Ruder Finn Atteline unveils new brand identity

Updated 09 April 2025

Arab News

April 09, 2025 22:48

After nearly 10 years in the region, Ruder Finn Atteline, formerly Atteline, is strengthening its proposition as the MENA arm of Ruder Finn with local insight and global capabilities. With a fresh brand identity and newly designed logo combining Ruder Finn’s 75 years of global expertise alongside Atteline’s hallmark creativity and culture, the integrated communications agency is now gearing up to set a new pace for the decade ahead.

Aligning with its global “What’s Next” positioning — a commitment to always remaining one step ahead of industry trends and leading with a data-driven, digital-first, early-adopter mindset — Ruder Finn Atteline is now doubling down on enhancing client experiences and innovatively empowering employees.

As part of this vision, Ruder Finn Atteline is preparing to launch its Content Hub, a first-of-its-kind platform for the region to prioritize authentic storytelling in an era increasingly dominated by AI-generated content. This move aligns with the ongoing expansion of its Digital Division, ensuring that both verticals work in tandem as integral components of the integrated communications ecosystem.

The dual-headquartered agency in MENA (Riyadh and Dubai) is also bolstering its leadership team within its consumer and corporate divisions, with three senior positions having been named. These efforts are being made to support growth with unity, boost leadership abilities, and further broaden the agency’s capabilities to meet the evolving demands of the market.

Kathy Bloomgarden, CEO of Ruder Finn, said: “As the communications landscape shifts amidst AI advancement and ongoing innovation, staying ahead means embracing change with bold thinking and innovative solutions. This is exactly what the integration of Atteline and Ruder Finn achieves. We have united a powerful combination of global expertise and regional creativity, positioning us to deliver next-generation strategies tailored for MENA. With a strong foundation in digital, data, and AI-driven storytelling, Ruder Finn Atteline is poised to help clients navigate what’s next — not tomorrow, but today.”

Sophie Simpson, managing director of Ruder Finn Atteline — MENA, added: “Continually pioneering the future of communications for the past 70-plus years, Ruder Finn has evolved into one of the world’s largest independent agencies today.”

As Ruder Finn Atteline, we maintain the core elements — creativity and culture — that have brought us success for almost a decade, whilst offering the global expertise and know-how of Ruder Finn. This evolution uniquely positions us as a center of thinking for growth to build an agency of the future, one where data-driven insights, creativity, and technology-driven strategies lead the way.”

Leveraging Ruder Finn’s global tech capabilities, namely its Tech Hub, Ruder Finn Atteline is integrating advanced solutions to boost both internal operations and external offerings. In addition to introducing new divisions and bolstering existing ones, the agency is also strengthening its Sonar and crisis communications offerings, recognized as among the agency’s most impactful services. Building on this strong foundation, the agency is expanding its expertise into the sports and entertainment, automotive and travel and tourism sectors.

SAS showcases future of AI-powered policing

Updated 24 May 2025

Arab News

May 24, 2025 22:04

SAS showcases future of AI-powered policing

Updated 24 May 2025

Arab News

May 24, 2025 22:04

SAS, a global leader in data and AI, demonstrated its transformative capabilities for modern law enforcement and public safety at the World Police Summit 2025, held in Dubai from May 13–15. At the event, SAS highlighted how data-driven intelligence is enabling safer cities, smarter policing, and greater public trust through solutions in AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics.

The SAS booth featured immersive, real-time demonstrations of its latest innovations, including autonomous AI agents, digital twins, AI co-pilots, and trusted AI governance frameworks. These technologies are being actively applied to critical areas such as organized crime detection, child protection, financial crime investigation, narcotics enforcement, and digital forensics.

Michel Ghorayeb, managing director of SAS UAE, emphasized the urgency and opportunity for agencies to modernize, saying: “As the world evolves, crime is becoming more sophisticated, data more abundant, and threats more versatile than ever. No agency can face this complexity alone. Collaboration powered by AI and intelligent decisioning is now essential to predict, detect, and respond with precision. These technologies empower officers to stay ahead of evolving threats and deliver safer outcomes. In today’s landscape, technology is no longer optional, it has become the foundation of modern policing.”

At the World Police Summit, Mohamed Mysara, public sector principal business solutions manager at SAS, showcased how AI and agentic intelligence are redefining the aviation landscape.

Mysara highlighted real-world use cases where SAS enables airports and authorities to move from reactive to autonomous operations, from early warning and risk detection to real-time resource reallocation and cross-agency coordination.

He demonstrated how agentic AI not only delivers role-specific intelligence, but also takes proactive action, reallocating gates and resources during flight delays or unforeseen circumstances, alerting third-party vendors, mobilizing and optimizing staffing

SAS has a long-standing commitment to empowering public sector organizations in the Middle East and beyond. In the UAE, SAS has contributed to impactful initiatives including cooperation with Dubai Police, Emirates Health Services, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority.

