Lulu’s ‘Australia Week’ showcases growing bilateral trade

The event was inaugurated at Lulu’s Diplomatic Quarter branch in Riyadh by Australian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mark Donovan, in the presence of Shehim Mohammed.
The event was inaugurated at Lulu’s Diplomatic Quarter branch in Riyadh by Australian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mark Donovan, in the presence of Shehim Mohammed.
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Updated 13 May 2025
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Lulu’s ‘Australia Week’ showcases growing bilateral trade

Lulu’s ‘Australia Week’ showcases growing bilateral trade

Lulu Retail has officially launched “Australia Week 2025” across all its stores in Saudi Arabia, celebrating the strong partnership between Saudi Arabia and Australia in food security and trade. 

The event was inaugurated at Lulu’s Diplomatic Quarter branch in Riyadh by Australian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mark Donovan, in the presence of Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Hypermarkets Saudi Arabia, senior officials from the Australian Embassy, and top executives from Lulu.

Running until May 17, Australia Week 2025 showcases more than 960 high-quality Australian products from 129 leading brands. Shoppers can explore a curated selection of premium meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, frozen items, canned goods, and health-oriented foods. This week-long event highlights Australia’s reputation for clean, green, and sustainable food production.

The initiative coincides with Australia’s participation in the Saudi Food Show and the in-store promotions are designed to complement Australia’s broader market engagement and deepen trade links with Middle Eastern markets.

“In Australia, we value our close relationship with Saudi Arabia,” Donovan said. 

Australia Week is a great opportunity to introduce our premium products to Saudi consumers. Lulu Retail is a strategic partner in this effort, and we are proud to present this diverse selection of Australian products to their customers.”

Mohammed added: “At Lulu, we are committed to offering a rich and diverse shopping experience to customers in Saudi Arabia. Australia Week is part of that commitment. Through our partnership with Australia, we are able to provide a selection of high-quality products that align with Saudi tastes and nutritional needs. We are excited to share these exceptional items with our customers.”

Bryony Hilless, Australian consul general to Dubai and Austrade general manager for the Middle East, said: “As the Middle East’s population grows and consumers increasingly demand high-quality and reliable food and beverages, Australia has become a secure and trusted exporter to the region. 

We’re proud to partner with Lulu Hypermarkets to showcase much-loved Australian products in-store and to support Australian producers to connect and grow export partnerships in the region.”

Austrade Trade and Investment Commissioner Todd Miller highlighted the strategic opportunity of engaging with the Saudi market, saying: “Australian producers are known the world over for high-quality products produced in sustainable and ethical ways. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transforming the Kingdom’s food and beverage landscape, there are unparalleled opportunities for Australian exporters to provide the innovative, premium products the dynamic food market needs.”


Zain KSA and Cisco to develop AI infrastructure

Zain KSA and Cisco to develop AI infrastructure
Updated 16 July 2025
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Zain KSA and Cisco to develop AI infrastructure

Zain KSA and Cisco to develop AI infrastructure
  • The MoU is part of Zain KSA’s strategy to actively align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by driving digital transformation and positioning the Kingdom as a global digital innovation hub, particularly in the AI space

Zain KSA, a provider of telecommunications and digital services in Saudi Arabia, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Cisco, a global leader in networking and security, focusing on the development of cutting-edge AI infrastructure and GPU-as-a-service.

The agreement will leverage Cisco’s advanced, end-to-end infrastructure solutions for securely building and scaling AI workloads, supporting Zain KSA in delivering high-performance, resilient, and reliable GPU-powered services to the Saudi market.

The MoU is part of Zain KSA’s strategy to actively align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by driving digital transformation and positioning the Kingdom as a global digital innovation hub, particularly in the AI space.

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The MoU also includes exploring opportunities for training programs to upskil local talent, in line with Zain KSA’s commitment to ICT skills development.

As part of the collaboration, Zain KSA will leverage its deep market knowledge, cutting-edge digital capabilities, and targeted investments alongside Cisco’s global expertise in AI-ready infrastructure development. The initiative will create new solutions and commercial models to enable customers across various sectors to confidently and easily adopt AI solutions.

The MoU also includes exploring opportunities for training programs to upskil local talent, in line with Zain KSA’s commitment to ICT skills development to support long-term national AI capabilities.

Fahad Sahmi Al-Sahmah, vice president of B2B sales, Zain KSA, said: “At Zain KSA, we are mobilizing all our capabilities and investments to drive nationwide digital innovation, positioning the Kingdom as a global hub, a digital economy powered by future-looking GenAI solutions and applications. These efforts aim to empower all stakeholders, including government entities, businesses, and individuals, to harness the boundless potential of AI in support of national goals. This strategic collaboration with Cisco, positions us well to explore, develop, and innovate use cases, as we continue building a resilient, integrated and agile digital ecosystem that can embrace next-gen technologies and deploy them in the Kingdom.”

