Bahrain Airport Company signs strategic agreement with APSCO

Alghanim Industries, one of the MENA region’s largest privately owned companies, has broken ground on a new Kirby Building Systems pre-engineered building and structural steel manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. This strategic investment is set to transform the Kingdom into a global hub for high-quality steel structure exports, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a major industrial player on the world stage.

The new facility in Sudair Industrial City, spanning 256,000 square meters, is designed to bolster Saudi Arabia’s export capabilities, with a planned annual production capacity of 100,000 metric tonnes of structural steel and 100,000 metric tonnes of PEB. This expansion directly supports the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading exporter of advanced industrial solutions, supplying high-quality steel structures to international markets across the GCC, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the groundbreaking event, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef emphasized the facility’s role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s export economy, aligning with Vision 2030’s industrial diversification goals. The ceremony also saw the presence of Majid Al-Arqoubi, CEO of MODON, alongside top executives from Alghanim Industries and Kirby Building Systems.

With this expansion, Kirby Building Systems solidifies its position as the largest PEB manufacturer outside North America. The new plant will not only serve domestic infrastructure projects but will also be a key supplier to regional and global markets, ensuring that Saudi-made steel structures meet growing international demand.

Mahmoud Samara, CEO of Alghanim Industries, said: “This new facility is a game-changer for Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector. By significantly increasing our manufacturing capacity, we are positioning the Kingdom as a leading exporter of world-class steel structures. This aligns with our long-term strategy to enhance Saudi Arabia’s role in the global supply chain while creating local employment and expertise in advanced steel fabrication.”

Kirby Building Systems operates a network of manufacturing facilities across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, India, and Vietnam, with an overall production capacity exceeding 585,000 metric tonnes per year. With this latest expansion, Saudi Arabia will play a central role in exporting engineered steel solutions for warehouses, industrial complexes, fulfillment centers, oil and gas infrastructure, and large-scale construction projects worldwide.

“The demand for high-quality, scalable steel structures is rising globally, and Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to meet this need,” said Kutayba Y. Alghanim, executive chairman of Alghanim Industries. “By increasing our exports from the Kingdom, we are not just expanding our footprint — we are contributing to Saudi Arabia’s industrial transformation and reinforcing its reputation as a global steel manufacturing hub.”

Kirby’s investment in Saudi Arabia’s industrial ecosystem will directly support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, fostering job creation, skills development, and economic diversification. The facility will provide employment opportunities for Saudi engineers and manufacturing professionals, contributing to the nation’s growing expertise in steel construction and fabrication.

By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, including CNC laser cutting, plasma cutting, and laser-guided welding, the new plant will ensure precision, durability, and efficiency — all critical factors in delivering world-class steel structures to international clients.

As demand for high-performance construction solutions surges worldwide, Kirby Building Systems’ new Saudi facility will be at the forefront of delivering export-ready, innovative, and sustainable steel structures. The Kingdom is set to emerge as a powerhouse for industrial exports, proving that Saudi-made engineering solutions can compete on the world stage.

With this expansion, Alghanim Industries reaffirms its commitment to positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in global steel manufacturing and export excellence, ensuring that the Kingdom’s industrial sector continues to thrive and expand into new markets.

Cloud 7 Hotel Roma, Kerten Hospitality’s latest destination, is a reinforcement of the group’s commitment to merging art, design, and locality in a way that is entirely unique, creating a hospitality experience that is deeply connected to the cultural fabric of each destination. The expansion in Europe reflects the brand’s ongoing global growth, which has already seen success in Saudi Arabia with Cloud 7 Residence and Dar Tantora House Hotel in AlUla.

“With the launch of Cloud 7 Hotel Roma, we are bringing our signature lifestyle hospitality approach to one of the world’s most iconic cities,” said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality. “Our focus on authentic local experiences, design-driven spaces, and community-centric hospitality will redefine the way travelers engage with Rome. This expansion in Italy marks an exciting step in our global growth, with plans to further strengthen our presence across Europe and Morocco, introducing our innovative hospitality concepts to new destinations.”

An immersive artistic experience

Agnese Landolfo, Kerten Hosptiality’s art curator, was brought on board from the start to lead the artistic direction of the property. She collaborated closely with Genius Loci Architettura and a curated selection of local artists to craft site-specific pieces exclusively for Cloud 7 Hotel Roma. Each artwork, from large-scale installations to intricate details within the rooms, was created with the hotel in mind, embedding contemporary artistic expression into the very soul of the property.

This is not just a hotel; it is an evolving art gallery, a space where guests live within creativity, enveloped by pieces that tell the story of Rome in a modern voice.

Prime location

Located at the corner of Via del Corso and Via di Pietra, Cloud 7 Hotel Roma is positioned in the cultural heart of Rome, just steps away from the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Montecitorio, and Piazza Colonna. More than just a place to stay, the hotel acts as a gateway to the city’s best food and cultural experiences.

Surrounded by some of Rome’s most renowned restaurants and artisanal coffee houses, Cloud 7 Hotel Roma offers curated itineraries and collaborations that immerse guests in the local dining scene. From early-morning espressos at hidden cafés to indulgent Roman feasts, every experience is designed to connect travelers with the soul of the city.

A historic space reimagined

Cloud 7 Hotel Roma has been meticulously repurposed to bring together modernity and heritage in a prime location. The hotel features uniquely designed rooms, where contemporary comfort meets art-infused storytelling.

Rather than a traditional hotel structure, Cloud 7 Hotel Roma seamlessly blends into the cityscape, offering a deeply local experience. The top-floor rooms boast 260-degree views of Rome, creating a breathtaking vantage point that celebrates the city’s timeless charm.

A connecting Social Hub

Cloud 7 Hotel Roma is a lifestyle destination, a central base where guests can interact with Rome’s creative, artistic, and culinary communities.

The first-floor Social Hub is an energetic meeting point, where guests and locals come together over morning coffee, casual work sessions, and intimate bespoke events. Designed to reflect the bustling vibrancy of the neighborhood, the space fosters connections and engagement with the city beyond the hotel walls.

For those on the go, the Grab and Go corner offers a selection of fresh, local bites — perfect for exploring the hidden streets of Rome with a taste of the city in hand.

Redefining hospitality in Rome

Cloud 7 Hotel Roma is an intersection of art, design, and local culture, bringing a fresh perspective to the city’s hospitality landscape. By integrating artistic collaborations, immersive experiences, and a location that places guests at the center of it all, Cloud 7 Hotel Roma offers a new way to experience Rome.