Gulf Air announces strategic partnership with SalamAir

Updated 09 March 2025

Arab News

March 09, 2025 23:03

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced a strategic partnership with SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, formalized through a memorandum of understanding.

This MOU will see Gulf Air provide SalamAir with a comprehensive suite of technical services encompassing line maintenance, base maintenance and specialized workshop support.

This partnership not only offers SalamAir innovative operational solutions, it also positions Gulf Air as a key player in the regional maintenance, repair and operations landscape.

Gulf Air chief technical officer Mazin Saleh said: “This agreement with SalamAir is a significant step toward Gulf Air’s vision to become a preferred provider of quality MRO services. By sharing our expertise and resources, we are fostering new avenues of growth for Gulf Air.”

Adil Al Sheibani, director of engineering of SalamAir, said: “At SalamAir, we continuously seek strategic partnerships that not only enhance our operational efficiency but also ensure the highest standards of maintenance and reliability for our fleet.

“With the current fleet of six A320neo and seven A321neo aircraft, and the additional delivery of two new A321neos expected in June and July, the collaboration with Gulf Air is fitting to support our expansion. As part of our growth strategy, we recently released an RFP for an additional ten A320neo aircraft, with deliveries planned from 2026 through 2028.

“Partnering with Gulf Air allows us to leverage their technical expertise and MRO capabilities, further strengthening our commitment to safety, performance, and a cost-effective operation.”

“We look forward to working closely with Gulf Air to optimize our maintenance support and drive operational excellence.”

DP World, Mawani inaugurate SR3-billion terminal in Jeddah

Updated 09 March 2025

Arab News

March 09, 2025 23:06

DP World, Mawani inaugurate SR3-billion terminal in Jeddah

Updated 09 March 2025

Arab News

March 09, 2025 23:06

DP World and Saudi Ports Authority, Mawani, have unveiled the new state-of-the-art South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, marking a major milestone in DP World’s SR3 billion ($800 million) expansion and development program to upgrade the terminal and enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global trade hub.

The three-year project has transformed South Container Terminal into one of the region’s most advanced and sustainable container terminals, while also more than doubling the capacity from 1.8 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 4 million TEUs. The expansion paves the way for a future capacity of 5 million TEUs, with additional ship-to-shore equipment to be deployed as demand grows.

Since becoming DP World’s first concession outside the UAE in 1999, the Jeddah terminal has played a crucial role in regional trade. This latest expansion, under a 30-year build-operate-transfer agreement, cements Jeddah’s status as a critical trade gateway and supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of boosting trade connectivity and economic diversification.

An official ceremony was held to mark the opening, attended by the Saudi minister of transport and logistic services, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser; DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem; Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and managing director of DP World GCC; and other senior representatives from DP World and Mawani, government entities, and key customers.

Sulayem said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our long-term strategic investment in Jeddah Islamic Port. This expansion builds on our 25-year legacy in Jeddah and reinforces our commitment to driving trade growth in the region. With this modernized terminal, we are enhancing efficiency, improving supply chain resilience and creating new trade opportunities for the Kingdom and beyond for decades to come.”

The terminal’s modernization integrates advanced automation and digitalization to improve operational efficiency. Smart systems will slash gate transaction times — from two minutes to just 10 seconds — supported by IoT-enabled cargo tracking and AI-powered cargo tallying for precise record keeping.

In line with its global sustainability strategy, DP World is implementing initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions at South Container Terminal by 50 percent in the next five years. Measures include the electrification of yard cranes and trucks, solar panel installations, exploration of floating solar platforms, along with green building designs and water recycling systems.

These efforts will significantly cut emissions, enhance air quality and establish DP World’s Jeddah terminal as a model for sustainable port operations.

Adjacent to the terminal, DP World is investing in the 415,000 square meter Jeddah Logistics Park, the largest integrated facility of its kind in the Kingdom, which will offer state-of-the-art warehousing, distribution and freight forwarding services, further strengthening Jeddah’s position as a key hub connecting trade routes across Asia, Africa and Europe.

