Saudi Arabia takes the number one spot for using Uber

No matter where you go, the Uber app always stays the same, providing peace of mind without having to worry about how to get around.
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Updated 26 December 2021
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Saudi Arabia takes the number one spot for using Uber

It’s no surprise that people all over the world rely on the Uber app to take them from one place to another. No matter where you go, the Uber app always stays the same, providing peace of mind without having to worry about how to get around.
Residents and citizens of Saudi Arabia seem to agree that the country tops the list for using the Uber app the most when traveling abroad. Joining other EMEA citizens in the Top10 list are those based in France, Germany and the UK.
It’s not just Saudi Arabia that has made it to the list released by Uber. Our neighboring countries seem to have found popularity as well among Uber riders.
Comparing trips from 2019 to 2021, Uber reveal that the world agrees with cities in the Middle East’s placings in the Top 10 most popular EMEA cities for Uber riders.
Most popular EMEA cities among Uber riders: Coming in at number five is Dubai, home to the tallest building in the world, as well as some of Uber’s most frequent riders. The majority of Dubai residents are also vaccinated, so the Emirate is well on its way to recovery from the pandemic.
It’s no surprise that Dubai made it to this list in 2021, since it plays host to Expo 2020 Dubai, an event which brings the world together to address some of the biggest priorities facing the world today.
With dedicated pickup and drop-off areas, Dubai’s residents and international visitors can walk straight into Expo 2020 Dubai without worrying about parking or directions.
Cairo came in at number eight. A bustling, modern metropolis meets relics of the ancient world in this dynamic and exciting city, making it the ideal city to live in or visit for a short break.
This isn’t the first time Cairo has broken records at Uber. Leveraging its tech, Uber launched the global first mass transport solution on the streets of Egypt with Uber Bus to provide a low-cost option while also reducing congestion and battles over parking spaces.
Other new cities that made it to the top 10 list include Athens, Greece; Kyiv, Ukraine; and Algarve, Portugal while cities such as London, England; Madrid, Spain; and Paris, France.
Most popular international cities amongst Uber riders:  Zooming out to the international stage, Dubai retains its position as one of the most popular cities amongst Uber riders, coming in at number 10. One of only two new cities to join the top 10, Dubai joins international hot spots like New York City, Miami and Toronto.
The top three cities these international visitors hail from is Saudi Arabia followed by the UK and the US. As we welcome back the glorious Middle Eastern winter weather, Dubai becomes a prime vacation destination, welcoming tourists who are looking to escape the frosty cold in favor of sun, sand and sea.
With millions of rides requested over the app in the Middle East alone, Uber is there for you, whether for your daily commute or while you’re out exploring the world.


Locals embrace short getaways while foreign pilgrims spend in KSA

Updated 02 July 2025
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Locals embrace short getaways while foreign pilgrims spend in KSA

Travelers from Saudi Arabia took full advantage of this year’s extended Eid Al-Adha break, turning the six-day (June 5-10) holiday into an opportunity for cultural exploration, both at home and abroad. While many residents jetted off for short international getaways, the Kingdom also welcomed millions of foreign pilgrims during the Hajj season, driving a steady increase in travel to Saudi Arabia and spending.

According to Visa’s Travel Pulse: Eid Al-Adha Edition, international travel by Saudi residents rose by 25 percent compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was driven by a strong preference for shorter trips, with 69 percent of travelers from the Kingdom opting for brief weekend getaways. They also made 21 percent more purchases abroad and spent 13 percent more overall this Eid, reflecting a preference to maximize the holidays with quick trips abroad.

This Eid, international getaways became an opportunity for many Saudi travelers to indulge in retail experiences. Shopping led the way across all major destinations, influencing not just how people spent, but also where they chose to go.

•UAE led as the top international destination, welcoming 14 percent of Saudi travelers and accounting for 23 percent of total international spend. With an average spend of $635 per card, fashion took center stage — seven of the top 10 merchants were in the shopping and apparel category. Among the top brands were Dubai Duty Free Stores, Hermes, and Cartier, reflecting both a preference for convenient airport shopping and a strong appetite for luxury. Dining and entertainment were also high on the agenda.

•Nine percent of travelers went to Turkiye, making it the second most popular destination. It captured 15 percent of overall holiday spend with each visitor spending an average of $653 per card.

•While the UK attracted a smaller share of travelers from Saudi Arabia (6 percent) and overall spend (12 percent), it captured the highest spend per card at $839. This figure reflects the destination’s premium retail appeal, with shopping leading how Saudi visitors chose to spend.

