Naif Alrajhi, TGCC partner to execute landmark projects in KSA

Updated 20 May 2025

Arab News

May 20, 2025 22:11

In a strategic move aimed at contributing to the continued growth and diversification of Saudi Arabia’s real estate sector, Naif Alrajhi Investment, a Saudi investment group and a leader in real estate development, financial markets, and mergers and acquisitions, has entered into a partnership with Travaux Généraux de Construction de Casablanca — a leader in the construction industry — through its Saudi subsidiary TGCC Middle East.

The partnership will collaborate on the construction of projects developed by Naif Alrajhi Investment within the Kingdom, underscoring the strong confidence and significant potential both parties see in the Saudi real estate market. This collaboration builds on the complementary strengths of both organizations and reinforces their shared commitment to contributing to the Kingdom’s dynamic growth.

Naif Alrajhi Investment is one of the prominent groups in the Kingdom, managing a diversified investment portfolio with a particular focus on the real estate sector. With a strong track record of successful projects both within Saudi Arabia and internationally, the company continues to demonstrate its extensive expertise and strategic vision in real estate development, further solidifying its position as a key player in the industry.

TGCC stands among the top-tier construction firms operating across Africa and the Middle East. With a proven track record of over 1,000 successfully delivered projects and a workforce exceeding 14,000 employees globally, TGCC generates consolidated revenues of more than 8 billion Moroccan dirhams ($867 million). The company maintains a robust presence in six African countries in addition to the Middle East and is distinguished by its international certifications in quality, safety, and environmental standards. In 2021, TGCC was successfully listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange, marking a major milestone in its growth journey.

Naif Saleh Alrajhi, chairman and CEO of Naif Alrajhi Investment, said: “This alliance with TGCC Middle East aligns perfectly with our vision to contribute to the development of vibrant, forward-looking urban environments in Saudi Arabia and beyond. We are pleased to collaborate with a partner known for its technical excellence and reliability. This partnership supports our commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 by enabling the development of high-quality, sustainable projects that serve the needs of tomorrow.”

Mohammed Bouzoubaa, chairman and CEO of TGCC, added: “This strategic partnership represents a significant step in TGCC’s international expansion and demonstrates our strong commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation. Through our collaboration with Naif Alrajhi Investment, and by leveraging their deep understanding of the regional market, we aim to deliver projects that set new standards in innovation, sustainability, and execution.”

The agreement reinforces Naif Alrajhi Investment’s strategic focus on impactful, high-quality developments that align with national development goals.

“With a shared vision of excellence, the two companies aim to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s urban and economic evolution,” a statement said.

Saudi 100 Brands returns to Paris Fashion Week with Tranoi Showcase

Updated 21 June 2025

Arab News

June 21, 2025 10:52

Saudi 100 Brands returns to Paris Fashion Week with Tranoi Showcase

Updated 21 June 2025

Arab News

June 21, 2025 10:52

The Saudi Fashion Commission presents homegrown talents at Paris Fashion Week, to be held from June 24 to 27 at the fifth floor of La Samaritaine.

The exclusive showroom dedicated to Saudi 100 Brands, the commission’s flagship program, will highlight 11 trailblazing designers and their Spring-Summer 2026 collections.

This exceptional showcase by Saudi 100 Brands aims to provide a platform for meaningful cultural exchange through contemporary Saudi fashion.

It is part of a long-term vision — to establish the Kingdom as an essential presence in the global fashion industry.

Burak Cakmak, CEO, the Saudi Fashion Commission, said: “The return of Saudi 100 Brands to Paris Fashion Week reflects our commitment to showcasing Saudi creativity at the highest level.

“This platform not only brings our designers to a global audience but also deepens our connections with the international fashion community, reinforcing our vision to position Saudi Arabia as a driving force in shaping the future of fashion and nurturing meaningful global partnerships.” 

Boris Provost, CEO of Tranoï, said: "Saudi fashion is experiencing remarkable momentum, and we are proud to support this creative energy with Saudi 100 Brands.

“At Tranoï, we are committed to amplifying the voices of emerging talents on a global scale. This collaboration with the Saudi Fashion Commission perfectly embodies our mission: to offer an international stage to a new generation of designers, here in Paris, the fashion capital of the world.”

The 11 designers presented in the renowned Parisian department store exemplify Saudi creative excellence, with a selection varying between menswear and womenswear.

Menswear designers are 1886, Awaken, Eleven, Hajruss, Mirai and RBA.

Womenswear designers are Razan Alazzouni, Rebirth, Reem Alkanhal, Waad Aloqaili and Yasmina Q

Highlighted by Saudi 100 Brands and Tranoi, the event celebrates creative boldness and reaffirms the Saudi Fashion Commission’s commitment to promoting emerging talent on the international stage.

