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Saudi Food Show gathers ministers, industry leaders and celebrity chefs to celebrate Kingdom’s achievements in F&B

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Updated 21 June 2023
Arab News
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Saudi Food Show gathers ministers, industry leaders and celebrity chefs to celebrate Kingdom’s achievements in F&B

Updated 21 June 2023
Arab News

The inaugural edition of The Saudi Food Show, held under the patronage of Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, Saudi minister of industry and mineral resources, is currently underway at Riyadh Exhibition Center.

KAOUN International and dmg events are the organizers of the event, while MODON is the strategic partner.

The event, from June 20-22, offers a platform for the largest companies in the food industry to present their products, services and solutions to a global audience. The Saudi Food Show is affiliated with Gulfood, the world’s largest food and hospitality business event in the world.

Thousands of international brands from 43 countries are being represented in the sold-out exhibition, which extends across 20,000 square meters of exhibition space at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. For key players such as PepsiCo, Americana, Al-Jameel, Lactalis, GulfWest, Seara Foods, IFFCO, NADEC and hundreds more, as well as country pavilions of the US, UK, India, Singapore, Italy, Jordan and Australia, the show is an unrivaled platform to launch new products, services and technologies into the Saudi market.

The Saudi Food Show is a unique chance for participants to gain insights into market trends, uncover business opportunities and find out how to access the most dynamic market in the Middle East. On the opening day, a panel including Ali Alomeir, VP business development, MODON, and Prince Waleed bin Nasser Al-Saud, CEO of Mukatafa, gave an overview of the welcoming business environment in Saudi Arabia, and tips for F&B market entrants to the Kingdom.

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, said: “Vision 2030 seeks to create a dynamic trading hub for the Saudi Arabian F&B sector, and the significant socioeconomic benefits arising from the F&B and hospitality sectors have been well-recognized by the Saudi government, which has brought the industry to the fore, making great strides in laying the groundwork for investment in the sector. The Saudi Food Show will be a significant catalyst for these efforts, growing the economic impact of F&B and hospitality further and faster on the local, regional and international stages.”

Matt Denton, president of co-organizer dmg events, added: “This inaugural Saudi Food Show is the first activation in our exciting plans to support the development of the F&B and hospitality sector in the Kingdom ... From food manufacturing and food tech to franchise, hotels and hospitality, this Saudi Food Show, packed full of inspiring content and features, is the nucleus of a portfolio of dedicated events scheduled for the coming 12 months.”

Summit sessions addressed some of the most urgent challenges facing the F&B sector in Saudi Arabia and the wider region — food security, sovereignty and sustainability, and mitigating uncertainty and volatility around supply chain and costs. The opening day also featured speakers including Ryan Lefers, co-founder and CEO of RedSea, and Bobby Rajendran, CEO of Tamimi Markets. The day concluded with a visionary keynote from Alkhorayef.

The ministerial panel on Day 2, featuring Al-Khorayef and Al-Fadhli, Saudi minister of environment, water and agriculture, was a chance to gain insights into the F&B policy and regulatory framework in Saudi Arabia. The restaurant dining scene in Saudi Arabia will spark discussions on the final day of the summit, with sessions looking at the regional and international brands seeking to enter — and expand in — the Kingdom.

Top Table Saudi
Top Table, sponsored by multinational food company GoodyCo, is giving visitors the opportunity to experience the latest dishes and techniques gaining popularity in the Kingdom, from an array of celebrated international and regional chefs, via more than 40 masterclasses. The lineup of chefs is a cross-section of international and regional, established names and rising stars, both male and female. It includes two Michelin-starred chefs: Paco Morales — one of Spain’s most progressive young avant-garde culinary masters — and Albert Adrià — current head chef of Michelin one-star restaurant Enigma in Barcelona and former head pastry chef of famed elBulli. Others include Lebanese chef and entrepreneur Maroun Chedid and Ian Pengelley from Myazu, two times winner of MENA’s Best 50. Furthermore, Chef Pierligui from Signor Sassi, an up-and-coming young chef with more than 1.3 million followers on social media, and Saudi chef Rayan Alayesh, from Kayzo by Myazo are also in attendance.
Across the three days, Middle East food and lifestyle TV channel Fatafeat is bringing four female chefs to present masterclasses — chefs Chahrazad Al-Hajjar, Salma Soleiman, Sumaya Obaid and Afnan Al-Jaadi.

“At Fatafeat, we’ve always striven to champion the diversity of Middle Eastern cuisines and talented chefs, which resonated with millions of families in the region. As Saudi Arabia’s culinary culture has always been, and continues to be a big part of our programs, we are excited to partake in the Saudi Food Show in celebration of the Kingdom’s rising food economy. During the event’s Top Table segment, our star-studded lineup of celebrity chefs will do a kitchen takeover and perform cooking demonstrations live off-screen,” said Grigory Lavrov, head of Fatafeat at Warner Bros. Discovery.

