MBSC conference spotlights future of entrepreneurship

MBSC conference spotlights future of entrepreneurship
The conference united global thought leaders to explore innovative trends shaping entrepreneurship.
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Updated 27 January 2025
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MBSC conference spotlights future of entrepreneurship

MBSC conference spotlights future of entrepreneurship

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship hosted the highly anticipated 1st International Entrepreneurship Research Conference from Jan. 21 to 23, at its campus in King Abdullah Economic City. Under the theme “The Future of Entrepreneurship, Family Business and Education Research: New Trends and Innovative Practices,” the conference united global thought leaders to explore innovative trends shaping entrepreneurship.

IERC 2025 featured more than 26 parallel sessions and six panel discussions, with more than 150 paper presentations selected from 339 submissions. The event engaged 306 authors from 42 countries, highlighting MBSC’s role in fostering global research collaboration.

Dr. Zeger Degraeve, dean of MBSC, said: “IERC 2025 embodies our mission to inspire innovation and cultivate leadership for sustainable growth in alignment with Vision 2030. This conference is a testament to MBSC’s dedication to bridging the gap between academia and industry to drive meaningful impact.”

Prominent keynote speakers included Saud Khalid Al-Sabhan, vice governor of Monsha’at, and Fuad Shapra, chair of the Middle East Investment Committee and board member at KPMG Middle East. Their participation underscored the event’s significance in advancing entrepreneurial innovation in Saudi Arabia and the region.

The conference delved into topics such as entrepreneurial ecosystems, family business, women entrepreneurship, digital transformation, sustainability, climate resilience, healthcare transformation and innovation.

Professor of entrepreneurship Dr. Adnan Maalaoui said: “IERC 2025 offers a vibrant platform for entrepreneurs and policymakers to collaborate and transform research into actionable solutions, reinforcing MBSC’s leadership in entrepreneurship education.”

As part of expanding the success of the conference, the college plans to enhance its global impact by hosting the second edition, IERC 2026, in Alexandria, Egypt, and the third edition, IERC 2027, in Fez, Morocco. The conference will also return to Saudi Arabia in 2028 and every three years thereafter, reflecting the college’s ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurial innovation in the MENA region and reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a leading hub for entrepreneurship.

Al-Sabhan, vice governor of Monsha’at, said: “MBSC’s hosting of IERC 2025 highlights its commitment to driving innovation and collaboration between academia and industry. This conference plays a crucial role in empowering Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and advancing Vision 2030.”


Jordan’s PM welcomes secretary-general of Digital Cooperation Organization

Jordan’s PM welcomes secretary-general of Digital Cooperation Organization
Updated 21 February 2025
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Jordan’s PM welcomes secretary-general of Digital Cooperation Organization

Jordan’s PM welcomes secretary-general of Digital Cooperation Organization

Dr. Jaafar Abdul Fattah Hassan, prime minister and minister of defense of Jordan, received Deemah bint Yahya AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization and other officials participating in the fourth general assembly of the DCO, which was held on Wednesday in Amman. 

The Jordanian Prime Minister welcomed the attending delegations, praised the vital role played by the DCO in enhancing cooperation among member states, supporting digital transformation, and enabling the digital economy to achieve sustainable development goals. 

He also emphasized the significance of this meeting, hosted by Jordan, amidst the rapid digital transformations occurring worldwide.

The meeting was attended by distinguished heads of delegations, including Dr. Nicodemos Damiano, deputy minister for research, innovation, and digital policy – Cyprus; Mariam Hamdo Ali, minister of digital economy and innovation – Djibouti;  Omar Al-Omar, minister of state for communication affairs – Kuwait;  Amal Al-Falah Sagrouchni, minister of digital transformation and administrative reform – Morocco;  Said Al-Maawali, minister of transport, communications, and information technology – Oman;  Shaza Fatima Khawaja, minister of information and communication technology – Pakistan; Ahmed Al-Soyyan, governor of the Digital Government Authority – Saudi Arabia;  Zhaslan Madiev, minister of digital development, innovations, and aerospace industry – Kazakhstan;  Krzysztof Kamil Jaukowski, deputy prime minister and minister of digital affairs – Poland; and Alberto Rodriguez da Silva, minister of state for modernization and digitalization – Portugal. 

AlYahya expressed her gratitude to the Jordanian government for hosting the Fourth General Assembly, affirming that this gathering marks a pivotal milestone in digital cooperation among member states.

