For the 3rd time the German-Saudi Arabian Liaison Office for Economic Affairs is hosting a startup competition

After the successful first round in Riyadh and second round in Bahrain, this year’s Completion will take place in Jeddah. The competition is open for Saudi & Bahraini startups founded in 2015 or later, in the fields of Healthcare and IoT.

The ten best startups will get the opportunity to pitch their business ideas in July in front of the members of the local German Business Community and a high-ranked jury including the German Ambassador, H.E. Jörg Ranau, GESALO Delegate Oliver Oehms, leading local entrepreneurs, investors, sponsors and partners like Siemens Healthineers, Lufthansa, SAP, DETASAD, Alexander & Partner, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, BMW, and Star Printing Company.

The winners of this year’s competition will win a one week trip to Germany to participate in the Start!up Germany Tour 2019. As a particular highlight, the startups will get the chance to attend and participate at the Founders Festival „Bits&Pretzels”. During the visit, the winners will also get a chance to experience the vibrant startup ecosystem in Munich, as well as meetings with successful German founders, investors, and experts.

The number of startups is growing at a faster rate than ever before in the region and entrepreneurship is becoming highly popular in KSA, especially in line with its Vision 2030. The role of Monsha’at in particular, the Small and Medium Enterprise Authority, has been key in fostering the growth of this ecosystem. As the German Chamber here in Riyadh we are delighted to be supporting the startup movement with this competition and are indeed proud to help Saudi entrepreneurs kick-start their careers through our vast network and expertise.

Oliver Oehms, Delegate of German Industry & Commerce for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Yemen said last year: “We offer young Saudi entrepreneurs a platform to connect to industry leaders, experienced investors, and potential new customers from Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf region. Small and medium-sized companies and innovative business ideas are the key drivers of the German economy and a growing sector in Saudi Arabia. We intend to support young Saudi startups with our network and know-how.”

We are looking forward to receiving your applications and to welcoming you in July in Jeddah.

For more information, please visit our website: www.gesalo-startup.com

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#Ramadan 2019 on Twitter #RamadanMubarak!

Charity, faith, wellness, food and entertainment. People from around the world have already started flocking to Twitter to engage in the public Ramadan conversation. Today, Twitter is sharing what it has lined up for its users this Ramadan and is taking a look into the conversations in the lead up to the holy month.

Twitter has launched three new emojis in seven languages (English, Arabic, Bahasa, Spanish, Turkish, Hindi and Bengali) to help bring the Ramadan spirit to users’ conversations. The following hashtags will unlock a crescent moon, a glass of yoghurt (which is commonly used to break fast) and a lantern.

#Ramadan

#RamadanKareem

#Iftar

#IftarRamadan

#Iftar_Ramadam

#Suhur

#SuhurRamadan

#Sahur

#Suhour

#Ramadan_Lanterns

#Ramadan_Lantern

#RamadanLanterns

#Kandil

A Ramadan original show has launched on Twitter this year, produced by Hia magazine @hiamag. Sponsored by soft drink Vimto, #VimtoCreations is an Arabic program that showcases a number of personalities in the Middle East cooking different recipes for Ramadan.

https://twitter.com/hiamag/status/1124222527516086272?s=12

Saudi public figure Ahmad Al Shugairi @shugairi will be sharing video highlights of his new film; ‘Al Madina’ via his Twitter account during Ramadan. From culture and art to faith, Shugair’s first film revolves around the past and present state of the city of Al Madina, and provides insight around a variety of topics such as Quran printing and prayer rug manufacturing.

As for how the global conversation has unfolded so far, there have been more than 10 million Tweets about Ramadan last month.

The countries with the most Tweets around Ramadan:

  1. Saudi Arabia
  2. Indonesia
  3. Malaysia
  4. Egypt
  5. USA

The symbol that is used to send salutations upon the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in Arabic has been Tweeted 7 million times the past month. The top countries Tweeting the symbol include:

  1. Saudi Arabia
  2. Egypt
  3. Pakistan

The top hashtags used around Ramadan:

  1. #Quran
  2. رمضان# (Ramadan)
  3. # (Peace be upon him)
  4. قرآن#
  5. #Ramadan

Twitter wishes all Muslims a #RamadanKareem.

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BoConcept opens its largest global store in Riyadh

BoConcept, the Danish international retail furniture chain, has celebrated the grand opening of iits biggest global store in the Saudi capital Riyadh on April 30, 2019. This step comes in support of BoConcept’s strategy to expand and reach the largest customer base and contribute toward achieving a diversified economy in Saudi Arabia as outlined in the targets of Vision 2030.