The creative showcase is open from June 24 to 27, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the fifth floor of La Samaritaine.

Sony expands LED display family with Crystal LED CAPRI

Updated 18 June 2025

Arab News

June 18, 2025 21:52

Sony expands LED display family with Crystal LED CAPRI

Updated 18 June 2025

Arab News

June 18, 2025 21:52

Sony is expanding its lineup of LED walls with the debut of Crystal LED CAPRI. The new CAPRI series achieves a maximum brightness of 1,500 cd/m2 with a 2.50 mm LED pitch size. Key features include high refresh rates and brightness, a wide color gamut, and anti-reflection. Additional benefits include installation flexibility, familiar structure, streamlined maintenance, and compatibility with Sony’s ecosystem of virtual production technologies. The new models, ZRD-VS25FB and ZRD-VS25FM, are compatible with the Brompton controller and the Megapixel controller, respectively.

The CAPRI models are targeted to a broad range of customers looking to cost-effectively support virtual production applications, including television, feature films, commercials, and broadcast, as well as for rental and staging purposes. The CAPRI series offers options that ensure the high picture quality synonymous with Sony at a more accessible price. CAPRI also complements Sony’s premium flagship Crystal LED VERONA.

The CAPRI series is expected to be available this winter. A sample of the CAPRI was on display on June 11-13 at InfoComm 2025 in Orlando in Sony’s booth.

“With the announcement of CAPRI, Sony is furthering our commitment to the creation of spatial content, such as virtual production, by giving a wider range of users opportunities for flexibly showcasing images in high fidelity,” said Rich Ventura, vice president, professional display solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We’ve broadened our lineup to offer more cost-conscious choices, which expand the market in support of high-quality virtual production at every level and ensure the growth of Sony’s distinctive virtual production ecosystem.”

Impressive picture quality

Virtual productions rely on high quality imagery. The CAPRI series combines high refresh rates of up to 7,680 Hz to reduce scanline artifacts and ensure smooth, fluid motion. With a high brightness of 1,500 cd/m2, complemented by coverage of over 98 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut, the displays accurately reproduce lifelike images. Additionally, the new models feature anti-reflection capabilities to mitigate the impact of reflection from lighting equipment.

Fast and easy installation

The latest CAPRI series also takes advantage of recent installation advancements to ensure fast and efficient setup. Offering a 1:1 cabinet optimized for temporary installations, such as virtual production stages, the models can quickly and easily be assembled and dismantled using locating pins for easy alignment and a tool-free lever locking mechanism.

Industry standard control

Through alignment with Brompton’s Tessera SX40 and Megapixel’s HELIOS, the CAPRI models maintain control using the same familiar tools and interfaces already commonly deployed in the industry, alleviating the need for additional training and maximizing uptime.

Streamlined maintenance

To keep virtual productions focused on the creative processes, the CAPRI has thoughtful features that simplify maintenance. LED module blocks can be changed from the rear and feature status indication lights for easily identifying which blocks need service.

Abu Dhabi delegation on US visit seeks healthcare partnerships

Updated 18 June 2025

Arab News

June 18, 2025 21:52

Abu Dhabi delegation on US visit seeks healthcare partnerships

Updated 18 June 2025

Arab News

June 18, 2025 21:52

A high-level delegation led by the Department of Health — Abu Dhabi, has embarked on a strategic mission to the US from June 14 to 21. The visit reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s global leadership in healthcare innovation and reflects its broader vision for healthcare transformation — driven by innovation, investment, and a deep commitment to global collaboration.

The delegation is visiting key US cities including Boston, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia, in parallel with Abu Dhabi’s participation at BIO International Convention 2025, one of the world’s foremost biotechnology events. The visit spotlights the emirate’s achievements in AI, digital health, genomics, and clinical research and showcases Abu Dhabi’s Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine Life Science Cluster, while promoting long-term strategic partnerships with government entities, research institutions, and global innovators.

Dr. Noura Khamis Al-Ghaithi, undersecretary of the Department of Health — Abu Dhabi, said: “This mission reflects our commitment to shaping the future of health through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. Our vision is to build a health system that predicts, prevents, acts to restore, and acts to cure, therefore ensuring better outcomes for our communities and beyond. This can only be achieved through meaningful partnerships and a shared ambition to improve lives. We are proud to join our partners in the US to explore new opportunities that advance healthcare, both in the UAE and globally.”

The delegation will conduct over 20 strategic meetings and visits with public and private sector leaders across the US, aimed at knowledge exchange, investment opportunities, and the signing of new agreements that accelerate the adoption of advanced health solutions.

