Riyadh Air fast tracks digital expansion with Oracle software

Riyadh Air fast tracks digital expansion with Oracle software
Riyadh Air has chosen Tech Mahindra as the implementation partner for this initiative, which will help them evolve as the world’s first digitally native airline.
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Updated 11 February 2024
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Riyadh Air fast tracks digital expansion with Oracle software

Riyadh Air fast tracks digital expansion with Oracle software

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new world-class airline, has selected Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications Suite to efficiently manage its core business operations after a competitive bidding process. The services include digitizing finance, supply chain, and human capital management. The implementation will help Riyadh Air develop a modern, scalable, and secure business platform to enable data-driven decision-making, reduce costs, enhance employee engagement, and streamline procurement processes. Riyadh Air has chosen Tech Mahindra as the implementation partner for this initiative, which will help Riyadh Air evolve as the world’s first digitally native airline. Tech Mahindra is a provider of digital transformation, consulting, and business re-engineering services and solutions.

Adam Boukadida, chief financial officer at Riyadh Air, said: “Riyadh Air aims to disrupt the future of air travel and as part of our vision we need to be at the forefront of innovation and technology. A key part of this approach is to partner with world-class experts as we build technical capabilities that enable us to deliver a seamless digital-first experience to our guests.”

Since it launched in March 2023, Riyadh Air has signed several technology and engineering partnerships to enhance Riyadh Air’s offerings, services, and operational models, and set new standards in aviation sustainability and innovation. The airline now has major agreements with Lufthansa Systems, IBM Consulting, Accenture, Swiss AS, CAE, and Microsoft.

“Riyadh Air represents the true ambition, capability, and global outlook of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s aviation sector is rapidly expanding, and Riyadh Air will play a vital role in helping Saudi Arabia achieve its 2030 aviation goals that aim to outpace global growth,” said Reham Al-Musa, vice president — cloud applications, Saudi Arabia, and managing director at Oracle Saudi Arabia. “Riyadh Air represents a major moment for the aviation industry, and with the implementation of Oracle Fusion Applications, the airline is preparing a future-ready digital platform that will help drive rapid growth, nurture a truly connected workforce, prepare a resilient supply chain, and deliver a unique digital experience to the modern-day global traveler.”

Under this initiative, Riyadh Air will deploy Oracle Fusion Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning, Oracle Fusion Cloud Human Capital Management, and Oracle Fusion Cloud Supply Chain and Manufacturing. Oracle Fusion Applications will enable Riyadh Air to take advantage of the cloud and break down organizational silos, standardize processes, and manage finance, supply chain, and HR data on a single integrated platform. With quarterly update cycles, Oracle Fusion Applications provides access to continuous innovation so the airline can make faster and better decisions and outpace change.

“In the era of digitization, industries demand innovative solutions for enhanced efficiency and customer experiences. Tech Mahindra is committed to advancing Saudi Arabia’s digital future by delivering cutting-edge solutions. As a digital transformation leader, we recognize the vital role technology is playing in driving innovation. With extensive experience in implementing Oracle for airlines, we are well-equipped to support Riyadh Air’s digital transformation journey. We look forward to working together to build a future-ready foundation for the airline industry,” said Vikram Nair, president, EMEA business, Tech Mahindra.


‘Jeddah Construct’ spotlights innovative products and services

‘Jeddah Construct’ spotlights innovative products and services
Updated 02 October 2024
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‘Jeddah Construct’ spotlights innovative products and services

‘Jeddah Construct’ spotlights innovative products and services

The inaugural edition of Jeddah Construct, the largest construction event in the western province, opened its doors, welcoming visitors until Oct. 1 at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center.

Powered by Big 5 Construct Saudi, the event was opened by a delegation from the Jeddah Center for Exhibitions and Events, with Ben Greenish, executive vice president — construction at dmg events, and Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president — construction at dmg events, joining the opening ceremony.

