Red Sea Global announces ‘Nammos Resort AMAALA’

Updated 27 April 2025

Arab News

April 27, 2025 22:23

Red Sea Global, the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea, has unveiled Nammos Resort AMAALA, setting a new standard for luxury in the region. This partnership marks Nammos Hotels and Resorts’ first hotel outside of Greece, bringing its iconic Cycladic elegance and world-renowned hospitality to Saudi Arabia.

Located at the stunning Triple Bay and offering breathtaking ocean and Hijaz Cove views, Nammos Resort AMAALA will welcome guests later this year, promising an unparalleled experience defined by sophisticated design, exceptional amenities, and a harmonious blend of Mykonian and Hijazi influences.

Nammos Resort AMAALA is the second resort under Nammos Hotel and Resorts brand portfolio. It is part of ADMO Lifestyle Holding, a joint venture between Alpha Dhabi Holding and Monterock International.

The luxury property will have 110 keys with ocean views and 20 branded residences with waterfront views of the AMAALA Marina and Corallium Marine Life Institute. The property features a luxury spa, offering serene rejuvenation, a state-of-the-art fitness center for health and wellness enthusiasts and a Children’s Club, perfect for family-friendly experiences.

Nammos Resort AMAALA includes four dining venues: Horizon Bar with sunset views of the Red Sea; Nammos Restaurant; Nalu Restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant blending Latin American and Asian flavors with cascading pools that lead to the resort’s main beach; and Omnia Restaurant, an international restaurant featuring a rotating line up of guest chefs and brands.

The property’s design masterfully blends Greek and Saudi aesthetics. Crafted by Foster + Partners, the exterior draws inspiration from traditional Hijazi architecture, while the interiors, designed by Lazaro Rosa Violan Studio from Spain and Elastic Architects from Greece, capture the timeless elegance of Mykonos’ Cycladic style. Signature elements include iconic terrazzo flooring, textured walls, traditional archways, and a refined color palette of aquamarine, white, and gold. Accentuated with tarnished gold finishes and soft marble, the result is a contemporary Mediterranean ambiance.

Renowned for its beachfront bliss, Nammos Restaurant AMAALA is located on the exclusive Hijaz Island off the resort’s coast. Offering unparalleled sunset views over the Red Sea, the restaurant promises ultimate privacy with its cabanas. Accessible via boat from the Marina Village jetty, the club is exclusive to guests staying at AMAALA’s resorts. The highlight is an infinity pool that seemingly floats over the Red Sea, offering breathtaking views of the sunset.

Petros Stathis, chairman of Nammos World and vice chairman of ADMO Lifestyle Holding, said: “The opening of Nammos Resort AMAALA marks a defining milestone for our Nammos brand, a full-scale, all-encompassing resort experience in one of the most anticipated luxury travel destinations in the world. We have the utmost confidence in the visionary leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose shared commitment to excellence is set to redefine the global hospitality landscape for decades to come. We are simply honored to be part of this extraordinary journey and look forward to the remarkable chapters that lie ahead at Red Sea.”

Sanjay Nandi, CEO of ADMO Lifestyle Holding, added: “Nammos Resort AMAALA marks a significant milestone in ADMO’s global expansion in hotels.”

As a brand synonymous with vibrant luxury and exceptional experiences, opening in one of the world’s most exclusive luxury lifestyle and wellness retreats is the perfect fit for the iconic Nammos brand and reinforces ADMO’s commitment to expanding our international portfolio in the premium hospitality sector.”

The first master plan of AMAALA, centered on the Triple Bay development, is progressing well, with the first guests expected to arrive in 2025 at the destination’s 1,400 keys across eight hotels. Triple Bay will eventually feature 12 resorts and three residential communities.

Upon full completion, AMAALA will boast approximately 4,000 rooms across 30 hotels, along with approximately 1,200 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes. The development will also include vibrant marinas for the global yachting community, as well as high-end retail, fine dining, wellness and recreational facilities.

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.

Areeb Capital signs SR5.8bn financing agreement with SNB

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 22:16

Areeb Capital signs SR5.8bn financing agreement with SNB

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 22:16

Areeb Capital, a prominent real estate fund management company, announced signing a new financing agreement with the Saudi National Bank, worth SR5.8 billion ($1.5 billion). This agreement will enhance the company’s financing capabilities for its ambitious investment projects in the Saudi real estate market.

The agreement represents a strategic step that supports the company’s efforts to expand its investment portfolio and develop innovative real estate projects that meet the local market’s needs, contributing to lucrative returns for investors and strengthening its status as a leading asset management company in the real estate funds sector.

In a statement, Areeb Capital said that the deal reflects the confidence of prominent banks in the Kingdom, led by the SNB, in its efficient performance and ability to manage and implement remarkable investment projects, particularly in emerging real estate sectors.

Headquartered in Riyadh, Areeb Capital is a leading real estate asset management company with assets under management exceeding SR20 billion. The company targets institutions, family businesses, and high-net-worth individuals, offering Shariah-compliant investment opportunities based on a deep understanding of client needs and risk factors.

Regulated by the Saudi Capital Market Authority, the company provides innovative investment solutions that contribute to developing the real estate sector in the Kingdom.

Red Sea Global announces ‘Nammos Resort AMAALA’