New Murabba: Pioneering a new era of urban living at Expo Real

Updated 09 October 2024

Arab News

October 09, 2024 23:10

New Murabba Development Company, a Public Investment Fund company, participated in Expo Real 2024, a premier real estate and investment trade fair held in Munich from Oct. 7-9.

New Murabba leveraged this global platform to highlight its groundbreaking destination and the attractive investment opportunities it offers to international players. The new, modern downtown is poised to champion urban living in Riyadh, offering a unique blend of innovation, sustainability, and a high quality of life. New Murabba exhibited its vibrant districts, representing a fusion of global influences and Saudi heritage. The centerpiece of this architectural marvel is the Mukaab, which will host the world’s largest immersive experience and emphasize the city’s urban nature. Additionally, New Murabba spotlighted its efficient transportation and eco-friendly infrastructure while illustrating how technology enriches urban experiences, including navigation and cultural engagement.

“Expo Real provides an invaluable platform to showcase New Murabba’s vision and readiness for international collaboration,” said Michael Dyke, CEO of New Murabba Development Company. “We are confident that our world-class destination will resonate with investors and stakeholders seeking opportunities in the dynamic Saudi Arabian real estate market. New Murabba is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban living in the Kingdom and globally.”

Cenomi Centers and URW forge landmark partnership to shape future of retail real estate in KSA

Updated 06 May 2025

Arab News

May 06, 2025 13:38

Cenomi Centers and URW forge landmark partnership to shape future of retail real estate in KSA

Updated 06 May 2025

Arab News

May 06, 2025 13:38

Cenomi Centers and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield signed a 10-year exclusive strategic and franchising partnership agreement, with the option to extend for another 10 years, covering the Saudi shopping center market. The move demonstrates Cenomi Centers’ unwavering commitment to strengthening its leadership position in the Kingdom and the MENA region.

Under this partnership, Cenomi Centers will obtain the exclusive licensing rights to the Westfield brand in the Kingdom from URW, and tap into URW’s best-in-class network and capabilities across a full range of support in key areas including leasing, operations, marketing, retail media and more, allowing Cenomi Centers’ Westfield-branded malls to be top-of-mind destinations for consumers, tourists and brands, while boosting its market share.

Under the Westfield brand, and with URW’s support, Cenomi Centers will offer Saudi residents and tourists the next generation of world-class shopping center experiences, boosting tourism and global engagement within the sector, acting as a powerful contributor to Vision 2030’s objectives of enhancing quality of life, and opening the Kingdom to the world’s global retail champions.

The partnership was signed at a ceremony at Jawharat Riyadh, which also celebrated the initial collaboration on three malls, Jawharat Riyadh, Jawharat Jeddah and Nakheel Dammam, which will be the first to be branded as Westfield centers. More details on these three malls and others will follow in the coming months, with the collaboration set to extend across up to eight of Cenomi Centers’ portfolio of top malls.

Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO, Cenomi Centers, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking and exclusive partnership with URW, a global leader in the retail industry. This collaboration not only solidifies our position as the leading owner, operator and developer of contemporary lifestyle centers in Saudi Arabia, but also aligns with the Kingdom’s broader goals for economic growth and development in both the sector and region. Together, we will cement our position as the leader in Saudi Arabia by introducing exciting new growth and tenancy opportunities for many years to come.”

Jean-Marie Tritant, CEO, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “Cenomi Centers is an incredible partner that shares our vision for the future of retail. Its portfolio of flagship destinations matches the ambition of the Westfield brand, providing the perfect platform to deliver Westfield’s unmatched experience to customers and visitors in the Kingdom while also supporting the brand’s international expansion. We are tremendously proud of the partnership, and the opportunity to work with Cenomi Centers to contribute to the broader economic and development goals of the Kingdom.”

The partnership with URW is exclusive within the Kingdom and affirms Cenomi Centers’ premier and well-established position in its home market, showing a vote of confidence in its growth trajectory over the coming years. Key benefits include:

Expanded consumer base: Westfield is one of the most recognizable global flagship mall brands, with over 900 million annual visits in the US and Europe. As the brand is highly known to and admired by Saudi consumers and the Kingdom’s increasing number of visitors, Cenomi Centers is able to significantly expand its customer base among Saudi citizens, residents and tourists.
Enhanced tenant offerings: Access to URW’s unparalleled tenant and partner relationships will help Cenomi Centers increase its share of key global anchor brands and first-to-KSA stores, creating a superior, increasingly differentiated offering, and encouraging higher footfall and tenant sales.
World-class customer experience: URW’s global experience and industry leadership will help Cenomi Centers to significantly enhance its customer experience, tenant mix and offering to international best-in-class standards. Cenomi Centers will bring the latest digital technologies and journeys, including in-mall apps and services, to the Saudi consumer.
New growth opportunities: The partnership will boost Cenomi Centers’ financial performance in its existing and new developments, in both its core GLA business and also in digital media sales, leveraging the expertise and international reach of URW’s Westfield Rise retail media agency. This partnership also sees Cenomi Centers and URW collaborating on third party business opportunities serving the Kingdom’s major retail and lifestyle developments.
Sustainability and operational efficacies: Cenomi Centers will be able to significantly boost sustainability and operational efficiencies across its portfolio by leveraging best-in-class tools, systems and manuals in the management of its daily operations.

