Ford Motor Company is going further to shrink its environmental footprint by sharing even more sustainability practices with its suppliers around the globe.
The Partnership for A Cleaner Environment (PACE) is part of Ford’s commitment to creating a better world. While many sustainability practices already have been implemented at the company’s manufacturing sites, Ford has expanded the program now to include tools that help suppliers reduce carbon-dioxide emissions and waste, as well as help make water and energy consumption more efficient.
Last year, a second select group of suppliers was invited to join the voluntary program, bringing the number of participating companies to more than 40 in two years. PACE now has the potential to impact nearly 1,100 supplier sites in more than 40 countries.
With programs like PACE showing Ford’s commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate citizenship, Ethisphere Institute has named the automaker to its list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the eighth year in a row.
“As a company, it’s important that we make quality products and minimize the impact on the environment by doing things the right way,” said Mary Wroten, senior manager of Ford Supply Chain Sustainability.
“Having suppliers that want to share that responsibility shows we can work together to reduce our collective environmental footprint, while still continuing to deliver great products.”
As part of PACE, Ford offers best practices and monitoring tools to help its suppliers track and achieve their own sustainability goals. In return, the suppliers report their environmental progress and share their own best practices. Already, participating suppliers are on track to save an estimated 550 million gallons of water over the next five years — enough to fill 837 Olympic swimming pools — according to data collected in 2016.
However, the fight for sustainability is not just about water. Thanks to the current suppliers participating in PACE, carbon emissions could be reduced by nearly 500,000 metric tons worldwide during the next five years. That is equivalent to eliminating the carbon emissions of over 50,000 homes a year.
Ford is providing suppliers with a PACE toolkit, complete with more than 350 leading practices across four categories: energy, water, air emissions and waste.

Nestlé Middle East hosted on Tuesday a “Cereal Master Class” at the Nestlé Customer Engagement Center in Jeddah to discuss the importance of eating a healthy breakfast and to provide convenient solutions to reduce the notion of “breakfast skipping.”
Nutrition experts along with mothers gathered to explore the nutritious ingredients in present Nesquik, and prepared their own breakfast cereals aiming to further inspire families to make eating a balanced and healthy breakfast an everyday habit.
Globally, one in three people skip breakfast. The “Cereal Master Class” is part of Nestlé Breakfast Cereals’ global initiative to reduce the number of breakfast “skippers” by highlighting the importance of eating a healthy breakfast. Nutrition experts recommend that breakfast should fulfil 15-25 percent of total daily energy needs for children, providing important vitamins and minerals.
Ece Durukan, Nestlé regional nutrition and external affairs manager — Asia, Middle East and Africa, said: “We want mums to feel empowered to make informed and healthy choices, so they can provide the best nutrition for their children. We’ve made this easier by making whole grain our number one ingredient. It is an important source of fiber and its consumption has been linked to lower body weight, cholesterol levels, as well as a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes.”
She added: “We know it can be difficult with busy mornings to make time for breakfast, but skipping the most important meal of the day can lead to lower energy levels and poor dietary habits. At Nestlé Breakfast Cereals, we are committed to making breakfast even better by offering a range of nutritious, tasty and convenient cereals.”

The fifth edition of the Okaz PR Arabia National Auto Award 2016/2017 ceremony was held last week in Jeddah.
It was held under the patronage of Prince Abdullah bin Saud and was attended by Prince Sultan bin Bandar Al-Faisal, president of the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, as well as several businessmen and officials from the automative industry.
Waleed J. Kattan, head of the award’s committee, Mazen Batterjee, vice chairman of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCC), and Hasan Dahlan, secretary general of the JCCI, graced the occasion.
Senior executives from NCB — Alahli Lease Finance Program, the award’s strategic partner, and Shell Helix, its main sponsor, were also in attendance.
The ceremony began with a presentation about the Saudi auto market and events associated with the sector in the last year. It also enlightened the audience about the different phases of the awards, including the launch of its promotional campaign, selection of nominations, voting process, and the winning criteria.
Around 286,990 votes were received, an increase of 34 percent from last year’s vote count.
Kattan in his speech said the awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the region’s auto sector.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal received the title of the “Best Motor Sport Driver” for his accomplishments in international races.
Mahara Racing won in the “Best Motor Sport Program” category. It is a motor sport development initiative by an academy that trains talented youths in professional racing.
For the second consecutive year, Juffali Automotive Company won in the “Best After-Sales Services” category.
Community Jameel won in the “Best CSR Program” category.
Saudi journalist Ahmed Alshihri, who has a large following on social media, was named the “Best Auto Journalist.”
Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd., dealers of Toyota cars in Saudi Arabia, won in the “Best Marketing Campaign” category.
Wallan Trading Company won in the “Best Digital Showroom” category for their Hyundai Digital showroom in Riyadh.

