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‘Headquarters of your life’ coming to Saudi Arabia, says Wyndham Hotels regional president

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Updated 29 April 2024
Reina Takla
MIGUEL HADCHITY 
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‘Headquarters of your life’ coming to Saudi Arabia, says Wyndham Hotels regional president

‘Headquarters of your life’ coming to Saudi Arabia, says Wyndham Hotels regional president
Updated 29 April 2024
Reina Takla MIGUEL HADCHITY 
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RIYADH: HQ, the new hospitality brand launched by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and renowned hotelier Sam Nazarian, is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2025, Arab News has been told.

Dimitris Manikis, president of Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, at the hospitality group, unveiled the company’s ambitious plans for the Kingdom – including the launch of HQ – at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh.

Speaking to Arab News, Manikis shared insights into Wyndham’s steadfast commitment to Saudi Arabia’s flourishing hospitality landscape, saying: “We are very serious and very bullish about our presence in the Kingdom.”

He added: “We’re really excited to bring this new brand into Saudi Arabia as well, because it’s about smart luxury. It’s about F&B (food and beverage), entertainment, music, and it’s about smart hospitality as well.”

Manikis went on to say: “In the next 18 months, you’re going to have the first HQ brand in Saudi Arabia.”

Citing Nazarian’s track record of success with brands like Mondrian, Delano, and SLS, Manikis said: “Sam is notoriously famous for bringing up new concepts and ideas. So when I asked him:  ‘What exactly is HQ and why would you call it brand HQ?’, he said: ‘I want the brand to be the headquarters of your life.’”

The President added: “I have no doubt whatsoever that HQ will be an amazing brand to grow in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in particular.”

Manikis reflected on Wyndham's impressive footprint across the Kingdom, which includes a robust pipeline of 20 upcoming projects. Notable among these ventures are the imminent openings of the Ramada hotels.

Additionally, the introduction of Wyndham Garden last year marked a significant milestone in the company’s strategic expansion efforts.

The optimism surrounding Saudi Arabia’s tourism prospects was palpable in Manikis’ remarks, citing the Kingdom’s remarkable achievement of surpassing the Vision 2030 tourism target of 100 million visitors in 2023.

“The bar has gone to 150 million tourists,” he remarked, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s accelerated progress towards becoming a global tourism destination. 

However, he cautioned against neglecting the crucial role of infrastructure development in sustaining this growth momentum.

“Infrastructure, planes, airports, railways, roads, highways,” Manikis said, stressing the necessity of robust infrastructure to accommodate the influx of tourists. 

Commending the government’s proactive measures, including the launch of a new airline and airport expansions, he expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s readiness to meet escalating demand.

“I do believe that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is actually going to fulfill the promise. And they're going to have an amazing Expo (2030). I don't think there's going to be any doubt about that,” he said.

As anticipation mounts for marquee events like the Expo and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, Manikis underscored the importance of post-event planning. 

“It's not just about the event, it’s about what you do after,” he cautioned, advocating for sustainable strategies to leverage event infrastructure effectively beyond the festivities.

In addition to the HQ brand, Wyndham is poised to capitalize on the burgeoning extended stay segment. 

“We are very bullish on extended stay,” Manikis stated, recognizing its potential to cater to diverse clientele, including families, business travelers, and digital nomads.

He added: “We added 11 beautiful luxury, extended stay products. And hopefully we’re going to extend the extended stay concept here in the Kingdom as well.”

Topics: FHS24 business Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

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Closing Bell: Saudi main index sheds 50 points to 12,099

Closing Bell: Saudi main index sheds 50 points to 12,099
Updated 12 December 2024
Nirmal Narayanan 
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index sheds 50 points to 12,099

Closing Bell: Saudi main index sheds 50 points to 12,099
Updated 12 December 2024
Nirmal Narayanan 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index continued its downward trend for the second consecutive day on Thursday as it shed 49.86 points or 0.41 percent to close at 12,099.33. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.77 billion ($1.27 billion), with 101 of the listed stocks advancing while 123 declined. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu also slipped by 0.57 percent to 31,100.89, while the MSCI Tadawul Index shed 7.37 points to close at 1,519.01. 

