New Murabba showcases visionary hospitality development at FHS

New Murabba showcases visionary hospitality development at FHS
New Murabba CEO Michael Dyke joined BBC presenter Stephen Sackur for an interview.
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Updated 08 October 2024
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New Murabba showcases visionary hospitality development at FHS

New Murabba showcases visionary hospitality development at FHS

New Murabba Development Company — a PIF company, was the platinum sponsor of the Future Hospitality Summit, which took place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 in Dubai. As a forward-thinking player in the hospitality industry, New Murabba is committed to seizing opportunities and staying ahead of industry trends. The company engages with key stakeholders across the hospitality spectrum, including industry leaders, investors, and developers, while sharing its ambitious vision for sustainable growth in the sector.

At the event, the executive team, led by New Murabba CEO Michael Dyke, outlined the company’s roadmap for advancing the hospitality landscape. Dyke presented an ambitious plan focused on the development of infrastructure, the establishment of seamless transportation systems, the improvement of recreational facilities, and the modernization of lifestyle amenities. These efforts are central to revitalizing key hospitality sectors, including hotels, hospitality centers, and retail destinations.

“Our goal is to establish New Murabba as a premier destination for tourism and hospitality in the region. We are fully committed to pushing boundaries, setting new benchmarks in sustainable urban development, and embracing the ongoing evolution of this dynamic industry. We believe that the hospitality sector plays a crucial role in fostering vibrant communities and boosting the local economy,” said Dyke.

New Murabba will incorporate 27 million square meters of premium real estate distributed across 18 communities, with an estimated population exceeding 400,000. This destination will serve as a model for urban planning, boasting seamless transportation and sustainable infrastructure. Furthermore, it will accommodate more than 100,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, and 500,000 square meters of retail space. Additionally, it will feature various entertainment venues, educational institutions, health care facilities, and a 45,000-seat stadium.

New Murabba is redefining urban living with its “born smart” city concept, offering modern, high-quality homes. With world-class amenities, state-of-the-art schools, healthcare facilities and seamless integration with the broader Riyadh metropolitan area, it provides unmatched convenience.

One of the primary highlights presented at the summit was the Mukaab, which is the world’s largest and most complex structure. It comprises mixed-use properties that encompass all asset classes. Spanning more than 2 million square meters of floor space, the Mukaab redefines luxury with immersive shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. This awe-inspiring cube-shaped structure, standing 400 meters in width, height, and depth, is large enough to house 20 Empire State Buildings. 

It integrates modern Najdi architectural design with state-of-the-art digital and holographic technologies, offering visitors a unique fusion of premium hospitality, retail, cultural experiences, and entertainment.

During the summit, Dyke joined BBC presenter Stephen Sackur for an exclusive television interview, where they discussed New Murabba’s forward-looking vision and its latest developments. In addition, New Murabba Director of Development Stephen Rossouw participated in a panel discussion titled “Branded Residences: A New Era in Real Estate Investment,” delving into how New Murabba plans to transform the hospitality landscape.

By sponsoring the Future Hospitality Summit, New Murabba reaffirms its dedication to becoming a key player in the global tourism and hospitality industry. Through active participation in discussions that shape the future of hospitality, the company is poised to make a lasting impact on Saudi Arabia and beyond.


Line Investments & Property sweeps 21 awards at MECS+R MENA 2024

Line Investments & Property sweeps 21 awards at MECS+R MENA 2024
Updated 10 November 2024
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Line Investments & Property sweeps 21 awards at MECS+R MENA 2024

Line Investments & Property sweeps 21 awards at MECS+R MENA 2024

 

Line Investments and Property SP LLC, a subsidiary of LuLu International Holding, has announced its outstanding success at the MECS+R Shopping Center and Retailer Awards 2024. The company’s portfolio of malls earned a total of 21 prestigious awards, solidifying its leadership in the retail and property management industry across the MENA region.

These awards highlight the company’s dedication to excellence in innovation, design, customer engagement, and sustainability within its shopping destinations. Each local and regional accolade reflects the strategic efforts by Line Investments and Property to enhance the shopping and lifestyle experience for millions of visitors.

