Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, King Charles III open COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, King Charles III open COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum
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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, King Charles III open COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum
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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, King Charles III open COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum
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Updated 01 December 2023
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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, King Charles III open COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, King Charles III open COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum

For the first time at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Conference of the Parties (COP), the COP28 Presidency of the UAE has launched the inaugural COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum, convening more than 1,000 CEOs and philanthropists from over 80 countries. The forum is being held alongside the World Climate Action Summit. 

Hosted by the COP28 Presidency and the Sustainable Markets Initiative, the forum launched today with a high-level reception in the presence of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE, and King Charles III. 

The forum represents a paradigm shift in the COP process. With its strengths in low-carbon solutions and innovation, delivery and global networks, the private sector has — and continues — to invest trillions of dollars into the transition. With the objective of moving beyond commitments, the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum will showcase global industry-by-industry delivery together with opportunities to accelerate, replicate, and scale, particularly in the Global South.

Private sector actors will join heads of state and government to focus on showcasing private sector progress and joint delivery. 

Dr. Sultan Al-Jabar, COP28 president, said: “For the first time at a UNFCCC COP, and in line with the vision of the UAE, the global private sector has a seat at the table on the first day of COP28. No single party has all the solutions, and COP28 must bridge the trust gap between North and South, East, and West, and build a platform for action through partnership. This is what the Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum represents.”

Badr Jafar, chair of the forum and COP28 special representative for business and philanthropy, said: “There is no time to waste, and no need to wait. The Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum showcases over 20 major actions that CEOs and philanthropists can take now demonstrating accessible ways for private sector leaders to move beyond pledges and declarations and into action and implementation in ways that are suited to their capabilities and competencies.”

Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, said: “Building on the vision of our founder, King Charles III, and the momentum of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s CEO summits at COP26 and COP27, the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum’s purpose statement amplifies calls from the private sector to be at the table for all future UNFCCC COPs. It is time for a whole new model — one focused on real-world delivery and accelerated results.”

The Sustainable Markets Initiative is the strategic partner for the inaugural forum. Other forum delivery partners include the International Finance Corporation, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, World Economic Forum, Asian Development Bank, Africa Finance Corporation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Inter-American Development Bank Group, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and XPRIZE.

Other organizations participating in the Nov. 30 reception and also at the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum include: UNFCCC, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Telecommunication Union, World Health Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, UN Office of Outer Space Affairs, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization.

The UN Council for Trade and Development estimated that $4 trillion is required annually to meet climate and biodiversity targets. To deliver, the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum commits to:

  • Supporting an annual Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum alongside the world leaders’ summit at every UNFCCC COP until at least 2030. This forum will serve as the foundation for the private sector to: enhance alignment of industry, finance and country roadmaps; conduct an annual industry-by-industry assessment on progress; and, raise the bar on ambitions, including alignment with science-based targets.
  • Engaging in private sector diplomacy and the creation of innovative private sector mechanisms to support cross-border transition efforts, including blended finance and trade instruments.
  • Demonstrating the moral courage required as decision-makers to boldly lead the transition to a sustainable, just, and prosperous future.
  • Adopting an authentic sustainable orientation, embedding sustainability in business models, decisions, and actions.
  • Investing in sustainability-aligned research, development, commercialization, technology, and innovation alongside youth and supporting the green, sustainably focused jobs of the future.
  • Aligning country, industry, and financial roadmaps. Moving together, create efficiencies and economies of scale that will enable collective progress and accelerate sustainable transitions.
  • Showcasing game-changing entrepreneurs, technologies and solutions that are emerging around the world. At the same time, remove barriers that are impeding progress in deployment and scale-up of these technologies.
  • Bringing sustainable markets from niche to norm by reimagining mandates, project pipelines, financial structuring, and models of return. In this way entirely new sustainable industries, products, services, and supply chains can be created, while in parallel helping to transition and transform existing systems to a more sustainable trajectory.
  • Building conservation and nature-based solutions into the asset base, supply chains, and disclosures.
  • Addressing market challenges and helping reorient economic subsidies, financial incentives, and regulations in support of global climate, biodiversity, and UN SDG targets across all industries.
  • Adopting common standards, metrics, working definitions and traceability within, and wherever possible, across industries.

