East Lane Partners invests in Cloudzlab to boost capabilities across Mideast

Updated 26 May 2025

Arab News

May 26, 2025 09:15

East Lane Partners, a private equity firm focused on growth and buyout strategies, has announced an investment in Cloudzlab, a leading Salesforce Summit Partner in the Middle East.

This investment will support Cloudzlab’s regional expansion, enhance its technology delivery capabilities and strengthen its position as a premier Salesforce partner across the region.

Founded in Cairo in 2015 and headquartered in the UAE, Cloudzlab has grown into one of the region’s top Salesforce Partners, having successfully delivered over 200 projects across more than 10 countries.

The company has experienced substantial growth in recent years, with revenue increasing fivefold over the past four years.

This surge has been driven by growing regional demand for Salesforce’s CRM, analytics, and AI-powered cloud solutions among both enterprises and SMEs.

Cloudzlab’s excellence has been recognized through multiple Salesforce Middle East Partner Awards, including: FY21 Rising Star Partner, FY22 & FY23 Overall Partner of the year, FY23 Customer Success Partner and FY24 & FY25 Sales Excellence Partner.

These awards highlight the company’s strong delivery record, client impact, and leadership in the Salesforce ecosystem in the region.

Cloudzlab’s team of over 90 professionals holds more than 350 Salesforce certifications, further demonstrating the company’s technical depth and regional expertise.

The partnership with East Lane Partners will provide Cloudzlab with growth capital and strategic guidance to scale operations, expand talent and capabilities, develop AI-powered solutions and enter new markets.

This includes the opening of a new office in Saudi Arabia with a dedicated local team to meet the Kingdom’s rising demand for cloud solutions.

Cloudzlab’s team plans to grow to over 250 professionals in the coming years.

Tarek Mounib, partner at East Lane Partners, said: “Our investment in Cloudzlab aligns with our strategy of backing market leaders with the potential to become regional and global champions. Cloudzlab’s proven track record, talent, and delivery capabilities make it one of the fastest-growing technology services companies in the region. We’re excited to support them in their next phase of growth and regional leadership.”

Nader Kozman, co-founder and CEO of Cloudzlab, said: “This partnership is a key milestone in our journey. With East Lane Partners’ support, we’re well-positioned to accelerate our growth and realize our vision of becoming the leading Salesforce systems integrator in the region. As we celebrate 10 years of partnership with Salesforce, we remain committed to scaling our impact, advancing our delivery capabilities, and delivering exceptional value to our clients.”

STC Bank launches new savings product ‘Numu+’

Updated 13 July 2025

Arab News

July 13, 2025 18:43

STC Bank launches new savings product ‘Numu+’

Updated 13 July 2025

Arab News

July 13, 2025 18:43

STC Bank has launched a unique savings product — “Numu+” — which will encourage customers to save through an innovative concept. It includes valuable rewards and gifts, such as luxury cars, cash, and electronic devices, offered by the bank as an incentive to grow their personal savings.

“Numu+” was primarily designed as an account that enables customers to save through a unique experience via the bank’s app. The product is in line with Vision 2030, specifically the Financial Sector Development Program, and the goal of raising the savings rate across the Kingdom from six to 10 percent. It also continues STC Bank’s efforts to introduce innovative digital products that enhance the financial solvency of various customer segments.

STC Bank’s continued growth is driven by its customer-centric digital financial services platform, which allows individual users to open a bank account with an IBAN number. This allows customers to enjoy a host of benefits, including the “Numu+” savings service, instant local and international transfers at competitive rates via mobile numbers, card services, an online store, expense monitoring and financial planning features, and other daily financial transactions, all of which have become easier than ever before.

