Dar wa Emaar’s ‘Saraya Al-Fursan 2’ achieves SR450m in sales within 3 months of launch

Dar wa Emaar’s ‘Saraya Al-Fursan 2’ achieves SR450m in sales within 3 months of launch
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Dar wa Emaar’s ‘Saraya Al-Fursan 2’ achieves SR450m in sales within 3 months of launch
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Updated 05 February 2025
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Dar wa Emaar’s ‘Saraya Al-Fursan 2’ achieves SR450m in sales within 3 months of launch

Dar wa Emaar’s ‘Saraya Al-Fursan 2’ achieves SR450m in sales within 3 months of launch

Dar wa Emaar Real Estate Investment and Development Company, a pioneer in the real estate development sector in Saudi Arabia, has achieved an impressive 50 percent sales milestone, totaling SR450 million ($120 million), for its Saraya Al-Fursan 2 residential development in Al-Fursan Suburb, Riyadh, just three months after its launch. Introduced during last year’s Cityscape Global, the second phase of the project has been realized through DwE’s ongoing partnership with the National Housing Company.

Saraya Al-Fursan 2 is a testament to the enduring success of its predecessor, reflecting the deep trust and confidence clients and the NHC place in Dar wa Emaar. This second phase not only continues the legacy of quality and excellence established by the first but also signals the strength of the ongoing partnership between DwE and NHC, which has been crucial in meeting the high expectations and demands of today’s Saudi real estate market.

Commenting on the project’s resounding early-stage success, Mansour Aljfaili, sales director at DwE, said: “DwE has had the privilege of serving the Kingdom and its people for nearly two decades, during which we have witnessed the flourishing of the real estate industry and the emergence of a mature, discerning, and optimistic market. Homeownership is one of the most significant investments an individual or family can make, and Saraya Al-Fursan 2’s strong sales figures demonstrate that DwE has once again earned the trust and confidence of the public. These impressive results have also surpassed our target for the first year since the launch, reflecting the exceptional demand and confidence in our projects. We look forward to seeing Saraya Al-Fursan, and the Al-Fursan Suburb community, continue to evolve and thrive in the years to come.”

Saraya Al-Fursan 2 represents the latest milestone in DwE’s commitment to honoring Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage while addressing the current and future primary property ownership aspirations of its people. Strategically located just 10 km from King Khalid International Airport and 30 km from Riyadh Boulevard and the King Abdullah Financial District, Saraya Al-Fursan 2 offers unparalleled connectivity while enhancing quality of life with homes tailored to suit the evolving needs of today’s Saudi citizens and residents. 

This vibrant, community-focused lifestyle development offers 718 housing units across four thoughtfully designed villa models: two five-bedroom family villas and two four-bedroom villas. 

Each model blends modern and vernacular architectural motifs, with their exterior facades characterized by bold, cubic designs accented by mashrabiya screens and warm earthen tones. The interiors combine open, contemporary layouts with traditional majlis and dewaniyah spaces. Saraya Al-Fursan 2 emphasizes sustainable design with features like energy-saving LED lighting, natural marble and porcelain flooring, and high-quality construction materials ensuring durability and environmental consciousness.

Saraya Al Fursan is a key project within Al-Fursan Suburb, designed to increase the supply of quality housing in this ambitious city development. Spanning 461,683 square meters, it dedicates 41 percent of its space to residential villas, 32 percent to gardens and landscapes, and 27 percent to commercial spaces, roads, and public facilities. 


‘Maknana’ exhibition at Diriyah to feature works of over 40 Arab artists

 ‘Maknana’ exhibition at Diriyah to feature works of over 40 Arab artists
Updated 18 April 2025
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‘Maknana’ exhibition at Diriyah to feature works of over 40 Arab artists

 ‘Maknana’ exhibition at Diriyah to feature works of over 40 Arab artists

Diriyah Art Futures, the first new media arts hub in the MENA region, has announced its second major exhibition titled Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World.

Co-curated by artists and curators Haytham Nawar and Ala Younis, the exhibition will run from April 21 to July 19 at DAF at Diriyah, Riyadh.

