraging the private sector and financial institutions to participate in financing cultural businesses and projects, and by developing financing solutions tailored to their needs and different stages of growth." He added: "Our agreement with SAB reflects this approach by strengthening financial sector participation in financing the cultural sector and opening new financing channels that support the growth and sustainability of cultural businesses. It also reinforces the private sector’s role as a key partner in developing the cultural sector and supporting its contribution to the national economy." The financing builds on the cooperation agreement SAB and CDF signed on the sidelines of the Cultural Investment Conference 2025, which established a framework to expand cultural financing, improve access to financing for cultural businesses and projects, and strengthen their ability to grow, scale and sustain their operations. ]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665960/business/saudi-awwal-bank-and-cultural-development-fund-sign-financing-agreement-to-support-development-of-a-new-cultural-museum-in-riyadh]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2026 16:08:09 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Al Othaim Developments brings 70 years of consumer insight into Saudi Arabia’s real estate market]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665937/business/al-othaim-developments-brings-70-years-of-consumer-insight-into-saudi-arabias-real-estate-market]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[With seven decades of experience understanding how people in Saudi Arabia shop, eat, meet and spend their time, Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Company is bringing that consumer insight into the Kingdom’s real estate sector through the launch of Al Othaim Developments. Abdulmalik Abdullah Al Othaim, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Company, said the Group’s move into real estate development is a natural extension of its longstanding understanding of the way people live and interact with destinations. He explained that Al Othaim Developments aims to bring living, working, hospitality, retail and entertainment together within integrated destinations, responding to a market where buyers increasingly expect a community and lifestyle experience, rather than simply a residential unit. He noted that the timing reflects the evolution of the Saudi market, particularly as Vision 2030 continues to raise homeownership and quality-of-life targets. Against this backdrop, Al Othaim Developments plans to launch 10 projects across the Kingdom over the next two years, with total investment exceeding SAR 16 billion and approximately 8,000 units. Al Othaim stressed that the scale of the pipeline will be supported by an execution model designed to protect quality as the company expands. Rather than announcing projects while they remain at an early planning stage, the company intends to bring developments to market once they are well advanced. He pointed to The O Residence in Dammam as an example, noting that the project is approximately 80% complete as it launches, with buyers already able to walk through finished mock-up units at the sales centre. He explained that this approach is supported by dedicated development, design and project management teams, phased delivery and strong governance throughout every stage of the process.“The pace of our pipeline will never set the pace of our quality,” Al Othaim said, emphasising that the company’s expansion will be matched by the systems and governance required to maintain execution standards. On the decision to launch in Dammam, Al Othaim said the company does not view its entry into the Eastern Province as a contrarian move. He highlighted the region’s deep economic base, growing population of families and professionals, and demand for well-planned, high-quality homes with everyday convenience built in. This demand informed the decision to launch The O Residence at Al Othaim Park on King Fahd Road in Dammam, a destination that brings together residences, a mall, a five-star hotel, offices and open spaces. Al Othaim added that Riyadh remains a priority market for the company, with projects there to be announced in due course.He explained that while The O Residence is residential, the project is designed around the company’s broader integrated destination model. Residential communities, he said, are where daily life begins, and daily life is what keeps shops, restaurants and services active throughout the year.The O Residence comprises 980 units across eight towers within Al Othaim Park, with the mall, five-star hotel, fitness club, offices and landscaped walkways surrounding the residences. Dedicated resident entrances are designed to maintain privacy, while the destination has been planned around residents from the outset rather than having its wider amenities added later.Al Othaim said the Group’s experience across malls and entertainment venues also provides valuable consumer insight that directly informs its developments. With millions of visitors passing through its destinations, the Group has gained an understanding of how families move through a destination, when they visit and what encourages them to return.At The O Residence, he noted, this insight influenced the decision to separate resident access from public visitor flows, allowing families to benefit from the convenience of an integrated destination without compromising the privacy of their homes. It has also informed the project’s unit mix, which ranges from studios to larger family apartments.Regarding the operation of mixed-use components, Al Othaim said the company will adopt a combination of in-house operations and partnerships with specialist operators. He explained that Al Othaim already operates retail, entertainment and hospitality businesses at scale, allowing it to operate selected components through its existing platforms and brands.Where specialist expertise can enhance the experience, he added, the company will bring in leading local and international operators. In either case, every component must add value to the destination.Al Othaim also welcomed the new property ownership regulations for non-Saudis and said the company is following them closely. He noted that Al Othaim Developments’ planning already considers a range of buyers, including Saudi families, expatriate residents and international investors.Where projects fall within designated ownership areas, he said the company will ensure that the offering, from unit design to services, meets the needs of international buyers.On the company’s approach to its development assets, Al Othaim said each project will be evaluated based on its location, market dynamics and long-term value. He explained that the company’s strategy balances selling and holding assets, with selected projects expected to retain strategic components, particularly hospitality, retail and other income-generating assets where long-term ownership can create additional value.He said this approach is intended to provide the company with both a strong development pipeline and stable recurring income over time.Al Othaim also highlighted the role of strategic partnerships in supporting the company’s expansion. He said the company is working with government entities, operators, hospitality brands, financial institutions and specialist consultants, with these partnerships enabling Al Othaim Developments to move faster while bringing the right expertise into each destination.He noted that specific agreements will be announced as they are finalised. Looking ahead, Al Othaim said the company’s definition of success will extend beyond the number of units delivered or sales achieved. While delivery, sales and resident satisfaction will all remain important, he believes the stronger measure will be whether people genuinely choose to stay.He explained that the real test will be whether residents renew their commitment to the community, recommend it to others and see their homes hold their value.Ultimately, Al Othaim said the company’s ambition is to create destinations that become an enduring part of people’s lives. “If our destinations become places people genuinely want to live, work and visit, we will know we have succeeded,” he said. ]]></description>
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        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665937/business/al-othaim-developments-brings-70-years-of-consumer-insight-into-saudi-arabias-real-estate-market]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2026 18:03:58 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[SAKO Logistics unveils long-term investment and growth plan aligned with Saudi Vision 2030]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665881/business/sako-logistics-announces-80-million-investment-and-500-jobs-at-regional-launch-ceremony-in-al-khobar]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[SAKO Logistics has officially announced the launch of its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, unveiling strategic plans to invest up to US$80 million in the Saudi market. The announcement was made during the company's official opening ceremony, held at the Grand Hyatt Al Khobar on October 29, 2026, in the presence of high-level attendees, including representatives from Saudi Aramco and ASMO Transition & Oversight, alongside a select group of government officials, representatives of industrial entities, leading EPC contractors, clients, and strategic partners. Speaking on the occasion, Yonghyun Ham, CEO of SAKO Logistics, said: "Saudi Arabia is not simply an overseas market for SAKO. It is our long-term strategic home and a market where we intend to grow together with our clients and partners." For his part, a Saudi Aramco representative, in remarks delivered during the ceremony, underscored the central importance of continued investment in local logistics capabilities and in building advanced, competitive supply chains, in support of the major energy, industrial, and infrastructure projects underway across the Kingdom. In line with the Kingdom's development objectives, the announced investment package will be allocated to expanding the company's local transportation fleet, developing its logistics infrastructure, and enhancing the efficiency of the project logistics sector. Through this development program, the company aims to create approximately 500 new jobs and achieve a Saudization rate of up to 60% as the investment project progresses. **media[2788629]** As part of its comprehensive expansion plan, SAKO intends to strengthen its presence and operational capabilities across several areas, including project logistics, customs clearance, port handling, inland transportation, and heavy and specialized transportation. These steps are intended to build a more robust, integrated logistics platform capable of meeting the complex requirements of giga-projects across all regions of the Kingdom. To support these objectives, the event also highlighted SAKO Logistics' expanded collaboration with SPARK Logistics. Through continued investment in advanced equipment, infrastructure, and national talent, SAKO seeks to consolidate the position of its project logistics platform in the Kingdom and contribute actively to the development of the local logistics sector in line with the Kingdom's long-term development goals, positioning Saudi Arabia as a pivotal strategic base for expanding its operations across the GCC and the wider Middle East. SAKO Logistics is a leading provider of comprehensive logistics services, specializing in advanced transportation solutions and industrial project logistics management. The company offers an integrated range of services, including customs clearance, port handling, inland transportation, and heavy and specialized transportation, making it a trusted partner to major companies in delivering energy, industrial, and infrastructure projects across the region.]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665881/business/sako-logistics-announces-80-million-investment-and-500-jobs-at-regional-launch-ceremony-in-al-khobar]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2026 09:02:03 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[From royal barracks to luxury residences: London’s St John’s Wood Square looks to GCC buyers]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665831/business/from-royal-barracks-to-luxury-residences-londons-st-johns-wood-square-looks-to-gcc-buyers]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[A historic site in London's St John's Wood neighborhood, which served as military barracks for two centuries, is being transformed into a luxury residential development seeking to attract international buyers, including those from Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf. St John's Wood Square, a 5.5-acre development in north London, will comprise 120 residences surrounded by 2.6 acres of landscaped gardens, combining historic architecture with contemporary living, privacy and security. **media[2786889]** For Executive Chairman Sir George Iacobescu, who previously led the development of Canary Wharf, one of the world's most important financial and commercial districts, and has worked on major projects in Saudi Arabia, the ambition extends beyond creating another luxury address. “We are not selling bricks and mortar; we are creating a lifestyle,” he told Saudi Gazette.Sir George said the project aims to offer something increasingly difficult to find in central London: substantial living space, privacy and a sense of community. “Ultimately, we wanted to create homes that people would choose to live in for the long term, rather than simply own as an asset,” he said. **media[2786885]** Saudi experience shapes approach to heritageSir George's experience serving on several projects in the region has influenced his approach to developments combining historical preservation with modern ambitions. Describing Al Ula and Diriyah as among the most meaningful sites, he praised the transformation underway and the hospitality and professionalism of the people he encountered. “I have seen Alula’s transformation from a quiet, sleeping beauty into one of the most desirable places you can be. But most importantly, I fell in love with the people there,” he said. Those experiences, he said, reinforced the importance of preserving a place's identity while allowing it to evolve. **media[2786884,2786895]** “Respecting and preserving a place’s history and cultural identity is fundamental to creating developments that stand the test of time,” he said. At St John's Wood Square, that philosophy is reflected in the restoration of the Grade II-listed Riding School, built in 1825, which is being repurposed as a private residents' club. The former barracks hosted generations of British military personnel and royal visits, including those of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, before the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, relocated in 2012. Sir George said the restoration involved replacing more than 90,000 defective bricks, along with slate tiles and ceiling beams, and repairing the clock tower. The site's military heritage is also reflected in new street names, including King George VI Avenue, King's Terrace, Riding School Place and Troop Lines. Security and privacy at the centre of GCC appealResearch cited by the development's leadership found that 56 percent of surveyed prospective buyers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE identified security services as one of the most appealing residential amenities. Gareth Stow, Chief Executive Officer of St John's Wood Square, said safety and privacy were central to the project's design, which incorporates secure underground drop-offs, private entrances, gardens and round-the-clock security. “For many international buyers, and particularly for families considering a home in London, security is paramount,” Stow said. **media[2786892]** Sir George similarly identified space, privacy and quality of living as priorities for affluent Saudi buyers. “For many Saudi families, a London residence is about more than just property ownership; it is about having a place to spend time together,” he said. St John's Wood offers GCC residents a quieter, more private setting with easy access to London's popular shopping and leisure destinations, including Mayfair, Marylebone and the West End, as well as leading schools, hospitals and green spaces. GCC buyers look beyond property investmentTom Mann, Director of Sales, Leasing and Marketing at St John's Wood Square, cited research indicating that among surveyed prospective buyers from Saudi Arabia and the UAE already interested in purchasing UK residential property, 63 percent were looking to buy immediately or within the next 12 months. Beyond security, Mann identified wellness, leisure and access to private facilities as important considerations for prospective GCC buyers. The development will offer more than 40,000 sq ft of amenities, including a wellness centre, spa, swimming pool, fitness studios, multi-sport court, private dining room, business facilities and children's play areas. Mann said Gulf buyers may also seek properties serving several purposes beyond investment. “For many GCC buyers, a home can serve several purposes: a long-term investment, a base for family visits, and a place to establish deeper ties to the city through education, business and lifestyle,” he said. The development's newly unveiled three-bedroom show residence, designed by British interior designer Portia Fox, measures 3,220 sq ft and is priced at £14.895 million, excluding furniture, fixtures and equipment. **media[2786890,2786891]** Mann said St John's Wood offers a quieter, more private alternative to established luxury districts such as Mayfair and Knightsbridge, particularly for family living. Sustainability designed for the long termThe development also emphasizes environmental sustainability and longevity, incorporating an electrically led energy system with air-source heat pumps, rainwater collection, greywater reuse and water-saving systems. Electric vehicle charging will be available at every parking space, while landscaped areas are designed to support biodiversity and adapt to changing climatic conditions. **media[2786897]** Sir George said particular attention had been given to selecting durable construction materials and climate-resilient plant species. Stow said the long-term approach also extends to health and wellbeing, with partnerships being developed to provide medical concierge services and other healthcare initiatives. Creating homes rather than showpiecesThe development's philosophy centers on creating “homes, not houses,” combining generous living spaces with private amenities and gardens designed for family life. “Exceptional luxury should never come at the expense of beauty, warmth, comfort or practicality - it should enhance everyday life,” Sir George said. Setting aside 2.6 acres for landscaped gardens was a deliberate choice, Stow said, one that prioritizes generously proportioned residences and complete privacy over maximizing the number of homes. Designed by landscape architect Andy Sturgeon, the gardens will offer spaces for relaxation, recreation and social interaction. For Sir George, the ultimate measure of luxury is not simply appearance but the experience of living in a home. “For me, true luxury is not about creating a space that simply looks impressive; it is about creating an environment that feels effortless to live in,” he said. **media[2786887]****media[2786886]****media[2786893]**]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665831/business/from-royal-barracks-to-luxury-residences-londons-st-johns-wood-square-looks-to-gcc-buyers]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:23:11 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[The region’s most anticipated mega-project: Al Shubaily Grand Mall announces phased soft opening]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665824/business/the-regions-most-anticipated-mega-project-al-shubaily-grand-mall-announces-phased-soft-opening]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Eng. Saud bin Khalid Al Shubaily, Chief Executive Officer of Arabian AlEsaar, has announced the phased soft opening of Al Shubaily Grand Mall in Al Khobar, commencing on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The date of the mall’s official grand opening celebration, planned for 2027 and set to be the largest of its kind in the region, will be announced at a later stage. This milestone reflects the company’s continued commitment to developing integrated retail and entertainment destinations while further strengthening Al Khobar’s and the Eastern Province’s position as leading shopping and leisure destinations. By bringing together renowned brands, diverse dining options, and entertainment experiences, the development aims to elevate shopping mall standards and meet the evolving expectations of visitors. Distinguished by its exceptional scale and diverse offerings, the project features an extensive selection of local and international brands, complemented by a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, and entertainment attractions. Designed to appeal to visitors of all ages and interests, the mall reflects changing consumer preferences and the growing demand for integrated shopping and leisure experiences. Al Shubaily Grand Mall brings together shopping, dining, and entertainment under one roof, featuring cinemas, go-kart racing tracks, children's play areas, and arcade games. Among its key attractions is The Valley, a distinctive dining destination featuring a selection of international restaurants in a unique and inviting atmosphere. The mall also features De L’Avenue, a dedicated fashion and luxury retail destination showcasing prestigious international brands, including several making their debut in the region. Another highlight is The Promenade, a waterfront-facing destination offering scenic views and a distinctive visitor experience. Together, these zones create a comprehensive lifestyle destination that seamlessly combines shopping, entertainment, and dining. The development aligns with Arabian AlEsaar’s strategic vision to deliver landmark projects that enhance the quality of retail and entertainment destinations and raise shopping mall standards across the region. Through a diverse range of experiences, the company seeks to meet visitors’ needs while providing retail brands with an attractive environment for growth and opportunities to reach broader customer segments. During the soft opening phase, stores and facilities will open progressively, with the official grand opening scheduled for 2027. Further details regarding the official opening date will be announced in due course. ]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665824/business/the-regions-most-anticipated-mega-project-al-shubaily-grand-mall-announces-phased-soft-opening]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:32:11 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[stc group’s nine-month operating profit rises 4.1% to SAR 11.3 billion]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665804/business/stc-groups-nine-month-operating-profit-rises-41-to-sar-113-billion]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[stc group announced its interim financial results for the period ended 30 September 2026, delivering growth in revenue and operating profit during the first nine months of the year. The performance was supported by the strength of its core business and accelerating growth across its subsidiaries, while third-quarter net profit exceeded average analyst expectations. •The group’s nine-month revenue increased by 3.7% year on year to SAR 60,096 million.•Nine-month gross profit increased by 5.2% year on year to SAR 29,362 million.•Nine-month operating profit rose by 4.1% year on year to SAR 11,282 million.•Earnings before interest, taxes, zakat, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 3.5% to SAR 19,150 million during the nine-month period.•Nine-month net profit amounted to SAR 10,918 million, representing growth of 2.6% after excluding non-recurring items in both the current and corresponding prior-year periods.