Representing Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem, the delegation includes key stakeholders such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Mubadala BIO, M42, Masdar City, KEZAD, PureHealth, and Etihad Cargo.

Deloitte Middle East advances AI integration with launch of Global Agentic Network

Updated 18 June 2025

Arab News

June 18, 2025 21:50

Deloitte Middle East advances AI integration with launch of Global Agentic Network

Updated 18 June 2025

Arab News

June 18, 2025 21:50

Deloitte has launched its Global Agentic Network, a strategic initiative designed to scale AI-driven digital workforce solutions for organizations around the world, with significant potential to transform business operations across the Middle East.

As AI adoption accelerates in the region, Deloitte’s agentic AI offering provides a future-forward solution that combines intelligent automation with human expertise. Through its global network spanning EMEA, Asia Pacific, and North America — and with a growing regional focus in the GCC — Deloitte is bringing AI-powered agents to enterprises looking to drive operational efficiency, accelerate growth, and reimagine how work gets done.

Agentic AI refers to software agents capable of autonomously executing tasks, orchestrating workflows, and adapting based on input from users or other systems. These agents, powered by large language models and machine learning, are designed to learn and evolve — making them ideal for complex, dynamic business environments.

In the Middle East, where government and private sector agendas alike are emphasizing digital transformation, the Global Agentic Network supports national strategies for AI innovation and economic diversification. Deloitte is already supporting regional clients in sectors such as energy, government, and financial services to implement agentic solutions that streamline decision-making, improve efficiency, and unlock value at scale.

“The Middle East is on a rapid trajectory toward AI-led transformation, and Agentic AI is a game-changer for how businesses operate,” said Yousef Barkawie, Deloitte Middle East Gen AI leader.

“At Deloitte, we’re helping our clients navigate the world of AI transformation by architecting and building the capabilities and trust needed for them to scale out their AI deployments and transform at the core. Our clients are finding new efficiencies in their ways of working, streamlining their operations, and reimagining their entire value chains. This is an exciting moment to help shape what the future of work looks like in our region, especially as governments and industries double down on innovation and future-readiness.”

The Global Agentic Network includes alliances with leading technology platforms and the launch of solutions like Zora AI, Deloitte’s suite of proprietary AI agents that can autonomously perform complex business functions. These tools are already being deployed within Deloitte’s own operations, as part of the firm’s broader ambition to become an AI-fueled organization by 2030.

NEOM Energy and Water Company wins global recognition

Updated 16 June 2025

Arab News

June 16, 2025 22:34

NEOM Energy and Water Company wins global recognition

Updated 16 June 2025

Arab News

June 16, 2025 22:34

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Energy and Water Company has been named first runner-up in the Innovative Research and Development Award (International Institutions category) during the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Global Water Award. The company was recognized for pioneering membrane-based crystallization technology that enables high-efficiency freshwater recovery and mineral extraction from brine.

Held under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Global Initiatives and supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation, the $1-million-award supports research institutions developing scalable, sustainable solutions to address global water scarcity through renewable energy and advanced technologies.

The NEOM-developed system replaces traditional energy-intensive thermal evaporation with a membrane-based approach. Using forward-osmosis principles and specially engineered membranes, the technology enables the extraction of valuable minerals such as salt, lithium and bromine, while simultaneously recovering desalinated water from seawater or brackish brine. The system operates at just 7 kWh per cubic meter, compared to 75-80 kWh/ cubic meters in conventional thermal systems.

The process begins with standard seawater reverse osmosis, where chemically embedded membranes capture more than 99 percent of targeted minerals. The brine then passes through a two-stage brackish water reverse-osmosis system that isolates and concentrates the minerals to a purity of 99.5 percent or more.

The pilot plant, located at the Duba Desalination Plant in Saudi Arabia, operates at a capacity of 1,200 cubic meters per day and has demonstrated strong performance under real-world conditions, with a technology readiness level of six. Beyond reducing environmental impact and operating costs, the innovation has the potential to redefine the economics of desalination by enabling mineral recovery at scale.

“The global water crisis threatens health, food security and economic development. By investing in advanced water technologies and fostering collaboration among governments, the private sector and innovators, we can find effective, sustainable solutions for billions affected,” said Dr. Noura Chehab, head of the research and innovation team at the NEOM Water Innovation Center.

“Receiving this award recognizes our team’s years of work and inspires us to continue advancing technologies that enhance ocean water use and help solve critical water challenges for a more sustainable future,” said Dr. Nikolay Voutchkov, executive director of the NEOM Water Innovation Center.

Naif Alrajhi, TGCC partner to execute landmark projects in KSA