 


Lulu opens hypermarket in Al-Fakhriyah, Dammam; new stores coming up in Makkah, Madinah

Lulu opens hypermarket in Al-Fakhriyah, Dammam; new stores coming up in Makkah, Madinah
Updated 28 November 2024
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Lulu opens hypermarket in Al-Fakhriyah, Dammam; new stores coming up in Makkah, Madinah

Lulu opens hypermarket in Al-Fakhriyah, Dammam; new stores coming up in Makkah, Madinah

As part of its continuous expansion strategy in Saudi Arabia, Lulu Retail has opened its 57th store at Al Fakhriyah, Qutb Al-Din Al-Shafie Street, Dammam.

The hypermarket offers a modern and convenient shopping experience, featuring a curated selection of high-quality products, while staying true to the brand’s signature commitment to affordability and excellence.

The new Store was inaugurated by the chief guest, Eng. Fayez Bin Ali Al-Asmari, head of West Dammam Municipality, in the presence of dignitaries, including Shehim Muhammed, director of Lulu Saudi Hypermarkets; Moiz Nuruddin, regional director for Eastern Province; Eng. Mohammed Bu Bshait, executive manager of the Eastern Province;  Zaid Alsubaie, administration manager of Eastern Province; along with other senior officials from the company and the local community.

The new store, spread over 20000 square feet, features all the favorite shopping amenities that have made Lulu the fastest-growing retail chain across the Kingdom.

It provides ample parking space with a capacity for 181 vehicles. This ensures convenience for both local customers and travelers visiting the store.

The hypermarket is designed to efficiently meet the diverse needs of the community, offering everything from fresh groceries to household products.

Strategically located to serve both the local community and travelers passing through the bustling Bu-Hadriyah Road, Al-Fakhriyah store provides an ideal destination for those on the go.

Whether residents are seeking their everyday grocery needs or travelers are in search of a quick, reliable shopping experience, the new hypermarket is designed to meet diverse customer demands efficiently.

Designed with the local community in mind, Al-Fakhriyah store is compact yet fully equipped, offering a wide range of products across multiple categories.

Shoppers can find everything from groceries, fresh produce, and bakery items to meat, seafood, health and beauty products, small appliances, mobile phones and accessories, and home furnishings.

At the inauguration, Shehim Muhammed highlighted the importance of the new store in fulfilling the company’s vision of providing exceptional quality and value to customers across the Kingdom.

The director said: "The opening of Lulu Store in Al-Fakhriyah marks another significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to offering the best quality products at competitive prices. This store reaffirms our dedication to addressing the diverse needs of the local community and ensuring an enhanced shopping experience for our valued customers."

Al-Fakhriyah store also features convenient accessibility, making it the perfect stop for travelers on the busy Bu-Hadriyah Road, ensuring that customers, whether residents or passersby, are well-served.

Lulu continues to focus on expanding its presence in key locations across the Kingdom, further solidifying its position as a leader in the retail industry while meeting the growing demands of Saudi Arabia’s retail market.

The company is on track to open 100 stores in the Kingdom within the next three years.

Additionally, four new Lulu stores are set to open in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah within the next two months.

Recently, Lulu began trading on ADX on November 14, following its record-breaking IPO.

The most significant aspect was the heavy pull-in of first-time investors, all of whom made up more than 82,000 retail investors, one of the highest recorded for a UAE IPO.

The stock offering raised $1.72 billion, with aggregate demand reaching $37 billion, resulting in an oversubscription of 25 times.

Cornerstone investors included leading sovereign and institutional investors from across the GCC.

Founded in 1974, Lulu Retail is the largest pan-GCC full-line retailer by selling space, sales, and number of stores, with a 50-year legacy as a homegrown brand.

Lulu operates more than 240 hypermarket, express, and mini-market stores across the six GCC countries, spanning over 1.3 million sq. m of total retail space.

It also maintains a growing e-commerce presence through its app, webstore, and partner channels.

To serve more than 600,000 shoppers from 130 nationalities every day, it sources products from 85 countries, supported by an on-the-ground sourcing presence in 19 countries.

The organization's strong brand recognition and trust among consumers in the GCC continue to drive the growth of its existing stores, expand its store network, and elevate loyalty across its customer base. 


ALJ Motors claims top honors at PR Arabia awards

ALJ Motors claims top honors at PR Arabia awards
Updated 27 November 2024
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ALJ Motors claims top honors at PR Arabia awards

ALJ Motors claims top honors at PR Arabia awards

Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia since 1955, swept four awards at the 12th edition of the PR Arabia National Auto Award ceremony.

Under the patronage of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation, the event was organized by PR Arabia on Nov. 13 at Jeddah Hilton. These awards honor outstanding achievements in the Saudi mobility sector and recognize leaders who set high standards in product quality, guest services, and innovation.