YouthX Saudi
At the inaugural YouthX Saudi, young talent from the Kingdom’s leading hotel chains — including the Ritz Carlton Riyadh, Grand Hyatt Alkhobar, JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh and Four Seasons Riyadh — will compete against each other in the Young Chef Challenge, to present a three-course menu in 25 minutes. The themes will be sustainability and zero waste, and menus will be judged on vision and industry acumen, alignment with the themes, presentation and taste. The winning team will not only scoop a cash prize, but also win a place in the international finals set to take place at Gulfood 2024. Judging the competition is media personality, celebrity chef and host of the hugely successful “World Café” Bobby Chin.

The inaugural Saudi Food Show is affiliated with Gulfood, the world’s largest, go-to event brand trusted by the global F&B industry. Over almost three decades, Gulfood has cultivated the credibility, loyalty, recognition, and support of the global food and beverage sector, through an unwavering commitment to delivering real global business outcomes and valuable trade deals for participants. The Saudi Food Show draws upon this legacy and powerful international foundation. The event is strictly for trade and business professionals only.

SEVEN invests in future of Saudi entertainment sector

Updated 21 June 2025
Hebshi Alshammari
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SEVEN invests in future of Saudi entertainment sector

Updated 21 June 2025
Hebshi Alshammari

Saudi Entertainment Ventures, known as SEVEN, is investing heavily in the future of the Kingdom’s entertainment sector by creating a broad spectrum of job opportunities, said Abdulelah AlFawzan, chief projects officer at SEVEN.

AlFawzan told Arab News that SEVEN is developing a diverse range of technical, creative, operational, and managerial roles to unlock “new horizons of joy” while building a thriving and sustainable workforce that mirrors the energy and ambition of Saudi Arabia.

He said the company has already achieved 55 percent Saudization across its workforce, including 45 percent in leadership positions. “Through initiatives such as our Future Leadership Program in partnership with IMD, we are equipping Saudi talent with global best practices in entertainment management, ensuring they are prepared to lead this sector forward,” AlFawzan explained.

He said that delivering the best guest experiences depends on passionate, diverse teams who deeply understand and share the culture of the communities they serve. “We are committed to creating opportunities that empower Saudi youth to build meaningful careers in the entertainment industry,” he added.

The chief projects officer revealed that SEVEN is reshaping international entertainment experiences to resonate strongly with Saudi cultural values. 

Abdulelah AlFawzan, chief projects officer at SEVEN

AlFawzan stressed that guests remain at the core of every decision SEVEN makes. When collaborating with global brands like Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, and Hasbro, the company ensures a robust commitment to meaningful localization.

“It is never a matter of simply importing a concept,” he said. “We carefully reinterpret every experience to reflect Saudi traditions, family values, and community preferences.”

AlFawzan disclosed that more than 60 percent of SEVEN’s offerings are locally inspired, which guarantees that each destination feels authentic, familiar, and welcoming to Saudi audiences. “Our aim is for every visitor to feel a deep sense of cultural pride and connection upon entering a SEVEN venue because, for us, entertainment reflects identity — not just leisure,” he said.

Addressing concerns about whether large-scale projects like SEVEN overshadow local businesses in favor of international brands, AlFawzan reaffirmed the company’s dedication to nurturing both.

“We firmly believe that global and local players, alongside diverse creative talent, are all essential to the success of our destinations,” he said. While SEVEN partners with renowned names such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, Flow House, Play-Doh, Clip ‘n Climb, and Hasbro, it equally prioritizes celebrating Saudi creativity.

He said that the company is actively developing original attractions and homegrown concepts across its venues by working closely with Saudi artists and entrepreneurs to bring local content and ideas to life.

“Whether through Saudi-owned offerings or regionally inspired entertainment, we are establishing platforms where local innovation can thrive alongside international intellectual properties,” AlFawzan said. “Our guests deserve an entertainment landscape that honors global excellence while remaining deeply rooted in Saudi identity, originality, and values.”

AlFawzan also said that SEVEN places sustainability and cultural connection at the core of its nationwide entertainment developments, fully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

“Sustainability is not an afterthought at SEVEN; it is a guiding principle embedded in every stage of our development,” he said. He detailed how the company integrates environmental responsibility from design through construction and into long-term operations, with a clear focus on minimizing environmental impact.

He said that SEVEN is targeting LEED certification across its portfolio spanning 14 cities. “To date, we have recycled more than 75 percent of construction waste and sourced over 50 percent of materials from certified green suppliers,” AlFawzan noted. He highlighted that the incorporation of high-performance solutions has led to energy savings of up to 20 percent and water savings of up to 80 percent in key project locations.

