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TDF and Dusit partner to elevate KSA’s hospitality sector

TDF and Dusit partner to elevate KSA’s hospitality sector
The MoU was officially announced at World Travel Market 2024 in London.
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Updated 1 min 22 sec ago
Arab News
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TDF and Dusit partner to elevate KSA’s hospitality sector

TDF and Dusit partner to elevate KSA’s hospitality sector
Updated 1 min 22 sec ago
Arab News
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As Saudi Arabia continues to make tremendous strides toward becoming one of the world’s most attractive tourist destinations, the Tourism Development Fund, the national enabler of the Kingdom’s tourism sector, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the industry. This was highlighted by signing an MoU with Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies.
Officially announced at World Travel Market 2024 in London, the MoU will see TDF work closely with Dusit International to develop a range of world-class hospitality projects in the Kingdom.
In line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Tourism Strategy, the partnership is fully geared toward setting Saudi Arabia apart as a must-visit destination distinguished by a first-class array of luxury hotels and resorts.
The MoU marks the latest step taken by TDF to transform the Kingdom into a global hub of immersive tourism experiences, reiterating the fund’s focus on effective and truly aligned partnership-building to advance the Saudi tourism sector and fulfill the Kingdom’s potential as a leading player on the international tourism stage.
Renowned for its rich traditions, stunning landscapes, proud heritage and diverse range of spiritual landmarks and historic sites, Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most engaging tourist attractions in the world. Together with Dusit International, TDF will call attention to these places of interest and attract more visitors and travelers to embark on rewarding journeys and tourist experiences across the Kingdom.
Qusai Al-Fakhri, TDF’s CEO, said: “This MoU is a pivotal milestone in our strategy to attract world-class partners and create distinctive and sustainable tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia. We are pleased to be collaborating with Dusit International, whose expertise in hospitality aligns perfectly with our ambition to unlock the full potential of the Kingdom’s tourism sector. Together, we aim to shape extraordinary destinations that will have a lasting positive impact on the sector.”
SupHajjee Suthumpun, group CEO of Dusit International, said: “Dusit International is deeply honored to sign this MoU with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Development Fund. This marks a significant milestone for us as we seek to bring our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to one of the world’s most dynamic tourism landscapes. Saudi Arabia is a key focus for our growth, and partnering with TDF provides invaluable opportunities to connect with high-potential investments across the Kingdom. We look forward to contributing to Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy and delivering hotel experiences that bring enduring value to all stakeholders.”
With more than 75 years of experience, Dusit International is an Asian hospitality group rooted in Thai heritage. It operates a diverse portfolio of brands, including luxury hotels and resorts, food businesses, hospitality schools, wellness centers, and hospitality-related services, with a presence in 19 countries across four continents.

Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah launches ‘Signature Collection’

Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah launches ‘Signature Collection’
Updated 25 min 26 sec ago
Arab News
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Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah launches ‘Signature Collection’

Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah launches ‘Signature Collection’
Updated 25 min 26 sec ago
Arab News

At Cityscape Global in Riyadh, Diriyah Company announced the launch of 59 new luxury apartments and villas for the Signature Collection of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, marking the latest release of its luxury branded residences. This launch follows the successful sell-out of the initial 106 Ritz Carlton Residences.

This exclusive new collection offers 59 fully furnished apartments and villas, with options ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom configurations, each meticulously crafted to meet the legendary standards of The Ritz-Carlton brand.

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to amenities at the co-located hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah, including a state-of-the-art gym, luxurious spa, and fine-dining restaurants. 

Announcing the new residences, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “We are delighted to announce these new world-class luxury homes from the Ritz-Carlton brand. Following the incredible success and sell-out of our initial release of 106 villas at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, we are anticipating significant demand for this exceptional new offering. This announcement underscores our dedication to delivering best-in-class offerings at every stage of our incredible development journey.”

Jaidev Menezes, regional vice president — mixed-use development, EMEA, Marriott International, said: “Following the overwhelming success and sold-out response to the initial release of villas at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, we are excited about the launch of the new inventory of villas and apartments. We are once again expecting high levels of demand for the newly launched residences offering tranquility, privacy and luxury living in one of the most significant cultural and heritage destinations in the region.”

The development of these luxury hotel residences at Diriyah is part of a comprehensive residential strategy to create diverse living opportunities for more than 100,000 future residents. This wide-ranging plan underscores Diriyah’s vision to become a premier destination for luxury living and community development. 

Diriyah Company, Raffles announce luxury residences

Diriyah Company, Raffles announce luxury residences
Updated 28 min 42 sec ago
Arab News
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Diriyah Company, Raffles announce luxury residences

Diriyah Company, Raffles announce luxury residences
Updated 28 min 42 sec ago
Arab News

Diriyah Company and Raffles Hotels and Resorts have announced the launch of Raffles Residences Diriyah, marking their first residential partnership. The announcement shows the two companies’ shared commitment to offering world-class luxury living in the “City of Earth.”

