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Diriyah Gate and Saudi Council of Engineers sign MoU

Diriyah Gate and Saudi Council of Engineers sign MoU
The MoU was signed by Abdulmohsen Almajnouni, secretary-general of SCE, and Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of Diriyah Gate Development Authority.
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Updated 01 December 2024

Diriyah Gate and Saudi Council of Engineers sign MoU

Diriyah Gate and Saudi Council of Engineers sign MoU

Diriyah Gate Development Authority has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Council of Engineers to expand collaboration between the two entities. This agreement will consolidate efforts in the engineering sector, including the development of policies and regulations, implementation of oversight and inspection mechanisms, simplifying procedures related to permits and licenses, exchanging data and expertise, and working on joint projects and initiatives.

The MoU was signed by Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of DGDA, and Abdulmohsen Almajnouni, secretary-general of SCE. The MoU emphasizes the necessity of unifying efforts between the two parties, facilitating procedures, and enabling collaboration to enhance quality, increase efficiency, and ensure continuity of work while maintaining agility in jointly addressing challenges.

Through the exchange of relevant statistics, studies, and research, the memorandum will help strengthen the relationship between the two parties, helping to achieve their shared goals and aspirations. Additionally, it seeks to contribute to the implementation of joint projects and initiatives. A joint working team will be established to enhance collaboration in shared areas such as aligning the development of mechanisms for issuing necessary licenses and permits for service providers within the supervisory scope of DGDA as well as cooperating in the qualification and classification of professional offices under SCE.

Inzerillo highlighted the significance of the MoU, saying that the agreement will support DGDA’s organizational role in simplifying licensing, permits and oversight procedures, which contributes to highlighting the extensive historical roots of Diriyah as the birthplace of șÚÁÏÉçÇű. It will also showcase the distinctive architectural features to provide a unique experience for visitors from around the globe. This will be achieved through collaboration between the two parties, aligning with DGDA’s objectives and enhancing its contributions to cultural, tourism, architectural and economic development, as well as strengthening governance between the entities.

Almajnouni said that the partnership between the two parties is expected to achieve shared objectives that lead to sustainable development in accordance with the highest international standards. “This memorandum will enhance Diriyah’s status as a leading cultural and historical destination both regionally and globally, while also contributing to the development of cultural and historical awareness related to the engineering field,” he added.


inDrive brings transparent ride-hailing to Riyadh

inDrive brings transparent ride-hailing to Riyadh
Updated 28 September 2025

inDrive brings transparent ride-hailing to Riyadh

inDrive brings transparent ride-hailing to Riyadh

Riyadh has a new way of getting around — inDrive, the world’s second most downloaded ride-hailing app, has officially launched in the Saudi capital. The rollout follows its successful Jeddah debut earlier this year, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion across the Kingdom.

What sets inDrive apart from other ride-hail apps is that it puts passengers and drivers in control, allowing them to agree on a fair price before every trip. No hidden fees, no fixed rates, just a transparent exchange that gives both sides the power to decide.

This peer-to-peer model is where inDrive breaks the mold. Riders propose their price, and drivers can accept, decline, or suggest a different fare. The result is ride pricing shaped by real people who understand the route, not an algorithm that surges pricing. 

For drivers, the benefits go further. inDrive’s commission fee is two to three times lower than the industry average, and during the launch phase in the Kingdom, inDrive is waiving commission fees entirely. Drivers get to take home more of what they make from the very start.

Fairness with inDrive goes beyond pricing. Safety remains at the core of its service, with driver verification, live ride tracking, and a 24/7 support system for every journey. Riders and drivers both benefit from these features, securing each trip from A to B.

The Riyadh launch is one of inDrive’s defining milestones for 2025. People in Jeddah are already regularly using the app to get around, driving platform growth by 250 percent month-over-month in Q3 of 2025.