"We are witnessing an unprecedented digital transformation that necessitates collective efforts to enhance digital opportunities and empower societies to fully benefit from modern technologies. Our meeting today in Jordan reflects our shared commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive digital environment that creates sustainable economic opportunities aligned with future demands,” she said. 

She added: "Through the Digital Cooperation Organization, we strive to unify efforts to empower digital innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring digital inclusivity for all, with a particular focus on supporting youth and women in the digital economy. 

“This summit represents a key step toward realizing our ambitious vision of building a sustainable digital economy that benefits all member states and global communities. 

“Jordan’s leadership of the DCO Council in 2024 has significantly enhanced the organization's impact and strengthened its international relations with the global community."

The Fourth General Assembly of the DCO coincides with intensified global efforts to strengthen the digital economy. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the member states’ commitment to fostering joint cooperation and supporting the organization's initiatives to achieve its ambitious vision of building an inclusive and sustainable digital economy.

 


GymNation sells record-breaking 5,000 memberships within 24 hours of Riyadh launch

GymNation sells record-breaking 5,000 memberships within 24 hours of Riyadh launch
Updated 20 February 2025
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GymNation sells record-breaking 5,000 memberships within 24 hours of Riyadh launch

GymNation sells record-breaking 5,000 memberships within 24 hours of Riyadh launch

GymNation has announced another record for the Middle East fitness market, selling an unprecedented 5,000 memberships within just 24 hours of its Riyadh launch. 

The two new Riyadh locations — a men’s and a women’s facility, located on Thumamah Road in the Qurtubah District, will open in July, and mark GymNation’s first gyms in the Saudi capital to add to its existing locations across Jeddah and Alkhobar.

Joshua Whiteley, GymNation KSA country director, said: “We are thrilled to see such an incredible initial reception from the residents of Riyadh. Based on the success of our previous launches in Jeddah and Alkhobar, we always expected our launch in the capital to go well, but to surpass 5,000 sales within just 24 hours is not just a new milestone for GymNation, but a clear sign that Saudi Arabia really is embracing fitness and wellness like never before.”

Already the UAE’s No. 1 gym chain, GymNation has quickly made a name for itself in Saudi Arabia within just a year of launching, offering world-class facilities that prioritize affordability, flexibility, and inclusivity.

GymNation’s new Riyadh locations will feature more than 6,000 square meters of state-of-the-art gym space, dedicated to making Riyadh fitter than ever before.

From Saudi Arabia’s first HYROX Performance Center to the country’s largest Reformer Pilates studio, GymNation is raising the bar for what a gym should be. Members have access to the widest selection of group exercise classes, including LES Mills, cycling, yoga, and more, along with premium recovery facilities such as ice baths and dedicated wellness zones — delivering a truly world-class fitness experience for an unmatched, pay-monthly membership price.

Loren Holland, CEO and founder, GymNation, said: “The response to our Riyadh launch further highlights the enormous appetite for high-quality, affordable fitness facilities in Saudi Arabia. The gyms we are about to open in Riyadh are truly next-level, and we can’t wait to show everyone what they’ve been missing.”

GymNation’s successful Riyadh launch also coincides with the opening of its new regional headquarters. Located in Riyadh, this 1,000-square-meter space will support the growth and operations of GymNation both throughout the Kingdom and the wider GCC.

Holland added: “The locations we opened in the Kingdom in 2024 are all performing incredibly well, and we already have a membership base in excess of 30,000 people, 60 percent of whom did not own a gym membership prior to joining GymNation. All of this reinforces the desire to scale our presence rapidly, and we are fully committed to our Saudi Arabia expansion plans, with the significant investment into our Riyadh head office and our Saudi-based management team highlighting this. 

“Fueled by initiatives driven by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and with the support of the Ministry of Sport and the Ministry of Investment, we are accelerating our mission to make world-class fitness facilities more accessible across the Kingdom. With at least 20 new locations set to open in 2025, we are just getting started.”


Alghanim Industries expands Saudi Arabia’s export power with new Kirby facility

Alghanim Industries expands Saudi Arabia’s export power with new Kirby facility
Updated 20 February 2025
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Alghanim Industries expands Saudi Arabia’s export power with new Kirby facility

Alghanim Industries expands Saudi Arabia’s export power with new Kirby facility

Alghanim Industries, one of the MENA region’s largest privately owned companies, has broken ground on a new Kirby Building Systems pre-engineered building and structural steel manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia. This strategic investment is set to transform the Kingdom into a global hub for high-quality steel structure exports, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a major industrial player on the world stage.

