Riyadh Marriott Hotel & Marriott Executive Apartments receive 2 awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards Ceremony 2016

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Riyadh Marriott Hotel received the “2016 Luxury Hotel and Conference Center” award, while Marriott Executive Apartments, Riyadh Makarim received the “2016 Luxury Serviced Apartment” award. The awards were granted by the World Luxury Hotel Awards within a ceremony that was held St. Regis Hotel Doha on Saturday, 29 October 2016.

Its strategic location, premium services, and integrated facilities had placed Riyadh Marriott Hotel as one of the most authentic hotels in Riyadh and reinforced its position as the destination for Business and Leisure travelers.

“These awards come as a recognition of the relentless efforts of the Marriott team who continuously work on delivering the best international standards.” Says Mr. Ayman Sallam, Director of Sales and Marketing at Marriott Hotel.

He added “Our goal is to continuously provide our guests with unique hotel services and these awards like their prior will give us the drive to satisfy the various expectations and needs of our guests. We are committed to dedicating the global knowledge we have gained over the years to improve the quality of the Hospitality sector in the Kingdom.

Furthermore, the Vice President of Property and Assets at Dur Hospitality, Mr. Sultan Al Otaibi said: “Riyadh Marriott Hotel is the first 5 stars’ hotel in the Kingdom, and it represents the first fruit of our partnership with Marriott International dating back to over 40 years.

He continued: “We are proud of the partnership we have with Marriott International and seek to implement all our capabilities and expertise in the field of hotel operations to enhance this partnership through the development of new hotels within the franchise agreement that was concluded earlier this year.”

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Makkah City is the 23rd most visited city in the world Makarem Hotels showcases it operational experience in World Travel Market

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Saudi Arabia’s Geographic location, its economic significance, and the host to two of the holiest Islamic sites in the world boosts the Kingdom’s positioning as the business hub of the region and the world.

These pillars highly support the Kingdom’s Hospitality sector as it is main role is to accommodate the anticipated increase in the number of visitors to the Kingdom whether they come for business, tourism or religious purposes.

Several plans are being developed to restore major historic and touristic sites across the kingdom to position Saudi Arabia on the World tourism map. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) works to enhance the role of tourism sector as major contributor in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program 2020.

In light of all the above, Makarem is participating for the 2nd year in a row in the World Travel Market (WTM), the leading global event for the travel industry and industry professionals that will be held in London during the period from 7-9 November 2016.

Makarem, the Saudi hotel brand of Dur Hospitality, participates in WTM to shed light on the Kingdom’s huge tourism potential, and to represent, as a Saudi Brand, the expertise of local operators.

Dr. Dennis Sorin, President of Hotel Operations at Dur Hospitality, “Makarem is participating in this international event to showcase its development strategy and expansion plan, thus enhancing the brand’s position as a Saudi brand specialized in providing its hospitality services for the holy cities as per the international hospitality standards.”

Sr. Sorin added, “Makarem hotels are widely spread across the Kingdom and our endeavor is to showcase our expertise in hotel operations which makes Makarem the partner of choice for hotel owners who are looking for a trusted partner that can operate their hotel property on their behalf.”

Dr. Sorin added, “Customers’ satisfaction is our mission at Makarem and Participating in such an event allows us to understand the increased needs and demands of international religious or business visitors thus achieving a higher return on investment for our stakeholders. Makarem’s innovative services has surpassed the traditional norm in an attempt to enrich the the customers’ experience throughout their stay”

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RAFAL sets a new Benchmark for companies operating in the Real Estate sector

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Despite some limited rights, the Saudi woman has been able to deservedly prove her presence in all vital and developing sectors in the Kingdom, having overcome many obstacles and challenges, which enabling her to occupy leading positions and become an active member of the community.

Since female contribution limitation in real estate was visibly clear, RAFAL was prompted to place a new unconventional standard in a strategy of hiring women in various departments of the company.  An approach based on the company’s belief in the importance of the female influence in the real estate sector.

Accordingly, RAFAL Real Estate development company announced that female personnel account for 20% of total company employees, holding positions in marketing, sales, engineering, design, accounting and human resources.

To empower ladies to compete and excel in the real estate sector, RAFAL was committed to create an attractive and supportive work environment and to help them in developing their professional skills and capabilities through the use of advanced technologies and training, thus overcoming the obstacles that were faced by women within companies operating in the sector.

