Kerten Hospitality announces ‘House Urban Eco Resort’ in Riyadh

Kerten Hospitality announces ‘House Urban Eco Resort’ in Riyadh
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Updated 13 March 2024
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Kerten Hospitality announces ‘House Urban Eco Resort’ in Riyadh

Kerten Hospitality announces ‘House Urban Eco Resort’ in Riyadh

Kerten Hospitality, in partnership with developers RIKAZ and RAFAL and with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, unveiled a ground-breaking project in the heart of Riyadh — The House Urban Eco Resort. This unique resort is set to redefine urban eco-living, blending leisure, wellness, and business within a sustainable and luxurious environment.

Kerten Hospitality — a global hotel operator recognized for its innovative approach to integrated living — has projects spanning across various countries, each uniquely tailored to embody the local culture and community ethos. With a diverse portfolio that includes bespoke hotels, residences, and lifestyle destinations, Kerten Hospitality is at the forefront of creating spaces that blend work, life, and leisure in harmonious synergy.

Situated in the heart of Riyadh, The House Urban Eco Resort is a paradigm of urban eco-friendliness, seamlessly blending green living within the city’s vibrant landscape. It boasts diverse services that cater to every need, featuring outdoor and dynamic working spaces, all resonating with the forward-thinking ethos of Vision 2030. The resort further distinguishes itself with its integrated dining and event spaces, offering a versatile setting for both private gatherings and curated events.

A cornerstone of the resort is its wellness focus, encompassing modern spa treatments and comprehensive wellness facilities including therapeutic treatments. Additionally, The House Urban Eco Resort offers a tranquil haven for staycations, casual social hangouts and corporate stays, making it the epitome of sophisticated urban living combined with eco-conscious sensibilities.

The House Urban Eco Resort Riyadh emerges as a one-of-its-kind sustainable urban oasis in the bustling cityscape. It embodies the essence of eco-conscious living while providing high-end services and facilities. The resort aims to preserve and enhance the oasis, keeping the distinctiveness of Riyadh’s natural oasis intact while creating a purposeful destination for both international travelers and locals.

It offers a blend of leisure, wellness, and business through its versatile mix of amenities catering to a diverse range of needs — from wellness elements to business facilities.

The resort will feature an interactive F&B experience in collaboration with local chefs, offering behind-the-scenes dining and event hosting. This initiative aims to provide a versatile culinary experience, seamlessly merging dining with event spaces.
Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, said: “The House Urban Eco Resort Riyadh is not just a resort; it’s a live demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It showcases the future of sustainable urban development, today. The resort’s eco-conscious design and services embody the principles of Vision 2030, offering guests a unique glimpse into the future of urban living.”

Unlike traditional eco resorts situated in remote natural settings, The House Urban Eco Resort revolutionizes sustainability by providing a green haven amidst vibrant cityscapes. With Riyadh as just the beginning, Kerten Hospitality’s plans include extending their footprint across Saudi Arabia, targeting various urban locales. This expansion mirrors the increasing desire for eco-friendly hospitality options in urban locations.

Kerten Hospitality, in strategic alliance with RIKAZ and RAFAL, and bolstered by the support of the Ministry of Tourism, is redefining the standards in eco-conscious urban hospitality. With The House Urban Eco Resort Riyadh, they are not just building a resort; they are crafting a sustainable future.

The Ministry of Tourism’s involvement plays a critical role in providing methodical guidance, ensuring that the project aligns with national tourism objectives and sustainability goals. The Ministry’s support is instrumental in amplifying the resort’s impact on the local community and the environment, promoting it as a model for eco-friendly urban development in the Kingdom.

