Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress returns for bigger, better 5th edition

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The two-day event will bring together experts and specialists from the global maritime transport and logistics sector.
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Updated 17 September 2024
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Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress returns for bigger, better 5th edition

Reinforcing the significance of the Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress in Dammam, which takes place from Sept. 18-19, several new speakers have been confirmed to the conference lineup, adding some heavyweight industry knowledge to the two-day program.

The event’s fifth edition is being held under the auspices of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, who will also make the keynote address on Day 1.

Additionally, Bahri CEO Ahmed Alsubaey, IMI CEO Abdullah Al-Ghamdi and Transport General Authority Deputy for Maritime Transport Essam M. Alammari are all now confirmed at the shipping and logistics conference and exhibition. The event will take place at Dhahran Expo and is free for industry to attend.

Also joining the prestigious speaker parade is Kaupo Laanerand, deputy minister for maritime and water affairs, Ministry of Climate, Estonia, and Poul Hestbaek, CEO, Folk Maritime.

Chris Morley, group director, Seatrade Maritime, the organizers of the event, said: “The high-profile speaker lineup is testament to the importance of this event in the shipping calendar. As the industry gathers in the Kingdom, it allows for attendees to listen and learn from industry experts and be part of discussions that impact many facets of this global industry.”

He added: “Our ultimate aim is to facilitate fruitful cooperation between the public and private sector entities that catalyzes growth for our industry.”

Over the course of the event, topics under the spotlight will include: Interconnected logistics and the supply chain of the future; Shipbuilding and repair; Digitization of maritime: The adoption of AI and machine learning; Offshore safety: The importance of maintaining world-class safety standards; and Energy transition for a sustainable future and workforce development.

The conference agenda will start with keynotes and an international virtual address from International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, as well as an industry keynote from ABS Senior Vice President Gareth Burton.

Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress is being held with founding partners Bahri and Seatrade Maritime. With its main partners, The Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, and the TGA, as well as strategic partners Saudi Aramco and IMI, the event expects more than 10,000 attendees from across 70+ countries; in addition to a record 200+ exhibitors and scores of local, regional and international speakers.

Alammari, deputy for maritime transport, TGA, said: “As we have seen from its progressive growth in attendance, which stood at an impressive 95 percent in 2023, Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress has become a key regional forum for the exchange of ideas between the brightest and best the industry has to offer.

“From policy-makers to investors, industry professionals to academics, the strength of this congress is indebted to the diversity of its attendees. The participation not only of TGA, but of our partners in Mawani, Bahri, Saudi Aramco and others, is a strong signal that the Kingdom’s policy-makers and industry giants are committed to the important dialogue taking place over the direction of travel of shipping. All of these entities have helped to shape the agenda and attract the speakers we will hear from throughout the congress.”

He added: “Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress is no longer a regional conference, but a global one, and it is TGA’s hope that it continues to grow.”

The TGA is working on an international level to advance cooperation with IMO member states to enhance global connectivity to the Kingdom.

Alammari said: “In 2024, Saudi Arabia ranked 16th globally out of 187 countries by the UN Conference on Trade and Development, reflecting the concerted efforts by the Kingdom to increase global maritime connectivity and capitalize on the Kingdom’s strategic location in line with the aspirations of Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia continues to develop the port of NEOM and NEOM’s Oxagon to be one of the world’s first fully integrated port and supply chain systems.”

The two-day event will bring together experts and specialists from the global maritime transport and logistics sector to share knowledge, experiences, and insights. It also seeks to foster investment and strategic partnerships, explore opportunities for growth, and support the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The event will also provide recommendations and proposals that will improve the maritime transport industry and enhance the sustainability of logistics services in accordance with international standards and leading models.


