GEA launches 4th cohort of ‘Entertainment Leaders’ program
Updated 19 May 2025
Arab News
The General Entertainment Authority has launched the fourth cohort of the “Entertainment Leaders” program, part of the “Happiness Creators” initiative. The program empowers national talent and develops leadership in the entertainment sector, with support from the Quality of Life Program — one of the Vision 2030 realization programs.
This year’s edition includes the participation of 33 leaders — both men and women — who hold senior positions in the sector and represent a select group of influential national talents. The program runs for five months and is designed with a flexible format that does not require full-time commitment, enabling participants to enhance their leadership skills without disrupting their professional responsibilities.
The program features a wide range of training and development activities, including specialized workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and international field visits to explore global best practices in the entertainment industry. Participants will also have access to a comprehensive digital library throughout the program duration.
This initiative comes as part of GEA’s ongoing efforts to empower future leaders in the entertainment sector and enhance leadership and management capabilities to support the development of a sustainable and competitive entertainment industry at both the regional and global levels.
The program — one of the initiatives under the “Happiness Creators” — was launched by the GEA in 2021 as part of its human capital development initiatives. It trains and develops national talents working in the entertainment sector, contributing to sustainable capacity-building that supports the sector’s growth and advancement in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Elevare360 and Sahmik to power IR innovation in region
Rasha El-Hassan, head of IR advisory at Elevare360, added: “The integration of advanced analytics and real-time market intelligence with strategic advisory services is a game changer for IR professionals across the region.
Updated 23 July 2025
Arab News
Elevare360 Advisory, a Saudi-based investor relations and strategic communications consultancy, and Sahmik, a Qatari capital markets data and analytics platform, have signed a strategic partnership agreement marking a pivotal step toward advancing investor relations standards across the GCC.
As part of the agreement, the two firms will launch a co-branded bilingual investor relations platform tailored to clients in Saudi Arabia. The new solution, “Powered by Sahmik × Elevare360,” will integrate real-time market data, ESG dashboards, and institutional-grade reporting tools into state-of-the-art IR websites. Already trusted by major GCC-listed companies, Sahmik’s platform brings proven technology and credibility to the Kingdom. The solution will offer Saudi issuers a digital gateway to articulate their equity story, meet disclosure requirements, and actively engage shareholders — supporting the region’s digital transformation drive to attract long-term capital and position-listed companies for global visibility.
This partnership reflects the rising prominence of the Saudi stock market and the abundant opportunities it presents for regional and international investors. It also signals the growing maturity of GCC-based companies in adopting professional IR practices and forging high-impact cross-border alliances.
FASTFACT
As part of the agreement, the two firms will launch a co-branded bilingual investor relations platform tailored to clients in Saudi Arabia.
Amid the Kingdom’s busiest issuance cycle to date, 2024 saw 44 new listings raise the Saudi Exchange’s total to 353 companies — up from 247 main-market names at the end of 2023. Momentum is set to accelerate, with forecasts from Al-Rajhi Capital, EY, and others projecting 50–60 IPOs across 2025–26. Against this backdrop of rapid expansion, the Elevare360 × Sahmik collaboration arrives at a pivotal moment — equipping issuers with data-rich, bilingual IR technology and strategic counsel to stand out, meet rising disclosure demands, and compete for global capital on a broader, faster-moving market stage.
Together with Sahmik, we’re equipping issuers to be more transparent, investor-ready, and fully aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030, says Dr. Mishal Al-Harbi, Co-founder and COO of Elevare360
“This partnership underscores our conviction that data-driven investor-relations solutions are essential for Saudi companies that want to attract and retain both institutional and retail investors. By deploying these cutting-edge tools, we can help transform the Kingdom’s capital market.Together with Sahmik, we’re equipping issuers to be more transparent, investor-ready, and fully aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030,” said Dr. Mishal Al-Harbi, co-founder and COO of Elevare360.
“The Elevare-Sahmik alliance is a natural extension of our mission to democratize access to capital markets data and IR technology. By combining our analytics engine with Elevare’s strategic expertise, we’re delivering a truly end-to-end IR solution that scales across the GCC,” said Dalibor Pajic, head of content and data management.
Rasha El-Hassan, head of IR advisory at Elevare360, added: “The integration of advanced analytics and real-time market intelligence with strategic advisory services is a game changer for IR professionals across the region. Through our partnership with Sahmik, we are empowering companies to proactively manage investor perceptions, streamline compliance, and elevate their equity narratives in alignment with global best practices. This collaboration marks a significant leap forward in setting new standards for investor engagement and transparency in our region.”
Initially focused on Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the partnership plans to expand across the broader GCC in response to growing demand for digital IR tools and localized advisory services.
As members of the Middle East Investor Relations Association, both Elevare360 and Sahmik view this partnership as a testament to the value of regional collaboration within the MEIRA community — demonstrating how shared standards, data transparency, and strategic storytelling can unlock cross-border value.