RAFAL Real Estate Development Company attributed the challenges faced by women in this sector to several factors; whether from regulations and procedures or other professionals in the industry neglecting the acceptance of women working among them. Thus the company is seeking to encourage the enrollment of women in the real estate sector, both residential or commercial, that would attract other women to step in.

It is worth mentioning that RAFAL Real Estate Development Company, established at the end of 2007, is specialized in developing integrated high-end residential communities. The company’s mission revolves around developing various residential communities. RAFAL is committed to providing consistent value for its long term partners in success.

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Riyadh Motor Show Opens to Public

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The Riyadh Motor Show kicked off today, Tuesday 29 November 2016, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibitions Center. Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Transport, the show was inaugurated by Eng. Hathlool AL Hathloul, Deputy Minister of transport and Roads and will continue for 4 days.

The 30th edition of the Riyadh Motor Show, is witnessing several “new model launches” for the biggest automotive companies in the region and exclusively highlights the reveal of more than 10 model cars displayed for the first time ever, exhibiting the latest technological advancements recorded in the automotive industry.

With more than 60 international automotive companies and car dealers and auto manufacturers representing the most renowned car brands, The Riyadh Motor show is being held concurrently with the Saudi Auto Shop, and the Saudi Power Sports shows thus providing an integrated dedicated platform for the automotive industry.

The shows also offers several activities and entertainment for all visitors and automotive enthusiasts.

The organizing company of Riyadh Motor Show, Riyadh Exhibitions Co., emphasized the significance of this show as the ideal platform for automotive companies to reveal their latest car models, and showcase the automotive trends of 2017.

The high interest for power sports witnessed recently in the kingdom was one of the main reasons to dedicate a full section in the exhibition to display the latest model of sport vehicles and motorcycles.

Riyadh Motor Show is the Pit stop for car enthusiast and auto manufacturers, who are keen to preview the latest car models accessories, and all automotive related parts. The show marked its presence on the Global Exhibitions map, thus highlighting the magnitude of the automotive industry in the Middle East. The noticeable growth of the exhibition was reflected by the huge participation of the leading international companies, which in turn led to its international recognition.

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Over 1300 leaders and entrepreneurs will gather in Riyadh at the largest digital conference in the Kingdom. Now in its fifth year ArabNet Riyadh is hosted by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)

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For the fifth year in a row, ArabNet Riyadh – the largest and most influential digital conference in the Kingdom – is bringing together members of Saudi Arabia’s government and the largest corporations, along with 1300 regional and international digital professionals and entrepreneurs, to discuss upcoming developments and do business.

The event is hosted by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and supported by the Badir Program for Technology Incubators. The sponsors are some of the Kingdom’s top major companies, including Digital Media Services (DMS), Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Aramco, InspireU, Thiqah, OMD, Nabad, Payfort, IBM, Dubai Internet City, Rotana and TRACCS, among others.

A key focus of the event this year will be the National Transformation Plan and its impact on the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. Commenting, Nawaf Al Sahhaf, CEO of Badir, said: “We believe this year, rapid development under Vision 2030 will undeniably make for richer, more engaging discussions on changes and opportunities in entrepreneurship.”

The forum will cover three main tracks: National Innovation, Media, and Investment, with 80+ speakers from across the world and the MENA region talking  about building the next digital frontier in one of MENA’s strongest markets.

The National Innovation track will explore strategies for fostering the knowledge economy at the national level in KSA, covering the roles of the government and the private sector in stimulating entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as smart cities and corporate digital transformation.

The Media track will tackle how the future of online media is being shaped in Saudi Arabia and the region, and how brands, agencies and publishers are adapting to new platforms. Michel Malkoun, Chief Operating Officer at DMS, said:  “ArabNet Riyadh aims to highlight not only industry trends, but will also be hosting discussions around upcoming developments, which will surely impact the digital marketing industry in KSA.”

For the Investment track, ArabNet Riyadh will focus on encouraging investments in technology startups, bringing together venture capitalist, LPs, private equity funds, and corporate venture capital initiatives.

ArabNet Riyadh will also feature initiatives that are aimed at supporting the creation of new businesses and job opportunities in Saudi Arabia and the region. The Startup Battle, Ideathon and Battle of the Games competitions encourage innovation and hone local talent; Startup Battle winners will compete regionally at the first ever ArabNet Startup Championship in Dubai in May 2017, and go global.

The local IBM SmartCamp – a global pitch competition for early-stage startups – will also take place during ArabNet Riyadh.

