Hong Kong university delegation visits UAE for collaborations

The delegation will explore opportunities for research and technology transfer collaboration in robotics, artificial intelligence and clean energy.
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Updated 15 April 2024
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Hong Kong university delegation visits UAE for collaborations

A high-level delegation from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology — a world-class research-intensive university that focuses on science, engineering, business, as well as humanities and social science, is visiting the UAE from April 15-18.

Led by the university president, the delegation aims to establish relationships with the UAE’s higher education and innovation sectors to explore opportunities for research and technology transfer collaboration in robotics, artificial intelligence and clean energy. Additionally, the delegation seeks to identify potential synergies between HKUST’s expertise in engineering and technology and the UAE’s investment in these essential areas for the future.

Over the past decade, Hong Kong and the UAE have formed strong economic partnerships, with the UAE emerging as one of Hong Kong’s main trading partners and the largest in the Middle East. Demonstrating the commitment to strengthening connections, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee embarked on his first overseas visit to the nation last year. Earlier in March, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Professor Sun Dong, visited the UAE to foster collaborations, particularly in the fields of technological innovation. Consequently, building upon these efforts, HKUST’s President Professor Nancy Ip is leading a delegation to the UAE, marking a significant milestone as the first leader among Hong Kong’s universities to reinforce the city’s commitment to advancing research and innovation with the UAE.

The HKUST delegation will establish new connections with key partners and stakeholders in the UAE’s higher education and innovation systems through various meetings and discussions with government representatives, various companies and other partners dealing with innovation, research, technology, and technology transfer in the fields of robotics, AI, clean energy, and startup incubation. These key institutions include the Dubai Future Foundation, University of Sharjah, Khalifa University and Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

Given HKUST’s plans to establish Hong Kong’s third medical school, the delegation will also visit the state-of-the-art medical-related research facilities of these key UAE institutions to gain insights and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

“HKUST is a distinguished global research institution with leadership in the field of AI. There is tremendous potential for collaborative ventures that span education, research, and knowledge transfer with the UAE, which has made substantial investment in the field. Together, we can make meaningful contributions to the advancement and betterment of humankind,” said Ip.


A ‘floating resort’: Bookings open for Saudi Arabia’s first cruise line ‘AROYA Cruises’

Updated 16 May 2024
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A ‘floating resort’: Bookings open for Saudi Arabia’s first cruise line ‘AROYA Cruises’

Cruise Saudi, a 100 percent Public Investment Fund owned business, responsible for the creation and development of the cruise industry in the Kingdom, has announced the commercial launch of its owned cruise line, AROYA Cruises, with trips now available to purchase via its website.

As the first Arabian cruise line, AROYA Cruises is leading the way offering remarkably Arabian experiences for guests at sea and onshore. Pioneering in its design, AROYA Cruises reflects Arabian generosity and Saudi Arabia’s famous “hafawa” (hospitality), providing a unique experience with passenger comfort at its heart.

With the ability to accommodate 3,362 passengers, AROYA Cruises is a floating resort, 335 meters in length, with 1,678 cabins, including stunning balcony and sea view cabins, suites, and villas. The entertainment concept has been curated to offer activities for all passenger groups. The ship has 20 entertainment venues across 18 decks that will allow passengers to indulge in an array of experiences, including shopping in the Souq AROYA retail area, and enjoy performances in the 1,018-seater AROYA Theater, which will captivate guests with headline entertainment, movies, and dedicated shows for children. Families can connect in the Atrium Area, which will host “Gathering Hubs” and “Variety Acts,” and enjoy the 1,858-square-meter “kids zone,” with a splash area equipped with water slides.

For those looking to relax and unwind whilst onboard, the “Blossom by AROYA” spa will have all passenger wellness needs covered. With a focus on immersion of the five senses — sound, sight, taste, aroma and touch — the facilities include a thermal suite, snow room, relaxation room, and treatment room, as well as a beauty clinic, beauty salon, men’s barbers and gym.

With five complimentary restaurants, 11 specialty restaurants, and 12 cafés and lounges, Aroya offers a wide variety of F&B options from across the globe, spanning Lebanese, Italian and Asian. Amongst these dining outlets is IRTH, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, featuring traditional Arabian dining.

