Chalhoub Group’s web3 sneaker brand ‘SOL3MATES’ reveals first NFT collection

Chalhoub Group’s web3 sneaker brand ‘SOL3MATES’ reveals first NFT collection
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Updated 16 April 2023
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Chalhoub Group’s web3 sneaker brand ‘SOL3MATES’ reveals first NFT collection

Chalhoub Group’s web3 sneaker brand ‘SOL3MATES’ reveals first NFT collection

SOL3MATES, Chalhoub Group’s web3-native sneaker brand, revealed its first NFT collection “SOL3MATES OG NFTs.” Only 10,000 NFTs will be available at 0.03 ETH ($55) on May 4 for a limited time only. Purchasers of the collection become members of the SOL3MATES community and receive exclusive membership benefits such as early access to future collections, preferred pricing, free merchandise and more. The NFT will be available for purchase on the luxury NFT marketplace Exclusible.

SOL3MATES OG NFT holders will receive priority access to the first limited-edition sneaker drop from SOL3MATES — “Sirocco 1,” designed in collaboration with French designer Kacimi Latamène, renowned on social media for his viral sneaker designs. Sirocco 1, which is inspired by the Mediterranean wind, will be available for pre-order from September with delivery expected by year end. The maximum supply will be equal to the number of unique OG NFT owners to ensure exclusivity and avoid overproduction. NFT owners will experience preferred pricing and delivery ahead of the public.

“We are a sneaker brand first, and an NFT project second,” said Nick Vinckier, head of corporate innovation at Chalhoub Group and founder of SOL3MATES. “Our aim is to create the sneaker brand of the future, born from web3 technology and mechanics such as gamification, community and decentralization. The entire customer journey is created in such a way where we merge the best of the virtual and physical experience. With the launch of our first collection, and all future collections, our focus is on adding value to our community over time.”

The NFT pre-sale starts on May 4 for a selected audience. The public sale starts on May 5 and will last 48 hours (or until supply lasts).

SOL3MATES is also actively growing its event, retailer and brand partnerships to increase benefits for its NFT collection owners. For example, with this collection launch, 1,110 lucky NFT owners living in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will be able to upgrade to Sapphire-tier membership of MUSE, Chalhoub Group’s loyalty program.


Dar Al-Arkan launches Elie Saab’s first branded villas in Riyadh

Dar Al-Arkan launches Elie Saab’s first branded villas in Riyadh
Updated 28 November 2023
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Dar Al-Arkan launches Elie Saab’s first branded villas in Riyadh

Dar Al-Arkan launches Elie Saab’s first branded villas in Riyadh

Dar Al-Arkan, a real estate company in Saudi Arabia, has announced the launch of “Etoile by Elie Saab,” paving the way for the renowned designer’s first branded residence in the Kingdom.

For the first time in Saudi Arabia, the iconic flair and elegance of Elie Saab can be found in Etoile at SEDRA, the first integrated community of its kind in Riyadh.

“A sanctuary of opulence and tranquillity, Etoile by Elie Saab features homes that emanate luxury, while engraved in tradition,” a statement said. “It entails an assortment of three- and four-bedroom villas with the very unique Wadi Villas offering uninterrupted views of the immersive wadis.”

The grandeur of Etoile by Elie Saab is further exemplified by its architecture. The monolithic structures with their window boxes done up in ancestral textures and hues, straddle a cosmopolitan lifestyle amidst a serene community. It is signature couture living at its best with warm wood finishes, cool flawless marble and a luxe cream palette offering an atmosphere of pure splendor. From bedrooms boasting spacious walk-in closets and en-suite bathrooms providing the perfect setting to unwind, rejuvenate, and reconnect with the beauty of nature, the design elements of the development seamlessly marry practicality with regal aesthetics. 

Yousef Al-Shelash, chairman, Dar Al-Arkan, said: “Luxurious living in the heart of Riyadh will elevate the Kingdom’s appeal for discerning residents and global investors keen on setting up base here. We are more than proud to join forces with Elie Saab, a long-standing partner to bring their first branded residence to the Kingdom. Etoile by Elie Saab offers a truly luxurious experience for those seeking peace and sanctuary in the midst of a bustling environment. With this project, we hope to bring a unique mix of traditional architecture with haute couture finish that is synonymous with the signature style of Elie Saab, while setting a new benchmark within the real estate sector in the country.”