Aroya to host first Saudi floating franchise expo

Updated 16 April 2025
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Aroya to host first Saudi floating franchise expo

The National Franchise Committee, in partnership with Aroya Cruises, has finalized preparations for the first-of-its-kind floating exhibition dedicated to franchising. The initiative, led by the Federation of Saudi Chambers, was formalized through an agreement signed by Dr. Khalid Al-Ghamdi, chairman of the National Franchise Committee, and Alaa Tashkandi, general sales manager at Aroya Cruises. The International Floating Franchise Exhibition will take place aboard the luxurious Aroya cruise ship from May 5-8.

The announcement came during a press conference held onboard the Aroya cruise in Jeddah, attended by various media representatives. The organizing committee unveiled details of the ship’s facilities that will host the expo, including halls, theaters, meeting rooms, and other logistical preparations.

Dr. Al-Ghamdi said that hosting the exhibition at sea symbolizes the global potential of Saudi brands, adding that the committee is working on a strategic initiative to accelerate the international expansion of Saudi franchises.

Tashkandi said that Aroya Cruises is fully equipped to host major exhibitions and commercial events, offering world-class amenities that promise an exceptional and unique experience for global attendees.

The Federation of Saudi Chambers, represented by the National Franchise Committee, had previously announced plans to organize the inaugural International Floating Franchise Exhibition from May 5–8, aboard the Aroya cruise ship in Jeddah.


Security leaders to unite and advance sector at Riyadh conference

Updated 16 April 2025
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Security leaders to unite and advance sector at Riyadh conference

The Security Middle East Conference, a pivotal gathering for the region’s leading security executives, organizations, and government officials, will return on May 13 at Voco Hotel Riyadh. This exclusive, invite-only event is designed to empower attendees with the knowledge, connections and foresight needed to navigate the evolving security landscape and drive the sector forward in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

More than just a conference, the Security Middle East Conference offers a unique platform built on three core pillars:

Networking: Forge Strategic Alliances

Attendees will have unparalleled opportunities to connect with key stakeholders, establish crucial business contacts, forge strategic alliances and develop partnerships that will shape the future of security in the Middle East.

Education: Elevate Skills and Knowledge

Attendees will gain actionable insights and cutting-edge knowledge to implement in their roles from a dynamic agenda featuring insightful keynote addresses from global thought leaders like Dr. Khalid Koser, executive director, Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, and Dr. Faisal Alfouzan, director of cybersecurity at Absher. There will also be engaging panel discussions with regional experts including representatives from International Maritime Industries, King Salman Park Foundation, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, FIFA, and Diriyah Company; practical workshops led by ICON Training Co. and others; and interactive live podcasts and tech stage presentations from leading providers including NEDAP, Limitless Technologies, Magnet Forensics, and PureTech Systems.

Future: Uncover Trends and Drive Innovation

The conference will delve into the future of security, exploring emerging threats, the integration of AI and the security implications of mega-projects. Live technology demonstrations will offer a firsthand look at the innovative solutions shaping tomorrow’s security landscape.

Attendees can further elevate their expertise by participating in a dedicated two-day masterclass led by Nadeem Iqbal, director at IFPO MENASA and global advisory board member (business growth and strategy). This intensive workshop titled “Align security with your organization’s business DNA!,” will equip security professionals with the strategies to seamlessly integrate security efforts with overarching business objectives, driving long-term success and operational excellence.

The Security Middle East Conference is supported by leading industry organizations including the Information Security Forum, The Security Institute and the International Foundation for Protection Officers, and sponsored by innovative companies including Magnet Forensics, Limitless Technologies, ThreatLocker, Convergint, Eagle Eye Networks, CTF Consoles, PureTech Systems, Allied Telesis, ICON Training, Comm Port, and NEDAP.

The event offers a vital platform for security leaders to collaborate, learn and shape the future of the industry in the Middle East.


Sustainability drives business excellence across region: PwC

Updated 15 April 2025
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Sustainability drives business excellence across region: PwC

As governments and businesses across the Middle East drive forward their economic transformation agendas, PwC Middle East has released a new report that explores the key role of sustainability in shaping future-ready business strategies.

PwC Middle East’s latest report, “Embracing sustainable transformation: The path to business excellence” provides valuable insights into how leading organizations embed sustainability into their transformation journeys, enhancing efficiency, resilience and long-term value for stakeholders.

