Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with Grand Millennium Muscat

Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with Grand Millennium Muscat
Elevating the celebrations, the hotel will host a delightful Eid brunch buffet on April 1 and 2, featuring a delectable selection of authentic Omani dishes.
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Updated 30 March 2025
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Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with Grand Millennium Muscat

Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with Grand Millennium Muscat

As the joyous celebrations of Eid Al Fitr approach, Grand Millennium Muscat warmly invites residents and visitors from across the GCC to embark on a memorable escape, blending serene luxury with authentic Omani hospitality. The hotel has curated a remarkable experience for families and individuals alike, offering a harmonious blend of relaxation, festive indulgence, and cultural heritage.

From March 27 to April 6, Grand Millennium Muscat is offering a special Eid package designed to bring families closer together. The package promises an ambiance of indulgence and tranquility, with exclusive offers such as free stays for two children up to 6 years old, making it an ideal destination for family-friendly holidays. Guests are invited to create cherished moments in a haven of comfort and exceptional service.

Adding to the festivities, guests can savor the finest flavors of Oman at Bahriyat Restaurant, where a 50 percent discount on the menu invites diners to explore a culinary journey through the spices and textures of local seafood and traditional recipes. Known for its elegance and exquisite seafood, Bahriyat promises an unforgettable dining experience.

For those seeking relaxation, the exclusive Zanta Spa offers a tranquil retreat with a 20 percent discount on selected treatments. From rejuvenating massages to refreshing facials, the spa provides the perfect setting to unwind and prepare for the holiday season.

Elevating the celebrations, the hotel will host a delightful Eid brunch buffet on April 1 and 2, featuring a delectable selection of authentic Omani dishes and desserts.

Open to both in-house guests and visitors, the brunch promises a festive atmosphere, with a special treat for families: Children under six dine for free, and children aged six to 12 enjoy 50 percent off the meal rate. Engaging activities for kids further enhance the experience, making it a perfect outing for families.

Speaking about the hotel’s Eid offerings, Glenn Nobbs, general manager of Grand Millennium Muscat, said: “Our hotel is primed and ready for guests —both from Oman and the region—seeking a getaway filled with comfort, exceptional dining, and rejuvenation.”

“We promise an experience that goes beyond just a stay. The welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by our signature services and exclusive choices, is tailored to provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable Eid celebrations. For example, our 3 and 4 bedroom pool villas offer a beautiful opportunity for families to enjoy the best of an Eid vacation with their own private pool and option for a private chef to do the work for them.”


Social Development Bank, RDF empower productive families

Social Development Bank, RDF empower productive families
Updated 22 April 2025
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Social Development Bank, RDF empower productive families

Social Development Bank, RDF empower productive families

Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Social Development Bank Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, sponsored a ceremony organized by the Sulaiman Al-Rajhi Foundation for Development Finance under the theme “3 Billion and Continuing.” The event reinforced the strategic partnership between the foundation and SDB, which has been ongoing since 2014 and has resulted in over SR3 billion ($800 million) in financing, benefiting more than 200,000 productive families across various regions of the Kingdom.

The ceremony witnessed the signing of several notable agreements, including the extension of the partnership with RDF to continue supporting and financing productive families in collaboration with the “Jana Fund.” The financing portfolio, valued at SR500 million, will remain in place alongside the provision of non-financial services and training initiatives through the Dulani Business Center. These efforts aim to grow the businesses of productive families and facilitate their access to markets.

Chief Executive of SDB Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Hamidi expressed his gratitude for Al-Rajhi’s patronage of the ceremony. He said: “Development financing for the nonprofit sector is a core pillar in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations operating in this space and in serving their beneficiaries. Accordingly, SDB collaborates with its strategic partners to develop and innovate a variety of financial products that meet the needs of the target groups and support the sustainability of institutions within this vital sector.”

He added: “Our partnership with RDF represents a leading national model of integration between the developmental and nonprofit sectors. It is a partnership that has gone beyond numbers to touch lives and create a real impact in empowering productive families. We will continue this blessed journey through new agreements aimed at broadening the scope of impact and enabling more Saudi men and women to achieve financial independence and engage in productive work.”

