Aroya Cruises’ celebrates with its trade partners a remarkable milestone

 Aroya Cruises’ celebrates with its trade partners a remarkable milestone
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 Aroya Cruises’ celebrates with its trade partners a remarkable milestone
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 Aroya Cruises’ celebrates with its trade partners a remarkable milestone
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Updated 14 September 2024
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Aroya Cruises’ celebrates with its trade partners a remarkable milestone

 Aroya Cruises’ celebrates with its trade partners a remarkable milestone

Cruise Saudi, a 100 per cent Public Investment Fund (PIF) owned business, and a pioneering force in the development of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry, announced the launch of its owned cruise line, AROYA Cruises.

AROYA Cruises hosted an exclusive event for its trade partners to celebrate achieving a new milestone, and the anticipated date to set sail in December 2024.

The event, held in Riyadh, brought together key partners and influential figures from the travel and tourism industry to celebrate this significant milestone for AROYA Cruises.

"By launching the first Arabian Cruise line that leads the way in elevating joyful and memorable experiences for guests at sea and onshore, commercially and sustainably, we aim to reinvent the meaning of holidays in Arabia," said Dr Joerg Rudolph, AROYA Cruises president, speaking at its partners launch program in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Rudolph told Arab News: "This momentous step marks a historical milestone in Cruise Saudi’s ambitious strategy to create a premium cruise ecosystem in Saudi, in line with Vision 2030.”
 
Combining the words “Arabian” and “Roya” (meaning vision or dream), AROYA Cruises will offer Saudi nationals, expatriates, and regional guests a unique opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia’s stunning coastlines from the sea.

With a commitment to showcasing Arabian experiences, AROYA Cruises will reflect the country's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, providing an immersive journey, designed and tailored to reflect its brand values of inspiration, enrichment, generosity and respect.

AROYA Cruises is committed to offering passengers an exceptional experience with the highest standard of service, premium facilities, and shore excursions culminating in a unique offering in the region.

AROYA Cruises will be operating as an autonomous brand within the Cruise Saudi portfolio, aiming to provide experiences and services specifically designed to embrace Arabian preferences.

While AROYA Cruises operates within the Cruise Saudi portfolio, it runs as a separate business unit with an independent operational and management team based in Jeddah. The cruise line supports Cruise Saudi’s broader objectives, including welcoming 1.3 million cruise visitors annually by 2035, creating 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in Saudi’s tourism sector, and contributing to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry in line with Vision 2030.

Scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage in the Red Sea on December 16, 2024, AROYA Cruises will offer itineraries departing from Jeddah, with destinations including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Future voyages will expand to the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea, providing guests with the opportunity to explore a variety of breathtaking locations across the region.

One of AROYA Cruises’ distinctive offerings is the Khuzama experience, a luxurious onboard concept designed to immerse travelers in the elegance and serenity of Arabian hospitality. Khuzama will feature tranquil, high-end facilities where comfort and relaxation take center stage, offering a unique blend of modern luxury and deep-rooted cultural experiences.

"With pride, we introduce Khuzama, where you will experience Arabian luxury at the heart of the sea," said Ala Tashkandi, Sales Director at AROYA Cruises, during the partner launch event.

While AROYA Cruises operates as an independent entity, Cruise Saudi is the leading entity for the development of Saudi Arabia’s cruise industry.

Since its inception, Cruise Saudi has successfully welcomed over 300,000 passengers as part of its efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a global cruise destination. With a focus on building both onshore and offshore infrastructure, Cruise Saudi is working closely with regulatory authorities and international partners to ensure a seamless cruise experience.
 
Cruise Saudi’s ongoing efforts include the development of state-of-the-art cruise terminals in Jeddah, Yanbu, and Dammam, along with the creation of premium shore excursions. These efforts aim to attract international cruise lines to include Saudi Arabia as a port of call, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, history, and natural wonders.
 


Google brings flagship ‘Accelerate’ program to KSA

Google brings flagship ‘Accelerate’ program to KSA
Updated 13 October 2024
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Google brings flagship ‘Accelerate’ program to KSA

Google brings flagship ‘Accelerate’ program to KSA

Google launched its flagship Accelerate program in Saudi Arabia with an event, bringing the latest advancements in AI-powered marketing to the Kingdom’s thriving business landscape.

