Azmeel Travel Agency arranged more than 100 charter flights from Saudi Arabia to India in the past four months. The agency’s team celebrated this milestone in an event titled “THEAzmeel100.” 

General Manager of Azmeel Travel Agency Waheed Lateef attributed this success to his team’s dedication and synergy.

“At a time when the travel industry is facing numerous challenges with no commercial flight operations, Azmeel took it upon itself to provide an opportunity for people wanting to travel. So far we have chartered 109 flights, out of which 105 were from IndiGo airline, three from GoAir and one from SpiceJet. There are a few more lined up in the month of December and January,” he said.

“This would not have been possible without the financial and morale booting from our chairman Abdulrahman Fahad Al-Jabr and managing director Abdullatif Said Lateef,” Lateef added.

The celebratory event was attended by a number of airport staff as well as high-ranking officials from several companies, such as Swissport. Some of those who were present included: Omar Khan, manager at Dammam Airport; Arun Fernando, station manager at Dammam Airport; Alexis Anandraj, station manager at Riyadh Airport; Abdulrahman Rafiuddin, sales executive in the Eastern Province, IndiGo; Hussain Alqahtani and Mohammed Abdulhameed from IndiGo; Mohammed Zakaria, CEO of Al-Muzain company; Miraj Ansari, Mohammed Ahmed Hussain and Syed Abdullateef.

Azmeel Travel Agency’s team members include: Asif Ali Khan, Abdulniaz Jinnah, Mohammed Monther Keshta, Haris Kunuh Vallpu, Ajmal Abdulmajeed, Ajay Kumar Prem, Abdulbasith Shahulhameed, Yaqub Shariff, Mohammed Abdulrizwan, Reensh Abdullakutty, Mohammed Shabbir, Mir Mohammed Ali, Ayatwasel Al-Abbad, Ammar AlMousaleh, Mohammed Shakeel and Limbu Rajkumar.

In line with its rigorous expansion strategy, Dur Hospitality has inaugurated the 4-star Holiday Inn and Suites in Jubail Industrial City, adding a new property to its lineup of hotels and accommodation offerings spread across the Kingdom. 

The new hotel will be operated through a franchise agreement with the Intercontinental Hotel Group. The property sits on a land area of 10,000 square meters, and comprises 144 rooms and suites designed with novel amenities and ranging from single, twin, and king rooms, in addition to suites with fully equipped kitchenettes that especially cater to long-term guests. 

Moreover, the hotel offers well-rounded facilities designed to enhance guest experience, including a range of cafes and restaurants, a health club and spa, several meeting and conference rooms, an outdoor pool and sundeck, a shopping arcade, and more. 

Sultan Al-Otaibi, CEO of Dur Hospitality, described the opening as a remarkable accomplishment for Dur, underscoring the company’s commitment toward an ambitious expansion strategy and contribution to the targets of Saudi Vision 2030 relating to augmenting the hospitality sector. He commended the services presented by the hotel, which he said have been diligently designed to fulfill the needs of guests, and present modern accommodation experiences paired with an authentic Saudi spirit. Al-Otaibi said the highest hygiene and safety measures are observed at the property to safeguard the health, well-being, and peace of mind of all guests. 

Hassan Ahdab, president of hotel operations at Dur, also affirmed the commitment of Dur and its international partners in reviving the hospitality sector and supporting its progress, especially in view of the pandemic-induced challenges, He reiterated the added value presented by Holiday Inn and Suites for Jubail’s hospitality scene.

Located in the heart of the Jubail Industrial City, which is renowned for its beautiful parks and clean, serene beaches, the hotel is ideal for both short- and long-term visits, business meetings, and staycations. The property is situated just a 50-minute drive away from King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, and lies in close proximity to commercial zones. 

Dur Hospitality is a publicly listed company specialized in hotel operations, property and facility management, and real estate development and asset management in Saudi Arabia. The company runs an extensive portfolio of 30 properties ranging from hotels to residential complexes across the Kingdom with more than 5,000 keys, and has 17 additional properties with more than 3,500 keys in the pipeline.

Regional retailer LuLu Group launched its new express fresh market at the National Guard housing site located in Al-Mubarraz in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province

The new store, which is LuLu’s 197th globally, was inaugurated by Nabil Al-Holaibe, director of King Abdullah Residential City National Guard, in the virtual presence of Yusuf Ali M.A., chairman of LuLu Group. Also present on the occasion were Abdul Basheer, regional director of Lulu Eastern Province, other senior officials and dignitaries.

Located in the heart of the National Guard housing complex in Hofuf and set within the growing community, the express store features a shopping environment highlighting modern aesthetics and advanced features.