BoConcept was also pleased to reveal a different kind of festivity, BoConcept’s 300th Store worldwide. The Riyadh store got selected as store number 300 which opened last April 30.

Omar Hassan Asaad, General Manager of Al Bonian Trading and Contracting Company (BoConcepet KSA), inaugurated the new store during a special opening ceremony in the presence of the Ambassador of Denmark to Saudi Arabia, in addition to several ambassadors and diplomatic figures, dignitaries, social media influencers, and industry pioneers.

The opening ceremony was attended by BoConcept designers who provided personalized store tours for the visitors. The ceremony includes live entertainment and music performances and announcements for special opening event offers and giveaways.

The new 1600m2 store located at Arcade Center in King Fahad Road in Riyadh showcases the brand’s collection of contemporary furniture, lighting, and accessories designed for living, dining, sleeping, home-office, and outdoor spaces. It also provides a special Business section offering tailor-made furniture for home businesses, hotels and offices, designed in collaboration with international designers such as Morten Georgsen, Karim Rashid, Henrik Pedersen and others.

With its unique and exclusive designs, BoConcept is keen to provide diversified products that meet all customers’ tastes and needs. It also provides comprehensive interior design services by professional Saudi designers. Each designer delves into the customer’s specific needs and lifestyle, then takes measurements and develops detailed plans; either in-store or in the customer’s home.

Established in 1952 in Denmark, BoConcept boasts a 65-year long experience in designing, developing, and producing furniture. It has grown from a small workshop in Herning into a global furniture retailer with stores in 65 countries. — SG

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Diriyah Gate Development Authority hosting authentic Ramadan activities through ‘Layali Diriyah‘

On the blessed occasion of the Holy month of Ramadan, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) today announced Layali Diriyah “Diriyah Nights”, a range of cultural activities hosted in the historic landmark of Diriyah. DGDA welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate authentic Ramadan traditions in the birthplace of the nation and provides opportunities for visitors to discover Diriyah through arts, crafts and heritage experiences.

Diriyah is a hub for culture and hospitality that creates experiences and brings communities together. Throughout the blessed month of Ramadan, Layali Diriyah is held in Diriyah’s cultural neighborhood of Al Bujairi between 9:30pm and 2am.

The authentic Diriyah entryway to the Layali Diriyah Ramadan festivities leads visitors to a courtyard showcasing traditional architectural elements and Najdi designs that originated in the first Saudi state, offering the perfect background for photo opportunities. The courtyard is be complemented by a majlis area where visitors can relax and unwind as friends and families enjoy games, art sessions and storytelling experiences.

In the spirit of creating a community that celebrates Saudi culture and heritage, Layali Diriyah features;

        1. Storytelling Sessions; listen to the hundreds of stories including those about Diriyah’s Kings and Heroes narrated by Diriyah’s very own Rawi (storyteller).
        2. The Backyard Screenings; sit back, relax and enjoy a traditional movie experience featuring old films and celebrated Ramadan series.
        3. Traditional Games; go back to the simpler days when children played in the street with authentic games and handmade toys for kids of all ages.
        4. Arts and Crafts activities; get creative with plant potting, pot painting and calligraphy drawing sessions tailored to kids and adults as you unleash your inner artist.
        5. Artisanal Handicraft demonstrations; learn about traditional basket weaving and carpentry as Diriyah’s local artisans showcase authentic, hand-made objects.
        6. Local Souq; stroll through the traditional Diriyah souq as local vendors offer handmade gifts and souvenirs from Layali Diriyah.

 

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FAIRMONT RIYADH UNVEILS ITS FIRST EDITION OF

Fairmont Riyadh Hotel is inviting families, colleagues and friends to enjoy lasting Ramadan Gatherings moments at its first edition of lavishly decorated Ramadan Tent – “Al Jamaa AlRamadania”

Created in the most opulent of settings, Andalusian- inspired tent with lavish buffet setup and dedicated live cooking stations, catering to all your cravings. Guests will indulge in the appetiting buffet that will offer a delicious array of traditional Iftar dishes and 7 international cuisines. With dedicated focus on the Saudi corner presenting the most delicious Saudi delicacies.