Dr. Joerg Rudolph, president of AROYA Cruises, said: “The launch of our cruise line to commercial markets is an important milestone for both AROYA Cruises, and for the tourism landscape in Saudi. We are thrilled that the public can now book sailings with us as we strive to reinvent the meaning of holidays in Arabia. We have been steadfast in our mission to create a ‘Remarkably Arabian’ cruise line offering for guests at sea and onshore, commercially and sustainably, and we look forward to sharing this with our passengers.”

For an elevated offering, the AROYA VIP package provides exclusive designated areas for a premium experience. With spacious and unique accommodation, outdoor lounges and exceptional dining, the AROYA exclusive experience provides the very best amenities and services for guests.

With inaugural sailings scheduled in the Red Sea for December 2024, itineraries will include time at the Cruise Saudi-owned private island, as well as visits to major destinations along the Red Sea, including Egypt and Jordan.

Cabins fares start from SR558 ($150) per person, per night. 


Red Sea Global to bring Oracle hotel tech to KSA

Updated 16 May 2024
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Red Sea Global to bring Oracle hotel tech to KSA

Red Sea Global, the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and Amaala, has teamed up with global tech giant Oracle to introduce its hospitality technology solutions, including the Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud Central platform, in the Kingdom for the first time.
RSG’s premier luxury resorts — Thuwal Private Retreat, Shebara and Desert Rock — are set to become the first resorts in the Kingdom to leverage Oracle’s cutting-edge cloud hospitality technology solutions. This follows the company’s decision to invest in bringing these solutions to Saudi Arabia via its Oracle Cloud in Jeddah.
“The Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud Central platform truly is best-in-class, but until now, it was not accessible to the industry in Saudi Arabia. Oracle was eager to be part of the exciting transformation happening in the Kingdom, especially within the hospitality industry. With their expertise and support, we now have the technology in place to deliver exceptional guest experiences, responding to the needs of our discerning visitors before they themselves know what they want,” said John Pagano, group CEO at Red Sea Global.
Previously hosted outside of Saudi Arabia, the Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud Central platform was inaccessible to customers due to data residency rules. By investing in bringing these solutions to the Kingdom, for the first time the entire Saudi hospitality industry can benefit from its technological services.
Alex Alt, executive vice president and general manager, Oracle Hospitality, said: “Saudi Arabia is one of the most exciting hospitality market stories in the world today, and by pioneering a regenerative approach to tourism, Red Sea Global is at the heart of that transformation. Now, Oracle will be a part of shaping the future of the sector in the region as well, which is why we are investing heavily in bringing our solutions to the Kingdom. Through OPERA Cloud, RSG now has a scalable hospitality platform that empowers its guest services staff to provide faster, hassle-free, personalized experiences.”
The Oracle Hospitality OPERA Cloud Central platform unites data and functionality under a common user interface and experience. With it, customers can get a comprehensive view of their hotel business, including distribution, sales, service interactions, loyalty programs, and more to help make faster decisions that can benefit staff and guests. The all-in-one platform helps hotels remove silos and friction across various functional areas both on as well as above property. Single image rates and inventory, as well as reservations, groups, and profiles, combined with a unified end user experience, makes information accessible to all key stakeholders at all customer touch points.
Last year, The Red Sea destination welcomed its first guests, and the Red Sea International Airport has been receiving a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023 — international flights also began last month. Three of the destination’s hotels are now open, with two additional resorts on track to open later this year.
Thuwal Private Retreat will also open this year, while AMAALA remains on track to welcome first guests to Triple Bay in 2025.


Saudi Awwal Bank opens new branch in SAB Tower

Updated 16 May 2024
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Saudi Awwal Bank opens new branch in SAB Tower

Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in the Kingdom, inaugurated its newest integrated branch in the SAB Tower. The inauguration was held in the presence of Lubna Olayan, chairman of the board of directors, and members of the board and the executive management.
This new integrated branch signifies SAB’s strategy in enhancing customer experience in the Kingdom and reiterates its commitment to providing distinguished banking services for its retail customers, and small and medium enterprises, in addition to investment services.
Bandar Al-Gheshayan, chief wealth and personal banking officer at SAB, said: “We are pleased to open our new branch, which comes in line with our commitment to serving our customers with unparalleled dedication and excellence.”
He added: “This is part of our vision to become the bank of choice that offers innovative financial solutions, and our ongoing efforts to continue building strong and sustainable relationships with our customers and partners.”
The bank continues to enhance its efforts toward developing retail and corporate banking services, aiming to provide a comprehensive range of financial and banking solutions that meet the diverse needs of its clients. Last year, SAB inaugurated its new headquarters — the SAB Tower, which has been awarded the SmartScore Platinum and LEED Gold certifications.
SAB is one of the largest banks in the Kingdom and traces its origins in Saudi Arabia to more than 90 years, during which time it has been an active partner supporting the Kingdom’s economic growth and social development.
SAB offers integrated financial and banking services, including corporate banking, investment, private banking, and treasury.
The bank’s paid-up capital is SR20.5 billion, after the legal merger with Alawwal Bank on March 14, 2021, when it was legally known as the Saudi British Bank. SAB operates under the supervision of the Saudi Central Bank, and is a partner of the HSBC Group.


Cognite Data Fusion Now Available on Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia

Updated 15 May 2024
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Cognite Data Fusion Now Available on Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Cognite, a leader in industrial software, announced that its flagship Industrial DataOps product, Cognite Data Fusion, designed to enable customers to seamlessly migrate their data, is now available on Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia.

Collaborating with Google Cloud, Cognite is using artificial intelligence and data analytics to help industrial companies like energy, manufacturing, and logistics industries while providing them with valuable insights, increase efficiency, and drive digital transformation.

Francois Laborie, Executive Vice President, Cognite, said in a press release : "This is a significant milestone in our partnership, and as well as our commitment to the Kingdom. The power of data and AI, from Cognite and Google Cloud, enables industry transformation via solutions that deliver business value to our customers."

Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Google Cloud said: By leveraging Google Cloud's scalable and secure infrastructure, Cognite Data Fusion will enable customers to harness the power of their data to make smarter business decisions and accelerate their digital transformation journey."

Cognite Data Fusion is brought to the market by CNTXT, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Cognite. Abdullah Jarwan, CEO of CNTXT said "Cognite Data Fusion is poised to revolutionize how the Kingdom’s industries harness insights from their data. Cognite Data Fusion offers world-leading gen AI capabilities tailored for industrial sectors."

 


Saudi Icon stands out at Future Hospitality Summit

Updated 14 May 2024
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Saudi Icon stands out at Future Hospitality Summit

Saudi Icon showcased its comprehensive ecosystem at the prestigious Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh, in a testament to its pioneering spirit and commitment to innovation. This marked a significant milestone for the company as it continues to redefine the landscape of the hospitality industry.

Established in 2014 as a beacon of excellence in construction and design, Saudi Icon’s presence at FHS underscored its unwavering dedication to providing end-to-end solutions for hospitality ventures. With a diverse range of services in its repertoire, the company has emerged as a one-stop destination, revolutionizing the traditional approach to project execution.

At its core, Saudi Icon is more than just a construction company; it embodies a complete ecosystem designed to streamline the development process from conception to completion. With a robust infrastructure comprising reliable subcontractors and suppliers, Saudi Icon ensures vertical growth while maintaining unparalleled quality standards.

Central to this ecosystem are subsidiary entities specializing in key areas such as steelworks, landscape architecture, aluminum and glass fabrication, wood and millwork, facility management, MEP, and furniture manufacturing. This holistic approach allows Saudi Icon to orchestrate projects seamlessly, minimizing complexities and maximizing efficiency.

Furthermore, Saudi Icon’s ecosystem extends beyond traditional construction services to encompass interior and architectural design, project management, industries, engineering design, furniture, fixture, and equipment procurement, as well as fit-out services. This integrated approach not only streamlines operations but also fosters creativity and collaboration across disciplines.

What sets Saudi Icon apart is its unwavering commitment to delivering added value to the hospitality industry. By leveraging its comprehensive ecosystem, Saudi Icon offers unparalleled agility, flexibility, and scalability to meet the evolving needs of clients. Whether it is designing immersive guest experiences, optimizing operational efficiency, or ensuring sustainable development, Saudi Icon’s ecosystem serves as a catalyst for innovation and excellence.

In essence, Saudi Icon’s participation at FHS signifies a new era of possibility for the hospitality sector. As the industry navigates unprecedented challenges and opportunities, Saudi Icon stands ready to lead the charge toward a future defined by creativity, collaboration, and transformative design. With its integrated ecosystem as its cornerstone, Saudi Icon is poised to shape the hospitality landscape for generations to come.