TDF reinforces Kingdom’s position as top global tourism hub

Updated 16 November 2024

Arab News

November 16, 2024 22:03

The Tourism Development Fund concluded its participation in the World Travel Market in London, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global tourism hub, having highlighted the vast investment opportunities in the Kingdom’s tourism sector, a TDF press release said.

Over the course of the event, TDF engaged with top industry leaders, investors, and decision-makers from around the world to attract high-value foreign investments that align with the National Tourism Strategy and support Saudi Vision 2030.

As part of the Saudi Land pavilion, TDF showcased a diverse range of current and future projects boosting the Kingdom’s tourism sector, and highlighted its suite of innovative financing solutions and investment incentives.

These efforts were crowned with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Dusit International, which focuses on developing luxury hospitality projects at key destinations across Saudi Arabia, offering guests unique and superior tourism experiences.

Throughout the event, TDF representatives provided in-depth briefings on the fund’s initiatives and achievements, and underscored TDF’s critical role in supporting tourism ventures and developing premier tourism destinations that align with Saudi Arabia’s long-term tourism vision.

The team also emphasized the significance of international collaboration, which is instrumental in building a sustainable tourism sector that benefits both investors and visitors.

In addition to promoting Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for tourism investments, TDF highlighted the Kingdom’s development to strategic partnerships in various sectors, particularly in hospitality and leisure tourism.

It reiterated its commitment to backing high-impact projects that will help achieve the Saudi Vision 2030 target of increasing the contribution of tourism to the national economy.

According to TDF, its participation in the World Travel Market is the culmination of its continuous efforts to make Saudi Arabia a top destination for tourism investment. It also reaffirms the fund’s commitment to supporting sustainable projects that expand the tourism offerings and services available to both visitors and investors, in line with the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global tourism powerhouse.

Lumi opens largest service and maintenance center in Tabuk

Updated 12 March 2025

Arab News

March 12, 2025 22:30

Lumi opens largest service and maintenance center in Tabuk

Updated 12 March 2025

Arab News

March 12, 2025 22:30

Lumi, a leading mobility provider in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has announced the opening of its new center in Tabuk’s new industrial area.

Set across an extensive 4,500 sq.m., it is Lumi’s largest service and maintenance center in the Kingdom, as well as their first in the north, underscoring their commitment to enhance customer service through timely expansion.

Equipped to serve both cars and buses, the state-of-the-art new service and maintenance center is fitted out to facilitate both B2B and B2C services.

With the capacity to handle 30 vehicles daily, it further amplifies Lumi’s capabilities to scale up efficiency on the back of cutting-edge technology.

The new opening takes Lumi’s total service centers in Saudi Arabia to four.

Syed Azfar Shakeel, CEO of Lumi, said: “Saudi Arabia’s dynamic growth trajectory calls for an agile and resilient land mobility sector to keep pace with the growing needs of the local economy. Lumi’s expansion strategy in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 has seen us enhancing our offerings to serve the requirements of a booming local sector. The opening of our new center in Tabuk, is part of our long-term strategy to augment our operational excellence in the region and amplify our innovative offerings to our valued customers.”

Lumi’s state-of-the-art service and maintenance centers located in Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar, and now Tabuk will enhance support to their ever-expanding customer base in the region. Other than routine maintenance work in line with Lumi’s commitment to provide a young reliable fleet of vehicles to ensure the safety and well-being of drivers, the new center is also equipped to handle damaged vehicles.

With its fleet of over 35,000 new and well-maintained vehicles spread across 41 locations in the Kingdom, Lumi offers convenient and seamless booking experience enhanced by efficient customer service built on technology, efficiency and scale.

As one of Saudi Arabia’s leading car rental and leasing companies, with branches across 18 cities, they are well-equipped to meet the demands of the Kingdom’s growing population.

LuLu, Tadweer join forces for a food waste recycling initiative in Saudi Arabia

Updated 12 March 2025

Arab News

March 12, 2025 22:29

LuLu, Tadweer join forces for a food waste recycling initiative in Saudi Arabia

Updated 12 March 2025

Arab News

March 12, 2025 22:29

LuLu Hypermarket, a leading retail chain, has partnered with Tadweer to launch a groundbreaking food waste recycling project, aiming to promote sustainability and responsible waste management. The agreement was officially signed on Jan. 23 in the presence of senior representatives from both organizations.

The initiative focuses on collecting food waste from hotels, restaurants, and markets across the region and transforming it into organic compost with the support of Tadweer’s specialized recycling facilities.

The process involves multiple stages, including waste collection, sorting, chopping, fermentation, and final compost production.

By diverting food waste from landfills and converting it into valuable compost, the project contributes to sustainable development goals, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s vision for an environmentally responsible future.

The signing ceremony was attended by Hesham Aljabr from Tadweer and key executives from LuLu Hypermarket, including Muhammad Ahmad Abdul Jalil Bubushait, executive manager; Moiz Nuruddin, regional director, Eastern Province; Zaid Battal Al-Subaie, administration manager; Salam Sulaiman, regional manager; and Amr Mohmed, regional commercial manager.

LuLu remains committed to fostering green initiatives and supporting innovative solutions that contribute to a healthier planet.

Carrier opens its new Middle East experience center in Dammam

Updated 11 March 2025

Arab News

March 11, 2025 23:36

Carrier opens its new Middle East experience center in Dammam

Updated 11 March 2025

Arab News

March 11, 2025 23:36

Carrier in the Middle East proudly announces the opening of its newest Carrier Experience Center in Dammam.