Chairman Ali said: “We are thankful to Saudi National Guard (SANG) for supporting us in this venture to bring an accessible place for great shopping, so that the residents living within the vicinity don’t have to drive long distance. We will continue to be committed to offering high-quality products at the most affordable prices. This is our 6th store in the National Guard campus and 19th in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and we will continue to explore more opportunities here and bring a world-class shopping experience.”

“We are grateful to the unending support of the government for letting us provide the growing needs of the residents across the country. The new store in this dynamic area will live up to the same brand identity that LuLu has committed to since Day 1, highlighting quality products and international shopping experience,” said Shehim Mohamed, director of Lulu Hypermarkets Saudi Arabia.

“As part of our aggressive expansion plans in the country, 21 new hypermarkets and express stores will be opened across Saudi Arabia within the next two years. This expansion plans will offer more employment opportunities to the talented and efficient Saudi workforce apart from contributing to the local economy,” added Mohamed.

The express store is home to a variety of globally sourced products, such as food and lifestyle essentials, from groceries to fresh food, health and beauty, home needs, electronics, and much more. Its product range is backed up by the group’s own food sourcing and manufacturing facilities across 22 countries, which ensure well-stocked warehouses and uninterrupted food supply at the most affordable prices. The store has also kicked off inaugural offers comprising discounts and bundle deals on all product categories.

Lulu has recently partnered with Abu Dhabi state owned holding company ADQ to collectively develop up to 30 hypermarkets and 100 express mini markets as well as state-of-the-art logistics hubs, distribution and fulfillment centers to strengthen the retailer’s e-commerce business across Egypt at an investment of $1 billion.

Sala Entertainment, a company specializing in high-end family entertainment, has officially opened the Strike 10 bowling center in Riyadh’s Al-Hamra Mall. The company plans to locally expand its network of entertainment centers across the Kingdom. 

Sala Entertainment has adopted the newest bowling concepts in the new centers, which includes easy automatic scoring with social media interface. This allows scores to be posted to the player’s account, enabling them to share the scores with friends and receive direct encouragement from them. Strike 10 is spread across an area of 1,340 square meters, and is equipped with 80 60-foot bowling lanes from QubicaAMF, a global provider of bowling equipment, as well as bumper lanes for beginners’ training, suitable for all ages and skill levels. 

The bowling center is fully equipped to host both national and regional bowling tournaments.

Alongside the opening of Strike 10, Sala Entertainment opened Bob’s Cafe, a trendy restaurant serving delicacies from the American cuisine, including the famous Angus burger with a serving of buffalo wings, in addition to a selection of appetizers, beverages and desserts.

Mohammed Attia, CEO of Sala Entertainment, said: “The opening of Strike 10 bowling center in Riyadh comes as part of the company’s strategic plan to achieve local expansion. Strike 10 is a major addition to the family entertainment destinations in Saudi Arabia. The center is fully equipped to provide entertainment for all community segments, including the sports youth segments.”

He added: “The center we opened today is our second branch in the Kingdom, and we will soon open our third center at Al-Nakheel Mall Extension in Riyadh. In the near future, we will open other centers in different regions of the Kingdom, including in the western region.”

Spar Saudi Stores Company, a company of Al-Sadhan Group, has opened an express convenience store in Riyadh’s Digital City. The opening of Spar Express was held under the patronage of Governor of the Saudi Public Pension Agency Mohammed bin Talal Al-Nahhas, and in the presence of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Sadhan Group Muhammad Al-Sadhan and senior executives of Al-Raedah, Raza and Al-Sadhan Group.

Spar Express has an advanced convenience store format based on international best practices and tailored to serve the daily needs of the modern and dynamic communities of Saudi Arabia. The flagship store has a built-in CENSA Café and bakery, serving freshly packed sandwiches, fruits and other healthy food options. Self-checkout kiosks enable minimum human contact.

Chairman Al-Sadhan said: “The opening of the new Spar Express comes as a continuation of our expansion plans in support of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 for developing the economy, and raising the level of services and products provided to citizens and residents. The Spar retail chain in Saudi Arabia is 100 percent owned by Al-Sadhan Group.”

Eid Al-Anazi, CEO of Al-Sadhan Group, said: “We are pleased to open Spar Express in the Digital City, which represents an advanced retail model, and provide the highest quality of products and services to Spar customers. Spar successfully operates different retail formats such as supermarkets, and convenience and express stores in select locations such as the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and other distinguished neighborhoods in Riyadh.”

Spar, an international food retailer, opened its first outlet in the Kingdom in 2017. The latest express store is its 11th branch. 

“Spar is committed to bringing an international shopping experience to the communities of Saudi Arabia, by serving people’s daily needs for groceries, locally sourced fresh produce and an exclusive range of imported products, all in stylish stores with welcoming staff and exceptional customer service,” a statement said.

Global technology and smartphone company Oppo has collaborated with regional media conglomerate MBC to bring to the Middle East “The Masked Singer: Inta Min?” — the Arabic version of the US reality singing competition TV show, “The Masked Singer.” 

