NEOM awards honor social responsibility initiatives

The event honored 19 winners across three main award categories, NEOM Sectors, NEOM Partners and NEOM Individuals, with a further five sub-categories.
The event honored 19 winners across three main award categories, NEOM Sectors, NEOM Partners and NEOM Individuals, with a further five sub-categories.
Short Url
Updated 01 October 2024
Follow

NEOM awards honor social responsibility initiatives

NEOM awards honor social responsibility initiatives

NEOM, the sustainable development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia, held its inaugural “NEOM Social Responsibility Awards” ceremony on Aug. 14. The celebratory event hosted by NEOM Social Responsibility honored the outstanding contributions being made by NEOM’s employees, sectors, departments, partners and communities in the region.
NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr congratulated the award winners, saying: “Our commitment to social responsibility is a reflection of our core values and aligns seamlessly with NEOM’s vision and the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030. Sustainability, as one of NEOM’s pillars, drives us to innovate and act in ways that create lasting, positive impact. The remarkable efforts of our teams and individuals in driving meaningful change demonstrate our dedication to building a sustainable future that benefits not only our communities but also our nation. We are proud and happy to celebrate these contributions as a testament to our shared vision for a prosperous and inclusive future.”




Sustainability, as one of NEOM’s pillars, drives us to innovate and act in ways that create lasting, positive impact, says Nadhmi Al-Nasr
CEO of NEOM

Attending the first such awards ceremony were NEOM executives, employees, business partners, school students and members of the local NEOM and Tabuk communities. The event honored 19 winners across three main award categories, NEOM Sectors, NEOM Partners and NEOM Individuals, with a further five sub-categories: NEOM Employees, NEOM Families, NEOM Community School Students, Partner Employees and Local Community.
Within the NEOM Sectors category, three winners were recognized: NEOM Operations, THE LINE proponent and Oxagon. Another three winners were awarded in the NEOM Partners category: Nesma and Partners, Ernst and Young, and King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals. In the NEOM Individuals category, 13 winners were honored: Bader Aljishi, Waleed bin Salman, Farida Qtishat, Salima Rahim, Juanita van Tonder, Gunay Aghayeva, Amarah Rahim, Aritom Pokidysevn, Nadirah Rahim, Thadickal V Joydas, Sultan Alharbi, Reema Alfakhri and Anas Alshafi.

NUMBER

50,000 people benefited from NEOM’s social responsibility programs in 2023.

Designed to highlight the best practices and exemplary contributions of individuals and institutions, the NEOM Social Responsibility Awards acknowledge and pay tribute to those who demonstrate a genuine commitment to social responsibility. In line with NEOM’s commitment to empowering local communities and enhancing human capacity through sustainable projects, the award aims to inspire wider participation in social initiatives by individuals and enterprises.
The NEOM Social Responsibility Awards are an important component in NEOM SR’s journey toward accelerating progress, enhancing the quality of life and embedding value for the communities of NEOM and Tabuk. In 2023, 50,000 people benefited from NEOM’s social responsibility programs. A total of 26 projects were awarded to companies in Tabuk and 583 individuals from NEOM and Tabuk benefited from employment opportunities.

The previous year, NEOM introduced its first integrated volunteering ecosystem, engaging more than 1,300 volunteers across 68 different opportunities to serve their communities.
Through its role as an enabler, facilitator and catalyst of socioeconomic growth, NEOM SR promotes a culture of social responsibility across NEOM, its regions and its sectors to inspire all stakeholders to contribute to shaping the future of responsible communities. These efforts demonstrate NEOM’s adherence to the overarching objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and its commitment to creating a legacy that makes the world a better place.

