NEOM awards honor social responsibility initiatives

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.

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).