Oman Air, the national carrier of Oman, is continuing its expansion across Europe and North America by signing a partnership agreement with Lufthansa.
Under the new agreement, fliers using Oman Air can connect to 59 destinations across Europe and North America from Lufthansa’s Frankfurt and Munich hubs on an interline basis.
Lufthansa will codeshare with Oman Air on Oman Air-operated services from both Frankfurt and Munich to Muscat, allowing their guests to experience the hospitality and service of Oman Air.
In order to provide Oman Air’s customers a seamless travel experience while connecting in Frankfurt and Munich, the airline will be moving terminals in Frankfurt to the Lufthansa-operated terminals, Frankfurt Terminal 1 and Munich Terminal 2.
Oman Air will also be re-timing its current services to Frankfurt to arrive and depart from Frankfurt during the morning to facilitate connections in Frankfurt to Europe and North America in under three hours.
The flagship carrier will be operating its new Boeing Dreamliner 787-9 between Muscat and Frankfurt.
Paul Gregorowitsch, CEO of Oman Air, said: “Strategic codeshares are a crucial way for us to broaden customer choice. Our relationship with Lufthansa is a very important development for Oman Air allowing us to offer even better connectivity in Europe and the North Atlantic and we are delighted to be operating, one of the newest additions to the fleet, the Boeing Dreamliner on the Muscat to Frankfurt route.”
This latest agreement, in addition to the new routes already announced in 2017, demonstrates Oman Air’s progress to becoming a successful, sustainable company.

The Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC), based in Kuwait, has successfully completed the acquisition of a significant minority stake in the Sudair Pharmaceuticals Company, the owner and the developer of the Sudair Specialized Pharmaceuticals Complex.
The company is planning to set up a specialized pharmaceutical complex in a phased manner.
The first phase focuses on high-end generic drugs for cancer treatment.
The plant is the first of its kind in the Middle East, which will serve the region with the latest pharmaceutical technologies.
Mohammad Abdulaziz Al-Fares, head of the GIC's diversified projects division, said: “In line with our strategy to invest in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, we have entered as a major investor with a stake of 35 percent of the pharmaceuticals company's share capital."
He said: “Our move will boost the GIC’s role in developing the specialized pharmaceutical industries sector in the region.”
This type of vital investments will effectively contribute to drug security by serving a critical segment of patients at competitive prices, said Al-Fares.
Dr. Yasser Al-Obaida, board member and CEO of Sudair Pharmaceuticals Company, said: “This investment is part of the company’s plan to attract strategic partnerships that will open new horizons for further nationalization.”
The company will also train a number of national cadres in these specialized pharmaceutical industries, said the CEO.

