Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress returns for bigger, better 5th edition

The two-day event will bring together experts and specialists from the global maritime transport and logistics sector.

Updated 17 September 2024

Arab News

September 17, 2024 16:11

Reinforcing the significance of the Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress in Dammam, which takes place from Sept. 18-19, several new speakers have been confirmed to the conference lineup, adding some heavyweight industry knowledge to the two-day program.

The event’s fifth edition is being held under the auspices of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, who will also make the keynote address on Day 1.

Additionally, Bahri CEO Ahmed Alsubaey, IMI CEO Abdullah Al-Ghamdi and Transport General Authority Deputy for Maritime Transport Essam M. Alammari are all now confirmed at the shipping and logistics conference and exhibition. The event will take place at Dhahran Expo and is free for industry to attend.

Also joining the prestigious speaker parade is Kaupo Laanerand, deputy minister for maritime and water affairs, Ministry of Climate, Estonia, and Poul Hestbaek, CEO, Folk Maritime.

Chris Morley, group director, Seatrade Maritime, the organizers of the event, said: “The high-profile speaker lineup is testament to the importance of this event in the shipping calendar. As the industry gathers in the Kingdom, it allows for attendees to listen and learn from industry experts and be part of discussions that impact many facets of this global industry.”

He added: “Our ultimate aim is to facilitate fruitful cooperation between the public and private sector entities that catalyzes growth for our industry.”

Over the course of the event, topics under the spotlight will include: Interconnected logistics and the supply chain of the future; Shipbuilding and repair; Digitization of maritime: The adoption of AI and machine learning; Offshore safety: The importance of maintaining world-class safety standards; and Energy transition for a sustainable future and workforce development.

The conference agenda will start with keynotes and an international virtual address from International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, as well as an industry keynote from ABS Senior Vice President Gareth Burton.

Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress is being held with founding partners Bahri and Seatrade Maritime. With its main partners, The Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, and the TGA, as well as strategic partners Saudi Aramco and IMI, the event expects more than 10,000 attendees from across 70+ countries; in addition to a record 200+ exhibitors and scores of local, regional and international speakers.

Alammari, deputy for maritime transport, TGA, said: “As we have seen from its progressive growth in attendance, which stood at an impressive 95 percent in 2023, Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress has become a key regional forum for the exchange of ideas between the brightest and best the industry has to offer.

“From policy-makers to investors, industry professionals to academics, the strength of this congress is indebted to the diversity of its attendees. The participation not only of TGA, but of our partners in Mawani, Bahri, Saudi Aramco and others, is a strong signal that the Kingdom’s policy-makers and industry giants are committed to the important dialogue taking place over the direction of travel of shipping. All of these entities have helped to shape the agenda and attract the speakers we will hear from throughout the congress.”

He added: “Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress is no longer a regional conference, but a global one, and it is TGA’s hope that it continues to grow.”

The TGA is working on an international level to advance cooperation with IMO member states to enhance global connectivity to the Kingdom.

Alammari said: “In 2024, Saudi Arabia ranked 16th globally out of 187 countries by the UN Conference on Trade and Development, reflecting the concerted efforts by the Kingdom to increase global maritime connectivity and capitalize on the Kingdom’s strategic location in line with the aspirations of Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia continues to develop the port of NEOM and NEOM’s Oxagon to be one of the world’s first fully integrated port and supply chain systems.”

The two-day event will bring together experts and specialists from the global maritime transport and logistics sector to share knowledge, experiences, and insights. It also seeks to foster investment and strategic partnerships, explore opportunities for growth, and support the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The event will also provide recommendations and proposals that will improve the maritime transport industry and enhance the sustainability of logistics services in accordance with international standards and leading models.

Driving KSA’s digital future: Cisco’s Saudi chief talks AI, cybersecurity and local talent development

Updated 14 July 2025

Arab News

July 14, 2025 11:49

Driving KSA’s digital future: Cisco’s Saudi chief talks AI, cybersecurity and local talent development

Updated 14 July 2025

Arab News

July 14, 2025 11:49

On the sidelines of Cisco Connect KSA, Salman Faqeeh, managing director of Cisco Saudi Arabia, discussed how the global technology leader is helping to accelerate the Kingdom’s digital transformation and build a future-ready economy. With nearly three decades of presence in Saudi Arabia, Cisco’s story is closely intertwined with the country’s ambitions under Vision 2030.