SDB plays a central role in empowering productive segments of society and advancing sustainable community development through an effective partnership model with nonprofit organizations, which serve as financial intermediaries contributing to a tangible and wide-reaching impact in supporting productive families and strengthening their contribution to the national economy.


Mastercard, McLaren bring partnership to life at Saudi Arabian GP

Mastercard, McLaren bring partnership to life at Saudi Arabian GP
Updated 22 April 2025
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Mastercard, McLaren bring partnership to life at Saudi Arabian GP

Mastercard, McLaren bring partnership to life at Saudi Arabian GP

For the first time, Mastercard’s global partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 Team took center stage at the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah.

“The new partnership marks the coming together of two preeminent brands known for their focus on innovation and setting the standard in offering incredible experiences for the fans,” a statement said.

As an official primary partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team, Mastercard seamlessly integrated its brand into the at-track experience, transforming the McLaren Lounge at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit into the McLaren Priceless Lounge. This marked a significant step in connecting Mastercard’s global partnerships with fans in the Kingdom — celebrating Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the world motorsport stage.

“Across the world, fans of all ages and backgrounds have developed an affinity for motorsport, not just for the high-speed energy, but for the rich culture and sense of community that surround it,” said Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing and communications officer, Mastercard. “At Mastercard, we take great pride in connecting people to their passions and our partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 Team helps us do just that. We’re thrilled to bring more racing fans across Saudi Arabia closer to the action.”


PIF’s Neo Space Group names Shorog Al-Qurashi as secretary-general

PIF’s Neo Space Group names Shorog Al-Qurashi as secretary-general
Updated 22 April 2025
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PIF’s Neo Space Group names Shorog Al-Qurashi as secretary-general

PIF’s Neo Space Group names Shorog Al-Qurashi as secretary-general

Neo Space Group, a Public Investment Fund company and Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial space services provider, has announced the appointment of Shorog Al-Qurashi as secretary-general of the board of directors. With more than 10 years of experience in legal practice, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance, Al-Qurashi is a highly qualified professional who will play a key role in strengthening NSG’s governance and supporting the company’s long-term strategic goals.

Al-Qurashi holds an LL.M. in intellectual property and IT law from University College Dublin and a bachelor of law from King Abdul Aziz University. She is licensed to practice law in Saudi Arabia and has completed several prestigious certifications, including Board Directorship, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Project Management. These qualifications, combined with her leadership abilities, make her a valuable asset to NSG.

Before her new appointment, Al-Qurashi was the director of board affairs at NSG and in her previous experience she led various initiatives to improve governance practices including the development of a comprehensive governance framework and the implementation of a governance awareness campaign. Prior to this, Al-Qurashi worked in several leading companies and held high-profile roles, where she designed governance frameworks and supervised risk assessments with board members.

In addition to her governance expertise, Al-Qurashi is passionate about education and mentoring. 

She has taught law at the University of Business and Technology in Jeddah, where she also led several national arbitration competitions.

In her new role as secretary-general of NSG’s board of directors, Al-Qurashi will be responsible for managing the board’s affairs. Her extensive experience will contribute to improving NSG’s operational performance and advancing its mission to lead in the space industry.


Estithmar Holding Q1 profit rises 50% to $46.7m

Estithmar Holding Q1 profit rises 50% to $46.7m
Updated 22 April 2025
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Estithmar Holding Q1 profit rises 50% to $46.7m

Estithmar Holding Q1 profit rises 50% to $46.7m

Estithmar Holding Q.P.S.C. announced a net profit of 170 million Qatari riyals ($46.7 million) for Q1 2025, reflecting a significant 50 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The company highlighted a 64 percent surge in revenue, reaching 1.3 billion Qatari riyals compared to 797 million Qatari riyals in Q1 2024. The gross profit rose to 416 million Qatari riyals, from 196 million Qatari riyals in Q1 2024. The EBITDA reached 273 million Qatari riyals, marking a 53 percent increase. The earnings per share also grew by 57 percent, reaching 0.047 Qatari riyals.

