Saudi Arabia, France to drive innovation in music, museums

Saudi Arabia, France to drive innovation in music, museums
The agreement, aligned with the Kingdom's cultural ambitions under Vision 2030, aims to strengthen cultural ties and foster joint initiatives between the two nations. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia, France to drive innovation in music, museums

Saudi Arabia, France to drive innovation in music, museums
  • Executive program promotes artifact exchange, heritage preservation, youth engagement, joint cultural exhibitions

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission has signed an executive program with the Cite de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris to enhance cooperation in the fields of museums and music.

The agreement, which align with the Kingdom’s cultural ambitions under Vision 2030, aims to strengthen cultural ties and foster joint initiatives between the two countries.

It was signed by Museums Commission acting CEO Ibrahim Alsanousi and Philharmonie de Paris CEO Olivier Mantei.

Key areas of cooperation are artifact loans, shared collections, and the exchange of historical musical instruments with the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum in Jeddah.

The program also covers collaborative traveling exhibitions and cultural events.

Mona Khazindar, adviser to the Ministry of Culture, told Arab News: “This partnership is the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering international cultural collaboration and enriching our national institutions through global expertise.

“It directly supports the objectives of Vision 2030 by enhancing the cultural ecosystem, promoting artistic education, and ensuring that our museums become vibrant centers of learning and creativity.

Khazindar added: “The Museums Commission’s strategy emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and the preservation of our cultural heritage, and this collaboration will play a pivotal role in realizing that vision — especially through initiatives that engage youth and families in meaningful cultural experiences.”

The program includes the development of training and educational initiatives for children and families, such as workshops and interactive installations adapted from the Philharmonie’s programs for young audiences.

It also facilitates the exchange of expertise through researcher visits, seminars, and collaborative academic publications related to both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Alsanousi emphasized the importance of the agreement, calling it a significant milestone in strengthening cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and France.

He said: “Music plays a vital role in cultural identity, and this partnership will support the transformation of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum into an interactive and inspiring hub for musical education and engagement.”

Mantei praised Saudi Arabia’s cultural vision and affirmed that the partnership reflects a spirit of constructive cultural exchange.

He also highlighted the agreement as a foundation for future projects that promote artistic and societal dialogue between the two countries.

Tayeb Altayeb, acting director of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum, said: “This is a transformative step in the development of the Tariq Abdulhakim Museum. It allows us to bring world-class musical artifacts and educational experiences to our audiences while honoring the legacy of one of the Kingdom’s most iconic musical pioneers.

“Through this, the museum will evolve into an interactive cultural hub that not only preserves Saudi Arabia’s rich musical heritage but also inspires future generations to explore and engage with music as a vital part of our national identity.”


Zain sponsorship of boccia event empowers the disabled

Zain sponsorship of boccia event empowers the disabled
Updated 13 August 2025
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Zain sponsorship of boccia event empowers the disabled

Zain sponsorship of boccia event empowers the disabled

Digital and telecommunications services provider Zain KSA has announced its sponsorship of the 2025 Boccia Championship, aligning the move with its corporate sustainability strategy and commitment to empowering all segments of society. Organized by the Saudi Boccia Federation, the championship will be held from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex in Riyadh.

The sponsorship underscores Zain KSA’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities, particularly quadriplegic athletes whose determination and competitive spirit inspire the wider community. The company views inclusion as a foundation for excellence and sustainable progress, believing that empowering persons with disabilities strengthens society as a whole. As digital sponsor, Zain KSA will highlight sport as a symbol of hope and resilience. The initiative reflects the company’s approach of pairing digital innovation with social responsibility, in line with its mission to build a better future and advance Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of a vibrant, inclusive society where all individuals have access to equitable opportunities to achieve their ambitions.

Eman Abdullah Al-Saidi, vice president of corporate communications at Zain KSA, said: “We believe that true innovation is only complete when it really touches people’s lives. Through our digital ecosystem, we hope to inspire a wonderful world that empowers every individual to unlock their potential, leaving no one behind. Our sponsorship of the Boccia Championship reflects our deep commitment to empowering people with disabilities.

“Beyond our social responsibility agenda, this is part of our strategic vision for a more inclusive digital world. These champions inspire us with their stories and embody the spirit of determination that we hope to mirror in every initiative we launch. With this sponsorship, we reaffirm our commitment to helping build a vibrant society where everyone can thrive and ambitions are embraced, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.”

The sponsorship builds on the company’s wide-ranging social responsibility programs, which have delivered measurable results. Zain KSA received the Gold Award from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development at the inaugural CSR Award in recognition of its impactful sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. The accolade underscores the company’s strategy of empowering the Saudi community and advancing national, humanitarian, and social development efforts within a responsible business framework.