Rizwan Shaikh, General Manager, Fairmont Riyadh Hotel, comments: “I’d like to extend warm greetings to the people of Saudi Arabia and wish everyone a blessed Ramadan. The Holy Month is a special time of year when we gather with loved ones to celebrate and share precious moments. Fairmont Riyadh is introducing varied Ramadan gatherings experiences that fit all tastes. Whether it’s the traditional Ramadan family gathering, old friends reunion or sophisticated ladies get-together, our colleagues help to ensure that every Ramadan gathering is a lasting one – we look forward to welcoming guests to our spectacular AlJamaa AlRamadania Tent”

Al Jamaa AlRamadnia Tent

Created in the most opulent of settings, Andalusian- inspired tent with lavish buffet setup and dedicated live cooking stations catering to all your cravings. The buffet includes traditional Iftar dishes and international specialties. With dedicated focus on the Saudi corner presenting the most delicious Saudi delicacies.

A special Kids corner will also cater to the young ones providing them with an array of exciting activities, where they will have the opportunity to play in an innovative atmosphere and enjoy their dedicated kids buffet.

Al Matka Lounge

Another addition to the tent is Al Matka Lounge. A comfortable distinct lounge, Andalusain themed for guests to enjoy traditional Ramadan sweets, tea and coffee after Iftar. In the meantime, guests will be able to experience the genuine Ramadan moments with their friends and family while we offer a selection of entertaining facilities

Corporate Groups,

For corporate groups looking to mark this genuine gatherings in a more exclusive Ramadan setting, the catering team is happy to arrange a private Iftar at Marasem ballrooms. Offering personalised function catering to different needs, with renowned Fairmont service.

The 365 Restaurant Sohour

The 365 Restaurant will make an ultimate destination for unique Ramadan gatherings nights. Featuring 7 international cuisines including traditional Arabic and Saudi special dishes. Where guests will be able to enjoy the drama and engagement of Chefs at work through our unique open kitchens, in a lively Ramadan atmosphere.

 

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InterContinental Introduces Dinner in the Sky to Riyadh

Ramadan is all about sharing special moments with the special people in our lives, enjoying every meal as a feast and every evening as a new opportunity to reconnect with all that matters most. With the brand slogan “Live the InterContinental Life”, InterContinental Riyadh is ready to help make those special moments even more precious by organizing an evening everyone in your family can enjoy. The culinary team has been running the successful kitchen operations at the InterContinental Riyadh, perfecting the recipes for your ultimate Ramadan dishes. They are focused on remaining true to the cultural significance of the dishes presented, but with the resolution to create a unique and exciting opportunity for you every time you dine with InterContinental Riyadh.

Ramadan Tent at Buraidah Hall:

This year the InterContinental Iftar buffet at Buraidah Hall will host seven live cooking stations, with cuisines from across the globe. You and your family can enjoy your favorite dishes from the live Indian station, live Italian station, Chinese, Seafood, Mexican, Arabic and Sweets stations. The locally renowned, colourful and fun kids corner is back this year with your child’s favorite cartoon characters to make the dining experience as enjoyable for them as it is for you. The special buffet features all of the favorites. The Buraidah Hall decor is will be a breathtaking sight with a unified theme, brought to you by the collaboration of numerous decor specialists, to fulfill the exquisite dining experience you and your family deserve. The Dining Hall is open for group reservations and can host a party of up to a thousand guests.

Dinner in the Sky at Palms Golf Club:

For the first time in Riyadh, InterContinental Riyadh is preparing an unforgettable open-sky fine dining restaurant experience for you during Ramadan. This will be opened on the Golf Course with a daily set fine dining menu and a lounge introduced for the first time. This is presented in collaboration with Dinner in the Sky & MAXIMUM event management, an internationally renowned event specialist. They are certified to create a safe and enjoyable evening for you and your loved ones. This sky dining experience is available for VIP iftar seating, dining and coffee.

Al Nakheel Sports Lounge:

The Al Nakheel sports lounge is also being launched this Ramadan and is preparing to be a sports lovers dream. Giant screen will broadcast local favourite games for a more surreal experience. Rotana FM will be hosting an event throughout the month from 10 pm till 2 pm for PlayStation gaming contestants and an Albaloot card game contest. VIP lounge experience will also be available at Al nakheel, along with live light dining stations which will present popular Arabic cuisine. Al Nakheel Sports Lounge is designed to be the perfect opportunity to bond and connect with your friends during the special Ramadan evenings you get to share.

Noor by Mondo during Sahour:

Noor by Mondo will be hosting a special suhoor which will feature VIP service and a rich menu. This is one of the few options available for suhoor in the city and the exquisite fine dining experience will be second to none. The restaurant is being decorated to showcase the calming and welcoming effect that ‘Noor’, or light, can have. Dim lights and special warm light sources will be used to create a beautiful environment, illuminating the evening for your perfect dining experience. As you prepare for the fast of the next day, InterContinental Riyadh is here to provide you with all the necessities to make this an extraordinary night for you and your loved ones.