•Subsidiaries’ revenue grew by 9.0% during the nine-month period, with third-quarter growth accelerating to 18.5% year on year.•The group announced a dividend of SAR 0.55 per share for the third quarter of 2026, in line with the dividend policy approved by the General Assembly, bringing total dividends to shareholders for the first nine months to SAR 8.2 billion.Commenting on the results, Eng. Olayan Mohammed Alwetaid, stc Group CEO, highlighted the group’s strong results during the first nine months of 2026 as it continued to execute its strategy to strengthen its core telecommunications and digital businesses and expand into promising growth areas, reaffirming its commitment to creating shareholder value. Eng. Olayan Mohammed Alwetaid said: “stc’s financial performance was underpinned by strong revenue growth of 3.7% year on year during the nine-month period, driven by growth in its telecommunications business in Saudi Arabia and accelerating growth across its subsidiaries. Commercial unit revenue increased by 2.0%, Carriers and Wholesale unit revenue rose by 5.1%, and subsidiaries’ revenue grew by 9.0%.” The improvement in the group’s performance reflects the diversification of its investments and income streams, alongside greater integration across its telecommunications and digital businesses, supporting sustainable growth. Accelerating growth across its subsidiaries also strengthens their role in expanding the group’s business and capturing opportunities in promising markets and sectors. Operationally, stc group continued to grow its customer base and expand its infrastructure. Mobile and fixed-line subscriptions in Saudi Arabia increased by 4.8% and 4.0% year on year, reaching 30.6 million and 6.2 million, respectively. The number of homes connected to its fibre network rose by 7.0% to 3.95 million, while the number of 5G towers increased by 31.5% to 12,38K During LEAP 2026, the group strengthened its collaboration with leading local and international companies through agreements and partnerships to expand 5G networks, develop network capabilities, enhance data centre connectivity, and expand cloud computing and digital services. These initiatives support the diversification of its business and strengthen its ability to serve multiple sectors. As part of its efforts to apply its digital infrastructure capabilities to support vital sectors, the group launched a new net-zero-carbon solution for 5G Advanced network sites, helping improve network efficiency and capacity while reducing energy consumption. It also supported the Ministry of Defence’s Health Services in performing the first remote robotic surgery between two of its healthcare facilities in Riyadh and Dhahran. stc group continues to develop its businesses and operational and investment capabilities, strengthening its competitiveness and contributing to Saudi Arabia’s digital future, while supporting the development of the regional markets in which it operates and creating sustainable shareholder value. ]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665804/business/stc-groups-nine-month-operating-profit-rises-41-to-sar-113-billion]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:05:30 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Tamimi Markets expands its “Tamimi Markets, Your Neighbor” concept with the opening of its second branch in Jeddah]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665802/business/tamimi-markets-expands-its-tamimi-markets-your-neighbor-concept-with-the-opening-of-its-second-branch-in-jeddah]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Tamimi Markets is expanding its neighborhood-focused retail concept, “Tamimi Markets, Your Neighbor,” with the opening of its second branch under this concept in the Obhur district of Jeddah. The new branch marks Tamimi Markets’ seventh store in Jeddah, further strengthening the company’s presence in the city and building on its commitment to serving customers across established retail locations and residential communities. Following the opening of the first “Your Neighbor” branch in Al Tahlia, Al Khobar, the new opening represents another step in bringing a more convenient, accessible, and community-centered shopping experience closer to customers across the Kingdom. Designed to meet the everyday needs of residential communities, “Tamimi Markets, Your Neighbor” introduces a modern neighborhood retail format that combines a carefully curated selection of grocery essentials, fresh products, and convenient food solutions in a welcoming and accessible environment. The concept reflects Tamimi Markets’ continued commitment to evolving alongside changing consumer lifestyles and retail expectations in Saudi Arabia. By bringing essential products and fresh food options closer to where people live, the format aims to simplify everyday shopping while maintaining the quality and service customers associate with Tamimi Markets. At the heart of the concept is Tamimi Markets’ commitment to quality, supported by direct sourcing from trusted regional producers in Saudi Arabia and international suppliers across markets including the United States, Europe, and Asia. This farm-to-shelf and factory-to-shelf approach reinforces the company’s focus on freshness, transparency, and quality throughout its supply chain. A key highlight of the in-store experience is the Food Space, offering meals prepared throughout the day. In the morning, customers can enjoy freshly baked croissants, bagels, chia, and overnight oats, along with freshly brewed coffee. For lunch and early dinner, the store features a salad, sushi, pizza, lasagna. In the evening, ready-to-go meal packs offer convenient take-home options. Additional offerings include freshly made nut butter prepared in-store, fresh orange juice made to order, and Cut Fruits, providing practical solutions for busy daily routines without compromising on quality. The new Obhur branch builds on the vision behind “Tamimi Markets, Your Neighbor”: creating a neighborhood destination that goes beyond traditional grocery shopping by bringing quality products, fresh food, and everyday convenience closer to customers.  Fawaz Al Tamimi, Board Member, commented:“The expansion of ‘Tamimi Markets, Your Neighbor’ into Jeddah reflects our continued commitment to serving families and communities across the Kingdom. Building on our heritage of quality and trust, we aim to introduce retail experiences that bring us closer to our customers and respond to the needs of their everyday lives.” Ian Kent, CEO of Tamimi Markets, added:“The opening of our second ‘Tamimi Markets, Your Neighbor’ branch is an important step in developing a retail format designed around the needs of modern neighborhoods. We remain focused on combining the quality our customers expect with greater convenience, accessibility, and fresh food solutions that fit naturally into their daily routines.” With the opening of the Obhur branch, Tamimi Markets continues to develop its neighborhood retail offering, bringing its established standards of quality and customer service into a format designed for convenient, everyday shopping.   ]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665802/business/tamimi-markets-expands-its-tamimi-markets-your-neighbor-concept-with-the-opening-of-its-second-branch-in-jeddah]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:03:02 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Saudi Awwal Bank signs MoU with PLAYBOOK to advance women’s entrepreneurship and financial innovation]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665801/saudi-arabia/saudi-awwal-bank-signs-mou-with-playbook-to-advance-womens-entrepreneurship-and-financial-innovation]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PLAYBOOK to advance collaboration in women’s entrepreneurship, knowledge sharing and financial services innovation. The MoU was signed on September 29 during the Women Shaping Wealth Summit in Riyadh, organized by PLAYBOOK in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Investment through Invest Saudi, with SAB participating as a Knowledge Partner. The summit brought together more than 3,000 investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders from across the region and around the world to discuss women’s growing role in business, investment and wealth creation. Areas of collaboration include exploring opportunities for joint initiatives, events and sessions to exchange insights and expertise on women’s entrepreneurship and equal opportunities. The collaboration also covers exchanging knowledge and best practices on emerging technologies in the financial sector, including digital payments and fintech services. Lama Ghazzaoui, Chief Financial Officer at SAB, said: “At SAB, we believe that investing in women’s potential is an investment in the future of the national economy. Through our collaboration with PLAYBOOK, we look forward to bringing together banking expertise, knowledge and professional networks to support women as business leaders, investors and wealth creators. In doing so, we aim to contribute to Saudi Vision 2030 by helping women turn their ambitions into growing businesses, investments that create value, and leadership that helps shape the future of the economy.” Wafa Al Obaidat, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PLAYBOOK, said: “The Women Shaping Wealth Summit was established to give women greater access to the knowledge, networks and opportunities that help shape their financial futures. Our MoU with SAB builds on this mission by connecting the PLAYBOOK community with one of the Kingdom’s leading financial institutions. Together, we will organize joint events and exchange knowledge and expertise on women’s leadership, digital payments, and the use of financial technology in wealth management and growth.” The MoU reinforces SAB’s commitment to supporting initiatives that foster business growth, expand investment opportunities and enable PLAYBOOK members to make more informed financial and investment decisions. The collaboration also reflects SAB’s broader efforts to support women’s participation and empowerment in business and investment.PLAYBOOK is a platform dedicated to helping women build and grow their wealth through learning, expanding their professional and investment networks, and accessing financial experts and opportunities. ]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665801/saudi-arabia/saudi-awwal-bank-signs-mou-with-playbook-to-advance-womens-entrepreneurship-and-financial-innovation]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:46:01 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[BAE Systems Saudi Arabia highlights its contribution to national industrial and technical capabilities at Military Industries Forum 2026]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665744/business/bae-systems-saudi-arabia-highlights-its-contribution-to-national-industrial-and-technical-capabilities-at-military-industries-forum-2026]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[As Gold Partner of the Military Industries Forum 2026, BAE Systems Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its role as a key partner in developing the Kingdom’s military industries sector. The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) organised the forum in Riyadh under the theme “Developing and Sustaining Investments in the Military Industries Sector”, bringing together senior government officials, military and security leaders, and representatives of companies across the sector. The forum provides a national platform for stakeholders across Saudi Arabia’s military industries ecosystem to highlight progress in localising military expenditure, supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s target of localising more than 50% of spending on military equipment and services. The event also recognised the winners of the Military Industries Localisation Excellence Award. BAE Systems Saudi Arabia’s Managing Director, Steve Clutton, delivered a presentation on the role of partnerships in building sustainable defence capabilities. He outlined the contribution to developing national industrial and technical capabilities and highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening investment, transferring knowledge and technology, developing Saudi talent, and advancing the localisation of military expenditure. During the forum, BAE Systems Arabian Industries received the Military Industries Localisation Excellence Award for its contribution to localising defence services and empowering Saudi talent. Commenting on the award, Steve Clutton, Managing Director of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia, said:“I congratulate our team at BAE Systems Arabian Industries on this well-deserved recognition, which reflects the dedication and commitment of our Saudi workforce. I would also like to extend my congratulations to His Excellency Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khorayef and the team at the General Authority for Military Industries on the results announced today, which demonstrate tangible progress towards the Kingdom’s localisation targets. Over six decades of partnership with Saudi Arabia, investing in Saudi talent and local industry has remained at the heart of our operations, and we will continue to build on this commitment.” The award also reflects our growing presence in the Kingdom. BAE Systems and its KSA partners employ approximately 7,000 people across 11 locations in Saudi Arabia, with Saudi nationals representing 80% of total workforce, including employees of BAE Systems Arabian Industries and International Systems Engineering (ISE). For six decades, BAE Systems partnership with the Saudi Armed Forces across aviation, defence, training and technical support has underpinned its presence in the Kingdom. The Company continue to work closely with the General Authority for Military Industries and its local partners to support Saudi Vision 2030 and contribute to the development of a robust, sustainable and nationally driven defence industry. ]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665744/business/bae-systems-saudi-arabia-highlights-its-contribution-to-national-industrial-and-technical-capabilities-at-military-industries-forum-2026]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:11:04 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Saudi Awwal Bank signs MoU with Sharakat to support Saudi graduates in privatization]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665743/business/saudi-awwal-bank-signs-mou-with-sharakat-to-support-saudi-graduates-in-privatization]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sharakat to support the Sharakah Training Programme, helping prepare Saudi graduates for careers in the privatization sector as part of the Bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. The collaboration aims to develop graduates’ professional and technical skills, strengthen their understanding of privatization and its requirements, and explore practical training and employment opportunities. Through the partnership, SAB will support a specialized programme designed to bridge academic knowledge with the practical requirements of public-private partnership projects. Commenting on the MoU, Faten Abalkhail, Chief Governance and Corporate Affairs Officer at SAB, said: “At SAB, we believe that equipping young people in the knowledge and skills they need is an investment in the future of the national economy. Supporting their transition from education to the workplace creates broader opportunities to build promising careers. Through our support for the Sharakah Training Programme, we aim to help graduates begin their careers with confidence, respond to the evolving needs of the labour market, and contribute to human capital development and the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.” SAB’s support for the programme reflects its commitment to community initiatives that contribute to developing qualified Saudi talent across key economic sectors. The collaboration is particularly relevant to privatisation projects in services and infrastructure, which require expertise across multiple disciplines and close collaboration between the public and private sectors.]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665743/business/saudi-awwal-bank-signs-mou-with-sharakat-to-support-saudi-graduates-in-privatization]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:09:36 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Saudi Arabia shines on global stage as Standard Arabia wins prestigious IPAF Training Centre of the Year Award at IAPA 2026]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665652/business/saudi-arabia-shines-on-global-stage-as-standard-arabia-wins-prestigious-ipaf-training-centre-of-the-year-award-at-iapa-2026]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[In a proud achievement for Saudi Arabia’s industrial training sector, Standard Arabia Training Institute, part of Standard Arabia Inspection Co. Ltd., has won the prestigious IPAF Training Centre of the Year award at the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPA) ceremony held in Istanbul, Türkiye.This international recognition places Standard Arabia among the industry's leading training providers, highlighting the Kingdom's growing capabilities in technical education, workforce competency and occupational safety.With more than 130 entries from over 84 countries participating in the IAPA Awards 2026, Standard Arabia emerged as the winner of the IPAF Training Centre of the Year category, marking a significant international achievement for Saudi Arabia.The award recognises the institute's outstanding performance in powered access training, its commitment to delivering internationally recognised safety training, and its leadership in organising Saudi Arabia's largest-ever Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) safety awareness initiative.Standard Arabia Inspection Co. Ltd. is a leading Saudi-based inspection, testing and certification company approved by SASO and HERC, while its training institute is approved by TVTC. Standard Arabia holds various international accreditations and recognitions, including LEEA, OSHA, IPAF, IADC, IQ-OHS and other professional bodies. The company is actively involved in major projects associated with Saudi Aramco, SABIC and other leading oil and gas, petrochemical, infrastructure and mega-project developments across Saudi Arabia, contributing to quality assurance, workforce competency and industrial safety.**media[2784053]**Representing Standard Arabia at the international awards ceremony were Mr. Monis Farhat Kapthi, Business Development Manager, and Mr. Bilal Mukhtar, Manager, Training and Safety Department, who have played important roles in advancing the institute's training capabilities and international recognition.This achievement reflects the visionary leadership and continued support of Mr. Ali Al Shammari, President, and Mr. Mohammed Imthiyaz Mulky, General Manager, alongside the valuable contributions of Mr. Fayaz Yousif, Operations Manager; Mr. Talal Al Yousuf, HR Manager; and Mr. Mohammed Sinan, Training Superintendent.Standard Arabia’s international recognition marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s industrial training sector. Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the achievement highlights the Kingdom’s growing excellence in technical training, workforce development and industrial safety, while reinforcing Standard Arabia’s commitment to international standards and safer workplaces.From Saudi Arabia to the world, Standard Arabia’s achievement stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s growing strength in technical excellence, safety leadership and international competitiveness.]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665652/business/saudi-arabia-shines-on-global-stage-as-standard-arabia-wins-prestigious-ipaf-training-centre-of-the-year-award-at-iapa-2026]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:47:20 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Saudi Awwal Bank reports SAR 6.6 billion net profit for the first nine months of 2026, up 3% year-on-year]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665622/business/saudi-awwal-bank-reports-sar-66-billion-net-profit-for-the-first-nine-months-of-2026-up-3-year-on-year]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Lubna S. Olayan, Chair of the Board of Directors of Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), announced today the Bank’s financial results for the nine months ended 30 September 2026.SAB recorded a net profit after Zakat and Income Tax of SAR 6,582 million for the period, representing an increase of 3% compared with the corresponding period in 2025. Total operating income increased by 1% year-on-year to SAR 11,116 million, while third-quarter revenue rose by 5% to SAR 3,841 million compared with the previous quarter, reflecting improved sequential momentum. Against a backdrop of evolving market dynamics and regional developments, SAB continued to deliver against its strategic priorities, maintaining balanced growth across its businesses.This performance was supported by disciplined capital deployment, prudent risk management and a continued focus on solid returns.Net loans and advances increased by 11% year-on-year to SAR 325 billion, broadly in line with the Bank’s plans and guidance. Lubna S. Olayan, Chair of the Board of Directors, commented: “Our performance over the first nine months of 2026 reflects the resilience of SAB’s diversified business model and the strength of our long-term strategy.We have continued to grow our business, deepen customer relationships and deliver solid returns while navigating an evolving external environment.Our commitment to responsible growth and sound financial management remains central to creating lasting value for our shareholders and supporting the Kingdom’s economic ambitions.”The Bank’s margin performance improved during the third quarter, supported by disciplined asset repricing and stable funding costs.Quarterly operating income and pre-provision profit also increased compared with the previous quarter, demonstrating positive sequential momentum and the Bank’s continued focus on operating performance. This led to SAB reporting a return on tangible equity of 14.2% for the first nine months of the year, almost double the levels of returns the bank generated at the start of its strategy in 2021.SAB’s trade business remained firm, underpinned by its strong corporate banking business and longstanding position in trade and cross-border banking.These capabilities continue to reinforce the Bank’s role in facilitating business activity and supporting the Kingdom’s growing international economic connectivity.Asset quality remained resilient, with credit costs increasing during the nine-month period, as a reflection of heightened pressures.SAB continued to apply its established prudent forward-looking approach to provisioning, considering the evolving regional environment, supported by disciplined risk management and a continued focus on balance sheet strength. Olayan added: “Our priorities remain clear: to pursue growth responsibly, deploy capital selectively and maintain a strong and resilient balance sheet.The improvement in margins and quarterly operating performance is encouraging and demonstrates the effectiveness of our strategic execution.We remain well positioned to respond to changing market conditions and pursue opportunities that support sustainable growth. During the third quarter, SAB continued to advance its customer proposition through strategic partnerships and targeted innovation.The Bank introduced the Kingdom’s first Qatar Airways Privilege Club co-branded credit card, launched a dedicated e-commerce credit card in partnership with noon, and enhanced international transfer capabilities through its collaboration with Swift.Together, these initiatives reflect SAB’s commitment to delivering differentiated banking experiences, strengthening its competitive position and responding to the evolving needs of its customers.SAB also continued to support its customers and employees amid the evolving operating environment, maintaining service continuity, prioritizing the wellbeing of its people and ensuring reliable access to banking services.Olayan concluded: “As we mark 100 years of banking heritage in the Kingdom, we remain firmly focused on the future and the role SAB will continue to play supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic development.On behalf of the Board, I extend my sincere appreciation to our customers for their continued trust and to our colleagues for their dedication and professionalism. We also thank the Saudi Central Bank, the Capital Market Authority and our strategic partner, HSBC, for their continued support.”]