Among other programs, The MatchUp is a series of  One-on-One meetings between high-level executives and fast growing startups; the Design+Code Day is a day of workshops to help developers and designers build their skills; Women Mentoring Women is a networking session that supports and mentors young female entrepreneurs and technology leaders; the OMD Academy is a half-day track dedicated to connecting brands and agencies with the latest trends in digital media, while the OMD Backstage Pass features One-on-One Q&A interview sessions with the brightest minds in digital today.

Finally, the Investment track is an invitation-only workshop designed to brief banking leaders on the latest innovations and assist in finding ways to leverage technology to achieve growth.

Over 80 speakers will take part in the event, including regional and international initiators of change such as Mazen Al Dawood, Deputy Governor of the General Authority for Small And Medium Enterprises; AbdulRahman Aljadhai, CEO of Elm; Ahmad El Alfi, Founder and Chairman of Sawari Ventures and Co-founder of Flat6Labs; Fahd Hamidaddin, Chief Commercial Officer of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC); Nathan Hull, Chief Commercial Officer of Elly’s Choice; Scott Amyx, CEO of Amyx+; Sumeet Jain, General Partner of LUMA Capital Partners; and Todd Embley, Director of Parisoma.

As stated by Saudi Aramco’s Managing Director, Sami Khursani, “ArabNet has always been at the forefront when it comes to a one-stop-shop platform for both entrepreneurs and investors. The conferences have succeeded in building bridges across the MENA region with a focus on highlighting challenges, methods of overcoming them, and the opportunities availed. Our presence here is to support all efforts exerted towards the enrichment of the Kingdom’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.”

The ArabNet Riyadh 2016 conference will be held on December 12 – 14, 2016 at the Four Seasons Hotel. Past ArabNet events have notably attracted top speakers, participants, and partners from corporations such as Smart Dubai, OMD, Souq.com, Du, Touch, Alfa, TBWA, Facebook, DMS, Majid Al Futtaim, JWT, STC, Twitter, Starcom, Criteo, SkyNews, VISA, Leo Burnett, Deloitte, LBC, Microsoft, Uber, Vivaki, GE, MakerStudios (Disney), FP7, 500Startups, International New York Times, and many more.

To learn more, go to:  www.arabnet.me/conference/riyadh

 

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Embassy of Japan organizes exhibition of Japanese Food Culture

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Japanese Embassy in Riyadh in cooperation with JETRO Riyadh and Dubai invited Saudi officers, businessmen and local media to the Ambassador’s Residence and held a Japanese food exhibition for further understanding of Japanese Cuisine “Washoku” here in Saudi Arabia. Dubai-based traders, such as JFC Gulf, AGSS and Summit/Musashi participated in the event with their Japanese products and Japanese producers as well with basic ingredients of Japanese food such as Japanese rice and miso for miso-soup.

Dealing with the ingredients which are directly sent from Dubai on this occasion, Ambassador’s Chef Mr. Shoji Hamana demonstrated his artistry through making Sushi and attendees tasted the difference of rice which particularly suits sushi. Japanese restaurants are popular among Saudis but the invitees found a fresh surprise with the rich variety of Japanese food products and discussed better procurement and distribution of such real foods in the Kingdom.

Attendees also experienced tasting of different kinds of Japanese broth – “dashi,” which is essential for any of Japanese cuisine, and learned the difference of Red, White and Yellow Miso. A Japanese officer told: the geographical distance between Saudi Arabia and Japan may be one of the main causes for misunderstanding each culture but as we see Saudis appreciating our authentic food culture here, actual experience through cultural exchange, like this event, will sweep away such barriers. The Japanese providers learnt a lot from this event and they will surely take this experience back to produce more halal foods in Japan.  

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“Ladies Lounge 2016” – Luxury Travel to Germany

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Women in Saudi Arabia want to be spoiled and indulge in a luxurious atmosphere when travelling abroad. In an exclusive event held at The Ritz Carlton Riyadh hotel, Hosted by the German National Tourist Board and Co-hosted by Lufthansa German Airlines in cooperation with participating partners: GESALO, South west Germany, Munich airport, Munich city, and Outlet city Metzigen invited hand-selected guests to experience Germany as a destination for luxury travel. After a welcome reception the guests were seated to be addressed by the hosts of the event. Maria Amaral, Director Marketing & Sales Office Gulf Countries, and Constanze Hilgers, Director International Market SME and Tourism Industry Relations, of the German National Tourist Office emphasized the great variety of luxury travel opportunities in Germany.

Fadia Assouny, Key Account Manager Kuwait of Lufthansa German Airlines, showcased the latest offers of travelling in style to Germany such as Lufthansa, which is known as one of the world’s leading premium airlines.