 

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HYATT REGENCY RIYADH OLAYA LAUNCHES “RAMADAN AT HYATT REGENCY” : (Ramadan iftar and sohour promotion)

It is with great pleasure that we announce the arrival of ‘Ramadan at Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya’.  This unique concept offers a memorable Iftar and Sohour in our Ramadan Tent, Al Loulou’a Ballroom, for the holy month of Ramadan.

The spirit of Ramadan is reflected in the traditional decor of our Ramadan Tent. Al Loulou’a Ballroom is transformed into a beautiful tent with a colorful and rich Arabian Ramadan theme. The ballroom is equipped to host 220 people. 

For Iftar, the buffet selection will consist of the finest range of Ramadan specialties, complete with a variety of live cooking stations, a wide selection of international and traditional food stations and mouthwatering desserts, all served in an Arab theme.

“All preparations and equipment were set to achieve a common goal: an elegant Ramadan evening for our guests to spend quality time with their family, friends and colleagues; ours is a Ramadan Tent where they can make special memories,” says General Manager, Nizar Weshah.

Sohour will take place at our American restaurant, 56th Avenue Diner. The diner’s warm environment, enhanced with the beautiful aroma of traditional American and international cuisine makes it perfect for a beautiful and serene Sohour with loved ones. Guests can opt for enjoying their Sohour under the night sky at the diner’s terrace, too. The restaurant is open from 09:00 PM to 2:30 AM.

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Marriott Hotel welcomes guests with the ambience of the Ramadan tent

This year, Marriott Hotels Riyadh is celebrating the holy month of Ramadan with a distinctive breakfast in its restaurants this year. Our guests can enjoy the varied Arabic and international dishes prepared by the hands of the most experienced chefs Eastern and international dishes in a unique Ramadan atmosphere.

The preparations were made early in the Riyadh Marriott Hotel in the ministries district to receive the holy month, the hotel team presented a distinctive design that simulates the historic AlDiriya city design in the Mosaic restaurant, in order to provide an exceptional experience for our visitors. The heritage combines the present and enriches our connection with Ramadan spirituality, we are prepared to offer many different dishes and different types of food in accordance with the specifications and quality of the Marriott hotels while preserving the authentic Najd character, as we are accustomed to every year, we are keen to offer the best culinary dishes prepared to the guests, A warm atmosphere filled with the spirit of the holy month.

Visitors can also enjoy a unique Ramadan experience for all family and business guests at the Courtyard By Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter Hotel, the Olea restaurant serves a rich menu of Arabic and international dishes to satisfy all tastes and the outdoor barbecue station has the outdoor terrace of the restaurant to indulge in a world full of delicious and varied tastes.

Marriott Hotels in Riyadh this year strengthened its presence in the capital and Saudi Arabia with the opening of the group’s newest hotels, the Riyadh Marriott Hotel and the Marriot Hotel Apartments in the Diplomatic Quarter. The design of the two hotels was inspired by the Wadi Hanifa, and is located in the heart of a green oasis in the heart of Riyadh city.

If you are looking for a great place to spend a wonderful Ramadan evening, the Goji restaurant inside Riyadh Marriott is the ideal choice for you and your family and friends, the warmth of the place and the simplicity of the design with the Eastern touch leave an unforgettable impression, not to mention the delicious Saudi, Oriental and Western dishes on the breakfast table, as well as the Eastern and Western sweets department and the famous Ramadan drinks. Our guests can enjoy the outdoor sessions with the restaurant terrace and the various direct cooking stations in the air as for the business sector, we are happy to welcome your guests with all the love and welcome A valley that accommodates your groups up to 250 people with the most delicious menus.

“The Marriott Group, which has its own charm and beauty through the diversity of historical culture in Riyadh, is looking forward to offering additional value to the hotel industry through a combination of services that are suitable for business integration and leisure, through our hotels designed for different segments of travelers and visitors, who want to experience the services of award-winning services and unique and seek the unique Arab hospitality”, said Muin Serhan, Cluster General Manager of Marriott Hotels in Riyadh.

 We are also looking forward to benefiting from Saudi Arabia’s presence as a business destination and in view of Vision 2030, especially as the capital city of Riyadh is a bustling city of business, shopping malls, cultural and leisure centers with events and festivals throughout the year and Organize conferences and events that have the appropriate experience to ensure that the event runs smoothly and successfully.