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665622/business/saudi-awwal-bank-reports-sar-66-billion-net-profit-for-the-first-nine-months-of-2026-up-3-year-on-year]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 17:42:21 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Why Saudi Arabia is the world’s exciting property market right now]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665612/business/why-saudi-arabia-is-the-worlds-exciting-property-market-right-now]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Every time I visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – as I have done many times over the last two decades – I come away more convinced than before that this is a market of outstanding opportunity. The pace of change is unlike anything I have seen in the other markets in which we operate, which includes the UK, Syria, Australia and the UAE. This is thanks to a government with a genuine long-term vision, a young population with rising aspirations, and a physical transformation of the built environment that is happening at breathtaking speed. That is why Arada – in the form of a new development company called Arada KSA, established in partnership with a well established Saudi lifestyle company, backed by a SAR50 billion land bank - has entered the Kingdom. Short-term concerns in any market may come and go, but for companies that take a long-term, strategic view, the business case for Saudi Arabia is irrefutable. That is why there are commercial opportunities for developers to come to the Kingdom. But Arada and our Saudi partners have bigger aspirations: not just to build houses but rather to develop thriving and vibrant communities.The structural opportunity for developers in the Kingdom is significant and well-documented. The gap between housing supply and demand remains one of the widest in the world: the government has set a target of 70% homeownership for Saudi nationals under Vision 2030 (a level that had already reached 66.24% in 2025, ahead of the target set for that year), yet more than 115,000 units need to be delivered annually just to keep pace with demand. Land opportunities around the Kingdom’s major cities are substantial, and a series of regulatory reforms are beginning to reshape the investment landscape in meaningful ways.The Government has played an important part in creating this opportunity but opening up the ability for foreign ownership to international investors for the first time in January 2026— a reform that took effect on 22 January 2026, opening defined routes for resident and non-resident individuals, companies and non-Saudi entities to own property under the approved rules. Similarly, the white land tax is creating additional incentives for landowners to activate sites rather than hold them idle, with annual charges reaching up to 10% of a plot’s value in the highest-priority areas for development. In addition, the growth of private real estate funds is providing flexible, structured funding mechanisms that did not exist even five years ago. Our view is that 2027 will be a major inflection point for the local property market, as the full effect of recent regulatory reforms begins to trickle through into actual sales and development activity.Indeed, the development of our own first project in the Kingdom — a SAR14 billion residential master plan in Riyadh’s Al Rimal district — is scheduled to begin as early as Q1 2027.Not everything is straightforward, however. Construction costs are currently high - as they are elsewhere around the world - but in Saudi Arabia this is compounded by the presence of giga projects that absorb significant quantities of both skilled labour and building materials, putting pressure on developer margins in ways that require careful planning. House prices in some parts of the country have risen far faster than incomes, which has suppressed transaction volumes in the near term. The first quarter of 2026 has seen a meaningful drop in sales activity, and any developer entering the market now must be conscious of this backdrop. But this is not the first time that external events have affected the housing market. Because Arada takes a long-term strategic approach to our investments, that is precisely why we believe this is exactly the right time to come to the Kingdom. While others may hesitate, we are willing to take this step forward. We also know, from the independent research we commissioned, that Saudi Arabia is seen as one of the most attractive international markets for global buyers, with 57% of investors surveyed citing the Kingdom’s easy property purchasing process, with strong potential returns and perception of safety and stability also referenced. The question is never whether to wait for the perfect moment - which rarely exists - but whether the market fundamentals are strong enough to support a long-term commitment. In Saudi Arabia, they unquestionably are.But what Saudi Arabia needs, above all else, is not more developers - it is the right kind of developer. There is a specific and growing requirement for large-scale master developers with a proven track record of delivery at scale, and in particular for those with the vertical integration required to create true communities rather than just collections of buildings. The ability to bring construction, hospitality, fitness, wellness, healthcare and retail together under one roof – in other words to create places that people genuinely want to live in, rather than units they merely occupy - is rare. And it is precisely this kind of developer that the Kingdom's housing ambitions require.Arada is one of the very few developers in the world that combines premium residential communities with its own hospitality brands, its own fitness network, its own healthcare facilities and its own construction capability. This is the result of a decade of deliberate investment in building an integrated ecosystem that supports the communities we create. That track record now spans a global pipeline valued at SAR189 billion across five markets, a portfolio of more than 70,000 homes, of which 17,500 homes have already been delivered, and shows the scale of experience we are now bringing to developments such as our first master plan in Riyadh.The fundamentals are compelling: a sizeable gap between supply and demand, significant land opportunities coming to market, a young and rapidly growing population, ambitious government targets, and authorities that are genuinely committed to getting behind the housing sector. Add to that the new foreign ownership framework, the private fund infrastructure and the decade-long pipeline of infrastructure investment, and Saudi Arabia presents, in my view, the most exciting prospect in the world for international developers right now. We are proud to be here, and we are here for the long term.]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[By Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Arada]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665612/business/why-saudi-arabia-is-the-worlds-exciting-property-market-right-now]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:40:19 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[OMODA &amp; JAECOO builds a new global intelligent green mobility ecosystem]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665610/business/omoda-jaecoo-builds-a-new-global-intelligent-green-mobility-ecosystem]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The 2026 OMODA&JAECOO International User Summit will grandly kick off from October 18 to 24 in Wuhu, China. OMODA & JAECOO will combine full-stack technology and industrial resources to present the global implementation results in artificial intelligence, intelligent vehicles, and new energy across the summit. R&D Spending Rises 28.3% Year-on-Year as OMODA & JAECOO Accelerates Smart Tech DeploymentUnderpinning OMODA & JAECOO’s advances in intelligent technology is a sustained drive in research and development. In the first half of 2026, OMODA & JAECOO's parent company’s R&D expenditure reached RMB 6.672 billion, up 28.3% year-on-year, with a clear focus on electrification platforms, advanced driver assistance systems, and intelligent cockpits. Following an expanded collaboration with Qualcomm on cockpit-driving integration in April, OMODA & JAECOO will further demonstrate its accelerated deployment of smart technologies at the Summit. Powered by deep automotive engineering data and advanced manufacturing systems, OMODA & JAECOO deeply integrates AI interaction and decision-making capabilities into intelligent driving, the intelligent cabin, and the intelligent chassis, creating voice and intelligent interaction experiences that better understand scenarios and needs for global users. At that time, the OMODA & JAECOO "Super Intelligent Experience Lab" will focus on two major technology systems: SIVP (Super Intelligent Valet Parking) and SIAS (Super Intelligent AI Space) and verify through real-world on-site testing that vehicles possess both the "action" to execute and the "EQ" to understand users. **media[2783132]** Ultra-Long-Range Performance Sets a Guinness World Records Title, Showcasing New Energy Technologies Designed to Address Range AnxietyDuring the Summit, OMODA & JAECOO’s latest new energy models — including OMODA 4 SHS-H, OMODA 5 NEXT and OMODA 7 SHS-H — will take on a rigorous marathon-style long-distance test, showcasing the endurance and performance of SHS technology and unlocking a freer, more exhilarating Super Vibe.A key highlight will be the OMODA 7 SHS-H, which will debut its new 5-kWh large-battery HEV technology globally, setting a new benchmark for HEV battery value and performance. OMODA & JAECOO Targets Zero-Carbon Factories, Accelerating a Green Ecosystem Across the Full Vehicle LifecycleBeyond technological advancements, OMODA & JAECOO is extending green technologies across the full vehicle lifecycle. Renewable energy currently accounts for 52.77% of electricity consumption across OMODA & JAECOO's parent company’s vehicle manufacturing facilities. OMODA & JAECOO's parent company currently operates 5 national-level green factories and 2 zero-carbon factories. In the field of low-carbon materials, OMODA & JAECOO’s industry-leading “100% recycled aluminum + heat treatment-free + integrated die casting” technology can reduce carbon emissions by 80% compared with primary aluminum. The low-carbon aluminum utilization rate of the JAECOO 7 SHS, a popular model in the European market, has reached approximately 75%. With the capacity to recycle and process 100,000 tons of scrap steel, 100,000 tons of scrap aluminum and 10,000 tons of waste plastics, OMODA & JAECOO is advancing low-carbon innovation across the full value chain through practical, measurable initiatives. OMODA & JAECOO invites users, media representatives and partners from around the world to gather in Wuhu, China, from October 18 to 24, 2026, to see cutting-edge technologies in real-world use. #OMODAJAECOO #InternationalUserSummit #InfinityNight #OMODA4 #SIVP #AIMOGO]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:06:18 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Arada kicks off Riyadh operations with SAR 50 billion land portfolio]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665587/business/arada-kicks-off-riyadh-operations-with-sar-50-billion-land-portfolio]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Arada, one of the world's fastest-growing master developers, has announced the establishment of Arada KSA, a new real estate development company that will be responsible for delivering large-scale communities across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The new entity has been founded in strategic partnership with XTOPIA, a community and lifestyle company developing integrated mixed-use destinations across the region. Mohammed AlDhabaan, Chairman of XTOPIA, has been appointed Chairman of Arada KSA, reflecting the significance of the local partnership at the heart of the new company's foundation. Arada KSA has access to a significant 10 million square metre land bank across Saudi Arabia with a collective value of SAR50 billion, spanning key strategic locations including Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah. The entry into Saudi Arabia is the latest step in Arada's rapid global expansion. The company now has a project pipeline valued at SAR189 billion ($50 billion) across five markets, with a portfolio of more than 70,000 homes spanning the United Kingdom, Syria, Australia, the UAE and — with this announcement — the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In total, Arada has completed 17,000 homes. Mohammed AlDhabaan, Chairman of Arada KSA, said: “The establishment of Arada KSA marks a significant step forward for the development of world-class communities in the Kingdom. Our land bank, which features key strategic locations across the Kingdom, positions Arada KSA as a platform with genuine national scale and reach. Saudi Arabia’s residential market has never offered more compelling long-term fundamentals, and the combination of Arada’s global track record in community building with XTOPIA’s deep local expertise creates a platform with real long-term potential for the Kingdom.” **media[2782722]** Arada KSA’s first project is a SAR14 billion residential master plan in the Al Rimal District of north-eastern Riyadh, which is one of the largest private real estate projects to be announced in the Saudi capital in recent years. Working in close partnership with the relevant government authorities, Arada KSA will develop a master plan for the site that is fully aligned with Saudi Arabia's housing vision and national development priorities. The development will be delivered on a plot of approximately 2.5 million square metres and will comprise an estimated 3,500 villas and townhouses surrounded by 100,000 trees, with world-class amenities including a school, retail, a community centre and sporting facilities. The Al Rimal project will be funded through a Capital Market Authority-regulated investment structure managed by a licensed financial company. Onsite construction and sales of the project are both scheduled to commence in 2027. The project supports the objectives of the Quality of Life Programme, one of the Vision 2030 realisation programmes, which aims to establish Saudi cities among the most liveable in the world. In Riyadh, that ambition is being advanced by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City through the Green Riyadh programme, which will plant 7.5 million trees across the capital and raise the per capita share of green space from 1.7 square metres to 28 square metres by 2030. Chairman Mohammed AlDhabaan’s quotesOn Arada KSA’s launch The Saudi Market & Long-Term Growth“Arada KSA was established to create a sustainable presence aligned with the significant growth and transformation of the Saudi real estate market. Urban expansion, changing resident needs, and higher expectations for community quality are shaping this market. We see an opportunity not just to increase housing supply, but to develop communities that provide lasting value to residents.” Global Expertise & Local Knowledge“Arada KSA’s strength comes from combining Arada’s proven record in developing integrated communities across various markets with XTOPIA’s deep understanding of Saudi society and its needs. This partnership allows us to apply global expertise while tailoring projects to local market realities and the Kingdom’s lifestyle.” ]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665587/business/arada-kicks-off-riyadh-operations-with-sar-50-billion-land-portfolio]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:34:32 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[ZOOD Real Estate launches Élevée in Riyadh&#039;s Al-Nakheel district, an eight-tower mixed-use community valued at more than SAR 2.5 billion]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665410/business/zood-real-estate-launches-elevee-in-riyadhs-al-nakheel-district-an-eight-tower-mixed-use-community-valued-at-more-than-sar-25-billion]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[ZOOD Real Estate today launched Élevée, an eight-tower mixed-use community in Riyadh's Al-Nakheel district with an investment value of more than SAR 2.5 billion, designed by the Spanish architecture firm Elia and developed in strategic partnership with Jadwa Investment. The project is due for completion at the end of 2029. The company marked the launch with a ceremony at Hittin Palace in Al-Nakheel on Monday evening, attended by leading figures from the business and real estate sectors. **media[2779925]** Eng. Yasser Al-Qazlan, Chief Executive Officer of ZOOD Real Estate, said the company does not want to build buildings only, but to create places where people feel at home, places that respect their privacy and give them comfort and belonging, and that bring together Saudi identity and a contemporary architectural language, adding, "That, to us, is what quality of life really means." "Élevée is the first clear expression of that philosophy," Al-Qazlan said, "through an integrated urban community in Al-Nakheel in Riyadh that brings homes, hospitality, offices, retail and green space into one connected experience, designed as a complete way of life rather than a conventional real estate project." Al-Qazlan thanked the project's strategic partner, Jadwa Investment, and Elia, which worked with ZOOD Real Estate to give the project the character of its setting. **media[2779926]** The eight towers comprise three residential towers, two hospitality towers housing a hotel and hotel apartments, and three office towers. Shops occupy two further standalone buildings, and open space and landscaping cover more than 40 per cent of the project, laid out as a central park, planted areas between the buildings, a rooftop garden and wide walkways. Amenities in the buildings include a nursery, a children's club, a business lounge, swimming pools, cafés, restaurants, a gym, a civil defence centre, and 24-hour reception and security. These vary from one building to another. The Northern Ring Road connects Élevée to the King Abdullah Financial District and King Khalid International Airport, and the surrounding part of Al-Nakheel has homes, offices, services and schools. "Élevée is, for us, the beginning of a wider journey," Al-Qazlan said. "Our ambition is for ZOOD to leave its mark on the place, and to create projects that preserve our identity, keep pace with people's aspirations and build value that lasts for years." **media[2779927]**]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 12:03:34 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[New Disney+ App officially launched in Saudi Arabia]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665237/business/new-disney-app-officially-launched-in-saudi-arabia]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Disney+ has officially launched the new Disney+ app in Saudi Arabia, bringing customers a more personalized viewing experience, exciting new features and enhanced parental controls, alongside a lifetime of great stories for every generation. Designed with the whole family in mind, the new experience gives parents greater confidence and control over how their families watch, while making it even easier to discover and enjoy the stories they love. And with even more entertainment coming Disney+, including the first-ever film from The Walt Disney Company to be dubbed in Saudi Arabic, Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5”, there’s plenty for families to discover together. At the heart of the enhanced family experience is the new Junior Mode, giving younger viewers their own dedicated Disney+ space. With an easy-to-navigate interface and content selected for kids, little ones can explore their favorite stories, while parents have greater peace of mind. Junior Mode is part of Disney+’s wider parental controls, including profile PIN protection, customizable content ratings and account notifications for profile changes. A new way to experience Disney+The new Disney+ app delivers a more intuitive and personalized streaming experience, featuring a dynamic homepage, simplified navigation and recommendations inspired by what customers enjoy watching and what’s popular in their country. The updated experience also makes it easier to discover the latest movies, series and originals, with support for up to 25 audio and subtitle languages, plus high-quality video and sound on supported devices. Customers can also take Disney+ with them when they travel, so they can continue to enjoy their favorite titles across supported markets in Europe, the United States and beyond. More stories to loveBeyond Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5”, the new Disney+ app brings together entertainment for every generation, from award-winning dramas and documentaries to comedy, family favorites and iconic animation. Fans can step back into the world of “The Kardashians” with Season 8, catch up with the doctors of “Grey’s Anatomy” in Season 23 or return to Springfield with “The Simpsons” Season 38. Marvel Television fans can look forward to the highly anticipated “VisionQuest”, while families can come together for Disney’s “Moana” Live Action later this autumn. There’s even more to discover from around the world, including Turkish hit “Halef” and an exciting line-up of Korean entertainment. “Merry Berry Love” is now available to stream, with the highly anticipated “The Remarried Empress” arriving on 4 November. Getting startedDisney+ customers will be prompted to download the new app and sign in using their existing account credentials. On-screen prompts will guide them through account confirmation and profile setup in a few easy steps. Disney+ is available from SAR 49.99 per month - with no hidden costs and the ability to cancel anytime. There's something for everyone to watch, with a lifetime of great stories and a constantly growing library of blockbuster movies, brand new originals and exclusive hit shows. From Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu, and FX, Disney+ spans everything from documentaries to critically acclaimed drama, comedy to classic animation, and general entertainment.  Customers can enjoy titles from the second season of International Emmy®️ and BAFTA®️ Award winning series, “Rivals”, the award-winning comedy series “Only Murders in the Building”, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ box office smash “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”. Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Junior Mode profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665237/business/new-disney-app-officially-launched-in-saudi-arabia]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 23:19:05 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[EVIQ, Hala Auto and DSV join forces to accelerate the electrification of Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665218/business/eviq-hala-auto-and-dsv-join-forces-to-accelerate-the-electrification-of-saudi-arabias-logistics-sector]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[EVIQ, Hala Auto and DSV are collaborating to support the adoption of electric mobility within Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector by establishing an integrated commercial ecosystem that brings together electric fleet solutions, dedicated charging infrastructure and fleet operations.The collaboration brings together the complementary capabilities of the three companies to address key requirements for logistics fleet electrification. Hala Auto will provide electric cargo vans and trucks aligned with DSV’s operational requirements, while EVIQ will develop dedicated charging infrastructure for DSV’s electric fleet and provide access to its charging network. DSV, in turn, will begin electrifying part of its fleet in Riyadh.Through this collaboration, EVIQ will support DSV with charging solutions designed around the operational requirements of its fleet, including the development of dedicated depot charging infrastructure exclusively for DSV’s electric vehicles. DSV’s fleet will also have access to the EVIQ charging network, providing additional charging options beyond its dedicated depot infrastructure.Hala Auto will contribute as the electric fleet provider, supplying electric cargo vans and trucks based on DSV’s requirements and supporting the deployment of suitable vehicles for logistics operations.For DSV, fleet electrification is expected to support a reduction in the total cost of ownership (TCO) by reducing reliance on fuel and lowering vehicle maintenance expenses. The transition will also contribute to reducing emissions from its fleet and supporting its sustainability objectives in line with the Kingdom’s broader environmental ambitions.The collaboration reflects the importance of an integrated approach to fleet electrification, where vehicle supply, charging infrastructure and fleet operations are developed together to create a commercially viable pathway for logistics companies transitioning to electric mobility.By combining EVIQ’s EV charging infrastructure and network, Hala Auto’s electric fleet solutions and DSV’s logistics operations, the partnership aims to demonstrate how coordinated private-sector collaboration can help accelerate EV adoption across the Kingdom’s logistics market.Mohammad Gazzaz, Chief Executive Officer at EVIQ, said:“The transition to electric fleets requires more the right charging infrastructure that is designed around how businesses operate. Our collaboration with Hala Auto and DSV brings together dedicated charging infrastructure, fleet solutions and logistics expertise to create a practical pathway for fleet electrification. We see this as an important step in supporting the growth of electrified logistics in Saudi Arabia.”Hala Auto CEO said:“At Hala Auto, we believe the transition to sustainable mobility must be practical, scalable and aligned with the real needs of businesses operating in Saudi Arabia. Our partnership with EVIQ and DSV brings together the key elements required to accelerate fleet electrification, the right electric vehicles, reliable charging infrastructure and integrated logistics expertise.This collaboration reflects Hala Auto’s commitment to supporting our customers in their transition towards more efficient and lower-emission fleet operations, while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability and Vision 2030 objectives. We are proud to be part of this journey and look forward to developing solutions that make electric commercial mobility a viable and scalable reality in the Kingdom.”Walid El Naameh, Director, Country Manager, Road, Saudi Arabia, DSV, said:“This partnership marks an important milestone in DSV's sustainability journey in Saudi Arabia. By combining electric vehicle technology, charging infrastructure and logistics expertise, we are building the foundation for lower-emission transport solutions that support both our customers' sustainability goals and our own commitment to reducing emissions. We look forward to working with EVIQ and Hala Auto to help accelerate the transition towards more sustainable logistics operations in the Kingdom.”The Three-Part EcosystemEVIQ | EV Infrastructure & Network●Provides charging solutions aligned with logistics fleet requirements.●Develops dedicated depot charging infrastructure for DSV’s electric fleet.●Provides DSV fleet access to the EVIQ charging network.Hala Auto | Electric Fleet Provider●Provides electric cargo vans and trucks based on DSV’s operational requirements.●Supports the deployment of electric vehicles suited to logistics operations.DSV | Fleet Operator●Will electrify part of its fleet in Riyadh.●Aims to reduce total cost of ownership through lower fuel and maintenance expenses.●Supports emissions reduction through the adoption of electric vehicles.This collaboration represents a step towards creating a ready-made commercial ecosystem for logistics fleet electrification, supporting the growth of electric mobility in Saudi Arabia and contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and sustainability ambitions.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 15:12:05 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[MEPRA to bring communications leaders together in Riyadh on Nov. 3]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665168/business/mepra-to-bring-communications-leaders-together-in-riyadh-on-nov-3]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) will convene the eighth edition of its KSA Leadership Majlis in Riyadh on Nov. 3, bringing together senior communications leaders and experts from government and business to discuss the profession’s growing role in Saudi Arabia’s transformation.Held under the theme “From Vision to Impact: How Strategic Communication is Shaping Saudi Arabia’s Transformation,” the event will focus on building trust, strengthening reputation and aligning communications with institutional priorities and measurable outcomes.The program will also examine artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, organizational resilience and the role of strategic communications in translating vision into impact.Three panel discussions will bring together senior figures from government agencies and the private sector to address communications as a driver of transformation, the impact of AI on trust and leadership, and how organizations can prepare for future change.MEPRA Vice Chairman Monther Tayeb said communications is undergoing a fundamental shift “from managing messages to creating impact, building trust and supporting better decision-making.”]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:52:23 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[From vision to execution: Disciplined growth, regional expansion and educational excellence]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665141/business/from-vision-to-execution-disciplined-growth-regional-expansion-and-educational-excellence]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Almasar Alshamil Education’s listing on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) in December last year marked a significant milestone in the company, entering a new phrase of growth, establishing a stronger foundation for expansion, transparency and accountability.As Saudi Arabia’s largest provider of Special Needs Education and Care (SEC) and the UAE’s leading private higher education provider, Almasar Education is now firmly positioned to deepen its impact and expand its presence across the region.This strategy is reflected across three interconnected areas: expanding Special Needs Education and Care services in Saudi Arabia, strengthening the higher education platform in the UAE, and exploring complementary strategic expansion opportunities that support long-term growth.Ten months on, demand across Almasar Education’s institutions continues to translate into strong financial and operational performance. In the first half of 2026, revenue increased by 22% YoY (year-on-year) while the number of students and beneficiaries grew by 21% YoY to 28,900, reflecting sustained demand across both specialist and higher education.This growth also reflects the transformational changes taking place across the region. Education is increasingly recognized as one of the Gulf’s most resilient long-term investment sectors, driven by population growth, greater private sector participation and government investment in developing human capability — a sector now central to long-term socio-economic development.Rather than treating its listing as the culmination of its growth journey, Almasar Education has used it as a platform for its next phase of expansion, continuing to invest in new institutions and broaden access to learning.Guided by Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Vision 2031, the company remains committed to investing in learners, institutions and innovation, and to developing future-ready talent.Expectations of education have also evolved. Academic achievement remains fundamental, but students are expected to graduate with practical skills, adaptability and the confidence to succeed in rapidly changing workplaces.This philosophy shapes every stage of Almasar Education’s academic offerings. Across its SEC network, children, young people and adults are supported with independence, daily living skills, social integration, and long-term development. Within higher education, programs are designed to align with regional and global workplace requirements, especially in high-growth sectors such as AI and technology, ensuring graduates are equipped with skills that remain relevant throughout their careers. Expanding specialist education across Saudi Arabia During the first half of 2026, Almasar Education launched two new SEC daycare centers and one school, further enhancing its robust network across the country and supporting the rising need for specialist care.With these additions, the company now operates 41 daycare centers, 15 schools and three clinics through the Human Development Company (HDC), supporting around 7,700 beneficiaries across the country. This expansion will continue over the coming years, with a strong pipeline of new daycare centers and schools currently under development.Committed to ensuring specialized education is more inclusive and accessible, Almasar Education is expanding its specialist education and care offering across the Kingdom, having secured a residential services offering license via the HDC in response to rising demand. Empowering the next generation through higher education In parallel, Almasar Education continues to strengthen its position as the leading private higher education provider in the UAE through two major institutions: Middlesex University Dubai, the largest private university in Dubai, and NEMA Holding, Abu Dhabi’s largest private tertiary education group, which operates Abu Dhabi University and LIWA University.All three universities recorded strong performance during the first half of 2026, supported by continued growth in international student enrollment. Together, Almasar Education’s higher education portfolio now serves more than 21,200 university students across the UAE, up 21% YoY.Middlesex University Dubai welcomed a record January intake for the current academic year, with new enrollments increasing by 16% YoY. At NEMA Holding, enrollment across Abu Dhabi University and LIWA University grew 24% YoY.This year has also seen important institutional achievements. Middlesex University Dubai received institutional licensure from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research together with CAA accreditation for all programs, launched the London Sports Institute, and expanded capacity in Dubai Media City.Abu Dhabi University advanced 43 places in QS World University Rankings 2027, and introduced 19 high-demand, multi-discipline programs to meet the requirements of a skills-based workplace. Meanwhile, LIWA University built on its strong momentum following the award of university accreditation status and expanded capacity through the newly launched Al Ain campus.Continuing to expand its footprint across the UAE, NEMA Holding signed a partnership with Epsom College (UK) to establish two K-12 campuses on existing land assets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, accommodating up to 5,000 students, representing the first phase of a broader collaboration. Ongoing strategic expansion projects In line with its strategy of expanding into complementary adjacent education segments, Almasar Education signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding in June to acquire a 60% stake in Al Qalam Educational Trading Company, a K-12 education provider with a growing presence in Saudi Arabia.The proposed acquisition remains subject to satisfactory due diligence, final agreement negotiations and requisite regulatory approvals.The company is also exploring geographical expansion of its existing businesses, including a potential launch of a university in Saudi Arabia in partnership with a UK-based university, subject to licensing eligibility and requirements. To that end, Almasar Education has signed a non-binding Heads of Terms agreement with Heriot-Watt University for the establishment of Heriot-Watt University Saudi Arabia, under which Almasar Education would act as financial and strategic partner while the University provides academic and institutional leadership. The agreement is non-binding and remains subject to definitive agreements and the requisite regulatory approvals.The next phase of Almasar Education’s journey is defined more by sustained impact than by scale, with a structured approach to growth focused on consolidating its leadership in its core markets of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.Looking ahead, Almasar Education will pursue further growth in specialized education, drawing on its regional expertise, and expand its higher education operations into Saudi Arabia.]]></description>
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        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665141/business/from-vision-to-execution-disciplined-growth-regional-expansion-and-educational-excellence]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:28:00 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[100 years of Saudi Awwal Bank, 100 accessible homes: Empowering people with mobility disabilities]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665138/business/100-years-of-saudi-awwal-bank-100-accessible-homes-empowering-people-with-mobility-disabilities]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced a SAR10 million contribution to a developmental housing initiative implemented by the Adult Disability Association (Harakia) and the Developmental Housing Foundation (Sakan). Over a three-year period, the initiative will support 100-low-income individuals with mobility impairments with 100 homes adapted to their needs. It forms part of SAB’s corporate social responsibility efforts to mark the bank’s centenary under the ‘SAB Gives Back’ campaign. The agreement was signed by Faten Abalkhail, Chief Governance and Corporate Affairs Officer at SAB, and Askar Alharthi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Harakia. The partnership reflects an integrated approach, bringing together the supporting organization, the implementing organization, and the beneficiary organization. The Developmental Housing Foundation (Sakan) will oversee delivery of the housing initiative in accordance with approved frameworks and guidelines, while Harakia will identify and select eligible individuals with physical disabilities and support them by completing the required procedures. Designed to create living environments tailored to the needs of people with mobility impairments, the programme will fund essential structural modifications, upgrade facilities in line with accessibility standards, and install key safety features. These improvements will help individuals to live more independently, carry out daily activities more easily, and participate more fully in society. Delivery will follow a structured process that includes reviewing beneficiary applications, assessing cases against approved eligibility criteria, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, approving funding, adapting existing homes or providing suitable housing units, and conducting follow up after implementation, and impact assessments. As part of the selection and implementation process, 100 social case assessments will be completed to identify eligible beneficiaries, alongside at least 196 field visits. Each home will also be equipped with essential accessibility features, including ramps, accessible bathrooms, safe internal pathways, and safety installations, creating a more suitable and secure living environment for beneficiaries and their families. Beyond the physical adaptations, the programme is expected to help beneficiaries become more self-reliant, strengthen their psychological and family well-being, and reduce health risks associated with inaccessible housing. It will also improve quality of life and advance social inclusion. Commenting on the initiative, Faten Abalkhail, Chief Governance and Corporate Affairs Officer at SAB, said: “Behind every accessible home is a new story of independence and an opportunity for families to live their daily lives with greater confidence and security. Through this partnership with the Adult Disability Association (Harakia), SAB is proud to support an initiative rooted in our belief that an accessible living environment does more than improve people’s daily lives; it also provides greater stability for their families, enables fuller participation in society, and reflects SAB’s commitment to practical solutions that create meaningful and lasting social impact.” Through this contribution, and in line with Saudi Vision 2030, SAB continues to direct its social investments towards programmes that respond to genuine community needs and deliver tangible benefits to beneficiaries. By strengthening partnerships with non-profit organisations, the Bank aims to expand the reach of its community programmes and contribute to improving quality of life across the Kingdom.About SAB: Saudi Awwal Bank is one of the largest banks in the Kingdom and traces its origins in Saudi Arabia to more than 90 years, during which time it has been an active partner supporting the Kingdom’s economic growth and social development. SAB is one of the leading corporate and institutional international banks in the Kingdom with a top Wealth & Personal Banking proposition. SAB is also a leader in Saudi Arabia and the region in trade finance, foreign exchange, equity and debt wholesale banking, digital service innovation, and ESG, paving the way for transformation and excellence. SAB offers integrated financial and banking services, including corporate banking, investment, private banking, and treasury. SAB paid-up capital is§20.5 billion, after the merger was completed with Alawwal Bank on 14th March 2021, when it was legally known as the Saudi British Bank (SABB). Saudi Awwal Bank is a licensed financial institution operating under the supervision of and regulated by the Saudi Central Bank, and a partner of the HSBC Group. ]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665138/business/100-years-of-saudi-awwal-bank-100-accessible-homes-empowering-people-with-mobility-disabilities]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:11:27 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Prevention at scale: How Saudi Arabia is advancing the future of pilgrim health]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665137/business/prevention-at-scale-how-saudi-arabia-is-advancing-the-future-of-pilgrim-health]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[For Muslims around the world, Hajj and Umrah represent journeys of profound personal and spiritual significance. For Saudi Arabia, welcoming those pilgrims also brings an important responsibility: protecting their health and wellbeing throughout that journey.As we mark World Meningitis Day, that responsibility takes on particular significance. Meningococcal disease presents a distinct public health challenge in mass gathering settings. It can progress rapidly with serious consequences, while its epidemiology can be dynamic and unpredictable. During pilgrimage, where close contact and population mixing occur at extraordinary scale, these factors make prevention particularly important, not only for individual pilgrims, but also for their families and wider communities in the Kingdom.As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 ambition to welcome 30 million pilgrims annually, there is a critical opportunity to ensure that health protection evolves alongside every other aspect of the pilgrim experience.Prevention as part of the pilgrim experienceProtecting health during mass gatherings requires a comprehensive approach, bringing together vaccination, disease surveillance, outbreak preparedness, risk communication and international coordination. Today, that approach is evolving further, with prevention becoming more firmly embedded within public health policy.The September 2026 update to Saudi Arabia’s National Immunization Schedule for Adults is a significant example of that progress. The schedule identifies Hajj and Umrah pilgrims among groups at increased risk of meningococcal ACWY disease, alongside residents of Makkah and Madinah, and particularly those working in the central areas of the Two Holy Mosques. For these high-risk groups, one dose of the quadrivalent meningococcal (MCV4) vaccine is recommended, followed by a booster every five years if the risk remains.The importance of this update goes beyond the recommendation itself. By clearly defining the groups at increased risk and the vaccination approach recommended for them, the updated schedule provides a stronger framework for prevention around Hajj and Umrah. It also reflects a broader evolution in pilgrim health: ensuring protection begins before people arrive at the Holy Sites and extends to the communities that welcome them across the Kingdom.From evidence to actionThe policy direction is clear, and the data demonstrates what prevention at scale could achieve. Recent evidence shows that cases of invasive meningococcal disease associated with Umrah travel have been identified across multiple regions, with secondary transmission documented among household contacts, including children who had not travelled themselves.Further, a recently published modelling study suggests that achieving high meningococcal vaccination coverage among Umrah pilgrims could reduce expected meningococcal meningitis cases across Saudi Arabia by more than 80% compared with no vaccination.The studies reinforce why a holistic view of the entire pilgrim ecosystem matters: vaccination among domestic pilgrims plays a particularly important role in reducing disease within the Kingdom.The priority now is turning that policy and evidence into impact. Effective implementation will be critical to ensuring that clear recommendations ultimately lead to greater protection for pilgrims and communities across the Kingdom.The Himaya pilgrim health initiative is an example of how this approach can work in practice. Developed through collaboration with health authorities in Saudi Arabia, the initiative works across the ecosystem to raise awareness of vaccine-preventable diseases and reinforce vaccination as part of pre-pilgrimage health preparation, to encourage pilgrims to consider their health and protection well before their journey begins.Setting the standard for the future of pilgrim healthAs Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 ambitions for Hajj and Umrah, the updated National Immunization Schedule signals how the Kingdom is truly creating a new standard for pilgrim health. It creates an opportunity to accelerate the journey from recommendation to awareness, and ultimately from action to greater protection.We are proud to contribute through Himaya and to work alongside Saudi Arabia and its partners towards a shared ambition for safer, healthier pilgrimage. The impact of prevention extends beyond the individual pilgrim. By strengthening protection for pilgrims living in Saudi Arabia, we can also help safeguard their families and the communities they return to, creating a wider public health impact across the Kingdom.]