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

‘ROAM’ to herald new era of luxury travel in Saudi Arabia
ROAM’s products such as mobile camps, day camps, and others, highlight the very best of Saudi Arabia.
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Updated 21 March 2023
Arab News

‘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
Arab News

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.”

Omoda and Jaecoo set up Riyadh office for Saudi launch

Omoda and Jaecoo set up Riyadh office for Saudi launch
Updated 28 May 2023
Arab News

Omoda and Jaecoo set up Riyadh office for Saudi launch

Omoda and Jaecoo set up Riyadh office for Saudi launch
Updated 28 May 2023
Arab News

Lately, Omoda and Jaecoo have been winning the hearts of customers across the globe. In the list of their success stories, Mexico, Australia, South Africa and other EU countries are on the top. With this, Omoda and Jaecoo are going to set their foot in the Saudi market in the third quarter of 2023 and 30 other countries altogether.

The parent company of Omoda and Jaecoo in China is already serving 11.2 million consumers globally, becoming the biggest passenger car exporter in the country. This also indicates that Omoda and Jaecoo are well equipped to enter the Saudi market with all their R&D and experience. In fact, during the Auto Shanghai show, they launched their Omoda 5 EV model. Globally, they hold a prestigious reputation and widespread popularity with young, smart technology-driven and urban elite consumers who understand and value future technology and luxury.

Omoda aims to offer a lifestyle to their consumers and not just a piece of metal. Omoda is the sheer depiction of cutting-edge technology. In fact, the slogan of Omoda is “Cross From Future,” which is based on the characteristics of target consumers who seek fashion and freedom and are no longer shackled by conventional norms. Also, Omoda as a brand is bold, so individuals who are fearless and passionate about socializing will certainly vibe with this brand. Omoda is devoted to providing users with personalized, dynamic, technological and smart travel experiences through crossover products.

Even though cars cannot be summarized in single words, Jaecoo makes it tempting to try: It is sophisticated. While their global launch at the Shanghai auto show turned some heads, the response from the media was evident when the curtains were raised. Needless to say, Jaecoo’s drop-dead styling alone inside and out was roaring luxury. Jaecoo is positioned as an urban road-off SUV brand and is oriented to urban elites with exquisite taste and extraordinary style.

Just like the brands Omoda and Jaecoo, the business strategy is also bold. Almost all car manufacturers find themselves major distributors and conduct their business through them in the Kingdom. However, Omoda and Jaecoo have not adopted the conventional way, instead, they are setting up their own international office in the capital city of Riyadh. This means the level of services they would provide in all aspects would be far better than any other car manufacturer. Their customers would have access to the principal company directly in Saudi Arabia. While car services have become a major issue for other auto brands, nevertheless, for Omoda and Jaecoo it will not be the case, as their maintenance centers and other services will be directly under the supervision of their subsidiary here in the Kingdom. This would be a game-changer in the Saudi automobile industry. For sales, each region will have a few selected dealers, which will be monitored by the subsidiary in the Kingdom. All showrooms and other facilities will be jointly developed with them.

New ‘coffee ritual’ Starbucks Oleato arrives in Riyadh

New ‘coffee ritual’ Starbucks Oleato arrives in Riyadh
Updated 28 May 2023
Arab News

New ‘coffee ritual’ Starbucks Oleato arrives in Riyadh

New ‘coffee ritual’ Starbucks Oleato arrives in Riyadh
Updated 28 May 2023
Arab News

Starbucks customers in the Middle East can now try the new Starbucks Oleato beverages at select stores in Riyadh.

Starbucks Oleato is a new, unexpected coffee ritual, bringing together Starbucks arabica coffee, infused with premium extra virgin olive oil. The result is a velvety smooth, deliciously lush coffee that uplifts each cup with an extraordinary new flavor and texture.

Having launched in Italy, followed by Chicago, Seattle and New York in the US, selected stores across Japan, Paris and London over the past months, the two new beverages have now arrived in the Middle East and are on offer only for five days. From May 26-30, customers will be able to experience the innovative Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew and Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso, at selected Starbucks stores across the region.

As for the Oleato Golden Foam Cold Brew, cold foam contrasts with dark, smooth cold brew, creating subtle sweetness and the inviting aroma of lush extra virgin olive oil infused cold foam.

Meanwhile, the Oleato Iced Shaken Espresso comprises rich espresso sweetened with notes of toasted nuts and creamy oats infused with extra virgin olive oil.