Gogi George, general manager of projects and leasing at LuLu International Holding, Oman, said: “The MECS+R regional accolades underscore our steadfast commitment to delivering world-class projects that merge global standards with regional relevance. We are proud of our accomplishments and will continue striving for excellence in every aspect of our developments.”

Nemil Nazeer, general manager of LuLu International Holding, Saudi Arabia, said: “Receiving such significant recognition on a regional scale validates our strategic vision and hard work. It reinforces our commitment to creating sustainable and innovative retail environments that uphold the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.”

Sanju Philip, commercial executive at LuLu International Holding, Qatar, added: “The MECS+R awards are a powerful acknowledgment of our relentless drive to establish new benchmarks in the industry. It is inspiring to see our collaborative efforts recognized, and we remain dedicated to delivering excellence and innovation across all our projects, particularly in the dynamic retail landscape of the GCC countries.”

Praveen C. Y., CSM, CAMP, general manager of shopping mall management, Bahrain, said: “The MECS+R awards underscore our dedication to crafting vibrant and inclusive retail spaces that resonate with our diverse community. This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to elevating the shopping experience in Bahrain, and we look forward to continuing our journey of innovation and excellence in every project.”

Awards won by Line Investments and Property

Gold Winner Award

  • Sustainability Excellence Award — Sustainability efforts at Forsan Central Mall
  • Marketing Excellence Awards — Treasure hunt, Al-Wahda Mall

Silver Winner Award

  • Sustainability Excellence Award — Al-Khor Mall, Qatar
  • Design and Development Award — Al-Falah Central Mall
  • Marketing Excellence Awards — Operation Smile, Al-Wahda Mall
  • Marketing Excellence Award — Slow Cycle Race, Mushrif Mall
  • Marketing Excellence Award — Sustainability efforts at Forsan Central Mall
  • Marketing Excellence Awards — Motorshow, Al-Wahda Mall
  • Marketing Excellence Award — Bramayugam movie trailer launch, Al-Wahda Mall
  • Sales Promotions — Food Fiesta Season 2, Mushrif Mall
  • Marketing Excellence Award — Mall Millionaire 3.0, Line Investments and Property 
  • Marketing Excellence Award — Food Fiesta 2.0, Mushrif Mall
  • Marketing Excellence Award — Line Investments and Star Cinema, Line Investments
  • Marketing Excellence Award – Indoor Family Run, Silicon Central
  • Marketing Excellence Award — Petting Zoo, Sharjah Central
  • Marketing Excellence Award — Celebrate Eid with Cocomelon, Silicon Central Mall
  • Marketing Excellence Award — RAK Mall Cup, Badminton Tournament and Sports Bash
  • Marketing Excellence Award — Science Show, Lulu Mall Fujairah
  • Marketing Excellence Award — Hala Taxi Collaboration, Silicon Central Mall
  • Marketing Excellence Award — Winter Glow, Silicon Central
  • Marketing Excellence Award — Nutri Fest, Lulu Mall Fujairah

Chalhoub Group hosts skincare experts in Riyadh event

Group President of Chalhoub Group Patrick Chalhoub at the opening of The Skincare Edition: Unfiltered event in Riyadh.
Group President of Chalhoub Group Patrick Chalhoub at the opening of The Skincare Edition: Unfiltered event in Riyadh.
Updated 10 November 2024
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Chalhoub Group hosts skincare experts in Riyadh event

Group President of Chalhoub Group Patrick Chalhoub at the opening of The Skincare Edition: Unfiltered event in Riyadh.

