Bottling success — shift toward locally produced drinks in Saudi Arabia

Bottling success — shift toward locally produced drinks in Saudi Arabia
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Kinza has a spacious booth at SFS where they are showcasing their latest and original flavors. (AN Photo: Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)
Bottling success — shift toward locally produced drinks in Saudi Arabia
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SFS features over 1000 exhibitors from 97 countries, making it a truly international showcase of food and beverage products and services. (AN Photo: Abdulrahman Bin Shalhoub)
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Updated 22 May 2024
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Bottling success — shift toward locally produced drinks in Saudi Arabia

Bottling success — shift toward locally produced drinks in Saudi Arabia
  • The event features more than 1,000 exhibitors from 97 countries
  • Kinza beverages are also available in Jordan, Sudan, Libya, Tanzania and Senegal

RIYADH: Consumers in Saudi Arabia are moving away from traditional staple soda drinks toward locally produced, high-quality alternatives, says CEO of Kinza Drinks Bandar Okrin.

At the second Saudi Food Show, Okrin told Arab News: “As more people continue to embrace these alternatives, the beverage industry in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a renaissance, with innovation and quality at the forefront.”

The event features more than 1,000 exhibitors from 97 countries, making it a truly international showcase of food and beverage products and services. Held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, the three-day event ends on May 23.

The Saudi brand has returned this year as the “category beverage sponsor.” Okrin added that its presence as a sponsor fostered a sense of pride and support for local businesses.

Al-Jameel International, a Saudi company that recognized the shift toward locally produced drinks in 2022, introduced Kinza, a carbonated beverage that has quickly gained popularity among locals.

According to the SFS, the Saudi food and beverage sector is projected to experience substantial growth, with an expected annual growth rate of 3.44 percent, set to reach $27.83 billion by 2029.

This places Saudi Arabia as an attractive hub for both local and international players in the F&B sector looking for new prospects.

“We (at Kinza) are determined to shake up the beverage industry that a few large multinational companies have dominated for far too long,” Okrin said. “We currently have a strong presence in all GCC countries: Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE and Kuwait.”

Kinza beverages are also available in Jordan, Sudan, Libya, Tanzania and Senegal.

The company’s goal is to establish a strong market presence and become a household name in global markets, with innovative beverage products that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.

Okrin said that they aim to establish a strong market presence and brand recognition in these regions by effectively distributing products and building relationships with key stakeholders.

Their booth at SFS showcases their range of flavors, including cola, lemon, citrus and orange. “This year, we introduced new flavors like pomegranate, berries, Saudi cocktail, and carbonated water,” Okrin said.

Last week, Kinza launched diet cola and zero lemon options. “These new varieties will be available in all designated stores within the next two weeks,” he said.

Kinza is part of the Made in Saudi Program that unites ministries, government agencies and the private sector in support of Saudi national products under a single brand, which will contribute to the Kingdom’s economic growth and the realization of Vision 2030.


Saudi aid agency KSrelief provides medical and food assistance in Yemen 

Saudi aid agency KSrelief provides medical and food assistance in Yemen 
Updated 46 sec ago
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Saudi aid agency KSrelief provides medical and food assistance in Yemen 

Saudi aid agency KSrelief provides medical and food assistance in Yemen 

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has helped a Yemeni prosthetics center provide medical services to 536 people in October.
The Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center in Taiz Governorate provided various medical services Yemeni beneficiaries who have lost limbs, the Saudi Press Agency said.
During the project, 1,757 services were provided including measuring, manufacturing, fitting, delivering and maintaining artificial limbs and prosthetics, in addition to rehabilitation and physiotherapy services.
KSRelief also signed a deal with a Yemeni civil-society organization to provide shelter for the neediest families affected by floods and torrents in Hadhramaut.