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Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski Launches the Traditional and Authentic “Kempinski Ramadan Tent”

The Kempinski Ramadan Tent has witnessed a great turnout during the past years. Therefore, with the approach of the holy month of Ramadan, Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski has announced the launch of the “Kempinski Ramadan Tent”, rejoicing in the month of Ramadan, and celebrating with guests. The tent portrays unique Arabic heritage and is a great example of mixing traditional and modern attributes. The tent, which is built specifically for the blessed month of Ramadan, covers 2,000 sq m and can accommodate up to 800 visitors, who will experience the colours of Ramadan at its best. 

Mr Saeed Al Aseeri, Hotel Manager, said: “We would like to celebrate the arrival of this holy month with everyone, and we are eager to welcome our guests at the Ramadan Tent with the authentic ambiance that reflects the traditions of Ramadan.” He also added, “Guests of Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski consider the Kempinski Ramadan Tent their own home. When they visit our Ramadan Tent with their families or friends, they will feel comfortable, enjoy the cosy atmosphere and savour the most delicious food prepared by our Saudi Executive Chef Fahad Bukhari and team.”

Saudi Executive Chef Fahad Bukhari, with his team, will prepare an extensive buffet of local dishes from all over the kingdom – a variety of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine with live-cooking stations. There are also favourite types of Ramadan food, drinks and traditional dishes prepared in a modernistic way.

The Ramadan Tent will feature a special kids corner that will cater for the young guests, where they can colour, have their faces painted, read various books, enjoy smart games, and watch cartoons. Families will be able to enjoy their privacy in separate areas to eat in full comfort, not to mention the possibility of watching the preparation of some dishes directly with chefs.

The hotel will definitely not miss out on Suhoor, which will be served daily at the Tuğra Restaurant from 10:00pm to 3:00am. The buffet will be presented in a way that blends European luxury and authentic Arabian hospitality with the finest dishes.

For those wishing to stay at the hotel during the month of Ramadan can take advantage of the Ramadan package with numerous benefits, including complimentary Iftar at the Kempinski Ramadan Tent, as a courtesy that reflects the generosity of this brand.

Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski continuously launches a range of community service activities, such as joint cooperation agreements with charities, foundations and others.

The Kempinski Ramadan Tent this year will be sponsored by Virgin Mobile.

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Raza launches property platform; set to become the largest community landlord in Saudi Arabia  Property management arm of Saudi Public Pension Agency aims to double the AUM to SAR26billion by 2024  Expands business offerings to establish an international-standard real estate management platform in the Kingdom

Raza, the real estate management arm of Saudi Public Pension Agency (PPA) and a subsidiary of Al Ra’idah Investment Company (RIC), announced today the launch of operations in Saudi Arabia, the biggest real estate market in the GCC.

Previously known as Al Ra’idah, the company under its new identity has established an integrated real estate management platform to focus beyond property development to offer asset management, property management and commercial services.

Raza currently manages a total AUM (assets under management) of approximately SAR13 billion covering 2 million square meters (sqm) of high quality office, mixed-use and community developments Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

The company is currently completing a development pipeline of 4,600 residential units in Digital City and Jeddah Obhur.  Together with existing compound assets and residential portfolio in the Diplomatic Quarter, Raza will emerge as the largest community landlord in the Kingdom by 2020.

“We launched the Raza model in order to build on our unrivalled experience with delivering large challenging projects in Saudi Arabia.  Raza is designed to preserve and enhance the value of these big investments with a strategic, life cycle approach to asset management.  Our model is to combine our local knowledge and relationships with global institutional standards,” said Waleed Aleisa, Chief Executive Officer of Raza.

“As we are preparing to launch a new phase of our growth journey, our road to success is built on developing local talent, technology innovation, and a renewed focus on customers.  If we achieve these goals, we will deliver higher returns for our owners and reduce the cost-ratio of our operations.”

Raza also charts out a five-year growth strategy wherein placemaking and developing integrated communities act as critical growth catalysts in doubling its portfolio to nearly SAR26 billion in AUM by 2024. The current occupancy rates across its portfolio stand at 85 per cent with some of the prominent developments such as Digital City in Riyadh close to fully leased.

As part of the growth strategy, Raza has also launched a digital transformation programme to deliver improved operational efficiency and customer experience.

“In keeping with our commitment to professionalise the market, the next few months will see us introducing new-to-market concepts to Saudi Arabia that enhance integrated community experience where people want to live, work and relax. In this context technology plays a critical role and the digital transformation journey will help us introduce several industry-first propositions in the region,” Aleisa added.

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