Launched during Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh, Raffles Residences Diriyah will offer 90 apartments and townhouses primarily featuring one-, two- or three-bedroom residences and seven spacious duplex accommodations. Residents will have full access to the world-class luxury facilities and amenities at the upcoming Raffles Diriyah hotel.

Raffles Residences Diriyah will bring together the elegance and spirit of enchanted glamor for which Raffles is known alongside Najdi architectural influences. This unique collection of residential homes is located in Diriyah South, close to the 3 km escarpment walk overlooking Wadi Hanifah, blending cultural legacy with modern luxury.

Announcing the release of the residences, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “We are thrilled to unveil these exceptional luxury residences from a top-tier, esteemed hotel brand. Introducing these stunning Raffles Residences to Diriyah reinforces our commitment to world-class standards of excellence and quality that we are delivering at every step of our accelerating development journey.”

Omer Acar, CEO for Raffles Hotels and Resorts, added: “Raffles hotels and residences worldwide are located in destinations rich in history and heritage. With Raffles Residences Diriyah, we are offering residents an unparalleled living experience steps away from the 300-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif and overlooking the breathtaking natural landscape of Wadi Hanifah, putting homeowners in one of Saudi Arabia’s cultural centers. We look forward to welcoming residents from the Kingdom and wider region to enjoy these exceptional homes where they can experience the inspirational and glamorous lifestyle of Raffles while benefiting from the outstanding service and amenities at the forthcoming Raffles Diriyah hotel.”

Raffles Residences Diriyah is part of a comprehensive residential strategy by the Diriyah Company, which will create diverse living opportunities for more than 100,000 future residents. This wide-ranging plan underscores Diriyah’s vision to become a highly sought-after place for luxury living and community development.
 

Honor launches laptop for professionals

Honor launches laptop for professionals
Updated 45 min 11 sec ago
Arab News
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Honor launches laptop for professionals

Honor launches laptop for professionals
Updated 45 min 11 sec ago
Arab News

The Honor MagicBook Art 14 is a well-equipped laptop that can tackle the stressful schedule of any business professional and comes with unique tools that help to streamline workloads and boost productivity.

Portability is an important factor for any business laptop, and the MagicBook Art 14 takes this further than any other laptop in the market. With a weight of 1 kg and a thickness of just 1 cm, the MagicBook Art 14 is light enough to carry around all day in a bag or briefcase and is always ready for the next meeting.

For business professionals, privacy is a high priority, and the MagicBook Art 14 offers an industry-first measure to protect users' privacy through the industry’s first modular camera design.
The laptop is available for purchase in Emerald Green at a price of SR5,999 ((1,600). 

BISR empowers students with esports skills

BISR empowers students with esports skills
Updated 1 min 46 sec ago
Arab News
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BISR empowers students with esports skills

BISR empowers students with esports skills
Updated 1 min 46 sec ago
Arab News

The British International School Riyadh has partnered with NES, a gaming-focused digital media company and subsidiary of Nesma Holding Company, to offer students access to the rapidly evolving world of esports. The partnership will provide BISR’s students with hands-on experience across key industry areas such as game design, coaching, broadcasting, competition management, and data analysis.
The new partnership comes in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and create new jobs in various sectors, including esports. It also supports the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for gaming and esports by 2030.
Through this collaboration, BISR will introduce an extracurricular skills academy with a focus on esports, designed to upskill students across various areas of the industry. The program will also lay the foundation for offering a formal BTEC qualification by BISR in the future. This marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s educational landscape, further contributing to the upskilling and development of the esports industry in the region.
As part of the program, students will gain exposure to the inner workings of the esports ecosystem, preparing them for future careers in a field that is rapidly expanding worldwide. NES will also assist in designing state-of-the-art esports gaming labs at BISR’s Al-Hamra campus, providing a unique environment for students to explore their career paths in esports. The first activity session, which was held on Oct. 19, saw enthusiastic participation, confirming the program’s potential to engage students across disciplines.
Teslim Olomowewe, BTEC lead at BISR, said: “By partnering with NES, we are offering our students a unique opportunity to engage with the future of entertainment and technology. This partnership not only empowers our students with the skills they need for the future, but also positions BISR at the forefront of educational innovation in Saudi Arabia. The initiative reflects BISR’s dedication to providing students with a comprehensive education that meets the demands of modern industries.”
Elie Honain, CEO at NES, said: “Nesma is proud to partner with BISR in support of Vision 2030 to empower youth in the Kingdom. This program offers students an opportunity to develop teamwork, strategy, and leadership skills through competitive gaming. Esports fosters community and creativity, and we aim to create a supportive environment where all students can participate and grow. We encourage students to join this exciting initiative and help build a vibrant esports community that empowers our youth to thrive.”
This partnership is particularly important at a time when the gaming and esports industry in the Kingdom is projected to generate SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) and create more than 39,000 jobs by 2030, with more than 65 percent of the Saudi population expressing interest in the sector, as per the National Gaming and Esports Strategy.

