LuLu’s mango festival spotlights local varieties

Updated 03 May 2025

Arab News

May 03, 2025 22:52

LuLu Hypermarket hosted a mango festival, titled “Kingdom of Mangoes,” marking the beginning of a distinguished summer season while highlighting the richness of local products.

The festival was officially launched at LuLu Hypermarket’s Yarmouk branch in Riyadh on April 24. It ran until April 30.

The opening ceremony was attended by Zaid Abdullah Al-Mesheilih, director general of the General Administration of Marketing and Agricultural Associations at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. Speaking at the event, he highlighted LuLu’s support for Saudi farmers and its promotion of local products through innovative promotional activities.

LuLu’s branches in the Eastern Province also held inauguration ceremonies attended by Waleed Al-Shuwairid, director of the Agricultural Department at the Ministry’s Eastern branch. Meanwhile, Reem Ahmed Bahamdein, deputy of the Ministry’s office in Jeddah, participated in launching the western region’s events — reflecting the festival’s widespread presence across the Kingdom.

The festival offered visitors the chance to explore a wide selection of more than 23 premium local mango varieties, along with rare international types.

The activities featured attractive mango displays, interactive entertainment events, and tasting stations that invited visitors to discover unique flavors, creating a festive, family-friendly atmosphere for all.

The festival highlights LuLu’s commitment to supporting local products and contributing to the revitalization of the agricultural sector by showcasing the high quality of Saudi mangoes and providing an effective marketing platform for farmers.

It also underscores the company’s dedication to offering unique shopping experiences that blend entertainment with food education, in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of economic sustainability.

Jameel Motors brings Chery’s Omoda & Jaecoo brands to Iraq

Updated 12 August 2025

Arab News

August 12, 2025 22:11

Jameel Motors brings Chery’s Omoda & Jaecoo brands to Iraq

Updated 12 August 2025

Arab News

August 12, 2025 22:11

Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands, has been appointed as the official distributor of Omoda and Jaecoo, the automotive brands under the Chery Group umbrella, in Iraq. Jameel Motors won the distribution agreement through a competitive process involving both local and international companies.

This marks a new market entry for Jameel Motors and Omoda and Jaecoo, where they will be tapping into Iraq’s rapidly growing automotive sector, which accounts for 8–10 percent of all imports to the country. With strong demand for new energy vehicles driven by a young, tech-savvy urban population, this agreement supports Jameel Motors’ inorganic growth and multi-brand expansion in the region, while enhancing personal mobility options for Iraqi drivers.

Jameel Motors will initially distribute the Omoda C5 and C7, and the Jaecoo J5, J7, and J8 models, with sales to commence in Q4 2025. Omoda and Jaecoo is part of Chery Group — China’s fourth-largest automaker and among the fastest-growing on the global stage. It has expanded to more than 40 markets, earning international recognition and a global customer base of over 500,000.

Jasmmine Wong, chief executive, Jameel Motors, said: “We are proud to be working with Chery Group to introduce Omoda and Jaecoo to Iraq, a dynamic and increasingly sophisticated automotive market. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering advanced, sustainable, and design-forward mobility solutions that meet the evolving needs of drivers. Together with Chery Group, we look forward to shaping the future of personal transportation in Iraq.”

Jameel Motors in Iraq will be headed by Kamal Sultan as the country manager. Sultan is a skilled automotive professional with more than 10 years of extensive experience in the Iraqi market. Having played a key role in the growth and network expansion of Toyota Iraq, as well as contributing to Nissan Iraq from its inception, he brings with him strong expertise in sales, after-sales service, and marketing strategies. He has also been instrumental in establishing Geely Iraq, Hongqi Iraq, Sixt Rental Car, and Iraq’s first automotive service chain. His deep industry knowledge and strategic insight make him a valuable leader in Iraq’s automotive sector.

“Launching Omoda and Jaecoo in Iraq marks an exciting new chapter for Jameel Motors,” Sultan said. “With a young and connected population driving demand for premium and technologically advanced vehicles, Iraq presents significant opportunities. We are committed to building a strong local presence with Chery Group’s customer-centric products, to serve this rapidly growing market.”

With a focus on localized operations at its overseas production bases, Chery Group is committed to the sustainable advancement of regional automotive industries through local job creation and the export of intelligent manufacturing standards and management expertise.

Jameel Motors represents some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands and has operations in more than 10 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. This agreement marks another milestone as Jameel Motors continues to expand internationally and harness innovation for the future of mobility.