Powering the AI revolution in Saudi Arabia

As Saudi Arabia doubles down on its efforts to lead the AI revolution, Cisco is working hand-in-hand with government and enterprise partners to build the infrastructure of the future. Faqeeh highlighted Cisco’s groundbreaking initiative with HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia’s homegrown AI enterprise, to build one of the world’s most open and scalable AI infrastructures.

“Saudi Arabia is laying the foundation for a globally competitive AI ecosystem,” Faqeeh said. “With local data centers already operational for security cloud services and the Webex platform, and plans underway to bring the Meraki cloud to the Kingdom, Cisco is committed to enabling businesses to scale confidently in a cloud-first, AI-driven world.”

Upskilling the next generation

Beyond technology, Cisco is investing heavily in Saudi talent. Faqeeh announced the company’s plans to launch the Cisco AI Institute at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, a center dedicated to driving AI innovation and preparing the next generation of Saudi talent.

Cisco is also scaling its efforts through digital upskilling, pledging free training for 500,000 learners over the next five years in critical areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and data science. This builds on the success of Cisco’s Networking Academy, which has already trained over 401,000 learners in the Kingdom — 36 percent of whom are women.

“Our goal is to prepare Saudi talent to thrive in an AI-powered world,” Faqeeh said. “Partnerships with institutions like King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology are also helping expand the pool of Cisco Certified Internetwork Experts, ensuring the Kingdom has the skilled workforce it needs to manage complex networks that support the AI future.”

Driving local manufacturing

Cisco is also laying the groundwork for local manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia, starting with wireless technologies. According to Faqeeh, this effort will evolve in response to market demand, supporting the Kingdom’s goal of building a sustainable and diversified economy.

A rapidly advancing digital landscape

Reflecting on the pace of digital transformation, Faqeeh praised Saudi Arabia’s vision and execution. Over the past six years, the government has invested more than $24.8 billion in digital infrastructure. Internet penetration has reached 99 percent, with mobile Internet speeds surpassing 215 Mbps. The Kingdom now ranks first regionally and fourth globally for government digital services.

“Saudi Arabia is no longer just a consumer of technology; it’s becoming a global leader,” Faqeeh said. “We see immense opportunities for Cisco to contribute, especially in building AI-ready data centers, driving digital resilience, and developing future-proof workplaces.”

Strengthening cybersecurity in the age of AI

With the Kingdom accelerating its adoption of emerging technologies, cybersecurity has become a top priority. Cisco’s recent Cybersecurity Readiness Index shows that 91 percent of Saudi organizations experienced AI-related cyber incidents last year, yet an impressive 93 percent of organizations already leverage AI in strengthening security strategies.

“Cybercriminals are using AI to automate and scale their attacks. Organizations can no longer rely solely on human-scale defenses,” Faqeeh explained. “Cisco is embedding AI across its security portfolio to help SecOps teams assist, automate, and augment their capabilities.”

Cisco’s AI Defense solution protects both the development and use of AI applications, safeguarding enterprises against misuse, data leakage, and sophisticated cyberthreats. Also Cisco’s cloud security data center in Saudi Arabia powers cloud-based security services such as Secure Service Edge, Cisco Secure Access, and Umbrella DNS, providing local organizations with flexible, AI-powered protection.

Preparing for the future of industry transformation

Looking ahead, Faqeeh highlighted several critical trends shaping Saudi Arabia’s industries. AI is transforming sectors from healthcare to finance, with organizations deploying secure, scalable infrastructures to harness practical AI use cases — such as predictive maintenance and automated onboarding.

The next leap, he said, will be agentic AI: autonomous AI tools capable of learning and acting independently. Supporting this evolution will require ultra-fast, low-latency, energy-efficient networks, as well as integrated security at every layer.

“We are on the verge of an AI-powered future that is difficult to fully comprehend today,” Faqeeh said. “The infrastructure we build now — whether in networking, compute, or cybersecurity — will determine how far we can go.”

Vision 2030: A blueprint for the digital economy

Saudi Arabia’s transformation is already bearing fruit. The digital economy contributes 15 percent to the GDP, equivalent to SR495 billion ($132 billion). The ICT market surpassed SR180 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $43.5 billion by 2027. The AI sector alone is expected to add $135 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, accounting for 12 percent of the GDP.