Globally, inDrive has been downloaded more than 360 million times and now operates in 982 cities across 48 countries. This expanding presence perfectly positions the company to play an active role in advancing șÚÁÏÉçÇű’s Vision 2030 goals for mobility and innovation.

inDrive is shaking up ride-hailing in șÚÁÏÉçÇű, and that’s just the start. By rethinking how drivers and riders set fares, the company is introducing fairness and transparency into a market that has long operated the same way around the world. 

Mobility is just the first step. At Riyadh’s Money 20/20, inDrive’s leadership shared how its vision for digital ecosystems is expanding into fintech, delivery, advertising, and more, while also advancing initiatives in education, sustainability, culture, and gender equality. The ambition is bold: to positively impact the lives of 1 billion people by 2030, starting with every ride on the streets of Riyadh. 

What’s rolling out on the streets of Riyadh is a signal that inDrive is ready to bring more clarity, choice, and control to every service it can provide.


National Day: LuLu gifts new cultural landmark to Eastern Province

National Day: LuLu gifts new cultural landmark to Eastern Province
Updated 23 September 2025

National Day: LuLu gifts new cultural landmark to Eastern Province

National Day: LuLu gifts new cultural landmark to Eastern Province

LuLu Hypermarket has once again secured a prestigious place in the Guinness World Records, adding to its legacy of record-breaking achievements with the creation of the world’s largest shattered glass artwork. The breathtaking masterpiece was unveiled during the 95th Saudi National Day celebrations at Alkhobar New Corniche on Sept. 20.

Featuring the official Saudi National Day symbol, the artwork was crafted with the support of Khobar Municipality and Unilever (Comfort). This striking artwork, embodying the Kingdom’s values of unity, pride, and collective spirit, has been presented as a gift to Khobar Municipality, where it will stand as a permanent cultural landmark in the Eastern Province.

Designed and executed by acclaimed Saudi visual artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth, the record-breaking installation transforms broken glass into an intricate celebration of tradition and modern artistry. Al-Maghlouth, widely recognized for his pioneering shattered glass painting style, captivated attendees with this vibrant tribute to national heritage.

The grand unveiling drew an audience comprising senior officials and dignitaries, including Naif Al-Suwaie, business development manager, Khobar Municipality; Sultan Al-Otaibi, manager of media and corporate communications, Khobar Municipality; Mohamed Haris, Director of LuLu Saudi Hypermarkets; Shamnas Pallikandy, regional director for the Eastern Province; and Muhammad Ahmad Abdul Jalil Bubushait, executive manager.

Al-Suwaie said: “We congratulate LuLu Hypermarket for this remarkable accomplishment, which stands as a proud symbol of Saudi heritage and creativity and a fitting gift to the nation on this special day.”

Haris added: “We are deeply honored to present this shattered-glass masterpiece to the Kingdom as part of the 95th Saudi National Day celebrations. This Guinness World Record is a heartfelt tribute to the people of șÚÁÏÉçÇű, and we extend our sincere thanks to the Khobar Municipality, Unilever, the General Entertainment Authority, and artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth for their invaluable support.”

This landmark achievement not only adds a prestigious Guinness World Record to LuLu’s legacy but also underscores the retailer’s commitment to celebrating șÚÁÏÉçÇű’s heritage and creating unforgettable experiences for the community and visitors alike.


Riyadh to host first edition of ‘BIO Middle East’ conference spotlighting biotech innovation

Riyadh to host first edition of ‘BIO Middle East’ conference spotlighting biotech innovation
Updated 23 September 2025

Riyadh to host first edition of ‘BIO Middle East’ conference spotlighting biotech innovation

Riyadh to host first edition of ‘BIO Middle East’ conference spotlighting biotech innovation

The Saudi Ministry of Health has announced the launch of the first edition of BIO Middle East, a regional event dedicated entirely to biotechnology. 

The event will take place from May 11 to 13, 2026, colocated with CPHI Middle East at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center.

