Saudi Venture Capital invests $10m to develop Kingdom’s healthcare sector

Saudi Venture Capital invests $10m to develop Kingdom’s healthcare sector
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Updated 02 November 2022

Saudi Venture Capital invests $10m to develop Kingdom’s healthcare sector

Saudi Venture Capital invests $10m to develop Kingdom’s healthcare sector

Saudi Venture Capital has announced its investment of $10 million in TVM Capital Healthcare’s Afiyah Fund. It will help in the growth of innovative companies in the Saudi healthcare sector.

The subscription agreement was signed by Dr. Nabeel Koshak, CEO and board member at SVC, and Dr. Helmut Schuehsler, chairman and CEO at TVM Capital Healthcare. The signing ceremony was attended by Mazin Al-Ghunaim, CEO of Saudi SME Bank.

TVM Capital Healthcare is a specialized healthcare expansion and growth capital private equity firm, operating out of Riyadh and Dubai in the Middle East, as well as Singapore in the Southeast Asia region.

Commenting on the investment, Al-Ghunaim said that SVC’s mandate is to develop the venture capital and private equity ecosystems in the Kingdom, and to increase investment opportunities in startups and SMEs, thus supporting their success rate and continuous growth to successfully contribute toward achieving Saudi Vision 2030.

Dr. Koshak said: “The investment in TVM Capital Healthcare’s Afiyah Fund is part of SVC’s Investment in Funds Program, which is a continuation of the company’s series of investments and an implementation of its strategy related to developing and sustaining financing for startups and SMEs, especially in strategic sectors, such as healthcare.”

Dr. Schuehsler said: “We are raising this fund to finance innovative healthcare companies in the country and selectively bring highly innovative foreign companies into the Kingdom.”

The signing ceremony was also attended by Nora Alsarhan, chief investment officer at SVC, and Haifa Bahaian, chief legal officer at SVC. TVM Capital Healthcare’s managing partners Tristan de Boysson and Orhan Osmansoy, and operating partner Othman Abahussein were also present.


Huawei Themes and Mahmood Al-Abadi unravel the majestic world of Arabic heritage

Huawei Themes and Mahmood Al-Abadi unravel the majestic world of Arabic heritage
Updated 22 March 2023

Huawei Themes and Mahmood Al-Abadi unravel the majestic world of Arabic heritage

Huawei Themes and Mahmood Al-Abadi unravel the majestic world of Arabic heritage

Smartphones, tablets and smartwatches have grown to become indispensable elements of our lives. Sure, they handle every aspect of our communication, entertainment and wellness needs, but our bond with them goes much deeper than that. These devices have become an extension of our personalities, enabling us to showcase our individuality and style. As one of the world’s largest technology providers, Huawei has a long-standing history of creating smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches with impressive design and build quality, tailored to today’s fashion-conscious consumers. Themes allow us to personalize our beloved gadgets even further.

Now, Huawei Themes extends its collaboration with the acclaimed Emirati artist Mahmood Al-Abadi, releasing new sets of aesthetically unique Ramadan themes, available for download on all Huawei smartphones, tablets and smartwatches. In addition, new design sets, under the theme “art meets technology,” will be introduced at a later stage. These sets are designed to add a unique touch to traditional Arabic calligraphy by fusing it with contemporary art and technology.

Al-Abadi is a gifted artist, dedicated to unlocking the secrets of Arabic calligraphy. Having a broad background in art, including graphic design, fine art, and sculpture, Al-Abadi is on a quest to bring the hidden beauty of Arabic calligraphy to the public eye through various art schools and mediums. His work has been featured in numerous art exhibitions throughout the region, while many of his artistic creations are owned by UAE businesspeople, government officials and private entities.

The new Huawei Themes are the epitome of elegance and Arabic heritage. Inspired by the holy month of Ramadan and the timeless beauty of the Arabic calligraphy, Al-Abadi’s themes will make your Huawei smartphones, tablets and smartwatches stand out from the crowd. Staying true to Huawei’s commitment to supporting and investing in the communities in which the technology giant operates, the new collection will infuse your day-to-day life with a breath of Middle Eastern air, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage and fascinating history. With iconography that flawlessly complements the design language of each theme, this theme collection is not to be missed.

William Hu, managing director of Huawei Consumer Business Group, Middle East and Africa Eco Development and Operation, said: “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Mahmood Al-Abadi. The combination of his creative talent with Huawei’s cutting-edge mobile technology establishes new standards for device customization and self-expression. Built on the culture and heritage of the UAE and the Middle East, the new theme collection is an excellent way to spread the region’s art and tradition all over the world, bringing them digitally to the displays of hundreds of millions of Huawei device users.”