The new facility in Sudair Industrial City, spanning 256,000 square meters, is designed to bolster Saudi Arabia’s export capabilities, with a planned annual production capacity of 100,000 metric tonnes of structural steel and 100,000 metric tonnes of PEB. This expansion directly supports the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading exporter of advanced industrial solutions, supplying high-quality steel structures to international markets across the GCC, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.

Speaking at the groundbreaking event, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef emphasized the facility’s role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s export economy, aligning with Vision 2030’s industrial diversification goals. The ceremony also saw the presence of Majid Al-Arqoubi, CEO of MODON, alongside top executives from Alghanim Industries and Kirby Building Systems.

With this expansion, Kirby Building Systems solidifies its position as the largest PEB manufacturer outside North America. The new plant will not only serve domestic infrastructure projects but will also be a key supplier to regional and global markets, ensuring that Saudi-made steel structures meet growing international demand.

Mahmoud Samara, CEO of Alghanim Industries, said: “This new facility is a game-changer for Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector. By significantly increasing our manufacturing capacity, we are positioning the Kingdom as a leading exporter of world-class steel structures. This aligns with our long-term strategy to enhance Saudi Arabia’s role in the global supply chain while creating local employment and expertise in advanced steel fabrication.”

Kirby Building Systems operates a network of manufacturing facilities across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, India, and Vietnam, with an overall production capacity exceeding 585,000 metric tonnes per year. With this latest expansion, Saudi Arabia will play a central role in exporting engineered steel solutions for warehouses, industrial complexes, fulfillment centers, oil and gas infrastructure, and large-scale construction projects worldwide.

“The demand for high-quality, scalable steel structures is rising globally, and Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to meet this need,” said Kutayba Y. Alghanim, executive chairman of Alghanim Industries. “By increasing our exports from the Kingdom, we are not just expanding our footprint — we are contributing to Saudi Arabia’s industrial transformation and reinforcing its reputation as a global steel manufacturing hub.”

Kirby’s investment in Saudi Arabia’s industrial ecosystem will directly support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, fostering job creation, skills development, and economic diversification. The facility will provide employment opportunities for Saudi engineers and manufacturing professionals, contributing to the nation’s growing expertise in steel construction and fabrication.

By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, including CNC laser cutting, plasma cutting, and laser-guided welding, the new plant will ensure precision, durability, and efficiency — all critical factors in delivering world-class steel structures to international clients.

As demand for high-performance construction solutions surges worldwide, Kirby Building Systems’ new Saudi facility will be at the forefront of delivering export-ready, innovative, and sustainable steel structures. The Kingdom is set to emerge as a powerhouse for industrial exports, proving that Saudi-made engineering solutions can compete on the world stage.

With this expansion, Alghanim Industries reaffirms its commitment to positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in global steel manufacturing and export excellence, ensuring that the Kingdom’s industrial sector continues to thrive and expand into new markets.


Saudia Cargo aligns global partnerships for growth

Saudia Cargo aligns global partnerships for growth
Updated 19 February 2025
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Saudia Cargo aligns global partnerships for growth

Saudia Cargo aligns global partnerships for growth

Saudia Cargo has reaffirmed its position as a global air cargo leader following the successful conclusion of its annual global sales agents meeting. The event brought together key partners from around the world to align on the company’s 2025 strategic priorities, address evolving market challenges, and celebrate a year of significant achievements in 2024.

With a focus on scaling operations to meet rising global demand, Saudia Cargo outlined its roadmap to optimize fleet capacity, expand network connectivity, and accelerate digital transformation. Leveraging Saudi Arabia’s strategic geographic location, the company continues to serve as a vital air bridge connecting East and West, facilitating seamless global trade.

The meeting highlighted Saudia Cargo’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence, with plans to maximize belly capacity on Saudia Airlines flights, strengthen interline partnerships, and enhance cargo handling capabilities to ensure efficient and reliable cargo movement across international markets, solidifying the company’s competitive edge.

Loay Mashabi, CEO and managing director of Saudia Cargo, emphasized the critical role of GSAs in the company’s success: “Our GSAs are integral partners, and this gathering provided an invaluable opportunity to align on our shared vision for growth and innovation.”

He added: “By focusing on customer-centric solutions, operational resilience, and strategic collaboration, we are well-positioned to meet the demands of a rapidly
evolving market.”

