Emirates brings signature lounge experience to Jeddah

Updated 13 July 2024

Arab News

July 13, 2024 23:14

Emirates has officially opened the doors to its first ever lounge in the region at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The airline’s newest dedicated lounge will accommodate customers flying on its triple daily A380 services.

The 900-square-meter lounge, worth 20 million dirhams ($5.4 million), located in the airport’s new Terminal 1 will cater to the airline’s first and business class passengers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members, with the capacity to accommodate more than 190 guests at any one time, in a variety of seating options.

The investment reflects the airline’s commitment to progressively growing its presence in the Kingdom, supporting aviation goals of Saudi Vision 2030, and its ongoing dedication to ensuring a thoughtful and welcoming Emirates experience on the ground for customers flying from one of Emirates’ most important markets globally. This year, Emirates is also celebrating a milestone in its operations to Saudi Arabia, marking 35 years of service to Jeddah.

The official opening of the lounge was attended by Nasser Huwaiden Al-Ketbi, consul general of the UAE in Jeddah; Raed bin Ibrahim Al-Mudaiheem, chairman of the board of directors of Jeddah Airports Company; Mohammed Mattar, divisional senior vice president — airport services at Emirates; Mazen Johar, CEO of JEDCO; Sami Aqil Abdulla, senior vice president — airport services for outstations and business support; Jabr Al-Azeeby, vice president — commercial operations for Emirates in Saudi Arabia; and Amer Al-Arai, airport services manager for Emirates at King Abdulaziz International Airport.

Mattar said: “Jeddah was our first gateway into the Kingdom 35 years ago, so it’s fitting that the King Abdulaziz International Airport, a world-class facility, is the first airport in the region outside of Dubai to feature an Emirates dedicated lounge. The lounge, comfortably situated at the center of Terminal 1, is beautifully designed to deliver an industry-leading experience and Emirates’ signature hospitality for our customers from the moment they step inside. We thank the airport authorities for their support in helping us open our doors to officially welcome customers and provide them with a memorable travel experience on the ground.”

Meanwhile, Johar said: “The launch of Emirates lounge at King Abdulaziz International Airport reflects the 35-year-long strategic relationship of providing multiple travel options to passengers through the airline’s three daily flights. The lounge is a significant addition to the airport’s services and supports the comprehensive development efforts at the airport, aimed at providing an enjoyable and seamless travel experience for passengers from all over the world.”

The new lounge features a refreshed and sophisticated design, anchored in contemporary elements with regional design influences. The welcoming space offers a variety of seating configurations, including dining, lounging, and quiet spaces for relaxation. Inside the lounge, customers can look forward to a wide range of dining options, luxurious shower facilities, a prayer room, and other amenities.

The buffet offers a wide variety of Middle Eastern, local, and international delicacies to choose from, including lamb kabsa, spinach and ricotta tortellini, Moroccan lemon chicken, prawn machbous, Saint Sebastian cheesecake, and Tiramisu cake, among many others.

The lounge is located on the third floor of King Abdulaziz International Airport’s Terminal 1 Departure area and is just a 10-minute walk from the terminal’s entrance and a 3 to 5-minute walk to the boarding gates, A28B and A38B, where Emirates’ three daily flights are situated during the day.

In addition to the new lounge, the airline currently operates seven lounges across the three concourses at DXB and 32 others around the Emirates network.

Emirates has been facilitating tourism and trade in the Kingdom since 1989 and currently serves four gateways — Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, and Dammam — with more than 70 weekly flights, including triple daily flights to Jeddah with its flagship Airbus A380s. Since it began operations, Emirates has transported close to 30.7 million passengers to and from the Kingdom on more than 112,000 flights, connecting travelers to destinations across the airline’s extensive global network, including popular cities and regions like Dubai, London, Istanbul, Paris, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, the US, and Indian Ocean islands like the Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles.