Elie Saab Jr, CEO of Elie Saab Group, said: “We are excited to start a new journey in Saudi Arabia with Dar Al-Arkan. Luxury, elegance, and craftsmanship are key to our brand’s timeless appeal, and we are delighted to bring these to Etoile by Elie Saab at SEDRA. Designing bespoke living that reflects the heritage and culture of the Kingdom while providing aesthetically pleasing modern amenities is a challenge that we were more than happy to take on. Etoile reflects all that Elie Saab as a brand stands for today — it is elegant, classic yet sleek and modern and is designed to elevate one’s living experience.”

Housing Etoile by Elie Saab, SEDRA by Roshn combines modern and aspirational living with the unique heritage and history of Saudi Arabia with Salmani architecture at its heart. Located north of Riyadh, the world-class community is strategically situated close to the city’s prominent destinations with easy access to the main roads. Vast green spaces, parks, sports facilities, community centers, state-of-the-art education and medical centers ensure the self-contained community offers a holistic lifestyle to all residents.

With an enviable portfolio of elegantly designed residences, Dar Al-Arkan has cemented its standing as a much sought-after real estate solution provider in the country. The launch of this project further reinforces the commitment of the company to crafting experiences that resonate with the lifestyle and aspirations of the citizens of Saudi Arabia.


Lorindale named Kingdom’s ‘best luxury concierge service’

Lorindale named Kingdom’s ‘best luxury concierge service’
Updated 28 November 2023
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Lorindale named Kingdom’s ‘best luxury concierge service’

Lorindale named Kingdom’s ‘best luxury concierge service’

Lorindale, a global luxury concierge and lifestyle management services provider based in the Kingdom, reaffirmed its position as the benchmark for personalized luxury, recently winning the Best Luxury Concierge Services 2023 in Saudi Arabia award at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards. Founded in 2016 in Alkhobar by the visionary Bushra Alolayan, Lorindale has swiftly evolved into a global force in lifestyle management.

What sets Lorindale apart in this digital age is its revolutionary, one-to-one personalized contact through dedicated lifestyle managers. This unique approach ensures that every client receives responsiveness and access that transforms the concept of luxury concierge services into an entirely new realm.

“At Lorindale, we don’t just offer a service; we provide a lifeline to the best the world has to offer,” said Alolayan, founder of Lorindale. “Our lifestyle managers connect our clients to a global network of advisers, offering a complete luxury lifestyle experience tailored to individual demands, wishes, and needs.”

Lorindale’s comprehensive lifestyle management extends beyond the ordinary, covering fundamental demands, wishes, and needs. The dedicated team taps into a unique ecosystem of advisers and partners to make anything and everything possible for its members. From end-to-end guest management and concierge services for events to a one-stop travel shop specializing in custom luxury vacations, Lorindale ensures that life is an ongoing adventure filled with exclusive experiences.

The Lorindale concierge membership unlocks access to a vast global network of advisers, guaranteeing that every request, no matter how small, is fulfilled. Whether it is securing reservations at the newest and best restaurants, creating personalized travel itineraries to the most incredible locations, or obtaining sold-out luxury products, Lorindale’s team is dedicated to making life extraordinary.

With a focus on bringing customers, employees, or stakeholders together through full-service event assistance, Lorindale offers end-to-end event management and concierge services. The company’s travel, logistics, and onsite concierge teams collaborate to ensure flawless execution and an unforgettable experience for all involved.

“We are thrilled to be recognized with such a prestigious award, as it acknowledges the tireless efforts from our wonderful team, whose passion for creating dream travel itineraries and support services for our clients has no limits,” added Alolayan.


LuLu celebrates 14 years in Saudi Arabia with gifts, deals

LuLu celebrates 14 years in Saudi Arabia with gifts, deals
Updated 28 November 2023
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LuLu celebrates 14 years in Saudi Arabia with gifts, deals

LuLu celebrates 14 years in Saudi Arabia with gifts, deals

The number 14 will be celebrated by LuLu Hypermarket across Saudi Arabia for 36 days as the retail giant welcomes shoppers for its 14th anniversary. The official announcement of the big celebration was made at a press conference at Riyadh Boulevard and flashed on giant video screens at the venue.