The report comes at a pivotal time, as national visions such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and We the UAE 2031 drive the integration of environmental and social impact considerations into core business practices, an essential step toward achieving sustainable growth in the region.

Riyadh Al-Najjar, PwC Middle East chairman of the board and Saudi Arabia country senior partner, said: “Saudi Arabia’s transformational journey demonstrates how economic diversification, business growth, and sustainable development can go hand in hand. As the Kingdom creates new industries, unlocks innovation and enables a more inclusive, sustainable future for generations to come — businesses have a unique opportunity to align with this vision by embedding sustainability into their corporate strategies, operations, and culture.”

From aviation to urban development and industrial manufacturing, organizations align their sustainability goals to future-proof operations and deliver impact. The report features real-world examples of this shift in action:

•Saudi Aramco advances industrial transformation through investments in carbon capture technologies and expanding its renewable energy portfolio.

•Etihad Airways enhances fuel efficiency and invests in sustainable aviation fuels to align with the UAE’s decarbonization goals.

•Aldar Properties incorporates sustainability into its project development strategy, achieving high Estidama ratings for efficient urban development.

•Masdar City stands as a model of sustainable urban development, offering a free zone with attractive tax incentives and access for businesses focused on clean energy solutions.

 Tamer Elleisi, PwC Middle East transformation management consulting partner, said: “Embedding sustainability at the core of transformation enables businesses to unlock long-term value and strengthen their competitive advantage. In our region, it’s clear that sustainability works best when it’s part of the bigger picture, integrated into the way businesses grow, innovate, and lead.”

The initiatives support an evolving financial landscape. Compared to 2023, 2.5 times more companies in the region now plan to access green loans and bonds, reflecting a broader shift toward sustainable financing models that support national and global environmental priorities.

Despite this momentum, organizations still face critical challenges in embedding sustainability into transformation projects. Findings from last year’s “Sustainability in the Middle East” report show that one in three executives cited a lack of internal skills and sustainability expertise as a significant barrier. Additionally, 22 percent of respondents pointed to the absence of supportive government policies, while 19 percent flagged conflicting regulations across jurisdictions, emphasizing the need for harmonized policy frameworks to enable cross-border progress.

Many businesses also struggle with integrating sustainability goals into broader corporate strategies, managing sustainability-related data effectively, and securing necessary funding for long-term initiatives. To address these barriers, PwC’s approach focuses on three core lenses: strategic, operational, and cultural, designed to embed sustainability into every aspect of transformation at scale.

The strategic lens aligns sustainability with transformation objectives to unlock financial returns and long-term value. The operational lens embeds sustainable practices into day-to-day processes, leveraging AI, data, and circular economy principles to enhance agility and reduce environmental impact. The cultural lens promotes a sustainability-first mindset, driven by leadership commitment, employee upskilling, and organizational change.

Together, these three lenses enable organizations to lead with purpose, ensuring sustainability is not just a parallel track but a central driver of successful, future-ready transformation projects. From ESG-aligned KPIs to sustainable value chains, the report provides a clear framework for businesses to drive impact.

As the region moves toward a low-carbon, inclusive economy, the report underscores the urgency for both private and public sector organizations to transition from ambition to execution, leading with purpose, agility, and impact.


MBSC hosts record-breaking graduation with 476 students

Updated 14 April 2025
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MBSC hosts record-breaking graduation with 476 students

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the Kingdom’s world-class business school, has celebrated its largest graduating class to date, marking a significant milestone in its journey to redefine business education in Saudi Arabia. A total of 476 graduates were honored this year across the Executive MBA, Master in Finance, and Master in Management programs — an impressive 44 percent increase from 2024.

The graduating class reflects MBSC’s continued momentum and strategic expansion across the Kingdom. In 2023, the school graduated 102 students; by 2024, that number rose to 330 — and now, 476 in 2025 — demonstrating a strong and sustained growth in demand for MBSC’s programs.