LG MEA Academy empowers HVAC professionals

Updated 12 August 2025

Arab News

August 12, 2025 22:08

LG MEA Academy empowers HVAC professionals

Updated 12 August 2025

Arab News

August 12, 2025 22:08

LG Electronics, a global leader in HVAC innovation, is strengthening its commitment to the UAE’s professional community through its LG MEA Hub Academy in Jebel Ali, Dubai. As one of the largest HVAC training centers in the region, the academy provides contractors, facility managers, and HVAC professionals with hands-on training in installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. This initiative underscores LG’s dedication to enhancing after-sales service quality and ensuring optimal system performance for its customers.

The LG MEA Hub Academy is designed to empower professionals with practical skills that bridge the gap between advanced HVAC technology and real-world application. The facility includes a state-of-the-art LG HVAC showroom, a TMS control room for real-time system monitoring, and a practice room for hands-on training. These spaces create a dynamic learning environment where participants can gain expertise in topics such as variable refrigerant flow and direct expansion systems, control solutions, air purification, and cold/hot water solutions.

Michael (Yong Joon) Park, LG Eco Solution Company vice president, MEA, said: “Our MEA Hub Academy in Dubai reflects LG’s strong commitment to supporting HVAC industry professionals with the right tools, skills, and knowledge to thrive.”

We believe that empowering people through technical education is the foundation of long-term success — for our partners, customers, and communities.”

The academy’s training programs are tailored to address both pre-sales and post-sales needs, equipping participants with the skills to deliver exceptional service throughout the lifecycle of HVAC systems. By focusing on after-sales excellence, LG ensures its customers benefit from reliable, efficient, and long-lasting solutions while strengthening its reputation as a trusted partner in the HVAC industry.

With the UAE’s rapid infrastructure development, the need for skilled HVAC professionals is on the rise. LG’s MEA Hub Academy is addressing this demand by cultivating a new generation of experts equipped to navigate the complexities of modern HVAC systems. Through its investment in training and education, LG is empowering professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to excel, while actively supporting the growth and long-term sustainability of the HVAC industry in the region.

Dusit expands Saudi portfolio with new resort in Al-Ahsa

Updated 11 August 2025

Arab News

August 11, 2025 22:28

Dusit expands Saudi portfolio with new resort in Al-Ahsa

Updated 11 August 2025

Arab News

August 11, 2025 22:28

Thai hospitality company Dusit International has signed a hotel management agreement with Al-Ghadeer Group to operate dusitD2 Al-Ahsa — a new upper-upscale resort in the heart of Al-Ahsa Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula.

The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal, and was attended by notable dignitaries including Naif Al-Madi, chief business officer of the Tourism Development Fund; Sheikh Bassem Al-Ghadeer, chairman of Al-Ghadeer Group of Companies; and Gilles Cretallaz, chief operating officer of Dusit International.

Located just 30 minutes by car from Al-Ahsa International Airport and 90 minutes from Dammam, dusitD2 Al-Ahsa is set amidst palm-fringed landscapes and dramatic mountain vistas. The resort will offer 120 spacious suites, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom configurations, each with a private terrace and plunge pool, providing an elevated sense of privacy and relaxation.

Designed by Cairo-based El-Ghoneimi Architects, the resort’s masterplan draws inspiration from the desert’s timeless beauty, the nearby mountains, and the life-giving symbolism of the palm tree.

Guests will enjoy a comprehensive range of premium facilities, including a wellness center with private treatment rooms, meditation areas, and dedicated spaces for yoga and holistic healing; an elegant 1,500-square-meter ballroom and expansive outdoor event lawn for weddings and large social or corporate gatherings; well-equipped meeting rooms for business travelers; a vibrant all-day dining restaurant; a lobby café offering light gourmet fare; a large outdoor swimming pool with an adjoining kids’ pool; and a dedicated kids club providing engaging activities in a safe and stimulating environment.

Surrounded by cultural and ecological treasures such as Al-Qarah Mountain, Juatha Park, and the historic Qaisariah Souq, the resort is ideally positioned to serve as a gateway for domestic and international travelers seeking meaningful experiences and immersive stays amid the largest oasis in the world.

“This important signing reflects our strategic commitment to bringing Dusit’s unique brand of Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality to key destinations worldwide and our dedication to delivering sustainable value for the communities we serve,” said Cretallaz. “We are delighted to partner with Al-Ghadeer Group to create a destination that celebrates Al-Ahsa’s rich heritage and natural beauty while offering exceptional comfort, modern luxury, responsible design, and memorable experiences for guests of all ages.”