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[By Baptiste De Clarens, General Manager Vaccines, Greater Gulf, Sanofi]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665137/business/prevention-at-scale-how-saudi-arabia-is-advancing-the-future-of-pilgrim-health]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:32:03 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Al Watania Poultry marks three major milestones with industry recognition, a social responsibility award and strategic partnerships]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665135/business/al-watania-poultry-marks-three-major-milestones-with-industry-recognition-a-social-responsibility-award-and-strategic-partnerships]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Al Watania Poultry marked three major milestones during the Middle East Poultry Expo, with Sheikh Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al Rajhi receiving an excellence award in the poultry industry, the company receiving an excellence award for social responsibility and cooperative work, and the signing of two strategic agreements aimed at strengthening technical and operational capabilities.Al Rajhi’s recognition reflects a long-standing contribution to the development of Saudi Arabia’s poultry industry, including efforts to localize knowledge and build national capabilities.**media[2775975]**The company’s social responsibility recognition also highlights its broader institutional impact through localization, training, women’s empowerment and community development initiatives.The first strategic agreement, with Cobb-Vantress, focuses on developing breeder production and distribution, transferring technical expertise and localizing knowledge. The second, with targets energy efficiency and operational reliability.Together, these milestones reflect Al Watania Poultry’s continued role in strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s poultry sector and supporting the]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665135/business/al-watania-poultry-marks-three-major-milestones-with-industry-recognition-a-social-responsibility-award-and-strategic-partnerships]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:19:02 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Sumerge x HRSD at LEAP: Shaping more intelligent and inclusive digital services]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665087/business/sumerge-x-hrsd-at-leap-shaping-more-intelligent-and-inclusive-digital-services]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Building on its strategic partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) and their work together across several digital platforms, Sumerge sat down with Salman Al-Hamrani, Director of Business Needs and Development at HRSD, at LEAP technology conference to discuss the Ministry’s digital priorities, the growing role of AI in social development services, and what it takes to build technology around the people it serves. The conversation came as HRSD marked new milestones in its digital transformation journey at LEAP, from the launch of the Social Development Sector Platform to showcasing AI-powered and unified digital experiences. What are HRSD’s key strategic and technology priorities for the coming period?One of our main priorities is the Social Development Sector Platform, which was recently launched to bring the sector’s different platforms together under one unified platform. This continues our journey toward whole-of-government services and supports the Digital Government Authority’s platform consolidation initiative. Looking ahead, we aim to build on this foundation by introducing more AI capabilities and continuing to improve how beneficiaries access and experience our services. How do you see AI shaping HRSD’s platforms and services?AI has a direct role to play in improving the beneficiary journey. Within social development, we are looking to expand the use of AI across different scenarios to create a more seamless experience. This is especially important for groups that may require additional support. Instead of asking a person with a disability to navigate instructions and multiple steps, services can be accessed through a simple, interactive AI conversation. An elderly beneficiary could similarly engage with AI through voice. Our goal is to continue identifying practical AI use cases that put serving the beneficiary first. As HRSD moves from ambition to implementation, what do you expect from strategic technology partners such as Sumerge?We look for technology partners that understand the reality of the beneficiary before the technology itself. Understanding the question is part of finding the right answer. We serve groups that require care and direct support, so their digital journeys need to be as simple as possible. This requires partners that understand who we serve and can translate those needs into the right technology. HRSD has worked with several strategic partners over the years, including Sumerge, in supporting this journey. From Vision to ExperienceThe conversation reflected a clear direction for HRSD’s transformation, bringing services together, applying AI where it can meaningfully improve journeys, and keeping beneficiary needs at the center of technology decisions. That direction was visible throughout HRSD’s participation at LEAP, including a live demonstration of the AI-powered Inclusion and Empowerment Agent and the Unified Employee Application (Ma’ak). For Sumerge, this beneficiary-first approach closely reflects how it works with HRSD, starting with an understanding of the people using the service and the business needs behind it, then applying the right technology to bring that vision to life. As HRSD continues to advance its digital services, the partnership remains focused on translating ambitious transformation goals into experiences that deliver meaningful, lasting impact. Link to the website: sumerge.com ]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665087/business/sumerge-x-hrsd-at-leap-shaping-more-intelligent-and-inclusive-digital-services]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 13:46:43 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[The evolution of goat milk formula: Inside Kabrita&#039;s latest innovation]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665060/business/the-evolution-of-goat-milk-formula-inside-kabritas-latest-innovation]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[As understanding of early childhood nutrition continues to advance, infant formula is evolving alongside it. Today's parents are increasingly interested not only in what goes into a formula, but also in the science behind its development and how nutritional ingredients work together to support growing children.Reflecting this shift, Kabrita has introduced its most advanced goat milk formula yet, bringing together whole goat milk and a carefully selected combination of nutritional ingredients designed to support digestive comfort and healthy development. The updated formula represents the brand's latest step in formula innovation, combining the natural qualities of goat milk with advances in nutritional science.Rather than simply adding more ingredients, the latest formulation reflects a broader approach to infant nutrition, one focused on creating a balanced formula informed by emerging research into gut health and early development.What's New in Kabrita's Latest Formula?At the heart of the updated formula is the move from skimmed goat milk to whole goat milk, creating a natural nutritional foundation while maintaining Kabrita's A2 goat milk protein.The formulation also introduces six Human-identical Milk Oligosaccharides (HiMOs), inspired by oligosaccharides naturally found in human milk, alongside naturally occurring goat milk oligosaccharides. It is further complemented by prebiotic GOS and Probiotic BB-12®, ingredients selected to support a healthy gut microbiome as part of the overall nutritional profile.Together, these updates represent a significant evolution of Kabrita's advanced formula, reflecting how formula development continues to progress as scientific understanding expands. Why Gut Health Has Become a Focus Growing scientific interest in the gut microbiome has changed how researchers think about early-life nutrition. During infancy and early childhood, the digestive system continues to mature, making nutrition an important consideration throughout this stage of development.This has led to greater attention on nutritional approaches that consider how different ingredients work together rather than focusing on individual nutrients in isolation. As research continues to explore the relationship between nutrition, digestion and the gut microbiome, formula innovation has increasingly followed the same direction.Kabrita's advanced formula reflects this broader trend, bringing together carefully selected ingredients within one complete formulation designed to support little ones during important stages of growth. Meeting the Changing Expectations of Parents Today's parents have access to more nutritional information than ever before and are increasingly looking to understand the thinking behind formula development. Alongside safety and nutritional value, many want greater transparency around ingredient selection and the role each component plays within a complete formula.This growing awareness has encouraged manufacturers to invest not only in scientific research, but also in developing formulas that reflect the latest nutritional understanding.Kabrita's latest innovation is an example of this continued evolution. By combining whole goat milk with ingredients selected to support digestive comfort and a healthy gut microbiome, the advanced formula reflects a more considered approach to infant nutrition, one that brings together nature and science within a single formula. Looking Ahead As nutritional science continues to evolve, formula development is expected to move beyond individual ingredients towards more integrated nutritional approaches that consider how components work together during the early years of life.Kabrita's newest goat milk formula reflects the brand's latest step in that journey. By combining whole goat milk with advances in nutritional science, the updated recipe demonstrates how innovation continues to shape the future of early nutrition for parents who choose formula feeding.Parents who choose formula feeding and would like to learn more about Kabrita's latest formula and nutritional approach can visit the Kabrita website.Disclaimer:Breastfeeding is the best for your baby.]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/665060/business/the-evolution-of-goat-milk-formula-inside-kabritas-latest-innovation]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 15:44:46 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Disney+ celebrates a new entertainment experience for the region in Riyadh]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664992/business/disney-celebrates-a-new-entertainment-experience-for-the-region-in-riyadh]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Disney+ celebrated the start of a new chapter in Riyadh with a milestone event, bringing together leading Saudi and international talent, creators, media and industry partners to unveil what’s next for Disney+ across the region. Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5” Marks a New Chapter for Storytelling in Saudi ArabiaAmong the evening’s biggest announcements was a landmark first for Saudi audiences, as Disney+ revealed that global smash-hit movie, Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 5” will stream exclusively on Disney+ in the Saudi dialect on 6 October, marking the first-ever film from The Walt Disney Company to be dubbed in Saudi Arabic. The Saudi adaptation brings together leading Saudi actors, comedians and content creators to lend their voices to some of the franchise’s most beloved characters. **media[2773556]** The Saudi Arabic voice cast is set to include Ibraheem Khairallah (Buzz Lightyear), Sohaib Qudus (Woody), Reem Alhabib (Jessie) Malik Nejer (Smarty Pants), Aseel Seraj (Lilypad), Yaser Al Saqaf (Atlas) Aseel Morya (Snappy), Mohammad Al Qass (Mr. Prickle Pants), Abdullah Rafeaa (Forky), Shahad Al Ahmari (Bo Peep), Rahaf Al Zaidi (Trixie), and Fares Al Yahya (Duckie). The cast will also feature familiar faces from across the Kingdom’s creator community, including Mohammed Salem, Khawlah Al Saif, Yasmeen Al Shafei, Abdulaziz Khuja, Hadi Al Khodari, Dr. Adel Radwan, Abdulaziz Al Dulaijan and Mohammed Shamsi.Developed with close attention to language, humor and cultural context, the Saudi version has been created to encapsulate the spirit of the original film while making its dialogue feel authentic and familiar to Saudi audiences. More global stories coming to Disney+The evening brought some of Disney+’s most exciting global stories to the forefront, with a look at what’s coming next from Türkiye, Korea, and beyond. **media[2773557]** Turkish entertainment had a strong presence, reflecting its continued popularity with audiences across the region. Stars of the popular drama “Halef”, İlhan Şen and Biran Damla Yılmaz, joined the evening to reveal that the series will return for a second season, following the success of its first. Korean stars also joined the evening virtually, with Lee Se-young sharing a special message ahead of the arrival of “The Remarried Empress” on Disney+ 4 November. Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, Woo Do-hwan and Seo Eun-soo also connected with fans across the region as “Made in Korea” returns for its second season. The excitement continued with a look at some of Disney+’s biggest upcoming releases, with something for everyone in the family. From Disney’s “Moana” live-action to the upcoming Season 23 of fan-favorite “Grey’s Anatomy”. Guests were also treated to a preview of the highly anticipated new Marvel Television series “VisionQuest”. **media[2773560]** “Tonight is about the next chapter for Disney+ in the region and our continued ambition to bring audiences closer to the stories they love,” said Tamim Fares, Director of Disney+ in the Middle East and North Africa. “Our approach starts with understanding what audiences here want: the familiarity of Disney and the brands they’ve known for generations, alongside an experience that reflects how they live, travel and watch. “That means building on the Disney+ experience with more ways to personalize how customers watch, while giving families even greater choice and control over their viewing, and continuing to bring audiences more of the stories they love. Creating a trusted viewing experience that is designed for families has always been at the heart of Disney, and that remains a priority as we continue to evolve Disney+. It also means finding new ways to make those stories feel closer to home, whether that’s bringing beloved characters to life through Saudi voices and language, or giving audiences access to more great entertainment from around the world.” “As we continue to grow our lifetime of great stories, we want Disney+ to be a place where audiences can always find something they love, discover something new and enjoy it in a way that works for them.” A Disney+ experience made for the whole familyDisney+ also unveiled a new app launching across MENA from the evening of 6 October, offering new features and updates designed to enhance the viewing experience, while still bringing together entertainment for every generation, from award-winning dramas and documentaries to comedy, family favorites and iconic animation. led: **media[2773555]** Among the updates, customers will be able to stream on-the-go across the Middle East, Europe, the United States and beyond, while the new experience will also become increasingly personalized over time, adapting content recommendations based on individual viewing preferences. Enhanced parental controls and Junior Mode, known in Arabic as عالم الصغار, will also offer a dedicated space with curated content for younger viewers, giving parents greater control and added peace of mind over what their families watch. Disney+ is available from SAR 49.99 per month - with no hidden costs and the ability to cancel anytime. There's something for everyone to watch, with a lifetime of great stories and a constantly growing library of blockbuster movies, brand new originals and exclusive hit shows, alongside live sports throughout the year. **media[2773558]** From Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, Hulu, FX and ESPN, Disney+ spans everything from documentaries to critically acclaimed drama, comedy to classic animation, and general entertainment.  Customers can enjoy titles from the second season of International Emmy®️ and BAFTA®️ Award winning series, “Rivals”, the award-winning comedy series “Only Murders in the Building”, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ box office smash “Zootropolis 2” and 20th Century Studios’ “Send Help”. Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Junior Mode profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664992/business/disney-celebrates-a-new-entertainment-experience-for-the-region-in-riyadh]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:45:51 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Almajdiah successfully closes Phase 1 sales for Meshraf Almajdiah project, exceeding SAR 231 million]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664969/business/almajdiah-successfully-closes-phase-1-sales-for-meshraf-almajdiah-project-exceeding-sar-231-million]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Dar AlMajed Real Estate (Almajdiah) has officially announced the complete sell-out of Phase 1 for its strategic residential project, Meshraf Almajdiah, in Madinah. The total sales value reached SAR 231,466,000, encompassing 304 residential units acquired entirely by non-Saudi investors. This milestone underscores the growing appeal of the Saudi real estate market and its capacity to attract foreign capital to key strategic destinations. This direct sales achievement is the result of Almajdiah’s proactive international outreach to foreign investors, highlighted by its successful participation in the Saudi Luxury Real Estate Show (SLRE) held late last August in London. This influx of foreign capital aligns with supportive government initiatives, following the Council of Ministers' approval of regulations permitting non-Saudi real estate ownership within designated zones. Meshraf Almajdiah caters to the surging demand for premium urban developments in Madinah, driven by the city's unique spiritual significance and economic prominence. The project sets an advanced benchmark in the real estate development sector, featuring sophisticated architectural and environmental designs that create a sustainable living environment. By seamlessly blending cultural authenticity with modern amenities, the development meets the evolving expectations of both residents and investors. Abdulsalam Almajed, Managing Director and Acting CEO of Almajdiah, commented: "The complete sell-out of Phase 1 at Meshraf Almajdiah to non-Saudi investors reflects the deepening confidence in the Saudi real estate landscape and highlights the unique investment appeal of Madinah. Driven by our vision to craft an 'inspiring life,' Almajdiah is firmly committed to advancing the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by attracting high-quality investments and delivering innovative real estate products that elevate the quality of life." Almajdiah boasts an expansive and diverse real estate portfolio featuring properties available for foreign ownership. In addition to Meshraf Almajdiah in Madinah, this includes the Makana Tower and Riyadh Gate projects in the capital, Riyadh. The company is also active in Makkah through its involvement in the Masar Destination and as part of the development consortium for the Eastern Hindawiyah project. This robust portfolio underscores Almajdiah's commitment to expanding its investment footprint and delivering premium residential options that support the region's broader quality of life targets. ]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664969/business/almajdiah-successfully-closes-phase-1-sales-for-meshraf-almajdiah-project-exceeding-sar-231-million]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 17:35:32 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Saudi Awwal Bank collaborates with Swift to enhance transparency in cross-border payments]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664966/business/saudi-awwal-bank-collaborates-with-swift-to-enhance-transparency-in-cross-border-payments]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced that Swift’s new retail payments system is now available to its customers, providing greater transparency and visibility across international transfers. This step also helps address one of the key challenges in international transfers by delivering a more consistent experience across destinations, despite differences in processing practices and banking requirements across markets. Bandar Al-Gheshayan, Chief Wealth and Personal Banking Officer at SAB, said: “Our customers’ needs and expectations of banking services continue to evolve, particularly when it comes to international transfers, where transparency, speed, and the ability to track payments have become essential elements of the customer experience. Through our collaboration with Swift, we continue to develop banking solutions that respond to these expectations and provide our customers with a more efficient and seamless experience. This collaboration also reflects our role in supporting the continued development of the banking sector and contributing to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by supporting a more advanced and innovative financial ecosystem.”The solution operates across the Swift network under a consistent set of standards for international payments, helping streamline transfer processing and provide customers with greater visibility throughout the transaction.Swift’s infrastructure also supports faster payment processing, including the potential for instant transfers in markets where local payment systems support this capability.The collaboration builds on SAB’s ongoing efforts to advance its international payment capabilities and adopt leading global solutions that enhance the banking services offered to its customers. About SAB: Saudi Awwal Bank is one of the largest banks in the Kingdom and traces its origins in Saudi Arabia to more than 90 years, during which time it has been an active partner supporting the Kingdom’s economic growth and social development. SAB is one of the leading corporate and institutional international banks in the Kingdom with a top Wealth & Personal Banking proposition. SAB is also a leader in Saudi Arabia and the region in trade finance, foreign exchange, equity and debt wholesale banking, digital service innovation, and ESG, paving the way for transformation and excellence.SAB offers integrated financial and banking services, including corporate banking, investment, private banking, and treasury.SAB paid-up capital is SAR20.5 billion, after the merger was completed with Alawwal Bank on 14th March 2021, when it was legally known as the Saudi British Bank (SABB). Saudi Awwal Bank is a licensed financial institution operating under the supervision of and regulated by the Saudi Central Bank, and a partner of the HSBC Group. ]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664966/business/saudi-awwal-bank-collaborates-with-swift-to-enhance-transparency-in-cross-border-payments]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 16:02:21 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Bayt Al Maqam expands international real estate cooperation in Makkah]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664959/business/bayt-al-maqam-expands-international-real-estate-cooperation-in-makkah]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Emrina A.Ş., a Türkiye-based real estate development company, is expanding its activities in Saudi Arabia under the Bayt Al Maqam brand, with a focus on next-generation residential and real estate projects in Makkah.Bayt Al Maqam aims to establish an institutional bridge between local developers in Saudi Arabia and Muslim buyers in Türkiye and other international markets.The company plans to focus particularly on the international promotion, sales organization, and business development of projects located in Makkah’s rapidly developing residential and urban transformation areas.As part of this strategy, Bayt Al Maqam has opened a dedicated sales, marketing, and promotion office in a strategic location in Ankara, focused exclusively on the promotion and marketing of real estate projects in Saudi Arabia, with particular emphasis on Makkah.The new office is intended to serve as a regional hub for directly representing Saudi developers and their projects in the Turkish market, meeting prospective buyers, presenting projects, and managing international marketing activities.Among the projects and development zones currently highlighted in the company’s business development activities are Masar Destination, Thakher Makkah, Almanar, and the Makkah Gate area.One of Bayt Al Maqam’s key areas of focus is the planned Makkah Gate Residence project, located along one of Makkah’s emerging development corridors. The project is expected to offer residential units of different sizes, including more compact housing options designed specifically to meet the needs of international buyers.Emrah İnanç, Chairman of Emrina A.