Sumou Real Estate Co. was the best-performing stock of the day. The company’s share price soared by 9.98 percent to SR44.65. 

Zamil Industrial Investment Co. was another top gainer, as the firm’s share price increased by 6.62 percent to SR33.80.

Meanwhile, the share price of Al-Baha Investment and Development Co. increased by 6.45 percent to SR0.33, and Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Co. also advanced by 5.88 percent to SR360.

Conversely, Makkah Construction and Development Co.’s share price slipped by 3.04 percent to SR114.80. 

The best performer on the parallel market was Riyadh Steel Co., as its share price increased by 17.37 percent to SR2.50. 

Other top performers on Nomu were Dar Almarkabah for Renting Cars Co. whose share prices increased by 12.90 percent to SR70 while Watani Iron Steel Co.’s share prices grew by 12.20 percent to SR3.03.

On the announcements front, Almasane Alkobra Mining Co. revealed that it received a license from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources to explore chromium, manganese, copper, and nickel in the Al-Baha region. 

In a statement to Tadawul, the mining firm said the license is valid until Dec. 10, 2029. 

The company added that the timing of any potential development of this license will become clear after the completion of exploration work and studies within the legal period. 

AMAK’s share price, however, slipped by 2.49 percent to SR70.40. 

Topics: Closing Bell Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) Tadawul All Share Index (TASI)

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Saudi Green Building Forum achieves permanent observer status with UNCCD

Saudi Green Building Forum achieves permanent observer status with UNCCD
Updated 12 December 2024
Nadin Hassan
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Saudi Green Building Forum achieves permanent observer status with UNCCD

Saudi Green Building Forum achieves permanent observer status with UNCCD
Updated 12 December 2024
Nadin Hassan

RIYADH: The Saudi Green Building Forum SGBF has been granted permanent observer status by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

This recognition underscores the Forum’s substantial contributions to advancing sustainable building practices and the Kingdom’s leadership in global environmental efforts.

The decision follows the forum’s prior pending status, which was resolved with the announcement of the final decision at COP16, held in Riyadh.

“This process takes months leading up to COP, during which the organization must demonstrate its engagement with clear justifications, specific goals, and evidence of its work within the community,” Faisal Al-Fadl, secretary-general of SGBF, told Arab News.

The SGBF’s involvement aligns with the provisions outlined in the UNCCD’s internal regulations, specifically concerning observer status, as defined in Article 22 and the COP rules, according to a press release.

SGBF was among the 473 organizations officially accredited during COP16, reflecting the international collaboration and commitment to combating desertification showcased at the conference.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate scientific and community-based approaches to environmental management.

Al-Fadl explained that under the UNCCD’s processes, rules, and regulations — agreed upon by its member states — any organization seeking observer status must participate in the COP.

The COP, hosted by the member state, is responsible for deciding whether to approve or deny the request for observer status.

“We set up a pavilion dedicated to the event, where each day highlighted a specific sustainable development goal. At SGBF, we actively promote SDGs as part of our consultative status with the United Nations,” Al-Fadl said.

He continued: “Green building is all about renewable energy, clean water, eco-friendly materials, and green infrastructure that supports the human experience. This concept is applied not just to buildings, but to neighborhoods and cities.”

Al-Fadl emphasized that SGBF’s work closely aligns with the SDGs, which encompass social, environmental, and economic sustainability. This is also in harmony with Saudi Vision 2030, which serves as the foundation for the Kingdom’s national SDGs.

“We capitalized on our accreditation, bringing more than 100 delegates and speakers, including high-level representatives, youth, and women. We are incredibly proud of this opportunity to engage on such a meaningful platform,” Al-Fadl said.