 


Saudia Cargo participates in Saudi-Chinese Business Forum

Saudia Cargo participates in Saudi-Chinese Business Forum
Updated 19 May 2025
Follow

Saudia Cargo participates in Saudi-Chinese Business Forum

Saudia Cargo participates in Saudi-Chinese Business Forum

Saudia Cargo, a subsidiary of the Saudia Group, participated in the Saudi-Chinese Business Forum 2025 as the official logistics provider. The forum was held in Beijing from May 13-14. This participation aligns with the company’s continued expansion in the Chinese market and its commitment to supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The forum, held under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, aimed to strengthen economic cooperation between the Kingdom and China, increase Saudi exports to the Chinese market, and explore investment opportunities in infrastructure projects.

Hashim Alsharif, vice president of strategy and business development at Saudia Cargo, underscored the company’s pivotal role in facilitating national exports and bridging Saudi producers with global consumers in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. He also highlighted the provision of integrated and effective logistics solutions, bolstering trade between Saudi Arabia and China. He described the forum as “a crucial platform for unlocking new avenues of trade expansion.”

Alsharif said that Saudia Cargo was invited by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture as an official sponsor of the forum. The company was allocated an independent pavilion within the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, where it showcased a range of its logistics services, primarily cold chain solutions and e-commerce solutions designed to serve the agriculture and seafood sectors.

Last April, the company announced the signing of two MoUs to build strategic partnerships with major Chinese companies and open new channels for trade cooperation in the fields of transportation and logistics. The first MoU was with China Cargo Airlines to improve export operations and develop operational connectivity to capitalize on the growing trade movement between the two countries.

The second MoU was with China Henan Aviation Group to develop and invest in aviation, creating an air logistics bridge connecting Asia-Pacific with the Middle East, Europe, and Africa through the Zhengzhou and Riyadh hubs.


GEA launches 4th cohort of ‘Entertainment Leaders’ program

GEA launches 4th cohort of ‘Entertainment Leaders’ program
Updated 19 May 2025
Follow

GEA launches 4th cohort of ‘Entertainment Leaders’ program

GEA launches 4th cohort of ‘Entertainment Leaders’ program

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.


International Museum Day 2025: Abu Dhabi shapes future through culture and connection

International Museum Day 2025: Abu Dhabi shapes future through culture and connection
Updated 19 May 2025
Follow

International Museum Day 2025: Abu Dhabi shapes future through culture and connection

International Museum Day 2025: Abu Dhabi shapes future through culture and connection

Abu Dhabi has always been a meeting point of worlds where East and West, past and future, tradition and ambition converge. This is not just a matter of geography. It reflects who we are: a society shaped by the exchange of ideas, driven by curiosity, and united by a deep belief in the power of culture to move people and ideas forward.

That belief takes center stage as we mark International Museum Day on May 18. This year’s theme, The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities, could not be timelier. In an age defined by technological acceleration, climate disruption, and global uncertainty, museums are no longer just guardians of the past. They are engines of progress where creativity, inclusion, and innovation come together to shape more resilient and connected societies.

These values guide the mission of Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, one of the greatest concentrations of global institutions. Its shared narrative is a celebration of cultural dialogue, creative exploration, and the human story that binds us across time and geography. The district is more than a center of global cultural and creative excellence; it is a lasting commitment to a society where knowledge and creativity is nurtured, offering pathways to inspiration, empowerment, and transformation. 

Each of Saadiyat Cultural District’s institutions plays a distinct role. When Louvre Abu Dhabi presents a Bactrian “princess” from 2,000 BCE beside a Tang Dynasty ceramic and a Mondrian masterpiece, it affirms that creative brilliance transcends borders and eras. When the newly-opened teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi explores the fusion of art, science, and technology, it places the UAE at the center of tomorrow’s narratives. And when Zayed National Museum tells the story of our transformation from a nation of pearl divers, farmers and traders, to a knowledge-driven economy, it offers a living model of resilience and reinvention.

Yet the ambition of our cultural strategy reaches far beyond Saadiyat Cultural District. Across the emirate, a rich network of museums and cultural centers ensures that culture is deeply rooted in the identity and daily life of our communities.