AJi Group ranks among ENR’s top 100 global design firms

AJi Group ranks among ENR’s top 100 global design firms
Updated 13 August 2025
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AJi Group ranks among ENR’s top 100 global design firms

AJi Group ranks among ENR’s top 100 global design firms

AJi Group, a leading architecture, construction, engineering and consultancy group in the region, has achieved a significant milestone by advancing 21 spots to be ranked among the top 100 international design firms in Engineering News-Record’s prestigious Top 225 list for 2025.

Ranking 86th in the global list that developers and investors turn to, AJi Group was recognized for its significant focus on investments in technology, climate resilience and energy transition. Aligning with the global trends in sustainability, ESG integration, artificial intelligence and resilient and adaptive infrastructure systems, AJi Group has been at the forefront in “reimagining its business model, enhancing operational efficiency and improving the return on investment for clients,” said Hamzeh Awwad, CEO of AJi Group.

“We are honored to be recognized among the top international design firms, a testament to the 60-year legacy of our organization, the commitment of our talented professionals, and our focus on reshaping the future of infrastructure in the MENA region,” added Awwad.

“As a trusted partner to some of the region’s most ambitious projects, we see this recognition as an acknowledgement of the remarkable advancements that the MENA region has made in redefining modern architecture, design and infrastructure development. The vision of our clients enables us to push our boundaries to deliver on their priorities, especially in promoting sustainable built environments and embracing advanced technology,” he said.

With close to half the projects coming from repeat clients, AJi Group is regarded as a go-to-partner for government entities, developers and investors in the MENA region. 

Under Awwad’s leadership, the company has demonstrated exceptional performance across key metrics in recent years, with revenues surging 210 percent in 2024, and its talented professional base growing by 35 percent.

The group’s ascent in the ENR rankings also underscores its strategic expansion across the MENA region, where it operates through 13 regional offices, including four in Saudi Arabia and three in the UAE.

In its report, ENR particularly highlighted AJi Group’s focus on tackling market challenges by embracing a transformation mindset. “As the region transforms, so must we,” observed Awwad, in the 2025 report, adding that the group focused on “empowering local talent, embedding sustainability and driving cross-border collaboration.”

AJi Group’s landmark projects include the Riyadh Municipality EPMO and AFMO, OSUS Eye — the first “10-minute” city in the Saudi capital, Green Riyadh’s projects across four neighborhoods and the Cleveland Clinic Expansion in the UAE.


Tawuniya partners with TT Club to elevate Saudi transport & logistics risk management

Tawuniya partners with TT Club to elevate Saudi transport & logistics risk management
Updated 13 August 2025
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Tawuniya partners with TT Club to elevate Saudi transport & logistics risk management

Tawuniya partners with TT Club to elevate Saudi transport & logistics risk management

TT Club, an international insurer for the transport and logistics sectors, has entered into a strategic reinsurance partnership with The Company for Cooperative Insurance, or Tawuniya, a Saudi insurance provider.

The collaboration facilitates the launch of a newly approved liability insurance product tailored specifically to the transport and logistics industry in the Kingdom.

The new product, approved by Saudi Arabia’s insurance regulator in January, enables Saudi-based transport and logistics operators to access global-standard liability coverage through Tawuniya, with TT Club acting as the reinsurer.

This development directly aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions to transform the nation into a global logistics hub. Recognizing this strategic direction and the evolving risk landscape, TT Club and Tawuniya are working together to provide this vital specialized liability coverage.

Kevin King, CEO of TT Club, said: “As Saudi logistics operators expand internationally and adopt world-class operational standards, they are also developing their risk management strategies. Specialist liability insurance is a cornerstone of those strategies, in that it protects operations, supports reputational integrity, and helps to enable sustainable growth.”

The partnership does not involve a traditional joint venture or shareholder agreement. Instead, it acts practically as a commercial collaboration to provide market-leading coverage within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s well-regulated insurance landscape.

Sultan Alkhomashi, CEO of general sector at Tawuniya, said: “This partnership with TT Club strengthens our ability to serve Saudi logistics operators with world-class insurance solutions that meet the highest international standards. Together, we are helping build safer, more resilient supply chains and supporting the Kingdom’s long-term vision to be a regional and global logistics powerhouse.”

TT Club has also recently strengthened its board of directors with the appointment of Saffia Abdulla Kanoo in June. Kanoo is vice president and international business director at Kanoo Logistics, one of the longest-established logistics businesses in the Middle East. Based in Saudi Arabia, she has worked across air cargo, shipping, customs clearance and specialized logistics services.


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

Jameel Motors brings Chery’s Omoda & Jaecoo brands to Iraq
Updated 12 August 2025
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Jameel Motors brings Chery’s Omoda & Jaecoo brands to Iraq

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

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

LG MEA Academy empowers HVAC professionals
Updated 12 August 2025
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LG MEA Academy empowers HVAC professionals

LG MEA Academy empowers HVAC professionals

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.