Oppo utilized the MBC-produced show to mark the regional debut of the brand’s mascot — Ollie, which has become a popular character with viewers of the celebrity-packed program.

Hosted by Lebanese presenter Anabella Hilal, “The Masked Singer: Inta Min?” sees celebrities compete against each other while their identity is entirely concealed in an elaborate costume. After each celebrity performance, appointed celebrity judges try to guess who they are after listening to them perform and receiving various clues alluding to their identities. Ollie has a special role to play in the show — he hosts the “masked singers” backstage in the Oppo Studio before they make an appearance on stage for a spectacular performance. Ollie is also the custodian of the results — taking his Oppo Reno4 smartphone to share with the presenter what everyone is waiting for after each round.

Oppo has also launched a digital contest that will give viewers a chance to be part of a TV commercial. Participants need to use a specially created Oppo filter that masks their face, follow the music and imitate the actions from a “hero video” — also created by Oppo — and post on their social media channels, including Instagram and Twitter. The most creative entries stand to win prizes, including starring in a TV commercial or winning the company’s smartphone.

Fadi Abu Shamat, director of strategy and development at Oppo MEA, said: “We are very excited about the expansion of our global partnership with ‘The Masked Singer’ that allows us to bring the suspense and thrill of this unique reality competition to the Middle East audiences. This initiative is in line with our ‘glocalization’ strategy that customizes international partnerships and strategies and makes them relevant to people in the region. Music and entertainment are an important part of Arabic hospitality and culture, and we are sure that ‘The Masked Singer: Inta Min?’ will resonate with our regional audience.”

Featuring 12 masked Arab celebrities, the TV show also hosts four celebrity judges including Syrian actor Qusai Khouli, Lebanese singer and actor Cyrine Abdelnour, Egyptian actor Hassan El-Raddad, and Saudi broadcaster Mouhnned Al-Hamdi.

DUBAI: A website dedicated for COVID-19 vaccination was launched in Jordan, as countries in the Middle East began widespread inoculation drives.
Secretary-General in the Jordan Ministry of Health (MoH), Wail Hayajneh, urged citizens and residents of the country to sign up through the new website, and wait for further official information from the ministry.
The website allows individuals to also check if they are eligible to get the vaccine, Hayajneh said in a media briefing.

Ambitious investments in digital infrastructure have created unprecedented opportunities in the Middle East, while helping the region to rebound swiftly from the challenges of 2020, according to Huawei’s top executive in the region.

Charles Yang, president of Huawei Middle East, recently highlighted the company’s key takeaways from the year as the global ICT solutions provider sought to help governments and enterprises bring digital to more people at a time when it was needed most.

The Middle East was relatively well prepared from an ICT standpoint for the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, noted Yang, with many countries having been early global adopters of infrastructure such as 5G. “That foundation of connectivity enabled many countries to cope with a surge in data traffic as a result of work, education, shopping, and even health services moving online,” said Yang, who estimated that the Middle East’s data traffic increased in volume by around 40 percent over the year.

Earlier this summer, experts at McKinsey noted that in a matter of just eight weeks, the world vaulted five years forward in consumer and business digital adoption as a result of the pandemic. The Middle East has benefitted from strong public leadership, clear ICT development agendas, and the encouragement of foreign direct investment in the technology field.

“At the same time, each country must continue to stimulate growth and address the impact of the pandemic. So as nations continue to mature in both connectivity and computing capabilities in 2021, they must consider how to maximize the long-term value creation from those projects,” said Yang.

In particular, Huawei contends that talent development, technology synergy, and open collaboration will be pivotal to harvesting business and social value in 2021.

“We have found many partners in government and in the private sector who share the realization that talent is really the enabling factor in digital transformation, not just the technology itself,” said Yang. It is also why over the past 20 years, Huawei has helped the Middle East cultivate around 100,000 ICT talents, training local experts in building scenario-specific applications that benefit society.

This local talent, according to Yang, must now be empowered to create deeper synergy between connectivity, cloud, AI, computing, and industry applications.

These five domains are now coming together to create historic opportunities in the region. To support those efforts, Huawei is planning to invest approximately $100 billion globally in technology research and development in the coming five years.

Yang said that such programs will not only support Huawei, but the wider ecosystem of governments, academia, and enterprises embracing digital transformation in the Middle East.

“Even with today’s best talent and technologies, what is most important to spurring future innovation is maintaining an open and cooperative ICT ecosystem, regardless of the country or a particular company’s country of origin,” he added. “That belief in shared success has helped make the Middle East a global reference for digital resilience and sustainability during this challenging year, and will no doubt be inherited even after the pandemic is over.”