“We are thrilled to open the first edition of Jeddah Construct, building on our decade-long legacy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with Big 5 Construct Saudi. The event covers the entire construction value chain, bringing together 200 exhibitors from over 25 countries and presenting a wide range of products, services, systems and solutions. With $613 billion worth of megaprojects driving Jeddah’s built environment forward, we are looking forward to supporting the evolving demands of Jeddah’s construction landscape,” said Kazi.

He added: “The event features products and services under 16 key product sectors, hosting a blend of local and international exhibitors and providing a veritable platform for business engagements.”

The exhibition halls featured key steel exhibitors at the forefront of structural innovation. Exhibitors presented a wide range of advanced steel products, from cutting-edge materials to sustainable structural systems, designed to meet the growing demands of Jeddah’s construction sector.

One of the key players and leaders in the steel tubes and pipes market locally and regionally, Al-Yamamah Steel Industries presented a range of steel tubes for structural purposes, scaffolding tubes and steel pipes for pressure services. Kirby Building Systems showcased a wide range of customized, cost-effective steel building solutions, which included pre-engineered steel buildings, sandwich panels, curved beams, deep decking panels as well as standing seam panels renowned for their longevity and durability.

Other steel giants showcasing their products and systems included Himalaya Steel Group, Framecad International, Cypex, Baz Steel and Icon Egypt.

The outdoor exhibition area at Jeddah Construct opened with a display of the top heavy machinery exhibitors, offering attendees an impressive showcase of the latest in construction equipment and technologies.

XCMG Trading Company, one of the largest construction machinery companies in China, presented its customized series of skid-steer loaders, excavators and backhoe loaders, specialized in the early stages of construction, including digging, hauling and excavating. Another exhibitor, NAZ Industries, brought its latest tipper and flatbed trailers and semi-trailers with lower weight, which streamline operations, reduce downtime and enhance productivity, meeting the unique needs of construction megaprojects.

Other exhibitors included Essa Dakhil Allah Almarwani Trading Company, Alton Trading Company and Al-Wady Al-Akhdar Al-Momaiaz Factory.

Day 1 of CPD-certified Construct Talks, sponsored by Himalaya Steel, welcomed industry leaders, subject matter experts and decision-makers to share practical insights and innovative strategies addressing the pressing needs and emerging trends of the construction industry in Jeddah.

In one of the sessions, Khalil Al-Saeedi, executive director of program delivery at Saudi Entertainment Ventures, stressed the importance of early collaboration among project teams for effective project planning and resource allocation, crucial for the successful delivery of projects. Fellow speaker Mohammed Abdel Jawad, project management expert and committee member at Project Management Institute — Saudi Arabia, shared valuable insights on the RACI matrix, which is imperative for resource assignments while visualizing roles and responsibilities within project teams.

The opening day featured an industry networking session hosted by the Chartered Institute of Building, bringing together construction stakeholders, professionals and thought leaders to engage in discussions and expand their professional network with some of the industry’s leading figures.


Skillmount onboards Saudi company SAFT as knowledge partner

Skillmount onboards Saudi company SAFT as knowledge partner
Updated 02 October 2024
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Skillmount onboards Saudi company SAFT as knowledge partner

Skillmount onboards Saudi company SAFT as knowledge partner

Skillmount, the rising star of the ed-tech world in the Middle East, has announced its partnership with SAFT, a Saudi Arabian company providing accounting, finance, and tax solutions. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Middle East’s educational landscape, enhancing opportunities for students and professionals alike.

Ameen Afsal, director of Skillmount, and Saad Syed Jaish Al-Shareef, CEO of SAFT, signed the memorandum of understanding on Sept. 1.

As a platform that has rapidly gained prominence in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Skillmount is known for its expert-led online courses on taxation, VAT, and corporate finance. With this new alliance, SAFT steps in as Skillmount’s knowledge partner, offering a wealth of expertise and internship opportunities specifically tailored for students in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration bridges the gap between education and industry, providing learners with real-world experience that propels them toward career success.