“Abdul Latif Jameel Motors’ achievement of four awards is a testament to its dedication to excellence and its commitment to meeting the guests’ evolving expectations across the Kingdom,” the company said in a statement.

Among the awards, the Best Car Distributor award stands as a notable recognition of Abdul Latif Jameel Motors’ deep-rooted commitment to guest satisfaction and maintaining industry-leading standards. “Over nearly seven decades, the company has not only earned the trust of guests across Saudi Arabia but has also set the bar high for innovation and service quality in the market.”

Additional awards included Best Reliable Car, which celebrated the Toyota Land Cruiser 70, for its enduring performance and reliability, solidifying its reputation as a trusted favorite among drivers throughout Saudi Arabia. In parallel, the iconic Toyota Prado, known for its versatility and superior off-road capabilities, was crowned in the Best Medium SUV category.

Furthermore, Jameel Motorsport was honored with the Best Motorsports Initiative award, highlighting Abdul Latif Jameel Motors’ significant contributions to advancing motorsport in Saudi Arabia. Jameel Motorsport has been playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of motorsport both within the Kingdom and on a global scale by providing support for high-profile sporting events and actively engaging in the discovery and cultivation of promising young talent.

Mazin Ghazi Jameel, managing director of Toyota marketing operations, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “Over the years, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors has become synonymous with reliability and trust in the Saudi mobility sector. Our journey has always been about fostering trust, reliability, and excellence in every interaction and service we offer. These awards reaffirm our commitment to delivering top-quality vehicles and exceptional experiences, as well as empowering local talent within Saudi Arabia’s dynamic mobility landscape.”

Munir Khoja, managing director of Jameel Motorsport and marketing communications at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “For almost three decades, we’ve been driven by a vision to uplift the motorsport sector in Saudi Arabia and cultivate a vibrant ecosystem that inspires passion, innovation, and ambition among future generations. This support also extends to esports, which we see as an essential part of the future of motorsport in the Kingdom. We are proud to be at the forefront of this journey, empowering young talent and championing motorsport excellence.” 

This award reflects our commitment to pushing boundaries, supporting Saudi Arabia’s dynamic motorsport community, and setting new standards in the industry.”

Established in 2012, the PR Arabia National Auto Award celebrates the achievements and innovations that define the mobility sector, setting a standard that highlights the best practices and contributions that elevate service and quality in the market.


stc champions youth initiatives at Misk Global Forum

stc champions youth initiatives at Misk Global Forum
Updated 27 November 2024
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stc champions youth initiatives at Misk Global Forum

stc champions youth initiatives at Misk Global Forum

stc Group participated in the Misk Global Forum, the region’s largest youth forum. As the event’s official digital enabler, stc Group showcased the inspireU business accelerator, which supports digital startups across the Kingdom, and the impactU social accelerator, which incubates digital startups focusing on key areas relating to Saudi Arabia’s sustainability.

The Misk Global Forum, an annual flagship event hosted by Misk Foundation — a nonprofit organization established by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is dedicated to empowering and connecting young leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs globally. Taking place in Riyadh at Malfa Hall on Nov. 18 and 19, the forum brought together more than 150,000 attendees to collaborate and activate positive global change through innovation. This year’s theme, “By Youth, For Youth,” highlighted the importance of youth-led initiatives, showcasing how young people can motivate and support one another to drive growth and innovation.

This year, stc Group featured a dedicated space for inspireU, the stc Group business accelerator, which offers support to select high-potential digital startups with resources and mentorship in their early stages of establishment.

stc Group also spotlighted their social accelerator, impactU. The program offers training and mentorship to entrepreneurs that align with stc’s Sustainable Development Goals. impactU brings more than 40 mentors to train 15 incubated digital startups selected from a competitive application process, offering successful candidates a financial grant of up to SR100,000 ($26,640), free access to services from stc’s partners, as well as the opportunity to attend workshops and exhibitions.

Together, impactU and inspireU highlight stc Group’s commitment to sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia.

The Misk Global Forum has provided a platform for vibrant discussions, the exchange of ideas, and networking opportunities across a range of industries to nurture potential and activate innovation among the youth of Saudi Arabia. stc Group’s strategic partnership as the digital enabler of the forum underscores the group’s commitment to powering youth initiatives to support the Kingdom’s digital transformation in line with Vision 2030 objectives.