With AI adoption accelerating globally, SAS is at the forefront of data innovation for law enforcement. By combining domain expertise, advanced analytics, and trusted governance, SAS is enabling agencies to act faster, smarter, and with greater confidence.

LuLu’s ‘British Food Week 2025’ shines a spotlight on prominent UK brands

Updated 22 May 2025

Arab News

May 22, 2025 14:02

LuLu’s ‘British Food Week 2025’ shines a spotlight on prominent UK brands

Updated 22 May 2025

Arab News

May 22, 2025 14:02

LuLu Retail has officially inaugurated “British Food Week 2025” across all its stores in Saudi Arabia, offering customers a week-long celebration of British products and exclusive in-store promotions. The event highlights the strong trade ties between Saudi Arabia and the UK, emphasizing the quality and heritage of British brands.

The launch ceremony took place at LuLu’s Diplomatic Quarter branch in Riyadh and was officiated by British Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Neil Crompton. He was joined by Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Hypermarkets Saudi Arabia, as well as senior representatives from the British Embassy and LuLu management.

Running until May 27, British Food Week 2025 features more than 3,438 British products representing 367 established and trusted UK brands. The diverse range includes fresh and frozen foods, dairy items, snacks, beverages, packaged groceries, and health-focused options such as organic and gluten-free products.

As part of this year’s campaign, LuLu has introduced 40 new items from seven leading UK brands, offering customers in Saudi Arabia exclusive early access to innovative products entering the market. This initiative reflects LuLu’s commitment to delivering high-quality international products through strong sourcing partnerships and seamless logistics.

Ambassador Crompton said: “I’m delighted to be part of the opening of British Food Week 2025 at LuLu. It’s wonderful to see so many familiar UK products available here in Saudi Arabia, from classic teas and cheeses to new innovations. Events like these remind us that trade is not just about numbers, but about people, tastes, and shared experiences. I thank LuLu for their continued support in bringing British products closer to Saudi consumers.”

Mohammed added: “British Food Week is one of our most anticipated events, and we’re proud to bring it back across all LuLu stores in Saudi Arabia. It’s a celebration of British quality and a reflection of our strong sourcing partnerships with UK suppliers. With the continued support of our logistics and packaging center in Birmingham, we’re able to ensure that a wide variety of British products reach our shelves smoothly and consistently, offering our customers the best of the UK every year.”

British Food Week 2025 is currently live across all LuLu outlets in the Kingdom, featuring exclusive promotions and a curated selection of premium British products.

SAB and HSBC to power Riyadh Air’s expansion across Mideast, Asia

Updated 22 May 2025

Arab News

May 22, 2025 10:02

SAB and HSBC to power Riyadh Air’s expansion across Mideast, Asia

Updated 22 May 2025

Arab News

May 22, 2025 10:02

Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in Saudi Arabia, and HSBC, the global banking and financial services organization, have together been awarded the Middle East and Asia cash management mandate for Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s digital native carrier, as it prepares to commence operations this year.

For more than 70 years, HSBC and SAB’s banking partnership has enabled clients in the Kingdom to grow domestically and expand internationally.

Together, SAB and HSBC will work closely with Riyadh Air to provide an integrated and seamless cash management program to manage all payment and liquidity needs across the two regions.

As a domestic house bank, SAB will oversee operations within Riyadh Air’s home market of Saudi Arabia when it begins operations, including facilitating payments and liquidity management. Additionally, SAB has been mandated as one of the acquirers for Riyadh Air’s e-commerce transactions, further enhancing the airline’s operational capabilities.

Simultaneously, HSBC will support Riyadh Air with its planned expansion in markets across the wider Middle East and Asia. The mandate will enable Riyadh Air to leverage HSBC’s award-winning payments solutions including Virtual Accounts, Omni Collect and automated sweeping solutions, ensuring efficient cash management and seamless liquidity across their international operations.

Executives from SAB and HSBC joined Riyadh Air at its new head office at the GACA Campus on Airport Road, for a signing ceremony to mark the partnership.

Yasser Albarrak, chief corporate and institutional banking officer at SAB, said: “We are proud to support Riyadh Air as it embarks on a journey to redefine aviation travel in the Kingdom. This partnership highlights our commitment to providing innovative banking solutions that empower groundbreaking projects in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that Riyadh Air can achieve its vision of transforming the travel experience.”

Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, said: “We are proud to be partnering with SAB and HSBC as we embark on our journey to revolutionize air travel. This collaboration will enable us to manage our financial operations effectively, ensuring a smooth launch and seamless service delivery.”