Saudi brands set sail for growth at Floating Franchise Expo

Updated 07 May 2025

Arab News

May 07, 2025 22:01

Saudi brands set sail for growth at Floating Franchise Expo

Updated 07 May 2025

Arab News

May 07, 2025 22:01

The first-ever International Floating Franchise Expo officially launched aboard the luxurious cruise ship Aroya Cruises on May 5. This pioneering initiative, featuring the participation of top entrepreneurs, investors, and representatives from both Saudi and international brands, will empower Saudi brands to expand locally and globally, while promoting collaboration and investment in the franchise sector.

Opening ceremony

The event commenced with an introductory video showcasing the mission and objectives of the National Franchise Committee, followed by the Saudi national anthem. Salman Al-Anzi delivered the opening speech, followed by remarks from Dr. Khalid Al-Ghamdi, chairman of the National Franchise Committee. The event continued with speeches from strategic partners, namely, Mohammed Yousuf Naghi, chairman of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mohammed Al-Ouhali, director general of agriculture, food production and franchising at the Ministry of Investment; Nawaf Al-Ruwais, vice president of Monsha’at; and Abdullah bin Saad Al-Ruwais, vice president for business sector at the Social Development Bank.

Global expansion

Al-Ghamdi said that the franchise sector in the Kingdom is witnessing rapid growth, reflecting market maturity and strong investor confidence. He noted that the floating expo is more than just a platform to showcase opportunities — it marks a significant step in exporting “Saudi franchises to the world,” aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and investment promotion.

Al-Ghamdi also unveiled three key initiatives launched during the expo:

• The establishment of a national company to support export-oriented franchises

• The launch of a platform to facilitate international expansion of Saudi brands

• The creation of an investment fund to support global expansion of Saudi trademarks

He further highlighted the growing global interest in Saudi products, known for their quality and reliability. To date, more than 204 Saudi brands have been listed on the national franchise platform, with franchise registration increasing by 866 percent over the past three years, reaching a total of 1,788 registered franchise agreements.

Promising figures

Ibrahim Al-Hussein, director of franchise services at Monsha’at, said that the expo represents a strategic step to empower the franchise ecosystem. By the end of 2024, the number of operating franchise brands had surpassed 1,200 — a 38 percent increase over the previous year. The platform currently offers more than 22,000 franchise opportunities for investors.

He also noted that the Franchise Center has provided more than 5,000 consultations since its inception, evaluated the eligibility of over 1,900 brands, and licensed more than 300 franchise brokers. The center continues to play a key role in dispute resolution and supporting brand development through specialized training and advisory programs.

Investment support

Al-Ouhali of the Ministry of Investment highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to streamlining investment processes through advanced digital services and targeted incentives, while also enhancing transparency and governance.

He said that the Kingdom is experiencing a “golden era” of investment opportunities, with sustained support for investors from setup to operation, in full alignment with Vision 2030 objectives.

Fostering partnerships

The expo witnessed the signing of several MoUs between the National Franchise Committee and the Social Development Bank, Monsha’at, and the Restaurant and Café Owners Association, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders in the franchise sector.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, sponsors were honored by the National Franchise Committee and the Federation of Saudi Chambers. Participating brand representatives were also recognized for their contribution to this landmark event.

A platform for growth

The expo continues for three days until May 8 aboard Aroya Cruises, one of the Public Investment Fund’s flagship projects. The event offers an exceptional experience that blends business, investment, and tourism, with the goal of promoting shared franchising models and fostering collaboration between local and international brands.

Bupa CareConnect wins two honors at CHI Excellence Awards

Updated 07 May 2025

Arab News

May 07, 2025 22:00

Bupa CareConnect wins two honors at CHI Excellence Awards

Updated 07 May 2025

Arab News

May 07, 2025 22:00

Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance has announced that its healthcare arm, Bupa CareConnect, has won two prestigious awards at the third Council of Health Insurance Excellence Awards 2024. The awards affirm its leadership in digital healthcare innovation and sustainable healthcare practices in the Kingdom.