The partnership entails fixed and variable licensing and service fees for URW along with opportunities for the companies to further collaborate on business and licensing opportunities within the Kingdom.

The partnership between Cenomi Centers and URW marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of retail and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia. By combining Cenomi Centers’ unparalleled market leadership with URW’s global expertise and the Westfield brand, this collaboration promises to redefine the shopping experience in the region.

IBM and Scuderia Ferrari HP debut reimagined app

Updated 05 May 2025

Arab News

May 05, 2025 22:18

IBM and Scuderia Ferrari HP debut reimagined app

Updated 05 May 2025

Arab News

May 05, 2025 22:18

IBM and Scuderia Ferrari HP have introduced a newly reimagined mobile app experience designed to bring the passionate global fanbase of nearly 400 million Tifosi closer than ever to cars, drivers and races they love.

Now available in English and — for the first time — Italian, the app includes an all-new Race Center and Racing Insights built with IBM watsonx, delivering a more immersive experience. These AI-powered features bring fans even closer to all the Scuderia Ferrari HP action from race weekend and include:

• AI-generated race summaries: Post-race recaps of the Scuderia Ferrari HP team’s performance that are available within hours of a race’s conclusion. Using LLMs on watsonx, the team’s complex race data is transformed into compelling narratives that include reflections from the Scuderia Ferrari HP drivers and team principal.

• Post-race insights and data visualizations: dynamic visuals, created from technologies on watsonx, which allow fans to interact with and see post-race driver and car data including telemetry, weather, track conditions, session results, and car and tire strategies.

• Historical driver and team insights: analysis that provides fans with comparisons of key 2025 race moments to past Scuderia Ferrari HP race milestones including car, driver and track moments. These insights are generated by LLMs on watsonx, including IBM Granite, and are embedded within the AI-generated race summaries and other Scuderia Ferrari HP content.

Alongside Race Center, IBM and Scuderia Ferrari have launched new app features designed to deliver personalized and interactive fan experiences year-round. These include:

• Fan messages: allows fans to send messages directly to the Scuderia Ferrari HP team for the chance to be featured in key team communications including social media posts, team blogs, and more.

• Interactive fan polls: daily polls that offer fan voting on a range of Scuderia Ferrari HP topics including qualifying, race performances, and historical and favorite team moments.

• Iconic races: race summaries highlighting some of Ferrari’s most famous wins throughout the decades.

IBM and Scuderia Ferrari will continue rolling out new app features throughout 2025 to make the racing season even more exciting. By combining data and AI technologies with the team’s vast amounts of current and historical data, IBM and Scuderia Ferrari are working to reimagine the digital fan experience in ways that deepen the connection between Tifosi, F1 fans, and the world’s most renowned F1 racing team.

“IBM and Ferrari are bound by a shared commitment to progress, innovation and excellence,” said Jonathan Adashek, senior vice president of marketing and communications at IBM. “With AI, we’re creating a new blueprint for digital fan engagement that brings fans even closer to Scuderia Ferrari whether it’s race weekend or not. The app is built with the same data and analytics technologies used by IBM clients across industries to achieve enhanced customer experiences, help their employees reach new levels of productivity and make more informed, data-driven business decisions.”

“This app is about bringing all our fans closer to the heart of the racing world of Ferrari,” said Lorenzo Giorgetti, chief racing revenue officer. “With IBM’s cutting-edge AI technology and our shared commitment to innovation and excellence, we are creating a digital experience worthy of the Ferrari name.”

Visit Qatar, flynas sign MoU to strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation

Updated 05 May 2025

Arab News

May 05, 2025 22:18

Visit Qatar, flynas sign MoU to strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation

Updated 05 May 2025

Arab News

May 05, 2025 22:18

Visit Qatar signed a memorandum of understanding with flynas to boost travel between the Kingdom and Qatar, during its participation at Arabian Travel Market 2025 in Dubai.

The signing ceremony was attended by Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, alongside senior officials from Visit Qatar. Representing flynas were Stefan Magiera, chief commercial officer, and Abdulelah Aleidi, vice president of sales.

Under the agreement, the two parties will work together to explore the launch of additional flights between Saudi Arabia and Qatar during major events and tournaments, including the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. The partnership will also see the implementation of joint marketing campaigns positioning Qatar as a premier destination for Saudi travelers.

This agreement builds on the strong collaborative foundation between Visit Qatar and flynas, particularly in enhancing air connectivity and implementing joint promotional campaigns during peak traveling seasons. Through this partnership, both parties will continue to provide seamless traveling experiences and boost tourist traffic between the two countries.

