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Gulf Air inks deal with Almatar in first collaboration with OTA in Kingdom

Gulf Air inks deal with Almatar in first collaboration with OTA in Kingdom
Youssef Abdullah Al-Rajhi, chairman of Almatar
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Updated 3 min 7 sec ago
Arab News
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Gulf Air inks deal with Almatar in first collaboration with OTA in Kingdom

Gulf Air inks deal with Almatar in first collaboration with OTA in Kingdom
Updated 3 min 7 sec ago
Arab News
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Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, has entered into a strategic partnership with Almatar, a Saudi travel technology company, to enhance digital operations between the two entities.

As part of the partnership, Gulf Air will integrate its new distribution capability API with Almatar’s booking platform, enabling Almatar to offer Gulf Air’s products and services, such as seat selection, additional baggage options, refunds, and reissue services. This will provide travelers with a more advanced, flexible, and seamless booking experience.

The partnership marks a key milestone in the digital transformation journeys of both Gulf Air and Almatar. It makes Almatar the first online travel agency in Saudi Arabia to collaborate with Gulf Air, setting a new industry standard.

Jeffrey Goh, CEO of Gulf Air Group, said: “We are excited about this partnership that opens new digital distribution avenues for Gulf Air products. The integration of the NDC system with Almatar’s platform will enhance operational efficiency and improve the way the airline delivers exceptional services to our customers. Gulf Air is dedicated to adopting modern technology to offer flexible and user-friendly travel solutions, solidifying our competitive edge in regional and global markets.”

Youssef Abdullah Al-Rajhi, chairman of Almatar, added: “This agreement is a landmark in Almatar’s journey as a digital travel solutions provider. We are proud to collaborate with Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, one of the most reputable airlines in the region. We are also the first OTA company in Saudi Arabia to partner with Gulf Air, and the integration of NDC will enable us to expand our services and provide an advanced travel experience to our customers.”

He said the partnership with Gulf Air is a strategic move that strengthens Almatar’s market presence and helps it serve a broader customer base. It will significantly enhance the efficiency of online bookings and allow it to deliver high-quality services that meet the increasing demands of the travel industry.

GEN PLUS Group appoints Wael Mahdi as chief growth officer for MENA

GEN PLUS Group appointed Wael Mahdi as chief growth officer for the Middle East and North Africa region.
GEN PLUS Group appointed Wael Mahdi as chief growth officer for the Middle East and North Africa region.
Updated 30 September 2024
Arab News
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GEN PLUS Group appoints Wael Mahdi as chief growth officer for MENA

GEN PLUS Group appointed Wael Mahdi as chief growth officer for the Middle East and North Africa region.
Updated 30 September 2024
Arab News

GEN PLUS Group, a global independent group of agencies, has announced the appointment of Wael Mahdi as chief growth officer for the Middle East and North Africa region. This key leadership role underscores the group’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia and its Vision 2030 transformation. GEN PLUS Group recently established its regional headquarters in Riyadh to support this mission.

Wael Mahdi brings over 20 years of experience in communications, media and journalism to his new role. He holds a bachelor of arts in political economy from the American University in Cairo and has held various senior positions at prominent organizations such as NEOM and the Saudi Research and Media Group, where he made a significant contribution across multiple outlets. His career also includes contributions to respected publications like Arabian Business, Alwatan, The National, and Asharq Alawsat, as well as nearly a decade with Bloomberg, where he covered business and energy news across the GCC.

Sofia Panayiotaki, CEO of GEN PLUS Group, said: “We are excited to welcome Wael Mahdi to our leadership team. His extensive experience in strategic communications and content creation will be invaluable as we strengthen our role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and helping brands in the Kingdom and the MENA region grow and thrive.”

Mahdi added: “I am thrilled to join GEN PLUS Group at such a pivotal time of growth and transformation in the region. I look forward to contributing to the group’s mission by driving impactful content and narratives that align with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goals to spur economic activity and attract global investors.”

GEN PLUS Group is a global leader in integrated communications and holistic brand storytelling. With a diverse network of over 3,000 experts representing 67 nationalities, the group operates in more than 100 countries. GEN PLUS Group provides a comprehensive suite of services, including creative marketing, PR, digital strategy, social media and content development, all driven by its signature “PLUS” philosophy.

In Saudi Arabia, GEN PLUS Group empowers brands, and partners with groundbreaking projects and initiatives to support Saudi Vision 2030.

TUV Rheinland CEO sees incredible opportunities in KSA

TUV Rheinland CEO sees incredible opportunities in KSA
Updated 29 September 2024
Arab News
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TUV Rheinland CEO sees incredible opportunities in KSA

TUV Rheinland CEO sees incredible opportunities in KSA
Updated 29 September 2024
Arab News

With Vision 2030 aiming to create a strong and thriving Saudi Arabia with sustainable development that provides opportunities for all, it is a great privilege to see the vision being implemented, said Dr. Michael Fubi, CEO and chairman of the executive board of management of the German consultancy firm TUV Rheinland.