Beyond environmental stewardship, SEVEN prioritizes broader social impact through community engagement and cultural preservation. “Entertainment is a powerful catalyst for community connection and cultural pride,” AlFawzan explained.

“With over SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) invested across 14 cities, our projects are accessible within minutes or a short drive for most Saudi communities,” he pointed out. “Accessibility is at the heart of our vision: making extraordinary experiences part of everyday life.”

He also revealed that SEVEN is introducing region-first and world-first concepts to the Kingdom, including the world’s first Hot Wheels electric go-karting experience and next-generation Family Entertainment Centers that seamlessly combine physical play with digital interaction.

“But more than the rides and attractions, what truly sets SEVEN apart is our focus on culture and community,” he added.

Nova Water signs MoU with Saudi NCVC to plant 200,000 trees

Updated 21 June 2025
Arab News
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Nova Water signs MoU with Saudi NCVC to plant 200,000 trees

Updated 21 June 2025
Arab News

Nova Water, a bottled drinking water company, has signed an MoU with the Saudi National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification to plant 200,000 trees across the Kingdom by 2030.

This initiative underscores Nova’s ongoing environmental mission to reduce its ecological footprint and protect local ecosystems — while directly contributing to the overarching goals of the Saudi Green Initiative. It marks the latest step taken by the company to combat desertification, advance the development of a sustainable water ecosystem and safeguard the Kingdom’s future.

The agreement was officially signed by Dr. Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Abdulqader, CEO of NCVC, and Sulayman Serdar Seyhanli, CEO of Nova Water. The collaboration focuses on four core areas: identifying key locations for reforestation, prioritizing the use of native plant species, engaging Nova employees in afforestation activities, and supporting the rehabilitation of Saad National Park, located near the company’s facilities in Rumah, 120 km east of Riyadh.

Seyhanli said: “At Nova Water, we understand the importance of implementing innovative environmental solutions in the water sector. Our agreement with the NCVC is a testament to our unwavering support for national sustainability initiatives. Together, we are building a greener future while aligning with the ambitions of Vision 2030 and contributing to the protection and expansion of the Kingdom’s natural green cover.”

He added: “As a natural partner of the Saudi Green Initiative, this agreement represents a carefully planned execution strategy — covering irrigation, planting, and the ongoing care of seedlings across agreed-upon areas.” 

Our reforestation efforts will span the next six years, from 2025 through to 2030, and will culminate in the successful planting of 200,000 trees and shrubs across Saudi Arabia. We are fully committed to seeing this goal through.”

This ambitious program seeks to create long-term environmental and social impact, including restoring native wildlife habitats, rehabilitating decertified lands, and enhancing biodiversity. Ultimately, it will support rainfall regeneration, provide shelter and food for local fauna, and contribute to rebalancing fragile ecosystems — which are the very objectives the NCVC was established to fulfill since its inception in 2021.

John Fekete joins CBRE MENA as general manager for advisory business in KSA

Updated 21 June 2025
Arab News
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John Fekete joins CBRE MENA as general manager for advisory business in KSA

Updated 21 June 2025
Arab News

CBRE Middle East, a global leader in commercial real estate services, has appointed John Fekete as the new general manager for its advisory operations in Saudi Arabia.

Fekete joins CBRE from Qiddiya, where he served as the executive director of real estate strategy, spearheading the office, retail and residential strategy of one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious projects as part of the Vision 2030 initiative. Prior to this, he held senior positions at JLL in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, where he played a crucial role in shaping real estate strategies across the Middle East and North Africa.

Commenting on his appointment, Fekete said: “I am honored to join CBRE, a company renowned for its commitment to excellence in the real estate sector. I look forward to working with this talented team to drive growth and deliver outstanding results for our clients in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the realization of Vision 2030.”

Throughout his career, Fekete has demonstrated expertise in urban planning, transactions, property management, investment management, and strategic planning. In his previous roles, he managed real estate strategies across multiple countries in the EMEA region including his role at Citigroup as EMEA head of real estate.

Michael Young, managing director for CBRE MENA region, said: “We are delighted to welcome John to our team; his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the real estate market will be invaluable as we continue to grow our operations in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Anshuman Magazine, chairman and CEO for India, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, added: “We are thrilled to welcome John to our team.”

A highly respected leader in the real estate industry, John brings a wealth of experience and deep market insight. His exceptional track record and strategic vision will be instrumental in driving outstanding value to our clients. We look forward to the impact his leadership will have on our advisory operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Saudi 100 Brands returns to Paris Fashion Week with Tranoi Showcase

Updated 21 June 2025
Arab News
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Saudi 100 Brands returns to Paris Fashion Week with Tranoi Showcase

Updated 21 June 2025
Arab News

The Saudi Fashion Commission presents homegrown talents at Paris Fashion Week, to be held from June 24 to 27 at the fifth floor of La Samaritaine. 