SAB signs on as mentor in ministry’s sustainability program

Updated 13 July 2025

Arab News

July 13, 2025 00:46

SAB signs on as mentor in ministry’s sustainability program

Updated 13 July 2025

Arab News

July 13, 2025 00:46

SAB will mentor a select group of prominent organizations, including Dallah Healthcare Company, Rawabi Holding Company, Middle East Paper Company, and City Cement Company.
Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in the Kingdom, has announced its participation in the Ministry of Economy and Planning’s Sustainability Champions Program. The official signing ceremony took place on May 28 at SAB Tower, marking a key milestone in SAB’s commitment to sustainability.
The MEP Sustainability Champions Program aims to enhance sustainability performance across key sectors by partnering with organizations that demonstrate leadership and a commitment to sustainable practices. As a mentor in the program, SAB will utilize its extensive experience and resources to support and guide its mentees on their sustainability journeys.
As part of its role, SAB will mentor a select group of prominent organizations in the program, including Dallah Healthcare Company, Rawabi Holding Company, Middle East Paper Company, and City Cement Company. This initiative marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to enhance sustainability practices across key sectors and achieve Vision 2030 goals.
Tony Cripps, managing director of SAB, said: “Sustainability is no longer a choice — it’s a responsibility. Through our partnership with the MEP Sustainability Champions Program, SAB is taking tangible steps to build the knowledge infrastructure around sustainability and contribute to the Kingdom’s goals. We are proud to be part of this forward-looking initiative, which aligns with our environmental, social and governance strategy and our commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth.”
The signing ceremony marked the beginning of a strategic collaboration focused on sustainability. Senior executives from SAB and the participating mentees attended the event, emphasizing the shared commitment to advancing sustainability across key sectors.
SAB continues to demonstrate its leadership in sustainability through its comprehensive ESG strategy. The bank is actively engaged in various initiatives that foster sustainable economic development in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Through its partnerships with governmental bodies, such as the Ministry of Economy and Planning, SAB plays a key role in driving forward the Kingdom’s sustainability aspirations, contributing to long-term, positive environmental and societal impacts.

Topics: Saudi Awwal Bank

Riyadh show addresses KSA’s sports infrastructure ambitions

Updated 13 July 2025

Arab News

July 13, 2025 00:36

Riyadh show addresses KSA’s sports infrastructure ambitions

Updated 13 July 2025

Arab News

July 13, 2025 00:36

The first edition of FSB Sports Show Riyadh concluded recently, establishing itself as Saudi Arabia’s largest trade event dedicated to sports infrastructure, leisure facilities and public spaces. Launched in the leadup to landmark events like the 2029 Asian Winter Games and FIFA World Cup 2034, the exhibition has been timely in meeting the surging demand for sports infrastructure in the Kingdom, further aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Quality of Life Program and ongoing stadium and recreational facility development as part of Vision 2030.
FSB Sports Show Riyadh, co-located with International Hardware Fair Saudi Arabia, drew significant turnout from government stakeholders, real estate developers, consultants and leisure operators, welcoming more than 13,000 attendees. Visitors included professionals working across stadiums, public parks, schools, and large-scale urban projects, all actively seeking fit-for-purpose, ready-to-deploy solutions.
With packed aisles and a busy show floor, the debut edition highlighted how sports and leisure infrastructure is becoming a central pillar in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions. Furthermore, the “Sport for All” strategy by the Kingdom’s government helps promote physical activity, inclusion, and community well-being by expanding access to sports facilities and encouraging participation across all age groups — from popular sports to public urban sports programs.
The 2025 edition featured 200 exhibiting companies and brands, with participation from both local and international exhibitors across key product categories, including playground and leisure facilities, urban design and architecture, sports surfaces, pool/spa fitting equipment and sports facilities and equipment.
Dedicated country pavilions, including China and Türkiye, showcased innovative solutions in sports flooring, artificial turf, aquatic technologies, outdoor fitness parks, modular structures, urban seating and more.
Besides these pavilions, Italy presented the strongest European participation with 13 exhibitors.
The Saudi Sports and Leisure Summit addressed key themes such as smart facility management, climate-adaptive design and sustainable and adaptive infrastructure. Speakers from Saudi Sports for All Federation, AtkinsRéalis, Saudi Sports Professionals Network and Levelz Gaming Group led discussions that brought together consultants, policymakers and investors focused on reshaping Saudi Arabia’s sports infrastructure through inclusive and accessible spaces.
The two-day feature, ActiveSpaces 360, explored practical conversations and discussions on topics including, modular builds, synthetic turf quality, urban activation, and inclusive space planning.
Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president — construction, dmg events, said: “The response to the first edition of FSB Sports Show Riyadh has been phenomenal. It’s clear there’s a real need for a dedicated trade event that brings together sports infrastructure suppliers and decision-makers, especially as Saudi Arabia accelerates its investments in wellness and active living. We look forward to growing the event even further in 2026 in partnership with Koelnmesse.”
Denis Steker, senior vice president, Koelnmesse GmbH, added: “By connecting international solution providers with Saudi Arabian decision-makers, FSB Sports Show Riyadh has established its role as a go-to sourcing trade exhibition for the Kingdom’s sports infrastructure investment drive.”

Topics: Vision 2030 FIFA World Cup

Radisson Hotel Group strengthens presence in Middle East with strategic team expansion

Updated 11 July 2025

Arab News

July 11, 2025 10:02

Radisson Hotel Group strengthens presence in Middle East with strategic team expansion

Updated 11 July 2025

Arab News

July 11, 2025 10:02

Radisson Hotel Group has promoted Elie Milky to chief development officer for Middle East, Cyprus, and Greece, reinforcing its commitment to doubling the wider regional portfolio to over 150 hotels and 50,000 keys in operation and under development by 2030.