The Saudi Ground Services Company (SGS), which provides aviation ground handling services and logistics to many local and international airlines across 27 airports in Saudi Arabia, has announced that its revenues grew by 7.3 percent to SR2.726 billion last year.
The company’s operating profits rose by 11.58 percent to SR703 million. The net profit reached SR685 million and the total shareholders’ equity reached SR3.049 million — SR3.65 per share. An initial public offering in 2015 sold 56.4 million shares, representing 30 percent of the company’s capital.
Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Howaish, chairman of the board of directors of SGS, said: “The year 2016 is considered as one of the most important stages for the company due to the strategic decisions issued by the board.”
In 2016, the company launched a project to develop its departments and sections and rebuild its organizational structure in collaboration with top international consulting companies working in the field of aviation. The aim was to achieve the desired targets and boost the shareholders’ confidence. The board worked closely with the executive administration to achieve these goals.”
Al-Howaish added that last year’s financial results reflected the company’s ability to adapt with the economic and regulatory changes.
He pointed out that the company’s revenues grew by 7.3 percent in 2016 despite rising competition, regulatory challenges and the impact of lower oil prices on global economy.
He said: “The 11.8 increase in the operating profit is an indication of the continued growth in the services offered at all airports in Saudi Arabia, the continuous attention to staff development and the comprehensive transformation of their culture in line with the current stage of changes that focus on human resources and information technology, to provide the best in a working environment encouraging development and production according to modern methods.”
Qaid bin Khalaf Al-Otaibi, CEO of Saudi Ground Services, said: “The company’s commitment to achieving its long-term strategies has had a significant role in improving its operational performance last year. In 2016, the company provided aviation ground services to 667,285 trips at the Kingdom’s airports, thus achieving a growth rate of 8 percent compared to 2015.”
The number of passengers, who have been served in all airports in Saudi Arabia, reached 87,946,301, with a growth increased by 8.21 percent.”
Al-Otaibi said: “We are honored as well to contribute effectively to the service of the pilgrims.”
Al-Otaibi added: “The human element in the SGS is the key to its success and growth. The company is keen to strengthen the human resources and support the staff with the distinguished expertise of the people of our precious country, which contributed to the development of performance of departments and it’s results in 2016.”
The Saudi Ground Services Company seeks to provide high-quality services to its customers and maintain its leading position in the provision of ground services to Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector to achieve the highest levels of safety, quality, efficiency, profit growth and to provide added value to shareholders.

InterContinental Al-Jubail recently organized a blood donation campaign in association with the general hospital in Jubail as an initiative toward the social cause, reflecting the hotel’s responsible business initiatives.
Fifty employees took part in the donation campaign, which was aimed at supporting the hospital's blood bank.
Fahad Al-Sayegh, general manager, said: “Blood donation is a noble cause. It is indeed a proud moment for the hotel to make a difference through this event.”
The hotel also aims to leverage its corporate responsibility initiatives more during Ramadan to host charitable organizations at the Layaly Al-Madinah Ramadan tent.

More than 200 of Saudi Arabia’s travel industry leaders gathered at an awards ceremony hosted by Travelport at the Jeddah Hilton recently.
Travelport, a leading travel commerce platform, provides distribution, technology, payment and other solutions.
The award shows, the first of their kind in Saudi Arabia, were also staged in Riyadh and Dammam.
As Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism industry is increasingly in the spotlight as a driving sector for growth, the event provided a networking platform for the travel industry’s stakeholders and key opinion leaders.
Saudi Arabia leads the Middle East region in terms of Internet penetration and e-commerce is a thriving industry in the Kingdom.
Online travel sales have been growing faster than offline sales.
Internet penetration is high and growing in Saudi Arabia and the population is becoming more aware and receptive to the idea of making purchases online.
Mobile travel sales are also growing fueled by the growth of digital devices.
Rabih Saab, president and managing director of Europe, Middle East, Africa and South Asia, said: “The Saudi travel and tourism industry is on the rise and we are very proud of our partnerships in the region.”
He added: “While uncertainty is a theme in the global economy in 2017, demand for international tourism remains high.”
He said: “Travelport sits at the heart of the travel industry and with Saudi tourism revenues predicted to reach $81 billion by 2026, we are committed to supporting the industry players to develop their businesses and meet traveler demands.”

