Blacklane and EVIQ partner to expand EV charging network in Saudi Arabia 

Blacklane and EVIQ partner to expand EV charging network in Saudi Arabia 
The deal includes the development of dedicated charging stations for vehicle fleets. SPA
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Updated 09 July 2025
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Blacklane and EVIQ partner to expand EV charging network in Saudi Arabia 

Blacklane and EVIQ partner to expand EV charging network in Saudi Arabia 
  • Initiative aims to support development of sustainable infrastructure, focusing on clean technologies
  • Deal includes development of dedicated charging stations for vehicle fleets

JEDDAH: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is set to expand across Saudi Arabia following a strategic partnership between Blacklane and EVIQ, accelerating the Kingdom’s shift toward clean and sustainable mobility. 

Under the agreement, EVIQ — a joint venture between the Public Investment Fund and Saudi Electricity Co. — will collaborate with the international chauffeur-driven transport firm to support the expansion of the Kingdom’s EV charging network across key cities and mobility hubs, according to a press release. 

The initiative aims to support the development of sustainable infrastructure in line with Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on clean technologies and environmental responsibility. It also supports the Kingdom’s goal to transition 30 percent of vehicles in Riyadh to electric by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 — a target it aims to reach ahead of schedule

Mohammed Bakr Gazzaz, CEO of EVIQ, said: “By integrating national charging infrastructure with premium fleet operations, we aim to reinforce the foundation for a scalable, future-ready transport ecosystem aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.” 

The deal includes the development of dedicated charging stations for vehicle fleets, most notably an integrated charging center at Blacklane’s new regional headquarters for the Gulf region in Riyadh. 

“As we rapidly scale operations across the nation, we’re thrilled to have EVIQ on-board to actively support our expanding electric fleet. Together we are setting new benchmarks for sustainable innovation and success,” said Jens Wohltorf, CEO and co-founder of Blacklane. 

Blacklane will incorporate EVIQ’s public charging network into its operations in Saudi Arabia to support its growing electric vehicle fleet. Both companies also plan to explore opportunities for system integration aimed at improving network functionality and user accessibility. 

The partnership follows Blacklane’s recent introduction of Lucid electric vehicles into its Saudi fleet, as part of efforts to expand its EV offerings. EVIQ’s fast-charging network supports the company’s goal of enhancing its electric mobility services in the Kingdom, the release added. 

As part of the partnership, the companies will co-develop training programs under Blacklane’s Chauffeur Training Academy, focusing on EV charging best practices to support service quality, safety, and sustainability. 

Blacklane’s expansion in Saudi Arabia is backed by TASARU Mobility Investments, a wholly owned investment arm of PIF.


Concierge demand surges as CEOs relocate to Saudi Arabia

Concierge demand surges as CEOs relocate to Saudi Arabia
Updated 12 November 2025
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Concierge demand surges as CEOs relocate to Saudi Arabia

Concierge demand surges as CEOs relocate to Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia attracts a growing influx of CEOs and high-net-worth individuals, the demand for concierge and lifestyle management services is soaring — with requests becoming increasingly complex and personalized.

“There’s an avalanche of people, for all the reasons that you would know, relocating to Saudi Arabia,” said Sir Ben Elliot, founder of global luxury concierge firm Quintessentially, in an interview with Arab News during TOURISE — the Saudi Ministry of Tourism-powered global summit held in Riyadh from Nov. 11–13.

For many new arrivals, the focus is on navigating practicalities: opening bank accounts, securing cars and drivers, hiring domestic staff, and finding schools for their children. “You need real proactive help to sort stuff out,” Elliot said. “Some of that stuff is a minefield.”

Over the past 18 months, demand has not only increased but also evolved, prompting Quintessentially to enhance its local operations. Elliot explained that the company is merging international expertise with Saudi talent to ensure high service standards from the outset.

“We brought people from our offices around the world working with young, brilliant, talented Saudis so that the service that you can expect when you arrive is really ticked off,” he said.

Elliot noted that Quintessentially’s outbound support for Saudi members is also expanding, reflecting the growing global mobility of Saudi travelers. “What we’re seeing from Saudis themselves is huge,” he said. “We have great people on the ground servicing that.”

According to Elliot, the definition of luxury is shifting from material possessions to emotion-driven, experiential value — especially among younger consumers. “If you think about the history of luxury, it has often been about things, materials,” he said. “They want to experience, they want to feel.”

He emphasized that brands in hospitality, retail, and travel need to focus on “meaningful human touch and relationships.”

Elliot highlighted Saudi Arabia’s approach to merging sustainability with luxury as a key opportunity for the sector. “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of trying to marry sustainable development alongside a kind of luxury experience,” he said.

He pointed to Diriyah as an example of how cultural authenticity can coexist with modern hospitality and retail offerings. “Whenever I take friends who have never been to Saudi Arabia, to Diriyah, that to me is a physical manifestation of where culture (and) sustainability meets a pretty kind of modern experience,” he said. “It feels absolutely real and authentic.”

Elliot said hosting TOURISE in Riyadh was symbolic of the city’s rapid evolution. “Everyone can see what’s happened here in the last 6 or 7 years, it’s kind of seeing is believing,” he said.

He also reframed sustainability as a shared responsibility across industries, warning that leaders who fail to prioritize environmental and social impact risk alienating younger generations.

Despite the rise of technology, Elliot underscored that the essence of travel and tourism remains deeply human. “We humans want to interact with other humans,” he said.

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