Forum to explore public-private partnerships in region
Nasser Massoud, MENA PPP Forum chairman, said: “As we approach the 5th MENA PPP Forum, the region stands at a pivotal juncture. With hundreds of PPP projects announced in pipelines, valued at billions of dollars, the momentum is undeniable”
Updated 23 July 2025
Arab News
The 5th PPP MENA Forum is set to take place from Sept. 10 to 11 at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, solidifying its position as the region’s premier platform for public-private collaboration, investment, and policy transformation.
As the Middle East continues its ambitious journey toward economic diversification and infrastructure expansion, this year’s forum comes at a critical inflection point — bringing together more than 400 stakeholders from across government, finance, development, and industry.
Organized by Great Minds Event Management Company, the forum will welcome decision-makers, investors, project owners, EPC contractors, and sector specialists for two days of high-level dialogue and strategic networking. With participation from more than 150 government representatives and 40 global speakers, the event will explore the future of PPPs across core sectors including energy, healthcare, real estate, logistics, transportation, and digital transformation.
The 2025 edition will spotlight key sectors such as renewable energy, water, digital infrastructure, logistics, smart city planning, healthcare, and education — providing a well-rounded outlook on PPP models that create long-term impact. Special sessions will also be dedicated to women leadership in infrastructure, municipal-level partnerships, and global best practices for PPP governance.
Under the theme “Driving progress from MENA to the World,” the event will delve into emerging policies, procurement reform, investment strategies, and successful case studies that are shaping the next generation of PPPs in the region.
Nasser Massoud, MENA PPP Forum chairman, said: “As we approach the 5th MENA PPP Forum, the region stands at a pivotal juncture. With hundreds of PPP projects announced in pipelines, valued at billions of dollars, the momentum is undeniable.”
At the same time, procurement policy changes require a novel approach to delivering these projects in an affordable and sustainable way. This forum will delve into examples of successes and challenges, while exploring the transformative changes in procurement policies that will impact the nature of partnerships and project structures going forward. It is an opportunity to harness collective expertise, drive innovation, and forge partnerships that will define the future of infrastructure and service delivery in the MENA region and beyond.”
ITA Airways expands global network with strategic growth in Middle East
Passengers flying to and from the Middle East benefit from seamless connections across ITA Airways’ growing network, covering Europe, the Americas, and North Africa, supported by optimized transit through Rome Fiumicino Airport
Updated 23 July 2025
Arab News
ITA Airways, Italy’s national flag carrier, continues its ambitious international expansion strategy by reinforcing its presence in the Middle East — one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. With the recent launch of new nonstop routes to key destinations across the Gulf region, the airline is connecting Italy with high-potential international markets, supporting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
These new routes mark a significant step in ITA Airways’ long-term vision to establish Rome Fiumicino as a major intercontinental hub. Operated by the cutting-edge Airbus A321neo, the Middle Eastern routes offer passengers a refined travel experience with a three-class cabin configuration — Business, Premium Economy, and Economy. The aircraft also underscores ITA Airways’ sustainability mission, delivering over 20 percent lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions per seat, along with a 50 percent reduction in noise impact compared to previous-generation models.
Passengers flying to and from the Middle East benefit from seamless connections across ITA Airways’ growing network, covering Europe, the Americas, and North Africa, supported by optimized transit through Rome Fiumicino Airport.
Further enhancing the customer journey, ITA Airways recently unveiled its new premium Runway Lounge at Milan Linate Airport — an elegant space that embodies Italian design and excellence. Developed in collaboration with iconic Italian brands such as Campari Group, illycaffè, iGuzzini, and Poltrona Frau, the lounge offers a luxurious and uniquely Italian ambiance.
To celebrate the launch, a fashion show curated by Italian label Silence Please featured designs inspired by ITA Airways’ intercontinental destinations, reinforcing the brand’s connection to Italian creativity and global elegance.
Commenting on the expansion, Jörg Eberhart, CEO of ITA Airways, said: “Our growing footprint in the Middle East is a clear reflection of our long-term commitment to building sustainable and meaningful connections between Europe and this dynamic region. ITA Airways is dedicated to providing a premium and authentically Italian travel experience, supported by a modern fleet and seamless global connectivity. These new routes go beyond commercial value — they represent a vision of smarter, more connected travel that brings people, cultures, and economies closer together.”
As part of its broader growth strategy, ITA Airways continues to invest in fleet renewal, aiming for 90 percent of its aircraft to be next-generation models by 2027 — making it one of the youngest and most environmentally responsible fleets in Europe. Backed by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Italy and Deutsche Lufthansa AG, ITA Airways is steadily establishing itself as a key player in global aviation, driven by innovation, sustainability, and an unmistakable Italian style.
flyadeal expands regional footprint with new Dubai office
Farooq Ahmad, flyadeal head of sales, added: “We’ve been gradually stepping up our international sales support network across the region
Updated 22 July 2025
Arab News
Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing low-cost airline flyadeal has opened a dedicated sales office in Dubai to support customers and the travel trade, in the latest move to increase its presence in the emirate.