Integrated with the terminal, Jeddah Logistics Park will streamline cargo transfers and enhance efficiency, with completion scheduled for Q2 2026.

Saudi Awwal Banks wins the Sustainability Program Award

Updated 09 March 2025

Arab News

March 09, 2025 23:05

Saudi Awwal Banks wins the Sustainability Program Award

Updated 09 March 2025

Arab News

March 09, 2025 23:05

Saudi Awwal Bank has been awarded the Sustainability Program of the Year 2024 at the Capital Markets Forum, organized by the Saudi Stock Exchange Group (Tadawul).

This achievement makes SAB the first bank in the Kingdom to receive this prestigious recognition and acknowledges its leading efforts and prominent role in advancing environmental, social, and corporate governance practices within the Saudi economy and market.

The winners were selected by independent committees composed of a distinguished group of sector experts, carefully chosen by the CFA Society Saudi Arabia and the Middle East Investor Relations Association. Competitors were evaluated according to stringent criteria to ensure the highest levels of excellence in their respective fields.

Tony Cripps, managing director & CEO of SAB, said: “Receiving this prestigious award reflects our steadfast commitment to applying best practices and reinforces our focus on responsible banking. Our sustainability strategy is a core part of our operations, and we are dedicated to contributing to continued progress and development in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.”

He added: “This recognition further strengthens our position in the banking sector, and we will continue working to enhance the environmental and social impact of sustainability, solidifying our role as a key contributor to achieving related national goals.”

SAB continues its leadership role as the first bank in Saudi Arabia to implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy, including commitments to achieve net-zero operational emissions by 2035 and net-zero financed emissions by 2060.

The bank has also allocated SR 34 billion for sustainable financing by 2025 in line with Saudi Green Initiative. Additionally, SAB chairs the advisory committee on sustainable banking under the supervision of the Saudi Central Bank further cementing its position as a leader in sustainable finance.

Visa, SAB and Monsha’at announce winner of ‘She’s Next’

Updated 08 March 2025

Arab News

March 08, 2025 23:24

Visa, SAB and Monsha’at announce winner of ‘She’s Next’

Updated 08 March 2025

Arab News

March 08, 2025 23:24

Visa, a world leader in digital payments, announced Samar Nasraldin as the winner of the “She’s Next” fashion program in Saudi Arabia.

In partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank and Monsha’at, “She’s Next” program in Saudi Arabia is part of Visa’s global advocacy initiative aimed at supporting women-owned small businesses through funding, training, and mentorship. The winner was selected at an award ceremony in Riyadh at SAB Tower on Feb. 25.

Nasraldin, founder of Samar Nasraldin, won $20,000 for their excellence in the industry. The runner up, Hind Fahad of SEIZA won a prize of $15,000, and the People’s Choice Award winner, Amal Abdullah of Linen by A received $10,000.

A jury evaluated applications based on the progression of the applicants’ entrepreneurial journey, their business metrics, digital presence, and ability to solve problems confidently.

The jury included renowned fashion designer Razan Alazzouni and representatives from Monsha’at, Ghada Aljarbou, chief operating officer; Rania Alsharyoufi, chief human resources officer, and Samah Alrasheed, head of business partnerships at SAB.

Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s program focused on empowering women entrepreneurs in the fashion industry and received over 175 applications from across the Kingdom.

“At Visa, we strive to provide women with opportunities and resources to drive entrepreneurial and economic growth. We have witnessed the exceptional creativity and innovation shaping Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry through this program. Congratulations to the winners and finalists for their contributions to this program and the industry,” said Ali Bailoun, Visa’s regional general manager for KSA, Bahrain, and Oman.

He added: “Through ‘She’s Next,’ Visa is addressing key challenges women entrepreneurs face, including access to funding, mentorship, and resources for digital transformation. These finalists represent the innovative vision that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goals for leadership opportunities for women under Vision 2030.”