Users in the Middle East and North Africa region, as well as the rest of the world, can now download and install the new Arabian-inspired themes on all Huawei smartphones and tablets running EMUI 10 or higher. The watch faces are compatible with the Huawei Watch GT 2, Watch 3, Watch GT 3 and Watch GT 3 Pro. 

Huawei Themes puts a universe of art in the hands of Huawei device owners. In addition to the one-of-a-kind Mahmood Al-Abadi theme collection, the feature provides an endless variety of themes, typefaces, AOD options, wallpapers, ringtones, and watch faces that transform Huawei smartphones, tablets and wearables into a bold expression of self-identity. Enter the world of Huawei Themes today and give your devices a personal touch that matches your current state of mind and sense of style.

 


‘ROAM’ to herald new era of luxury travel in Saudi Arabia

‘ROAM’ to herald new era of luxury travel in Saudi Arabia
Updated 21 March 2023

‘ROAM’ to herald new era of luxury travel in Saudi Arabia

‘ROAM’ to herald new era of luxury travel in Saudi Arabia

Saudi lifestyle company Cool Inc. and UK-based bespoke travel company Pelorus have launched ROAM, a new luxury destination management company in Saudi Arabia. The joint venture is built on an understanding of adventure, curation and awe, constantly striving to be bold in all its endeavors. The launch event, which was held on March 13, celebrated the beginning of ROAM’s journey, marking the start of a new era of luxury travel.

Pelorus is an ultra-luxury global travel company in the UK, providing bespoke travel and yachting experiences that aim to transform our perspective of the world and our impact on the planet. 

Sinan Al-Saady, group CEO of Cool Inc., said: “We are delighted to partner with Pelorus, a key tastemaker in ultra-luxury travel intelligence, to improve the infrastructure of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry and contribute to Vision 2030. Through our partnership, we give local and international travelers the unprecedented opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Saudi Arabia, making it possible for them to experience the beauty and diversity of our country in a luxurious and comfortable way. ROAM brings together every experience within Cool Inc.’s ecosystem and builds it around all of the consumers’ travel and leisure needs including where to eat, where to stay, how to get there and what to do. Through its product offerings, ROAM has the capability to build temporary infrastructure so local and global travelers can visit and enjoy the best and most unexplored destinations within the Kingdom.”

Cool Inc. and Pelorus have collaborated to develop a unique strategy that incorporates the essence of Saudi culture and leverages each company’s strengths to create innovative and enduring DMC experiences. By combining Pelorus’ expertise in experiential travel with Cool Inc.’s local knowledge and market understanding, ROAM can now offer tailored DMC services specifically designed for the Kingdom. 

Geordie Mackay-Lewis, co-founder and CEO of Pelorus, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Cool Inc. to deliver our bespoke, life-changing travel experiences to local and international tourists in Saudi Arabia. Our team at Pelorus is committed to delivering unprecedented, sustainable DMC experiences that showcase the beauty and diversity of the Kingdom while preserving and protecting its unique environment. Environmental protection is at the heart of our mission, and we are excited to support the development of and take care of Saudi Arabia’s diverse environment through our partnership with Cool Inc. Together, we are determined to set a new standard for luxury travel in Saudi Arabia that is socially responsible and environmentally sustainable.”


Lulu all set for Ramadan with special treats and deals

Lulu all set for Ramadan with special treats and deals
Updated 21 March 2023

Lulu all set for Ramadan with special treats and deals

Lulu all set for Ramadan with special treats and deals

Lulu Hypermarket in Saudi Arabia is all geared up for the holy month with the launch of a number of special deals and products that fulfill the requirements of Ramadan shopping, when shoppers look for value and quality. 

From convenient pre-packed Ramadan kits with all the essentials in one box, ready-to-make foods like samosa, kibbeh, and more in the “Freezer to Fryer” section, the best cuts of meat and fresh fruit and vegetables, cold-pressed and fresh juices, desserts, delicatessen cheeses and cold cuts, to children’s treats and even special diet meals such as vegan, organic and keto, there is something for everybody at LuLu.

In addition, LuLu is offering Ramadan-themed gift cards for packed iftar and sahoor meals, available in denominations of SR15 ($4) and SR150. Shoppers can also pass on the happiness to their loved ones by gifting them the LuLu Gift Card, which comes in values of SR50-SR500.

As Ramadan is also a time when family and friends get together for sharing meals and good times, LuLu is offering attractive deals on home accessories, cleaning equipment, home linen and other goods. Party time also means a new wardrobe and LuLu makes it convenient and stylish with their “Everything Under SR30” deals.

The holy month also calls for lots of charity, which is why LuLu has announced the “Goodness of Giving” campaign in collaboration with the Saudi Food Bank. Deserving families will be served boxes of essential provisions, food baskets and hot meals to be had for iftar when the fast is broken. The economically priced boxes can be bought for SR99 each. Customers can also donate SR15 at the LuLu cash counters toward the scheme and LuLu will collaborate with the Saudi Food Bank to distribute iftar boxes to the needy and to charity groups who organize iftar distribution drives for the underprivileged.