Accelerate Saudi, held at Muvi Theatre in Boulevard Riyadh, unveiled the latest study conducted by BCG and Google, looking at AI-driven marketing maturity. The study indicates that businesses that use AI and generative AI to power data-driven marketing strategies were found to witness 1.9 times  more profitable growth and are 39 percent more productive vs two years ago. In today’s market context characterized by rising prices, market volatility, and disruptive technologies, companies seeking to increase their digital maturity are facing ever-greater challenges.

Exclusive insights from a research on Saudi consumers done by Google and Ipsos were also discussed, providing valuable information into consumer trends in Saudi Arabia and their decision-making processes using behavioral science principles. 

Basel Hijazi

“The future of marketing is here, and it’s powered by AI,” said Charbel Sarkis, country director at Google, Saudi Arabia.

Sarkis believes this presents a significant opportunity for businesses. “Every business, regardless of its current digital maturity level, must strategically assess its capabilities and plan its growth trajectory,” he urged, adding: “Investing in advanced technologies, training integrated teams, and adopting a data-oriented culture are crucial steps for not just surviving but thriving in the digital age.”

“It’s an exciting time to be a marketer using AI, through the latest tools, allowing us to understand and connect with our audience like never before,” said Basel Hijazi, retail and marketing lead at Google, Saudi Arabia. He added: “Consumers now expect companies to anticipate their needs, and businesses must leverage AI to meet these expectations effectively.”

Findings from the research on Saudi consumers revealed that 53 percent of consumers are open to AI-powered personalized recommendations in their shopping journey. Furthermore, approximately 30 percent of Saudi consumers have increased spending on leisure, entertainment, and fashion due to the growing availability of options within the country. With inflation impacting consumer behavior, 92 percent of respondents indicated changes in their spending habits, with 31 percent actively seeking sales and discounts.

Google’s Accelerate program equipped Saudi businesses with the insights and tools necessary to navigate the evolving marketing landscape and harness the power of AI for sustainable growth and success.


Rheem Middle East opens regional HQ in Saudi Arabia

Rheem Middle East opens regional HQ in Saudi Arabia
Updated 13 October 2024
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Rheem Middle East opens regional HQ in Saudi Arabia

Rheem Middle East opens regional HQ in Saudi Arabia

As part of its ongoing commitment toward its key market of Saudi Arabia, Rheem Middle East has announced the establishment of its new regional headquarters in the Kingdom. This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s dedication to servicing its customers in the country.

At the heart of this expansion is the launch of Rheem’s state-of-the-art Innovation and Learning Center in Riyadh. The ILC serves as a pivotal hub for showcasing Rheem’s latest HVAC technologies and providing specialized training programs aimed at developing the next generation of Saudi professionals. By offering comprehensive educational programs, Rheem is equipping young Saudis with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the rapidly evolving HVAC industry, emphasizing the growth of local talent and the importance of fostering a knowledge-based economy.

Rheem’s investment in Saudi Arabia reflects the company’s commitment to servicing the local market while driving innovative HVAC solutions tailored to the market. “As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2025, we are thrilled to establish our regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia, which is a key market that plays an essential role in our global aspirations, and are committed to supporting the Kingdom’s growth” said Brian Hempenstall, vice president and general manager of Rheem Middle East.

As Rheem continues to innovate and grow, the new regional headquarters and the ILC will play a critical role in supporting the company’s expansion strategy, reinforcing its position as a thought leader in the Saudi HVAC industry.


GIB-Saudi Arabia to spread cancer awareness in Eastern Province

GIB-Saudi Arabia to spread cancer awareness in Eastern Province
Updated 13 October 2024
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GIB-Saudi Arabia to spread cancer awareness in Eastern Province

GIB-Saudi Arabia to spread cancer awareness in Eastern Province

Gulf International Bank-Saudi Arabia has announced a new partnership with the Saudi Cancer Foundation to spread cancer awareness and support society in providing necessary care for cancer patients in the Eastern Province.

The signing ceremony, which is part of the “Eastern in Pink Campaign,” was attended by Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef, GIB Chairman Abdulla Al-Zamil and Chairwoman of Saudi Cancer Foundation May Al-Jabr, along with executives and dignitaries.

Through this collaboration, GIB-Saudi Arabia will support the foundation’s initiatives to continue its mission in delivering quality healthcare and awareness programs within the Eastern Province community.

