Meena Healthcare showcases innovative offerings at Global Health Exhibition

Updated 21 October 2024

Arab News

October 21, 2024 21:24

Meena Healthcare, a subsidiary of Tawuniya Insurance, is participating in the Global Health Conference to showcase its key primary healthcare services and highlight the innovative solutions it will provide with high-quality standards for the population in the Kingdom.

Meena Healthcare combines dedicated family physicians with next-generation digital tools, to offer convenient locations that provide a personalized and seamless healthcare experience. By 2028, Meena Healthcare seeks to significantly expand its presence across the Kingdom, aligning with the objectives of Vision 2030.

Mohannad Al-Saab, CEO of Meena, said: “We are excited about this participation, which will give us the opportunity to push the boundaries of innovation in healthcare and enhance our role in inspiring positive change in how people manage their health.” He added: “At Meena, we are committed to redefining healthcare through flexibility, integration, and a patient-centered approach. This participation will strengthen our local and international presence and provide top-notch primary healthcare services that are accessible, convenient, and tailored to meet the needs of every individual in the community.

Meena Healthcare was established in January 2023 as a subsidiary of Tawuniya and has quickly become a leading model in delivering patient-centered primary healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Meena is at the forefront of the next generation of healthcare, currently managing three clinics and a center that offers selected healthcare services. Meena aims to expand throughout the Kingdom by 2028, in line with Vision 2030, to provide accessible healthcare for all segments of society, from healthy individuals to those with chronic illnesses. By integrating preventive-focused digital solutions with high-quality physical care, Meena seeks to transform the primary healthcare sector, featuring convenient clinic locations, a distinguished app, customized care plans, and premium patient experience.

Yanmar opens office in Riyadh, solidifying commitment to KSA

Updated 16 February 2025

Arab News

February 16, 2025 23:25

Yanmar opens office in Riyadh, solidifying commitment to KSA

Underlining its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s industrial growth, Yanmar Arabia has already made significant strides

Updated 16 February 2025

Arab News

February 16, 2025 23:25

Yanmar, a global leader in innovative power solutions, has announced the establishment of Yanmar Arabia, further solidifying its long-standing presence in the Kingdom. With more than 55 years of collaboration through its distributor Abdullah Hashim Co. Ltd., Yanmar has been a trusted name in delivering high-performance engines and powertrain solutions to various industries.
Yanmar Arabia officially opened its doors on Feb. 10 in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to supporting the region’s industrial and power needs with cutting-edge technology.
Yanmar Arabia marks a strategic shift, emphasizing its expertise in TNV engines and tailored powertrain solutions for original equipment manufacturers. Unlike finished products, Yanmar Arabia focuses on providing cutting-edge engineering support, application development, and customized solutions that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 industrialization goals.
Underlining its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s industrial growth, Yanmar Arabia has already made significant strides. A key milestone includes a partnership with ASAD Industries, a local OEM based in Jeddah, which now produces truck refrigeration units powered by Yanmar engines. This collaboration is a testament to Yanmar’s dedication to fostering local manufacturing and enhancing technological capabilities in the region.
“We are not just here for commercial purposes. Our mission is to provide world-class powertrain solutions that drive local innovation. By working closely with Saudi OEMs, we aim to contribute to the ‘Made in Saudi’ initiative, empowering manufacturers with reliable and sustainable engine solutions,” said Samir Laoukili, CEO of Yanmar Arabia.
General Manager Raheel Aziz added: “Our focus is on delivering application engineering expertise and strengthening our partnerships with local manufacturers. Through Yanmar Arabia, we will continue to support the Kingdom’s industrial evolution with robust, high-efficiency engine solutions.”
With a rich history spanning seven main business domains, Yanmar is globally recognized for its relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability. The company actively contributes to environmental responsibility through the Yanmar Green Challenge, an initiative that seeks to achieve a sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency across its product lines.
Additionally, Yanmar’s Hanasaka program is dedicated to youth development, fostering the next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders through education and skill-building initiatives.
By integrating these global sustainability and development initiatives with its presence in Saudi Arabia, Yanmar Arabia is set to play a vital role in shaping the future of power solutions within the Kingdom.

Topics: Yanmar

stc advances gen AI innovation in region with Cohere

Updated 16 February 2025

Arab News

February 16, 2025 23:20

stc advances gen AI innovation in region with Cohere

The joint effort will focus on key AI-powered innovations, including stc’s AI-powered language model and the Digital Co-Workers Foundry, designed to optimize business efficiency and deliver a superior digital experience for customers

Updated 16 February 2025

Arab News

February 16, 2025 23:20

stc Group, the region’s leading digital enabler, has announced a strategic collaboration with Cohere, a secure enterprise AI company, to transform the AI landscape in the Middle East and beyond. This collaboration is set to redefine stc’s AI-driven operations, enhance customer engagement, and unlock new digital growth opportunities through state-of-the-art AI solutions.
Under the collaboration, stc will leverage Cohere’s cutting-edge AI capabilities to develop transformative products as part of its internal gen AI initiative. The joint effort will focus on key AI-powered innovations, including stc’s AI-powered language model and the Digital Co-Workers Foundry, designed to optimize business efficiency and deliver a superior digital experience for customers.