Skillmount’s reputation as a dynamic ed-tech platform is cemented by its recognition from Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority. As the region navigates the intricacies of VAT, introduced in 2018, and the corporate tax framework established in 2023, the demand for skilled accounting professionals has surged. Skillmount stands at the forefront of preparing job seekers for these high-demand roles, both in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

For those aspiring to launch or elevate their careers in the Middle East, Skillmount’s four-month online courses offer a fast-track to success. Learners are not only equipped with cutting-edge knowledge but also gain access to coveted internship placements at some of the region’s top institutions. Now with SAFT onboard, Skillmount graduates are quickly becoming the preferred choice for employers seeking top talent in the fields of accounting and taxation.

“Skillmount isn’t just an ed-tech platform — it’s the gateway to your dream job in Saudi Arabia and beyond,” the company said in a statement.


The Tiktok Shopping Season Q4 2024

The Tiktok Shopping Season Q4 2024
Updated 02 October 2024
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The Tiktok Shopping Season Q4 2024

The Tiktok Shopping Season Q4 2024

Winning Saudi Arabia’s ‘Golden Quarter’ requires strategies for the always-on digital shopper

Consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia is increasingly driven by technology, turning every moment into a potential shopping opportunity. No longer confined to specific times, days, or locations, today’s Saudi shoppers engage with brands whenever and wherever it suits them through their smartphones. This transformation into an “always-on” shopping culture, fueled by the rapid growth of e-commerce, signals promising growth for brands. As we enter Q4, the “Golden Quarter” of the shopping calendar, brands that capitalize on this shift with sustained, meaningful digital marketing campaigns can create lasting benefits and customer loyalty well beyond this peak period in the Kingdom.

The Golden Quarter spans from October to December and is defined by eagerly awaited shopping events such as Black Friday, Singles’ Day, and Cyber Monday. These events give consumers the chance to explore new brands and products at attractive prices. For Saudi Arabia’s digitally savvy population, this period holds particular significance as it blends global shopping phenomena with local traditions and national celebrations. This creates a dynamic and culturally charged shopping landscape during the busy season.

Digital platforms are reshaping how consumers discover and purchase brands 

Digital platforms like TikTok, which are seeing a significant rise in Saudi users who hold substantial purchasing power, are playing a pivotal role in shaping how Saudi consumers engage with brands during this quarter. The easy access to information, authentic reviews, and personalized experiences on the platform greatly aids their decision-making process. In Q4 of 2023, shopping-related content garnered over 4 billion video views, and Saudi consumers in particular, spent x1.1 more on average than users on other platforms according to data from IPSOS, indicating that brands on the platform have the opportunity to connect with a highly engaged, ready-to-spend audience. 

But to make the most of the busy season and remain top of mind, brands need to adopt a strategy of quarter-long consistency. This consistently allows them to move beyond seasonal peaks, driving sustained engagement throughout Q4 and beyond, while maximizing return-on-investment. Research shows that brands running TikTok campaigns for over three months achieved a 34 percent higher ad recall and were more than twice as likely to lead to conversions than shorter campaigns.

Brands can leverage the cultural significance of the season to connect with consumers

The Saudi market is shaped by its cultural values, which significantly influence consumer behavior. The combination of events like year-end sales and Saudi National Day during this period naturally boosts consumer interest and further drives purchasing decisions. Brands on TikTok have been leveraging this cultural consciousness by launching campaigns that build personal connections with their audience during this time. By focusing on local interests such as food, fashion, and travel, and collaborating with regional content creators for authentic and shareable videos, successful brands have built a sense of community and pride, leading to higher engagement and stronger brand loyalty.