The high-profile awards ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel and convened senior healthcare executives, policymakers, and innovators from across the Kingdom and the broader region.

Bupa CareConnect won in two categories: Innovative Sustainability for Private Providers and Digital Innovation in Healthcare for Private Providers. These accolades highlight the company’s pioneering efforts to harness cutting-edge technologies and deliver patient-centric solutions that align with the health and well-being priorities of Saudi Vision 2030.

“This recognition reaffirms our belief that impactful healthcare begins with innovation rooted in human needs,” said Tal Nazer, CEO of Bupa Arabia. “We’re proud to lead this transformation and extend our gratitude to every member of our Digital Clinic team and our partners who contributed to this success.”

The CEO said that the company aims to create a holistic, patient-first experience powered by digital tools, greater flexibility, and seamless accessibility — without the need for pre-approvals. “We are redefining access to healthcare by making it seamless, personalized, and responsive,” he said.

Nazer also commended the CHI for its efforts in promoting a sector-wide culture of excellence through a national platform that recognizes innovation and value-based care.

Bupa Arabia’s Digital Clinics have become a benchmark for virtual healthcare delivery, offering real-time consultations across more than 10 specialties and enhanced user experiences powered by AI-driven claims processing and smart digital platforms.

These innovations enable patients to navigate their healthcare journeys more efficiently while expanding sustainable access to high-quality care.

“This award is a tribute to the commitment and compassion of our medical professionals, who are at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr. Abdullah Khafagy, executive medical director of Bupa CareConnect. “It motivates us to continue elevating standards in preventive, tech-enabled healthcare.”

Bupa Arabia has a long-standing track record of excellence at the CHI Excellence Awards. In 2023, the company secured six awards, including Health Insurer of the Year, Best Customer Experience, and Digital Excellence, along with individual honors such as CEO of the Year, Women Leader of the Year, and Young Achiever of the Year.

Diriyah program to mentor 40 Saudi engineers

Updated 06 May 2025

Arab News

May 06, 2025 21:56

Diriyah program to mentor 40 Saudi engineers

Updated 06 May 2025

Arab News

May 06, 2025 21:56

Diriyah Company has launched the third edition of the Diriyah Engineers Development Program, a flagship initiative designed to attract and develop Saudi graduates with an engineering mindset. This pioneering program empowers participants to contribute to Diriyah’s transformational projects, aligning with the Human Capability Development goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The program offers a comprehensive, year-long training journey that combines both theoretical learning and hands-on experience. It enhances personal growth, strengthens professional competencies, and cultivates an engineering mindset.

Participants will benefit from industry experts’ mentorship, which will equip them with the practical knowledge and skills to become future leaders in the field. This initiative reflects Diriyah Company’s commitment to investing in national talent, creating high-quality employment opportunities, and enabling Saudi youth to play a fundamental role in the development of the Diriyah project. Throughout the program, participants will develop a wide range of skills, including professional writing, presentation techniques, data analysis, project management, financial analysis for non-financial professionals, strategic problem-solving, emotional intelligence, operations management, and more.

The program’s third edition will train and develop 40 promising male and female engineers, recent graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees (Class of 2024 and beyond) and no more than six months of professional experience. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in both Arabic and English and are expected to have participated in cooperative training programs, university projects, or related initiatives. The program offers specialized full-time employment opportunities with a robust benefits package, including monthly bonuses, housing and transportation allowances, medical insurance, social security registration, and access to external training at leading global educational institutions. Participants will join one of three key departments — design and development, asset management, or technology management — where they will undergo high-level training. A series of expert-led workshops and immersive, hands-on learning experiences will help participants build technical, leadership, and personal skills under the guidance of distinguished professionals.