The energy efficiency project of Al-Jazirah Vehicles Agencies, the sole dealer for Ford and Lincoln in Saudi Arabia, is nearing completion.
The project is being carried out in cooperation with Current’s lighting solutions, powered by GE.
The project aims at achieving the organization’s strategic sustainability initiatives and objectives, which include efficiencies in the company’s consumption of electrical energy.
The automotive industry is one of the most competitive sectors in terms of in-store customer experience and engagement.
Car showrooms are continuously moving toward theater-like venues so that customers can be treated to a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere that facilitates an interactive experience with the product and brand.
The right amount of light is a critical element during a vehicle presentation because it ensures a successful sales environment.
In addition to this, companies have to operate efficiently and work toward sustainable business goals. Industry leading LED lighting solutions, powered by GE, employ the latest technologies addressing these objectives.
Sabah Al-Kraidees, corporate strategy director of Al-Jazirah Vehicle Agencies, commented: “We are committed to making a difference by managing our energy consumption and reducing our carbon footprint to more than 200 locations of our network.”
The director said: “The decision to replace traditional energy-consuming lighting with new LED energy-saving lighting solutions by Current reflects our commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program with regard to its focus on promoting sustainable development.”
Al-Kraidees said: “Current is introducing state-of-the-art lighting solutions that will further enhance the visitor experience in our showrooms, as well as our employees’ working environment — in offices, workshops and warehouses.
“Saving energy is one of our key initiatives. It is part of our strategic and restructuring plan. We will continue in the coming years to seek further enhancement and development throughout our group.”
Current will introduce a wide range of LED solutions at showrooms, offices, workshops and warehouses that are specifically designed to enhance both the working and retail environments with the highest efficiency standards.
The energy management project, covering more than 200 locations in Saudi Arabia, is a significant step toward achieving the organization’s strategic objectives.
Khaled Al-Juyyusi, facilities manager at Al-Jazirah Vehicles Agencies, said: “The replacement of traditional lighting equipment at Al-Jazirah’s retail showrooms and warehouses is expected to save more than 50 percent in energy consumption. The new LED lighting will significantly reduce maintenance costs, creating greater long-term value for Al-Jazirah.”
Erdem Soyal, Current’s general manager for the Middle East and Turkey, commented: “The partnership with Al-Jazirah Vehicle Agencies in Saudi Arabia is a significant win for Current, underlining our competency in delivering cutting edge, aesthetic and sustainable lighting solutions to large commercial customers.”
Soyal said: “As a leading automotive dealership, Al-Jazirah Vehicles Agencies is making an important step in managing the efficiency of its energy consumption and reducing the carbon footprint of its businesses, through the use of energy-saving sustainable lighting solutions.”
Soyal added: “Current is uniquely positioned to support the strategic objectives of Al-Jazirah Vehicles Agencies with tailor-made lighting solutions that are healthier, more comfortable and eye-friendly.”

An array of diamonds and gemstones takes place in a unique masterpiece — the Mouawad Flower of Eternity Jewelry Coffer.
Designed with Mouawad’s signature three-heart flower, this marvelous creation is an inspirational reference of beauty and masterful design – and an everlasting home for precious jewels.
The coffer was inspired by Mouawad’s signature Flower of Eternity motif, which consists of three heart-shaped petals symbolizing the past, present and future in an emblem of eternal love.
Crafted using 18-karat gold and 925 silver, the Flower of Eternity Jewelry Coffer features a profusion of 542.39 karat of white and yellow diamonds, 293.24 karat of white and pink sapphires, 20.06 karat of rubies, and 1,799.75 carat of lapis lazuli.
Valued at $3.5 million, the coffer was entirely designed and handcrafted by Mouawad’s master artisans, and is a resounding testament to their profound creativity and virtuosity.
Honored by the Guinness World Records as the most valuable jewelry box in the world, the Flower of Eternity Jewelry Coffer is yet another milestone achieved by the House of Mouawad in line with its vision to become an admired luxury brand leading in customer enchantment worldwide.