HIGHLIGHT

The joint effort will focus on key AI-powered innovations, including stc’s AI-powered language model and the Digital Co-Workers Foundry, designed to optimize business efficiency and deliver a superior digital experience for customers.

As part of the efforts, stc will work with Cohere to develop North for Telecom, a customized version of Cohere’s North, a secure AI workspace platform announced earlier this year. North for Telecom will be tailored to address the unique needs of the sector, providing intelligent automation, enhanced conversational experiences, and real-time data insights. Meanwhile, the Digital Co-Workers Foundry will introduce AI-driven virtual assistants designed to streamline workflows, boost productivity, and support stc’s workforce with intelligent automation solutions.

It’s been great working closely with stc’s team, says Aidan Gomez, Cohere’s Co-founder and CEO

“As a leader in digital transformation, stc continues to invest in advanced AI technologies that will shape the future of our industry. Our collaboration with Cohere represents a significant milestone in our AI journey, reinforcing our vision to harness AI-driven intelligence, enhance operational capabilities, and introduce innovative AI solutions that create tangible value,” said Haithem Mohammed Alfaraj, group chief technology officer at stc Group.
Motaz Alangari, group chief investment officer at stc Group, added: “stc Group strategically invests in pioneering companies that unlock access to transformative technologies, new business models, and enhanced revenue streams. This collaboration aligns with tali ventures, stc’s corporate venture capital arm, which plays a key role in fostering technological advancement and investing in next-generation innovations that complement stc’s digital ecosystem.”
“Cohere is a global leader in secure enterprise AI, and our investment in this collaboration facilitates access to enterprise-grade AI solutions, positioning stc to maximize AI’s potential across its product and service offerings.”
Cohere will bring its expertise in enterprise AI models and applications to stc’s ecosystem, ensuring faster adoption and optimization of AI capabilities across stc’s digital infrastructure.
“It’s been great working closely with stc’s team,” said Aidan Gomez, Cohere’s co-founder and CEO. “I’m really excited to bring our secure AI technology to enhance its role as a digital enabler. We look forward to collaborating with stc and integrating Cohere’s enterprise AI solutions to lift grunt work off the backs of their employees so they can focus more on the areas of their jobs where they can add real value.”
This collaboration underscores stc’s commitment to being at the forefront of AI-driven innovation, fostering a digital-first economy, and shaping the future of intelligent technology in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Topics: STC

KSA’s dynamic construction sector under spotlight at show

Photo: (X @thebig5saudi)

Updated 16 February 2025

Arab News

February 16, 2025 23:11

KSA’s dynamic construction sector under spotlight at show

Held at the ICC Theatre, Hall 6, Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, the event spotlighted transformative developments and opportunities, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals

Updated 16 February 2025

Arab News

February 16, 2025 23:11

Saudi Arabia’s construction industry is rapidly evolving, fueled by technological advancements, strategies in large-scale projects, policy reforms and sustainability. Returning once again to Big 5 Construct Saudi, the International Contracting Conference, organized by the Saudi Contractors Authority and dmg events and taking place on Feb. 15-16, hosted government officials, industry leaders and policymakers to share insights into navigating the Kingdom’s construction landscape and exploring new opportunities.
ICC 2025 united top contractors and international contracting experts in the Kingdom for two days of insightful dialogues and discussions focusing on topics such as the impact of Vision 2030, innovative construction methods, digital tools for project management and government-private sector collaboration. Held at the ICC Theatre, Hall 6, Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, the event spotlighted transformative developments and opportunities, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Prominent industry leaders who headlined the conference this year included: Khalid Al-Othman, president of the National Committee for Sustainability and Green Economy, Federation of Saudi Chambers; Dr. Anas Bataw, strategy and innovation director, KEO International Consultants; Prakash Senghani, CEO and co-founder, Navatech; James Irvine, managing director, Alvarez and Marshal; Alaa Arabi, principal, TBH; Alexander Sarac, partner at Addleshaw Goddard; Ayman Alwaleedi, executive director — project management at Rua Al-Madinah; Mark Sperring, regional PMC director; and Wael Allan, chief executive at Ayar International Contracting Company.

Complementing ICC, Big 5 Construct Saudi is also hosting Big 5 Talks, featuring more than 75 expert-led sessions designed to empower professionals with actionable strategies and progressive insights over two weeks. Featuring over 150 speakers, subject-matter experts and leaders, these sessions cover various topics impacting the Kingdom’s built environment, enabling attendees to have fresh ideas, practical solutions and professional growth.
The first week (Feb. 15-18) will lay strong foundations for the construction industry, covering key topics from design to execution. Discussions will explore advancements in HVAC R, modular construction, project management, health and safety and regulatory compliance.
In the second week (Feb. 24–27), the focus will shift to transforming projects from fit-out to services, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions and operational excellence. The Architect Leaders Forum will bring together industry visionaries to discuss trends shaping architectural design, while sessions on facilities management and green buildings will highlight the best practices for maintaining sustainable structures.
With more than 5,200 construction projects currently underway, including NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, Diriyah and others, valued at an estimated $819 billion, the Kingdom’s development initiatives showcase the immense scale and ambition of its transformation.
“As Saudi Arabia sprints toward Vision 2030, organizations and individuals must evolve to help facilitate these ambitions,” said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president of construction at dmg events. “The panel discussions and sessions at Big 5 Construct Saudi are therefore strategically curated to address the industry challenges and provide innovative ideas and solutions to meet the Kingdom’s goals for its dynamic contracting sector.”

