Abdul Latif Jameel Motors unveils 2023 Lexus RX

The fifth-generation RX has been completely reimagined to deliver greater comfort and performance, and comes with a choice of three powertrains.
The fifth-generation RX has been completely reimagined to deliver greater comfort and performance, and comes with a choice of three powertrains.
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Updated 14 March 2023

Abdul Latif Jameel Motors unveils 2023 Lexus RX

Abdul Latif Jameel Motors unveils 2023 Lexus RX

Abdul Latif Jameel Motors — Lexus is bringing unparalleled levels of elegance and refinement to the high-end crossover market in Saudi Arabia with the launch of the new RX. The fifth-generation RX has been completely reimagined to deliver greater style, comfort and performance than ever before and comes with a choice of three powertrains, two of which are electrified to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
First launched in 1998, the Lexus RX has created the blueprint for luxury crossover utility vehicles and set the tone in the segment ever since. The 1998 Lexus RX 300 was the world’s first luxury crossover, while the 2006 Lexus RX 400h was the world’s first hybrid electric luxury crossover. The choice of two electrified powertrains comes as part of the “Lexus Electrified” vision announced in 2019, which aims to achieve significant performance improvements through electrification technologies. The company is on track to achieve a full lineup of electrified vehicles in all categories by 2030 and aims to sell 100 percent BEVs globally by 2035.

BACKGROUND

The 1998 Lexus RX 300 was the world’s first luxury crossover, while the 2006 Lexus RX 400h was the world’s first hybrid electric luxury crossover.

Mazin Ghazi Jameel, executive director of marketing in Saudi Arabia, said: “We are very happy to launch the new generation of Lexus RX, which expresses the new design of the next generation of future Lexus cars, and combines dynamism and advanced technology.”
Jameel said that the Lexus RX has, for the first time since its launch, established a new category in the world of luxury cars. “It has taken its rightful place and achieved a remarkable global spread, generating great demand in the Saudi market,” he added.
The company claims to offer the best ownership experience through its robust network of sales and maintenance centers strategically located across Saudi Arabia.




Mazin Ghazi Jameel

The new 5th generation RX model delivers the “Lexus Driving Signature” uniquely, thanks to the outstanding credentials of the platform and the powertrains. The new RX platform dropped by a staggering 90 kg in the vehicle’s weight and a 10 mm reduction in its overall height, resulting in a 15 mm lower center of gravity. In addition, the wheelbase is extended by 60 mm, while a wider track combines with 21-inch wheels to give the 2023 RX a confident stance and stronger grip.
The new Lexus RX is built on Lexus’ Global Architecture K platform and delivers excellent body rigidity and a low center of gravity, guaranteeing a more rewarding driving experience.

We are very happy to launch the new generation of Lexus RX, which expresses the new design of the next generation of future Lexus cars, and combines dynamism and advanced technology.

Mazin Ghazi Jameel, Executive Director of Marketing, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors

Complementing the RX’s distinctive design is a thrilling drive personality infused by three powertrain options. A newly developed inline 4-cylinder, 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that produces 275 HP and 430 nm of torque is mated to a new 8-speed direct-shift automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the new hybrid-electric system combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine and electric motor to produce a total of 247 HP, which is coupled to an electronically controlled continuous variable transmission to provide a fuel consumption value of 20.7 Km/L. A hybrid-electric system pairing a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor is also available, which provides a combined power of 366 HP coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission that offers fuel consumption of 15.5 km/L while delivering a new level of driving pleasure.
A sleeker silhouette has been developed by extending the bonnet, lengthening the wheelbase by 60 mm, and lowering the roofline by 10 mm to create a coupé-like feel.
The 2023 RX’s interior offers ample luggage space and five newly designed luxury seats with excellent legroom, including an eight-way adjustable powered driver seat.
The 2023 Lexus RX comes in a refined range of colors that allow discerning owners to customize their vehicles according to their tastes. Customers can choose from nine distinctive exterior colors, including the newly developed Sonic Copper.