Mashabi highlighted Saudia Cargo’s achievements in 2024, including maintaining an industry-leading on-time performance rate of more than 92 percent. “Despite global supply chain disruptions and shifting demand patterns, we prioritized flexibility, capacity expansion, and digital innovation. Our GSAs have played a pivotal role in driving growth, particularly in the e-commerce sector, helping us attract new business while retaining existing customers,” he said.

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Saudia Cargo is committed to transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics hub by expanding capacity, strengthening global connectivity, and enhancing trade efficiency. The company aims to scale import, export, and transit volumes by 2030, driving economic growth and solidifying Saudi Arabia’s role as a key player in international supply chains.

The annual GSA meeting underscored Saudia Cargo’s dedication to fostering strategic partnerships that drive service excellence and operational resilience. With a clear roadmap for 2025, the company is poised to lead in key growth markets, advance digital transformation, and reinforce its status as a global air cargo powerhouse.


Kerten Hospitality’s Cloud 7 Hotel Roma redefines hospitality

Kerten Hospitality’s Cloud 7 Hotel Roma redefines hospitality
Updated 19 February 2025
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Kerten Hospitality’s Cloud 7 Hotel Roma redefines hospitality

Kerten Hospitality’s Cloud 7 Hotel Roma redefines hospitality

Cloud 7 Hotel Roma, Kerten Hospitality’s latest destination, is a reinforcement of the group’s commitment to merging art, design, and locality in a way that is entirely unique, creating a hospitality experience that is deeply connected to the cultural fabric of each destination. The expansion in Europe reflects the brand’s ongoing global growth, which has already seen success in Saudi Arabia with Cloud 7 Residence and Dar Tantora House Hotel in AlUla.

“With the launch of Cloud 7 Hotel Roma, we are bringing our signature lifestyle hospitality approach to one of the world’s most iconic cities,” said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality. “Our focus on authentic local experiences, design-driven spaces, and community-centric hospitality will redefine the way travelers engage with Rome. This expansion in Italy marks an exciting step in our global growth, with plans to further strengthen our presence across Europe and Morocco, introducing our innovative hospitality concepts to new destinations.”

An immersive artistic experience

Agnese Landolfo, Kerten Hosptiality’s art curator, was brought on board from the start to lead the artistic direction of the property. She collaborated closely with Genius Loci Architettura and a curated selection of local artists to craft site-specific pieces exclusively for Cloud 7 Hotel Roma. Each artwork, from large-scale installations to intricate details within the rooms, was created with the hotel in mind, embedding contemporary artistic expression into the very soul of the property.

This is not just a hotel; it is an evolving art gallery, a space where guests live within creativity, enveloped by pieces that tell the story of Rome in a modern voice.

Prime location

Located at the corner of Via del Corso and Via di Pietra, Cloud 7 Hotel Roma is positioned in the cultural heart of Rome, just steps away from the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, Montecitorio, and Piazza Colonna. More than just a place to stay, the hotel acts as a gateway to the city’s best food and cultural experiences.

Surrounded by some of Rome’s most renowned restaurants and artisanal coffee houses, Cloud 7 Hotel Roma offers curated itineraries and collaborations that immerse guests in the local dining scene. From early-morning espressos at hidden cafés to indulgent Roman feasts, every experience is designed to connect travelers with the soul of the city.

A historic space reimagined

Cloud 7 Hotel Roma has been meticulously repurposed to bring together modernity and heritage in a prime location. The hotel features uniquely designed rooms, where contemporary comfort meets art-infused storytelling.

Rather than a traditional hotel structure, Cloud 7 Hotel Roma seamlessly blends into the cityscape, offering a deeply local experience. The top-floor rooms boast 260-degree views of Rome, creating a breathtaking vantage point that celebrates the city’s timeless charm.

A connecting Social Hub

Cloud 7 Hotel Roma is a lifestyle destination, a central base where guests can interact with Rome’s creative, artistic, and culinary communities.

The first-floor Social Hub is an energetic meeting point, where guests and locals come together over morning coffee, casual work sessions, and intimate bespoke events. Designed to reflect the bustling vibrancy of the neighborhood, the space fosters connections and engagement with the city beyond the hotel walls.

For those on the go, the Grab and Go corner offers a selection of fresh, local bites — perfect for exploring the hidden streets of Rome with a taste of the city in hand.

Redefining hospitality in Rome

Cloud 7 Hotel Roma is an intersection of art, design, and local culture, bringing a fresh perspective to the city’s hospitality landscape. By integrating artistic collaborations, immersive experiences, and a location that places guests at the center of it all, Cloud 7 Hotel Roma offers a new way to experience Rome.