Saudi consumers also highly value authenticity and are more likely to engage with content that feels genuine and relatable. Digital platforms like TikTok offer multiple avenues for brands to develop authentic storytelling. A popular strategy for beauty, fashion, and F&B brands during this period is encouraging user-generated content, prompting consumers to share real-life experiences through live-streamed product reviews, behind-the-scenes videos, and user testimonials. Brands also harness TikTok’s blend of education and entertainment to share informative content like tutorials or tips, all of which create a ripple effect of organic, authentic content that promotes the brand in a compelling and impactful way. Marketers that implemented these strategies throughout the Q4 period in 2023 saw a 3.1 times increase in their consumer conversion rates on TikTok.

Native features and trends on digital platforms can boost conversion for brands 

Brands have also been utilizing TikTok’s unique marketing tools and features, such as shoppable video ads and branded challenges, to activate full-funnel campaigns to achieve lasting outcomes. During Q4, when consumers are actively seeking deals and promotions, marketers can use it to drive urgency around limited-time offers and flash sales, creating a direct path from engagement to conversion.

To bring variety for niche communities on the platform, brands can collaborate with TikTok’s creative experts and production partners to produce ads and add-ons quickly, at scale, and within budget. Additionally, they can maximize their resources by using TikTok’s suite of creative tools to transform existing assets into visually engaging creatives. This not only diversifies campaigns but also delivers significant value to consumers, all while maintaining a cost-effective strategy for longer campaigns during this season.

Adapting to evolving consumer behavior is key to lasting brand success

In an evolving market like Saudi Arabia, adapting marketing strategies to keep pace with changing consumer behavior is essential for achieving strong brand recall. With the proven success of quarter-long activation strategies, brands in Saudi Arabia can once again position themselves for a highly successful sales season this year. By seamlessly integrating entertainment, authentic connections, and cultural relevance with commerce into their approach, they can rise above the competition and carve out a desired space among Saudi shoppers during the peak period. In doing so, they are also laying the groundwork for continued success well into 2025.


“Bahrain Surf Park — Club Hawaii Experience” first in region to use Wavegarden Cove technology

“Bahrain Surf Park — Club Hawaii Experience” first in region to use Wavegarden Cove technology
Updated 02 October 2024
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“Bahrain Surf Park — Club Hawaii Experience” first in region to use Wavegarden Cove technology

“Bahrain Surf Park — Club Hawaii Experience” first in region to use Wavegarden Cove technology

Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company, known as Edamah, Mumtalakat’s real estate arm, in partnership with GFH Financial Group, has announced the launch of “Bahrain Surf Park — Club Hawaii Experience,” the Middle East and North Africa region’s first surf park using the state-of-the-art “Wavegarden Cove” technology.

The surf park will form the first leisure and entertainment element of the wider Bilaj Al-Jazayer development, a 1.3-million-square-meter project along Bahrain’s southwest coast. Recognized as Bahrain’s Best Leisure Development by the Arabian Property Awards, Bilaj Al-Jazayer will also feature luxury beachfront hotels, residences, and commercial spaces.

Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat and chairman of Edamah, said: “We are excited to announce the development of Bahrain Surf Park — Club Hawaii Experience, which will be transformational for the tourism and recreation sectors in the kingdom of Bahrain. This pioneering project reflects Edamah’s commitment to innovation and our focus on investing in local initiatives that will strengthen the tourism infrastructure in the kingdom, while also enhancing Bahrain’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.”

 

 

GFH Group CEO and Board Member Hisham Alrayes said: “Our partnership with Edamah to bring the first surf park to the region, using Wavegarden Cove technology, reflects GFH’s commitment to innovative and transformative projects. Bahrain Surf Park — Club Hawaii Experience at Bilaj Al-Jazayer will elevate Bahrain’s profile as a tourism destination and provide a dynamic recreational venue for locals and visitors alike. We are proud to be part of this milestone development.”