Michelle Chin, vice president, marketing, product, digital and sustainability at Starbucks EMEA, said: “At Starbucks, we are always looking for new ways to innovate and bring new, exciting flavors to our customers, and our priority is to be relentless in creating new beverages and experiences that continue to exceed their expectations. The fusion between Starbucks’ finest arabica coffee beans and extra virgin olive oil — a unique pairing between two of nature’s finest ingredients — produces an elevated hand-crafted coffee experience. After their first sip of Oleato, we are confident that coffee lovers will reconsider their regular routines in favor of this revolutionary new coffee ritual.”

Italy’s romance with coffee, food and connection has served as an inspiration for Starbucks since the company’s earliest days — and that continues with Starbucks Oleato beverages. Originally inspired by a time-honored Italian tradition, Starbucks Oleato aims to deliver the next transformational community coffee ritual to the world.

Andy Holmes, president of Alshaya Starbucks, said: “We are thrilled to introduce Starbucks Oleato for the first time to our customers in the Middle East, introducing a revolutionary new coffee ritual to the region’s coffee aficionados. The alchemy of coffee and olive oil creates a rich texture, blending the buttery, round flavors of olive oil with the soft, chocolatey notes of coffee — it’s truly one-of-a-kind.”

Coffee lovers in Riyadh can also try an exclusive sensory experience at Starbucks Riyadh Park, which will immerse people in the Sicilian heritage via Starbucks Oleato Portal. Through a series of bespoke Italian arches, customers can step through four distinct aspects of the Oleato experience that will immerse all four senses — touch, smell, sound and taste — to bring to life the infusion of Arabica coffee beans and extra virgin olive oil.

SingleView launches open banking solutions at Seamless Middle East 2023 in Dubai

SingleView launches open banking solutions at Seamless Middle East 2023 in Dubai
Updated 28 May 2023
Arab News

SingleView launches open banking solutions at Seamless Middle East 2023 in Dubai

SingleView launches open banking solutions at Seamless Middle East 2023 in Dubai
Updated 28 May 2023
Arab News

UMG Alholol Trading Company “SingleView” participated in the “Seamless Middle East 2023” exhibition on May 23-24 in Dubai, aiming to present its latest financial solutions in the field of open banking. The financial company is seeking to strengthen its position as one of the best financial technology companies in the Kingdom, by improving the experience of companies and institutions in managing their financial transactions based on the latest available financial technologies.

SingleView is always keen to participate in such specialized fintech events aiming to explore new markets regionally and internationally and strengthen the company’s position in the field of open banking, fintech and other solutions that help companies in digital transformation processes. The company focused in this edition on showcasing its latest open banking solutions, among which is the ability to access bank data in real time. The services help companies from e-commerce, finance, accounting, travel and tourism and other sectors to make decisions and provide customized services to their customers in light of real-time data.

Considered one of the most prominent events in its field, Seamless Middle East provides an opportunity to companies to get updated about the latest trends in payments, fintech, e-commerce and retail solutions.

It is worth noting that SingleView has recently obtained the permission of the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, to work within the legislative experimental environment in accordance with the regulatory framework of open banking, thus becoming one of the first companies to obtain the technical permit. The company was able to obtain the permit due to its full readiness to meet all regulatory and legislative requirements. Moreover, SingleView has several successful partnerships with international technology companies and service providers, which has earned it experience, excellence and leadership in innovating solutions in the field of open banking.

Abdurhman Alarifi, SingleView CEO, expressed his gratitude to the supervising team of the open banking program and the legislative experimental environment at SAMA and Saudi Payments for their efforts in helping the company develop and comply with the regulatory framework of open banking. The program creates opportunities for SingleView and other fintech companies to enrich the Kingdom’s financial sector with their innovative services and solutions.

SingleView aims to expand in the field of fintech solutions and explore new markets regionally and globally to be able to provide its innovative solutions to various markets, in order to strengthen its position as one of the specialized financial companies providing open banking solutions. Moreover, the company is working to promote its position in the local market supporting the digital transformation movement, which is one of the main pillars of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. 

ALJ’s autohub celebrates SASO award, Mowaamah ‘gold’ status

ALJ’s autohub celebrates SASO award, Mowaamah ‘gold’ status
Updated 27 May 2023
Arab News

ALJ’s autohub celebrates SASO award, Mowaamah ‘gold’ status

ALJ’s autohub celebrates SASO award, Mowaamah ‘gold’ status
Updated 27 May 2023
Arab News

autohub, a one-stop shop for automotive maintenance and repair solutions, and part of Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises, has been awarded the highest level of classification - the four-star award - by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, known as SASO. The company also received the Mowaamah Gold Certificate, in addition to receiving an environmental certificate, the Jameel Standard Certificate, the Japanese Kodawari Certificate, and the International Top Employer Certificate, adding to its already impressive list of wins.