ACWA Power has signed a purchase agreement with Jordan’s National Electric Power Company (NEPCO).
The agreement covers the development, financing, construction, ownership and operation of a new 61.3MWp photovoltaic project in Risha, a province in eastern Jordan.
Under the terms of the agreement, ACWA Power will sell electricity to NEPCO for a record-low tariff of 0.042 Jordanian dinars ($0.06) per kWh. It is reportedly the lowest tariff for solar energy ever presented for a Jordan-based project.
This is 3.3 percent lower than the previous lowest tariff provided to Jordan for the Mafraq PV project, also developed by ACWA Power under the second round of proposals for renewable energy in the country.
With the Risha PV, ACWA Power’s portfolio in Jordan now expands to eight assets with an aggregate capacity of 1,665MW, representing almost 40 percent of the total installed capacity of electricity in Jordan. The move also reinforces ACWA Power’s position as the largest independent power plant (IPP) operator in Jordan.
The signing ceremony took place during King Salman’s official visit to Jordan recently. The governments of Saudi Arabia and Jordan also signed a number of agreements, memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and joint investment deals during the visit.
“This landmark project in Risha is a significant step forward in achieving Jordan’s renewable energy targets and providing Jordan with stable and economical electricity supply,” said Abdel Fattah Al-Daradkeh, managing director of NEPCO. “Once completed in 2019, the plant will save 79.000 metric tons of CO2, demonstrating Jordan’s commitment to renewable energy,” he added.
ACWA Power Chairman Mohammad Abunayyan said: “Jordan has long recognized that renewable energy can offer safe and reliable power to the people.”
He said: “Together with our consortium, ACWA Power has facilitated Jordan’s latest investment by deploying our expertise to the Risha facility. The project aims to deliver solar energy at the lowest possible cost to 12,000 households.”
Thamer Al-Sharhan, chairman of the Central Electricity Generating Company (CEGCO), said: “Access to energy is a bedrock of sustainable economic development. We are proud to partner with Jordan on this journey.”
The new photovoltaic facility is part of Jordan's efforts to meet its crucial energy needs.
Demand for electricity in Jordan is climbing at 7 percent per year.
ACWA Power will develop the new clean energy plant aside the existing CEGCO asset of the Risha 150 MW Gas Turbine Plant utilizing synergies from the existing plant to enhance efficiencies.

With rising euro skeptism and increasing political uncertainty, 2017 may be the greatest challenge yet for the EU.
In its recent report, J. P. Morgan Private Bank’s Julien Lafargue analyzes the current investment landscape and shares his view that the outlook is becoming more favorable for Europe despite the challenging times.
“In its current form, the EU is like a bicycle,” said Julien Lafargue, European equities strategist at J. P. Morgan Private Bank.
“It needs to keep moving forward or it will fall over. Although it could be a bumpy ride, we believe Europe’s economy looks well set to pick up speed and provide opportunities for investors in 2017.”
While recent polls show that only half of European citizens have a favorable view of the EU and less than a third support further integration, the upcoming elections in Germany and France present an opportunity for Europe’s leaders. If the EU holds together following these elections, investors are likely to be encouraged.
“The Brexit vote was a wake-up call for European leaders, suggesting there is something profoundly dysfunctional in the union’s set-up that needs to be fixed. Given that sentiment is currently very negative, any improvement in the outlook for the region could have a significant impact across the industry, leading to investment inflows and supporting asset prices,” Lafargue said.
For the past six years, consensus expectations in January for the year ahead have been for around 10 percent earnings per share (EPS) growth in Europe.
Between 2011 and 2016, these growth forecasts have been progressively revised lower to finish the year close to zero. As a result, European earnings are still some 20 percent below their peak. However, 2017 could be different as forecasts have seen limited downgrades so far.
“For the first time in many years, we believe there is more upside than downside risk for European earnings growth,” Lafargue added.
In a world where equity valuations are deemed fair and yields are low, Europe stands out as a value market that generates an attractive dividend yield.
Lafargue said: “Although a number of political flashpoints threaten the region’s stability, the region has proven its ability to endure challenging times. Economic data over the next six to nine months will reveal the full impact of recent events.
He added: “In the meantime, the uncertain outlook should not distract investors from seeking exposure to reasonably stable investment trends and companies that may deliver consistent growth. At a time of heightened uncertainty, exposure to large, geographically diversified companies can help offset regional risks.”
Lafargue said: “The economic outlook for Europe is improving, which should support a long-awaited pickup in earnings growth, and despite the challenges, the region remains home to some of the world’s strongest companies and a great environment for stock pickers.”
The commitment from the European Central Bank (ECB) to maintain very accommodative monetary policies until the region has established a self-sustained recovery benefits the EU in three ways.
First, the central bank’s “whatever it takes” pledge remains firmly in place, providing some downside protection.
Second, interest rates will probably remain at a low enough level to support the economic recovery but without jeopardizing the financial sector’s profitability.
Third, the policy divergence between the ECB and a gradually more hawkish US Federal Reserve should prevent the euro from appreciating substantially.
“In this context, having some degree of exposure to European equities seems appropriate. It is important to remember that the region represents around 20 percent of the world’s GDP and a similar proportion of global equity market, avoiding it completely can have a significant impact on portfolio performance,” Lafargue said.
“Uncertainty is high but this appears to be reflected in the underperformance of the region’s equity markets over the past five years. While it may seem prudent, waiting for full clarity can be a costly strategy.”