To mark the occasion, one of Saudi Arabia’s favorite shopping destinations, LuLu Hypermarket has announced a bonanza of 1,400 valuable gifts worth SR2 million ($533,300) for its customers.

The gifts include VVIP tickets to much-anticipated football matches, Apple phones and tablets, TV sets, AirPods, Sony PS5, laptops, and other electronic goods like refrigerators, microwave ovens and washing machines, in addition to grocery hampers.
LuLu will select surprise winners across its hypermarkets in the Kingdom from Nov. 26 to Dec. 31.

As a mark of respect to all the staff of LuLu Saudi Arabia, the oldest Saudi national employed by the group for 17 years, Basher Al-Bish, and his son Yusuff, named after LuLu Group Chairman Yusuffali M.A., were invited to cut the 14th anniversary cake during the press conference. Al-Bish spoke emotionally about how he has been a LuLu employee since the start and even before the first LuLu Hypermarket opened doors in Saudi Arabia.

“I am proud to be the first employee of LuLu KSA — LuLu is a great place to work in and the group is so invested in Saudi Arabia’s progress that it inspires us all,” Al-Bish said. “Moreover, I am an admirer of our Chairman Yusuffali M.A., and I have even named my son Yusuff after him.”

The anniversary promotion comes packed with super deals — 14 promotions from 14 “Big Brands,” super-value deals on essentials such as rice, oil and sugar, in-store promotions, live demonstration, hourly offers and deals on “Products of the Day.” Shoppers can update their electronic devices with affordable prices on branded laptops, tablets, smart watches, mobile phones, high-end audio devices, printing consumables and accessories.

LuLu Group currently employs 4,500 Saudi nationals in its retail network of 33 stores across the Kingdom.

“The success of LuLu Hypermarket is our bond with our Saudi Arabian customer base — their trust and their recognition of our quality promise has enabled our amazing 14-year growth,” said Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Hypermarkets Saudi Arabia. “We have always put customers first and this anniversary celebration combines our promise of customer care, quality and affordability and is our way of saying thank you to all our customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
 


Budget Saudi listed among Fortune 500 Arabia

Budget Saudi listed among Fortune 500 Arabia
Updated 28 November 2023
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Budget Saudi listed among Fortune 500 Arabia

Budget Saudi listed among Fortune 500 Arabia

The largest car renting and leasing company in the Middle East, United International Transportation Co. known as Budget Saudi, has been listed among the top companies in the Arab world by the Fortune 500 Arabia magazine.

Fortune 500 Arabia launched its inaugural list in 2023, becoming part of the global Fortune 500 lists that have been published by the magazine in the US since 1955.

This year’s inaugural edition includes the top 500 Arab companies from 22 Arab countries. These companies have been ranked by their collective revenues, which hit about $1.6 trillion in 2022, yielding a net profit of $343 billion. Private companies not listed on financial markets made up nine percent of the list.

Saudi Arabia led the list with the highest number of companies, accounting for 153 out of the 500 companies, or 30 percent. The UAE followed with 17 percent, then Egypt, Kuwait, and Qatar. While Saudi Arabian companies recorded the highest percentage of revenue and profits among the Fortune 500 companies, the UAE had the largest proportion of the top 100 profitable companies on the list.

Fawaz Abdullah Danish, president and group CEO, Budget Saudi, said: “Listing Budget Saudi among the Fortune 500 Arabia companies in the Arab world is a great honor for the organization. It is a testament to the consistent performance of the company over the years and the firm foundations on which it is being built for growth and diversification. We are committed to creating value for all stakeholders, customers, and partners in this journey. It augurs well for our company in its drive and passion to perform beyond expectations and contribute effectively to the larger vision of Saudi Arabia.”

Budget Saudi is Saudi Arabia’s premier short and long-term vehicle rental and leasing company, serving both retail and corporate clients. The enterprise was incorporated in 1978 and over the years has developed a reputation for excellence and dependability in the transportation industry. It is the first publicly traded automobile rental firm in Saudi Arabia and has internal QMS, EVS, and OHAS accredited to ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 standards. The company has also been recognized as a “Great Place to Work” in Saudi Arabia.