A first-of-its-kind for the region, the event reinforces the Kingdom’s leadership in this fast-growing sector and underscores its commitment to becoming a regional and global hub for pharmaceuticals and life sciences.

As part of a global series of landmark BIO gatherings that bring together leaders, innovators, and investors from across the world, BIO Middle East will extend this world-class platform for partnership and innovation to the region for the very first time.

The BIO Middle East exhibition and conference will feature high-level panel discussions with global industry leaders, company showcases of the latest biotech innovations, specialized workshops, and networking opportunities connecting investors and researchers to strengthen global partnerships and exchange knowledge in this vital field.

The event is expected to stimulate job creation within the Kingdom’s health sector, attract foreign investment that supports the national economy, and promote the development of innovative medical solutions that serve both local and regional communities — ultimately enhancing quality of life and advancing the transformative goals of Vision 2030.

Minister of Health Fahad bin Abdulrahman Aljalajel said: “The launch of BIO Middle East marks a significant milestone as the Kingdom establishes itself as a global hub for biotechnology and life sciences innovation.”

He added: “This event embodies Vision 2030’s commitment to building an advanced health ecosystem grounded in scientific research and international partnerships, with the aim of developing innovative solutions that serve our citizens, the region and contribute to humanity worldwide.

“In șÚÁÏÉçÇű, we are committed to creating an enabling environment that brings together human talent, advanced digital infrastructure, and strategic investments to drive growth in this critical sector, enhance quality of life, and tackle global health and environmental challenges.”

Mike Champion, CEO, Tahaluf, said: “BIO Middle East is an exceptional platform that brings together global biotech leaders and decision-makers to accelerate innovation and expand international collaboration in the vital healthcare sector.”

He added: “We at Tahaluf are proud to partner with the Saudi Ministry of Health to organize this landmark event. We are confident that it will catalyze the growth of the biopharmaceutical industry across the Middle East and empower entrepreneurs and scientists to make a meaningful impact.

Hosting this event in the Kingdom is a highly strategic step, given its ambitious vision, advanced infrastructure, and genuine commitment to innovation and scientific research in healthcare.”

Anna Chrisman, president of life sciences at Informa, said that the event aligns with global transformations in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. She said: “BIO Middle East will bring together innovators, deal makers, regulators, manufacturers, researchers, and investors under one roof to collaboratively design a roadmap for advancement and breakthrough innovation in this critical sector.

For more than three decades, EBD has successfully facilitated strategic partnerships between biotech innovators, investors, and pharmaceutical companies across Europe, North America, and Asia. We are thrilled to join forces with Tahaluf on this landmark event that will catalyze biotech innovation throughout the Middle East region.”

The Kingdom’s hosting of this global event aligns with its Vision 2030 program and the National Biotech Strategy, under the wise leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which aims to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global hub for biotechnology and life sciences innovation.

It places strong emphasis on advancing the health sector and its related industries, fostering choice, quality and building an integrated national ecosystem that brings together human talent, cutting-edge technology, and regulatory excellence. This event is the result of a strategic partnership between Tahaluf and EBD Group (a subsidiary of Informa), to create a transformative platform that drives pharmaceutical and biotech growth across the region.

The launch of BIO Middle East reflects the Kingdom’s substantial progress in building a globally competitive biotech ecosystem. șÚÁÏÉçÇű has emerged as a key player in shaping the future of the sector, supported by flexible regulatory frameworks, advanced digital infrastructure, and growing investments in research, education, and biomanufacturing. The event provides an ideal platform to showcase these achievements and foster international partnerships that fuel innovation for the benefit of humanity.


