New digital health platform for pilgrims

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Updated 08 June 2025
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New digital health platform for pilgrims

Healthtrip, the world’s largest health travel platform, has launched Healinharam.com, a dedicated digital platform that connects international tourists, particularly pilgrims, to a trusted network of medical, wellness, and chronic care services across Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.

The initiative directly supports Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to establish itself as a global hub for medical and wellness tourism, in line with Vision 2030.

It also responds to increasing demand for high-quality care services during pilgrimage as the Kingdom continues to rapidly scale its healthcare infrastructure and wellness offerings.

Through Healinharam.com, pilgrims can now book health screenings, wellness therapies, and essential treatments such as dialysis, chemotherapy, and others, at leading Saudi hospitals.


LuLu boosts KSA presence with new store, solar project

Updated 16 sec ago
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LuLu boosts KSA presence with new store, solar project

LuLu Retail has further strengthened its presence in Saudi Arabia with the opening of a new hypermarket in Dammam’s Al-Orouba District. The expansion is part of the group’s continued support for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

The new store was officially inaugurated by Fayez bin Ali Al-Asmari, head of municipality — West Dammam; Ibrahim Abu Abaah, general-secretary of Albeer Association; and Yusuffali M.A., chairman of LuLu Group.

“We are proud to strengthen our retail presence in Dammam. This launch highlights our alignment with Vision 2030 by generating jobs, enhancing retail infrastructure, and delivering a world-class shopping experience,” said Yusuffali.

Spanning 81,268 square feet, the new hypermarket offers a wide range of products including groceries, electronics, home furnishings, stationery, and toys. Ample parking and exclusive inaugural promotions ensure a convenient and value-driven shopping experience for all customers.

Meanwhile, as part of its commitment to sustainability, LuLu Group also inaugurated its solar power project at the central warehouse facility in the Eastern Province.

The 707.7 kWp-rooftop solar plant, developed in partnership with the Kanoo-CleanMax joint venture, was launched by Yusuffali, in the presence of Ahmed Abdulla Ali Mohamed Kanoo, director of Kanoo; Talal Fawzi Ahmed Ali Kanoo, president of Kanoo; and Manoj K. Tripathy, CEO of Kanoo Industrial and Energy.

The plant will generate more than 1.19 million kWh of green energy annually, reducing the group’s carbon emissions by approximately 535 tonnes per year. This initiative supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals and reinforces LuLu’s commitment to energy saving and environmental responsibility within the retail sector.


World Defense Show 2026: More global reach, new features

Updated 28 July 2025
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World Defense Show 2026: More global reach, new features

  • WDS 2026 is expected to feature exhibitor participation from an estimated 80 countries, including new participants such as but not limited to, Japan, Portugal, Uzbekistan and Finland

World Defense Show, founded by the General Authority for Military Industries in Saudi Arabia, announced that it has already secured 90 percent of its exhibitor space for its upcoming 2026 edition. This announcement coincides with WDS’s attendance at the International Defense Industry Fair 2025 in Istanbul, Turkiye, where the WDS team is engaging with key Turkish defense stakeholders.
Turkiye is the third largest participating country at WDS 2026, with Turkish exhibitors currently occupying 4,400 square meters of exhibition space. Turkish participation is expected to grow considerably from 2024 to 2026, underscoring the significant global momentum building behind WDS as a premier defense exhibition.

The overwhelming demand for exhibition space is a testament to the show’s growing reputation as a must-attend event for those shaping the next era of defense and global security, says Andrew Pearcey, CEO of World Defense Show

Taking place from Feb. 8-12, 2026, in Riyadh, WDS 2026, held under the theme of “The Future of Defense Integration,” will once again serve as a vital platform for showcasing the latest advancements across all five defense domains — air, land, sea, space, and security. Building on the success of its previous editions, WDS 2026 is attracting unprecedented interest from both local and international defense stakeholders.
WDS 2026 is expected to feature exhibitor participation from an estimated 80 countries, including new participants such as but not limited to, Japan, Portugal, Uzbekistan and Finland. Expanded global reach further solidifies WDS’s position as a truly international platform for collaboration and innovation.

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countries, including new participants such as Japan, Portugal, Uzbekistan and Finland, will participate in World Defense Show 2026.

Andrew Pearcey, CEO of WDS, said: “The overwhelming demand for exhibition space is a testament to the show’s growing reputation as a must-attend event for those shaping the next era of defense and global security. Our presence at IDEF provides an excellent opportunity to connect with key industry players and highlight the remarkable progress we’ve made in preparing for WDS 2026.”
Additionally, WDS 2026 has unveiled its Content Theater themes, a key show feature held on Days 2-5 of the event. Attendees can anticipate engaging presentations exploring critical topics driving the industry. There will be insightful discussions on themes such as: Translating Operational Requirements into Technological Advantage, Accelerating Breakthrough Technologies in Defense, Integrating and Operationalizing Emerging Technologies at Speed, and Powering National Production and Defense Exports. The Content Theater program complements a suite of show features, including the new Future Defense Lab, Unmanned Systems Zone, Naval Zone, Saudi Supply Chain Zone, and WDS News Network.

With limited space remaining, organizers are encouraging interested exhibitors to secure their participation as soon as possible.