KSrelief continues humanitarian outreach in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon

KSrelief continues humanitarian outreach in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon
Updated 23 November 2024
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KSrelief continues humanitarian outreach in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon

KSrelief continues humanitarian outreach in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon
  • KSrelief provided medical services and distribution of basic needs to individuals

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its humanitarian activities in Jordan, Afghanistan and Lebanon with the provision of medical services and distribution of basic needs to individuals.

At Jordan’s Zaatri Camp, the Saudi aid agency provided medical services to 2,738 patients during the second week of November. General practitioners treated 657 patients, internists saw 125 patients dealing with diabetes, hypertension and asthma.

The pediatric clinic examined 270 children, while the emergency department attended to 297 patients. Meanwhile, dentists attended to 183 patients

The gynecology clinic served 182 women while ear, nose, and throat doctors clinic treated 57 patients for conditions such as sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and otitis media.

The ophthalmology clinic assisted 51 patients and provided them with medications. The cardiology clinic received 27 patients, and the diagnostic radiology clinic conducted examinations for 25 patients.

Other medical services provided also included laboratory tests, x-rays and vaccinations.

In Afghanistan, 200 shelter kits and 200 tents have been handed out for the benefit of 1,200 individuals as part of a project for returnees from Pakistan to Afghanistan and those affected by flooding.

In Lebanon, KSrelief distributed 530 purchase coupons to orphans and people with disabilities in Akkar region, Beirut, central and western Bekaa and Armoun.

The coupons allow recipients to buy winter clothing of their choice from approved stores.


Saudi GEA chief named most influential personality of last decade at MENA Effie Awards

Saudi GEA chief named most influential personality of last decade at MENA Effie Awards
Updated 22 November 2024
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Saudi GEA chief named most influential personality of last decade at MENA Effie Awards

Saudi GEA chief named most influential personality of last decade at MENA Effie Awards
  • Turki Alalshikh’s contribution to Kingdom’s entertainment sector honored

RIYADH: The head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority was named the most influential personality of the last decade at the MENA Effie Awards ceremony in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event, which was held on Thursday as part of this year’s Riyadh Season calendar, honored Turki Alalshikh’s contribution to the Kingdom’s entertainment sector and its emergence as a global hub for world-class events, the SPA added.

Alalshikh thanked Saudi Arabia’s leadership for their support in his acceptance speech, attributing the achievement to the “collaborative efforts of the nation’s people.”

He added that the recognition was a nod to the Kingdom’s growing global stature in the entertainment sector.

The 15th year of the MENA Effie Awards, which were hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time, celebrated innovation and excellence in the marketing and advertising sectors across the Middle East and North Africa.

This latest accolade followed Alalshikh’s recent distinction as one of the 50 most influential figures in the world of boxing and mixed martial arts, awarded by the British online newspaper The Independent earlier this year.

Under Alalshikh’s leadership, the GEA has transformed the Kingdom’s entertainment sector, with Riyadh Season becoming a flagship event attracting millions of visitors each year.


Gaming community in Saudi Arabia catches them all with Pokemon Go

‘Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population being passionate gamers.’
‘Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population being passionate gamers.’
Updated 22 November 2024
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Gaming community in Saudi Arabia catches them all with Pokemon Go

‘Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population being passionate gamers.’
  • Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years

RIYADH: The official launch of Pokemon Go in Saudi Arabia has brought together a community of gamers who have embraced their inner child while competing and connecting in a world of nostalgic adventure.

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.

The game, launched internationally in 2016, uses GPS to track movement and invites players to travel to real-world locations to catch Pokemon and battle with others.

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event. (Supplied)

A local gaming group, “Pokemon Go Saudi,” has created a lively community with members from Riyadh and the Eastern Province who have a shared love of the game.

Maan Al-Qurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi, told Arab News that the game holds a special place in his heart because he has played different versions for more than 20 years.

“Pokemon accompanied me in all stages of my life, from childhood to teenager, and still is a part of my daily life after marriage. Hopefully, I will pass down the same passion to my kids.”