In the past 30 years, Huawei has deployed approximately 1,500 networks in 170 countries, with its equipment and service covering more than three billion people today.

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Shopping fever has gripped the UAE as one of the region’s largest winter bargain sales events kicked off at Expo Centre Sharjah from Dec. 24.

With price markdowns of up to 80 percent on a wide range of products from leading retailers and brands, the Winter Clearance Sale 2020 offers residents and visitors 10 days of shopping to bag huge discounts until Jan. 2, 2021.

“With consumer confidence rising and the festive season in progress, retailers are expecting a year-end shopping splurge by residents. Discounts are one of the most influential purchasing factors, and with every participating retailer offering massive markdowns on popular brands of fashion, electronics and household goods, the Winter Clearance Sale will offer the best price in town at this point of time,” said Saif Mohammed Al-Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah.

The sale features brands such as: Sharaf DG, Jashanmal, Clarks, Aeropostale, Birkenstock, Call It Spring, Nine West, Crocs, Juicy Couture, Naturalize, Nautica, Skechers, Givenchy, Calvin Klein, Dolce and Gabbana, Armani, and Yves Saint Laurent, among others.

“Physical retail has a long-standing place in the hearts of consumers, and the Winter Clearance Sale offers them the perfect chance to cherry-pick the deep discounts retailers are offering. Besides, the presence of major retailers ensures that all the popular brands in the country are available at a single place and shoppers can hunt for the best prices from thousands of offers. Some of the most generous promotional offers in recent years can be found at the Winter Clearance Sale,” said Jacob Varghese, general manager at Liz Exhibitions.

While electronics and gadgets are likely to retain their consistent retail trend, fashion, accessories, and perfumes are set to be in focus at the event. Since clothing and perfumes are two of the many categories where the touch and feel of products and sales associates’ assistance is important in the purchase process, the Winter Clearance Sale stands out from the many recent sales events that were predominantly online. The exhibition opens from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Jeddah chapter of the Indo-Saudi Medical Forum (ISMF) was launched at the InterContinental Jeddah on Friday by Indian Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed. The event took place in the presence of prominent Saudi and Indian healthcare professionals in the western region.

Dr. Sayeed thanked Dr. Ashraf A. Amir, chief medical officer (CMO) at Jeddah’s high-profile International Medical Center (IMC), for agreeing to become the forum’s president. He also thanked veteran and popular Indian pediatrician, Dr. M.S. Karimuddin, for becoming the forum’s vice president.

The ambassador highlighted the great strides that have taken place in recent times in relations between Saudi Arabia and India. Dr. Sayeed said the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia in October last year plus the signing of a series of important agreements in different fields, including healthcare, have provided new momentum to the two countries’ relationship.

The ambassador highlighted the immense opportunities that “are waiting to be tapped in the healthcare industry.” He said the new forum, led by an energetic and experienced team, would be a good platform for complementing the steps and initiatives being taken by both governments — in Riyadh and New Delhi — to increase cooperation in the field of healthcare. He pointed out that India had become the “pharmacy of the world” during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “India stands ready to play its part in alleviating the difficulties of the global community during times of global health crises.”

Dr. Ashraf Amir promised to take all steps to achieve the stated objectives of the Indo-Saudi Medical Forum. He said the advancement of the Indian healthcare sector had been phenomenal and that Saudi Arabia had won international praise for its exceptional handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Acting Consul General Y. Sabir welcomed the guests. He noted that the Indo-Saudi Medical Forum aimed to serve as a key platform point for high-level informal interactions between the medical fraternities of both India and Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Karimuddin highlighted the many activities that the forum plans to undertake in the coming days and months. Among other things, he said: “An effort will be made to bring together corporations working in the healthcare sector, including hospitals, pharma and surgical equipment firms, in order to collaborate with a view to providing excellent healthcare for Saudi citizens and expats.”

Dr. Karimuddin said the Indo-Saudi Medical Forum was a nonprofit body under the patronage of the Embassy of India. The forum, made up of Indian and Saudi doctors and experts in the field of healthcare and wellness, will play a supporting role in strengthening India-Saudi Arabian cooperation related to healthcare. ISMF will have three chapters in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam.

Nouf Marwaai, award-winning yoga instructor, spoke about how India’s expertise and facilities in the field of wellness and holistic healthcare was relevant to the Saudi healthcare system.

She said the momentum for the present Saudi-Indian relationship began during Modi’s visit to the Kingdom in April 2016 when King Salman presented him with the Kingdom’s highest civilian decoration, the Sash of King Abdul Aziz. “This recognition is an indication of the importance the Kingdom attaches to its relations with India,” she said.

Dr. Iqbal Musani, general secretary of the forum, highlighted with a PowerPoint presentation the giant strides that India and Indian doctors have made in the field of medicine. 