Commenting on the partnership, Al-Zamil said: “We are pleased to collaborate with the Saudi Cancer Foundation in their mission of improving the well-being of cancer patients. This partnership is part of GIB’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and reflects our efforts to contribute positively to the community we operate in and support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”

Through its CSR programs, GIB-Saudi Arabia supports many nonprofit organizations that are actively providing services to the community and contributing to community development.


Salam Mobile renews partnership with Zain KSA

Salam Mobile renews partnership with Zain KSA
Updated 12 October 2024
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Salam Mobile renews partnership with Zain KSA

Salam Mobile renews partnership with Zain KSA

The Integrated Telecom Company, known as Salam Mobile, has extended its strategic partnership with Zain KSA, a provider of telecommunications and digital services in Saudi Arabia. This newly signed agreement extends the collaboration until 2030, focusing on expanding and enhancing Salam Mobile’s services by leveraging Zain KSA’s cutting-edge hosting capabilities and advanced telecommunications infrastructure.

This collaboration aligns with Salam Mobile’s strategy to elevate user experiences, strengthen its presence, and expand its services across the Kingdom. By leveraging Zain KSA’s advanced 5G infrastructure and digital capabilities, Salam Mobile will deliver enhanced mobile solutions, while contributing to the Kingdom’s broader digital goals. The partnership also reinforces Zain KSA’s dedication to promoting digital inclusion and advancing Saudi Arabia’s telecommunications and smart services sectors. Through direct, strategic investments in innovation and expansion, Zain KSA empowers mobile virtual network operators like Salam Mobile, along with other digital service providers, to grow and actively participate in the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey.

Salam Mobile CEO Ahmed Al-Anqari said: “Our partnership with Zain KSA has been instrumental in supporting our growth and expansion plans, playing a pivotal role in our transformation as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey. With the renewal of this strategic partnership, we will leverage one of the most advanced 5G networks in the region, enabling us to expand our coverage and enhance our service and product portfolio for both individuals and businesses. This move reaffirms our commitment to building strong partnerships and harnessing cutting-edge technologies to accelerate digital transformation and support the Kingdom’s broader objectives.”

Acting CEO of Zain KSA Saad bin Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan added: “We remain committed to supporting the realization of Saudi Vision 2030 and our leadership’s aspirations to transform the Kingdom into a global hub of innovation and a smart digital economy. As a leading telecommunications provider, we recognize our duty to promote digital inclusion, which enhances the daily experiences of our customers and helps them achieve their goals. Our responsibility also extends to our partners in this vital telecom sector, particularly mobile virtual network operators. Empowerment drives impact, and inclusive partnerships yield widespread benefits. This is why we are focused on creating a level playing field that serves everyone and improves the overall quality of services and solutions. In line with this vision, we are pleased to extend our strategic partnership with Salam Mobile until 2030, building on years of successful collaboration.”

The partnership between Zain KSA and Salam Mobile, begun in 2021.


New Murabba participates in Riyadh career fair

New Murabba participates in Riyadh career fair
Updated 12 October 2024
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New Murabba participates in Riyadh career fair

New Murabba participates in Riyadh career fair

New Murabba Development Company participated in the 10th edition of the Step Ahead Career Fair in Riyadh, as part of its aim to attract the very best Saudi talent of the future. The exhibition featured a large gathering of more than 873 local and international employers within the Kingdom.

“New Murabba is committed to collaborating with various Saudi companies and sectors to attract highly skilled and ambitious talent. Our New Murabba Graduates Program is designed for both male and female graduates from local and international universities. This program aims to provide specialized and high-quality training to integrate and engage graduates, contributing to the company’s objectives and supporting Saudization plans and targets,” said Mamdouh Al-Quraishi, chief corporate services officer.

Al-Quraishi highlighted the significant engagement and attendance at the company’s exhibition pavilion, with notable interest from visitors and prospective candidates. Both male and female national talents expressed their keenness to join the New Murabba team. The company’s representatives warmly received them, addressing their queries regarding job applications and providing information about the New Murabba Graduate Program.

New Murabba is building a vibrant, modern destination in Riyadh, where innovation and technology harmonize with nature and sustainability. 

This landmark destination is set to captivate the world and pave the way for a new era in the bright future of the Kingdom.