Bringing together works by more than 40 artists from the MENA region, the exhibition features pioneering voices from across the region who have embraced and redefined technology as a medium for creative expression.

The exhibition includes notable Saudi artists such as Ahmed Mater, Muhannad Shono, and ARC (Abdullah Rashed), whose practices reflect the Kingdom’s dynamic and evolving relationship with new media.

They are joined by influential artists from across the region such as VJ Um Amel (Laila Shereen Sakr, Egypt); Emily Jacir (Palestine); Akram Zaatari (Lebanon), Abdel Hadi El-Gazzar (Egypt), Hassan Meer (Oman), Hicham Berrada (Morocco/France), Mona Hatoum (Palestine), Walid Raad (Palestine) and Farah Al-Qasimi (UAE). 

Spanning decades and disciplines, from early video art and experimental film to generative systems and expanded media, Maknana offers a rare survey of how Arab artists have engaged with and reimagined the digital landscape on their own terms.

The Arabic term ‘Maknana,’ translated as automation, inspires the exhibition’s central inquiry: how Arab artists have navigated, repurposed, and challenged technologies to shape their own creative vocabularies.

The exhibition is structured across four thematic sections, Automation, Autonomy, Ripples, and Glitch, that trace recurring artistic concerns and gestures across different generations, geographies, and technological paradigms.

Highlighting a dynamic constellation of artistic practices, Maknana includes rare archival works, recent digital experiments, and new commissions from artists working across the region and diaspora.

Their works engage with urgent sociopolitical contexts, from networked resistance and machine logic to memory preservation, speculative ecologies, and glitch aesthetics.

In tandem with the exhibition, Diriyah Art Futures will present a public program of talks, performances, screenings, and workshops, expanding on the themes of Maknana and offering visitors direct engagement with artists and thought leaders in the field of new media art.

 


Aroya to host first Saudi floating franchise expo

Aroya to host first Saudi floating franchise expo
Updated 16 April 2025
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Aroya to host first Saudi floating franchise expo

Aroya to host first Saudi floating franchise expo

The National Franchise Committee, in partnership with Aroya Cruises, has finalized preparations for the first-of-its-kind floating exhibition dedicated to franchising. The initiative, led by the Federation of Saudi Chambers, was formalized through an agreement signed by Dr. Khalid Al-Ghamdi, chairman of the National Franchise Committee, and Alaa Tashkandi, general sales manager at Aroya Cruises. The International Floating Franchise Exhibition will take place aboard the luxurious Aroya cruise ship from May 5-8.

The announcement came during a press conference held onboard the Aroya cruise in Jeddah, attended by various media representatives. The organizing committee unveiled details of the ship’s facilities that will host the expo, including halls, theaters, meeting rooms, and other logistical preparations.

Dr. Al-Ghamdi said that hosting the exhibition at sea symbolizes the global potential of Saudi brands, adding that the committee is working on a strategic initiative to accelerate the international expansion of Saudi franchises.

Tashkandi said that Aroya Cruises is fully equipped to host major exhibitions and commercial events, offering world-class amenities that promise an exceptional and unique experience for global attendees.

The Federation of Saudi Chambers, represented by the National Franchise Committee, had previously announced plans to organize the inaugural International Floating Franchise Exhibition from May 5–8, aboard the Aroya cruise ship in Jeddah.


Security leaders to unite and advance sector at Riyadh conference

Security leaders to unite and advance sector  at Riyadh conference
Updated 16 April 2025
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Security leaders to unite and advance sector at Riyadh conference

Security leaders to unite and advance sector  at Riyadh conference

The Security Middle East Conference, a pivotal gathering for the region’s leading security executives, organizations, and government officials, will return on May 13 at Voco Hotel Riyadh. This exclusive, invite-only event is designed to empower attendees with the knowledge, connections and foresight needed to navigate the evolving security landscape and drive the sector forward in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

More than just a conference, the Security Middle East Conference offers a unique platform built on three core pillars:

Networking: Forge Strategic Alliances

Attendees will have unparalleled opportunities to connect with key stakeholders, establish crucial business contacts, forge strategic alliances and develop partnerships that will shape the future of security in the Middle East.

