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LEAP 2025 announces $7.5bn in tech and AI investments on Day 2

Updated 11 February 2025

Arab News

February 11, 2025 18:02

LEAP 2025, the global tech event, witnessed a series of groundbreaking investments on Day 2, exceeding $7.5 billion, in data centers, submarine and fiber-optic cable networks.

These investments are focused on enhancing digital infrastructure and promoting innovation in artificial intelligence, further establishing Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for technology and innovation.

DataVolt, in collaboration with NEOM, announced a significant investment of $5 billion to establish the first fully sustainable AI data center in Oxagon, with a capacity of 1.5 GW. This cutting-edge facility aims to become a global hub for advanced computing and innovation.

Alfanar revealed a $1.4 billion investment to develop four data centers, with a total capacity of 88 MW. This initiative will support the growth of the digital economy and the development of business solutions in Saudi Arabia.

In a strategic initiative to improve the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure, Mobily committed $905 million to develop key projects, including submarine cable networks and advanced data centers.

In addition, Zoom has pledged $75 million to drive AI innovation and establish new data centers, strengthening support for tech enterprises and government entities, which will further fuel digital expansion in the region.

Saudi Arabia Railways has announced a $51 million investment in a private fiber-optic network, which will enhance digital connectivity and expand the country’s communications infrastructure.

In addition, SkyFive has highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing role as a regional hub for technological innovation by unveiling a $100 million investment in non-terrestrial network services. This will focus on pioneering advanced air mobility solutions and driving innovation in this field. Also, HPE announced the expansion of “Made in KSA” in the region, and the localization of HPE Aruba solutions to enhance infrastructure with security-first and AI-powered networking.

LEAP 2025 is organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones; Tahaluf, an alliance between SFCPD and Informa PLC; and the Events Investment Fund. The event brings together global tech leaders to exchange insights, foster connections between investors and startups, and highlight innovative technologies.

LEAP features educational experiences, workshops, and thought leadership sessions, including the “LEAP Into Innovation” by the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority. Discussions explore future-focused topics such as green hydrogen, carbon-neutral cities, sustainable mining, and space exploration.

LEAP 2025 continues to solidify Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the global technology landscape, driving forward a future of innovation and sustainable digital transformation.

Savor ‘Summer with LuLu’ as retail giant kicks off campaign

The campaign brings a festive atmosphere to LuLu stores.

Updated 20 July 2025

Arab News

July 20, 2025 00:10

Savor ‘Summer with LuLu’ as retail giant kicks off campaign

The grand giveaway includes sparkling necklaces, dazzling pendants, and gift vouchers — all presented in partnership with Joy Alukkas

Updated 20 July 2025

Arab News

July 20, 2025 00:10

LuLu Hypermarket is hosting a summer campaign across all its stores in Saudi Arabia, transforming the season into a vibrant celebration of rewards, entertainment, and unbeatable shopping deals. The “Summer with LuLu” campaign kicked off in collaboration with leading jewelry brand Joy Alukkas, setting the stage for a fun-filled retail experience for shoppers and families across the Kingdom.

Running from July 9 to Aug. 26, the campaign offers more than just summer savings — it brings a festive atmosphere to LuLu stores, complete with themed events, engaging activities, and opportunities to win prizes. From weekly in-store experiences to exclusive promotions, LuLu is making sure every visit feels like a celebration.

The highlight of this summer campaign is the SR1 million ($266,600) diamond giveaway, offering customers the chance to win exquisite jewelry and gift vouchers. Shoppers can participate by scanning the QR code displayed on in-store roll-up banners, which enters them into a digital raffle packed with prizes.

The grand giveaway includes sparkling necklaces, dazzling pendants, and gift vouchers — all presented in partnership with Joy Alukkas.

LuLu has reimagined the summer shopping experience with a lineup of themed in-store campaigns designed to cater to every interest and lifestyle. Whether you are chasing the season’s trends or seeking refreshing delights, LuLu’s summer activations have something for everyone.

“LuLu Summer Style” brings the latest in fashion with stunning summer outfits at unbeatable prices, perfect for customers looking to refresh their wardrobes with seasonal flair. Beauty enthusiasts can explore top skincare and personal care essentials under “LuLu Season to Glow,” offering incredible value on must-have beauty products.

Health-conscious shoppers are in for a treat with “Healthy Eats,” highlighting nutritious choices at exceptional prices. Gamers can dive into “Game On,” featuring cool gaming gear and accessories to make playtime even more fun.