The guests were also introduced to the City of Munich and the Southwest of Germany, which hosts a unique tourism cluster. Jasmin Klaus, Sales and Tourism Manager of the Outlet city Metzingen, emphasized the vast shopping opportunities at Outlet city Metzingen, one of the largest shopping cities in Germany with more than 3 million guests from more than 185 countries per year.

Many of the guests were fascinated by the various opportunities of luxury travel to Germany. One woman from Riyadh said that “I have travelled Europe a lot, but never to Germany. Today, I will go home with many new inspirations and already know where I will go shopping next.”

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UMC unveil the All-new 2017 Dodge Neon: an innovative value proposition in the Saudi Arabia C-sedan segment

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United Motors Company UMC  the authorised distributer of Dodge cars in Saudi Arabia recently hosted the launch of the World’s C segment  car, the All-New Dodge Neon’s, in three regions of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah & Khobar) with the attendee of United Motors management and area sales manager from regional office in Dubai Mr. Riaan.

After the Launch, UMC gave the chance for the media to test drive the new Dodge Neon to evaluate the performance and aerodynamic of the car.

  • Dodge’s first compact car in the Middle East in five years continues the brand’s practiceof breaking convention by offering a high value proposition and a full array of standard safety features in the compact segment.
  • The Dodge Neon has aggressive proportions and an athletic stance making it instantly recognizable as the newest member of the Dodge family.
  • Levels of roominess, convenience features and comfort that are unique within the segment at it’s price point
  • Standard features included on all 2017 Dodge Neon’s include:
  • 2017 Dodge Neon brings unique levels of standard features to the Saudi Arabia  compact sedan segment at an entry level price of just SR 57,400.
  • 6- Airbags:  2 Front, 2 Side and 2 Curtain
  • Four-channel ABS
  • Electronic Stability Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Electronic Rollover Mitigation, Hill-start Assist, Traction Control, Trailer Sway Control
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring system
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Fog Lights
  • Comprehensive 5 year / 100,000 km manufacturer warranty

Combining high levels of comfort, exceptional roominess and a comprehensive range of standard features and safety equipment, the all-new 2017 Dodge Neon – powered by a proven, fuel-efficient 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox – is a new breed of compact sedan. As well as offering exceptional value for money, it brings innovation and stand-out styling to the compact sedan segment, where sameness is the norm – exactly as drivers have come to expect from Dodge.

Both bold and contemporary, the Neon features the Dodge brand’s signature cross-hair grille which is complemented by a rounded front fascia and swept back head and tail lights that echo the muscular good looks of its big brothers, the Charger and Challenger.

The interior sets new standards with the use of high quality soft feel materials with chrome highlights, the choice of a wide range of premium fabric options and LED interior lighting.

The front cabin is a fully functioning command centre, featuring FCA’s award winning U-Connect infotainment system with Bluetooth streaming – so you can stay close to your favorite people, music and places by the simple touch of easy-to-use controls (including the cruise function) mounted on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

There are easy-to-navigate icons for the radio, climate, media and available navigation (late availability), plus additional USB ports so that you can plug in your personal devices, enjoy your favourite tunes and charge them at the same time.

For this refreshingly different compact sedan, we have stretched the interior and cargo space to the max. The Neon seats five adults in total comfort, and standard features including power windows, 6 speaker quality audio system with 220w power output, power adjustable door mirrors and remote power locks make driving a real pleasure.

The Neon’s generous 520-litre boot will swallow up plenty of luggage or the weekend shopping with space to spare and features a low sill to make loading and unloading easy. There’s also tons of storage space in the glove compartment, centre console, door pockets and on the back of the front seats plus can holders at the front and back, and a holder for your sunglasses.

The Neon is also in a class of its own when it comes to the safety and comfort of its occupants with an array of outstanding standard safety features, both passive and active.

It all starts with the modern chassis plus front McPherson struts and rear twist beam suspension that deliver a high level of comfort and driving stability. Standard features include ABS, ESC with roll over mitigation, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPM) and Hill Holder to prevent creep back on an incline. The rear camera and sensors (standard on the SXT Plus model) help when parking.

Front airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger plus curtain and seat-side airbags make an important contribution to occupant safety. Add anchor points for child seats and the Neon’s safety levels go right to the top of its class.

Responsive braking from speed is of paramount importance in any car and so it is in the Neon, which delivers smooth, progressive stopping thanks to its highly efficient front disc brakes and rear drum brakes supplemented by four channel ABS, emergency brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.