Zayan Sadek, managing director for service providers at Cisco Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, said: “Cisco is excited to collaborate with Zain KSA to pave the way for a transformative AI-powered future in Saudi Arabia. By combining Zain KSA’s digital expertise with Cisco’s cutting-edge AI infrastructure technologies, we aim to unlock new possibilities to empower businesses to thrive in the AI era and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for advanced technologies.”

 


New partnership empowers businesses with flexible payment solutions

New partnership empowers businesses with flexible payment solutions
Updated 16 July 2025
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New partnership empowers businesses with flexible payment solutions

New partnership empowers businesses with flexible payment solutions
  • Amazon Payment Services already offers a range of BNPL services and credit card installment options in partnership with more than 25 banks across the Kingdom, UAE, Egypt, and Jordan, allowing customers to split payments over terms of up to 36 months

Amazon Payment Services, a regional leader in digital payments across the Middle East and North Africa, has added Tamara, a leading “buy now, pay later” provider in the GCC, to its expanding suite of flexible payment options. As a new split payments partner, Tamara enables businesses in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to offer seamless, flexible payment experiences to their customers.  

The partnership comes at a time when consumers are increasingly seeking payment methods that deliver both flexibility and transparency. With BNPL demand on the rise across the region, Tamara’s inclusion in the Amazon Payment Services portfolio is a timely move to meet these growing consumer expectations and enhance the overall customer journey.

With BNPL adoption accelerating, industries such as airlines, e-commerce, healthcare, insurance, education, fashion, and lifestyle stand to benefit from Tamara’s Shariah-compliant flexible payment solutions. With Tamara, customers can split their payments into four equal installments — a feature designed to boost sales, reduce cart abandonment, and enhance customer satisfaction. Merchants, in turn, will benefit from larger basket sizes, improved conversion rates, and an enhanced shopping experience for their customers.

Peter George, managing director of Amazon Payment Services MENA, said: “As more consumers across the region look for affordable ways to manage their purchases, BNPL solutions are becoming more and more indispensable for merchants. Partnering up with Tamara, a leading split payments provider, was a natural next step in our commitment to empowering diverse businesses as they navigate today’s digital payments space. With this expansion of our offering, we are thrilled to unlock new revenue streams for businesses, help them deliver more value to their customers, and ultimately grow their online business.”

Sami Louali, EVP and chief revenue officer at Tamara, added: “At Tamara, we’re focused on creating a payment experience that benefits both businesses and consumers. Partnering with Amazon Payment Services allows us to expand our reach across the UAE and Saudi Arabia — supporting business growth and delivering a hassle-free, flexible payment solution for consumers. This partnership marks an exciting milestone in our mission to meet the changing needs of merchants and their customers while driving loyalty and sales.”

Amazon Payment Services already offers a range of BNPL services and credit card installment options in partnership with more than 25 banks across the Kingdom, UAE, Egypt, and Jordan, allowing customers to split payments over terms of up to 36 months. With Tamara’s inclusion, Amazon Payment Services can now cater to a wider audience, including customers who prefer to use either debit or credit cards.

This partnership ensures that merchants in the Kingdom and UAE have the tools they need to offer a seamless, flexible payment experience to their customers. With a single integration, businesses gain access to a wide range of payment options, advanced reporting dashboards, and streamlined reconciliation processes, keeping them ahead of the curve in the fast-paced digital payments landscape.

 

 


Spotify named official audio streaming partner for Esports World Cup 2025

This March 20, 2018, file photo shows the Spotify app on an iPad in Baltimore. (AP)
This March 20, 2018, file photo shows the Spotify app on an iPad in Baltimore. (AP)
Updated 16 July 2025
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Spotify named official audio streaming partner for Esports World Cup 2025

This March 20, 2018, file photo shows the Spotify app on an iPad in Baltimore. (AP)
  • “On Spotify, we’ve seen firsthand how music and gaming come together to create powerful, immersive moments

The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced a partnership with Spotify, the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service, as the official audio streaming partner for the Esports World Cup 2025. The collaboration will bring fans an immersive audio experience throughout the world’s largest esports and gaming event — powered by Spotify’s library of more than 100 million tracks.

We’re thrilled to partner with the Esports World Cup, a global event that shares our passion for music, fandom, and culture, says Akshat Harbola, Managing Director for MENAP, Spotify

As part of the partnership, Spotify will launch the EWC Music Hub, featuring official tournament anthems that form part of the EWC music identity, along with Spotify-curated gaming playlists designed to elevate the in-game and fan experience. The partnership also includes artist collaborations and on-site content creation with EWC creators and fans to deepen the personal connection between sound and gameplay.

Music will take center stage at EWC 2025. Earlier this month, the Esports World Cup Foundation announced that global icon Post Malone will headline the opening ceremony on July 10. The event will also include the live debut of “Til My Fingers Bleed,” performed by Dino of Seventeen, Duckwrth, and Telle Smith of The Word Alive, alongside appearances by Grammy-nominated producer Alesso and renowned cellist Tina Guo.