Prominent among those who were present at the event included Hamna Maryam, consul (commerce) at the Indian Consulate in Jeddah; Mohammed Alungal, chairman of Abeer Medical Group; V.P. Mohammed Ali, chairman and managing director of Jeddah National Hospital; Dr. Kavitha Marusamy of Ibn Sina National College; Dr. Ataat Khan and Dr. A.H. Maniyar.

A large number of Indian and Saudi doctors also attended the launch virtually in view of COVID-19-related restrictions.

The first shipment, carrying bauxite, destined for Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA)’s Al-Taweelah alumina refinery, called at Khalifa Port’s South Quay, marking the commencement of operations at the newly launched facility.

The bulk carrier, Alfred Oldendorff, the first in several shipments to the South Quay for EGA, was swiftly followed by two large general cargo consignments, making use of the recently completed first phase of South Quay, offering a total of 650 meters of quay wall comprising two berths and 37,000 square meters of terminal yard.

EGA will use the South Quay, in addition to its own nearby quay, which began receiving Capesize vessels loaded with bauxite in 2019.

The onset of the South Quay’s operations at Abu Dhabi’s dedicated flagship deep-water terminal is the latest in a string of major achievements for the port’s owner and operator, Abu Dhabi Ports.

Saif Al-Mazrouei, head of Ports Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “Abu Dhabi Ports is proud to have achieved this momentous milestone ahead of schedule.

“The commencement of operations at the South Quay provides clear evidence that Abu Dhabi Ports stands as a leader in developing a truly inspiring and integrated multipurpose port proposition.

“Khalifa Port’s upgrade and expansion not only enables dramatic growth in our bulk and general cargo handling capacity, but further serves to demonstrate Abu Dhabi Ports’ firm commitment in supporting the individual needs of new and existing customers.” 

The introduction of the South Quay, together with the adjacent Khalifa Port Logistics (KPL) development will dramatically boost Khalifa Port’s ability to handle any type of cargo and service a wide variety of customers. 

In addition to the South Quay phase 1 completion, approximately 800 meters of quay wall and almost 175,000 square meters of land within KPL has been handed over in advance of the project’s full phase 1 conclusion in Q1 2021. 

Two prestigious accolades underscore Khalifa Port’s successful growth and development journey: The port made significant gains in the latest Lloyd’s List One Hundred Ports rankings, achieving the highest percentage of growth in all container ports listed, and also won “Port of the Year” at the recently held Maritime Standard Awards 2020. 

Established in 2006, Abu Dhabi Ports is a global trade enabler strategically based in the capital of the UAE and is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy.

Abu Dhabi Ports owns and manages 11 ports and terminals in the UAE and Guinea. Its largest subsidiary is Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, the integrated trade, logistics, and industrial hub, with the flagship, deep water Khalifa Port as its maritime gateway.

Intigral, an over-the-top content provider in the MENA region, has announced a strategic partnership with Orange Egypt, an internet data network provider in Egypt, to offer its subscribers access to Jawwy TV app. This expansion is being enabled by a strategic partnership with Tpay Mobile, a digital payments platform in the Middle East and Africa. 

Orange subscribers can benefit from an extended free trial of 30 days to Jawwy TV. The offer enables viewers to enjoy both linear TV and subscription video-on-demand offerings, with countless content titles across multiple genres including Western, Arabic and Khaleeji series and movies, documentaries and lifestyle shows, as well as children’s content.

Subscribers will also be able to watch more than 50 free-to-air and encrypted channels that cater to the tastes and preferences of all family members, such as Rotana, MBC, National Geographic and FOX HD. Moreover, Jawwy TV’s extensive video-on-demand library comprises Jawwy TV Exclusive movies, including the latest Egyptian movies as well as Jawwy TV’s original productions. Additionally, the app offers aggregated content from leading global content providers such as Fox+, StarzPlay, Cartoon Network, Wide Khaliji, and many more.

Markus Golder, CEO of Intigral, said: “We are delighted to delve into the Egyptian market through several fruitful collaborations, the latest being the strategic partnership with Orange, regarded as the country’s fastest internet network — an endeavor which will provide an invaluable opportunity for Jawwy TV to reach more audiences in MENA.”

Ahmed El-Abd, chief commercial officer at Orange Egypt, said: “Orange is bringing its customers access to 25,000 titles through this partnership and taking the digital customer experience a step further. 

“Digitization is now the new norm. Hence, availing a wide range of content and cooperating with one of the leading content providers in the region is a very important step for Orange content strategy.”

Centre Lane Partners, a private investment firm focused on private equity and private credit investments in the North American middle market, has entered into a partnership with Investcorp’s Strategic Capital Group (ISCG). The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The partnership with ISCG provides Centre Lane with long-term strategic capital to continue its successful strategy of investing in the debt and equity of middle market companies in North America.