These strong financial indicators reflect the effectiveness of Estithmar Holding’s investment strategy, driven by continued growth across investment diversification, geographical expansion, and operational efficiency. International projects previously announced by Estithmar Holding started to have a tangible impact on its financial performance in revenue, profits and assets.

The results also reflect the achievement of one of the strategic objectives: a balanced contribution to profits and revenues from all four clusters — healthcare, services, tourism and real estate development, and contracting and industries — highlighting the clusters’ ability to pursue developmental and expansion plans under the company’s strategic vision. The rise in net profit stems from Estithmar Holding’s effective capital management and operational efficiency, aimed at delivering strong financial results and sustainable profitability while effectively managing risks. 

The healthcare cluster posted significant growth in Q1 2025 driven by the cluster’s hospitals outside Qatar which contributed to revenue as new income streams, including Imam Al-Hassan Al-Mujtaba Hospital in Karbala, Al-Nasiriyah Teaching Hospital in Dhi Qar, Iraq, and Misrata Heart and Vascular Center in Libya. Moreover, the growing number of hospitals outside Qatar in Iraq, Algeria and Libya reflects the confidence that governments across the MENA region have placed in the quality of services provided by Apex Health, the healthcare subsidiary of Estithmar Holding. 

The services cluster maintained market leadership in Qatar, especially in facilities management and catering. Expansion into Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Iraq also significantly contributed to the cluster’s profitability and the development of new income streams. These achievements reflect Estithmar’s growing role in supporting national strategies, operational excellence, tailored solutions, and long-standing client partnerships, which has positioned it as a trusted partner in both public and private sectors. As the region continues to prioritize quality service provision and sustainability, Estithmar is uniquely placed to meet rising expectations and scale its offerings to match demand.

The tourism and real estate development cluster stayed on track with project delivery, including Rixos Baghdad (Iraq) and Rosewood Maldives Resort, driving a 600-million-Qatari-riyal increase in company assets in Q1 2025. Additionally, enhanced efficiency boosted profitability in existing projects such as Lusail Winter Wonderland and Al-Maha Island. The cluster introduced a new operating model applied in flagship projects like Katara Hills, Maysan LXR Doha, and Al-Maha Island, contributing to profit stability.

The contracting and industries cluster also made a notable contribution to revenue and profit growth, especially at the peak phase of project deliveries in Saudi Arabia, including major projects such as the Red Sea Airport and the Yacht Club. The cluster also secured new projects with the Kingdom’s PIF companies and improved local operational efficiency, enhancing profitability in Qatar. These achievements reinforce the cluster’s position as a key player in regional infrastructure development, delivering large-scale projects with precision and consistency.

Overall, Estithmar Holding’s Q1 2025 results highlight sustained growth aligned with its strategy to increase shareholder value in the short and long terms. This performance reflects the company’s ability to execute with discipline, adapt to market shifts, and maintain a forward-looking approach that supports continuous innovation, regional expansion, and strategic partnerships across its core business clusters.

Commenting on the results, Group CEO Juan Leon said: “The exceptional rise in all financial indicators reflects the dedication of Estithmar’s team, and I look forward to working closely with them to build on Estithmar Holding’s growth story in Qatar and abroad. Estithmar Holding has demonstrated the ability to deliver sustained, diversified growth — both vertically and horizontally — paving the way for further expansion as investor confidence strengthens and our footprint continues to grow both locally and internationally, supported by a bold vision and strategic execution.” 

For more information, visit https://www.estithmarholding.com/


DFDI Forum 2025 puts Pakistan at the forefront of global digital investment

DFDI Forum 2025 puts Pakistan at the forefront of global digital investment
Updated 22 April 2025
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DFDI Forum 2025 puts Pakistan at the forefront of global digital investment

DFDI Forum 2025 puts Pakistan at the forefront of global digital investment

In a bold move, placing Pakistan at the forefront of the global digital economy, the country has become the first in the world to roll out the Digital Foreign Direct Investment Initiative. Backed by the government of Pakistan and the Digital Cooperation Organization, this transformative launch is set to redefine how digital investment flows into emerging markets and who gets to shape the digital future.

