Sustainability, AI among key Mideast travel trends: report

Sustainability, AI among key Mideast travel trends: report
Artificial intelligence will become a key tool for holiday planning — with half of people in both the UAE (52 percent) and the Kingdom (50 percent) already using it for this purpose.
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Updated 13 December 2023
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Sustainability, AI among key Mideast travel trends: report

Sustainability, AI among key Mideast travel trends: report

Travelers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia plan to increase their spending on breaks and holidays over the next three years and will have more of an eye on sustainability than ever before. In fact, most now check the sustainability of their travel plans, and are prepared to pay over 20 percent more for environmentally-friendly accommodation.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence will become a key tool for holiday planning — with half of people in both the UAE (52 percent) and the Kingdom (50 percent) already using it for this purpose. Moreover, “dupe” destinations — that are similar to traditional holiday destinations but closer and cheaper — will be another key theme.

In addition, “slow holidays” — where travelers take their time, connect with the local culture, disconnect from technology and minimize their impact on the environment — will be another significant trend.

These are the key outtakes from the Middle East findings of Marriott Bonvoy’s 2024 Future Travel Trends research, in collaboration with foresight agency The Future Laboratory, which analyzed the travel plans of 14,000 travelers across Europe and the Middle East over the next three years.

Neal Jones, chief sales and marketing officer, Marriott International — Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Two trends we have seen coming to the fore in particular from the consumer research are sustainability and AI — particularly among younger travelers under the age of 45. Being ecologically responsible is moving from being a ‘nice-to-have’ to a ‘must-have’ for many of these travelers and will only become more so.”

The rise of AI

The era of AI holiday planning is very much here — half or more (52 percent from the UAE and 50 percent from the Kingdom) have used AI to help them plan or research a holiday. Meanwhile, 77 percent in both countries say they are likely to use it in the future, showing the trend is set to grow further still.

Amongst those who did use AI, 95 percent in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia say it influenced their holiday decision in some way. This includes booking the accommodation it recommended, booking the activities it recommended, and booking food it recommended.

Emerging trends

Amongst the emerging travel trends, “slow holidays” are becoming increasingly popular. Four in five travelers from the UAE (82 percent) and 77 percent from the Kingdom say they have already been on a “slow” holiday. Meanwhile, 82 percent from the UAE and 80 percent from the Kingdom say they plan to go on a slow holiday in the next three years.

In addition, “dupe destinations” — such as the vineyards of Northern Spain instead of South Africa or surfing in Portugal instead of Hawaii — will be another key theme.

Solo holidays, something 70 percent of travelers from the UAE and 69 percent from the Kingdom who have been away in the past three years have done in that period, will also continue to be a significant trend, with 70 percent from the UAE and 72 percent from the Kingdom planning to do one.

Changing summer plans

The extremely high temperatures that parts of Europe experienced this summer could be set to impact holiday plans in the coming years for Middle Eastern holidaymakers. Eighty-six percent in the UAE and 83 percent in the Kingdom say that if these temperatures became a regular occurrence, it would impact their summer holiday plans.

Spending and sustainability

More than nine in 10 UAE adults (93 percent) and 89 percent of adults from the Kingdom say they will be going on holiday next year. Of those going on holiday next year, 66 percent from the UAE and 69 percent from the Kingdom say they plan to “spend more than usual” on holidays over the period.

Over the next three years, sustainability will be on the agenda more than ever before. More than eight in 10 from the UAE (83 percent) and a similar number from the Kingdom (78 percent) say they would be happy to pay more for environmentally friendly accommodation.

Value for money

Whilst on the whole spending on holidays is set to increase, travelers will continue to seek good value for money and save where they can. A third of Emirati and Saudi travelers (both 32 percent) will try to save by going on more domestic holidays. And 34 percent from the UAE and 29 percent from the Kingdom will use loyalty programs to pay for some or all of their holiday with points.


‘Made in Saudi’: Nahdi drives localization of pharma industry

‘Made in Saudi’: Nahdi drives localization of pharma industry
Updated 25 September 2024
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‘Made in Saudi’: Nahdi drives localization of pharma industry

‘Made in Saudi’: Nahdi drives localization of pharma industry

In an effort to support national products and enhance their presence across Nahdi Medical Company’s network of branches, the Saudi Exports Development Authority, represented by the “Made in Saudi” program, signed a strategic MoU with the leading pharmacy chain. The MoU was signed by Abdulrahman Althkair, CEO of Saudi Exports, and Yasser Joharji, CEO of Nahdi, during a ceremony held at one of Nahdi’s pharmacies in Riyadh.

The signing ceremony also included the launch of the first-ever shelves exclusively dedicated to Saudi products at Nahdi’s pharmacies. The shelves, which come under the “Made in Saudi” brand, are dedicated to high-quality locally made health related products and medical supplies. Nahdi recognizes the importance of providing Saudi products and making them more accessible to customers while enhancing their awareness of their quality and competitive strength, which is on par with global brands. Moreover, Nahdi seeks to encourage customers to shop local, and enhance exports to global markets — goals it has in common with the Made in Saudi program.