Specializing in car repair and maintenance such as body and paint repairs, paint protection film, detailing, after-sales services and much more, autohub celebrated its success as one of the leading multi-brand auto care providers in Saudi Arabia at a recent ceremony in Riyadh. Those in attendance included Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises’ management and success partners, representatives from SASO, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the National Center for Environmental Compliance, insurance companies and Najm.

autohub has completed a comprehensive evaluation of its products and quality systems and services through auditing, testing and inspection. This resulted in the company being awarded a four-star classification by SASO, a prestigious award that encourages companies with car maintenance and repair service centers to excel in their respective fields and thereby come out with quality products and services.

Additionally, autohub is among the first 100 companies to obtain the Mowaamah Gold Certificate. Granted to autohub for the second time, the Mowaamah certificate is part of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development’s programs launched to empower people with disabilities, in line with Vision 2030. The certificate is presented to companies that adopt the best standards and suitable working environment for persons with disabilities, according to specific criteria and requirements, enabling them to obtain the necessary license to be employed.

All eight autohub centers are equipped with comprehensive and supportive accessibility standards for employees and customers with disabilities. The average number of working years for employees with disabilities in autohub exceeds four years.

Chairman and CEO of Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises Faisal S. Alsamannoudi said: “autohub continues its efforts to align with best-in-class partners in the car repair and maintenance sector, to enhance its services and make the customer experience smoother and more satisfactory. We are proud to have obtained this outstanding recognition, which wouldn’t be achieved without autohub’s customers, success partners and team of professional advisers, engineers and workers.

He added: “Obtaining the Mowaamah certificate for the second time is a testament to autohub’s commitment to empowering people with disabilities and engaging them in social responsibility, in line with Vision 2030. While the four-star classification by SASO affirms our ability to offer the highest quality of trusted products and services to our partners and customers.”

Launched in 2014, autohub operates in the Kingdom’s major cities through eight service centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Taif and Dammam. Since its establishment, autohub has been offering comprehensive automotive services to customers, and plans to further expand, with more centers to open in the near future.

American Express KSA launches ‘Alfursan Mileonaire’ campaign

American Express KSA launches ‘Alfursan Mileonaire’ campaign
Updated 27 May 2023
Arab News

American Express KSA launches ‘Alfursan Mileonaire’ campaign

American Express KSA launches ‘Alfursan Mileonaire’ campaign
Updated 27 May 2023
Arab News

American Express Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of the “Alfursan Mileonaire Miles Campaign,” held in partnership with Saudia, the Kingdom’s national flag carrier, and the airline’s Alfursan loyalty program. 

The campaign extends the ongoing partnership between American Express Saudi Arabia and Saudia through the Alfursan American Express Credit Card, which allows cardmembers to earn reward miles when using the card.

During the “Alfursan Mileonaire Miles Campaign” taking place from May 9 to July 9, 20 winners will receive prizes totaling 4 million Alfursan reward miles. Each participant in the campaign will have the chance to receive between 50,000 to 1 million reward miles, which can easily be redeemed for flights to explore the world. 

To participate, new cardmembers must activate their Alfursan American Express Credit Card within the two-month campaign period. Those interested can apply for their card on the American Express campaign’s website. The existing base of Alfursan American Express Cardmembers are already enrolled in the raffle.

“We are proud to launch the ‘Mileonaire’ campaign, which gives new cardmembers a special opportunity to earn reward miles through the Alfursan loyalty program,” said Fahad Al-Guthami, chief executive of American Express. “Our partnership with Saudia through the Alfursan American Express Credit Card demonstrates our commitment to providing unmatched value to customers across the Kingdom.” 

The first round of winners for the “Mileonaire” campaign will be announced on June 15, with second-round winners announced on July 16. 

Cardmembers who register during the campaign period are also entitled to a welcome bonus of 10,000 Alfursan reward miles, with an immediate upgrade to Alfursan Silver tier upon completing an international round trip flight on Saudia within the first 12 months of membership. 

Introduced in 2018, the Alfursan American Express Credit Card allows cardmembers to earn frequent flyer miles (or “Alfursan miles”) for all purchases made on the card, as well as additional reward miles on international transactions made through the Saudia website.

Cardmembers enjoy a range of benefits including reward miles earned on all currencies, waived conversion fees on purchases made in Saudi riyals and US dollars, and worldwide travel insurance.

All Alfursan American Express Credit Cardmembers receive one reward mile for every US dollar spent (or its equivalent in Saudi riyals), in addition to two reward miles for every US dollar spent toward Saudia flights on the airline’s website. Cardmembers are also eligible to earn 15,000 bonus miles annually by spending $50,000 in a year.

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