The exclusive showroom dedicated to Saudi 100 Brands, the commission’s flagship program, will highlight 11 trailblazing designers and their Spring-Summer 2026 collections.

This exceptional showcase by Saudi 100 Brands aims to provide a platform for meaningful cultural exchange through contemporary Saudi fashion. 

It is part of a long-term vision — to establish the Kingdom as an essential presence in the global fashion industry.

Burak Cakmak, CEO, the Saudi Fashion Commission, said: “The return of Saudi 100 Brands to Paris Fashion Week reflects our commitment to showcasing Saudi creativity at the highest level. 

“This platform not only brings our designers to a global audience but also deepens our connections with the international fashion community, reinforcing our vision to position Saudi Arabia as a driving force in shaping the future of fashion and nurturing meaningful global partnerships.”


Boris Provost, CEO of Tranoï, said: "Saudi fashion is experiencing remarkable momentum, and we are proud to support this creative energy with Saudi 100 Brands. 

“At Tranoï, we are committed to amplifying the voices of emerging talents on a global scale. This collaboration with the Saudi Fashion Commission perfectly embodies our mission: to offer an international stage to a new generation of designers, here in Paris, the fashion capital of the world.”

The 11 designers presented in the renowned Parisian department store exemplify Saudi creative excellence, with a selection varying between menswear and womenswear.

Menswear designers are 1886, Awaken, Eleven, Hajruss, Mirai and RBA.

Womenswear designers are Razan Alazzouni, Rebirth, Reem Alkanhal, Waad Aloqaili and Yasmina Q

Highlighted by Saudi 100 Brands and Tranoi, the event celebrates creative boldness and reaffirms the Saudi Fashion Commission’s commitment to promoting emerging talent on the international stage.

The creative showcase is open from June 24 to 27, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the fifth floor of La Samaritaine.

Sony expands LED display family with Crystal LED CAPRI

Updated 18 June 2025
Arab News
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Sony expands LED display family with Crystal LED CAPRI

Updated 18 June 2025
Arab News

Sony is expanding its lineup of LED walls with the debut of Crystal LED CAPRI. The new CAPRI series achieves a maximum brightness of 1,500 cd/m2 with a 2.50 mm LED pitch size. Key features include high refresh rates and brightness, a wide color gamut, and anti-reflection. Additional benefits include installation flexibility, familiar structure, streamlined maintenance, and compatibility with Sony’s ecosystem of virtual production technologies. The new models, ZRD-VS25FB and ZRD-VS25FM, are compatible with the Brompton controller and the Megapixel controller, respectively.

The CAPRI models are targeted to a broad range of customers looking to cost-effectively support virtual production applications, including television, feature films, commercials, and broadcast, as well as for rental and staging purposes. The CAPRI series offers options that ensure the high picture quality synonymous with Sony at a more accessible price. CAPRI also complements Sony’s premium flagship Crystal LED VERONA.

The CAPRI series is expected to be available this winter. A sample of the CAPRI was on display on June 11-13 at InfoComm 2025 in Orlando in Sony’s booth.

“With the announcement of CAPRI, Sony is furthering our commitment to the creation of spatial content, such as virtual production, by giving a wider range of users opportunities for flexibly showcasing images in high fidelity,” said Rich Ventura, vice president, professional display solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “We’ve broadened our lineup to offer more cost-conscious choices, which expand the market in support of high-quality virtual production at every level and ensure the growth of Sony’s distinctive virtual production ecosystem.”

Impressive picture quality

Virtual productions rely on high quality imagery. The CAPRI series combines high refresh rates of up to 7,680 Hz to reduce scanline artifacts and ensure smooth, fluid motion. With a high brightness of 1,500 cd/m2, complemented by coverage of over 98 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut, the displays accurately reproduce lifelike images. Additionally, the new models feature anti-reflection capabilities to mitigate the impact of reflection from lighting equipment.

Fast and easy installation

The latest CAPRI series also takes advantage of recent installation advancements to ensure fast and efficient setup. Offering a 1:1 cabinet optimized for temporary installations, such as virtual production stages, the models can quickly and easily be assembled and dismantled using locating pins for easy alignment and a tool-free lever locking mechanism.

Industry standard control

Through alignment with Brompton’s Tessera SX40 and Megapixel’s HELIOS, the CAPRI models maintain control using the same familiar tools and interfaces already commonly deployed in the industry, alleviating the need for additional training and maximizing uptime.

Streamlined maintenance

To keep virtual productions focused on the creative processes, the CAPRI has thoughtful features that simplify maintenance. LED module blocks can be changed from the rear and feature status indication lights for easily identifying which blocks need service.

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