“Our partnership with Spotify extends the Esports World Cup experience beyond the arena, inviting fans into the heart of the tournament through music and sound,” said Mohammed Al-Nimer, chief commercial officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation. “This partnership brings our EWC Music vision to life: blending original music, global artists, and fan-driven playlists to create deeper connections with audiences and celebrate our unique ecosystem.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Esports World Cup, a global event that shares our passion for music, fandom, and culture,” said Akshat Harbola, Spotify’s managing director for MENAP.

“On Spotify, we’ve seen firsthand how music and gaming come together to create powerful, immersive moments. In fact, Saudi Arabia has the highest share of music streamed via gaming consoles on our platform globally — a clear signal that music is a core part of the gaming experience here.

“Together, we’re creating iconic experiences and content that inspire and elevate the gaming community.”

Returning to Riyadh, from July 7 to Aug. 24, the Esports World Cup Festival will unite gaming and esports communities for a global celebration of gaming and esports culture. With esports tournaments, live music, retro arcades, anime cafes, cosplay, creator studios, and more, the EWC Festival will offer millions of fans exclusive experiences celebrating their love of the game.

The EWC 2025 will feature 2,000 elite players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 games for a record-breaking $70+ million prize pool. 

 


Aster Sanad Hospital supports Saudi talent

Aster Sanad Hospital supports Saudi talent
Updated 14 July 2025
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Aster Sanad Hospital supports Saudi talent

Aster Sanad Hospital supports Saudi talent

Aster Sanad Hospital, a healthcare institution under the Aster DM Healthcare Group, participated as an official sponsor in the Career Expo Day hosted by Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz College for Emergency Medical Services in Riyadh. The move reflects the hospital’s commitment to supporting Saudization efforts, attracting local talent, and investing in the future of the Kingdom’s healthcare sector, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.

The event brought together a promising generation of graduates in the field of emergency medical services, and served as a dynamic platform for interaction, knowledge exchange, and exploring professional opportunities.

During the event, the Aster Sanad team actively engaged with Saudi graduates and received a significant number of resumes from ambitious young professionals aspiring to begin their careers in the healthcare sector. The hospital team also provided an overview of its workplace culture, professional development programs, training opportunities, and future career pathways.

“We were truly inspired by the level of knowledge, motivation, and professionalism we witnessed among the students,” said Falah Al-Sharari, head of human resources at Aster DM Hospitals and Clinics — Saudi Arabia. “These future healthcare professionals reflect the great potential of Saudi talent, and we look forward to welcoming some of them into our team as we continue to grow and strengthen our presence in the Kingdom.”

Al-Sharari also expressed his appreciation for Prince Sultan college for organizing the event, underscoring the importance of strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and healthcare providers across the Kingdom.

Such partnerships play a key role in preparing qualified professionals capable of meeting the evolving needs of the sector, he said.


FlyNow eCopters to take flight in Saudi Arabia soon

FlyNow eCopters to take flight in Saudi Arabia soon
Updated 14 July 2025
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FlyNow eCopters to take flight in Saudi Arabia soon

FlyNow eCopters to take flight in Saudi Arabia soon

In a major step toward integrating flying taxis into daily transportation, Saudi Arabia is all set to produce thousands of eCopters, FlyNow Aviation’s electric air vehicles, all of which will carry the “Saudi Made” label, according to FlyNow Aviation’s Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Yvonne Winter.

The Austria-based FlyNow Aviation is working to set up the assembly plant and will start the production of the cargo version in 2027. Officially, FlyNow’s eCopters are expected to transport the public during Riyadh Expo 2030.

“Additionally, test operations (sandbox flights) are planned for 2025 in Saudi Arabia to adapt the technology to local conditions,” Winter told Arab News.

Speaking about the future of mobility in Saudi Arabia, she said: “Saudi Arabia is not only transforming its economy — it is shaping the future of mobility for the entire world.”

She added: “Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Vision 2030, the Kingdom is proving that bold ideas, advanced technology, and national pride can work hand in hand. We are honored to be part of this historic journey and proud to contribute to building Saudi-made solutions for global air mobility.”

In May 2024, FlyNow Aviation signed a memorandum of understanding with the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the National Industrial Development Center, and the Sky Alliance for Automated Air Mobility.

“The cooperation aims to support the development of electric air mobility in Saudi Arabia, including regulations, airspace integration, vertiport infrastructure, and operational guidelines for unmanned air taxis,” Winter explained.

In late 2024, FlyNow Aviation established a new company, FlyNow Arabia Ltd., in Riyadh, as part of its expansion strategy. The company plans to set up local production facilities to serve both domestic and international markets.

FlyNow is an alumnus of the Destination Deep Tech program at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and Winter has been invited to share insights with the participants of the follow-up program called KAUST ScaleX, which has been designed to support innovative global tech startups in expanding their operations into the Kingdom’s market.

Recently, Flynow achieved a significant milestone in the development of its modular eCopter family: the first untethered test flights were successfully completed at the newly secured testing site in Eastern Austria. This location enables unrestricted flight operations and accelerates its technical progress.