Craving something sweet or refreshing? “Chill Out With Scoops” presents a tempting selection of summer ice creams, while “Chill Mode On” quenches your thirst with a wide variety of cool beverages. For fruit lovers, “Cool With Nature” showcases fresh, juicy fruits at remarkable price drops.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with “LuLu Sweet Symphony,” a delightful assortment of sweets. And for those embracing the sunny days in style, “Hello Summer” offers a wide collection of fashionable eyewear to complete your seasonal look.

Beyond the weekly themes, the campaign also features large-scale events such as summer carnivals, gaming competitions, and dedicated Family Fun Zones, ensuring that LuLu stores remain a hub of excitement for visitors of all ages throughout the season.

Topics: LuLu

flyadeal is world’s ‘most punctual’ airline

Updated 20 July 2025

Arab News

July 20, 2025 00:08

flyadeal is world’s ‘most punctual’ airline

Almost eight years old, flyadeal operates more than 200 scheduled flights a day from three bases in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam

Updated 20 July 2025

Arab News

July 20, 2025 00:08

flyadeal, Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing low-cost airline, has been named the world’s most punctual airline with an on-time performance of 91.77 percent in June 2025.

According to Cirium, the independent aviation analytics company, flyadeal was No. 1 in the Middle East and Africa category. With sister airline Saudia topping the global airlines category at 91.33 percent — the top 10 percent of all passenger airlines by capacity — flyadeal emerged as the most punctual overall when considering all carriers published in Cirium’s June 2025 report. OTP measures flight punctuality within 15 minutes of scheduled arrivals.

Almost eight years old, flyadeal operates more than 200 scheduled flights a day from three bases in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

Topics: flyadeal

SDB supports students with new ‘Education Financing’ product

The Social Development Bank. (Supplied)

Updated 20 July 2025

Arab News

July 19, 2025 23:59

SDB supports students with new ‘Education Financing’ product

The maximum financing amount available through “Education Financing” is SR100,000 ($26,660), which can be disbursed either in installments or as a lump sum, depending on the nature of the academic program

Updated 20 July 2025

Arab News

July 19, 2025 23:59

The Social Development Bank has launched a new product to empower students to pursue their post-secondary education through digital financing solutions. The “Education Financing” product seeks to expand access to knowledge and provide financial support to ambitious students at the diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.

This initiative aligns with SDB’s efforts to enhance integration between educational and financial institutions via a unified digital platform. The platform enables students to submit applications and complete procedures quickly and easily through an integrated process that begins with academic and financial eligibility checks and ends with the direct disbursement of funds to accredited educational institutions.

The maximum financing amount available through “Education Financing” is SR100,000 ($26,660), which can be disbursed either in installments or as a lump sum, depending on the nature of the academic program. The entire financing process is managed electronically, ensuring the highest standards of governance and data integration.

SDB’s dedicated education portal provides a comprehensive digital platform that allows students to apply and enables educational institutions to review applications and verify eligibility. Funds are disbursed directly to these institutions, ensuring that support reaches eligible students and contributes to improving the quality of educational services in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

SDB has signed a strategic agreement with JeelPay — the first fintech company licensed by the Saudi Central Bank to provide education financing — to offer SR50 million in funding for students seeking to continue their academic journey. The agreement supports the “Education Financing” product indirectly through a dedicated financing portfolio aimed at supporting students at the diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s levels using advanced financial technologies.

Topics: The Social Development Bank

Lulu launches 3 value concept stores in Saudi Arabia

Updated 17 July 2025

Arab News

July 17, 2025 19:58

Lulu launches 3 value concept stores in Saudi Arabia

Updated 17 July 2025

Arab News

July 17, 2025 19:58

Lulu Group inaugurated three new value concept — LOT — stores in Saudi Arabia in a single day — in Makkah, Saihat, Eastern Province, and Riyadh. The central launch event took place in Makkah and was attended by dignitaries and government officials.

The Makkah store was inaugurated by Dr. Waleed Basuliman, general manager of investment and partnerships at the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, alongside Lulu Group chairman Yusuff Ali M.A.

Nasser Huwaiden Thaiban Ali Alketbi, consul general of the UAE in Jeddah; Engineer Yaser Attar, director general of investment and deputy for planning and financial sustainability at Makkah Municipality; business figures from Makkah, Engineer Abdulaziz Al Sindi, and Sheikh Ibrahim Al Rifaei were also present.

Yusuffali M.A. said: “This expansion reflects our commitment to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and our goal to offer high-quality, affordable products to all.”