Moreover, in association with Manafith Saudia and other charities, Lulu will distribute Zakat Al-Fitr to the deserving people before Eid Al-Fitr begins. Kids will enjoy special treats for Gergean, a Ramadan festival where children usually dress in traditional clothes and go around the neighborhood in groups holding small bags to collect sweets, toys and gifts. 

“We at LuLu know that the holy month of Ramadan is so important for our shoppers and we want them to get the best of everything at the best prices,” said Shehim Mohammed, director, LuLu Hypermarket, Saudi Arabia. “We wish all our shoppers ‘Ramadan Mubarak,’” he added.


stc digitally powers F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023

stc digitally powers F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
Updated 20 March 2023

stc digitally powers F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023

stc digitally powers F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023

Leading digital champion stc Group provided the digital infrastructure for the 2023 edition of the stc Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, marking the group’s third consecutive year of partnering with Formula 1.

The partnership is in line with stc’s commitment to enriching people’s lives through providing world-class technology, demonstrated by its support of this globally renowned event.

Following the success of the 2022 edition, the group operated under an expanded scope for the event, delivering modern digital capabilities and the best 5G network speed, data capacity and 100 percent coverage. 

This ensured high-speed connectivity for contestants and attendees alike, whilst supporting seamless, real-time data exchange between the drivers and their engineering teams at exceptional speed and low latency rates.

Additionally, the stc network and its advanced technologies enabled the sensors and electric components of F1 cars to transmit data between one another through an integrated network. stc was also able to encode this data and send it to the teams over wireless frequency.

In celebration of the 2023 edition, the group released a special edition of the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix theme tune played by the Saudi Orchestra. The performance aims to highlight the Kingdom’s rich culture and local talents, inspiring national pride while uniting motorsports fans locally, regionally and internationally.

The race, considered to be one of the biggest global sporting events in motor racing, took place at Jeddah Corniche Circuit from March 17-19.


MIPIM 2023: ROSHN highlights green community revolution

MIPIM 2023: ROSHN highlights green community revolution
Updated 20 March 2023

MIPIM 2023: ROSHN highlights green community revolution

MIPIM 2023: ROSHN highlights green community revolution

Micromobility and local community infrastructure headlined the debate on the second day of Le Marché International des Professionnels de L’immobilier 2023. The world’s leading real estate market event, MIPIM 2023, was held in Cannes from March 14-17.

Driven by ROSHN Group CEO David Grover, Saudi Arabia’s leading real estate company and enabler of the Public Investment Fund’s giga-projects, the topic was included in debates across the conference, highlighting the importance of micro-communities within giga-developments in the Kingdom.

“We have a big role to play, not just as ROSHN, but as an enabler of jobs, GDP, value and growth,” said Grover, as he spoke during a discussion titled “Revolutionary infrastructure to help realize tomorrow’s cities.”

“The use of micromobility is important for us; we want to create a wider environment where people can live, work and play in the same zone, to give them an option to avoid getting into the traffic of the city every day.”

Joined by a panel of other high-profile real estate personnel, Grover discussed strategies to attract infrastructure investment, explored citizens’ expectations regarding infrastructure development, and discussed the role of infrastructure development in urban regeneration.

ROSHN also conducted two workshops and one panel session, during which it shared insights around the development of real estate giga-projects in a rapidly growing economy.

The Invest Saudi pavilion showcased Saudi Arabia’s extensive real estate investment opportunities and explored ROSHN and its national partners’ ambitions in developing new urban environments in the Kingdom. Demonstrating commitment toward innovation and technology, this year’s Invest Saudi pavilion also featured Saudi Arabia’s first humanoid robot, Sara.

Sara is an artificial intelligence-based robot capable of communicating with visitors to the pavilion in both Arabic and English. Sara contained a predefined model with general knowledge about Saudi Arabia, ROSHN and Vision 2030.

“Sara is the embodiment of technological progress within the Kingdom. While we feel it’s important to focus on our commitment to creating greener communities, the way to get there is through a combination of technology, design and passion for creating better spaces for our residents,” said Jason Margetts, group CSO, ROSHN.

He said Sara pushes the boundaries of the latest AI trends and enabled attendees to their stand to see for themselves how cutting-edge the Kingdom is in line with global trends.

MIPIM 2023 is the key global event to source capital for real estate’s core and emerging asset classes, hosting more than 23,000 delegates and 2,400 exhibiting businesses from over 90 nations. Some 6,000 international investors and financial institutions and 76 of the world’s top 100 investment management companies, which collectively advise on $4.3 trillion of assets, were also in attendance.