Qasr Al-Hosn, the oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi, has been transformed into a living museum that tells the story of the capital’s evolution from a fortified watchtower to a vibrant global city. In Al-Ain, the birthplace of our Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, both the Al-Ain Museum, established by Sheikh Zayed in 1971, and his former home, Al-Ain Palace Museum, stand as enduring symbols of our national identity. Together with Qasr Al-Muwaiji, which has played an important role in the history of the UAE, they reflect the values, vision, and leadership that continue to shape the nation’s path forward.

The newly-restored Al-Maqta Museum, housed in a historic watchtower, explores the defensive and maritime heritage of the region. Meanwhile, Delma Museum, located on one of the oldest continuously inhabited islands in the UAE, offers deep insights into the country’s seafaring and pearling traditions. 

Each of these institutions is tailored to its community and context, enriching local pride while reinforcing a broader national narrative. They embody our belief that cultural heritage in Abu Dhabi should be celebrated everywhere, so that every visitor, from schoolchildren to scholars, can see themselves reflected in the stories they preserve and share.

This approach continues the legacy of Sheikh Zayed who recognized long before the nation’s formation that culture was essential to building a cohesive and forward-looking society. Not only to preserve the past, but to inspire future generations. That vision is more relevant today than ever before.

We saw it take another step forward this year with the launch of the Abu Dhabi Collection. Curated over many years by DCT-Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Collection brings together thousands of works that reflect the depth and diversity of our shared heritage. Spanning continents, centuries, and civilizations, the collection affirms that culture is not fixed or finite. It moves across borders. It connects people. And it belongs to us all.

As we navigate the complex terrain of the 21st century, from demographic shifts to climate challenges, from exponential technologies to multipolar geopolitics, culture offers something unique: the ability to convert uncertainty into possibility. It reminds us that every leap forward begins with imagination, and that every solution is rooted in human experience.

On the occasion of this International Museum Day, Abu Dhabi reaffirms its belief in a future shaped not only by data or infrastructure, but by ideas, heritage, and human connection. Through investment in cultural institutions, creative industries, and community engagement, we not only preserve the past, we also empower the present and inspire the future. Because culture remains humanity’s oldest survival strategy, as well as its most enduring source of hope.

  • The writer, Mohammed Khalifa Al-Mubarak, is chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi

Renault Koleos 2026 makes regional debut in Diriyah

Renault Koleos 2026 makes regional debut in Diriyah
Updated 18 May 2025
Follow

Renault Koleos 2026 makes regional debut in Diriyah

Renault Koleos 2026 makes regional debut in Diriyah

Wallan Trading, the exclusive distributor of French automotive brand Renault in Saudi Arabia, officially launched the Renault Koleos 2026 in Diriyah in a grand event attended by notable guests, media persons and auto enthusiasts. The launch marked the model’s debut in the Middle East region.

The event featured an interactive reveal enriched by dynamic audiovisual effects, culminating in the unveiling of the new Renault Koleos. Guests had the opportunity to explore the vehicle up close and discover its distinctive design and advanced technological features.

Fahad Al-Wallan, chairman of Wallan Holding, emphasized the strong partnership between Wallan Trading and Renault, united in their vision to deliver a premium ownership and driving experience through vehicles known for their elegant design, innovative technology, and high performance.

“The Renault Koleos 2026 represents a significant milestone in the automotive world and is the perfect choice for those who value elegance, refinement, quality, and innovation,” Al-Wallan said. “The decision to debut Koleos 2026 in the Saudi market, as a first in the Middle East, reflects the Kingdom’s growing importance amid strong economic growth and ongoing positive developments. This new generation of Koleos offers a truly exceptional option for car lovers, thanks to its innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and advanced features.”

The new Koleos is a pivotal launch within Renault’s International Game Plan 2027. It belongs to the D-segment of midsize SUVs and reflects the brand’s new design language and its guiding philosophy “voitures à vivre,” meaning “cars for living.” The model offers a bold, premium driving experience while prioritizing safety for drivers, passengers, and other road users.