He added: “This has also provided an opportunity for many consultants, who might not have had the chance otherwise, to participate. Our accreditation is especially significant for the nonprofit and non-governmental sector, enabling us to engage with civil society, whether private entrepreneurs or young individuals.”

Al-Fadl further highlighted the chance to showcase the Forum’s partnerships with various entities, including government organizations. “For example, we signed agreements with the Ministry of Environment and nonprofit organizations, as well as achieving accreditation across Gulf states,” he noted.

The UNCCD also extended its accreditation to other organizations, including the Environment and Desertification Association and the Weather and Climate Association, after a thorough evaluation of their submitted documents.

Dedicated to combating land desertification, the UNCCD fosters partnerships between developed and developing nations, focusing on technology and knowledge-sharing for effective land management.

With 195 member states, the UNCCD aims to improve living conditions, enhance land productivity, and mitigate the impacts of drought while promoting public engagement in combating desertification and advancing sustainable development.

Topics: COP16 Green & Blue

Saudi Arabia to deliver financially streamlined World Cup 2034, with soaring revenues: FIFA evaluation

Saudi Arabia to deliver financially streamlined World Cup 2034, with soaring revenues: FIFA evaluation
Updated 12 December 2024
Nirmal Narayanan
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Saudi Arabia to deliver financially streamlined World Cup 2034, with soaring revenues: FIFA evaluation

Saudi Arabia to deliver financially streamlined World Cup 2034, with soaring revenues: FIFA evaluation
Updated 12 December 2024
Nirmal Narayanan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is set to deliver a FIFA World Cup in 2034 that saves $450 million on costs but surpasses revenue trends, according to a report from the world football governing body.

Released in the aftermath of the Kingdom being officially confirmed as the host of the tournament, the bid evaluation document projects money from ticket and hospitality will surpass baseline projections by 32 percent, or $240 million.

FIFA evaluated organizing costs using figures from previous World Cups, adjusted for the expanded 104-match format, a 14-stadium concept, inflation, and local economic conditions. 

While excluding expenses like prize money and team participation costs, FIFA highlighted Saudi Arabia’s competitive pricing, with key cost areas such as technical services and security forecast to be $133 million and $58.9 million below baseline, respectively.

By comparison, Qatar spent an estimated $220 billion to host the 2022 World Cup, the most expensive in history. Much of that investment went toward infrastructure, including stadiums, roads, and public transport.

Hosting major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification efforts which aims to reduce the Kingdom’s decades-long dependence on crude revenues. 

In November, experts told Arab News that Saudi Arabia could expect a gross domestic product boost of between $9 billion and $14 billion from the event, as well as the creation of 1.5 million new jobs, and the construction of 230,000 hotel rooms developed across five host cities.

For Saudi Arabia, key cost drivers include $378.4 million for television operations, $273.8 million for workforce management, $124 million for transport, $111.1 million for team services, and $99.5 million for IT and telecommunications, according to the bid report. 

“Virtually all cost drivers are currently forecast as being below the baseline, with some cost items, such as staffing costs, event transport, team accommodation, and competition management generally expected to remain in line with baseline levels,” FIFA noted. 

The governing body expects food and beverage revenues to align with baseline figures, while online and licensing revenue streams are forecast to outperform by $7 million. 

The Kingdom’s time zone, which allows viewers across Asia, Europe, and Africa to watch matches during prime hours, is expected to drive a 10 percent increase in global live television audiences compared to the 2026 edition. 

Sustainability at the core 

Saudi Arabia has pledged to host the 2034 tournament with sustainability at the forefront, incorporating renewable energy and achieving LEED Gold certification for buildings and operations. These green initiatives are expected to reduce energy consumption significantly compared to traditional standards. 

The Kingdom also plans to repurpose World Cup stadiums as multi-purpose entertainment venues and homes for Saudi Pro League teams, ensuring long-term benefits for football and local communities. 

Infrastructure development 

The World Cup bid underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global tourism hub. 