TUV Rheinland recently unveiled its regional headquarters in Riyadh, reflecting the Saudi capital’s ongoing success in attracting fresh investments in line with the goals outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Sharing his outlook on Saudi business and economic reforms, Fubi said: “When I look at it, I see a number of developments coming up. With Vision 2030, a great many things have begun. For me, it’s so incredible to see that it’s not only a vision but also a vision being implemented. This means a great deal of investment and new industries are being promoted here in the Kingdom.”

“I see a bright future because so many developments are already taking root,” he added.

Fubi recently held fruitful meetings with Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih, SASO Gov. Dr. Saad Al-Kasabi, and senior officials from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.

Concerning German companies in Saudi Arabia, the TUV official said that German companies are well known for high-quality materials used in manufacturing processes; for example in power generation, particularly wind power, as well as in the photovoltaic sector. “We have been active in these sectors for more than 40 years. I think a number of German companies will contribute to the ongoing transformation in the country,” he said.

On his long working experience in Saudi Arabia, he said: “We started small, nearly 20 years ago. We started with a handful of people. And from there we developed, always looking at what the needs in the Kingdom were. Our purpose was — and is — to make the world a safer place. That means we always look for where we can contribute.”

“On the one hand, we are quite active — for example, in the oil and gas sector where operators need to function safely and also active in construction supervision and in training people. That is an area close to our hearts, training and educating people to do
high-quality work in their jobs. We operate eight national industrial training institutes and have also set up a drilling academy,” he added.

On the rising profile of Riyadh, the CEO said: “In the last few years, we have embarked on Vision 2030. I have seen huge changes and particularly very quick transformations. I was here before the COVID pandemic and then I was away for two and a half years. And in that period so many things changed and happened which people here may not have noticed but having been away and come back, I certainly noticed. The speed of change and the development in Riyadh has been amazing as it has become an international metropolis. With Riyadh hosting Expo 2030, that will be another milestone and will bring in people from all over the world to see the changes.”

“Saudi Vision 2030 is a major milestone for this country and will reduce the dependency on oil and gas and develop other sectors to ensure that in the long run there are value-added services within the country along with a growing young population,” Fubi added.

Landmark Retail signs ESG-linked facility with Emirates NBD

Landmark Retail signs ESG-linked facility with Emirates NBD
Updated 29 September 2024
Arab News
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Landmark Retail signs ESG-linked facility with Emirates NBD

Landmark Retail signs ESG-linked facility with Emirates NBD
Updated 29 September 2024
Arab News

Emirates NBD, a banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye region, has announced the signing of an ESG-linked working capital facility with Landmark Retail, a leading value conglomerate in the Middle East’s retail sector. This marks the first time a private sector company has signed a bilateral sustainability-linked loan in the Kingdom.

Officially announced at a signing ceremony held on Sept. 4, at Emirates NBD’s headquarters in Riyadh, the partnership underlines both parties’ long-standing commitment to Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s sustainability goals. The collaboration is fully aligned with Landmark Retail’s ongoing efforts to achieve net-zero.

The agreement was signed in the presence of officials and representatives from both companies. Rajesh Garg, group chief financial officer, Landmark Group, was joined at the event by the omni-channel retail conglomerate’s Head of Treasury Shabbir Ahmad and Deputy General Manager of Finance Ravi Chandran.

Emirates NBD was represented at the signing ceremony by the bank’s Group Co-Head of Corporate Coverage, Corporate and Institutional Banking Pri McNair and its Country Head Corporate and Institutional Banking Ahmed Alghamdi.

The agreement builds on Emirates NBD’s previous partnerships with Landmark Retail, strengthening the ties between both entities. 

It marks the launch of the second ESG-linked facility between Emirates NBD and Landmark Retail, following the conglomerate’s decision to transition from its working capital facility to a sustainability-linked loan in 2022. The ESG-linked objectives are increasing the contribution of renewables in Landmark’s energy utilization and increasing the composition of sustainable materials in its retail products.

Mcnair said: “We are proud to be playing a key role in promoting sustainable financing in Saudi Arabia by supporting our long-standing partner Landmark Retail. This milestone agreement underscores our shared commitment to environmental stewardship and driving meaningful change through ESG-linked solutions. By partnering with leaders like Landmark to formulate bespoke sustainability-focused structures, we are paving the way for sustainable transition and reinforcing our role as a leader in steering impact on business models contributing to a greener future in the Kingdom.”

Landmark Retail’s Garg said: “We are committed to conducting our business responsibly, by driving positive changes to reduce the environmental impact of our operations. We understand the important role we play in our industry and take it upon ourselves to act as flag bearers of responsible business, working as ethically and conscientiously as possible to protect people and the planet. Our agreement with Emirates NBD is fully geared toward accomplishing just that, marking another important milestone in our and the Kingdom’s journey toward greater sustainability.”