 


Centrepoint embraces holy month with ‘Ramadan In Bloom’ campaign

Centrepoint embraces holy month with ‘Ramadan In Bloom’ campaign
Updated 29 March 2023

Centrepoint embraces holy month with ‘Ramadan In Bloom’ campaign

Centrepoint embraces holy month with ‘Ramadan In Bloom’ campaign

Centrepoint has unveiled its “Ramadan In Bloom” campaign, bringing together stellar collections from its four bespoke brands. The region’s leading one-stop fashion destination entwines the essence of spring and Ramadan to create a unique and captivating edit for the holy month.
The retailer has announced the season’s latest drops from Splash, Shoemart and Babyshop with an exclusive campaign that comes to life through a series of stunning visuals. The campaign revolves around celebrating the beauty of nature while rediscovering the beauty within oneself. As the world blossoms, so can you too, this Ramadan. Set in a soft and romantic mood, a sea of flowers harmoniously envelops the collection creating a dreamy escape that celebrates the joy and delight of the season.
Flaunting an elegant and modest collection, Splash combines regional-inspired motifs and patterns with statement silhouettes to curate a sophisticated wardrobe that will have you covered from dusk to dawn. Think graceful, contemporary, and fluid looks that exude opulence and effortless style.

FASTFACT

Babyshop further completes the offering, with the girls’ line featuring dramatic bows and eye-catching florals, and the boys’ collection boasting unique geometric prints.

True to its ethos of comfort and on-trend footwear and accessories, Shoemart showcases a myriad of showstopping footwear and handbags for women. Complete your look with a collection accentuated by its bold design, dazzling embellishments, and lustrous textures. The men’s line combines traditional staples with a contemporary edge, featuring a range of sandals and slip-ons, complete with relaxed casual favorites.
Babyshop further completes the offering with a playful wardrobe for the little ones. The girls’ line sees dramatic bows and eye-catching florals, while the boys’ collection boasts unique geometric prints. This holy month, Centrepoint stores are wrapped in the dreamy cloud of bloom while they playfully celebrate the spirit of spring and the festivities of Ramadan.
The collections from its four brands showcase “a perfect blend of traditional and modern designs, catering to the fashion preferences of every member of the family,” the retailer said.
Positioning itself as the go-to family destination for Ramadan in the region, Centrepoint’s “Ramadan In Bloom” collection launches across its retail outlets, as well as online on www.centrepointstores.com.

 


Bab Rizq Jameel celebrates coffee program graduates

The program, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, contributes to improving the readiness of young people to
The program, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, contributes to improving the readiness of young people to
Updated 29 March 2023

Bab Rizq Jameel celebrates coffee program graduates

The program, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, contributes to improving the readiness of young people to

Bab Rizq Jameel, part of Community Jameel Saudi, celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of Saudi men and women in the “Training Ending with Employment in the Coffee Sector Program.” The graduation ceremony coincided with the national campaign to celebrate the inaugural Social Responsibility Day in Saudi Arabia.
The program launched during the Year of Saudi Coffee 2020, under the patronage of the Culinary Arts Commission of the Saudi Ministry of Culture. Due to the program’s great results, the second edition will be launched in partnership with the Arabian Coffee Institute, and will include 40 new participants to be trained in several cities across the Kingdom.

Dr. May Taibah, Director of Bab Rizq Jameel


The graduation ceremony was held in Jeddah at the Nafisa Shams Academy Hall, in the presence of Dr. May Taibah, member of the board of trustees at Community Jameel Saudi and director of Bab Rizq Jameel; Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar, general manager of entrepreneurship and social initiatives at Community Jameel Saudi; Abdalla Aly Taleb Abd Elrahman Abou Anza, manager for social initiatives at Community Jameel Saudi, along with the graduates and their families. Also present were representatives of the program’s partners, including the Arab Coffee Institute, Zed Café, and Overdose.

HIGHLIGHT

Due to the program’s great results, the second edition will be launched in partnership with the Arabian Coffee Institute, and will include 40 new participants to be trained in several cities across the Kingdom.

The program, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, including the Human Capability Development Program and the National Transformation Program, contributes to improving the readiness of young people to enter the labor market. The program works to support reducing the unemployment rate to 7 percent, celebrating the authenticity of Saudi coffee, and enhancing the growth and global competitiveness of the Kingdom’s coffee industry. Embodying the essence of social responsibility in the Kingdom, the program supports the transition from charitable giving to a more sustainable contribution, creating a more profound and lasting impact on society. This aligns with the Kingdom’s recognition of Social Responsibility Day, established by the Council of Ministers on Nov. 22, 2022, to be celebrated annually on March 23.