Each proposed host city has undergone significant development under Vision 2030, with heavy investments in tourism infrastructure to support major events across sports, arts, culture, and business. 

Events like FIFA World Cup 2034 and Expo 2030 are expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s non-oil economy, providing business and lending opportunities for financial institutions, according to a November report by Moody’s. 

 

Topics: FIFA World Cup 2034 Saudi World Cup 2034 bid

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Vision 2030 can inspire global solutions to land degradation, energy crisis

Vision 2030 can inspire global solutions to land degradation, energy crisis
Updated 57 min 20 sec ago
Nadin Hassan
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Vision 2030 can inspire global solutions to land degradation, energy crisis

Vision 2030 can inspire global solutions to land degradation, energy crisis
  • UNCCD executive secretary discusses how Saudi Arabia’s strategy can lead global environmental change
Updated 57 min 20 sec ago
Nadin Hassan

RIYADH: Achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 will require significant investment in land restoration and renewable energy, as the nation’s ambitious strategy extends beyond national goals, according to a senior executive.

In an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of COP16 in Riyadh, Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, emphasized that the Kingdom’s transformative national strategy should be a global model.

“Vision 2030 is a national vision from Saudi Arabia. But it can only be achieved if we invest more in land restoration. It can only be achieved if we invest more in empowering communities to manage their resources,” Thiaw said.

He further added: “It is certainly an excellent vision proposed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. But it goes beyond in terms of vision, in terms of ambition. It has to be implemented in many other parts of the world.”

Thiaw highlighted the need for innovative solutions to address global food production challenges. For example, he pointed out the importance of doubling food production by 2050 without exhausting limited resources, calling for the adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, and water-efficient systems.

He also noted that Vision 2030 stresses the importance of balancing traditional farming techniques with modern technologies to enhance soil productivity, reduce pollution, and avoid the expansion of agricultural land.

“Saudi Arabia is already doing quite a bit in land restoration,” Thiaw said, referencing efforts through institutions like the Saudi Fund for Development, which has active portfolios across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

“But we all need to do more,” Thiaw added. “That will probably require that the Saudi Fund for Development, as well as other institutions where Saudi Arabia is the main shareholder, like the Islamic Development Bank, the OPEC Fund, and many other institutions, realign their portfolios to match the ambitions of COP16.”

As a G20 member, Thiaw urged the Kingdom to help rally other nations to meet the G20 goal of restoring 50 percent of degraded land by 2040. The focus, he stressed, must not only be on making commitments but also on ensuring their effective implementation.

“Saudi Arabia will be appreciated if it works with its peers from other countries, with South Africa, which is now the current presidency of G20, and then the future presidencies, as well as all members of the G20,” Thiaw said.

Thiaw also emphasized the critical importance of integrating traditional methods, like underground irrigation, with modern technologies such as desalination and renewable energy to support sustainable development, especially in arid regions. These combined solutions can address challenges like water scarcity and energy demands while promoting economic growth.

“This is where you need new technologies and combine them with the traditional technologies, including the underground irrigation that has been known here for millennia, and so we can use new technologies to make additional water available,” Thiaw said.

He added: “I visited the Saudi pavilion here. I just could not believe what I saw, and from 300 megawatts just a few years back, there are now 44 gigawatts moving to 80 GW. I was stunned!”

Thiaw explained that Saudi Arabia’s progress demonstrates how integrating traditional and new technologies can lead the way in energy transitions, land management, and water accessibility, creating a better future for all.

Key outcomes

Thiaw outlined some of the key outcomes expected from COP16, including decisions on proactive drought resilience strategies to prepare communities, businesses, and governments for future droughts rather than simply reacting to crises.

An additional focus is scaling up commitments to restore degraded land, with a global reserve of 1.5 billion hectares of damaged land, and reversing the trend of losing fertile soil annually — an area the size of Egypt.