Education: Elevate Skills and Knowledge

Attendees will gain actionable insights and cutting-edge knowledge to implement in their roles from a dynamic agenda featuring insightful keynote addresses from global thought leaders like Dr. Khalid Koser, executive director, Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, and Dr. Faisal Alfouzan, director of cybersecurity at Absher. There will also be engaging panel discussions with regional experts including representatives from International Maritime Industries, King Salman Park Foundation, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, FIFA, and Diriyah Company; practical workshops led by ICON Training Co. and others; and interactive live podcasts and tech stage presentations from leading providers including NEDAP, Limitless Technologies, Magnet Forensics, and PureTech Systems.

Future: Uncover Trends and Drive Innovation

The conference will delve into the future of security, exploring emerging threats, the integration of AI and the security implications of mega-projects. Live technology demonstrations will offer a firsthand look at the innovative solutions shaping tomorrow’s security landscape.

Attendees can further elevate their expertise by participating in a dedicated two-day masterclass led by Nadeem Iqbal, director at IFPO MENASA and global advisory board member (business growth and strategy). This intensive workshop titled “Align security with your organization’s business DNA!,” will equip security professionals with the strategies to seamlessly integrate security efforts with overarching business objectives, driving long-term success and operational excellence.

The Security Middle East Conference is supported by leading industry organizations including the Information Security Forum, The Security Institute and the International Foundation for Protection Officers, and sponsored by innovative companies including Magnet Forensics, Limitless Technologies, ThreatLocker, Convergint, Eagle Eye Networks, CTF Consoles, PureTech Systems, Allied Telesis, ICON Training, Comm Port, and NEDAP.

The event offers a vital platform for security leaders to collaborate, learn and shape the future of the industry in the Middle East.


Sustainability drives business excellence across region: PwC

Sustainability drives business excellence across region: PwC
Updated 15 April 2025
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Sustainability drives business excellence across region: PwC

Sustainability drives business excellence across region: PwC

As governments and businesses across the Middle East drive forward their economic transformation agendas, PwC Middle East has released a new report that explores the key role of sustainability in shaping future-ready business strategies.

PwC Middle East’s latest report, “Embracing sustainable transformation: The path to business excellence” provides valuable insights into how leading organizations embed sustainability into their transformation journeys, enhancing efficiency, resilience and long-term value for stakeholders.

The report comes at a pivotal time, as national visions such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and We the UAE 2031 drive the integration of environmental and social impact considerations into core business practices, an essential step toward achieving sustainable growth in the region.

Riyadh Al-Najjar, PwC Middle East chairman of the board and Saudi Arabia country senior partner, said: “Saudi Arabia’s transformational journey demonstrates how economic diversification, business growth, and sustainable development can go hand in hand. As the Kingdom creates new industries, unlocks innovation and enables a more inclusive, sustainable future for generations to come — businesses have a unique opportunity to align with this vision by embedding sustainability into their corporate strategies, operations, and culture.”

From aviation to urban development and industrial manufacturing, organizations align their sustainability goals to future-proof operations and deliver impact. The report features real-world examples of this shift in action:

•Saudi Aramco advances industrial transformation through investments in carbon capture technologies and expanding its renewable energy portfolio.

•Etihad Airways enhances fuel efficiency and invests in sustainable aviation fuels to align with the UAE’s decarbonization goals.

•Aldar Properties incorporates sustainability into its project development strategy, achieving high Estidama ratings for efficient urban development.

•Masdar City stands as a model of sustainable urban development, offering a free zone with attractive tax incentives and access for businesses focused on clean energy solutions.

 Tamer Elleisi, PwC Middle East transformation management consulting partner, said: “Embedding sustainability at the core of transformation enables businesses to unlock long-term value and strengthen their competitive advantage. In our region, it’s clear that sustainability works best when it’s part of the bigger picture, integrated into the way businesses grow, innovate, and lead.”

The initiatives support an evolving financial landscape. Compared to 2023, 2.5 times more companies in the region now plan to access green loans and bonds, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainable financing models that support national and global environmental priorities.