The graduation ceremony of the first cohort coincided with Saudi Arabia’s first Social Responsibility Day, demonstrating the potential of nonprofit and private sectors to benefit society.

Dr. May Taibah, Director of Bab Rizq Jameel

During the three-month training course, participants received theoretical and practical training on the various aspects of coffee preparation at the Arabian Coffee Institute, from roasting and brewing to serving and customer relations.

The training also focused on entrepreneurial principles relating to the coffee industry, with workshops on customer service, covering topics such as customer satisfaction, sales skills, and the use of technology in cafes. The program initially trained 40 participants in coffee preparation, with graduates receiving certification from the Arabian Coffee Institute and employment opportunities made available through collaborations with partners seeking qualified Saudi talents.
Taibah said: “The graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the program coincided with Saudi Arabia’s first Social Responsibility Day, demonstrating the great potential of nonprofit and private sectors to benefit society and boost economic growth. The first edition of the program was highly successful, attracting a select group of passionate young Saudis, training and placing them in coffee-focused companies. In the second cycle, we are expanding the program’s reach to a broader range of beneficiaries and stakeholders. To achieve this, we will support participants in advancing their careers in the coffee sector, preparing them for positions such as barista president, general supervisor and café business manager.”
Ghaffar said: “Community Jameel Saudi has been committed to creating suitable employment opportunities for young Saudi men and women since its establishment. This effort has been instrumental in improving the lives of community members and strengthening the national economy across various sectors. We take pride in witnessing the success of these ambitious young individuals as they contribute to the growth and development of the Saudi coffee industry, enhancing its local content.”

 


International Medical Center to provide healthcare services to KAUST employees

(Twitter @imchospitalsa)
(Twitter @imchospitalsa)
Updated 29 March 2023

International Medical Center to provide healthcare services to KAUST employees

(Twitter @imchospitalsa)

The International Medical Center signed a partnership agreement with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to provide healthcare services for the university’s employees, in accordance with the highest medical standards set by the IMC.
The partnership agreement between the two parties stipulates that the IMC will provide integrated medical services to KAUST, supported by emergency, laboratory, radiology and pharmacy departments on campus, serving its employees and residents as well as providing them with all therapeutic, surgical and preventive services through the IMC headquarters.
Dr. Walid Fitaihi, chairman and CEO of the IMC, said that the choice of KAUST, which includes the largest university cities on a global scale, to partner with the IMC for providing its employees and residents with medical services, comes in line with Saudi Vision 2030. “This vision emphasized that the government sector benefits from the services of the private healthcare sector in light of the privatization of healthcare services, which is why KAUST made the choice to benefit from the world-class standards of healthcare provided by the IMC,” he said.

BACKGROUND

The IMC successfully launched the unified electronic medical record system project TrakCare from InterSystems, which was adopted across all IMC facilities.

Dr. Fitaihi added that under this partnership, the IMC will be providing advanced healthcare services in the most precise medical specialties, to KAUST employees through a unified system linking medical clinics in KAUST with the headquarters of the IMC.
The CEO also pointed out that the partnership agreement between the two parties is according to an approach that is the latest in the healthcare sector, which ensures the provision of services through a unified medical file and the unification of the record of medical services provided, regardless of where they are received, whether on campus or at the IMC.
He said that this approach to unify the record of medical services provided, comes after the recent updates conducted by the IMC, through which it successfully completed the largest digital transformation process in the healthcare services.
Recently, the IMC successfully launched the unified electronic medical record system project TrakCare from InterSystems, a leading global company in the field of medical information technology and Innovative data that helps users overcome the intricacies and challenges related to information. The system was adopted across all IMC facilities through a unified information record.

 


Sobhy Kaber in Riyadh unveils Ramadan menu

Sobhy Kaber in Riyadh unveils Ramadan menu
Updated 28 March 2023

Sobhy Kaber in Riyadh unveils Ramadan menu

Sobhy Kaber in Riyadh unveils Ramadan menu

Egyptian restaurant Sobhy Kaber in Riyadh has announced a special menu for Ramadan. The menu blends traditional Egyptian cuisine with local Saudi flavors.