With 33,000+ vehicles and a network of nearly 100 retail stations spread over 30 cities, Budget Saudi claims to have the largest rental and leasing network in the Middle East and North Africa. The company has received several accolades for its operations and management efficiency. It was awarded by the Global Economic Magazine in 2023 as the Best Vehicle Leasing Company and the Most Customer-Centric Car Rental Service Provider in Saudi Arabia, and the Best CEO of Logistics in Saudi Arabia in 2021.

Other accolades include the Global Leadership Award by Leaders International Magazine, and the 2023 Stevie Silver Award for the Sales Director of the Year. It has received five consecutive World Travel Awards, as well as the INSEAD Top 50 CEO award for publicly traded companies in the GCC.

Budget Saudi looks forward to focusing more on environment-friendly initiatives in the upcoming years. The business has already started taking action to conserve energy by introducing hybrid vehicles to its fleet. The company is also discussing the introduction of electric vehicles into its fleet, to achieve lower CO2 emissions.

 


Opensignal: stc dominates speed, Mobily excels in video

Opensignal: stc dominates speed, Mobily excels in video
Updated 27 November 2023
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Opensignal: stc dominates speed, Mobily excels in video

Opensignal: stc dominates speed, Mobily excels in video

Opensignal, a global provider of independent insights and data on mobile network experiences, has released a report analyzing the performance of Saudi Arabia’s mobile networks from July 1 to Sept. 28. This in-depth examination delves into the capabilities of the Kingdom’s primary mobile network operators — stc, Mobily and Zain.

The report paints a nuanced picture of achievements, prominently featuring stc as the undisputed leader in speed across all categories, solidifying its position for the eighth consecutive time. A groundbreaking achievement for stc is its triumph in the 5G Coverage Experience category, underscoring its dedication to providing widespread high-speed connectivity. Meanwhile, Mobily takes centerstage in the realm of video experience, securing accolades for both Video Experience and Live Video Experience. The report meticulously details stc’s expansive 5G coverage and sustained leadership in gaming experiences, and Mobily’s overall availability dominance.

Within this competitive landscape, the report also provides market insights, spotlighting stc’s commanding presence with 10 out of 15 outright wins, Mobily’s increased prominence with three wins, and Zain’s absence from the winner’s circle. Beyond the network performance assessment, the report illuminates crucial developments in Saudi Arabia’s telecom industry, such as the stc Group’s ambitious 5G network expansion and the groundbreaking zero-carbon 5G network by Zain and Red Sea Global in the Red Sea Project.

Speed Leadership

stc maintained its unrivaled speed supremacy, securing the top position across all four speed categories — Download Speed Experience, Upload Speed Experience, 5G Download Speed, and 5G Upload Speed. This marked the eighth consecutive report where stc has dominated these speed categories. Notably, stc also became the inaugural winner of the 5G Coverage Experience award, underscoring its commitment to delivering high-speed connectivity across Saudi Arabia.

Video Excellence

Mobily emerged as the leader in video experience, claiming both the Video Experience award and Live Video Experience award. Mobily, the first Saudi operator to win Opensignal’s Live Video Experience award, boasted a score of 56.5 points on a 100-point scale. Mobily shared the two awards with stc, showcasing its prowess in delivering exceptional video streaming experiences.

Extensive 5G Coverage

stc witnessed substantial improvement in 5G availability, winning the award and securing the first-ever 5G coverage experience award. This signifies that stc’s 5G users spend the most time with an active 5G connection, coupled with the widest geographic coverage of populated areas across various network technologies.

Overall Availability

Mobily users enjoy the best overall availability, with the telecom giant winning the award with a score of 97.8 percent, surpassing stc’s 96.5 percent. Meanwhile, stc claimed the New Coverage Experience award, showcasing its superior geographic coverage of populated areas.

Gaming Leadership

stc retained its leadership in the gaming experience, securing both the Games Experience and 5G Games Experience awards. Although stc maintained its lead, slight declines in scores reflect the competitive landscape in online multiplayer mobile gaming experiences over cellular connections.