But safety is not just about a strong, rigid body structure or good brakes. Smooth power delivery and handling are also of prime importance. Thanks to the proven e.torQ four-cylinder SOHC 16V 1.6-litre unit mounted up front, the Neon provides a vibration-free environment along with outstanding noise-insulation for smooth, quiet running. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and produces 110hp at 5,500 rpm with 152Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm.

The Neon is manufactured using approximately 80% high-strength steel in order to maximise driving dynamics and crash performance while optimising weight efficiency. Ultra high-strength steel front crash cross members also contribute to the Neon’s exceptional crash-worthiness and low weight.

The overall result is a solid, refined feel. The stiffness of the chassis minimises noise and vibration, giving occupants a feeling of safety and stability. In addition, enhanced chassis-to-body structure interfaces (i.e., suspension brackets and cradle attachments), are designed to ensure high stiffness at those points, reducing low-frequency noise in the cabin. The final effect is excellent chassis tuning, NVH isolation and durability.

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15% First-Timers Exhibitors Increased Interest in Riyadh Motor Show 2016

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Gathering a massive number of automotive pros and patrons under one roof, the 30th edition of Riyadh Motor Show continues preparations for its launch on the 29th of November as the longest-running and leading car show in the Middle East at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (Exit 10).

Held under the patronage and support of the Ministry of Transport, the 4-day show is a must attend event for automotive fans and lovers.

The Saudi car purchase market has witnessed by 2016 a 14% growth rate compared to the rates of 2015 due to car loans, where it amounted to about 32.698 billion riyals during the second quarter of the given year according to reports recently issued by Arabian Monetary Agency.

In light of the above facts and figures and according to a report issued by Frost and Sullivan, the Saudi automotive sector is expected to grow by 3.3%, in particularly with the current Saudi banking facilities. A report by Ernst & Young also noted that the proportion of cars sold up through bank financing between 2012 and 2016 would reach 70% of the total car sales in the Kingdom.

Automotive Manufacturers, mechanics experts and companies from the automotive industry will enhance their market share through revealing their latest models of vehicles, latest technologies, and automotive trends.

With an expected visitor` count of around 100,000 automotive fans, the 15000 square meters’ lot will bring together more than 60 local, regional and international companies of which 15% are first-timers.

Riyadh Motor Show organizers elaborated that the increased turnout of the event in this pivotal period highlights the importance of having specialized fairs that ease direct communication between automobile specialists and the public in the Saudi market.

The organizers added “the significance of the exhibition lies in the provision of an ideal exhibitors` platform to launch their latest car models. In addition to the participating companies’ activities, we have planned a competition for car tuning and customization, workshops and other surprises and interactive activities which will be launched exclusively during the show enticing visitors to attend and interact with the show.”

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Towards an Ideal Educational environment Global Office Solutions utilizes its expertise to equip educational institutions

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The University of Jazan has signed a furnishing agreement with the Global Office Solutions Company “GOS” for the supply and installation of furniture to the university departments.

As per the agreement, GOS will be responsible for equipping the Faculty of Applied Science including the deans’ offices, Professors’ Centre, medical laboratories, lecture halls and all the college departments.

In its endeavor to apply the best office solutions with international standards, the university has chosen GOS as one of the leading companies in Saudi Arabia that specializes in creating healthy work environments. The university was mostly interested in the strategic approach followed by the company from developing the initial concept to design, supply and installation, while maintaining Clients identity throughout this process.

As per the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of Jazan, the importance of this project is reflected by the need to keep pace with the developments and changes to improve the quality of educational services. This provides an ideal and comfortable environment for the employees, the students and staff members, as productivity is enhanced if the workplace is convenient and comfortable.

Mr. Thamer Khaled Al Rumaih, Managing Director of GOS, said: “Global Office Solutions seeks to enrich the Saudi business and educational community by introducing a diversified portfolio of interiors. Our mission is to be the significant destination for anyone seeking an ideal productive working environment.”

He added: “We are proud of what we have achieved with the University of Jazan and we are utilizing all our capabilities to position the university as an ideal educational model. We are also targeting University graduates by offering specialized lectures and workshops to enhance their knowledge on the industry of office solutions.”

Mr. Thamer Al Rumaih concluded, “This agreement comes in line with our expansion strategy. We at GOS are targeting institutions and companies from both the Private and Public sectors across the Kingdom to enhance the company as a brand specialized in office solutions.”

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