“This transaction is a notable milestone for Centre Lane and we believe it will position us to even better serve our investors by further investing in our business as we continue to grow our existing strategies,” Quinn Morgan and Ken Lau, co-founders and managing directors of Centre Lane, said in a statement. “Investcorp is a global leader in the middle market, shares our vision for providing best-in-class investment services, and we are delighted to have them as a supportive long-term partner.”

Under the terms of the agreement, ISCG would be a passive, non-voting partner to Centre Lane. There will be no changes to Centre Lane’s team, strategy, execution of its investment process or day-to-day operations in connection with the partnership. Centre Lane intends to utilize the transaction proceeds to increase its capital commitments toward its investments and continue to grow its private credit and special opportunities platforms.

“Under Quinn and Ken’s leadership, Centre Lane has established itself as a leading middle market investment firm with an outstanding reputation,” said Anthony Maniscalco, managing partner and head of ISCG. 

“We believe that Centre Lane is differentiated from its peers by its combined expertise in private equity, private credit, operational value-add, and is well-positioned for continued success,” said Loai Alarayedh, head of Gulf institutions at Investcorp. “We look forward to supporting the firm as it focuses on continuing to generate superior returns for investors.” 

Launched in 2019, Investcorp’s Strategic Capital Group seeks to be a long-term strategic partner to mid-sized alternative asset managers.

Full STEAM Ahead — an education project developed in response to COVID-19 by the Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) — took top honors at the 2020 Reimagine Education Awards in the category for innovation in kindergarten–grade 12 (K–12) education. 

Full STEAM Ahead was created as an online resource hub to provide rich, curated content for K-12 students, teachers, and parents who were left scrambling for resources, tutorials, activities, and assistance with remote pedagogy in the wake of COVID-19.

The awards — known as the “Oscars of Education” — were presented during the annual Reimagine Education conference by Quacquarelli Symonds, the education analytics organization, and the Alfred West Jr. Learning Lab at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. The conference was sponsored by a number of institutions, including King Khalid University, King Saud University, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Khalifa University, and Canadian University Dubai.

Jack Moran, Reimagine Education program manager, said: “With over 200 independent judges participating in the evaluation process, our winners have received the unequivocal backing of expert educationalists across the world, and should take exceptional pride in their achievement.” 

Led by Claudia Urrea, J-WEL’s senior associate director for pre-K-12, and Professor Eric Klopfer, J-WEL faculty adviser for pre-K-12, Full STEAM Ahead is the result of an extraordinary group effort spanning departments, labs, and centers across MIT.

Urrea said: “Thanks to a shared commitment to leveraging MIT’s wide range of existing K-12 resources, we were able to bring this project together with great speed, and to draw on the talents of our community, especially our student teachers, to create new, engaging activities and experiences. We are so proud to have this work recognized with the Reimagine Education Award, and share this honor with the many colleagues and collaborators who helped make this project possible.” 

J-WEL was co-founded by MIT and Community Jameel, an international organization tackling some of the world’s most urgent challenges, using a pioneering approach grounded in evidence, science, data and technology.

Founded by Mohammed Jameel KBE — a graduate of MIT and engineer by training — Community Jameel supports programs, projects and ideas that unlock the power of data, research, AI and other digital tools to understand and address pressing human challenges. 

The work enabled and supported by Community Jameel has led to significant new breakthroughs and achievements, including the discovery of the new antibiotic Halicin, critical modeling on the spread of COVID-19 and a Nobel-Prize-winning approach to global poverty alleviation.

Regional retailer LuLu launched its year-end sale on Tuesday, offering discounts on electronics, mobile phones, fashion, grocery and fresh food categories. The “Big Bang” promotion is available across more than 17 stores in the country and its online shopping portal until Jan. 3, 2021.

Shehim Muhammed, director of LuLu Hypermarkets Saudi Arabia, said: “We are excited to launch one of our biggest promotions yet for the much-awaited shopping season before the end of the year. Our shoppers can expect big discounts across all our major categories, such as tech, fashion, home appliances, and even grocery products. We have also boosted our e-commerce platform with exclusive online discounts and free delivery on all orders above SR299 ($80).”

The promotion includes special offers on fashion items, with gift vouchers worth SR50 for every purchase of SR100. This offer is valid only for fashion, footwear, ladies bags, jewelry and baby accessories, and will be available at all LuLu outlets across the Kingdom until Jan. 2, 2021. 

The hypermarket chain is ensuring safe shopping by implementing health and hygiene measures, from contactless payments to safety measures among its employees, and regular sanitization of warehouse and transport facilities. 

Garnering more than 1,600,000 shopping patrons every day, LuLu is the fastest-growing retail chain across 10 countries that include the GCC, India, Egypt, Indonesia and Malaysia. 

Founded in the early 90s, it has successfully expanded to different parts of the world and currently operates 196 stores with a workforce of more than 55,000.

