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Radisson Hotel Group strengthens Saudi presence with the conversion of Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center

Updated 24 March 2025

Arab News

March 24, 2025 23:37

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Riyadh Minhal. This latest addition to the group’s portfolio reaffirms the commitment to developing its footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and increasing its presence in the capital.

Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the brand conversion of Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Riyadh Minhal, marking a significant milestone in the group’s ongoing expansion in the Kingdom.

The grand brand conversion ceremony, held in the heart of Riyadh’s prestigious ministries quarter, was attended by distinguished ambassadors, high-ranking dignitaries from both the Riyadh Minhal Hotel Company and Radisson Hotel Group, corporate leaders, media representatives, and prominent influencers, who witnessed the transformation of this iconic property into a premier destination.

Designed to redefine business and leisure hospitality, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, Riyadh Minhal, boasts 310 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, including 84 newly launched executive rooms and suites, tailored for discerning travelers.

Cementing its status as a premier event venue, the Convention Centre features 14 cutting-edge meeting rooms spanning 2,450 square meters, accommodating up to 2,334 guests. Strategically located just 3km from King Salman Park and 2.3km from the Ministry of Defense, the hotel offers unparalleled convenience for corporate gatherings, government summits, and international conferences.

Speaking at the grand opening, André Adel Saadé, general manager, expressed his enthusiasm for this pivotal transformation. “This transition is not about replacing the past; it is about building on everything we have achieved so far. Our previous brand provided a meaningful foundation, and with this brand conversion, we are embracing the values of our new company to elevate every aspect of what we offer. As one of Riyadh’s preferred corporate hotels, we remain committed to delivering exceptional experiences, embodying Radisson Blu’s ethos that every moment matters.”

With over 30 hotels in Saudi Arabia and 10 properties in Riyadh, Radisson Hotel Group continues to expand its footprint, supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by enhancing its hospitality sector.

Tim Cordon, COO Middle East, Africa & South East Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group, remarked: “This new chapter is not simply a change in name or logo, but a deeper commitment to delivering an even more elevated and relevant experience to our guests in Riyadh. Radisson Hotel Group is incredibly proud to add this iconic hotel to our growing portfolio in Saudi Arabia — one with a well-deserved reputation for excellence that we are eager to build upon. This transition is a testament to our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and, most importantly, strengthening our connection with our guests and partners.”

Abdul Latif Jameel, Uber sign MoU to transform urban mobility

Updated 28 May 2025

Arab News

May 28, 2025 22:56

Abdul Latif Jameel, Uber sign MoU to transform urban mobility

Updated 28 May 2025

Arab News

May 28, 2025 22:56

Abdul Latif Jameel and Uber Technologies have signed an MoU to explore opportunities to build a scalable, next-generation fleet operations platform. In line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the collaboration seeks to enable socioeconomic growth in the Kingdom and create more earning opportunities for Saudi nationals.

The MoU was recently signed during the period in which the Saudi-US Investment Forum was held and the signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser and Acting President of the Transport General Authority Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih. The MoU will help accelerate the transformation of urban mobility across Saudi Arabia, including through the deployment of autonomous vehicles. Representing both parties, the MoU was signed by Hassan Jameel, vice chairman, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel, and Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber.

Autonomous vehicles are pivotal to the future of transportation. Uber is building toward an electric, shared, and autonomous future, already working with 18 leading AV partners globally. Saudi Arabia is primed to be a key destination for urban transformation and the integration of AVs in the ecosystem. Abdul Latif Jameel, in collaboration with Uber, will play a pivotal role in accelerating the deployment of AVs, supporting local fleet operations.

Through their collaboration, the businesses will work closely to build a scalable mobility fleet with the aim of creating 30,000 earning opportunities for Saudi nationals.

With mobility playing a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation, the MoU addresses current and future opportunities, as well as the needs of drivers, riders, and tourists in line with Vision 2030. By combining Abdul Latif Jameel’s strong operational excellence and local expertise with Uber’s global innovative mobility technology and network, the businesses will support economic diversification, elevating giga-projects, and contributing to the Saudi economy.

Vice chairman Jameel said: “Our collaboration with Uber reflects a shared vision for a smarter, more accessible, and autonomous mobility future. We are proud to be working with such a renowned technology leader, as we support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and position the Kingdom as a role model for the future of mobility. Equally important is how this agreement will help empower Saudi youth through the creation of job opportunities, while contributing to the Kingdom’s long-term prosperity.” Jameel also expressed his gratitude to Minister Al-Jasser for attending the MoU signing ceremony.

Meanwhile, Khosrowshahi said: “Saudi Arabia is a hugely important market to Uber. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Abdul Latif Jameel to advance and accelerate a future of mobility that is electric, shared, and autonomous in the country, while advancing earning opportunities for Saudi nationals. Our goal is to make Uber the best platform for AV technology and continue to introduce both autonomous and human-driven mobility solutions to help people get where they need to go, effortlessly.’’