He stressed that financing is central to these efforts: “We have indicated in our reports that the world needs to invest $1 billion per day. $1 billion per day needs to be invested in land restoration worldwide. Now that is a huge figure. It’s not small. This is not necessarily only public funds, but also private funds.”

Thiaw added: “Not only public funds, but also private funds. The private sector must invest to sustain productivity, while harmful taxpayer-funded subsidies should be redirected toward environmentally friendly and land-friendly activities.”

Collaboration with Saudi Arabia

To address these pressing challenges, Thiaw expressed the UNCCD’s eagerness to collaborate with Saudi Arabia in integrating advanced technologies with traditional practices.

“Our ambition is to help countries transition effectively, and Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to lead this effort,” Thiaw said, highlighting the Kingdom’s capacity, energy, and financial resources.

He added: “Now, there is a lot of discussion at the moment under the climate negotiations to see whether we can have net zero in terms of emissions. But if you are to achieve net zero in terms of emissions, it is not only emissions coming from industry, but emissions coming from land use, because land use is the second-largest emitter.”

Thiaw emphasized that degrading land increases carbon emissions, whereas restoring land acts as a natural solution by capturing carbon and returning it to the soil, thus helping to mitigate climate change.

The progress showcased at the Saudi pavilion highlights how merging traditional practices with advanced technologies can pave the way for sustainable energy transitions, better land and water management, and long-term environmental and economic stability. This model serves as a benchmark for addressing resource challenges in arid regions and other vulnerable areas globally.

Topics: COP16 Green & Blue business

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Foreign reserves propel Saudi assets to $435bn

Foreign reserves propel Saudi assets to $435bn
Updated 12 December 2024
Dayan Abou Tine
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Foreign reserves propel Saudi assets to $435bn

Foreign reserves propel Saudi assets to $435bn
Updated 12 December 2024
Dayan Abou Tine

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s official reserve assets saw a 2.22 percent year-on-year increase to SR1.63 trillion ($435.41 billion) in October, underscoring the Kingdom’s fiscal resilience.

Data from the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, revealed that these holdings include monetary gold, special drawing rights, the International Monetary Fund’s reserve position, and foreign reserves. 

The latter category comprises currency and deposits abroad as well as investments in foreign securities, and accounted for 94.34 percent of the total, reaching SR1.54 trillion in October – an annual rise of 2.32 percent.

Special drawing rights rose to SR78.42 billion, marking a 2.09 percent increase and accounting for 4.8 percent of Saudi Arabia’s total reserves. 

Created by the IMF to supplement member countries’ official reserves, SDRs derive their value from a basket of major currencies, including the US dollar, euro, Chinese yuan, Japanese yen, and British pound sterling. SDRs can be exchanged among governments for freely usable currencies when needed. 

In addition to providing supplementary liquidity, SDRs help stabilize exchange rates, act as a unit of account, and facilitate international trade and financial stability. 

The IMF reserve position totaled around SR12.41 billion but recorded an 8.03 percent decline during this period. This category represents the amount a country can draw from the IMF without conditions. 

Gold reserves remained steady at SR1.62 billion, a level unchanged since February 2008. 

Saudi Arabia’s reserve assets, underpinned by substantial foreign exchange reserves and sovereign wealth managed through entities like the Public Investment Fund, serve as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s fiscal strength. 

These reserves provide the government with a robust financial buffer to navigate economic uncertainties, including fluctuating oil revenues, global financial market turbulence, and geopolitical risks. 

With significant reserve levels, the Kingdom is well-positioned to meet its financing requirements across short, medium, and long-term horizons. 

This financial resilience bolsters Saudi Arabia’s ability to secure favorable borrowing terms from both domestic and international markets, enhancing investor confidence and supporting fiscal sustainability. 

The strategic deployment of these assets aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses on economic diversification, enhancing non-oil sectors, and ensuring sustainable long-term growth. 

This comprehensive strategy equips the Kingdom to mitigate risks while fostering stability and pursuing its ambitious economic objectives.

Topics: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) saudi official reserves

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