‘Mango Mania’ sweeps LuLu, with 119 varieties on offer

Updated 05 May 2025

Arab News

May 05, 2025 22:18

‘Mango Mania’ sweeps LuLu, with 119 varieties on offer

Updated 05 May 2025

Arab News

May 05, 2025 22:18

LuLu Hypermarkets across the Kingdom are hosting Mango Mania Festival — the biggest festival of its kind in Saudi Arabia celebrating the popular summer fruit.

The festival, officially launched by Consul General of India in Jeddah Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, will run until May 10, offering a flavorful journey across borders with over 119 global varieties of mangoes sourced from more than 12 countries.

Leading the event are Saudi Arabia and India, contributing an impressive 24 and 60 mango varieties, respectively. Other participating countries adding their tropical treasures to the mix include Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Yemen, Uganda, Kenya, Colombia, and Peru.

“This is more than just a fruit festival — it’s a cultural showcase,” said Suri. “India’s deep-rooted connection with the mango is well-known, and it’s wonderful to see LuLu bringing that legacy to Saudi Arabia, along with a global flavor palette. Mango Mania offers a delicious experience that bridges taste and tradition,” he added.

The festival highlights mangoes in every imaginable form — from fresh harvests to curated culinary experiences. Shoppers can expect an exciting lineup in the Hot Food and Cold Food counters, featuring innovative dishes such as mango chicken curry, mango fish curry, honey mango stuffed chicken breasts, and classic favorites like aamras (mango puree) with puri (deep-fried bread), mango pickles, and vegan mango smoothies with flaxseed. The dessert section is a tropical dream, showcasing mango pudding, mango cheesecake, mango mousse, mango pastries, offering something sweet for every palate.

Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Hypermarkets Saudi Arabia, said: “We’re thrilled to bring back Mango Mania, one of our most loved seasonal fests. It’s not just about showcasing variety — it’s about celebrating the health, flavor, and joy this fruit brings. We’re also proud to shine a spotlight on Saudi-grown mangoes, reinforcing our commitment to supporting local agriculture.”

Dar Wa Emaar launches $200m residential project in Dammam

Updated 05 May 2025

Arab News

May 05, 2025 11:52

Dar Wa Emaar launches $200m residential project in Dammam

Updated 05 May 2025

Arab News

May 05, 2025 11:52

Dar Wa Emaar Real Estate Investment and Development Company has announced the launch of its latest residential development, “Saraya Al-Sharq,” in partnership with the National Housing Company. The project involves an investment valued at SR750 million ($200 million) in Al-Wajeha destination, Dammam, as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Saudi families and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goal of increasing homeownership to 70 percent.

Spanning over 410,000 square meters, Saraya Al-Sharq offers 616 residential units, making it the newest addition to the acclaimed “Saraya” series by Dar Wa Emaar. The project has been designed in line with the highest construction and urban planning standards, providing four distinct unit models tailored to suit Saudi households’ diverse lifestyles and aspirations.

Strategically located near Riyadh Main Road and close to key landmarks such as King Fahd International Airport, hospitals, schools, and universities, the development offers residents integrated amenities, including retail and medical centers, mosques, dedicated walking paths, and lush green spaces, with 28 percent of the total area reserved for parks and landscaping, providing a holistic and elevated living experience designed for modern family life.

Saraya Al-Sharq stands out for its diverse range of spacious residential units, ranging from 200 to 360 square meters. The development offers four thoughtfully designed unit models, including three models with four-bedroom and one five-bedroom options, catering to various family needs. The project also features energy-efficient lighting, expansive glass façades that maximize natural light, and a selection of premium materials that reflect attention to detail and construction excellence.

Amr Fakhry Elfeky, executive director of development and investment at Dar Wa Emaar, said: “The Saraya Al-Sharq project is a natural progression of our successful ventures in the Eastern Province, executed in partnership with NHC, including landmark developments such as Saraya Al-Bahar and Saraya Al-Ghoroub. This underscores the profound trust placed in Dar Wa Emaar by both our clients and NHC. The project further solidifies our enduring commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of the real estate market over nearly two decades through the delivery of innovative, high-quality projects that exceed customer expectations in terms of design, construction standards, and integrated amenities.”

Saraya Al-Sharq creates a fully integrated community to foster growth and prosperity. In collaboration with several financial institutions, it offers innovative financing solutions to facilitate homeownership for citizens. The project targets a wide range of potential homeowners, with prices starting at SR797,000, making the homeownership process more flexible and seamless.

Since 2007, Dar Wa Emaar has maintained its leadership in the real estate market by developing thousands of residential units across various regions of the Kingdom. Through its diverse projects, the company contributes to enhancing the quality of life by addressing the varied needs of citizens and residents. The company plays a crucial role in bridging the housing gap and driving sustainable growth within the Kingdom’s real estate sector.

New Murabba: Pioneering a new era of urban living at Expo Real