With Saudi Arabia as the role model, Abdul Latif Jameel and Uber have a long-term ambition to create a cutting-edge standard for the future of mobility and a scalable playbook that can be deployed internationally.

Indian school in Jeddah hosts Phase 1 of cluster meet

Updated 28 May 2025

Arab News

May 28, 2025 22:54

Indian school in Jeddah hosts Phase 1 of cluster meet

Updated 28 May 2025

Arab News

May 28, 2025 22:54

The annual interschool sports and co-curricular meet “XXXIII CBSE Cluster Meet 2025” kicked off at the International Indian School Jeddah, which is the host school for the event this year. The zonal level competitions were conducted in April, following which the finalists participated in the cluster meet, which was inaugurated on May 17 at IISJ boys’ section.

Consul General of India Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri was the chief guest for this event. IISJ Managing Committee Chairman Dr. Mohammed Abdul Saleem, members of the managing committee, officials of the Saudi Basketball Academy, principals from participating schools, officials and staff of the host school, in addition to coaches, managers and participants from 18 CBSE schools across the Kingdom were part of this program.

Chapter Convener and Principal of IISJ Dr. Mohammed Imran welcomed the gathering, urging participants to compete with true sportsmanship and camaraderie. The chief guest along with all the dignitaries hoisted the CBSE flag and declared the cluster meet open. Suri, who attended the event despite his commitments to ongoing Hajj preparations, said he was eager to meet the 715 participants. Wishing them luck, he advised students to participate with zeal and enjoy every moment.

The cluster meet mascot “Altius” was introduced in a grand manner leaving the crowd excited. Students of the III-V blocks welcomed the gathering with a musical performance. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Vice Principal of the Girls’ Section Farhadunnisa.

Phase 1 included badminton (under ages 14,16 and 17 for boys and girls), basketball (under 19 for girls), volleyball (under 19 boys), and football (under 19 boys) These teams came from the central, eastern and western regions of the Kingdom to participate in the final matches to clinch the championship.

IISJ won the rolling trophies for volleyball (boys) and basketball (girls), while IISR and NMEIS Riyadh bagged the rolling trophies for badminton for boys and girls, respectively. Al-Mawarid International School won the rolling trophy for football. In the first phase, IISJ and IISR are leading with equal points. The second phase, which will be held in September, will determine the school that will bag the coveted overall championship of the cluster meet.

Prominent among those who attended the valedictory event and gave away the prizes were Dr. Prince Mufti Ziaul Hasan, Dr. Hemalatha Mahalingam and Dr. Mohammed Shafee.

The managing committee chairman praised the coaches and participants of the schools and appreciated the host school for all the arrangements. Adil Akther, head of department of sports at IISJ, presented a report on the events held during the five-day meet. Mohammed Sirajuddin, senior PE teacher from IIS-Riyadh, presented the report on behalf of the participating schools. The valedictory event concluded with the vote of thanks presented by the Controller of Examinations and officiating vice principal of IISJ Boys Section Syed Abdul Haq.

The medals and trophies were given away during the closing ceremony, attended by Managing Committee chairman Saleem as chief guest, Managing Committee Member Prince Zia and other guests. Saleem lauded the coaches and participants of the participating schools and appreciated the host school for the impeccable arrangements. Adil Akther, head of department of sports in IISJ, presented a report on the events held during the five-day meet. Mohammed Sirajuddin, a senior PE teacher from IISR, presented the report on behalf of the participating schools. The event concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Dr. Najeeb Qais Ammar, the officiating vice principal of the boys section.

TNFS 2025: Saudi Arabia to host region’s first summit on smoking reduction

Updated 28 May 2025

Arab News

May 28, 2025 19:25

TNFS 2025: Saudi Arabia to host region’s first summit on smoking reduction

Updated 28 May 2025

Arab News

May 28, 2025 19:25

In a significant move that signals a shift in how the region tackles public health challenges, Riyadh is set to host the TNFS Summit 2025 — the first high-level regional summit focused on reducing smoking prevalence and addressing tobacco-related harm. This event will bring together organizations, health leaders, and policymakers from the region and around the globe.

The summit will take place on May 29 at the Four Seasons Hotel — Kingdom Centre, coinciding with “World No Tobacco Day.” It is supported by strategic partners, including the Quality-of-Life Program (Part of one of the realization programs of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030), Badael Company, and Smart Health as the scientific partner. The TNFS Summit will serve as a multilateral platform to encourage regional and international collaboration in tackling one of the most pressing public health challenges in the Arab world.

The summit is expected to culminate in the adoption of a regional charter for tobacco harm reduction and the signing of strategic cooperation agreements among participating entities, aimed at strengthening public health systems and enhancing regional regulatory frameworks.

TNFS Summit 2025 invites policymakers, public health experts, and civil society to unite around a shared vision: a healthier Middle East with lower tobacco dependence. This summit marks a clear commitment to science-based, prevention-first policies built on regional and international partnerships.