With a vision built on innovation, inclusion, and international collaboration, the DFDI Initiative is unlocking new pathways to sustainable economic growth. It marks a turning point for Pakistan, not just as a participant, but as a regional trailblazer in digital transformation. As the 2026 DCO presidency looms, Pakistan is strategically positioning itself as a leader in the digital economy, poised to drive global conversations, partnerships, and innovations that will shape the future of digital investment.

Islamabad aims high: From capital city to ‘Davos of Digital FDI’

Islamabad is not just hosting the DFDI Forum 2025 — it is making a global statement. Poised to become the “Davos of Digital Foreign Direct Investment,” the city is opening its doors to tech visionaries, policymakers, and investors from 16 DCO member countries and beyond.

This is not business as usual. The forum is more than a conference — it is a launchpad for ideas, capital, and cross-border partnerships that will define the digital decade. Expect bold conversations, high-impact networking, and game-changing opportunities, all under one roof, in the heart of Pakistan’s capital.

A blueprint for digital growth: Pakistan’s DEP framework

At the core of this transformation is the Digital FDI-Enabling Policy, a comprehensive framework that lays the foundation for fast-tracked digital development across Pakistan and other emerging economies.

Designed for scale, agility, and investor confidence, the DEP focuses on four high-impact pillars:

●     Building infrastructure: Investing in next-gen digital connectivity

●     Accelerating adoption: Helping industries go digital, faster

●     Fueling innovation: Backing cutting-edge tech solutions and startups

●     Expanding digital exports: Scaling Pakistan’s booming IT and service sectors

These pillars work in unison to create a vibrant, investment-ready ecosystem where international capital meets local talent to spark exponential growth. This is not just a plan— it is Pakistan’s digital future, written with intention.

Why the world Is watching Pakistan’s digital ascent

The signals are clear: Pakistan’s digital economy is not just growing — it is accelerating.

With a 25.5 percent surge in ICT exports over just eight months, the country is fast emerging as one of the most dynamic digital investment frontiers in the Global South. From AI and fintech to cybersecurity, gaming, and cloud computing, Pakistan is building an innovation engine fueled by a young, tech-savvy workforce, favorable regulations, and a forward-leaning policy environment.

The DFDI Forum 2025 is your gateway to this transformation — your chance to be early, be bold, and be part of the next big frontier in global digital investment.

Not just talk — real deals, real connections

This is where ambition meets execution. DFDI Forum 2025 brings the entire digital ecosystem under one roof — startups, regulators, investors, development partners, and multinational tech leaders — in a space designed for meaningful engagement.

Through curated B2B meetups, high-level roundtables, and candid conversations with decision-makers, the forum is a hub of real-world deals and collaborative breakthroughs.

Whether you are scouting your next venture, exploring emerging markets, or building policy blueprints, this is the forum where ideas turn into action.

The global context: Why DFDI matters now

In an increasingly digital world, foreign direct investment must evolve. Traditional FDI models are being reshaped by data flows, digital infrastructure, and new modes of value creation. Yet many emerging markets remain underrepresented in global tech investment. That is why the DFDI Initiative and this forum matter.

By creating a shared framework for digital FDI, Pakistan and the DCO are providing a blueprint for other nations to follow — one that promotes trust, transparency, and technology transfer, while driving inclusive and resilient growth.

One forum. Endless possibilities. Every year.

By hosting this forum annually, Pakistan is signaling a long-term commitment to digital progress. It is not just about a moment, it is about momentum.

The DFDI Forum will be a living, breathing engine of change — a space where global actors return again and again to push boundaries, form alliances, and build the future of digital investment together.

Step into tomorrow with Pakistan leading the way

The DFDI Forum 2025 offers a front-row seat to a global digital shift. Be part of a movement that is transforming how, where, and why digital investments happen. From policy innovations to platform revolutions, witness firsthand the forces shaping tomorrow’s global economy.

Pakistan is open for innovation, inviting the world to co-create a future built on trust, tech, and transformation.