Chalhoub Group hosted “The Skincare Edition: Unfiltered” in Riyadh, in collaboration with Hia Hub 4.0, from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. The event took place at the bustling JAX district, offering an unparalleled skincare experience featuring immersive workshops, insightful panel discussions, and live demonstrations.
The five-day program featured both professional and B2C talks, offering deep insights into personalized skincare. Attendees had the opportunity to learn directly from experts through panels and interactive sessions designed to transform skincare routines and ideologies. During the summit, Chalhoub Group unveiled the findings from its intelligence report on “Gen Z’s Skincare Evolution in GCC.”
Featured speakers and panelists included a lineup of dermatologists, experts and industry leaders, including Chairman of Shiseido EMEA Franck Marilly, MD of L’Oréal Middle East Laurent Duffier, CEO of Waldencast Michel Brousset, Founder and CGO of Waldencast Hend Sebti, Group President of Chalhoub Group Patrick Chalhoub, Regional Managing Director of Sephora Middle East Hasmik Panossian, VP Retail Commercial and Business Development EMEA of Estée Lauder Companies Henk van der Mark, Managing Director of Faces Beauty ME Nicole Nitschke, and Group President of Finoli Pierre Juhen, among others.
Leading tech companies discussed the latest innovations in skincare, with contributions from Anna Germanos, group director of CPF, retail, e-commerce and luxury, META; Hala Zgeib, head of luxury, MENA Snap Inc.; and Aref Yehia, head of retail and e-commerce, TikTok.
Global researchers and experts such as Jennifer Palmer, senior vice president, global skincare category and brand scientific authority strategy of Estée Lauder Companies, and Dr. Annie Black, international scientific director of Lancôme, also shared insights.
Visitors also attended engaging sessions with their favorite creators like Noor Stars and an inspiring panel featuring Yara Namlah and Amani Al-Ayed on “Generational Beauty: Inheriting Skincare Wisdom.” Another insightful session was “Facial Fitness: A Skincare Masterclass with Face Gym Founder Inge Theron,” where Inge talked about her journey as a founder and on facial fitness. The event featured brand experiences that encompassed all aspects of skincare, including wellness. Visitors explored the “Wellness Hub” by L’Occitane and “Skincare Nation” by Faces to enhance their skincare journey.
The event also feature unique workshops such as “Decoding Skincare with The Ordinary,” “Potential Has No Age by Shiseido,” “The Power of Science-backed Skincare and Beauty Tech with Lancôme,” “Discover The Guerlain Skincare Essentials With The Secret Of Facialist Gesture,” and “Unlocking The Secrets To Youthful, Radiant Skin.” The workshops offered attendees the opportunity to deep-dive into tailored skincare solutions.

 


GFH and GWC join forces to develop logistics facilities

Razi Almerbati, CEO of GFH Capital, and Matthew Kearns, deputy CEO at GWC.
Razi Almerbati, CEO of GFH Capital, and Matthew Kearns, deputy CEO at GWC.
Updated 10 November 2024
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GFH and GWC join forces to develop logistics facilities

Razi Almerbati, CEO of GFH Capital, and Matthew Kearns, deputy CEO at GWC.

GFH Financial Group, a financial institution with a strong focus on the logistics sector, has signed a heads of terms agreement with Gulf Warehousing Company, one of the GCC’s top logistics providers. The collaboration will see GFH power GWC’s expansion plans by developing 200,000 square meters of Grade “A” logistics facilities across key locations in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
As part of the heads of terms, GFH will finance and oversee the development of these state-of-the-art logistics spaces, tailored to meet GWC’s specific operational requirements. GWC will lead the technical development of these facilities while being the anchor tenant once completed. GWC will leverage its expertise in logistics and supply chain solutions to ensure the facilities are optimized to serve the clients’ needs. This signing is part of GFH’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s logistics infrastructure, which aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives to diversify the economy and establish the country as a global logistics hub.

Our collaboration with GWC marks a significant step in advancing Saudi Arabia’s logistics infrastructure, says Razi Almerbati, Chief Executive of GFH Capital

Razi Almerbati, chief executive of GFH Capital, said: “Our collaboration with GWC marks a significant step in advancing Saudi Arabia’s logistics infrastructure. By combining GFH’s financial strength and focus on the logistics sector with GWC’s logistics prowess, we are confident this development will further cement Saudi Arabia’s position as a logistics leader in the region.”
Matthew Kearns, deputy CEO at GWC, said: “This heads of terms with GFH will open the horizon to tailored supply chain solutions that meet the increasing demand for high quality logistics solutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, further supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. GWC is proud to deploy its logistics and supply chain expertise, offering world-class logistics solutions for clientele across the Kingdom.”
The heads of terms state that GWC will be responsible for operating the logistics facilities to serve its expanding client base across the Kingdom, incorporating cutting-edge technologies, highest sustainability standards and optimal operational infrastructure to meet the highest industry standards. The facilities will provide GWC with the capacity to manage and optimize its logistics operations efficiently, supporting the company’s growth and enhancing the country’s logistics capabilities.