Ş., said that Saudi Arabia’s large-scale urban development and real estate investments in recent years have significantly increased interest from international buyers and investors.“Makkah is not only one of the most important religious centers in the world, but also a unique market undergoing a major urban transformation. Through Bayt Al Maqam, our objective is to bring strong and reliable Saudi developers together with international Muslim buyers within a long-term, transparent, and professional framework,” İnanç said.Commenting on the newly opened Ankara office, İnanç added that Bayt Al Maqam aims to represent Saudi Arabian projects in Türkiye not only through digital channels, but also through a physical and institutional platform that enables direct engagement with potential buyers and business partners.While Türkiye stands out as an important market within Bayt Al Maqam’s strategy, the company also plans to leverage its existing commercial connections in China and other countries to support the international promotion of Saudi real estate projects in the coming period.In addition to its traditional real estate sales model, the company is also working on digital real estate technologies. Within this scope, Bayt Al Maqam plans to develop digital systems designed to support property ownership and investment processes in line with the requirements of the relevant regulations and regulatory authorities in Saudi Arabia.In the coming period, Bayt Al Maqam aims not only to expand its project portfolio in Makkah, but also, with the support of its Ankara sales and marketing center, to strengthen its sales, marketing, and promotion network in order to help Saudi developers reach buyers in Türkiye and other international markets.The company’s long-term vision is to establish a trusted platform for international Muslims seeking to acquire real estate in Makkah, while also creating a sustainable partnership model that provides Saudi developers with access to new international markets.For more information:https://baytalmaqam.com/info@baytalmaqam.comemrah@emrina.com]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664959/business/bayt-al-maqam-expands-international-real-estate-cooperation-in-makkah]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:05:03 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital – Jeddah ranks among world’s best in five specialties, leads Saudi private hospitals in four]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664914/business/dr-soliman-fakeeh-hospital-jeddah-ranks-among-worlds-best-in-five-specialties-leads-saudi-private-hospitals-in-four]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital – Jeddah has further strengthened its global presence in specialized healthcare, with five of its medical specialties included for the first time in Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2027 ranking, published in collaboration with Statista.The official results placed Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital – Jeddah first among Saudi hospitals across both the public and private sectors in three specialties: Nephrology, Gastroenterology, and Pulmonology. The hospital also ranked first among private hospitals and second among all hospitals in Saudi Arabia in Urology.The five specialties were ranked globally and nationally as follows:1. Nephrology: 50th globally out of 100 hospitals, and 1st among hospitals in Saudi Arabia across the public and private sectors.2. Gastroenterology: 99th globally out of 175 hospitals, and 1st among hospitals in Saudi Arabia across the public and private sectors.3. Pulmonology: 129th globally out of 150 hospitals, and 1st among hospitals in Saudi Arabia across the public and private sectors.4. Urology: 123rd globally out of 125 hospitals, 1st among private hospitals in Saudi Arabia, and 2nd among all hospitals in the Kingdom.5. Oncology: 291st globally out of 300 hospitals.This recognition across five medical specialties reflects the continued advancement of Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital – Jeddah’s capabilities in delivering advanced specialized care, supported by highly qualified medical professionals, modern technologies, and clinical practices centered on quality, patient safety, and improved health outcomes.Dr. Mazen Fakeeh, President of Fakeeh Care Group, said: “The inclusion of five specialties at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital – Jeddah among the world’s best, with three of them ranking first among Saudi hospitals, reflects the continued advancement of our clinical and specialized capabilities. It also recognizes the efforts of our medical teams in delivering care centered on quality and outcomes that matter to patients.We continue to invest in medical talent, advanced technologies, and the development of care models and clinical practices, contributing to the advancement of specialized healthcare and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global healthcare map.”This achievement builds on Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital – Jeddah’s growing presence across international healthcare rankings and benchmarks. The hospital was included among the World’s Best 250 Hospitals for 2026 and has maintained its position as the best private hospital in Saudi Arabia for five consecutive years, according to Newsweek rankings.The hospital was also included among the Best Specialized Hospitals in the Middle East for 2026 across five medical specialties: Cardiology, Oncology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, and Neurology.Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital – Jeddah has further strengthened its specialized care capabilities by achieving 14 Centers of Excellence accreditations from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), setting a global record for the highest number of accredited Centers of Excellence within a single hospital.At the national level, the hospital has continued to achieve significant milestones in quality, patient safety, and institutional excellence. The Council of Health Insurance classified Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital – Jeddah as a “Market Leader” under the Daman Classification Program, after achieving a score of 110%. The hospital was also ranked among the top 10 healthcare providers in the program during the first half of 2025.The hospital also achieved the Gold Level in Patient Safety Standards from the Saudi Patient Safety Center during the first cycle of the program, making it the first and only hospital in the Kingdom to achieve this level during that cycle. This recognition reinforces the hospital’s commitment to implementing patient safety standards and advancing quality and continuous improvement practices.The Newsweek World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2027 ranking reaffirms Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital – Jeddah’s continued commitment to advancing its specialized services, strengthening its clinical capabilities, and investing in medical expertise and modern technologies. These efforts support the delivery of advanced healthcare in line with international best practices and standards, while contributing to the growing global presence of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector.]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664914/business/dr-soliman-fakeeh-hospital-jeddah-ranks-among-worlds-best-in-five-specialties-leads-saudi-private-hospitals-in-four]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2026 19:04:55 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[From barrels to tokens: Why the next economy will be measured in intelligence]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664818/business/from-barrels-to-tokens-why-the-next-economy-will-be-measured-in-intelligence]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The last century rewarded nations that produced energy. The next will reward those that produce intelligence.For decades, barrels of oil were more than a commodity. They represented economic output, industrial capacity and national competitiveness. They fueled factories, transportation and global growth.Today, a new economic output is emerging: tokens.Every interaction with an AI model, whether answering a question, generating code, accelerating scientific research or enabling autonomous systems, is measured in tokens. They are the building blocks of AI and the units through which intelligence is created and delivered.Just as barrels fueled the industrial economy, tokens will increasingly fuel the intelligence economy.This is not about replacing energy. Quite the opposite. Intelligence depends on energy. But as AI becomes embedded across every sector, the ability to transform energy, computing and data into useful intelligence will become a defining measure of economic competitiveness.Saudi Arabia enters this era from a position of strength.The Kingdom understands better than most nations that long-term prosperity is built not simply by owning strategic resources, but by investing in the infrastructure, expertise and ecosystems needed to transform those resources into lasting economic value.That same principle now applies to AI.The economic opportunity is already significant. PwC estimates artificial intelligence could contribute more than US$135 billion to Saudi Arabia's economy by 2030, equivalent to 12.4% of GDP, while contributing approximately US$320 billion across the Middle East.Capturing that opportunity will depend on more than deploying AI applications. It will require producing intelligence at scale.While training remains essential to advancing AI models, the next phase of AI adoption will increasingly be defined by inference, the large-scale deployment of those models across enterprises, industries and everyday applications.AI advances through a continuous cycle of training and inference. As models become more capable, they are deployed to generate answers, recommendations, predictions and actions, while their outputs, usage patterns and feedback help inform the next generation of models. As AI adoption accelerates, inference is becoming the dominant driver of AI compute demand, occurring continuously across millions of users and applications every second.Training creates capability.Inference creates value.Every inference generates tokens. Demand for tokens has been growing rapidly alongside the adoption of generative AI. The rise of AI agents will accelerate this trend further, as autonomous systems perform multi-step reasoning, planning and execution, generating significantly more inference requests across business operations, scientific discovery, public services and industrial processes.The countries that succeed will not simply be those with the largest AI infrastructure. They will be those capable of producing the greatest amount of useful intelligence efficiently, sustainably and at scale.Saudi Arabia is already building many of the foundations required for that future.National AI initiatives are expanding computing capacity. STC is helping organisations access cloud, AI and data services across the Kingdom. Research institutions such as King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) continue advancing AI-enabled scientific research in fields ranging from energy to environmental science. Together, these efforts are strengthening the ecosystem needed to transform infrastructure into innovation and innovation into economic growth.Energy will remain central to this transformation.The International Energy Agency projects that global electricity demand from data centres could more than double by 2030, driven largely by AI. As intelligence becomes a strategic resource, producing it efficiently will become as important as producing it at scale.Performance per watt is therefore no longer simply an engineering metric. It is becoming an economic one.More efficient AI infrastructure enables more intelligence to be generated using the same amount of energy, lowering costs, and extending access to AI across more industries.This is where Saudi Arabia's experience matters.For decades, the Kingdom demonstrated how strategic investment, engineering excellence and long-term planning could transform energy into economic growth. The intelligence economy will demand the same disciplines.The countries that lead will not necessarily be those with the most data, the largest models or the greatest computing capacity. They will be those that build complete ecosystems capable of transforming infrastructure into intelligence and intelligence into productivity.Oil powered the industrial economy. Tokens will power the intelligence economy.Saudi Arabia helped define one era of global growth. It now has the opportunity to help define the next.References1. PwC – The Potential Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Middle EastAI could contribute US$135.2 billion to Saudi Arabia (12.4% of GDP) and US$320 billion across the Middle East by 2030.https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/publications/potential-impact-artificial-intelligence-middle-east.html2. International Energy Agency – Energy and AIData-centre electricity demand is projected to more than double by 2030, with AI as the largest driver.https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai3. STC GroupOverview of STC's cloud, AI and digital infrastructure capabilities.https://www.stc.com.sa/content/stcgroupwebsite/sa/en/who-we-are/group-subsidiaries.html4. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)High-performance computing and AI research.https://cs.kaust.edu.sa/research-areas/high-performance-computing-and-big-data ]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[By Marc Domenech, Vice President Enterprise, Middle East, Türkiye, Africa and South Europe, NVIDIA]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664818/business/from-barrels-to-tokens-why-the-next-economy-will-be-measured-in-intelligence]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 18:34:11 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Starbucks celebrates this Saudi National Day with a limited-edition cup and artistic journey through heritage]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664814/business/starbucks-celebrates-this-saudi-national-day-with-a-limited-edition-cup-and-artistic-journey-through-heritage]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[This Saudi National Day celebration, Starbucks, operated in the region by Alshaya Group, proudly unveils a special limited-edition paper cup, intricately designed to showcase the beauty of Saudi heritage, architecture, iconic patterns of Sadu, and the Kingdom’s diverse nature and wildlife. Each element of the cup celebrates the rich cultural tapestry of Saudi Arabia.To tell the story behind the design, Starbucks invited a diverse group of Saudi artists to embark on immersive journeys across the Kingdom, exploring the places and traditions that inspire the unique illustrations featured on the National Day cup. This creative exploration is documented in an engaging social content series, highlighting how Saudi heritage continues to shape contemporary creativity.Among the talented artists is Moath Alofi, a renowned contemporary photographer who captures the essence of the Kingdom's natural beauty and its intrinsic connection to cultural identity.**media[2770380]**Reflecting on National Day, he shares, “Saudi National Day is a profound opportunity to reflect on our heritage and the natural beauty that embodies our culture. Through visual storytelling, I hope to convey the connection between our landscapes and our identity as Saudis.”Noura Binsaidan, a mural artist, collaborated with expert artisan Lahda Alanzi at The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) to learn the craft and rich narratives behind Sadu. Noura gained deep insights into fundamental techniques - from spinning, plying, and dyeing raw materials to intricate weaving and authentic motif design. The experience highlighted Sadu not only as a preserved heritage craft, but as a bridge to functional product development and modern artistic expression. Expressing her excitement, Noura states, “For me, National Day is about honouring our traditions and embracing the future. Sadu weaving tells so many stories of our past, and I’m thrilled to share this journey of exploration and creativity.”**media[2770381]**The talented artist Heba Ismail delved into the intricate craftsmanship and unique details of Najdi architecture, weaving a modern interpretation of this rich cultural legacy. She notes, “Exploring Najdi architecture has been a journey of discovery. On this National Day, I want to celebrate not just our structures but the stories within them. It’s a chance for us to honour our roots while pushing the boundaries of creativity.”Each artist will transform their experiences and findings into original artwork, completing the narrative loop from the symbol on the cup to a contemporary reinterpretation of the stories behind it. The original artwork will be on display later in the year, and we invite everyone to follow Starbucks on Instagram for updates on this exciting exhibition.This campaign encapsulates the celebration of Saudi heritage while serving as a launchpad for a new generation of creatives continuing to carry these stories forward. Join us this Saudi National Day as we honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future together with Starbucks.]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:12:08 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Beyond the Mini LED label: What should define good Mini LED performance?]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664813/business/beyond-the-mini-led-label-what-should-define-good-mini-led-performance]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The presence of Mini LED tells a shopper something important about the light source behind an LCD panel. It does not, by itself, explain how that light is arranged, divided or controlled. Those implementation choices can have a major influence on contrast, black level performance, highlight control and the visibility of blooming in difficult scenes.From presence to performanceThat distinction matters because a category becomes more useful to consumers when it can be evaluated through clear performance principles rather than through a technology name alone. For Mini LED, three factors provide a practical starting point.The first is hardware local dimming. In a hardware based system, physical groups of LEDs can be brightened, dimmed or switched off independently across different areas of the screen. This gives the television more direct control over how light is distributed within a single image.**media[2770375]**The second is local dimming zone count and precision. A higher number of independently controlled zones can allow the backlight to respond in smaller areas, which can improve separation between bright highlights and surrounding dark regions when other major conditions are comparable. The number itself is not the whole story, but it is a useful indicator of how granular the backlight system can be.The third is backlight architecture. Full Array Local Dimming places controllable zones across the area behind the panel, providing the physical foundation for more localized light management than designs that illuminate the panel from the edges or operate the backlight more uniformly.Together, these three elements move the Mini LED conversation from a simple question of whether the technology is present to a more useful question: how effectively is the light being controlled?Where TCL enters the category conversationTCL is relevant to that discussion because Mini LED has become a significant part of its global television business. According to Omdia data cited in TCL Electronics interim results, TCL ranked No. 1 globally by Mini LED TV shipment volume in the first half of 2026. TCL reported 2.43 million Mini LED TV shipments during the period, representing 77.1% year on year growth.That position follows a strong 2025, when TCL reported, based on Omdia data, a 31.1% share of global Mini LED TV shipments and 118.0% year on year shipment growth.Market scale does not, on its own, define technology leadership. What it does provide is evidence that a manufacturer has become an important participant in how the category develops. For a company operating at that scale, leadership increasingly includes helping make the technology easier to understand and giving consumers clearer ways to evaluate what they are buying.Defining category leadershipCategory leadership in Mini LED should therefore be broader than shipment rankings. It can be understood through four connected areas: sustained market scale, continued investment in the fundamentals of backlight performance, clearer performance criteria, and education that helps consumers distinguish between different implementations of the technology.This is where the idea of good Mini LED becomes useful. It does not require creating a new certification or suggesting that every television should perform identically. It simply encourages a more complete discussion of the hardware and architecture that sit behind the Mini LED name.]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
