Aldar announces region’s first King’s College School Wimbledon

Updated 11 June 2025

Arab News

June 11, 2025 22:32

Aldar has announced an exclusive partnership between Aldar Education and the internationally renowned King’s College School Wimbledon to establish its first regional campus on Abu Dhabi’s Fahid Island.

Scheduled to open in September 2028 — following ADEK and regulatory approvals — the new K-12 super-premium school will significantly enhance Abu Dhabi’s already world-class educational offering, providing students with an established pathway to the highest ranked universities globally.

Strategically located within Fahid Island’s master-planned community, the new King’s College School Wimbledon Abu Dhabi campus will span an expansive 50,000 square meters, accommodating up to 2,220 students. Designed to seamlessly blend cutting-edge educational resources, extensive sports facilities, and a focus on student well-being, the campus complements Fahid Island’s broader vision to foster balanced lifestyles within a vibrant natural setting.

King’s College School Wimbledon is renowned for its rich heritage and exceptional academic standards.

Talal Al-Dhiyebi, group chief executive at Aldar, said: “We are proud to announce the first King’s College School Wimbledon to Abu Dhabi, a milestone that reflects Aldar’s fast-growing education portfolio and commitment to educational excellence. With King’s longstanding legacy of academic distinction and its proven track record of preparing students for the world’s top universities, this new school at the heart of Fahid Island will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier destination for world-class education and a global center for talent development.”

Sahar Cooper, chief executive at Aldar Education, added: “King’s College School Wimbledon is globally recognized for its ability to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped with the confidence, compassion and critical thinking skills to thrive. The school’s holistic approach to education, anchored in strong values, rich co-curricular programs, and personalized pastoral care, will add a new dimension to Aldar Education’s offering and further support Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a regional hub for excellence in education.”

The establishment of King’s College School on Fahid Island marks the initial phase of Aldar’s comprehensive educational strategy for the island, designed to address growing demand for premium educational offerings. Future phases will introduce additional educational institutions as part of its masterplan.

Juthor breaks ground on $92m tissue factory at KAEC

Updated 30 June 2025

Arab News

June 30, 2025 22:34

Juthor breaks ground on $92m tissue factory at KAEC

Updated 30 June 2025

Arab News

June 30, 2025 22:34

Juthor Paper Manufacturing Co., a subsidiary of Middle East Paper Co., one of the largest paper manufacturers in the Middle East and North Africa region, has broken ground on TM6, its second high-capacity production line for tissue manufacturing at King Abdullah Economic City, near Jeddah.

The groundbreaking ceremony welcomed distinguished representatives from different government and private entities including MODON and Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority along with the Juthor and MEPCO senior leadership teams. With a total investment of SR345 million ($92 million), TM6 will significantly expand Juthor’s manufacturing output, increasing annual capacity to 120,000 tonnes and operating at a speed of 2,100 meters per minute.

TM6 supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by advancing local manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports, creating skilled jobs, and adhering to world-class environmental standards.

Andritz AG, an Austria-based international technology group that provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions, will manufacture, supply, and install the facility, over a 24-month period.

Commenting on the launch, Musab Al-Muhaidib, chairman of the board at MEPCO Group, said: “The launch of TM6 is a testament to our unwavering belief in Saudi Arabia’s industrial future. As we align with Vision 2030, this expansion strengthens our role in enabling local manufacturing and advancing the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency in the tissue sector.”

The facility will utilize cutting-edge technology and sustainable manufacturing methods to align with MEPCO’s environmental goals, including efficient resource use and minimizing carbon emissions.

Faisal Haddawi, group president at MEPCO Group, said: “At MEPCO Group, we do not simply build capacity — we build value, resilience, and trust. TM6 will accelerate our strategy for sustainable growth while deepening our contribution to the Saudi economy and regional markets.”

Juthor remains committed to continuous investment in manufacturing innovation to meet the growing demand for high-quality tissue paper products in the Kingdom and the wider MENA region.

The Saudi-based tissue paper manufacturer was established to meet the Kingdom’s rising demand for hygiene and paper products.

Saudi coffee brand JAZEAN featured in upcoming Monopoly edition

Updated 30 June 2025

Arab News

June 30, 2025 22:32

Saudi coffee brand JAZEAN featured in upcoming Monopoly edition

Updated 30 June 2025

Arab News

June 30, 2025 22:32

Saudi Coffee Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, has announced that JAZEAN, its flagship specialty coffee brand, is set to be featured in the Kingdom’s first Monopoly board game, Riyadh Edition. The Monopoly Riyadh Edition was officially launched on June 26, at King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh’s innovation hub.

JAZEAN’s presence in Monopoly, the world’s second most played board game after chess, showcases the brand’s deep cultural relevance. Its inclusion recognizes JAZEAN’s pivotal role in elevating Saudi Arabia’s rich coffee heritage to the global stage through the brand’s storytelling and premium specialty coffee blends.

“We are honored that JAZEAN has been selected to represent Saudi culture in association with a global household name like Monopoly,” said Mohammed Zainy, chief marketing officer of SCC. “JAZEAN creates immersive experiences that connect people to the story, flavor, and hospitality of Saudi coffee, and this special edition of Monopoly offers a new platform to share that experience on a global scale.”

The launch event celebrated Saudi Arabia’s most notable landmarks, with the introduction of culturally significant icons featured in the game. Cultural symbols such as the dallah, the traditional Saudi coffee pot, along with visuals of Saudi coffee farms adorn the game board, providing players around the world a chance to explore and celebrate Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage through its iconic architecture, cultural landmarks, and traditions.