GSMA M360 MENA 2024: Unlocking the future of MENA’s digital transformation

Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer of GSMA.
Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer of GSMA.
Updated 12 November 2024
Arab News
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GSMA M360 MENA 2024: Unlocking the future of MENA’s digital transformation

Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer of GSMA.
Updated 12 November 2024
Arab News

This Nov. 18-19, international and regional leaders from the mobile, technology and policy sectors will convene at the first-ever Doha edition of M360 MENA, opening a transformative chapter in the digital evolution of the Middle East and North Africa. The region’s digital economy is projected to grow from $180 billion today to $780 billion by 2030, and with Qatar’s leadership in digital innovation and ambitious vision for a thriving, global economy, we are honored to hold M360 MENA with host sponsor Ooredoo, in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Technology. 

Innovation and digital progress

M360 MENA will commence with the event’s official opening ceremony led by Mohammed bin Ali Al-Mannai, minister of communications and information technology of Qatar, with Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, group CEO of Ooredoo, and Jawad Abbassi, head of MENA at GSMA. 

With a focus on AI and 5G, M360 MENA is shaping up to be an unmissable event for networking and debate, fostering innovation and collaboration and helping to advance the digital economy’s growth potential across MENA. A diverse group of C-suite executives, government officials and technology innovators will gather to share knowledge and discuss the partnerships, tech and policies that promise to unlock the power of connectivity and drive the region forward. 

Also set for M360 MENA is the publication of the GSMA’s annual Mobile Economy MENA report, which we will publish in full on the first day of the event. This comprehensive report is a deep dive into the state of the mobile industry in the MENA region in 2024, providing evidence that in the digital age, connectivity is more than a convenience — it is a necessity. The report finds that the role of mobile infrastructure and services will become even more vital to the way society functions, as governments increasingly use digital technologies to tackle some of the most pressing social and economic challenges. 

A curated platform for strategic dialogue and action

With these challenges in mind, from bridging the digital divide to navigating complex regulatory landscapes, discussions at M360 MENA will address barriers such as these with a focus on the mobile sector’s essential role in advancing digital transformation in the region through 5G rollout and the rise of AI applications. Mobile technology and connectivity is a powerful enabler, helping people and societies to have access to education, health care and economic opportunities, which is essential with rapid urbanization alongside vast, underserved areas. It is the connective tissue that binds societies together in our digital, online world. 

With the region on track to become a global digital economy hub, advancements in machine learning, cloud computing, and IoT are redefining industries and unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurship and workforce development. M360 MENA will shine a light on these trends and bring stakeholders together to create an enabling environment for digital growth. This growth, however, cannot reach its full potential without addressing regulatory and social barriers, expanding digital literacy, and making digital access more affordable.

According to GSMA’s State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report, although 96 percent of the MENA population has access to mobile broadband, only 49 percent are currently online. This mobile broadband usage gap — impacting nearly half of the region’s population — is caused by challenges including affordability, device accessibility, and digital skills. Addressing these barriers will unlock substantial socioeconomic benefits and drive GDP growth across MENA. 

On Day 2, I will join senior leaders from Ooredoo Fintech, the Digital Cooperation Organization, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies, and stc in Keynote 2. Together, we will explore how collaboration is vital for driving innovation, accelerating digital transformation across industries, and shaping a resilient digital future for the MENA region.

The path forward requires a concerted effort to support mobile operators in building infrastructure, navigating complex regulatory frameworks, and creating an environment conducive to sustainable investment. Governments have a key role to play, particularly in optimizing sector-specific taxation, universal service funds, and fair share regulation to bolster digital development.

Our M360 and MWC global series has long convened policymakers and industry leaders with a focus on digital-first societies, and our MENA event will play host to exclusive roundtable discussions on 5G and spectrum initiatives. With our long-earned reputation as a facilitating force outside the UN to enable influential regulatory conversations, this invite-only format will help drive impactful dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders for robust, digital ecosystems.

Join the conversation at M360 MENA 2024

As well as key discussions, cross-industry partnerships are critical in driving regional progress. This year’s event will feature exhibitors and sponsors such as China Mobile, Comarch, iHorizons and Google Cloud, showcasing the innovative technologies that continue to push the boundaries of connectivity and digital inclusion. To secure their place at M360 MENA and engage with the region’s thought leaders and visionaries who are shaping the future of digital transformation in MENA, attendees should register on the official website. By working collaboratively, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous digital future in the MENA region.

- The writer is Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer of GSMA.

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