RIKAZ, under Chairman and CEO Khalid Algahtani, is renowned for innovative projects that emphasize community integration and environmental values. Their commitment to “Rising Beyond” reflects in every project, including this foray into hospitality. Algahtani said: “At RIKAZ, we firmly believe in the power of strategic partnerships. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with RIKAZ’s expansion strategy by fostering partnerships with highly respected institutions like Kerten Hospitality and Rafal. It underscores our commitment to tapping into the significant real estate development in Saudi Arabia, in harmony with the ambitious Vision 2030. By leveraging this premium location and its natural oasis status, we firmly believe that the Urban Eco Resort will be a new experiential retreat to the hospitality market.”

RAFAL, led by CEO Elias Abou Samra, is dedicated to developing distinguished communities in Riyadh. Known for projects like Burj Rafal and RAFAL Residence, their partnership with Kerten Hospitality is a testament to their expertise in creating unique lifestyle experiences.

Kerten Hospitality’s “The Collective” initiative marks a significant investment in the Saudi hospitality sector, with 22+ projects. This initiative not only demonstrates Kerten Hospitality’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the Kingdom but also highlights its role in shaping the future of hospitality in the region. 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske
Updated 1 min 38 sec ago
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske

What can the palette an artist used or depicted tell us about their artistic process, preferences, and finished works? From traditional wooden boards to paint pots, ceramic plates, and studio walls, these deceptively simple yet potent tools provide vital evidence. 

“The Artist’s Palette” presents 50 unique palettes alongside paintings by the celebrated artists who used them, gathering expert analysis of color, brushstroke, and technique to offer new histories of these artists and their work.


VTB: Agricultural exports to exceed $50bn in next 5 years

VTB: Agricultural exports to exceed $50bn in next 5 years
Updated 04 December 2024
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VTB: Agricultural exports to exceed $50bn in next 5 years

VTB: Agricultural exports to exceed $50bn in next 5 years

VTB Group, a global provider of financial services, estimates that exports of agricultural goods will surpass $50 billion by 2030. Leading positions in the grain segment will be complemented by new growth areas in meat and dairy production, as well as the food processing industry. 

This forecast was presented by VTB analysts at the 15th VTB Russia Calling! Investment Forum, who identified the main growth factors as:

  • Increased efficiency and experience of local producers
  • Achieving the threshold for ensuring food security in the Russian Federation not only for grain but also across vegetable oils, fish and fish products, sugar, meat, and meat products. This will significantly expand the list of value-added agro-industrial complex goods for export.
  • Potential for production growth relative to current cultivated areas and production capacities
  • Strong positions in production costs
  • Growing demand from China, the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia

Vitaly Sergeychuk, member of the management board of VTB, said: “Despite the current cycle of a high key rate and expensive borrowing, we see that our clients in the agricultural and industrial complex segment are fulfilling their obligations to banks, counter-parties, and employees in a timely manner. Moreover, they are constantly seeking out new markets and business partners. For instance, over the last three-five years, most of them have established export production and logistics chains for their products, including to Asia, the Far East, the Middle East, and Africa.

“At the same time, in light of new challenges to maintain the sovereignty of the country’s food security, the priority for players in this market will be to further increase vertical integration and develop new business directions. These include selective breeding and genetics, knowledge-intensive industries, dairy production, and livestock breeding.”


Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group forms Jiad International Holding Company to lead strategic restructuring

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group forms Jiad International Holding Company to lead strategic restructuring
Updated 03 December 2024
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Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group forms Jiad International Holding Company to lead strategic restructuring

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group forms Jiad International Holding Company to lead strategic restructuring

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group has announced the formation of Jiad International Holding Company, a strategic initiative to optimize the group’s diverse portfolio of investments and accelerate long-term growth across key sectors, including automotive, transportation, logistics, and consumer goods distribution.

This new corporate structure highlights Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group’s commitment to enhancing corporate governance while solidifying its position as a leading service provider by empowering its subsidiaries to seize emerging opportunities. 

HIGHLIGHT

The formation of Jiad International Holding Company is a strategic initiative to optimize the group’s diverse portfolio of investments and accelerate long-term growth across key sectors.