 


SingleView showcases transformative open banking solutions

Photo: (@SingleViewCo)
Photo: (@SingleViewCo)
Updated 10 November 2024
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SingleView showcases transformative open banking solutions

Photo: (@SingleViewCo)

SingleView, a leader in fintech and open banking services, participated in the Seamless Saudi 2024 exhibition and conference, held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center from Oct. 22-24. The company highlighted its dedication to driving innovation in digital commerce through its cutting-edge open banking services.
During the event, SingleView announced two strategic partnerships with prominent industry players, namely Al-Dawaa Pharmacy and Lendo Saudi Arabia. These partners will leverage SingleView’s innovative platform to enhance their financial operations, marking a significant step in advancing their digital transformation across key sectors in Saudi Arabia. These partnerships reflect SingleView’s growing influence in the financial sector and its mission to support the acceleration of digital innovation.

HIGHLIGHT

During the event, SingleView announced two strategic partnerships with prominent industry players namely, Al-Dawaa Pharmacy and Lendo Saudi Arabia.

Abdulrhman Alarifi, chief executive of SingleView, said: “These collaborations highlight SingleView’s unwavering drive to redefine financial services in Saudi Arabia. By harnessing the power of open banking, we are not only transforming the financial landscape but also paving the way for a more innovative, inclusive, and digitally empowered future.”
Alarifi joined a keynote panel on Oct. 23, discussing Saudi Arabia’s journey in taking open banking from vision to reality and emphasizing its impact in driving forward financial advancements.
Eugene Williams, head of product at SingleView, captivated crowds with his presentation on the topic “Open Banking PIS: Why Should I Care?” delving into the importance of payment initiation services and how businesses can benefit from these advancements.
Headquartered in Riyadh, SingleView is a fintech company offering open banking and financial solutions. With partnerships established with all major Saudi banks, the company is dedicated to transforming financial services on a global scale.

Their mission is to empower businesses in every industry to drive profitability, enhance customer engagement, and achieve long-term success.

 


Saudia Cargo names Loay Mashabi as new CEO

SkyTeam Cargo, has announced the appointment of Loay Mashabi as its new chief executive officer
SkyTeam Cargo, has announced the appointment of Loay Mashabi as its new chief executive officer
Updated 07 November 2024
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Saudia Cargo names Loay Mashabi as new CEO

SkyTeam Cargo, has announced the appointment of Loay Mashabi as its new chief executive officer

Saudia Cargo, a leader in global air cargo transportation and member of the biggest air cargo alliance SkyTeam Cargo, has announced the appointment of Loay Mashabi as its new chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1, 2025. He is also the managing director of Saudia Cargo. 

Mashabi succeeds Teddy Zebitz as CEO, who has led Saudia Cargo to record success, driving innovation and solidifying its leading position. Zebitz will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors. 

“During Teddy’s tenure, we have achieved remarkable milestones and navigated through numerous challenges, all while maintaining our commitment to performance and service excellence,” said Abdulkareem Abualnasr, board chairman of Saudia Cargo. “Teddy’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in building the capabilities of our company and in executing our strategies, and we are deeply grateful for all his valuable contributions.”

Mashabi joined Saudia Cargo as board member in August 2021 and became the managing director in October 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in the transportation and logistics sector. Prior to joining Saudia Cargo, he served as deputy minister for logistics services at the Ministry of Transportation and Logistics Services, and deputy governor for planning and development of the General Authority of Customs. He also served as CEO of the inception phase of the Soudah Development at the Public Investment Fund.

Under Mashabi’s leadership, Saudia Cargo will focus on accelerating its growth, expanding its international network, and advancing Saudi Vision 2030’s logistics sector goals, enabling the Kingdom’s transformation by securing essential goods and providing customer-centric solutions that help businesses thrive and industries grow. 

He holds an executive MBA from London Business School and a BSc in petroleum engineering from King Fahd University.