HIGHLIGHT

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that creates an immersive experience of a world where human beings co-exist with colorful creatures with otherworldly superpowers, known as Pokemon.

Al-Qurashi said Pokemon Go Saudi began with 10 members in 2017, after the international launch of the game.

Today, the community comprises a diverse group of 500 members from all age groups who have made lasting friendships with their Pokemon partners. As a team, they go on adventures, train to improve their skills, and battle in friendly competitions.

‘Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population being passionate gamers.’ (Supplied)

Al-Qurashi said that it is more than a game. It is a community that fosters growth and friendship.

“Multiple in-person activities and relationships have been linked to Pokemon Go. For example, the daily routine is not only going to work and staying with family, it includes playing Pokemon Go even if it’s for a few minutes during the day or an hour or so.”

Last week, more than 5,000 Pokemon Go fans gathered at Boulevard City to celebrate the official launch of the Saudi application. Omar Tellez, vice president at Niantic, said that the event was the largest Pokemon Go event of its kind in the region to date.

Maan AlQurashi, one of the community leaders at Pokemon Go Saudi. (Supplied)

“Seeing the joy of the thousands of attendees, of all ages, has been such a delight. The success of today’s event is a testament to the popularity of Pokemon Go here in the Kingdom. The community has really responded.”

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event.

“It’s been incredible to see them unite to catch some of their favorite Pokemon and enjoy their time together in person. That’s what our game is all about.

Fans from more than 20 countries around the globe registered at the event. (Supplied)

“We have loved seeing their passion and excitement firsthand – whether through cheering on their teams during the PvP battles, or celebrating that iconic button-press moment — or join forces to catch Mewtwo as the legendary Pokemon took over the Boulevard Screens. The atmosphere was truly something special,” Tellez said.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing incredible growth in gaming with more than 67 percent of the population — more than 23.5 million people — being passionate gamers, Tellez said.

“We are excited to welcome many of them into our global trainers community, and we know this event is just the start of our adventure together as we create new experiences and ways for them to connect here in KSA.”

Today, more than 100 million people play Pokemon Go every year in more than 150 countries and regions, making for more than a billion downloads. Trainers have walked more than 8 billion kilometers collectively while playing the game.

 

 


Future cool: Understanding the Saudi national air conditioning replacement scheme

Mwan supervises private sector recycling operations and raw material utilization. (Supplied)
Mwan supervises private sector recycling operations and raw material utilization. (Supplied)
Updated 23 November 2024
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Future cool: Understanding the Saudi national air conditioning replacement scheme

Mwan supervises private sector recycling operations and raw material utilization. (Supplied)
  • Initiative aims to enhance energy efficiency

RIYADH: The National Center for Waste Management, also known as MWAN, in collaboration with the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center, announced on Thursday the launch of the third phase of the Replace initiative to dispose of old window air conditioners nationwide.

This scheme aims to enhance energy efficiency by replacing 250,000 old window air conditioners that do not meet environmental standards and turning them into recyclable materials during a period that extends until the end of December next year.

The initiative builds on the successes of the first and second phases of the scheme — in which 88,000 window air conditioners were recycled, reducing waste and transforming it into reusable raw materials — and aims to achieve the goals of sustainable development and environmental preservation.

The implementation of the initiative in its third phase will be expanded to include all regions of the Kingdom, in cooperation with the private sector, ensuring the continuity of the initiative and maximizing its positive impact.

MWAN plays a key role in supporting efforts and regulating the sector by supervising the private sector in achieving recycling operations and utilizing the resulting raw materials.

This contributes to building a sustainable economy, enhancing sector regulation and increasing the efficiency of using natural resources.

MWAN works through these endeavors to reduce waste production and promote the adoption of the circular economy, in addition to managing waste in a sustainable way.

It focuses on transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities that reflect its pioneering role.

This is in addition to building effective partnerships with the private sector to ensure the continuity of these efforts and achieve a positive impact on the environment, economy, and society.