Wavegarden’s Chief Commercial Director Fernando Odriozola added: “We are very proud to partner with Bahrain Surf Park — Club Hawaii Experience and bring our world-class waves and the incredible sport of surfing to the region. The Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon offers the most varied wave menu on the market, designed for surfers of all ages and levels. With consistent waves of different shapes and sizes, Bahrain Surf Park — Club Hawaii Experience is going to be an amazing beach destination for people from the entire area, traveling surfers, and tourists alike.”

Also included in the Bahrain Surf Park is Club Hawaii Surf Academy. Club Hawaii will train, mentor and develop surfers of the future through a series of comprehensive training programs for beginners, improvers, intermediates and advanced surfers. Club Hawaii acknowledges, through its brand, the spirit of Hawaii, the birthplace of surfing.

The destination is expected to attract approximately 300,000 visitors per year, with upwards of 140,000 surf sessions annually. The park will feature F&B outlets, a spacious terrace, a retail store, cabanas, an event space, and a large private entertainment area for corporate or school groups. There are also plans to host a major international surfing competition at the park in 2026.

The Wavegarden Cove can accommodate up to 90 surfers and produce up to 1,000 waves per hour, catering to all skill levels from beginners to elite surfers. The wave-making technology has the lowest energy consumption on the market, and the facilities provide a vast range of social and economic benefits to local communities.

Bahrain Surf Park — Club Hawaii Experience is scheduled to open in 2026. 


LuLu food festival celebrates flavors of the world

LuLu food festival celebrates flavors of the world
Updated 02 October 2024
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LuLu food festival celebrates flavors of the world

LuLu food festival celebrates flavors of the world

LuLu Hypermarket is currently hosting its “World Food Festival” across the Kingdom. Running from Sept. 25 to Oct. 8 and spanning several key regions, this festival features special displays, diverse activities, and the participation of international celebrity chefs, offering live cooking experiences and a world of flavors for visitors to enjoy.
Influencer Abdulaziz Al-Shahri participated in a live cooking challenge between Chef Khalid and Chef Raed. At the Malaz branch in Riyadh, Egyptian influencer Baig Alam served as the judge for the cooking challenge, evaluating dishes brought by participants. Renowned Indian YouTuber Firoz Chuttipara flew in from India, adding his culinary expertise to the festival.
In the Eastern Province, Chef Mohammed Wafi Al-Asli led the festival’s launch at the Hafr Al-Batin branch with a live cooking demonstration and competition. Participants showcased their culinary skills for a panel, including Chef Mohammed, with a focus on presentation and taste. Similarly, the Al-Ahsa branch featured Chef Fahd Al-Shaibi, who led a cooking competition judged on the same criteria.
Meanwhile in Jeddah, notable chefs like Chef Abu Aziz, Chef Raghad, Chef Shoug, and Chef Firoz energized the festival. A culinary showdown took place between Chef Areej and Chef Lina at the Al-Marwa branch. There were also comedic cooking challenges between bloggers You Can and Big Man. The audience enjoyed numerous challenges and activities.
In addition to the live cooking experiences in all stores, LuLu Hypermarket is offering exclusive deals across all product categories, including fresh produce, grocery items, frozen foods, health and beauty products, household items, electrical appliances, and more. 
“The World Food Festival is a true celebration of global flavors and an incredible opportunity for visitors to learn from celebrity chefs, participate in interactive cooking challenges, including a kids’ cooking challenge, and enjoy exclusive discounts on a wide range of products,” a press statement said. “Whether you’re there for the live cooking demonstrations, the unique culinary experiences, or the amazing shopping offers, this festival promises an unforgettable time for all.”
Speaking about the event, LuLu Saudi Hypermarkets Director Shehim Mohammed said: “The World Food Festival is a landmark event for both the retail and food industries, connecting consumers and producers in a unique culinary experience. The festival boosts awareness of food products and supports both local and international brands while enriching the overall shopping experience.”
This ongoing festival offers an opportunity to explore global cuisines, learn from culinary experts, and create memories with family and friends.