As Monopoly celebrates its 90th anniversary, this feature reflects the game’s enduring impact around the world. Monopoly’s different editions have seen more than 275 million copies sold in 37 languages in at least 103 countries. The board game’s resonance across the GCC is clear, with over 98 million minutes of engagement recorded across regional editions.

With the global board game market projected to exceed $22 billion by 2028, this collaboration with Monopoly provides JAZEAN and SCC with a powerful platform to reach new audiences and deepen cultural awareness.

DHL Express appoints Mansour AlHajjaj as country manager for Saudi Arabia

Updated 30 June 2025

Arab News

June 30, 2025 22:30

DHL Express appoints Mansour AlHajjaj as country manager for Saudi Arabia

Updated 30 June 2025

Arab News

June 30, 2025 22:30

DHL Express has appointed Mansour AlHajjaj as the new country manager for its Saudi Arabia operations. The appointment marks a significant milestone in AlHajjaj’s career with DHL Express, which began in 2006.

With nearly two decades of experience within the organization, AlHajjaj has held several key roles across customer service functions, consistently driving performance excellence and nurturing strong client relationships. In 2020, he stepped into a senior leadership position where he successfully led the transformation of customer services into a high-performing function and steered the retail team toward achieving double-digit growth.

AlHajjaj is recognized for his forward-thinking leadership and commitment to innovation. Under his guidance, DHL Express Saudi Arabia has earned multiple external accolades for service excellence. He has also played a major role in enhancing employee engagement and people development, effectively improving team culture and significantly reducing turnover. Additionally, his efforts to foster greater collaboration with supervisory authorities and government entities have further strengthened DHL’s partnerships across the Kingdom.

“It is a great honor to lead DHL Express Saudi Arabia at a pivotal time in the Kingdom’s journey toward Vision 2030, a vision that continues to position the country as a global logistics hub and a vital engine of regional and international trade,” AlHajjaj said.

“Aligned with this national ambition, we remain committed to strengthening our operational network, accelerating investments in infrastructure and innovation, and driving sustainable logistics solutions that deliver long-term impact. Above all, we will continue to invest in our people, the true driving force behind our success and the foundation of our continued leadership in the logistics sector.”

PIF establishes its first commercial paper program

Updated 28 June 2025

Arab News

June 28, 2025 21:28

PIF establishes its first commercial paper program

Updated 28 June 2025

Arab News

June 28, 2025 21:28

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has announced the establishment of its commercial paper program, adding a new source of funding to its existing instruments.

The program, which allows CP issuance through offshore special purpose vehicles, comprises two sub-programs, a US CP program and a Euro CP program. The program is rated P-1 by Moody’s and F1+ by Fitch, the highest possible ratings for such an initiative.

CP issuances enhance PIF’s short-term financing flexibility and complement its long-term capital raising efforts. CP is a common cash management tool in global financial markets, and the establishment of this program by PIF reflects its agile capital raising strategy.

Fahad AlSaif, PIF’s head of global capital finance and investment strategy and economic insights, said: “The establishment of our CP program reflects the continued strength and depth of PIF’s capital raising strategy, one that is dynamic, resilient, and fit for purpose, aligning funding solutions with our long-term investment priorities.”

PIF’s medium-term capital-raising strategy is built on diversified funding solutions that include a range of instruments, such as bonds, sukuk and loans. In October 2022, PIF became the first sovereign wealth fund globally to issue a green bond including the world’s first century green bond. This was later followed by PIF’s inaugural sukuk issuance priced at $3.5 billion. PIF is rated Aa3 by Moody’s with a stable outlook, and A+ by Fitch, also with a stable outlook.

PIF is one of the world’s most impactful investors, enabling the creation of key sectors and opportunities that help shape the global economy, while driving the economic transformation of Saudi Arabia.

Sony appoints Ruder Finn Atteline to lead regional PR

Updated 28 June 2025

Arab News

June 28, 2025 21:27

Sony appoints Ruder Finn Atteline to lead regional PR

Updated 28 June 2025

Arab News

June 28, 2025 21:27

Sony Middle East and Africa has appointed Ruder Finn Atteline, a global integrated marketing and communications consultancy and the MENA arm of the Ruder Finn group, to manage its regional PR communications mandate across the Middle East. The agency will lead strategic PR communications for Sony’s consumer electronics division, covering Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Egypt.

Ruder Finn Atteline’s appointment includes handling Sony’s BRAVIA televisions, home audio systems, advanced digital imaging products, audio solutions such as the newly expanded ULT Power Sound series, and the INZONE range.

The partnership follows Ruder Finn Atteline’s recent brand refresh and strategic senior appointments, strengthening the agency’s expertise in consumer and corporate communications.

Sophie Simpson, managing director of Ruder Finn Atteline — MENA, said: “Sony is a brand that resonates globally, but also connects deeply with audiences here in the region. This partnership reflects the kind of work we want to do more of — bold, meaningful, and built on shared ambition, while also fulfilling Sony’s purpose to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology. As we continue to expand our presence in the Middle East and North Africa, our focus remains on creating real impact for all our clients. Collaborating with iconic brands like Sony propels us closer to our goal of shaping the future of communications through culture and creativity.”

Jobin Joejoe, managing director, Sony Middle East and Africa, added: “At Sony, our ambition is fueled by a relentless drive to inspire and fulfill the curiosity of our audiences across the MENA region. We believe in creating meaningful experiences that go beyond technology. Experiences that connect with people on a deeper, more personal level. Our partnership with Ruder Finn Atteline is a natural extension of this vision.”

Last month, Ruder Finn announced the opening of its fully combined office and regional headquarters in Riyadh, following the successful acquisition of Atteline.

Aldar announces region’s first King’s College School Wimbledon