Sustainable mobility: KAUST partners with ALJ Motors & Toyota

Sustainable mobility: KAUST partners with ALJ Motors & Toyota
Updated 29 September 2024
Arab News
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Sustainable mobility: KAUST partners with ALJ Motors & Toyota

Sustainable mobility: KAUST partners with ALJ Motors & Toyota
Updated 29 September 2024
Arab News

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia since 1955, and Toyota Motor Corporation have embarked on a strategic partnership to advance hydrogen fuel cell research in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration will support the Kingdom’s decarbonization efforts across the transportation sector and beyond, contributing to the national goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060.

As a centerpiece of this partnership, KAUST has acquired proton electrolyte membrane fuel cell modules from TMC, establishing a state-of-the-art laboratory at KAUST under its Clean Energy and Research Platform dedicated to advancing this cutting-edge technology. This facility will be at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to lead in hydrogen innovation, particularly in tailoring fuel cells to the region’s unique environmental conditions.

Professor Mani Sarathy at KAUST said: “At KAUST, we are excited to collaborate with TMC and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors to drive the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and net-zero goals for 2060. Through our Clean Energy Research Platform, we are focused on advancing research that will optimize hydrogen fuel cells for the region’s specific conditions, ensuring their efficiency and reliability. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to pioneering innovations that support sustainable solutions and contribute to a greener future for Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Professor Sarathy of KAUST’s Physical Science and Engineering Division and his team at CERP are currently leading research efforts to explore the performance, durability, and environmental integration of PEM fuel cells, supported technically and financially by TMC and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. The team is conducting a series of modeling and experimental studies to assess factors such as temperature sensitivity, humidity impact, and overall efficiency, with the goal of maximizing the environmental benefits of these fuel cells within the Kingdom’s infrastructure.

Saudi Arabia, with its vast renewable energy resources, is well-positioned to produce both green hydrogen and blue hydrogen using carbon capture, utilization, and storage technology. With this in mind, the Kingdom aims to produce approximately 2.9 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030, with competitive costs for both domestic use and export.

Nobuyuki Takemura, chief representative of the Toyota Liaison Office for Mobility and Energy for Saudi Arabia, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “For over two decades, Toyota has led the way in environmentally friendly mobility solutions, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to a zero-carbon future through continuous innovation and substantial global investment. In partnership with the KAUST research team within CERP and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, we are bringing this technology to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supporting its decarbonization goals. Toyota is dedicated to contributing to the research at KAUST, and to advancing the Kingdom’s economic diversification and circular carbon economy, in alignment with Vision 2030.”

Mazin Ghazi Jameel, managing director of Toyota Marketing Operations, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “Abdul Latif Jameel Motors is dedicated to facilitating the development and adoption of solutions that benefit both local and global communities. A key focus is promoting fuel cell technology to establish Saudi Arabia as a key contributor to sustainable mobility. This strategic partnership reaffirms our commitment to enabling a future of cleaner, efficient and smarter mobility accessible to all, supporting the transformational needs of businesses and individuals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Saudi MBA students tap into global expertise with Oxford program

Saudi MBA students tap into global expertise with Oxford program
Updated 29 September 2024
Arab News
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Saudi MBA students tap into global expertise with Oxford program

Saudi MBA students tap into global expertise with Oxford program
Updated 29 September 2024
Arab News

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, a world-class business school in the Kingdom, has completed its first “Summer at Oxford” program, marking a significant step in advancing international education among Saudi business schools.

Held from Aug. 20-24, the program brought 55 Executive MBA and Masters in Management students from MBSC to Oxford University for an immersive educational experience.

The initiative was introduced in response to increasing demand among MBSC students for global learning opportunities.

“Our students benefit from an East-meets-West learning environment,” said MBSC Vice Dean Professor Larissa Von Alberti. “After the success of our ‘Summer at Babson’ elective in the US, we launched this new initiative to offer our students the opportunity to study at another top-ranked global institution.”

During their time in Oxford, students participated in a multicultural academic setting, networked with peers from other international institutions, and engaged in cultural activities within the historic city. They were housed in historic colleges such as Oriel and Brasenose and attended lectures in modern facilities, including the Amersi Lecture Room, inaugurated by former UK Prime Minister and Oxford alumnus Theresa May.

The program included sessions led by Oxford academics, including Professor Richard Whittington, author of the globally acclaimed “Exploring Strategy” textbook, and Professor Marc Ventresca, an award-winning researcher who co-authored a book on innovation, with MBSC’s Associate Professor Yasser Bhatti. These sessions provided MBSC students with insights into global business trends and cutting-edge research.

A networking event hosted by the Oxford Saïd Business School MENA Club, co-led by MBA students Farah Al-Zubi and Hassan Al-Afalig, featured participation from students worldwide, including those from Saudi Arabia. The event facilitated discussions on the growing opportunities for skilled talent in the Kingdom.

Bhatti, who led the program, said that it broadens students’ academic horizons and positions MBSC as a globally recognized institution. “We are proud to offer our students learning experiences in prestigious environments such as MBSC in Saudi Arabia, Babson in the US, and now Oxford in the UK,” he said.

The successful conclusion of the “Summer at Oxford” program underscores MBSC’s commitment to becoming a leading global business school, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

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