Althkair said: “This strategic collaboration with Nahdi Medical Company aligns with the framework of Saudi Exports represented by the Made in Saudi program, to enhance the positioning of Saudi products and facilitate consumers accessing them in both local and global markets. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering effective strategic partnerships with both the public and private sectors.” 

Yasser Joharji CEO of Nahdi

He added: “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting economic diversification and contributing to achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by empowering Saudi products locally and enhancing their exports globally.”

Joharji, meanwhile, expressed pride in the partnership, saying: “Our strategic partnership with the Saudi Exports Development Authority represented by the Made in Saudi program is a true source of national pride. It will play a role in supporting the strategic goals of localizing pharmaceutical industries and medical supplies and contributing to advancing national development on multiple fronts.

“We have full confidence in the quality of local manufacturing and are committed to reinforcing our trust in our national capabilities, enabling us to compete globally and enter the highest of international ranks, God willing. We are honored to play a key role in promoting the ‘Made in Saudi’ brand and raising awareness of its quality and value. Nahdi has plans in place to actively promote Saudi products within its pharmacies both inside and outside the Kingdom. We will also pursue various joint initiatives with the Made in Saudi program, which we believe will add more beats to Saudi society.”

The signing of the MoU between the two entities marks the beginning of several national initiatives in the healthcare sector. This partnership is set to support the localization of the pharmaceutical industry, medical supplies, and health products, expanding their availability in sales outlets both inside and outside the Kingdom.

Additionally, the collaboration will focus on increasing consumer awareness of the quality of Saudi-made products through joint initiatives, including training programs, workshops, and participation in exhibitions and events. These efforts will contribute to driving national economic development and enhancing the perception of Saudi products and services both locally and internationally.


IKEA marks N-Day with ‘Green at Heart’ campaign

IKEA marks N-Day with ‘Green at Heart’ campaign
Updated 25 September 2024
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IKEA marks N-Day with ‘Green at Heart’ campaign

IKEA marks N-Day with ‘Green at Heart’ campaign

Having been a part of Saudi Arabia for 40 years, IKEA Alsulaiman took part in the Kingdom’s annual National Day celebrations by launching its “Green at Heart” campaign. The campaign creatively showcases how IKEA’s signature blue and yellow colors create Saudi Arabia’s national green color symbolizing unity, cultural appreciation, and the strong bond between the brand and the Kingdom.

“Green at Heart” is based on the insight that the Saudi green color is a blend of IKEA’s blue and yellow colors, which represents the harmonious connection between IKEA’s Swedish heritage and its deep-rooted relationship with the Kingdom. It acknowledges Saudi Arabia’s national pride while reflecting IKEA’s respect for and understanding of Saudi culture. The goal is to highlight the shared values and enduring connection that IKEA has formed with the Kingdom in more than 40 years of operation.

IKEA launched the concept on social media with a set of creative visuals that are divided into IKEA’s two primary colors with blue and yellow products on opposite ends of the visual. The products merge together to form a green color that symbolizes the unity between IKEA and Saudi Arabia with the tagline “Green at Heart.” The campaign extends beyond the static visuals with a dynamic and emotional video that brings the concept to life and amplifies the campaign message. In the video, we see a Saudi woman seamlessly paint the Saudi flag by blending blue and yellow colors from IKEA’s MÄLA paint colors.

To complement the digital elements, IKEA set up an interactive booth in-store encouraging customers to immerse themselves in the “Green at Heart” experience. The booth’s design creatively incorporates IKEA’s blue and yellow colors blending them to form the signature green theme of the campaign, where visitors can take photos and share them on social media, further amplifying the campaign’s reach. This initiative strengthens IKEA’s omni-channel approach, ensuring customers can celebrate both in-store and online.

“Green at heart represents a symbolic and deep-rooted relationship between IKEA Alsulaiman and Saudi Arabia for more than 40 years that is built on shared values and a mutual commitment to better everyday lives,” said Rami Rihani, acting chief marketing officer at IKEA.


Saudi health care investor Burjeel Holdings partners with US-based Axiom Space for space medical research

Saudi health care investor Burjeel Holdings partners with US-based Axiom Space for space medical research
Updated 25 September 2024
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Saudi health care investor Burjeel Holdings partners with US-based Axiom Space for space medical research

Saudi health care investor Burjeel Holdings partners with US-based Axiom Space for space medical research

In a significant milestone for both global healthcare and space exploration, Burjeel Holdings, a leading healthcare investor in Saudi Arabia, has announced a partnership with Axiom Space, a global leader in human spaceflight services. The partnership, unveiled at New York’s iconic Times Square, is set to push the boundaries of medical research and innovation by leveraging the unique environment of space to study how the human body reacts in microgravity.

This long-term collaboration with Axiom Space, renowned for its comprehensive missions to the International Space Station, will focus on space-based medical research. As their first initiative, Axiom Space and Burjeel are working on sending a suite of medical capabilities to space to further science research on how the human body reacts in microgravity. The suite consists of best-in-class technologies used in hospitals and clinics around the world, including Burjeel Holdings’ flagship facility Burjeel Medical City in the UAE. The research seeks to study how the microgravity environment affects relevant biomarkers, drug substance quality, and remote health services.