Since its launch in 2023, the “She’s Next” program has provided women entrepreneurs with coaching and mentorship, awarding over $3 million in grants to help grow their businesses.

The program also recognized the talents and entrepreneurial spirits of the finalists, including Norah AlKhowaiter, founder of Rafah, and Arwa AlSuhaim founder of En&Ay.

Al-Watania Poultry partners with HPDC

Updated 08 March 2025

Arab News

March 08, 2025 23:23

Al-Watania Poultry partners with HPDC

Updated 08 March 2025

Arab News

March 08, 2025 23:23

Al-Watania Poultry, a global leader in food production, has signed a strategic partnership with Halal Products Development Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund.

The agreement was announced during a special event recently held in Jeddah, attended by key figures from both the public and private sectors.

This step aims to expand Saudi poultry exports to new global markets, responding to the growing demand for high-quality halal products.

Aiming to strengthen collaboration, the agreement focuses on accelerating the adoption of sustainable and innovative practices in the halal food industry, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key global hub for halal products.

Mohammed bin Hamad Al Shaya, acting CEO of Al-Watania Poultry, emphasized the significance of the agreement. “Our partnership with HPDC represents a strategic milestone to strengthen our leading position in the poultry sector and unlock new growth opportunities. By prioritizing innovation and market needs, we remain committed to delivering high-quality halal products that support national food security goals and enhance the Kingdom’s local and global competitiveness.”

Fahad bin Sulaiman Al-Nuhayt, CEO of Halal Products Development Company, highlighted the broader impact of the partnership. “We are pleased to partner with Al-Watania Poultry as part of our investment strategy to accelerate the growth of the Halal industry and empower the private sector.

Through this collaboration, we will uphold the highest quality and safety standards in halal food production, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of global halal markets while advancing national food security in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”

This partnership reflects the shared commitment of Al-Watania Poultry and HPDC to driving local economic growth, enhancing national food security, and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a leader in the global halal food industry.

stc Group increases connectivity speed in the two Holy Mosques by over 120%

Updated 05 March 2025

Arab News

March 05, 2025 23:31

stc Group increases connectivity speed in the two Holy Mosques by over 120%

Updated 05 March 2025

Arab News

March 05, 2025 23:31

stc Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler, is enabling world-class connectivity for millions of pilgrims and visitors during Ramadan with its expanded 5G network, increasing network infrastructure to accommodate over 120 percent faster download speeds.

stc Group’s network analytics indicate that data usage during Ramadan have already increased by 37 percent while voice services will increase by more than 18 percent.

To ensure seamless, high-speed connectivity for all, stc Group has expanded its 5G network by more than 30 percent to ensure strong and stable performance during peak times, allowing visitors to remain connected to their loved ones without interruption.

Network speed analysis results from Ookla, a global provider of network data and analytics, has indicated a significant improvement in stc Group's network performance across the grounds of the two Holy Mosques.

The average download speed has increased by 107 percent inside the Grand Mosque and by 120 percent inside the Prophet's Mosque, offering pilgrims and visitors continuous world-class connectivity despite the high network traffic at the expansive holy sites.

stc Group is investing in cutting-edge digital solutions and innovative technologies in artificial intelligence and data analysis to enhance network efficiency during peak network traffic times.

During Ramadan and Hajj, specialized technical teams work around the clock to ensure optimal network performance, enhancing preventive maintenance plans and continuously expanding the digital infrastructure.

This includes expanding Wi-Fi access points inside the Holy Mosques, adding mobile stations to support high congestion areas, and increasing the capacity of international call traffic by 100 percent to meet the needs of all pilgrims around the holy sites.

stc Group's efforts are enhancing the quality of services provided to pilgrims, raising the efficiency of the Kingdom's digital infrastructure during the holy month of Ramadan, enabling visitors to enjoy their spiritual journey with ease.

Gulf Air announces strategic partnership with SalamAir