As part of its commitment to the long-lasting partnership with its customers and its strategy to upsurge efficiency of its resources, Nissan Saudi Arabia recently organized multiple workshops around Saudi Arabia for Nissan dealers’ service providers to deliver advanced sales and after-sales services.
More than 2,200 Alissa and Petromin employees in sales, after-sales technical and nontechnical departments completed their training in Nissan Service Technician Education Program (NSTEP), Nissan Service Adviser Program (NSAP) and Customer Handling Skills Program (CHS).

The Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has announced the successful experiment of Massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) technology on its existing 4G-LTE network, utilizing 2.3GHz spectrum band.
In its ambitious experiment in Dammam, STC used 20MHz of spectrum in the 2.3GHz band on the time division duplex (TDD) network. It managed to achieve a peak cell downlink throughput of 677Mbps, which is approximately six times the current/traditional TDD network speed.
Massive MIMO is accepted as one of the core innovative technologies in the future 5G network.
STC and Huawei have used this concept to boost the existing 4G-LTE network throughputs in order to provide superior customer experience and unprecedented network speeds.
Massive MIMO technology uses a large number of antennas and beam forming to enhance spectrum utilization among multiple user equipment (UEs) to improve the end-user experience.
Nasser Al-Nasser, senior vice president, STC technology and operations, said: “Once again, STC’s partnership with Huawei has delivered new and unprecedented results.”
He added: “This great result will enable STC to meet the explosive growth in demand for high-quality data services.”
Al-Nasser said: “We look forward to strengthening our pioneering position in the region through the successful deployment of the Massive MIMO technology.”
He added: “As a technology pioneering company in the region, STC is proud to see such successful network developments, which will ultimately translate to improved customer experience and delivery of highest possible quality of service.”

Brand building is a key factor in economic growth and development, said Fahd Al-Rasheed, group CEO and managing director of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
He was speaking at the NEXT Forum, which brought together CEOs, local and international brand experts and thought leaders.
The NEXT Power Brands Festival, organized by Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (MISK), concluded recently with the NEXT Forum.
The festival was the first event to place branding at the center of a conversation around Saudi Arabia’s social-economic transformation.
“We are delighted to be a strategic partner of MISK and Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship (MBSC) in presenting his important thought leadership event," said Fahd Al-Rasheed, group CEO and managing director of KAEC.
“We are committed to supporting all initiatives that aim to increase the private sector’s competitiveness, reach and expansion in order to achieve the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030,” he added.
Among the business leaders who participated in the event were Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP; Mohammed Alshaya, CEO of the Alshaya Group; Fahd Al-Sukait of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs; and Khalid Al-Bayyari, CEO of Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC).
Teams of panelists discussed market realities, opportunities and challenges, and presented innovative ideas and impactful recommendations related to building and establishing brands.
Topics included the future of retail, consumers’ views, modern perspectives on branding, marketing in the 21st century, the branding of cities, the dynamics of modern economies, and brand building beyond borders.
A highlight of the festival was Prince Mohammed bin Salman College’s announcement of the NEXT Power Brands Index, which will track the Kingdom’s most valuable and impactful brands, based on the BrandZ methodology.
Mohanud Helal, secretary-general of the Economic Cities Authority, thanked KAEC and Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation for holding the event.
He said: “We at the Economic Cities Authority encourage initiatives like NEXT, which lend support to the Kingdom’s comprehensive development by empowering young Saudis by honing their marketing and business skills through bringing them together with international thought leaders and enabling them to them showcase their talents at exhibitions and events all over the world.”
Fahd Hamidaddin, secretary-general of the NEXT Festival, was equally upbeat. He said: “I could not be happier with the turnout and response of the who’s who of presidents, executives, and business people from around the world and their contribution to the Next Forum, which was an open, constructive discussion that covered many vital aspects of the reality and future of the Saudi market and the role of the private sector in its development.”
A key component of the festival was the NEXT Markathon, in which a group of national talents competed to develop solutions to marketing problems posed by major national brands, all in an atmosphere of learning that enriches the experience of the contenders and brings them closer to becoming leaders in the near future.