 


Glam Moda: Middle East’s premier destination for luxury fashion & beauty

From left: Ahmed Al-Mahmoud, Glam Moda founder, and Co-founders Anwaar Al-Sowayan and Abdullah Al-Masoud.
Updated 29 July 2025
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Glam Moda: Middle East’s premier destination for luxury fashion & beauty

  • The platform offers products not easily available in the Middle East, many of which are absent from regional retailers entirely

International online retailer Glam Moda is more than just an online store; it is a curated destination for trendsetters, tastemakers, and those who demand excellence. Designed for the modern customer across the GCC and beyond, Glam Moda delivers the world’s most sought-after fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products directly to your doorstep.
From designer clothes and exclusive bags to statement shoes, sunglasses, jewelry, and the latest in skincare, makeup, and fragrances, Glam Moda handpicks every item to reflect elevated taste, global trends, and rare finds.
“Unlike typical platforms, Glam Moda thrives on curation over repetition. Our collections are constantly refreshed, offering seasonal fashion drops, global beauty launches, and exclusive pieces you won’t find anywhere else in the region,” a statement said. “Whether it’s a viral serum from Tokyo, a trending lipstick from New York, or a limited-edition handbag from Milan, if it matters in the style world, you’ll find it at Glam Moda first.”
The platform offers products not easily available in the Middle East, many of which are absent from regional retailers entirely.
“But Glam Moda is not about mass-market quantity. It’s about style, distinction, and a personalized experience. Every collection tells a story, and every item is selected with care for those who expect more,” the statement said.
Whether you are shopping for the latest in fashion, iconic fragrances, or rare beauty treasures, Glam Moda makes luxury accessible across the Gulf, from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to Bahrain, Kuwait, and beyond.

 


Amazon brings color to Saudi Arabia with new Kindle Colorsoft devices

People stand in the lobby for Amazon offices Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in New York. (AP)
Updated 28 July 2025
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Amazon brings color to Saudi Arabia with new Kindle Colorsoft devices

  • Kindle Colorsoft features Amazon’s 7-inch Colorsoft display technology, offering 300 ppi for black and white content and 150 ppi for color

Kindle customers globally are reading more than ever — so far this year, they have read more than 129 billion pages, which is already billions more pages than this time last year. To support Kindle customers’ love of reading, and to make their reading experience even better, Amazon has launched Kindle Colorsoft in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Kindle Colorsoft has everything customers love about Kindle in color — a high contrast Colorsoft display, fast page turns, an adjustable warm light, weeks of battery life, and access to the Kindle bookstore.
Kindle Colorsoft features Amazon’s 7-inch Colorsoft display technology, offering 300 ppi for black and white content and 150 ppi for color. It includes a built-in light and optimized font technology, with a 16-level grayscale. The device weighs 215 grams and comes with 16 GB of on-device storage for thousands of books, complemented by free cloud storage for all Amazon content. Meanwhile, its battery life extends for up to 8 weeks on a single charge under typical usage conditions, reaching a full charge in under 2.5 hours.
Users can browse covers in color in the Kindle Library or store, experience a graphic novel come to life in color, see book photos and images in color, or add highlights in yellow, orange, blue, and pink which they can easily filter through later. Plus, for customers who prefer to read on pages with a dark background, the Page Color feature inverts the black text and white backgrounds of the pages inside books.
Kindle Colorsoft with 16 GB of storage is available starting at SR1,069 ($285), while Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is available at SR1,199 and adds an auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and 32 GB of storage. 

 


Jotun Saudi celebrates 40 years of innovation and growth

Updated 28 July 2025
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Jotun Saudi celebrates 40 years of innovation and growth

Jotun, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of paints and coatings, is celebrating 40 years of successful operations in Saudi Arabia, marking four decades of contribution to the Kingdom’s most iconic landmarks and infrastructure development. Since establishing its first Saudi operations in 1985, Jotun has become deeply embedded in the nation’s architectural heritage, protecting and beautifying structures that define the Saudi skyline.

Since the inception of the Kingdom’s modern infrastructure development through to today’s ambitious mega-projects, Jotun’s protective and decorative coatings have preserved majority of iconic landmarks that symbolize Saudi Arabia’s progress. 

“Our success over the past 40 years is built on a strong team, deep-rooted values, and a stable long-term strategy that has enabled us to contribute to national infrastructure and support sustainable development,” said Morten Fon, president and CEO of Jotun Paints. “As we look to the future, we remain committed to offering innovative, high-performance solutions that meet the needs of a transforming nation.” 

Over the past four decades, the company has delivered approximately 2 billion liters of paint, coating more than 300 million square meters across Saudi Arabia. The company’s presence has grown to include 500 Multicolor Centers throughout the Kingdom, creating a network that provides a curated, personalized experience for professional and homeowners alike. 

Looking to the future, Jotun Saudi Arabia has announced plans to double its production capacity through significant investments in Jotun’s manufacturing facilities in Yanbu. The expansion will incorporate advanced technologies that enhance both production efficiency and sustainability.

“As Saudi Arabia continues its remarkable transformation, we are expanding our capabilities to meet growing demand,” said Martin Chew, vice president Middle East and Africa. “This investment reflects our commitment to local manufacturing excellence and our confidence in the Kingdom’s continued development.”

“This 40-year milestone is not only a celebration of our past, but a commitment to the future,” Fon added. “Our legacy is defined by our values, long-standing partnerships, premium products, and great people. We will continue to deliver reliable paint solutions for protection, performance, and beauty to the Kingdom for generations to come.”

To mark this important milestone, Jotun Saudi has planned a year-long series of celebratory events to honor its employees, partners, and legacy — reinforcing its deep-rooted connection with the Kingdom and its people.