Building on the success of its first two cohorts, which collectively trained 48 engineers (14 in the first edition and 34 in the second), the third edition of DEDP solidifies Diriyah Company’s dedication to empowering the next generation of Saudi talent. The program has already garnered significant interest, with more than 37,000 applicants, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of the company’s contribution to Saudi Vision 2030.

As part of this national transformation, the company is working to establish Diriyah as a world-class destination for tourism, heritage, and culture. The development includes office spaces for tens of thousands of professionals alongside vibrant artistic, cultural, sports, and entertainment zones. It also encompasses more than 18,000 luxury residential units, 40 international hotels, iconic cultural and historical landmarks, museums, and specialized educational institutions and academies.

Bentley debuts Batur Convertible, a true collector’s piece

Updated 06 May 2025

Arab News

May 06, 2025 21:55

Bentley debuts Batur Convertible, a true collector’s piece

Updated 06 May 2025

Arab News

May 06, 2025 21:55

The Batur Convertible, the third coachbuilt Bentley of the modern era, has made its global debut at an exclusive event.

With only 16 individually numbered cars being produced, the Batur Convertible is a true collector’s piece. Each will feature the most potent iteration of Bentley’s iconic W12 engine, a 750 PS, hand-assembled 6-liter twin-turbocharged masterpiece set to end production this summer, making this one of the last Bentleys to ever house this legendary powertrain. Beyond its extraordinary performance, the Batur Convertible offers limitless personalization, with every detail tailored to reflect the vision and individuality of its owner.

The exterior of the Batur Convertible is another demonstration of the art of the possible with the Mulliner Bespoke Studio. It is a showcase of dynamic color transitions and high-performance materials, brought to life through its Midnight Emerald exterior paint and high gloss carbon fiber finishes. At the front, the grille stands out with a bold Satin Dark Titanium finish throughout, with the exception of the grille matrix, where a Gloss Mandarin to Gloss Beluga fade creates a striking visual transition.

At the heart of this bold exterior is the distinctive Batur Racing Stripe, finished in Gloss Porpoise and flanked with Gloss Mandarin outer stripes, both hide-matched to the interior leather, creating a seamless visual connection between the exterior and the cabin.

The cabin echoes the exterior, with Cumbrian Green and Porpoises leather being accented with Mandarin stitching and piping, complemented with machined titanium Organ Stops and Bullseye vents. The veneer is Mulliner’s exquisite “guitar fade,” where a transition of color and texture spans the width of the cabin, from gloss Beluga to high gloss carbon fiber, and back to gloss Beluga, and finished with the unique laser-etched audio signature of this W12 engine.

Bentley has a rich history of open-cockpit cars, from the very first Bentley of 1919, through the company’s foundation years in the 1920s, to the most recent — the Bacalar.

The architecture of the Batur Convertible has allowed Mulliner’s designers to seize the opportunity to create a theme that not only blends the design of the Bacalar and Batur but includes the versatility of a convertible. The designers also chose to highlight the two-seater character with a “wraparound” cockpit inspired by the design of the Bacalar.

The Mulliner Bespoke Studio will co-create every Batur Convertible with each client, utilizing their exclusive in-house commissioning software. It adopts a unique “off menu” approach to commissioning that allows any part of the car to be customized in color and surface finish, bringing each vision to life.

Cenomi Centers and URW forge landmark partnership to shape future of retail real estate in KSA

Updated 06 May 2025

Arab News

May 06, 2025 13:38

Cenomi Centers and URW forge landmark partnership to shape future of retail real estate in KSA

Updated 06 May 2025

Arab News

May 06, 2025 13:38

Cenomi Centers and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield signed a 10-year exclusive strategic and franchising partnership agreement, with the option to extend for another 10 years, covering the Saudi shopping center market. The move demonstrates Cenomi Centers’ unwavering commitment to strengthening its leadership position in the Kingdom and the MENA region.