“Our menus in Sobhy Kaber are always evolving as we try to improve on each and every dish, each and every day. With that goal in mind, our executive chef has created a special menu for the holy month of Ramadan,” the restaurant said.

“Our restaurant team in Riyadh has taken great care and consideration when it comes to celebrating Ramadan with you. A carefully balanced Ramadan menu with Egyptian and oriental food is guaranteed to please every palate.”

Some of their Ramadan-special delicacies include grilled lamb chops, molokhia, meat tajin and grits meat tajin.

“The kitchen brigade, who also will be celebrating the holy month of Ramadan, will use their experience to make their Egyptian cuisine extra special for you and your family, friends and loved ones.”

The restaurant’s interiors are heavily influenced by its original home in Cairo. The décor has been carefully created to keep that authenticity whilst adding modern influence to bring it to life for the guests. With Riyadh being its new home, the local staff and Saudi influence is clearly evident for those who experience their hospitality. 


Ramadan retreats: Marriott destinations for a spiritual escape

Ramadan retreats: Marriott destinations for a spiritual escape
Updated 28 March 2023

Ramadan retreats: Marriott destinations for a spiritual escape

Ramadan retreats: Marriott destinations for a spiritual escape

Marriott Bonvoy offers an array of destinations in the Middle East perfect for families and couples to celebrate and honor Ramadan. Whether looking for a spiritual escape or you simply want to immerse in the traditions of the holy month, these hotels offer exceptional service and amenities to make an unforgettable stay.

JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh
Embrace Ramadan’s spirit in Riyadh and live an incredible experience of local life and culture. Begin a bespoke gastronomic journey in JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh’s Ramadan tent and enjoy an extravagant iftar in true elegance including Arabic and international favorites. The hotel features 349 rooms and suites with inspired, tasteful and stylish modern Najdi architecture delivering a relaxing experience like no other.

Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, Limassol
With a secluded beachfront location, Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa Limassol, captures the essence of the Cypriot distinctive hospitality and the cosmopolitan aura of the island. The hotel features a collection of 222 rooms, 34 suites and 18 villas designed by Harrods Interiors and decorated with art pieces by Atelier 27 Paris, and boasts the award-winning Kalloni Spa. This Ramadan, Parklane features specific items added to its in-room dining menu, available for iftar. The culinary journey also includes gastronomic and lifestyle experiences where food becomes art at the hotel’s restaurants, NAMMOS and LPM, making a memorable iftar meal.
Marriott Izmir
Marriott Izmir is the perfect destination for an unforgettable Turkish Ramadan experience. Located in the heart of the city, the premium hotel offers impeccable service, comfortable rooms, and a wide range of amenities for a relaxing stay. During the month of Ramadan, the hotel is offering special iftar and sahoor menus featuring traditional Turkish dishes. The hotel’s rooftop terrace provides breathtaking city views and is the perfect spot to break your fast or relax after a long day of exploring. With its prime location and exceptional hospitality, Marriott Izmir promises an enriching, authentic, and inspiring stay that will leave you with cherished memories.

Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel
Situated in Istanbul, one of the world’s most vibrant and bustling cities, Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel boasts breathtaking views of the Marmara Sea and the Princess Islands. Its sophisticated decor, welcoming atmosphere, and unparalleled hospitality make it an ideal venue to break the fast with loved ones. The hotel’s opulent iftar buffet is a gastronomic journey, featuring an array of traditional Turkish and international cuisines. With its luxurious amenities, superior service, and panoramic views, this hotel provides an unforgettable iftar experience that guests will cherish for a lifetime.

Four Points by Sheraton Doha
With its lush setting and welcoming ambiance, Four Points by Sheraton Doha is a stunning destination to gather with family and friends to enjoy iftars together. Guests can indulge in a sumptuous buffet of traditional Arabic and international cuisine in Mushaireb Restaurant, with a wide range of delicious dishes to choose from. Four Points by Sheraton Doha provides an extraordinary iftar experience that guests will treasure for a lifetime. For any bookings of two persons and above, a 10 percent discount would be available to redeem.