Accenture (NYSE: ACN), the global professional services company, has successfully completed the core system replacement of the retail banking operations at the National Commercial Bank (NCB). The highly complex project which took approximately two years to complete, was part of NCB’s NextGen program, which was also undertaken with Accenture.
The implementation of the project marks significant successes and achievements across various fields within the business. The improved platform provides clients with a distinct banking experience, enriched with additional features and a 50 percent reduction in turnaround time for key processes.
The platform, which will be deployed across NCB’s network of 374 branches throughout the country, plays a pivotal role in the core banking system’s data-driven transformation. The Accenture team, which supported NCB from the outset, was responsible for strategic program management, core system transformation and change enablement. Commencing with a team of five, the project later expanded in scope to include 25 members from 18 countries at its peak.
NCB’s in-house team ensured that the implementation, training, and manoeuvring of the new systems were in line with their requirements. The key success factors included direct top management involvement, quick strategic decision-making processes, setup of a dedicated transformation team, and a significant time commitment from the business and IT teams.
Firas Al-Turki, head of Shared Services Group at NCB, said: “Launching this project will further enhance the digital development of our financial and banking operations and help expand NCB’s base in Saudi Arabia to become the leading digital bank with outstanding customer service. It also reinforces the bank’s efforts to develop its digital infrastructure by providing the best banking standards that reflect positively on the customer’s experience.”
Omar Boulos, regional managing director of Accenture in the Middle East and North Africa, said: “Working closely with NCB, we were able to achieve several key milestones and replace the core banking system in a relatively quick timeframe. We are proud to see our efforts culminate in a grand-scale transformation and are pleased that NCB will capitalize on this success to speed up processes and increase efficiencies.”
Amr El Saadani, managing director and financial services lead at Accenture in the Middle East and North Africa, said: “We are delighted to see the results of our joint work and are keen to continue our partnership with NCB. This project will set a benchmark for similar programs in the region, and we look forward to wider collaborations of this nature across sectors.”

Cranfield School of Management is Europe’s first university to deliver executive development courses in Saudi Arabia in Arabic. Eight academics including two executive education specialists from Cranfield’s Center for Customised Executive Development, Doc McKerr and Imran Zawwar, traveled to Madinah to teach over 100 business leaders, almost half of whom were women, about the fundamentals of business leadership and transforming knowledge into action in the workplace.
Initiated by Namaa Al Munawara, a local non-profit think-tank, Cranfield’s Executive Leadership program attracted middle managers and senior leaders from small companies and public sector organizations.
Prince Faisal bin Salman, governor of Madinah, set up Namaa Al Munawara with the aim to transform Madinah into a hub of growing SMEs and to develop it as a “City of Knowledge” which has a positive impact, economically and commercially, both in the local area and across the country.
During the two-week program, delegates gained an in-depth insight into core business topics such as strategy, innovation, operational excellence, business finance, leadership and corporate use of social media, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to help drive their organization.
Samar Showail, a manager in the Saudi banking industry, said: “I have been on these types of courses before. However, this course is more sophisticated and really puts knowledge into practice. The whole experience has been unique; the networking, in particular, was valuable because we had the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and industries. This meant that we could share our challenges and ideas and learn from one another.”
The program was funded by the Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF), which is responsible for developing local business leaders to meet the country’s mission of evenly spreading the economy’s reliance across industries including education and commerce, rather than solely on oil, by 2030.
Ranked among the top 10 business schools worldwide for customised executive development, and first in the world for international reach, Cranfield’s Center for Customised Executive Development delivers open and customised programs to over 40 clients each year. Over 75 percent of these courses welcome participants from across the globe.