Meanwhile, the Hajj season continued to play a meaningful role in Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape. Compared to the same period last year, the Kingdom saw a 7 percent increase in the number of foreign pilgrims, who made 16 percent more purchases during their stay. While overall spending grew by 4 percent, key shopping categories remained unchanged, including food, medicine, and other everyday needs, with smaller portions of spend going toward clothing and travel-related services.

“Whether it’s a short break or a meaningful pilgrimage, having a simple and secure way to pay matters at every step of the journey,” said Ali Bailoun, regional general manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman at Visa. 

“We are proud to support that through our unique data insights and seamless, reliable payment solutions, and to contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by helping create more connected, inclusive and seamless payment experiences across borders.”

For businesses and banks, Visa’s Travel Pulse offers unique insights to improve the payment experience for Saudi Visa cardholders traveling abroad or opting for local experiences.


Hankook Tire participates in ‘Mobility Live 2025’

Updated 02 July 2025
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Hankook Tire participates in ‘Mobility Live 2025’

Global tire company Hankook Tire and Technology participated in Mobility Live Middle East 2025, the region’s premier mobility exhibition, held from June 24 to 25 at the Dubai World Trade Center.

Mobility Live Middle East 2025 is the region’s largest mobility exhibition, centered around the future of transportation — including electric vehicles, smart infrastructure, and sustainable public transit. This year’s event brought together more than 10,000 experts, 1,000 VIP buyers, and over 250 participating brands, offering insights into future market trends.

Making its second consecutive appearance at the event, Hankook Tire reinforced its leadership in world-class EV tire technology. At its booth, the company showcased its premium EV product lineup tailored for Middle Eastern driving environments. Featured products included the “iON” brand — the world’s first full lineup of EV-exclusive tires — comprising the high-performance “iON evo,” the summer tire “iON GT,” and the “e-SMART City AU56” for electric buses.

In particular, the iON evo was recognized for its outstanding braking and handling performance, earning the top ranking in a recent tire comparison test conducted by Auto Bild, an automotive magazine in Germany.

The e-SMART City AU56, a truck and bus radial tire, offers optimized mileage performance compared to previous models. 

It incorporates advanced tread block technology to deliver improved grip and extended tread life.

“Hankook Tire continues to strengthen its premium brand presence and expand its footprint in the Middle East EV tire market through a range of strategic initiatives,” said Jongwoo Kim, head of Hankook Tire’s Middle East and Asia division. “Mobility Live provided an exceptional platform to showcase the innovation behind our ‘iON’ brand, which leads the way in promoting sustainability in the future mobility sector through the use of advanced eco-friendly materials.” He added, “In line with the UAE’s vision to accelerate EV adoption and its broader sustainability goals under the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy, our participation in Mobility Live highlights our commitment to supporting the region’s clean mobility transformation. We are also reviewing Vision 2030 roadmaps set by each ESG steering committee to re-evaluate our current position and establish a refreshed mid- to long-term strategy for the decade ahead.”


St. Regis Riyadh’s GM wins Hotelier Middle East award

Updated 02 July 2025
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St. Regis Riyadh’s GM wins Hotelier Middle East award

The St. Regis Riyadh has announced that their General Manager Marina Krasnobrizhaya has been awarded GM of the Year — Luxury Properties, Middle East by Hotelier Middle East, marking a defining moment in the hotel’s remarkable journey of excellence and recognition.

Since its grand opening, The St. Regis Riyadh has reimagined luxury hospitality in the Kingdom — seamlessly blending the storied legacy of the St. Regis brand with the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia. From its bespoke guest rituals to its refined design and exceptional dining venues, the hotel has become a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and modern prestige.

Under Krasnobrizhaya’s dynamic leadership, the hotel has emerged as one of the most celebrated properties in the region, earning multiple prestigious industry accolades, including: Best Luxury Hotel in Riyadh, Best New Business Hotel, Best Lounge in Riyadh for the iconic Stella Sky Lounge, and Best Afternoon Tea in the City, a tribute to The St. Regis signature ritual, elegantly reinterpreted in Riyadh.

“Each award reflects the hotel’s deep commitment to curating unforgettable experiences, blending international standards with local artistry and spirit,” a press statement said. “Whether it’s an elevated business stay, a sunset at Stella Sky Lounge, or the celebrated afternoon tea in The Drawing Room, every detail is thoughtfully designed to honor the brand’s heritage while resonating with today’s sophisticated traveler.”

“Krasnobrizhaya’s recognition by Hotelier Middle East is a testament to her visionary leadership and relentless drive to foster a culture of excellence. Her role has been instrumental in positioning The St. Regis Riyadh as a flagship of luxury in the Middle East and a benchmark for service innovation in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape,” the hotel said.