Measuring 4.78 meters long, 1.88 meters wide, and 1.68 meters tall, Koleos delivers the proportions of a high-end SUV. A generous 2.82-meter wheelbase ensures ample interior space, with boot capacity of up to 589 liters.

The cabin features three panoramic 12.3-inch openR screens stretching across the dashboard, premium materials, and high-comfort seats, all contributing to a luxurious onboard experience. The front seats are heated and ventilated, with the front passenger seat adjustable in six directions, controlled via the dedicated passenger display.

Koleos is equipped with an intelligent four-wheel drive system that seamlessly adapts to changing road conditions without manual intervention. On smooth roads, it switches to 2WD for enhanced fuel efficiency. The intelligent torque distribution system adapts seamlessly to slippery, muddy, or sandy environments, providing optimal traction.

The 8-speed automatic transmission adjusts to the driver’s style, improving over time for smoother performance. It is powered by a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine generating 235 hp and 350 Nm of torque, ensuring a dynamic and refined drive.

Koleos includes six drive modes, including off-road mode, and features 29 advanced driver assistance systems, three of which enable Level 2 autonomous driving. The vehicle uses a 180-degree interface to display nearby traffic in real time.

Koleos is also fitted with next-generation active driver assist, combining adaptive cruise control with lane centering technology. This system maintains the vehicle’s lane position using sensors and cameras, while an emergency lane-keeping function anticipates collisions and assists in avoidance maneuvers.

To ensure maximum safety, 18 percent of Koleos’ body structure uses hot forming technology, enhancing rigidity and crash protection. This also reduces vibrations and road noise for a smoother ride.

The Renault Koleos 2026 is now available across Saudi Arabia with prices starting from SR112,900 ($30,100), excluding VAT. It comes with a five-year or 100,000-km warranty and free servicing for two years or 40,000 km (whichever comes first).


Emirates NBD partners with VFS Global in Kingdom

Emirates NBD partners with VFS Global in Kingdom
Updated 18 May 2025
Follow

Emirates NBD partners with VFS Global in Kingdom

Emirates NBD partners with VFS Global in Kingdom

Emirates NBD, a banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye region, has signed a partnership agreement with VFS Global — the world’s largest visa outsourcing and technology services specialist — to offer consumers across the Kingdom access to exclusive benefits.

The agreement was signed by Ghassan Najmeddin, head of retail banking and wealth management, Emirates NDB KSA, and Sumanth Kapoor, business head, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, VFS Global, in the presence of a selection of senior executives from both parties.

Emirates NBD will serve as VFS Global’s primary banking partner in the Kingdom and will leverage VFS Global’s expansive presence in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam to operate touchpoints, providing customers payment opportunities along with ATM facilities, within VFS Global’s premises. The move underlines Emirates NBD’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia into becoming a leading travel, investment, tourism and financial services hub.

In line with Vision 2030, the agreement will accelerate the digital transformation of financial services in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, advancing the growth and development of the Kingdom’s financial services, travel and tourism sectors, thereby, providing Saudi citizens and residents with seamless access to quality offerings and experiences.

Naser Yousef, CEO, Emirates NBD KSA, said: “As travel becomes more accessible, our partnership with VFS Global aims to enhance banking, and travel experiences for Saudi nationals and residents, making their journeys more rewarding.”

Najmeddin said: “With more people in Saudi Arabia traveling abroad, we are committed to providing seamless integrated solutions. Our partnership with VFS Global enhances access to exclusive benefits, ensuring a superior experience for affluent customers.”

Kapoor added: “VFS Global is deepening its connections within Saudi Arabia, a key market for us and one where we have operated for over two decades. It has been our constant endeavor to bring our customers comfort, convenience, and benefits through every service we provide, and partnering with Emirates NBD, another key player in its own sector, allows us to innovate and enhance customer experiences while supporting Vision 2030 goals.”