Topics: the International Contracting Conference

Intertek strengthens Middle East commitment with new regional HQ in Riyadh

Updated 16 February 2025

Arab News

February 16, 2025 09:55

Intertek strengthens Middle East commitment with new regional HQ in Riyadh

Updated 16 February 2025

Arab News

February 16, 2025 09:55

Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has opened its regional headquarters in Riyadh. This new hub will play a key role in supporting Intertek’s expanding portfolio of services and solidifying its commitment to customers in the region, as well as highlighting Intertek’s role in achieving the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Intertek’s own vision focuses on innovation, sustainability, and industry diversification. With the Kingdom reducing its reliance on oil by fostering growth in key sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, and technology, Intertek aims to stand as a trusted partner in this transformation. With a strong legacy in the oil and gas sector, Intertek continues to support the industry’s evolution while leveraging its expertise to help businesses across all sectors meet the highest quality and safety standards. Through its comprehensive assurance, testing, inspection, and certification solutions, Intertek enables organizations to innovate, expand, and contribute to the Kingdom’s diversified economy. Intertek’s sustainability solutions, including environmental audits and renewable energy certifications, also align with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a greener future, driving economic growth and environmental responsibility.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is focused on building state-of-the-art infrastructure, and Intertek’s services in construction material testing, inspection, and certification help ensure that these projects meet global safety and quality standards. Intertek also empowers local talent by investing in capacity-building and professional development programs, fostering the growth of Saudi talent in the quality and assurance fields. Through these efforts, the company is helping Saudi businesses thrive in the global marketplace, furthering the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading global economic hub, while upholding excellence in the oil and gas industry.

Hanna Jabbour, Intertek vice president, industry services, MENAWA, SSA, and South-East Asia, said: “Intertek has been operating in Saudi Arabia for more than 30 years, and we are proud to play a vital role in supporting the country’s infrastructure development and global competitiveness. The opening of our regional headquarters marks a significant long-term investment and commitment to the Saudi market, reflecting the Kingdom’s ambition to create a sustainable and thriving economy by 2030 and beyond.”

Steven Owens, Intertek managing director, MENAP, said: “Our portfolio of complementary services and expertise has always been closely connected to the evolving needs of our customers. The new headquarters location will enable our teams to collaborate more efficiently and effectively while providing a local foundation on which to support the broader region.”

Present at the regional headquarters opening ceremony in Riyadh were Jabbour; Owens; Ross McCluskey, Intertek executive vice president Europe, Middle East and Africa and government and trade services; Bertrand Mallet, EVP, Intertek industry services; a senior adviser from the Ministry of Investment; UK embassy representatives; and several government officials.

STC Bank partners with PLDT Global to expand digital payment solutions

Updated 15 February 2025

Arab News

February 15, 2025 21:55

STC Bank partners with PLDT Global to expand digital payment solutions

Updated 15 February 2025

Arab News

February 15, 2025 21:55

STC Bank, a leading Saudi digital bank, has entered into a strategic partnership with PLDT Global Corporation, the international arm of PLDT Inc., to enhance digital financial solutions and payment accessibility for its customers in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the strategic partnership, STC Bank will be available as a payment option within PLDT Global’s digital marketplace, Tindahan ni Bossing, and include Vortex products on its marketplace. Vortex, PLDT Global’s robust, secure, and integration-ready digital distribution platform, ensures seamless transactions for users, enabling them to conduct smooth and secure digital payments.

By leveraging its digital banking infrastructure and expertise, STC Bank will facilitate financial inclusion, streamline cross-border payments, and enhance cybersecurity measures to safeguard digital transactions for PLDT’s customers in Saudi Arabia.
“At STC Bank, we are driving financial inclusion through innovation that empowers individuals and businesses alike. Our collaboration with PLDT Global aligns with our mission to enhance digital banking accessibility, ensuring seamless and efficient transactions for our customers, no matter how far they are from their home countries” said Nizar Altwaijri, CEO of STC Bank.

At STC Bank, we are driving financial inclusion through innovation that empowers individuals and businesses alike.

Nizar Altwaijri, CEO of STC Bank

“We are thrilled to join forces with STC Bank. This partnership will enable us to provide every Filipino and our other customers in Saudi Arabia with convenient and secure payment options that meet their evolving needs. Together, we are committed to empowering businesses and communities at home and abroad,” said Albert V. Villa-Real, president and CEO at PLDT Global.
This strategic alliance is in line with STC Bank’s continued expansion into global digital ecosystems, reinforcing its commitment to offering cutting-edge financial services that cater to the evolving needs of Saudi citizens and residents in an increasingly digital economy.

Meena Healthcare showcases innovative offerings at Global Health Exhibition