“Vision 2030 isn’t just a set of goals — it’s a blueprint for building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy,” Faqeeh added. “At Cisco, we are proud to partner with Saudi Arabia on this journey, helping turn bold ambitions into reality.”

Luxury meets the sea at Sofitel Bahrain’s water villas

Strategically positioned for uninterrupted Arabian Sea views, these villas offer a level of privacy rarely found in the region.

Updated 14 July 2025

Arab News

July 14, 2025 00:56

Luxury meets the sea at Sofitel Bahrain’s water villas

“These overwater villas represent a new era of luxury in Bahrain, offering an experience that was once only found in remote island destinations,” said Mehdi Hanayan, cluster general manager of Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa

Updated 14 July 2025

Arab News

July 14, 2025 00:56

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa has introduced a new pinnacle of luxury hospitality with its exclusive overwater villas — an experience that seamlessly blends French refinement with Bahraini heritage. Nestled above the tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf, these four private retreats — Emerald, Ruby, Pearl and Topaz — offer an extraordinary escape, redefining seclusion and indulgence in the region.
Each villa spans an expansive 360 square meters, featuring a master suite, two additional bedrooms, an elegant living area with panoramic sea views, and a private deck with a temperature-controlled infinity pool. With space to accommodate up to nine guests, these villas provide an intimate yet ultra-luxurious retreat designed for those who seek privacy without compromise.

HIGHLIGHT

With space to accommodate up to nine guests, these villasprovide an intimate yet ultra-luxurious retreat designed for those who seek privacy without compromise.

Strategically positioned for uninterrupted Arabian Sea views, these villas offer a level of privacy rarely found in the region. Whether waking up to the sound of gentle waves or unwinding in a private infinity pool against a backdrop of breathtaking sunsets, guests are immersed in pure serenity.
Inside, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to enhance the guest experience. From Balmain Paris bathroom amenities to an integrated Bose audio system and a 65-inch Smart LED HDTV, each villa offers world-class comforts in an intimate setting. Guests can also enjoy a Nespresso coffee machine, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped dining area with a kitchenette for bespoke in-villa dining.
While the villas offer complete seclusion, guests have full access to Sofitel Bahrain’s award-winning facilities, including the renowned Thalassa Sea and Spa, pristine private beaches, and an array of fine dining options. Whether indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, enjoying a sunset stroll along the beach, or savoring exquisite French-Arabic fusion cuisine, every aspect of the Sofitel experience is designed to cater to the most refined tastes.
“These overwater villas represent a new era of luxury in Bahrain, offering an experience that was once only found in remote island destinations,” said Mehdi Hanayan, cluster general manager of Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa. “We are proud to bring this level of exclusivity to the Arabian Gulf, seamlessly blending French sophistication with Bahraini warmth to create an extraordinary retreat for our guests.”
With their exquisite design, unparalleled privacy and breathtaking setting, these villas are an experience. Whether for an intimate honeymoon, a last minute getaway, or a private family holiday — Sofitel Bahrain’s overwater villas set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the region.
Exclusive and rare, these overwater villas are available for reservations now. Escape to the Arabian Gulf’s most extraordinary retreat — where luxury meets the sea.

Topics: Sofitel Bahrain

SAB named ‘best bank’ in Saudi Arabia for 2025

Updated 14 July 2025

Arab News

July 14, 2025 00:53

SAB named ‘best bank’ in Saudi Arabia for 2025

In support of Vision 2030, SAB expanded its mortgage portfolio to SR35 billion, enhancing access to homeownership

Updated 14 July 2025

Arab News

July 14, 2025 00:53

Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in the Kingdom, has been named “Best Bank in Saudi Arabia for 2025” by Euromoney, recognizing the bank’s strong financial performance, continued digital advancement, and commitment to social responsibility over the past year.
In 2024, SAB reported a net profit of SR8.07 billion ($2.15 billion), a 15 percent increase over the previous year. Its operating income reached SR14 million, supported by a 16 percent return on tangible equity, reflecting consistent performance and effective capital deployment.
Lending remained a key area of growth, with net loans and advances rising by 20 percent to reach SR259 billion, in line with SAB’s strategy to support the financing needs of individuals and businesses across the Kingdom.
SAB continued to strengthen its digital capabilities, expanding its share of the digital payments market to 17.3 percent. The bank launched SAB 360°, an AI-powered platform offering clients real-time financial insights and streamlined onboarding processes through an enhanced KYC platform, reducing processing time by 40 percent. It also maintained its focus on convenience and security by being one of the early adopters of Samsung Pay in the local market.