More than 100 local and international experts from leading institutions — including specialists from the UK, Sweden, and Saudi Arabia — will participate in the summit. They will discuss the latest research, exchange insights, and explore scalable, evidence-based policy solutions.

The agenda will focus on key strategic themes, including:

correcting public misconceptions about nicotine and tobacco harm reduction products
designing preventive policies grounded in scientific evidence
showcasing successful international regulatory frameworks that can be adapted to regional contexts
mobilizing community awareness and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors

Badael Company, the summit’s strategic partner, stated that TNFS 2025 addresses an urgent regional need for data-driven dialogue and multilateral coordination to reflect the scale of tobacco-related harm in our societies. The summit is envisioned as a launchpad for the region’s healthier and more sustainable future.

Matarat Holding taps Thales to modernize Saudi airports

Updated 27 May 2025

Arab News

May 27, 2025 21:51

Matarat Holding taps Thales to modernize Saudi airports

Updated 27 May 2025

Arab News

May 27, 2025 21:51

Matarat Holding has signed an MoU with Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies. This strategic partnership, signed at Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid, Spain, seeks to drive innovation, operational efficiency, and improved passenger experience through digital solutions and collaborative technological advancements.

Matarat Holding manages the operations of 27 airports in Saudi Arabia through its subsidiaries (Riyadh Airports, Jeddah Airports, Dammam Airports, and Cluster 2), and the MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation across multiple strategic areas of aviation development. Through this partnership, Thales will implement its expertise in smart technologies to modernize airport operations and management, driving digital transformation across Matarat’s subsidiaries. The collaboration will focus on sharing innovation and best practices to enhance service quality, streamline operational processes, and adopt future-ready solutions that will set new industry standards.

A key priority of the agreement is enhancing the traveler experience by leveraging Thales’ advanced capabilities in AI, biometrics, automation, and data-driven systems to create seamless and secure passenger journeys. The partnership will also enable the implementation of advanced digital platforms and next-generation infrastructure in Matarat airports.

Bernard Roux, CEO of Thales in Saudi Arabia and Central Asia, said: “This collaboration with Matarat Holding represents a transformative step in reshaping the future of Saudi aviation. By combining Thales’ expertise in digital transformation with Matarat’s operational excellence, we are not just implementing technologies — we are co-creating a smart and safe aviation ecosystem. Our joint solutions in AI, cybersecurity and connected systems will set new benchmarks for operational efficiency, enhanced passenger experience, and national security, directly contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions to become a global aviation leader.”

Tawuniya’s ‘InsurAI’ challenge showcases AI-powered breakthrough in insurance

Updated 27 May 2025

Arab News

May 27, 2025 19:59

Tawuniya’s ‘InsurAI’ challenge showcases AI-powered breakthrough in insurance

Updated 27 May 2025

Arab News

May 27, 2025 19:59

Marking the culmination of its highly anticipated 12-week virtual program “InsurAI,” Tawuniya, the largest insurance company in the Middle East and North Africa, successfully concluded its Demo Day on May 26. The event showcased 10 cutting-edge startups, selected from a competitive pool of over 1,000 applicants, which presented their innovative solutions designed to unlock new avenues for growth and transformation in the insurance sector.

Launched in December 2024 by Tawuniya in collaboration with Plug and Play, and supported by government partners including Monsha’at and CODE, the InsurAI program underscores Tawuniya’s steadfast commitment to driving digital transformation in the region’s insurance industry. It also aims to propel economic development and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s growing startup ecosystem in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

The program provided a unique platform for 10 rising innovators — Papaya Insurtech, WideBot AI, DESAISIV, Najeeb.ai, Intella, Yasmina, AlloBrain, Curacel, CozmoX AI, and Chefaa — who were selected through a rigorous evaluation process. During Demo Day, these startups pitched their next-generation generative AI solutions to a curated audience of investors, technology leaders, and Tawuniya executives.

Abdullah Alshargi, CTO at Tawuniya, said: “The InsurAI is more than just a platform — it’s a statement of intent. We are investing in a future where artificial intelligence is seamlessly integrated into the insurance ecosystem to bring about real, measurable impact. Demo Day spotlighted how visionary startups are already solving some of the industry’s most pressing challenges — from claims automation and fraud detection to hyper-personalized customer experiences.”

“Through strategic partnerships and hands-on mentorship, we have built a launchpad for innovation that aligns with Tawuniya’s mission to lead the digital transformation of the insurance sector. We envision InsurAI as a catalyst for long-term collaboration and a driver of what’s next in insurtech,” he added

Over the course of the program, each team received expert mentorship and support in areas such as product development, regulatory compliance, and go-to-market strategy. Strategic partners played an instrumental role in the program, enhancing the startups’ journey toward scalability and investment-readiness.

The event concluded with the announcement of the top three startups, who shared a prize pool of $225,000 alongside potential partnership opportunities with Tawuniya.

This event marks a significant milestone in Tawuniya’s mission to foster an innovation-driven ecosystem and cement Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional hub for AI and insurtech.

Radisson Hotel Group strengthens Saudi presence with the conversion of Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center