With the appointment of Orient Travel as the airline’s new general sales agent responsible for overseeing flyadeal sales in the UAE, the airline has also recruited Mudassir Dhanse as its new UAE country sales manager.
The opening ceremony of the new office, located within the premises of Orient Travel on Sheikh Zayed Road, was attended by key travel partners. Orient Travel Co-owners Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al-Qasmi and Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al-Qasmi, presided over the opening. Orient Travel CEO Asim Arshad and visiting senior management from flyadeal headquarters in Jeddah, led by CEO Steven Greenway and Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Rogier van Enk, were also present.
flyadeal has built up a successful split operation in Dubai to serve travelers in the heart of the city and the southern part to make accessibility easier for all, says Steven Greenway, CEO of flyadeal
flyadeal currently operates up to six daily scheduled flights between Riyadh and Dubai International Airport, a route launched just over two years ago. The airline also has a daily service linking the Saudi capital with Dubai World Central in southern Dubai that began in summer 2024.
flyadeal CEO Greenway said: “flyadeal has built up a successful split operation in Dubai to serve travelers in the heart of the city and the southern part to make accessibility easier for all. Of course we are looking to build capacity even further from up to seven daily flights across both Dubai airports as we induct new aircraft into the fleet. It’s just a matter of time before we increase frequency on these highly popular routes as we also look at venturing beyond Dubai exploring additional new route opportunities into other UAE markets.”
FASTFACT
Orient Travel has been named flyadeal’s new general sales agent responsible for overseeing the airline’s sales in the UAE.
Farooq Ahmad, flyadeal head of sales, added: “We’ve been gradually stepping up our international sales support network across the region. The addition of a GSA in Dubai to cover the UAE and having Mudassir onboard, who is well known to the UAE travel trade, provide us with a strong presence to provide our passengers and travel trade with the go-to support in one of the most dynamic markets in the Gulf.”
flyadeal has become one of the region’s fastest growing airlines with a current fleet of 39 Airbus A320 family aircraft serving more than 30 seasonal and year-round destinations in Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South Asia. The airline is set to more than triple in size in fleet and destinations served by 2030.
The carrier has just embarked on its summer seasonal flying program with the return of popular destinations in Egypt, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
LuLu’s value concept store, LOT, opens three outlets in KSA
Chairman Ali said: “This expansion reflects our commitment to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and our goal to offer high-quality, affordable products to all”
Updated 22 July 2025
Arab News
LuLu Group inaugurated three new value concept stores, called LOT, in Saudi Arabia in a single day — in Makkah, Saihat in the Eastern Province, and Riyadh. The central launch event took place in Makkah and was attended by dignitaries and government officials.
The Makkah store was inaugurated by Dr. Waleed Basuliman, general manager of investment and partnerships at the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, alongside LuLu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali M.A.
Nasser Huwaiden Thaiban Ali Alketbi, consul general of the UAE in Jeddah; Yaser Attar, director general of investment and deputy for planning and financial sustainability at Makkah Municipality; Abdulaziz Al-Sindi; Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Rifaei; and business figures from Makkah were also present.
Chairman Ali said: “This expansion reflects our commitment to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and our goal to offer high-quality, affordable products to all.”
He added that with LOT, their aim is to redefine value retailing by making everyday essentials accessible to everyone without compromising on quality.
“Four more LOT stores are in the pipeline in the Kingdom,” the LuLu chairman added.
Located on Abdullah Areef Street in Al-Rusayfah district, the new Makkah LOT store spans 43,000 square feet and is designed to deliver an engaging, budget-friendly shopping experience.
It features a wide selection of household essentials, kitchenware, and fashion for men, women, and children, with a strong emphasis on quality and affordability.
The store also offers ample parking space, enhancing its convenience for residents and visitors alike.
These value concept stores offer a wide range of products at unbeatable prices, with many items priced below SR22 ($5.87).
The Eastern Province outlet, located in Saihat within the LuLu Hypermarket complex on Al-Musib Ibn Rafi Street, offers 24,000 square feet of smart retail space tailored to budget-friendly shoppers.
Meanwhile, the Riyadh location in Al-Malaz features 18,772 square feet of retail space and comprehensive parking facilities.
All three stores opened with exclusive collections and promotional offers, reinforcing LOT’s core mission of making good-quality products accessible at wallet-friendly prices, responding to growing consumer demand for affordable yet high-quality retail experiences.
With this strategic expansion, LuLu continues to strengthen its footprint in the Saudi market, energizing the local retail sector and reaffirming its commitment to delivering value-driven shopping across key cities in the region.