“As The St. Regis Riyadh continues to shape the capital’s luxury narrative, this award marks not only an individual achievement but a collective triumph for the entire team that brings the brand’s legendary legacy to life each day.”

Located in the heart of the capital, the hotel is a landmark of modern elegance and Arabian grandeur. With its signature butler service, immersive rituals, and a dedication to exceptional service, the hotel is redefining luxury for the Kingdom’s new era.


Petromin and Foton sign four-party MoU to establish commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia

Updated 02 July 2025
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Petromin and Foton sign four-party MoU to establish commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia

Petromin Corporation, Foton, the Ministry of Investment, and the National Industrial Development Center signed a four-party memorandum of understanding to explore the establishment of an integrated commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia.

The agreement is in line with Saudi Vision 2030 efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s industrial sector and localize high-value manufacturing.

The initiative will develop local capabilities in manufacturing and logistics, strengthen supply chains, and increase localization rates in the vehicle sector.

The scope of production will include heavy-duty trucks, light-duty trucks, and buses.

Amr Al-Dabbagh, chairman and CEO of Al-Dabbagh Group, owner of Petromin, said: “This step aligns with our ambitions to promote a diversified economy based on industry and technology. We take pride in this partnership with Foton, who are No. 1 in the Chinese commercial vehicle market. This partnership acts as a strong catalyst to deliver high-quality commercial vehicles that meet market expectations and support achieving Vision 2030 objectives.”

Chang Rui, chairman of BAIC Foton, added: “We are proud of our partnership with Petromin to localize commercial vehicle manufacturing. Through this collaboration, we aim to transfer advanced technology to the Saudi market and provide innovative and sustainable mobility solutions benefiting businesses and consumers alike.”

The project is backed by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Investment, the National Industrial Development Center, the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, and the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority.

It is expected to create job opportunities for national talent, support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, and contribute to the Kingdom’s shift toward a sustainable, advanced industrial economy.

With its rich history and expertise in the automotive industry, Petromin is a leading provider of comprehensive automotive solutions in the Middle East.

The company is committed to fostering innovation within the community and ensuring customer satisfaction through high-quality products and services.

Meanwhile, Foton, the No. 1 commercial vehicle manufacturer in China, has established a global presence in the industry.

It focuses on producing high-quality commercial vehicles through strategic partnerships with leading industry manufacturers such as Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), ZF Transmission, Cummins Engines, and others.

Its partnership with Petromin provides a unique opportunity to enhance its presence in the Saudi market, leveraging Petromin’s local expertise and market presence.


Saudi dermatologist first in region to receive ILDS honor

Updated 01 July 2025
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Saudi dermatologist first in region to receive ILDS honor

In a significant international milestone for Saudi Arabia, Dr. Saad bin Sami Al-Sogair, a leading Saudi dermatologist, has been awarded the 2025 International Leadership Medal by the International League of Dermatological Societies — one of the highest honors globally in the field of dermatology.

This prestigious award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional international leadership, influence in public health policy, and who contribute meaningfully to global collaboration in skin health and medical education.

Dr. Al-Sogair is the first dermatologist from the GCC countries to receive this recognition. He was nominated by the Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery and was selected from a record number of distinguished candidates worldwide.

This achievement is widely seen as a testament not only to Dr. Al-Sogair’s personal dedication and leadership, but also to the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in global medical and scientific advancement. The announcement has been met with widespread praise in academic, clinical, and policy circles and is considered a source of national pride.

Professor Henry W. Lim, president of ILDS, congratulated the recipients, saying: “These annual awards celebrate exceptional contributions by dermatologists and related professionals in advancing skin health worldwide. Each of our worthy recipients have significantly improved the lives of people living with skin diseases, whether through international leadership or humanitarian efforts.

“Each of this year’s recipients is an inspiration. We extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks for their exceptional service to the field of dermatology.”

Dr. Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al-Akeel, president of the Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, said: “We are extremely proud of Dr. Saad Al-Sogair for this historic recognition. His award not only reflects his tireless work and leadership but also highlights the Kingdom’s increasing global standing in dermatology. This comes at a significant moment, as Riyadh is currently bidding to host the 2031 World Congress of Dermatology, a global platform to showcase Saudi excellence in skin health.”

The ILDS International Leadership Medal honors individuals whose work has had a sustained global impact in areas such as medical education, innovation across borders, and international dermatologic collaboration.

This recognition aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance the Kingdom’s international presence in science, research, and healthcare innovation.