Saudi company Qoyod, a cloud-based accounting software provider for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMB) in the Kingdom and the region, has announced an investment round of $2.1 million led by Merak Capital, and with the participation of other investors. 

Founded by Abdullah Aldayel in 2016, Qoyod enables thousands of businesses to manage their day-to-day accounting and finance operations, with access to powerful real-time reporting and analytics tools. Qoyod believes that it is well-positioned to be the one-stop financial solution for SMEs in the region. A few product roll-outs are in the pipeline, offering more comprehensive features that connect business owners to complementary financial products and services. 

Aldayel, founder and CEO, said: “Despite its obvious challenges, 2020 has been an amazing year for us here at Qoyod, with significant growth in our customer base and topline for the year. Nonetheless, the Saudi market is sizable, and we have yet to scratch the surface. We are thrilled to end the year with key new partners on board and look forward to working with Merak Capital, who will be adding tremendous value by way of their fintech expertise. With the right partners and with adequate financing, Qoyod is now perfectly positioned to be the No. 1 financial solution serving the growing Saudi SMB market.”

Merak Capital is a licensed company by the Capital Market Authority to manage private investment funds, investor portfolios, and advise on financial securities, with a specialized focus on technology investments.

Abdullah Altamami, founding partner and CEO of Merak Capital, said: “Internationally, businesses are spending $6.4 billion annually on accounting software, which is expected to reach $10.5 billion by the end of 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.4 percent. Locally, the direct market exceeds $500 million and is growing more than 13 percent annually, while the adjacent market opportunity exceeds $2 billion. Yet, we don’t have a ubiquitous SaaS accounting platform with localized features that are integrated within the local infrastructure. We envision Qoyod to be the player that fills this gap and captures the increasing demand.” 

Qoyod is currently expanding its products and regional coverage.

In 2009, the Panamera was introduced to the world for the very first time, much to the delight of automotive fans across the globe. Entering into the market as a true sports car and a true Gran Turismo, Porsche’s innovation instantly became a global success. And now, 11 years later, the German sports car manufacturer has released the latest variant of the Panamera. It boasts best-in-class performance across the range from 330 to 700 PS, enhanced comfort and chassis management and a sharper, sportier visual appearance.

Dr. Manfred Braeunl, chief executive officer at Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, said the Panamera is tailored for a Middle East lifestyle. “Our region embraces both luxury and performance in equal measures and the Panamera has become an important pillar in our model lineup. Initially planned with 20,000 units per year, our sporty saloon has exceeded all expectations. Since its introduction in 2009, more than 282,000 units have been sold globally. In our region, more than 11,000 Panamera drivers speak for its success. It is a true sports car and a true long distance Gran Turismo,” he said.

With 630 PS, the new Panamera Turbo S is a segment leader with 80 PS more power and 50 Nm more torque than the previous flagship Turbo with combustion engine. In Sport Plus mode, the Turbo S model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a jaw-dropping 3.1 seconds.

When it comes to appearance, the Panamera looks more dynamic and sportier than ever. Much of this is due do the Sport Design front end, which now comes standard in each model. It includes striking air intake grilles, large side cooling openings and a single-bar front light module. The completely new front end of the Panamera Turbo S is differentiated by the larger side air intakes and newly designed elements in the exterior color, which are connected horizontally, emphasizing the width of the vehicle.

The revamped light strip at the rear runs over the luggage compartment lid with an adapted contour, providing a continuous and flowing connection between the two newly designed LED tail light clusters. Three new 20- and 21-inch wheels have been added to the wheel range.

Enhanced chassis components and control systems contribute to the overall comfort and sportiness of the Panamera. For example, the revamped Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system results in a noticeable improvement in damping comfort. And lastly, the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) has been given a facelift and now includes additional functions, such as improved voice control and wireless Apple CarPlay — much to the delight of music fans.

The new Porsche Panamera is available to order now. In Saudi Arabia, prices start at SR400,350 ($106,693) for the rear-wheel-drive.

A UAE-led humanitarian initiative, 20by2020, is extending sustainable solutions to various parts of the world with the latest deployment in Pulau Laut Selatan — South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The objective of this deployment is to provide 20,700 people from a large fishermen community with improved energy access through off-grid solar lighting.

Pulau Laut Selatan is in the Kota Baru Regency (Borneo), where a quarter of the population still live in the dark, and most households earn their living by fishing. About 3,600 solar lanterns and 1,000 mobile-charging solar lanterns will be distributed to fishermen living without access to electricity to assist them with household lighting and income generation.

This deployment represents a unique collaboration between two Zayed Sustainability Prize winners. 