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        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:07:33 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Six years of building with Saudi Arabia]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664795/business/six-years-of-building-with-saudi-arabia]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[As the Kingdom celebrates its National Day and Vision 2030 reaches its tenth year, its Country Manager reflects on what six years here have built.Happy National Day. Anyone who last saw Saudi Arabia a decade ago would struggle to recognize it today. I have spent twenty years working across this region, and I have never watched a country change this fast, or this deliberately. Saudi talent is now at the heart of a more diverse workforce, with graduates building careers across a growing range of sectors and industries. The digital economy alone now exceeds SAR 522 billion and contributes 15 per cent of GDP; e-commerce is growing at roughly 12 per cent a year. This National Day falls in Vision 2030's tenth year, and the plan has stopped being something people describe and become something people can see with their own eyes — in the new neighbourhoods transforming cities across the Kingdom, in the Saudi-built brands shipping nationwide, and in the young entrepreneurs turning ideas into livelihoods from every corner of the country.Amazon.sa has been live for six of those ten years. National Day is a good moment to be specific about what we have actually done. I want to walk through what six years of building here have meant: in jobs, in investment, and in the kind of growth that belongs to Saudi businesses, not to us.Amazon's presence supports more than 40,000 jobs in the Kingdom. I have been asked that number in every government meeting, every media interview, every town hall. It deserves to be broken open — because the part of it I am proudest of is not the part on our own payroll.What the 40,000 is made ofJust over 1,000 people are employed directly by Amazon in Saudi Arabia. Beyond them sits an extended workforce of more than 20,000 — contractors and seasonal colleagues, the people who secure our sites, staff our canteens, ship products and keep our buildings running. Independent analysis estimates that 6,000 further jobs exist indirectly, in construction, logistics and professional services, because we build and operate here rather than shipping in from elsewhere. Another 4,000 are induced: created when those wages are spent in Saudi shops, schools and services.That accounts for more than 30,000. But the remaining 10,000 are the number I lead with — because they say the most about where this economy is going.Ten thousand jobs, created by Saudi businessesAn estimated 10,000 jobs in Saudi Arabia exist because small and medium enterprises sell on Amazon. Those jobs belong to Saudi business owners who decided when to grow and who to hire. Our part was to make that decision easier, and being part of it is exactly the role we want in this economy. I have met some of these founders. They do not talk about Amazon. They talk about their customers, their growth, their next hire. That is exactly how it should be.A small business in Dammam that wants to reach a customer in Jeddah has historically needed a warehouse, a courier relationship and someone to handle returns. Through Fulfilment by Amazon, it needs none of those. It needs a good product. That is a real reduction in the cost of ambition, and it is available to a business of two people on the same terms as a business of two hundred.Vision 2030 is explicit that small and medium enterprises must carry a far larger share of this economy. Ten years in, that shift is visible in the numbers, and it is Saudi founders who are delivering it. We have put serious capital and infrastructure behind removing the practical obstacles — logistics, payments, reach, trust — that keep good businesses small. Ten thousand jobs is what that looks like when it works.Doubling down, not slowing downSince first entering Saudi Arabia, Amazon has invested more than SAR 10 billion in the Kingdom — building fulfilment centres, delivery stations, offices, and technology, while growing the teams that power them. That investment is accelerating, not slowing down.But the real measure is not what we invest — it is what the country gains. Independent analysis estimates that Amazon's presence contributed an additional SAR 2 billion to Saudi GDP in 2025, through value created at Saudi suppliers and in the household spending our operations support. Investment is a decision a company makes. Contribution is the lasting value it creates for the Kingdom.The other measure is whether that value endures. We built through COVID, hired through inflation, and expanded while others paused. Six years since launch is long enough to see what sustained investment means for the Kingdom: jobs created, local capabilities built, Saudi businesses supported, and infrastructure developed for long-term growth. We are still building. And what comes next will be bigger than what came before.Where we choose to be usefulThe most striking thing about working here is how much of the most interesting work is now being led locally. The logistics capability this country is building, the regulatory groundwork for a digital economy, the new generation of Saudi graduates adding specialisations in AI, cloud computing, and e-commerce to a university system that has been producing world-class talent for decades — that is Vision 2030 building on strong foundations, and doing precisely what it said it would do.Our job is to be useful to it, and to be deliberate about how. So we hire Saudis into roles with somewhere to go, we buy from Saudi suppliers where we can, and we build infrastructure designed to outlast whichever executives happen to be sitting in our chairs. Six years since launch, those are not promises. They are concrete, steel and payroll.Ten years into Vision 2030 and six since the launch of Amazon.sa, this country has given us a great deal to be proud of and a high standard to keep meeting. Saudi Arabia did not need Amazon to build a thriving economy. But we are grateful to have been trusted with a role in it — and we intend to keep earning that trust, one job, one Saudi business, and one delivery at a time.Happy National Day.]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[By Abdo Chlala, Country Manager, Amazon Saudi Arabia]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664795/business/six-years-of-building-with-saudi-arabia]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:23:57 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[IQOS and Devialet bring global “Soundsorial” collaboration to Jeddah]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664762/business/iqos-and-devialet-bring-global-soundsorial-collaboration-to-jeddah]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Philip Morris Saudi Arabia Trading Company marked the arrival in the Kingdom of the global collaboration between IQOS and French acoustic engineering company Devialet with an exclusive event in Jeddah, bringing together sound, design and technology through an immersive evening experience.Held at Frequency Room, Hayy Jameel, the invitation-only event introducedthe IQOS × Devialet collaboration and its limited-edition capsule collection, while translating the collaboration’s focus on sound and design into a live experience. The evening featured music performances headlined by Jeddah-born Saudi electronic music duo DISHDASH, supported by Vinylmode and Eyad.The collaboration brings together two brands united by a focus on precision, design and technological innovation. Devialet’s acoustic engineering expertise and commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound meet IQOS’s spirit of curiosity and continued exploration of new technologies and experiences.Saim Yasin, Managing Director, Philip Morris Saudi Arabia Trading Company, said: “Bringing the IQOS and Devialet collaboration to Saudi Arabia gives us an opportunity to introduce this global partnership that blends design, innovation, expression of IQOS with sound and technology of leading global acoustic/sound brand of Devialet. This partnership was brought to life through a unique expression, an immersive event and experience in Jeddah. “Saudi Arabia is a dynamic market with consumers who are highly engaged with technology, design and new experiences. We are pleased to bring this collaboration to the Kingdom and create a distinctive local expression of a partnership that reflects the spirit of curiosity and continuous innovation behind IQOS.”At the heart of the collaboration is the IQOS × Devialet Soundsorial Limited-Edition Capsule Collection, a not-for-sale creation pairing the IQOS ILUMA i PRIME with Devialet Gemini II earbuds and featuring distinctive sound-wave-inspired patterns. An ultra-limited run of 100 co-branded pieces has been created, available exclusively at the event. The design draws on sound as both an individual signature and a shared experience, reflecting the creative connection between the two brands.In Jeddah, adult consumers were invited to explore the collaboration through a series of interactive experiences, including IQOS customisation and discovery moments. The evening culminated in a live music programme bringing the collaboration’s focus on sound to life.The Jeddah event follows the global unveiling of the IQOS × Devialet collaboration at Milan Design Week 2026, where the two brands introduced “Soundsorial Design”, an immersive concept exploring the intersection of sound, movement, light and design. ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:57:18 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[From AI hype to human impact: Philips’ Peter Skillman on the future of healthcare]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664711/business/from-ai-hype-to-human-impact-philips-peter-skillman-on-the-future-of-healthcare]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping healthcare, but Peter Skillman believes the technology should never become the destination. In an interview at LEAP in Riyadh, the Global Head of Design at Royal Philips said its true value lies in solving tangible problems: reducing the administrative burden on healthcare professionals, improving clinical workflows, enabling patients to return home sooner and extending high-quality care beyond major cities.“AI is just a technology,” Skillman said. “The real opportunity is always to start by working backwards from the customer and understanding their needs.”This human-centred philosophy guides Philips’ approach to AI across its businesses, from sophisticated medical imaging and clinical decision support to connected care and personal health. Rather than introducing technology for its own sake, the company begins by identifying the need it is trying to address and asking whether AI can deliver a meaningfully better experience for patients and healthcare professionals.Skillman illustrated this approach through SmartHeart, an AI-enabled solution for cardiac MRI. By using available clinical information to simplify the imaging workflow, the technology can reduce a process that previously required approximately 130 clicks to as few as three. It is a practical example of how AI can reduce complexity and allow clinicians to devote more time and attention to patient care.Philips is also applying AI to remote cardiac monitoring through ePatch. Following certain heart procedures, patients may be able to leave hospital earlier while wearing the patch, which continuously monitors them for up to 14 days. The collected data can be analysed remotely, allowing care teams to identify anomalies and call a patient back for assessment if a potential concern appears.According to Skillman, this model can improve the patient experience while supporting better outcomes and reducing the cost of care. It reflects a broader shift from episodic hospital-based treatment towards connected care that continues after the patient returns home.Generative AI is also changing how healthcare organisations analyse challenges and develop solutions. During recent meetings with technology leaders at Saudi healthcare institutions, including SMC and Dallah Hospital, Skillman used a purpose-built AI agent to capture their operational pain points and rapidly develop detailed reports, narrative structures, visual storyboards and implementation roadmaps.The material was produced in Arabic, adapted to the Saudi cultural context and supported by locally relevant imagery. What would traditionally require considerable time and coordination was completed within minutes, demonstrating how generative AI can accelerate planning and help organisations move more quickly from identifying a challenge to designing a possible solution.Yet Skillman cautioned against allowing enthusiasm for AI to overshadow the fundamental purpose of healthcare. Recalling a conversation about the ambition to develop an “AI hospital,” he offered a different framing: “Please don’t build an AI hospital. Instead, build a human hospital where you deliver better care for more people.”The distinction is important. Technology can strengthen a healthcare system, but it should not define its purpose. The priority must remain the experience, safety and well-being of patients, as well as the ability of healthcare professionals to provide effective care.Keeping humans accountableAs AI becomes more involved in clinical workflows, responsible adoption will require strong safeguards. Skillman highlighted principles including well-being, fairness, transparency, trust and sustainability. Some relate directly to patient safety, while others address broader ethical and environmental considerations.Transparency is particularly important in clinical settings. Whenever a recommendation is generated by AI, healthcare professionals should be able to recognise it immediately. Skillman suggested using consistent visual cues—such as a distinctive icon, label or colour—to clearly identify AI-supported outputs within clinical interfaces.Human oversight must also remain central. If an AI system recommends a potentially high-risk clinical action, the interface should require the qualified healthcare professional to review and actively confirm the decision. AI can inform clinical judgement, but it should not remove professional accountability or control.Expanding access beyond major cities AI and connected technologies also have the potential to address disparities in access to healthcare. In a geographically large country such as Saudi Arabia, delivering specialist services beyond major urban centres can be challenging. Skillman believes remote monitoring, virtual collaboration and more flexible diagnostic technologies can help distribute clinical expertise more effectively.Tele-ICU solutions, for example, allow specialists to monitor patients remotely and provide guidance to healthcare teams in other locations. This gives hospitals access to expertise that may not always be available on site and can strengthen the support provided to clinicians serving remote communities.Skillman also pointed to Philips BlueSeal MRI technology, which uses a virtually helium-free magnet. Its lighter and more flexible infrastructure makes MRI systems easier to install and potentially suitable for mobile configurations, helping bring advanced imaging closer to patients who live far from established medical centres.Another example is Philips’ work with the Gates Foundation on AI-enabled ultrasound. The technology can guide a less-experienced operator through the scanning process, after which the images can be reviewed remotely and used to provide expert clinical guidance.Each solution addresses a different part of the access challenge. Together, however, they demonstrate how connected care pathways can extend the reach of specialists and diagnostic services. “Across the scale of what Philips does, we can really help support remote access to care,” Skillman said. “I’d love to see us do even more in Saudi Arabia.”Unlocking health data responsibly Realising AI’s potential also depends on the secure and effective use of health data. Skillman observed that Saudi Arabia has strong safeguards governing patient information and data sovereignty. These requirements have encouraged many hospitals to establish and maintain their own on-premises data centres.While this provides direct control over sensitive information, it can also be expensive and operationally demanding. Skillman believes there may be opportunities to work with trusted cloud providers capable of delivering secure, tightly controlled infrastructure while ensuring that health data remains within the Kingdom and complies with Saudi requirements.The objective, he explained, should be to preserve rigorous standards for privacy, security and data sovereignty while reducing unnecessary friction. A regulatory environment that protects patients while allowing responsible flexibility could help healthcare institutions access scalable infrastructure and accelerate innovation.Collaboration around a shared goal No organisation can deliver this transformation alone. Government entities, healthcare providers and technology companies each bring distinct capabilities to the healthcare ecosystem. Government provides national direction and regulation; hospitals and clinicians contribute medical expertise and an understanding of patient needs; and technology companies provide platforms, tools and innovation.For Skillman, these participants must remain aligned around one shared objective: delivering better care to more people.Philips sees itself as a partner serving healthcare providers, patients and the Kingdom, he said—not as the party directing the transformation. Its role is to contribute its strongest technology while remaining responsive to Saudi Arabia’s healthcare priorities, regulatory environment and cultural context.Ultimately, the responsible future of AI in healthcare will not be measured by how prominently the technology is displayed, but by whether it makes care safer, more accessible and more human. That requires innovation grounded in genuine needs, clinicians who remain informed and accountable, and partnerships capable of translating technological potential into lasting impact for patients.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 17:12:03 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Born to Play: iCAUR arrives in Saudi Arabia]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664696/business/born-to-play-icaur-arrives-in-saudi-arabia]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[The wait is officially over. On September 8, iCAUR made its grand entrance into Saudi Arabia with a major launch event at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Palace. Driven by the theme "Born To Play," the crowd got their first real look at the brand-new V27 and 03T models. It wasn't just about showing off bold, boxy designs and smart tech, it was about introducing Saudi drivers to a vehicle that truly adapts to their lifestyle.Instead of a traditional, stiff car showcase, iCAUR brought the vehicles to life. Five fully modified cars, two 03Ts and three V27s were set up to reflect real-world scenarios. Whether a car was geared up for city commuting, off-road exploring, or setting up camp with friends, every vehicle told a different story. It gave everyone there a true feel for what iCAUR is all about: cars that you can customize, upgrade, and completely make your own. Seeing the rugged gear and outdoor accessories up close proved that "Born To Play" isn't just a slogan; it's a lifestyle you can see and touch.The 03T is built for the younger crowd. With its highly functional design, custom rear panel, and endless accessory options, it hits the mark for drivers who want to stand out and need daily flexibility. On the other hand, the V27 brings a classic, rugged vibe. It features a incredibly spacious cabin and a tech-heavy cockpit, making it ideal for everything from premium city driving to weekend off-road trips with the family. For iCAUR, modifying a car isn't just about making it look good. It's about making the car work for you, growing and adapting exactly as your hobbies and needs change.The energy in the room was incredible, with nearly 200 VIP guests, influencers, and industry insiders celebrating this huge milestone for the Middle East. But this launch is just the beginning. iCAUR is building a real community in Saudi Arabia, where owners are actively involved in sharing ideas, co-creating their rides, and experiencing the brand together long after they drive off the lot.**media[2768232]**Technology was also a massive part of the night. AiMOGA robots roamed the floor, interacting with guests and adding a fun, futuristic touch to the event. They weren't just there for a photo op, though. They represented iCAUR’s core belief that smart technology should make life easier, friendlier, and more connected for everyone.Now that the Saudi launch is officially in the books, iCAUR is gearing up for serious growth across the region. By focusing on standout design, smart tech, and a community-first approach, the brand is planting deep roots. Up next is the 2026 iCAUR International User Summit in October, which will bring together fans, creators, and partners from around the world to push the boundaries of what the iCAUR lifestyle can be. ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:00:02 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[E.A. Juffali &amp; Brothers denies reports of relocating operations outside Saudi Arabia]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664691/business/ea-juffali-brothers-denies-reports-of-relocating-outside-saudi-arabia]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[E.A. Juffali & Brothers Group has categorically denied reports claiming that it plans to relocate its operations or offices, describing information circulating on social media and in some media outlets as false.The Group said its headquarters, operations and investments remain in Saudi Arabia and stressed that it has no plans to change this.Founded in the Kingdom in 1936, E.A. Juffali & Brothers said it has grown alongside Saudi Arabia for eight decades and remains committed to investing in the country’s future in line with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.The Group also denied that its Chairman Khaled Ahmed Juffali, or any authorized representative, had issued a statement regarding a potential relocation.“Any remarks attributed to him are fabricated,” the Group said.E.A. Juffali & Brothers said it reserves the right to take legal action against any party that deliberately publishes false information about the Group and urged media outlets to rely on its official channels for verified information.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sat, 19 Sep 2026 19:25:31 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[L’Oréal in Saudi Arabia: Redefining beauty with purpose]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664672/business/loreal-in-saudi-arabia-redefining-beauty-with-purpose]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[A few years ago, owning their own salons might have felt like a distant dream for Shamma Alharithi, Haya Alshahrani and Areej Alwabil. Today, they are among a wave of female entrepreneurs reshaping the Kingdom's landscape. Their journeys from passionate enthusiasts to business owners capture the true pulse of L’Oréal in Saudi Arabia: a story that goes far beyond corporate milestones.A recent study by Paris-based consultancy Asterès revealed that L’Oréal supports a SR3.2 billion value chain and over 8,765 direct and indirect jobs in the Kingdom. In 2026, L'Oréal doubled its workforce in Saudi Arabia, with over 50% of the team now made up of young Saudi nationals. However, these headline numbers only tell half the story. The group’s expansion has generated a ripple effect positively impacting the lives of Saudi youth and women, demonstrating the power of a global company committed to contributing to local economies. “This growth is bigger than just numbers. It's about cultivating the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs,” said Vismay Sharma, President of L’Oréal SAPMENA Zone, during his visit to Saudi Arabia this month. “Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic beauty markets and an increasingly strategic market for L’Oréal. As the Kingdom undergoes economic transformation, L'Oréal is developing Saudi talent, supporting new models of entrepreneurship, and contributing to a thriving beauty ecosystem.” L'Oréal expands vocational training for Saudi talents As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its youth and create career opportunities, the Kingdom's labor market reflects notable progress. According to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), Saudi unemployment fell to 6.4% in the first quarter of 2026, down from 7.2% in the previous quarter and well below the 12.3% baseline recorded in 2016. At the same time, Saudi women's labor-force participation has risen significantly, climbing from 22.8% in 2016 to 35.0% in 2025, according to the Vision 2030 Annual Report.Against the positive macroeconomic developments, L’Oréal’s social activities reflect a deep-seated commitment to the community.