Axiom Space astronauts intend to wear and operate these technologies remotely throughout their training, launch, and during Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), which is scheduled to launch next spring. The insights gained from this research are expected to pave the way for innovative healthcare solutions that could benefit patients worldwide, including those in Saudi Arabia.

“Through our groundbreaking partnership with Axiom Space, we are not only advancing the frontiers of medical innovation in microgravity but also ensuring that patients around the globe benefit from next-generation healthcare solutions. Just as we continue to benefit from innovations born from space missions over 50 years ago — transforming everything, from telecommunications to medical imaging — this partnership represents a commitment to leveraging the unique environment of space to develop and enhance treatment methodologies,” said Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings.

Dr. Lucie Low, chief scientist at Axiom Space, highlighted the significance of the partnership with Burjeel Holdings, noting how Axiom Space is creating opportunities for organizations worldwide to conduct medical research in space.

“We are reimagining how humans live and work in low-Earth orbit by utilizing microgravity to deepen our understanding of the human body. At the same time, we are educating the global community on how to harness the microgravity environment for scientific and technological advancements that benefit humanity,” said Dr. Low.

Since its 2022 expansion plans, Burjeel Holdings has rapidly advanced in Saudi Arabia, successfully launching PhysioTherabia, a network of physiotherapy, wellness and rehabilitation centers, with plans to open 60 centers by 2025. Additionally, Burjeel is set to launch two Specialized Day Surgery Centers in Riyadh, reinforcing its commitment to elevating healthcare standards in the Kingdom. 


Saudi health care investor Burjeel Holdings partners with US-based Axiom Space for space medical research

Saudi health care investor Burjeel Holdings partners with US-based Axiom Space for space medical research
Updated 25 September 2024
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Saudi health care investor Burjeel Holdings partners with US-based Axiom Space for space medical research

Saudi health care investor Burjeel Holdings partners with US-based Axiom Space for space medical research

In a significant milestone for both global healthcare and space exploration, Burjeel Holdings, a leading healthcare investor in Saudi Arabia, has announced a partnership with Axiom Space, a global leader in human spaceflight services. The partnership, unveiled at New York’s iconic Times Square, is set to push the boundaries of medical research and innovation by leveraging the unique environment of space to study how the human body reacts in microgravity.

This long-term collaboration with Axiom Space, renowned for its comprehensive missions to the International Space Station, will focus on space-based medical research. As their first initiative, Axiom Space and Burjeel are working on sending a suite of medical capabilities to space to further science research on how the human body reacts in microgravity. The suite consists of best-in-class technologies used in hospitals and clinics around the world, including Burjeel Holdings’ flagship facility Burjeel Medical City in the UAE. The research seeks to study how the microgravity environment affects relevant biomarkers, drug substance quality, and remote health services.

Axiom Space astronauts intend to wear and operate these technologies remotely throughout their training, launch, and during Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), which is scheduled to launch next spring. The insights gained from this research are expected to pave the way for innovative healthcare solutions that could benefit patients worldwide, including those in Saudi Arabia.

“Through our groundbreaking partnership with Axiom Space, we are not only advancing the frontiers of medical innovation in microgravity but also ensuring that patients around the globe benefit from next-generation healthcare solutions. Just as we continue to benefit from innovations born from space missions over 50 years ago — transforming everything, from telecommunications to medical imaging — this partnership represents a commitment to leveraging the unique environment of space to develop and enhance treatment methodologies,” said Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and chairman of Burjeel Holdings.

Dr. Lucie Low, chief scientist at Axiom Space, highlighted the significance of the partnership with Burjeel Holdings, noting how Axiom Space is creating opportunities for organizations worldwide to conduct medical research in space.

“We are reimagining how humans live and work in low-Earth orbit by utilizing microgravity to deepen our understanding of the human body. At the same time, we are educating the global community on how to harness the microgravity environment for scientific and technological advancements that benefit humanity,” said Dr. Low.

Since its 2022 expansion plans, Burjeel Holdings has rapidly advanced in Saudi Arabia, successfully launching PhysioTherabia, a network of physiotherapy, wellness and rehabilitation centers, with plans to open 60 centers by 2025. Additionally, Burjeel is set to launch two Specialized Day Surgery Centers in Riyadh, reinforcing its commitment to elevating healthcare standards in the Kingdom. 


stc, Cisco partner for Esports World Cup

stc, Cisco partner for Esports World Cup
Updated 25 September 2024
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stc, Cisco partner for Esports World Cup

stc, Cisco partner for Esports World Cup

Cisco and stc Group have worked together to deploy innovative digital experience assurance technology to support the Esports World Cup, a multi-genre esports competition, hosted for the first time in Saudi Arabia. The inaugural event ran from July 3 to Aug. 25 at Boulevard City in Riyadh.

In collaboration with stc, the exclusive connectivity provider for the event, Cisco introduced an end-to-end digital experience assurance solution powered by Cisco ThousandEyes and Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance (formerly Accedian Skylight). The solution provided stc with real-time visibility into every aspect of the digital experience delivery, including a unified view of end-to-end network performance and AI-powered issue detection.