This year’s graduates represent a dynamic mix of professionals from across Saudi Arabia’s key sectors, including finance, government, telecommunications, and energy. The cohort includes a rising number of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and senior executives committed to driving innovation and positive impact in their fields.

MBSC delivers its graduate programs across two locations: King Abdullah Economic City, its home campus, and Riyadh, in partnership with stc Academy. This geographic spread ensures increased accessibility while offering a consistently high standard of experiential, world-class education.

Dr. Zeger Degraeve, dean of MBSC, said: “This record-breaking class of graduates represents more than just numbers — it signals a growing community of empowered, purpose-driven leaders. Our mission is to nurture transformative individuals who will lead with clarity, creativity, and courage. These graduates are well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and we are proud to be part of their journey.”

MBSC’s programs are uniquely designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s business landscape, offering hands-on, practical learning that prepares graduates to lead in complex, fast-moving environments. The school’s rigorous admission process ensures a diverse and high-calibre student body, many of whom hold key roles in both private and public sectors.

“MBSC has given me more than just an education — it gave me clarity in my leadership style and the confidence to make bold decisions,” said Ahmed Alsamaani, an Executive MBA graduate from the class of 2025.

“As a young Saudi woman in finance, this program shaped my voice and gave me the tools to make a meaningful impact in my field,” said Badour Alhejailan, a Master in Finance graduate.

Another student, Abdulrahman Khalid Alabaykan, a Master in Management graduate, added: “Studying at MBSC while continuing my career allowed me to apply what I learned in real time, transforming the way I contribute to my workplace.”

MBSC continues to strengthen its position as a hub for high-impact, future-focused education in the Kingdom. With its pragmatic, entrepreneurial approach to teaching and learning, the college remains committed to developing principled, effective leaders who will play an essential role in achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions.


UAE startup Quiqup enters Saudi logistics market

Updated 14 April 2025
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UAE startup Quiqup enters Saudi logistics market

Quiqup, a UAE-based e-commerce logistics provider, has launched its core fulfillment and delivery services in Saudi Arabia, marking a major milestone in its regional expansion.

This move is backed by the strategic support of the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund, which has played a pivotal role in helping Quiqup expand its operations and double its business in the past two years.

The company’s expansion comes after its notable impact on the UAE’s e-commerce ecosystem and aligns with its strategy to offer integrated logistics solutions to businesses across the GCC.

Founded in the UAE in 2017, Quiqup provides comprehensive logistics services, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises. The company offers storage, sorting, packaging, and delivery services. With its expansion into Saudi Arabia, commercial clients in the Kingdom can now access Quiqup’s reliable and efficient fulfillment services.

Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, acting assistant undersecretary for the support services sector at UAE Ministry of Finance, and the ministry’s representative at MBRIF, said: “Supporting the success of high-potential innovators who contribute to economic growth is one of the core objectives of the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund. Quiqup’s journey exemplifies how strategic support, combined with innovation and market expertise, can drive a company’s growth and create a meaningful economic impact.”

She added: “Over the past few years, we have worked closely with Quiqup through our Guarantee Scheme and have seen the company’s outstanding potential in reshaping the e-commerce logistics sector in the UAE. Its expansion into Saudi Arabia is a testament to its ability to apply its expertise and innovative solutions in new markets. We look forward to supporting its continued growth across the region.”

Bassel El-Koussa, CEO of Quiqup, said: “Our expansion into Saudi Arabia is a natural next step, driven by our customers’ evolving needs.”

With the increasing demand for seamless cross-border logistics solutions, we are proud to extend our services to neighboring markets. We see the GCC as a connected e-commerce ecosystem where operational efficiencies in one market enhance the overall regional performance.”

“By building a robust and integrated platform, we are not only expanding our reach but also contributing to a more efficient and interconnected logistics network. Our strong track record in the UAE serves as a solid foundation for our operations in Saudi Arabia, and we look forward to working with e-commerce businesses in the Kingdom to support their growth and contribute to the local economy,” he added.