This premier training hub will serve channel partners, customers, and educational institutions across Saudi Arabia, reinforcing Carrier’s commitment to industry development and knowledge sharing. Carrier is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.

Designed to provide hands-on training and in-depth technical knowledge on Carrier’s advanced HVAC technologies, the center offers structured courses, practical demonstrations and expert-led workshops. It will enable channel partners and customers to enhance their skills and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Additionally, the center will collaborate with universities and educational institutions, offering specialized programs to equip the next generation of HVAC professionals with essential knowledge and expertise.

“Carrier has always been committed to empowering our partners and customers with the latest knowledge and technological advancements,” said Tony Jabbour, managing director, Carrier Middle East. “The launch of the Carrier Experience Center in Dammam reflects our dedication to strengthening technical capabilities in the region and supporting the future of the HVAC industry in Saudi Arabia.”

The center also features a comprehensive product display showcasing Carrier’s latest HVAC products and solutions. This display enables customers to experience firsthand the cutting-edge technologies and innovations that Carrier offers, helping them make informed decisions about their HVAC needs.

Salman Zebian, general manager, Carrier Saudi Arabia, added: “This new facility will serve as a center of excellence, offering best-in-class training and resources to our partners and customers. By extending our expertise to educational institutions, we are also fostering talent development and preparing future leaders in the HVAC sector.”

The opening event was attended by key customers and Carrier team members, underscoring the company’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the region. The Carrier Experience Center in Dammam marks a significant step in Carrier’s mission to enhance industry knowledge and technical proficiency in Saudi Arabia.

Aldar partners with The Digital School to support communities, empower future

Updated 11 March 2025

Arab News

March 11, 2025 23:34

Aldar partners with The Digital School to support communities, empower future

Updated 11 March 2025

Arab News

March 11, 2025 23:34

Aldar has signed a partnership with The Digital School, a Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiative, to support the groundbreaking “Donate Your Own Device” campaign. Aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community, this collaboration underscores Aldar’s unwavering commitment to enhancing digital access to education, ensuring that students locally and internationally have the tools they need to thrive.

The “Donate Your Own Device” campaign is a powerful initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide worldwide by encouraging individuals and organizations to contribute unused laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices. In a world where technology is integral to education, this campaign is creating a path to opportunity for students who lack the necessary resources to access digital learning.

As part of this collaboration, Aldar will contribute AED 500,000 as well as donating used electronic devices from its offices, schools, and communities, promoting a circular economy. This collective effort will not only provide essential tools for online learning but will also empower students to engage with educational content, develop critical digital skills, and unlock their potential for a brighter future.

Faisal Falaknaz, chief financial and sustainability officer at Aldar, said: “Our partnership with The Digital School is a testament to Aldar’s belief that education is a fundamental right and a powerful catalyst for change. Bridging the digital divide is essential in today’s world, and this impactful initiative will enable every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, to access quality education and equip them with the tools they need to succeed. We are not only investing in individuals but also contributing to a brighter, more equitable future.”

Dr. Waleed Al-Ali, secertary-general of The Digital School, said: “Our collaboration with Aldar marks a pivotal step in closing the digital gap and expanding access to digital education for students in need across the globe. The ‘Donate Your Own Device’ initiative goes beyond simply redistributing technology—it’s an investment in the future, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

This partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, flexible education, working alongside dedicated partners who share our vision for a more inclusive and sustainable learning experience.”

Mastercard, LikeCard launch family banking solution to make smart spending simpler

Updated 11 March 2025

Arab News

March 11, 2025 23:33

Mastercard, LikeCard launch family banking solution to make smart spending simpler

Updated 11 March 2025

Arab News

March 11, 2025 23:33

Mastercard and LikeCard, one of the leading platforms of e-commerce prepaid cards in the Middle East and North Africa region, have partnered to launch an innovative family banking solution designed to enhance financial literacy and responsible spending.

The platform empowers parents and children with a seamless and secure digital banking experience, helping families make smarter financial decisions together.

With AI-powered financial tools integrated into a simple smartphone app, the solution makes it easier for families to track expenses, set spending limits, and teach children essential money management skills. Parents gain real-time oversight, while children develop healthy financial habits through interactive learn-and-reward features.

“At Mastercard, we believe financial literacy is the foundation of economic empowerment. By partnering with LikeCard, we are equipping families across MENA with the knowledge and tools to build responsible financial futures. This solution reimagines banking for the digital age, fostering smarter spending and saving habits for the ‘digital natives’ generation,” said Muhammad Nana, senior vice president, digital partnerships and enablers, Mastercard EEMEA.

The platform’s Earn, Spend, and Save feature allows children to earn rewards for completing chores, set savings goals, and develop responsible money habits.

“LikeCard was founded to bridge financial access gaps with innovative, user-friendly digital solutions. Our collaboration with Mastercard brings an AI-driven family banking experience to the region, empowering families with financial literacy tools while enhancing security and convenience,” said Ammar Alsoos, CEO, LikeCard.

Beyond banking, the solution offers personalized savings opportunities, including cashback rewards and discounts on education, entertainment, health, and virtual investments. Families can also access tailored financial products such as installment plans and lending solutions, making it easier to manage expenses and plan for the future.

By simplifying financial education and embedding responsible spending tools into everyday life, Mastercard and LikeCard are helping families across MENA build a smarter, more secure financial future-together.

TDF reinforces Kingdom’s position as top global tourism hub