HORECA Riyadh, Salon du Chocolat bring the best of hospitality and F & B to Kingdom

HORECA Riyadh, Salon du Chocolat bring the best of hospitality and F & B to Kingdom
Updated 27 November 2024
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HORECA Riyadh, Salon du Chocolat bring the best of hospitality and F & B to Kingdom

HORECA Riyadh, Salon du Chocolat bring the best of hospitality and F & B to Kingdom

The 13th edition of HORECA Riyadh opened on Nov. 25 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The opening ceremony was attended by Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, and Prince Waleed bin Nasser Al-Saud, founder and CEO of Mukatafa, along with several diplomats and top business leaders from across the Kingdom. 

Concurrently, the second edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie also commenced, featuring a unique blend of chocolate and pastry arts, as well as the Saudi Elite Chefs competition. Strategically partnered with the Culinary Arts Commission, the event promises an assembly of elite professionals and international brands through Nov. 27.

This year’s HORECA, the most expansive in its history, extends over 29,000 square meters and hosts more than 400 exhibitors representing 20,000 brands from 48 countries. These are displayed across eight international pavilions, each a showcase of cultural diversity and innovation that defines the modern hospitality landscape.

The inaugural ceremony featured a special tribute to Badr, whose visionary leadership in the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Culinary Arts Commission has significantly elevated the national culinary arts scene.

The opening day’s events included a range of competitions and demonstrations, including cooking, barista and mocktail competitions, drawing more than 100 skilled participants from around the globe, each eager to impress a panel of international judges.

Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie comprises more than 40 distinctive events, which include celebrated pastry chefs unveiling their latest creations and sharing insights into emerging trends in the world of chocolate and pastries. Additionally, the exhibition provides an arena for chefs to engage in competitions adjudicated by globally acclaimed chefs.

Adding an intellectual flavor, this year’s event introduced “The Talks,” an engaging series of panel discussions tackling a variety of contemporary issues, led by a cadre of industry leaders.

The Saudi Elite Chefs competition offers a face off between chefs facing novel challenges in Saudi cuisine, judged by a panel comprising Meilleurs Ouvriers de France laureates Philippe Bertrand, Jonathan Mougel, Joseph Viola and Jacques Rolancy.

The two exhibitions provide an ideal platform for expert networking and the forging of strategic partnerships. These events not only reinforce Riyadh’s eminent status as a global and regional hub for the hospitality, and food and beverage industries but also spotlight its dynamic role on the world stage.

Established almost 30 years ago, HORECA, an annual business meeting place, brings together an array of distinguished brands, experts and international personalities from the vibrant worlds of hospitality and food service. Over recent years, HORECA has cemented its strong presence in the GCC, particularly within Saudi Arabia.  

Besides Riyadh, HORECA also takes place annually in Jeddah, as well as in Beirut, Kuwait, Amman and Muscat.  


SAMINavantia launches new combat system ‘HAZEM Lite’

SAMINavantia launches new combat system ‘HAZEM Lite’
Updated 26 November 2024
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SAMINavantia launches new combat system ‘HAZEM Lite’

SAMINavantia launches new combat system ‘HAZEM Lite’

SAMINavantia, the joint venture between Saudi Arabian Military Industries and the Spanish company Navantia, announced the development of a new combat management system, “HAZEM Lite.” This solution is designed for low and medium warfare vessels, as well as vessels with space restrictions.

This achievement is the result of the efforts of Saudi engineers who worked on developing the new system at SAMINavantia’s Naval Systems Integration and Development Center of Excellence in Saudi Arabia.

The new “HAZEM Lite” system can be used and installed on new ships or integrated into the existing systems of modern vessels. The new system is one of the latest technologies in combat systems, derived from the HAZEM CMS, but specifically tailored for smaller vessels, while maintaining the key features of the original HAZEM system. These include providing an open, scalable, customizable, and interoperable solution that is proven effective and robust.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Qahtani, chairman of SAMINavantia, said: “The new ‘HAZEM Lite’ system is the result of intensive development efforts by Saudi engineers, aimed at designing a simplified version of the advanced combat management solution previously used in the Sarawat-class vessels, by creating smaller platforms with different missions and capabilities. Additionally, ‘HAZEM Lite’ is the first product developed in the Kingdom, addressing the need to enhance the small vessel category. This achievement is part of SAMINavantia’s contribution to localizing over 50 percent of military spending by 2030, one of the key objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, as well as actively participating in the development of skilled technical workforce capabilities in Saudi Arabia and providing world-class combat system solutions.”

The achievement also aligns with the efforts of the General Authority for Military Industries to localize military spending in the Kingdom.

SAMINavantia’s efforts contribute to enhancing the readiness of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, the Border Guard, and other local or regional clients, in line with the strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. This is achieved by launching a new era of advanced and effective defense capabilities to meet current and future challenges, while strengthening the national military industrial base.