Milky, who marked 15 years with the company last month, has steered many of the group’s headline deals across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf, helping make the Middle East one of Radisson’s fastest-growing markets.
Under Milky’s leadership, Radisson is scaling its development and feasibility teams, adding specialist analysts and project managers to enhance deal sourcing, underwriting, and technical support.

The team is based out of Dubai with regular visits to Riyadh, Cairo and across the region, ensuring on-the-ground support for owners as large-scale tourism investment accelerates.

A key pillar of that team is Ayman Ezzeddine, who joined Radisson in early 2024 as director of development for the Middle East with special focus on Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Over the past 18 months, Ezzeddine’s market analysis, owner relations and deal structuring have led to several deals and a strong pipeline for upcoming signings, reinforcing Radisson’s owner-centric approach.

Commenting on his new role, Milky said: “The region is moving at record speed. With Ayman’s effort and our expanded development and feasibility bench, we’re ready to deliver high-quality hotels, resorts and serviced apartments that create jobs, diversify economies, and meet investor expectations across every segment.”

In the last 12 months, Radisson has strengthened its footprint across the region. Two new Park Inn hotels, Makkah Thakher Alsharqi and Makkah Thakher Algharbi deepened the group’s presence in the holy city along with a recent opening in Riyadh and Madinah as well, while November 2024 welcomed Park Inn by Radisson Hotel and Apartments Kuwait, the brand’s second property in the country. Looking ahead,

Radisson Collection Residence Riyadh, the brand’s third address in the Saudi capital, is set to open in Q4 2025. Recent signings extend the pipeline even further: Radisson Collection Residence Amman Abdoun and Radisson RED Amman Downtown introduce both brands to Jordan, and two more Radisson RED hotels are slated for Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, and Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE.

Altogether the Middle East portfolio now approaches 100 hotels in operation or development, keeping Radisson on course for its 2030 growth target of over 150 properties and 50,000 keys.

Lulu’s new store in Jeddah offers everything from daily essentials to lifestyle needs

Updated 10 July 2025

Arab News

July 10, 2025 17:06

Lulu’s new store in Jeddah offers everything from daily essentials to lifestyle needs

Updated 10 July 2025

Arab News

July 10, 2025 17:06

Lulu Retail has further strengthened its presence in Saudi Arabia with the grand opening of a new hypermarket in Jeddah’s Al-Baghdadiyah Al-Gharbiyah district.

Located along the vibrant Al-Andalus Road, the new outlet offers a comprehensive and modern shopping experience that combines convenience, variety, and innovative retail design.

The launch is in line with the group’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by enhancing consumer services and contributing to the local economy.

The store was inaugurated by Nasar Salem Almoteb, deputy mayor of Jeddah Municipality, in the presence of Ihsan Bafakih, executive vice chairman of Al Nahla group, Nasser Huwaiden Thaiban Ali Alketbi, consul general of the UAE in Jeddah, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, consul general of India in Jeddah, and Yusuffali M.A, chairman of LuLu group, along with other dignitaries.

“We are proud to further strengthen our footprint in Jeddah with the launch of this hypermarket in Al-Baghdadiyah Al-Gharbiyah. This expansion reflects our unwavering commitment to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by creating jobs, enhancing retail infrastructure, and offering world-class shopping experiences to the community. We remain dedicated to being a catalyst in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic retail transformation."

Spanning over 117000 square feet, the hypermarket features a wide array of retail sections, including a fully stocked supermarket, fresh food zones, LuLu Connect electronics, fashion store, and specialty counters such as BLSH and Eye Express.

A spacious food court adjacent to the fresh food section provides shoppers with a relaxing space to enjoy freshly prepared meals.

To ensure a smooth and convenient shopping experience, the store offers ample dedicated parking, accommodating both local residents and visitors.

To celebrate the opening, exclusive inaugural offers are available across all departments, giving customers exceptional value on high-quality products.

The Al-Baghdadiyah hypermarket marks a key milestone in LuLu group’s strategy to serve evolving consumer needs while supporting the Kingdom’s long-term vision for sustainable economic and social development. ‎

Also present on the occasion were Saleh Ihsan Tayeb, director of corporate communications, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce; Youssef Abdullah Al-Salami, mayor of Al-Baghdadiyah; Mohammed Wajih bin Hassan Sharbatly, member of the board of managers, Al Nahla group; Sami Abdulaziz Al-Mukhdoob, CEO – real estate sector, Al Nahla group and other dignitaries.

East Lane Partners invests in Cloudzlab to boost capabilities across Mideast