He added that with LOT, their aim is to redefine value retailing by making everyday essentials accessible to everyone without compromising on quality.

“Four more LOT stores are in the pipeline in the Kingdom,” the Lulu chairman added.

Located on Abdullah Areef Street in Al-Rusafyah District, the new Makkah LOT store spans 43,000 square feet and is designed to deliver an engaging, budget-friendly shopping experience.

It features a wide selection of household essentials, kitchenware, and fashion for men, women, and children, with a strong emphasis on quality and affordability.

The store also offers ample parking space, enhancing its convenience for residents and visitors alike.

These value concept stores offer a wide range of products at unbeatable prices, with many items priced below SR22.

This initiative aims to ensure that everyone can access high-quality goods, including household essentials, kitchenware, and fashion for men, women, and children.

The Eastern Province outlet, located in Saihat within the Lulu Hypermarket complex on Al-Musib Ibn Rafi Street, offers 24,000 square feet of smart retail space tailored to budget-friendly shoppers.

Meanwhile, the Riyadh location in Al-Malaz features 18772 square feet of retail space and comprehensive parking facilities, positioning it as a flagship destination for value shopping in the capital.

All three stores opened with exclusive collections and promotional offers, reinforcing LOT’s core mission of making good-quality products accessible at wallet-friendly prices, responding to growing consumer demand for affordable yet high-quality retail experiences.

With this strategic expansion, Lulu continues to strengthen its footprint in the Saudi market, energizing the local retail sector and reaffirming its commitment to delivering value-driven shopping across key cities in the region.

Jameel Motors to launch GAC electric vehicles in UK

Updated 17 July 2025

Arab News

July 17, 2025 15:32

Jameel Motors to launch GAC electric vehicles in UK

Updated 17 July 2025

Arab News

July 17, 2025 15:32

Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands, has signed a joint venture agreement with Chinese automaker GAC to distribute the latter’s electric vehicles in the UK. In April, Jameel Motors announced it had won a distribution agreement for GAC in Poland through a competitive process involving both local and international companies.

This innovative joint venture will be one of the first of its kind in the UK with a Chinese automaker, a market with significant long-term potential and will be established after completion of relevant regulatory and antitrust approvals. With battery electric vehicle registrations up 25.8 percent year-on-year and accounting for 21.8 percent of new car sales, the UK is a strong and expanding hub for EV adoption.

The agreement expands Jameel Motors’ existing portfolio in the UK — where it already distributes the electric commercial vehicle brand Farizon Auto — and will be its first passenger vehicle brand in the market. The partnership will bring new EVs to the UK, driving market growth and offering customers a broader range of choices.

Initially, two all-electric models from GAC AION will be available: the AION V, a C-segment SUV, and the AION UT, a B-segment hatchback. AION showcases GAC’s core strengths of award-winning quality and pioneering technology — ideally suited to meet the rising demand for quality electric vehicles among UK drivers. They will be available through select retail partners across the UK, with first customer deliveries expected at the end of Q1 2026. Additional models will follow to expand the AION lineup.

Jasmmine Wong, chief executive — Jameel Motors, said: “The joint venture with GAC represents a shared vision, and an exciting opportunity to meet the UK’s growing demand for smarter, cleaner passenger vehicles. Led by customer preference and guided by our expertise, we’re committed to staying ahead of trends and delivering first-class solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.”

Wayne Wei, president — GAC International, added: “GAC’s entry into the UK marks a crucial step in its internationalization strategy. As we set foot in this dynamic market, GAC is committed to bringing industry-leading products and first-class services to UK consumers.”

GAC is one of China’s major car manufacturers, ranking No. 181 in the Fortune Global 500 and having gained international recognition for its high-quality vehicles, advanced technological solutions, and commitment to sustainability. GAC’s business spans seven major sectors: R&D, complete vehicles, auto parts, energy and ecosystem, international operations, trade and mobility, as well as investment and finance.

As of today, GAC has a market presence across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and America, in a total of 84 countries and regions worldwide. Driven by a strong commitment to innovation, GAC has reached major milestones in its international expansion, with overseas sales of its self-branded vehicles surpassing 100,000 units for the first time in 2024, a 92.3 percent year-on-year increase.

Jameel Motors represents some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands and has operations in more than 10 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. This agreement marks another milestone as Jameel Motors continues to expand internationally and harness innovation for the future of mobility.

LEAP 2025 announces $7.5bn in tech and AI investments on Day 2