Leading this venture, as the CEO of Jiad International Holding Company, will be Hossam Y. Radwan, who comes with a proven track record of experience spanning more than three decades in investment banking. He will be bringing exceptional expertise in driving the company’s strategic vision.

An alumnus of Georgetown University, US, Radwan most recently served as CEO of the Saudi Mortgage Guarantees Company (Damanat) and was previously appointed to numerous leadership roles in renowned financial institutions, such as JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, EFG-Hermes and Abraj Partners Holding.

The group expressed its enthusiastic welcome to Radwan, and expressed their confidence in his ability to drive Jiad International toward achieving its strategic objectives and unlocking a new era of growth for Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group.


Kerten Hospitality opens ‘Nakhati’ gelato store in Diriyah

Kerten Hospitality opens ‘Nakhati’ gelato store in Diriyah
Updated 03 December 2024
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Kerten Hospitality opens ‘Nakhati’ gelato store in Diriyah

Kerten Hospitality opens ‘Nakhati’ gelato store in Diriyah

Kerten Hospitality’s Nakhati brand, recognized as Saudi Arabia’s pioneering social impact food and beverage initiative, launched its latest location at the prestigious Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah. The store opening, which took place on Nov. 28, brings Nakhati gelato’s locally inspired blends to the heart of Diriyah, reflecting the richness of Saudi heritage and modern culinary flair. Founded by Kerten Hospitality, the unique gelato franchise is dedicated to empowering Saudi female entrepreneurs and fostering community prosperity.

To celebrate the opening, Nakhati introduced an exclusive aroma drawn from the heritage of Diriyah: Tahini Gelato. This special edition is being offered in two distinctive variations:

• Tahini and White Chocolate Variegato: A creamy indulgence crafted to captivate both newcomers and gelato enthusiasts alike.

• Tahini, Cardamom and Dates: A flavorful tribute to traditional tastes, celebrating the essence of Diriyah’s rich history.

Additionally, guests at the Bujairi Terrace location had the chance to sample “Pinturicchio,” a gelato made with premium olive oil and a touch of salt, as a complimentary treat on the opening day.

“Nakhati isn’t just a dessert brand; it’s a mission-driven initiative by Kerten Hospitality. Under a social franchise model, Nakhati empowers Saudi women through accessible pathways to business ownership, providing full franchise support, financing tools, training, and ongoing mentorship. This model exemplifies Kerten Hospitality’s commitment to fostering social responsibility while delivering premium culinary experiences,” a statement said.

“Our expansion into Diriyah is a testament to Nakhati’s mission: to empower Saudi women through a business model that merges quality, craftsmanship, and social impact,” said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality. “Nakhati showcases the skill of gelato-making, while also highlighting the potential for businesses to drive positive change.”

By 2028, Nakhati aims to empower 50 Saudi women through its network of 30 gelato carts and 20 kiosks across the Kingdom, bringing locally crafted gelato to communities throughout Saudi Arabia. Nakhati’s impact has garnered international recognition, including the prestigious Dentons Best Franchising Model Award, which celebrates the brand’s unique approach to sustainable and inclusive business.

Aligned with Kerten Hospitality’s broader vision for gender equity and community empowerment, Nakhati’s social franchise model is reshaping the industry, showing how social responsibility and business success can flourish side by side. Through each franchisee, Nakhati is helping to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for Saudi women and their communities.


HORECA Riyadh brings best of hospitality to Kingdom

HORECA Riyadh brings best of hospitality to Kingdom
Updated 03 December 2024
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HORECA Riyadh brings best of hospitality to Kingdom

HORECA Riyadh brings best of hospitality 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 gathered an assembly of elite professionals and international brands through Nov. 27.

This year’s HORECA, the most expansive in its history, extended over 29,000 square meters and hosted more than 400 exhibitors representing 20,000 brands from 48 countries. These were 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 comprised more than 40 distinctive events, which included celebrated pastry chefs unveiling their latest creations and sharing insights into emerging trends in the world of chocolate and pastries. Additionally, the exhibition provided 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 offered 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.