Saudi Arabia’s leading logistics service provider NAQEL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Trade, the premier trade facilitation entity in the UAE, to collaborate on education and training for the GCC Trade and logistics industry. Both organizations aim to provide training programs and events to develop best practice and knowledge in the sector.
While NAQEL focuses its services on providing logistics and supply chain solutions to its customers in Saudi Arabia and GCC markets, it also contributes to the development of the logistics and transportation industry in Saudi Arabia as a part of its corporate responsibility efforts. The training division of NAQEL — the NAQEL Excellence Center — supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its aim to transform its logistics and transportation sector.
NAQEL also aims to support the specific training needs of organizations and private companies in Saudi Arabia involved in trade, logistics, customs, port handling and associated services.
Adnan Al-Mazrooa, deputy CEO, NAQEL, Saudi Arabia, said: “With this collaboration, we hope to build unique training programs to develop the capabilities of logistics professionals in Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.”
Mahmood Al-Bastaki, CEO of Dubai Trade, welcomed this partnership. He said: “We are delighted to work closely with NAQEL as a leading logistics company in Saudi Arabia adding value to the trade and logistics community and keeping them up-to-date with the latest supply chain practices in the region and globally. We are committed to facilitate trading processes as well as enhance customer satisfaction and training is one way to fulfil that through our accredited programs.”
In 2016, Dubai Trade was awarded the “Training & Education Provider of the Year” at the Supply Chain and Transport Awards (SCATA). Its Certified Trade & Logistics Professional (CTLP) program has seen 1,400 participants from local and international organizations. Dubai Trade also launched the Certified Customs Expert (CCE) program which addresses key elements and best procedures for customs processes in the region.
Dubai Trade training programs are endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT).

McDermott Middle East has launched a specialized on-the-job graduate training program exclusively for students from Saudi Arabia.
Beginning with its first class of 14 students, the rotational program provides selected students on-the-job training opportunities within several of McDermott’s functional departments, including engineering, fabrication, marine, supply chain, commercial and safety, both in the Kingdom and Dubai.
Linh Austin, McDermott’s ‎vice president and general manager, Middle East and Caspian, said: “As one of the oldest EPCI contractors in the Middle East, we give back to the region and our local community by investing in the career development of our future generations. Through our graduate training program, we will build and develop young talent, who bring in enthusiasm, fresh and innovative thinking, strong educational qualifications and language competencies.”
The program runs for a two-year period during which students will gain a solid understanding of McDermott’s operational functions. The program also supports career growth by empowering students to implement their skills outside the classroom and within a professional setting. Upon program completion, the students will be uniquely positioned within the company having spent time in each of McDermott’s operational functions. At the completion of the program, each student will be assigned permanently to work within one of the operational functions that best matches their core competencies and skill sets, contributing to McDermott’s success in the Middle East region.
Fatimah Haydar, from the 2017 KSA graduate training program, said: “It is a truly life-changing experience, and I hope to inspire other women engineers in Saudi Arabia to improve their training, and push boundaries in the oil and gas industry.”
The candidate selection process was rigorous, with over 900 CVs received from career fairs and direct applications. All applicants were screened based upon engineering discipline, university ranking, and grade point average. A total of 100 candidates were selected for phone interviews, and a total of 52 candidates were shortlisted. At the final screening stage, a total of 14 candidates were selected.

Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets has ranked fourth in brand contribution and is the 17th most valuable brand in the Kingdom.
This was announced during the MiSK Festival at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in the presence of experts, businesspersons and media specialists.
The ranking is according to (BrandZ), a reputable international database, which focuses on the top 20 brands in the Kingdom and its recognition, competitiveness and value.
Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Othaim, the company’s CEO, thanked KAEC and MISK for organizing the event, which supports development in the Kingdom and highlights the importance of local brands.
“Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets is committed to maintaining the confidence of our customers through the continuous development of our business, products and services,” he added.
Abdullah Al-Othaim Markets has recently been recognized among the top 100 brands in the Kingdom, according to a study by Al Watan Saudi Arabia and Ipsos, based on scientific statistics and field surveys.