D.light is a 2013 prize winner and a US-based pioneer in delivering affordable solar-powered solutions for households and small businesses that have been commissioned to provide the technology for 20by2020. Kopernik is an Indonesian nonprofit organization and the 2016 Zayed Sustainability Prize winner, specializing in sustainable energy. Its mandate is to reduce poverty in last mile communities. Kopernik was in charge of implementing the project in the field.

Ahmed Ali Al-Sayegh, UAE minister of state and chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), a founding partner of the 20by2020 initiative, said: “The UAE and Indonesia are aligned with the UN 2030 agenda and share a common focus on building sustainable cities and communities and supporting vital growth sectors.” 

He added, “Over the years, both countries have embarked on several joint sustainability projects that are designed to build resilient societies and economies. The latest 20by2020 deployment of environmentally friendly solar solutions in Indonesia’s South Kalimantan region aims to enhance the quality of life for local residents and will also help to connect unelectrified populations to the grid. We are glad to be part of this meaningful initiative and outreach.”

Sala Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Salman Al-Hokair Group specialized in high-end family entertainment, has announced the opening of six state-of-the-art entertainment centers in Dammam’s Al-Nakheel Mall. This is the company’s third outlet in the Kingdom, after it launched its second center earlier this month, the Strike 10 bowling center in Riyadh’s Al-Hamra Mall.

Sala Entertainment is on a mission to launch similar entertainment centers in different regions of the Kingdom, in line with the company’s strategic plan to achieve local expansion. 

The gaming complex at Al-Nakheel Mall consists of a number of diverse games and activities that are suitable for all members of the family. Several local brands have been gathered together under one roof for the first time in Saudi Arabia.

The six centers, spread over 6,935 square meters, are: Strike 10, Octo City, Octo Lasertag, Octo Karting, Billy Beez and Jumping Beez. 

These centers were built in collaboration with some of the world’s leading gaming manufacturers and experts, and will operate in compliance with health and safety precautions. 

Mohamed Attia, CEO of Sala Entertainment, said: “The opening of these advanced centers reflects the company’s keenness to provide the best in the field of family entertainment and to be the first destination for any family looking to have a quality time with all its members. We, at Sala Entertainment, are very keen to provide the latest games from the top manufacturers to ensure our visitors have an enjoyable and safe visit.”

He added: “We do not aim to provide knowledge-free fun; all the games have multiple goals — they combine entertainment, fun, play, knowledge and training, as well as the gaining of experiences that help in developing the child’s awareness and broad-mindedness.”

Redington Saudi Arabia, along with its partner Huawei, a global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, has officially launched its IdeaHub series in the Kingdom. The IdeaHub can create an all-scenario smart office for the cloud era, and boost production efficiency for enterprises. The launch took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh in the presence of senior officials from both organizations, system integrators, resellers, and customers.

The Huawei IdeaHub is an innovative productivity tool that integrates multiple functions to create an intelligent endpoint for users. Features include intelligent handwriting, 4K wireless projection, video conferencing, and the open Android AppGallery, making it an ideal addition for collaborative spaces, such as meeting rooms, executive offices, and more. The product series includes the IdeaHub S and IdeaHub Pro models.

Terry He, CEO of Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia, said: “The pandemic has accelerated enterprises’ desire for digital transformation, resulting in an increased demand for innovative technologies that can power seamless remote meetings and collaboration across the teams. Collaborative smart ecosystems are essential in a modern, connected office, and we are proud to partner with Redington to launch our award-winning Huawei IdeaHub for businesses in Saudi Arabia.”

“Huawei IdeaHub leverages cloud capabilities to deliver a seamless, user-centric experience, designed to enhance the way teams work together, wherever they may be in the office. This is a key component of our new smart office strategy, which will guide Huawei’s innovation in the years to come as we seek to deliver superior products to our customers, enabling them to take full advantage of our increasingly digital world,” added He.

Aswani Kumar, general manager — IT volume, Redington KSA, said: “In the current era of globalization and remote workforce, it is becoming increasingly essential for Saudi enterprises to embrace a digital workspace. Through our partnership with the global ICT leader, Huawei, we are pleased to introduce the new IdeaHub series in Saudi Arabia. It is an all-in-one productivity tool that is dedicated to empowering intelligent collaboration and promoting regional and global network teamwork to supercharge work efficiencies.”

The new product offers three unique features to users looking for an ultra-modern smart workplace for different scenarios: An open ecosystem for cloud video conferencing, innovative and simple product design, and integrated artificial intelligence technology. This all-in-one productivity tool can easily replace a whiteboard, projector, and professional video conferencing equipment.

The Huawei IdeaHub supports Huawei Cloud Meeting and third-party mainstream cloud video conferencing services and platforms, which simplifies the complex process of cloud video conferencing. It delivers better meeting experience with full 1080p HD, with 4K content sharing. The IdeaHub has received the Red Dot Award 2020 because of its sleek, contemporary and user-centric design.