Under this partnership, Cenomi Centers will obtain the exclusive licensing rights to the Westfield brand in the Kingdom from URW, and tap into URW’s best-in-class network and capabilities across a full range of support in key areas including leasing, operations, marketing, retail media and more, allowing Cenomi Centers’ Westfield-branded malls to be top-of-mind destinations for consumers, tourists and brands, while boosting its market share.

Under the Westfield brand, and with URW’s support, Cenomi Centers will offer Saudi residents and tourists the next generation of world-class shopping center experiences, boosting tourism and global engagement within the sector, acting as a powerful contributor to Vision 2030’s objectives of enhancing quality of life, and opening the Kingdom to the world’s global retail champions.

The partnership was signed at a ceremony at Jawharat Riyadh, which also celebrated the initial collaboration on three malls, Jawharat Riyadh, Jawharat Jeddah and Nakheel Dammam, which will be the first to be branded as Westfield centers. More details on these three malls and others will follow in the coming months, with the collaboration set to extend across up to eight of Cenomi Centers’ portfolio of top malls.

Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO, Cenomi Centers, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking and exclusive partnership with URW, a global leader in the retail industry. This collaboration not only solidifies our position as the leading owner, operator and developer of contemporary lifestyle centers in Saudi Arabia, but also aligns with the Kingdom’s broader goals for economic growth and development in both the sector and region. Together, we will cement our position as the leader in Saudi Arabia by introducing exciting new growth and tenancy opportunities for many years to come.”

Jean-Marie Tritant, CEO, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “Cenomi Centers is an incredible partner that shares our vision for the future of retail. Its portfolio of flagship destinations matches the ambition of the Westfield brand, providing the perfect platform to deliver Westfield’s unmatched experience to customers and visitors in the Kingdom while also supporting the brand’s international expansion. We are tremendously proud of the partnership, and the opportunity to work with Cenomi Centers to contribute to the broader economic and development goals of the Kingdom.”

The partnership with URW is exclusive within the Kingdom and affirms Cenomi Centers’ premier and well-established position in its home market, showing a vote of confidence in its growth trajectory over the coming years. Key benefits include:

Expanded consumer base: Westfield is one of the most recognizable global flagship mall brands, with over 900 million annual visits in the US and Europe. As the brand is highly known to and admired by Saudi consumers and the Kingdom’s increasing number of visitors, Cenomi Centers is able to significantly expand its customer base among Saudi citizens, residents and tourists.
Enhanced tenant offerings: Access to URW’s unparalleled tenant and partner relationships will help Cenomi Centers increase its share of key global anchor brands and first-to-KSA stores, creating a superior, increasingly differentiated offering, and encouraging higher footfall and tenant sales.
World-class customer experience: URW’s global experience and industry leadership will help Cenomi Centers to significantly enhance its customer experience, tenant mix and offering to international best-in-class standards. Cenomi Centers will bring the latest digital technologies and journeys, including in-mall apps and services, to the Saudi consumer.
New growth opportunities: The partnership will boost Cenomi Centers’ financial performance in its existing and new developments, in both its core GLA business and also in digital media sales, leveraging the expertise and international reach of URW’s Westfield Rise retail media agency. This partnership also sees Cenomi Centers and URW collaborating on third party business opportunities serving the Kingdom’s major retail and lifestyle developments.
Sustainability and operational efficacies: Cenomi Centers will be able to significantly boost sustainability and operational efficiencies across its portfolio by leveraging best-in-class tools, systems and manuals in the management of its daily operations.

The partnership entails fixed and variable licensing and service fees for URW along with opportunities for the companies to further collaborate on business and licensing opportunities within the Kingdom.

The partnership between Cenomi Centers and URW marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of retail and lifestyle in Saudi Arabia. By combining Cenomi Centers’ unparalleled market leadership with URW’s global expertise and the Westfield brand, this collaboration promises to redefine the shopping experience in the region.

Emirates brings signature lounge experience to Jeddah