FedEx opens regional logistics hub in Qatar

FedEx opens regional logistics hub in Qatar
Updated 21 September 2025

FedEx opens regional logistics hub in Qatar

FedEx opens regional logistics hub in Qatar

Qatar Free Zones Authority and FedEx Logistics, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation, have officially opened a new regional logistics facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone in Doha, marking a significant step in Qatar’s emergence as a leading hub for global trade and supply chain operations.
The inauguration was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, CEO of QFZ, and Patrick Moebel, president of FedEx Logistics, alongside senior executives from both parties. The opening of the center comes within the framework of the existing partnership between QFZ and FedEx Logistics and based on the agreement signed between them in 2024.
Operated by FedEx Logistics Qatar QFZ LLC, the 1,249-square-meter facility features integrated warehousing, storage, and office spaces. Plugged into the FedEx global network, it will serve as a key gateway for freight forwarding and scheduling, facilitating the movement of goods between major markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Situated next to Hamad International Airport and close to Hamad Port, the facility offers seamless access to air transportation and freight, as well as access to knowledgeable guidance on customs brokerage processes. It will provide end-to-end supply chain solutions for industries, including retail, automotive, and technology. The facility supports Qatar’s rapidly expanding logistics sector valued at $10.14 billion and projected to reach $13.49 billion by 2030, with the country ranked seventh globally for logistics competence in the Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index 2024.
Sheikh Mohammed said: “We are proud to welcome FedEx Logistics to our thriving logistics ecosystem, home to four of the world’s top 10 logistics providers. The investment by FedEx underscores QFZ’s competitive advantages, world-class infrastructure, seamless logistics connectivity network, and strategic geographical location close to the most prominent global markets, enhancing the ability of investing companies to reach large segments of consumers globally. We are confident that this milestone will contribute to strengthening Qatar’s leadership as a global hub for innovation, logistics and international trade.”
Moebel added: “Establishing this facility in Qatar enables us to connect our Qatari and regional customers to major markets in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America with greater speed and efficiency. By integrating this location into the FedEx global network, we can deliver smarter, more reliable logistics solutions that help businesses grow and compete in today’s fast-moving global economy.”


LuLu to mark National Day with Guinness Record bid

LuLu to mark National Day with Guinness Record bid
Updated 20 September 2025

LuLu to mark National Day with Guinness Record bid

LuLu to mark National Day with Guinness Record bid

In celebration of the 95th Saudi National Day and as a tribute to the Kingdom’s heritage and unity, LuLu Hypermarket is set to attempt a Guinness World Record with the creation of the world's largest shattered glass artwork on Sept. 20, from 4:30 p.m. at Alkhobar New Corniche. The 3-meter x 3-meter glass panel will feature the official symbol issued by the General Entertainment Authority, reflecting pride, unity, and societal support. Crafted with the support of Khobar Municipality and Unilever (Comfort), the artwork will be gifted to the municipality and is expected to become a new landmark in the Eastern Province.

The masterpiece will be created by Aseel Al-Mughlouth, a celebrated Saudi visual artist renowned for his innovative shattered glass paintings. Combining engineering expertise with artistic vision, Al-Mughlouth transforms broken glass into stunning creations admired across șÚÁÏÉçÇű and the Arab world.

Spotlight on Saudi-made products

As part of the National Day celebrations, LuLu stores across the Kingdom are hosting festive activities from Sept. 17 to 23, offering exclusive deals, special promotions, and family-friendly cultural experiences. Shoppers can enjoy unbeatable prices across all categories, with a special emphasis on Saudi-made products, while participating in the joyous spirit of the nation. A midnight shopping event will take place on Sept. 22, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., featuring exciting offers and exclusive deals for night-time shoppers.

Google Pay for hassle-free shopping 

To enhance convenience and innovation, LuLu has also introduced Google Pay across all stores in șÚÁÏÉçÇű, making it the first retailer in the country to offer this fast, easy, and secure payment option.

This year, LuLu’s National Day festivities promise a memorable blend of art, shopping, culture, and community spirit, uniting customers in celebrating the Kingdom’s proud heritage while looking forward with creativity and innovation.