Kyle Boag, head of global payments solutions, HSBC Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye, said: “Connecting clients across the world is at our core. This mandate underscores HSBC’s world-leading payments solutions, our expertise in the aviation sector and our commitment to Saudi Arabia’s growth. As the largest international bank across Asia and the Middle East, we will provide Riyadh Air with seamless cash solutions as they take flight to new markets.”

PIF strengthens leadership with key appointments

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 22:18

PIF strengthens leadership with key appointments

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 22:18

PIF announced the appointment of Saad Alkroud as head of the local real estate investment division. Alkroud has served as chief of staff since 2021. This move follows the appointment of Aiman Al-Mudaifer as managing director and chief executive of NEOM. Maram Al-Johani has been named acting chief of staff, in addition to being appointed as secretary-general to the PIF board of directors.

In his new role, Alkroud will be responsible for developing PIF’s local real estate and infrastructure investment portfolio, which includes the giga-projects and several other strategic developments.

Alkroud joined PIF in 2016 as head of stakeholder management, overseeing PIF board and committees affairs and international relations, as well as managing relationships with Saudi entities to deliver strategic initiatives and objectives. In 2021, he was appointed as chief of staff, and in 2022, he took on additional responsibilities as secretary-general to the PIF board of directors. In that position, he supervised corporate strategy and business plans, PIF’s project management office, including the establishment of new companies, and the affairs of PIF’s portfolio companies, stakeholders and committees. He also serves on the boards of several PIF companies.

Meanwhile, Al-Mudaifer has led the local real estate investment division since 2018, helping to drive significant growth and transformation. As of 2023, the portfolio included more than 35 real estate companies, with investments in Saudi real estate and infrastructure continuing to deliver sustainable returns. The advancement of and investment in landmark developments and infrastructure projects have helped position PIF at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification, including the creation of tourism and cultural destinations. Al-Mudaifer has served as the acting CEO of NEOM since November 2024 and is a board member of several PIF portfolio companies.

In her new role, Al-Johani will lead organization-wide strategic planning, data and committees governance, and the project management office. In addition, she will oversee portfolio company affairs and manage international and local stakeholders. Al-Johani joined PIF in 2017 after working for PricewaterhouseCoopers. She brings extensive experience to both roles, having served as PIF’s head of data and committees governance and advisory department since 2021.

These appointments reinforce PIF’s strong leadership foundation and support the delivery of its unique mandate and long-term strategy, within the organization and across its portfolio of more than 220 companies, to create opportunities for the global economy and drive the economic transformation of Saudi Arabia.

Bateel gives back to customers with new loyalty program

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 22:17

Bateel gives back to customers with new loyalty program

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 22:17

Bateel International has launched Bateel Rewards, the company’s loyalty program designed to offer exclusive benefits to its customers. Spanning across Bateel Boutique, Café Bateel, and El’an in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the program provides members with rewarding experiences across both online, app and in-store purchases and in cafes, adding an extra touch of appreciation.

According to recent market data, 84 percent of consumers say they are more likely to stick with a brand that offers a customer loyalty scheme. Bateel has accordingly introduced its loyalty program to ensure customers not only receive exclusive benefits but also meaningful engagement. The Bateel Rewards program is now live, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing all customers with unparalleled value.

Bateel is always looking for new ways to enhance its customers’ experience, with innovation at the heart of everything it does. The brand’s loyalty program is a testament to this commitment, designed to go beyond just rewards and create a deeper, more personal connection with its valued customers.

Nurtaç Afridi, CEO at Bateel, said: “We wanted to give back to our loyal customers whose happiness is our biggest motivation. We want to ensure that every interaction with our customers is as rewarding as it is exceptional.”

Designed to integrate effortlessly with customers’ shopping journeys, Bateel Rewards offers a smooth omnichannel experience, allowing members to earn and redeem points both in-store and online. Whether visiting a Bateel Boutique, Café Bateel, Bateel El’an, or shopping via the Bateel online store, members enjoy the same seamless benefits.

Bateel Rewards is a three-tiered membership program designed to offer increasing benefits as customers engage with the brand via three options:

• Silver membership, where customers earn 10 percent back in points on their purchases.

• As they continue to shop, they progress to a Gold membership, earning 15 percent back in points.

• Customers ultimately reach Platinum status, where they receive 20 percent back in points.

Points can be accumulated and later redeemed for discounts on future purchases, ensuring that every interaction with Bateel is both rewarding and enjoyable.

The Bateel Rewards program is now live and free to download from the Apple Store or Google Play, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing all customers with unparalleled value. The program will be rolled out to other countries where Bateel operates in the next phase.

Ruder Finn Atteline unveils new brand identity