Set to open in 2027, dusitD2 Al-Ahsa underscores Dusit International’s continued expansion in the Middle East, where the company currently operates nine properties and continues to explore opportunities to deliver holistic hospitality experiences across the region.

It is the second Dusit-branded property confirmed for Saudi Arabia, following the upcoming opening of Dusit Princess Al-Majma’ah, Riyadh, scheduled for Q4 this year.

Saudi Business Center showcases services in Japan

Updated 11 August 2025

Arab News

August 11, 2025 22:27

Saudi Business Center showcases services in Japan

Updated 11 August 2025

Arab News

August 11, 2025 22:27

The Saudi Business Center recently showcased its services at a workshop held at the Saudi pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan, to introduce the Kingdom’s model for providing streamlined government services to the business sector.

The center highlighted its role in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s business environment by simplifying procedures for starting and operating economic activities. It presented its comprehensive services, designed to assist investors interested in entering the Saudi market and participating in development projects.

The workshop, attended by Japanese business leaders and potential investors, emphasized how the center facilitates the entire investment journey.

The center, which operates through 20 branches across 15 cities and a business platform, integrates more than 6,000 services from 62 government agencies into a single destination, as part of Saudi Arabia’s goal to become a global leader in the quality and ease of government services for the business sector.

TASARU and Blacklane drive Saudi Arabia’s future of mobility

Updated 11 August 2025

Arab News

August 11, 2025 12:04

TASARU and Blacklane drive Saudi Arabia’s future of mobility

Updated 11 August 2025

Arab News

August 11, 2025 12:04

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a mobility transformation, one that mirrors the ambitions of Vision 2030 and the expectations of a digitally native, innovative-driven population. As cities expand and lifestyles evolve, the Kingdom is investing heavily in sustainable, tech-forward transportation solutions that match its bold economic and environmental goals.

TASARU Mobility Investments is enabling the development of a smarter, greener transport ecosystem through strategic investments in partners like Blacklane. As a wholly owned entity of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, TASARU supports the transformation of the Kingdom’s mobility sector by accelerating electrification, digitalization, and service excellence. Through this enabling role, TASARU is helping shape a new era of transport in Saudi Arabia in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

TASARU’s flagship collaboration is with Blacklane, the global chauffeur service renowned for premium, sustainable rides, which is now operating in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah and Makkah. Blacklane blends global standards with local expectations in a market actively redefining luxury mobility. “Saudi Arabia is setting the pace for how luxury mobility will evolve globally,” said Jens Wohltorf, founder and CEO of Blacklane. “Together with TASARU, we’re delivering seamless, high-quality experiences that blend luxury with sustainability values that resonate deeply with our guests and Vision 2030.”

Blacklane’s expansion is underpinned by a growing fleet of electric vehicles and a commitment to local innovation. The company is working closely with Lucid Motors, whose Lucid Air and upcoming Gravity SUV will soon be integrated into Blacklane towards the end of 2025, bringing cutting-edge EV performance to the streets of Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, EVIQ, the Kingdom’s EV infrastructure leader, is providing the charging backbone for this EV expansion. In addition to building out charging networks, EVIQ is co-developing training programs through Blacklane’s Chauffeur Training Academy, ensuring drivers are equipped with the latest in EV safety, charging, and service excellence.

Blacklane’s vision for premium mobility is expanding beyond the road, with new initiatives seamlessly connecting air and ground travel. A key example is the partnership with Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, which offers complimentary chauffeur services within a 50 km radius of King Khalid International Airport. The service is available to Business Elite, Business Class, and eligible loyalty members, delivering a world-class hospitality experience from touchdown to final destination.

The company’s services are already seeing strong traction. Airport transfers and city-to-city travel is performing exceptionally well, with intercity bookings showing sustained growth. Blacklane is also piloting a new “faster-pickups” service in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, designed to reduce wait times and enhance convenience for business travelers.

“This is just the beginning of a long-term commitment to sustainable innovation in the Kingdom,” said Adib Samara, general manager for Saudi Arabia at Blacklane. “We’re listening closely to the market and evolving with it.”

The evolution is being enabled by TASARU, whose strategic backing has supported Blacklane’s expansion across the Kingdom. The partnership is grounded in a shared commitment to a smarter, greener future aligned with Vision 2030.

“TASARU’s investment in Blacklane reflects our mission to power a new era of mobility in Saudi Arabia. By enabling sustainable transport solutions and nurturing local capabilities, we are building a future-ready ecosystem fully aligned with Vision 2030,” said Michael Müller, CEO of TASARU Mobility Investments.

LuLu’s mango festival spotlights local varieties