In support of Vision 2030, SAB expanded its mortgage portfolio to SR35 billion, enhancing access to homeownership. The bank also progressed its ESG agenda, financing renewable energy projects generating a combined 4.5 GW of clean energy capacity, and introduced Shariah-compliant ESG investment solutions for private banking clients.
Tony Cripps, managing director and CEO of SAB, said: “This award reflects the strength of our business model, the dedication of our people, and our commitment to leading with purpose. We are proud to play a key role in shaping the future of banking in the Kingdom and supporting national transformation.”
The recognition reinforces SAB’s position as a trusted financial partner, focused on delivering long-term value to its customers, shareholders, and the broader financial ecosystem in the Kingdom.

Topics: SAB Saudi Awwal Bank

STC Bank launches new savings product ‘Numu+’

Updated 13 July 2025

Arab News

July 13, 2025 18:43

STC Bank launches new savings product ‘Numu+’

Updated 13 July 2025

Arab News

July 13, 2025 18:43

STC Bank has launched a unique savings product — “Numu+” — which will encourage customers to save through an innovative concept. It includes valuable rewards and gifts, such as luxury cars, cash, and electronic devices, offered by the bank as an incentive to grow their personal savings.

“Numu+” was primarily designed as an account that enables customers to save through a unique experience via the bank’s app. The product is in line with Vision 2030, specifically the Financial Sector Development Program, and the goal of raising the savings rate across the Kingdom from six to 10 percent. It also continues STC Bank’s efforts to introduce innovative digital products that enhance the financial solvency of various customer segments.

STC Bank’s continued growth is driven by its customer-centric digital financial services platform, which allows individual users to open a bank account with an IBAN number. This allows customers to enjoy a host of benefits, including the “Numu+” savings service, instant local and international transfers at competitive rates via mobile numbers, card services, an online store, expense monitoring and financial planning features, and other daily financial transactions, all of which have become easier than ever before.

SAB signs on as mentor in ministry’s sustainability program

Updated 13 July 2025

Arab News

July 13, 2025 00:46

SAB signs on as mentor in ministry’s sustainability program

Updated 13 July 2025

Arab News

July 13, 2025 00:46

SAB will mentor a select group of prominent organizations, including Dallah Healthcare Company, Rawabi Holding Company, Middle East Paper Company, and City Cement Company.
Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in the Kingdom, has announced its participation in the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s Sustainability Champions Program. The official signing ceremony took place on May 28 at SAB Tower, marking a key milestone in SAB’s commitment to sustainability.
The MEP Sustainability Champions Program aims to enhance sustainability performance across key sectors by partnering with organizations that demonstrate leadership and a commitment to sustainable practices. As a mentor in the program, SAB will utilize its extensive experience and resources to support and guide its mentees on their sustainability journeys.
As part of its role, SAB will mentor a select group of prominent organizations in the program, including Dallah Healthcare Company, Rawabi Holding Company, Middle East Paper Company, and City Cement Company. This initiative marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to enhance sustainability practices across key sectors and achieve Vision 2030 goals.
Tony Cripps, managing director of SAB, said: “Sustainability is no longer a choice — it’s a responsibility. Through our partnership with the MEP Sustainability Champions Program, SAB is taking tangible steps to build the knowledge infrastructure around sustainability and contribute to the Kingdom’s goals. We are proud to be part of this forward-looking initiative, which aligns with our environmental, social and governance strategy and our commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth.”
The signing ceremony marked the beginning of a strategic collaboration focused on sustainability. Senior executives from SAB and the participating mentees attended the event, emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing sustainability across key sectors.
SAB continues to demonstrate its leadership in sustainability through its comprehensive ESG strategy. The bank is actively engaged in various initiatives that foster sustainable economic development in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Through its partnerships with governmental bodies, such as the Ministry of Economy and Planning, SAB plays a key role in driving forward the Kingdom’s sustainability aspirations, contributing to long-term, positive environmental and societal impacts.

Topics: Saudi Awwal Bank

Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress returns for bigger, better 5th edition