“L’Oréal’s growth in Saudi Arabia is about creating tangible value locally,” says Laurent Duffier, Managing Director of L’Oréal Saudi Arabia. “Our focus remains on developing Saudi talent, expanding professional opportunities for women, supporting the Kingdom’s growing creator community, and building a more sustainable beauty ecosystem.”Through the L’Oréal Professionnel Hairdressing Academy, the group is creating certified vocational pathways by training hairstylists and graduating them in cohorts annually, achieving a notable 70% employment rate among graduates. The Academy pledges to reach 1,000 women by 2029. This vocational training is already translating into deeply personal stories of empowerment and entrepreneurship. For graduates like Alharithi, Alshahrani and Alwabil, stepping into the Academy was more than learning a craft, it was the defining turning point from passionate enthusiasts to confident business owners. Armed with new skills and unwavering self-belief, they turned their dreams into reality by launching their own salons. The impact extends far beyond business ownership: today, many graduates are paying it forward as instructors within the Academy, while others thrive as skilled hairstylists and salon managers. Fueling the digital and creator economy The creator economy is becoming a significant part of Saudi Arabia’s digital growth, with the Kingdom being considered one of the world's most connected digital audiences. The UNESCO–University of Oregon Crossings Institute’s MENA social media report estimates that the GCC creator economy grew 75% over two years, with Saudi Arabia recording 32% growth in the first quarter of 2025. The shift is turning content creation from a cultural phenomenon into an economic contributor, creating new opportunities for creators, income for families and supporting brands and small businesses to participate in digital value chains. This is where L’Oréal’s newly-launched Lorealistar platform comes in. More than a conventional influencer program, the platform is available in Saudi Arabia and across the GCC, and is designed to build longer-term relationships between L’Oréal Groupe’s brands and digital creators. It offers access to brand collaborations, professional upskilling, mentorship and other career-building opportunities.Duffier describes the opportunity as building a relationship between global beauty brands and a generation of local creatives that increasingly shapes culture and commerce, “The future of beauty is being shaped by a new generation of creators who are not simply communicating culture but are actively creating it. We are giving them tools, access, skills and opportunities, and entrusting Saudi talent to turn that creativity into lasting value.”For L’Oréal, the Kingdom is a fast-growing, dynamic consumer market where global expertise, Saudi talent and new forms of entrepreneurship are converging around a broader economic transformation. ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 15:37:41 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[barq closes $329.5 million Series A funding round]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664589/business/barq-closes-3295-million-series-a-funding-round]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[barq, the digital payments company, announced the close of a Series A funding round worth $329.5 million, at a valuation of $1.85 billion, marking a new milestone that reflects the growth the company has achieved since its launch and cements its position among the fastest-growing fintech companies in Saudi Arabia and the region.The round saw participation from Noon Investments, Sohar International Bank, and M20 Fund, a step that reflects investor confidence in barq's trajectory and future potential, and underscores the appeal of the investment opportunities emerging in the fintech sector across the Kingdom and the region.The round follows a standout growth journey for barq, which has now surpassed 15 million users within two years, from more than 210 nationalities, alongside the expansion of its ecosystem of digital financial services and solutions — reflecting the growing demand for the company's products and its ability to build a broad user base within a record period of time.The value of funds processed has also surpassed SAR 440 billion, an indicator that reflects the scale of activity barq has achieved and the widening use of its digital financial services since launch.Based on its valuation, barq has become one of the fastest companies in the region to reach unicorn status, and among the fastest globally within the fintech sector, reflecting the pace of growth the company has achieved within a short period since its launch.The funding round will support barq's next phase of growth, by strengthening operational efficiency, accelerating the development of products and services, investing in new financial and technology solutions, and expanding into new regional and international markets — contributing to delivering a more advanced and accessible digital financial experience for users.This achievement comes at a time when Saudi Arabia's fintech sector is undergoing exceptional development, driven by continued progress in financial and digital infrastructure, a supportive regulatory environment, the targets of Saudi Vision 2030, and the Saudi Central Bank's efforts to advance digital payments and support innovation in financial services.The close of the round marks a major milestone in barq's journey, reflecting its ability to move within a short period from a phase of rapid growth to building a broad-scale digital financial platform, underpinned by a growing user base, an increasing volume of operations, and expansion ambitions aimed at strengthening its presence in the fintech sector at both the regional and international levels.]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:00:03 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Atheel, KAFD Hotel opens in Riyadh, rooted in the warmth of Saudi hospitality]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664538/business/atheel-kafd-hotel-opens-in-riyadh-rooted-in-the-warmth-of-saudi-hospitality]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Atheel, KAFD Hotel is now welcoming guests to a new Saudi luxury business hotel at the heart of King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). Designed around the way people work, meet and connect in Riyadh today, the 214-room hotel brings together thoughtfully designed guestrooms and suites, destination dining, wellbeing, and extensive business and event facilities, all rooted in the warmth and generosity of Saudi hospitality. Developed by King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC) and operated by Adeera Hospitality Company, Atheel places guests at the centre of one of Riyadh’s leading business communities while offering an experience that extends naturally beyond the working day. The hotel also has two connections to KAFD’s climate-controlled skywalk network. Stefan Leser, Chief Executive Officer of Adeera Hospitality Company, said: “The opening of Atheel marks a significant milestone for Adeera as we welcome guests to the first hotel under our management. It brings our vision to life by delivering authentic Saudi hospitality at international standards, while creating meaningful opportunities for Saudi talent to help shape the future of the Kingdom’s hospitality sector through Atheel. We are proud to partner with KAFD in bringing this vision to reality.” As KAFD’s first Saudi-operated hotel, Atheel brings a distinctly Saudi approach to hospitality to the heart of the district. Created for business travellers, local guests and international visitors alike, it is designed to become a natural meeting point within KAFD, connecting guests to its business community through dining, wellbeing and social spaces. Whether welcoming executives between meetings, residents gathering over dinner or visitors discovering Riyadh for the first time, Atheel combines the energy of its location with the warmth and attentiveness of Saudi hosting traditions. “Riyadh is entering a new chapter of growth, and the opportunity is not simply to add more hotel rooms, but to create hotels with a clear sense of purpose. Atheel has been designed around the way people experience KAFD today, bringing business, dining and social life together within one destination. Our ambition is for the hotel to become an integral part of the district, serving its business community while creating a place where residents and visitors feel equally welcome. As KAFD’s first Saudi-operated hotel, we are proud to open our doors and introduce an experience that reflects the confidence, warmth and ambition of Riyadh today,” said Emre Pasli, General Manager of Atheel, KAFD Hotel. Designed by Foster + Partners, Atheel combines bold architecture with welcoming interiors. Its distinctive geometric exterior opens into flowing public spaces centred around a sculptural atrium, bringing natural light into the heart of the hotel. The hotel’s 214 rooms and suites, ranging from refined guestrooms to signature suites, feature generous proportions, dedicated workspaces, intuitive technology and panoramic views across KAFD and the Riyadh skyline, creating accommodation suited to focused work, extended stays and time to unwind. Dining forms an integral part of the Atheel experience. The hotel’s signature contemporary Saudi restaurant celebrates the richness and diversity of the Kingdom’s regional cuisine through fresh interpretations of its flavours and traditions. Riya Maison, a French Mediterranean restaurant, brings classic French techniques together with the character of modern Riyadh in an all-day dining setting. Atheel Café provides an informal gathering place for coffee, light dining and meetings, while the Executive Lounge offers an exclusive setting for executive guests. Above the city, Cloud 14 combines a rooftop swimming pool and lounge with views across KAFD and the Riyadh skyline. The Atheel Wellness Hub brings together dedicated fitness facilities, personalised treatments and spaces for relaxation. The hotel also offers two main ballrooms and five meeting rooms – Thara, Diyar, Wadi, Twaiq and Athar – for executive meetings, conferences, corporate events and private celebrations, combining contemporary facilities with attentive Saudi hospitality. With its first guests now arriving, Atheel opens a new address within KAFD, connecting guests to the people, places and energy shaping one of Riyadh’s most dynamic districts.For reservations and further information, visit: www.atheelkafd.com ]]></description>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 17:41:33 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Manar Al Omran unveils SR1.2 billion industrial complex to take Saudi-made scaffolding to global markets]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664532/business/manar-al-omran-unveils-sr12-billion-industrial-complex-to-take-saudi-made-scaffolding-to-global-markets]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Manar Al Omran (MAO), the Kingdom’s scaffolding and formwork specialist since 1974, today announced the MAO Industrial Complex, an integrated industrial manufacturing platform spanning approximately one million square meters in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.The development brings together five production factories, a flagship corporate head office and a complete residential community for 7,000 employees, with Saudization ratio crossing 60% and aiming for more, establishing MAO as a fully automated, vertically integrated scaffolding industrial group serving the Kingdom’s construction, energy and infrastructure sectors.The complex is the largest collaborative investment in MAO’s history and marks the company’s transformation from the region’s scaffolding rental and services leader into a manufacturer of the systems themselves, in steel, cast Iron, aluminium extrusion and casting, and polymer, on a scale designed to serve the Kingdom’s giga-projects, its energy, petrochemical and other sectors and export markets worldwide.SCAFFOLDING, STEEL & CAST HOUSE AT UNPRECEDENTED SCALEAt the heart of the complex is a 750,000-square-meter Industrial Scaffolding & Steel Complex dedicated entirely to MAO’s core business. Eight production facilities operate under one fence: the Kingdom’s one and only certified Ringlock system production line, a tube factory, a Cuplock factory, an engineered formwork factory, structural steel fabrication, shot blasting and powder coating, a dedicated hot-dip galvanizing plant and an in-house maintenance facility. Raw steel enters at one gate and leaves as galvanized, coated, dispatched product at the other, with no process step outsourced. With a daily output of 1,200 metric tons, it will be the largest single-site scaffolding factory in the world.Alongside the steel complex, a dedicated Steel Cast House, built around a DISAMATIC automated molding line and deploying the most advanced green sand casting technology in the Kingdom, will produce high-volume grey and ductile iron castings: the accessories, fittings, couplers and components that scaffolding systems depend on. The only facility of its kind in the Kingdom, it brings the last outsourced element of the supply chain in-house.ALUMINIUM EXTRUSION An aluminium extrusion plant adds eight extrusion presses, led by four 12-inch, 50 MN presses, a battery without equal in the GCC and the largest concentration of 12-inch presses in a single location worldwide outside China. These presses allow MAO to produce large hard-alloy sections for scaffolding systems and other complex profiles serving the GCC and export markets. One 10-inch press, two 8-inch presses and one 7-inch press complete the line-up, all dedicated to hard alloys, with an annual capacity of around 200,000 metric tons. In-house powder coating and anodizing plants are core to the project, and a highly sophisticated billet cast house, dedicated to producing world-grade 12-inch hard-alloy billets and fed by recycled scrap and primary metal, lowers the carbon footprint of the product while securing raw material supply for the plant.PLASTIC COMPOSITES & INNOVATION A Plastic Composite Factory with thirty-two polypropylene profile extrusion lines and dedicated PVC and PP sheet lines completes the platform, serving construction, infrastructure and industrial clients with profiles, trunking and sheet products. A state-of-the-art R&D engineering office is dedicated to developing innovative solutions for the scaffolding industry, covering demand across the Kingdom and the GCC while leaving room for export markets. Cutting-edge new products have already been developed in collaboration with SABIC and Aramco.Maher Al Harbi, Chairman, Manar Al Omran said: “For more than fifty years, MAO has supplied the scaffolding that built the Kingdom. Today we are building the factories that will build the next fifty. When this complex is complete, every tube, every rosette, every cup, every casting and every formwork panel a project needs will come from one fence in the Eastern Province, made in Saudi Arabia, by MAO, with nothing outsourced. We are not expanding the manufacturing market. We are resetting its scale.”]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
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        <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:39:42 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital–Jeddah joins Global Sepsis Alliance to help shape a new global hospital accreditation framework for Sepsis care]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664527/business/dr-soliman-fakeeh-hospitaljeddah-joins-global-sepsis-alliance-to-help-shape-a-new-global-hospital-accreditation-framework-for-sepsis-care]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital–Jeddah (DSFH-J) has joined the Global Sepsis Alliance (GSA) as a Founding Pilot Partner in the development and international validation of the new GSA Sepsis Accreditation Program, marking another important step in the hospital’s continued commitment to patient safety, quality of care, and clinical excellence.The announcement coincides with World Sepsis Day 2026, as the Global Sepsis Alliance launches the development and international validation phase of the program. The initiative aims to establish a global framework that helps hospitals build reliable and integrated systems for the prevention, early recognition, timely treatment, recovery, measurement, and continuous improvement of sepsis care.Sepsis remains one of the world’s most significant healthcare challenges, with approximately 48.9 million cases and more than 11 million deaths globally each year. Despite the availability of evidence-based international clinical guidelines, translating these recommendations into consistent and reliable care across an entire hospital system remains a major global challenge.The program therefore goes beyond individual clinical interventions to evaluate the hospital as a complete system, including leadership and governance, early recognition and escalation, diagnostic capability, antimicrobial therapy and stewardship, resuscitation and critical care, source control, infection prevention, workforce competency, data and outcomes, patient and family engagement, post-sepsis recovery, and continuous quality improvement.From Standards to Real-World ApplicationAs part of the development phase, the Global Sepsis Alliance is working with a limited international cohort of Founding Pilot Partners representing different healthcare systems and regions around the world.Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital–Jeddah will contribute to testing the proposed standards in a real-world clinical environment. The pilot process will include structured self-assessment, evidence review, patient and system tracers, data validation, multidisciplinary interviews, and structured feedback on both the standards and assessment methodology. The findings will help refine the final GSA Sepsis Accreditation Standards and methodology ahead of the global launch.This participation gives the hospital the opportunity to contribute directly to the development of future international standards for sepsis care, while also benefiting from the assessment and learning process to strengthen internal systems of care, measure performance, identify areas for improvement, and support better patient outcomes.Dr. Abdulelah Alhawsawi, Vice President of the Global Sepsis Alliance and Chair of the Eastern Mediterranean Sepsis Alliance, said: “Our ambition is to create a rigorous, practical, and internationally applicable framework that helps hospitals move from individual excellence to organizational reliability in sepsis care. By testing these standards in real-world environments with partners like Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, we can help ensure that the final program drives measurable improvement—not simply administrative compliance.”Dr. Mazen Fakeeh, President of Fakeeh Care Group, said: “Our participation as a Founding Pilot Partner in the Global Sepsis Alliance program reflects Fakeeh Care Group’s continued commitment to advancing patient safety and quality of care in line with the highest international standards. This collaboration is particularly significant because it enables us to move beyond adopting global best practices to actively contributing to their development and validation. Through the expertise of our clinical teams and our established quality infrastructure, we look forward to helping shape a practical and reliable global framework that can strengthen sepsis care and improve patient outcomes both in Saudi Arabia and internationally.” Building on a Track Record of Quality and ExcellenceThis collaboration builds on Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital–Jeddah’s strong track record in quality, patient safety, and clinical excellence, reflected in a number of prestigious recognitions and accreditations. These include achieving the Gold Level in Patient Safety from the Saudi Patient Safety Center, receiving Planetree Gold Certification for excellence in person-centered care, and being recognized by Newsweek as the Best Private Hospital in Saudi Arabia for five consecutive years.The hospital has further strengthened its position in specialized care through the accreditation of 14 Centers of Excellence across a range of surgical specialties, reflecting the strength and integration of its quality, patient safety, and clinical excellence framework.Its current participation with the Global Sepsis Alliance adds a new dimension to this journey. Rather than simply adopting established international standards, the hospital is now contributing to the development and testing of a new international framework that may help shape the future of sepsis care globally.Through the program, the Global Sepsis Alliance also aims to build a global learning and improvement network that enables hospitals to measure performance, identify gaps, share knowledge and best practices, and continuously strengthen their capabilities in the prevention, recognition, treatment, and recovery from sepsis.The GSA Sepsis Accreditation Program is targeted for formal international launch in Q1 2027, following completion of the development, pilot testing, international validation, and governance approval processes. ]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664527/business/dr-soliman-fakeeh-hospitaljeddah-joins-global-sepsis-alliance-to-help-shape-a-new-global-hospital-accreditation-framework-for-sepsis-care]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 14:38:25 +0300</pubDate>
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        <title><![CDATA[World’s first robot sports league launched in Riyadh, plans to hit 8 cities worldwide]]></title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664461/business/worlds-first-robot-sports-league-launched-in-riyadh-plans-to-hit-8-cities-worldwide]]></link> 
        <description><![CDATA[CyberHero, the world’s first global humanoid robot sports league, launched in Riyadh on September 9, with host Hero Esports announcing plans for an inaugural season spanning eight cities worldwide. CyberHero x Riyadh, the league’s first humanoid robot combat competition, took place at Boulevard City and was created by Hero Esports, Asia’s largest esports company. The inaugural Riyadh event marked the first in the new CyberHero series, offering a preview of the competition format, personalities, and broader vision for a new global robot sports property. Hero Esports plans for the global circuit to span across four regions: the Middle East, Europe, the Americas and Asia. Two of the eight stops will be located in the Middle East. The wider vision is to take physical AI out of the laboratory and onto a global competitive stage, using sport to explore how humans, AI and robots can increasingly work together. CyberHero x Riyadh also marked the Middle East’s first humanoid robot combat show, featuring EngineAI T800 humanoid robots competing inside a purpose-built arena. Standing approximately 1.73 metres tall and weighing between 75 and 85 kilograms, the T800 features 29 articulated joints and is capable of walking, running, punching, kicking, turning, recovering after falls, and the occasional dance. “CyberHero was born from a bold idea about the future of competition: that robots can be pushed to test their limits, break new boundaries and improve through data generated in competition,” said Danny Tang, Co-founder and CEO of Hero Esports. She added, “That is one of the lessons we have learned from esports, and it is also a responsibility we see for Hero Esports over the next decade — to use competition to drive innovation and progress. We are now establishing a global technology lab at our Shanghai headquarters to bring together technical expertise and talent from around the world.” As the circuit takes shape, Hero Esports is seeking partners across universities and education, tourism, technology, sports, entertainment, business and music. While CyberHero x Riyadh was staged as an invite-only launch event, the competition brought together some of the region’s biggest digital personalities, with MENA creator AboFlah and Saudi sports creator Bashar Arabi going head-to-head as managers of the two competing teams. HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, commented: "I warmly welcome the choice of Riyadh by Hero Esports for the first CyberHero event. This is testament to the passion of our fans and Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to esports as a thriving sector and entertainment choice. The energy at CyberHero x Riyadh created new boundaries for audience experience and competition." At the heart of CyberHero is a team-based competition model bringing together three roles: builders, who design and engineer the robots; coders, who develop and train the intelligence behind them; and drivers, who make live decisions and put the team’s capabilities to the test in the physical arena. The league will also expand into additional disciplines as humanoid robot capabilities develop, with the long-term goal of building a global competitive platform that grows alongside advances in physical AI.]]></description>
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                <dc:creator><![CDATA[جريدة الرايةِ]]></dc:creator>
        <category><![CDATA[BUSINESS ]]></category>
        <guid><![CDATA[https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664461/business/worlds-first-robot-sports-league-launched-in-riyadh-plans-to-hit-8-cities-worldwide]]></guid>
        <pubDate>Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:38:38 +0300</pubDate>
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