Despite this momentum, organizations still face critical challenges in embedding sustainability into transformation projects. Findings from last year’s “Sustainability in the Middle East” report show that one in three executives cited a lack of internal skills and sustainability expertise as a significant barrier. Additionally, 22 percent of respondents pointed to the absence of supportive government policies, while 19 percent flagged conflicting regulations across jurisdictions, emphasizing the need for harmonized policy frameworks to enable cross-border progress.

Many businesses also struggle with integrating sustainability goals into broader corporate strategies, managing sustainability-related data effectively, and securing necessary funding for long-term initiatives. To address these barriers, PwC’s approach focuses on three core lenses: strategic, operational, and cultural, designed to embed sustainability into every aspect of transformation at scale.

The strategic lens aligns sustainability with transformation objectives to unlock financial returns and long-term value. The operational lens embeds sustainable practices into day-to-day processes, leveraging AI, data, and circular economy principles to enhance agility and reduce environmental impact. The cultural lens promotes a sustainability-first mindset, driven by leadership commitment, employee upskilling, and organizational change.

Together, these three lenses enable organizations to lead with purpose, ensuring sustainability is not just a parallel track but a central driver of successful, future-ready transformation projects. From ESG-aligned KPIs to sustainable value chains, the report provides a clear framework for businesses to drive impact.

As the region moves toward a low-carbon, inclusive economy, the report underscores the urgency for both private and public sector organizations to transition from ambition to execution, leading with purpose, agility, and impact.


MBSC hosts record-breaking graduation with 476 students

MBSC hosts record-breaking graduation with 476 students
Updated 14 April 2025
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MBSC hosts record-breaking graduation with 476 students

MBSC hosts record-breaking graduation with 476 students

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the Kingdom’s world-class business school, has celebrated its largest graduating class to date, marking a significant milestone in its journey to redefine business education in Saudi Arabia. A total of 476 graduates were honored this year across the Executive MBA, Master in Finance, and Master in Management programs — an impressive 44 percent increase from 2024.

The graduating class reflects MBSC’s continued momentum and strategic expansion across the Kingdom. In 2023, the school graduated 102 students; by 2024, that number rose to 330 — and now, 476 in 2025 — demonstrating a strong and sustained growth in demand for MBSC’s programs.

This year’s graduates represent a dynamic mix of professionals from across Saudi Arabia’s key sectors, including finance, government, telecommunications, and energy. The cohort includes a rising number of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and senior executives committed to driving innovation and positive impact in their fields.

MBSC delivers its graduate programs across two locations: King Abdullah Economic City, its home campus, and Riyadh, in partnership with stc Academy. This geographic spread ensures increased accessibility while offering a consistently high standard of experiential, world-class education.

Dr. Zeger Degraeve, dean of MBSC, said: “This record-breaking class of graduates represents more than just numbers — it signals a growing community of empowered, purpose-driven leaders. Our mission is to nurture transformative individuals who will lead with clarity, creativity, and courage. These graduates are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and we are proud to be part of their journey.”

MBSC’s programs are uniquely designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s business landscape, offering hands-on, practical learning that prepares graduates to lead in complex, fast-moving environments. The school’s rigorous admission process ensures a diverse and high-calibre student body, many of whom hold key roles in both private and public sectors.

“MBSC has given me more than just an education — it gave me clarity in my leadership style and the confidence to make bold decisions,” said Ahmed Alsamaani, an Executive MBA graduate from the class of 2025.

“As a young Saudi woman in finance, this program shaped my voice and gave me the tools to make a meaningful impact in my field,” said Badour Alhejailan, a Master in Finance graduate.

Another student, Abdulrahman Khalid Alabaykan, a Master in Management graduate, added: “Studying at MBSC while continuing my career allowed me to apply what I learned in real time, transforming the way I contribute to my workplace.”

MBSC continues to strengthen its position as a hub for high-impact, future-focused education in the Kingdom. With its pragmatic, entrepreneurial approach to teaching and learning, the college remains committed to developing principled, effective leaders who will play an essential role in achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions.