Chevrolet and GMC mark GCC record sales with ‘Truck Mania’

Chevrolet and GMC mark GCC record sales with ‘Truck Mania’
General Motors’ truck portfolio continues to resonate deeply among GCC nationals — particularly from and the UAE.
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Updated 16 August 2025

Chevrolet and GMC mark GCC record sales with ‘Truck Mania’

Chevrolet and GMC mark GCC record sales with ‘Truck Mania’

General Motors is spotlighting the evolving face of truck ownership in the Middle East as it celebrates a growing market share among its Chevrolet and GMC pickup lineup with a sales rise of 18 percent year on year, unveiling an emerging demographic among youth and women.

Marking its record sales, GM has launched the Chevrolet and GMC Truck Mania event across showrooms in , the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar, featuring attractive offers on the popular Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, GMC Canyon and all-electric GMC Hummer SUT.

Running from Aug. 13 to Sept. 13, the event offers immersive product experiences. Customers can expect tailored test drives for road and all-terrain, personalized consultations, and seasonal value offers designed to get them behind the wheel in time for the region’s most active months outdoors.

GM’s truck portfolio continues to resonate deeply among GCC nationals — particularly from and the UAE. Among younger Emiratis aged 20–29, the GMC Sierra has emerged as a top choice for first-time buyers, reflecting a generational shift in preferences. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Silverado sees robust repeat purchases from Saudi owners aged 30–50, underscoring its enduring appeal and reliability.

Furrukh Jawaid, chief marketing officer at General Motors Middle East and Africa, said: “Off-roading in the Gulf is a rite of passage as youth begin to adopt the lifestyles of their parents, the desert becomes more than terrain and an adrenaline rush. It becomes a tradition. This is evident in the trends we are seeing of youth making up 20 to 35 percent of our customer base in the last few years. Therefore, Truck Mania is bringing GM’s most capable trucks to the forefront with compelling offers and experiences that reflect the evolving expectations of today’s customers.”

While male ownership remains dominant, female ownership is steadily rising signaling a broader cultural embrace of the segment. Over the past three years, female interest and ownership in full-size pickups has more than doubled, driven by increasing demand for safety features, elevated driving positions, flexible utility, and bold design.

In 2024 alone, women accounted for 9 percent of all GM truck buyers in the GCC, a notable increase from previous years. Kuwait leads the region with 13 percent of all female truck owners in GM’s portfolio, followed by the UAE at 9 percent, and Qatar at 7 percent. 

A third of GMC Sierra owners in the UAE are middle-aged Emirati women (ages 30–49), and there has been a 50 percent year on year increase in ownership among Emirati women aged 20–29. For Chevrolet Silverado, 19 percent of repeat female customers are over 30, with the majority in the middle-aged Kuwaiti segment.

Rohan Fernandes, managing director of commercial operations at General Motors Middle East and Africa, added: “The growing demand for our world-class pickups from Chevrolet and GMC are visible as we witnessed a surging market share in the first half of 2025 of over 46 percent as we continue to empower more customers across the Gulf to take up off-roading, road-tripping adventures, reconnecting with the outdoors or making use of its capabilities for day-to-day needs. Pickups have grown beyond their traditional role as workhorses to become expressions of style, performance and heritage. Even off-roading has shifted from a practical skill to a deeply-rooted pastime.”


Eyeing global growth, Platinumlist announces rebrand

Eyeing global growth, Platinumlist announces rebrand
Updated 16 August 2025

Eyeing global growth, Platinumlist announces rebrand

Eyeing global growth, Platinumlist announces rebrand

Platinumlist, a Middle East entertainment discovery platform with more than 9 million users, has announced a comprehensive rebranding of its platform. This step is a response to the booming events sector in the MENA region, which has resulted in evolving user and partner demands for flexibility, consistency and personalization. Since its founding in 2009, Platinumlist has expanded from a single event type to successfully ticketing more than 100,000 events with 20 diverse categories in nine markets in the region and around the world. The redesigned platform addresses this by making the discovery and booking of tickets a quicker and more convenient experience.

“The decision to rebrand the platform was driven by several factors, including the company’s expansion across the globe,” said Cosmin Ivan, CEO at Platinumlist. “This growth presented challenges, as the previous brand identity no longer fully reflected the global and diverse nature of the company’s offerings. The prior design was fragmented across different products, which sometimes made brand recognition more challenging for users and B2B partners.”

The new design addresses these issues with a fresh visual identity centered around the concept of a “portal.” This metaphor and identity concept, created in partnership with design studio Kidults, represents the platform as an entry point to new experiences and emotions. The redesigned interface features a cleaner, bolder visual system and improved UX patterns. The dark mode feature is currently in development to further enhance user experience in various lighting conditions, such as at concerts or cinemas.

“Platinumlist came to us with a bold ambition — to go beyond selling tickets and become a true cultural portal,” said Mike Shishkin, creative director at Kidultas. “It wasn’t just about a new look, but about rethinking the brand’s role, story, and the entire product experience. We worked closely with Platinumlist on brand strategy, visual identity, UI and content tools. And we’re proud to be a part of transforming ticket sales into inspiration.”

A significant aspect of the redesign is its focus on regional and cultural inclusivity. Platinumlist collaborated with Saudi and UAE-based type designers to develop a new Arabic typographic system and an adapted logo that aligns with the Latin version, creating a flexible and regionally inclusive design system.

Looking ahead, Platinumlist plans to continue its improvements, leveraging the new flexible design system to scale across different languages and markets, from Dubai to London.


Zain sponsorship of boccia event empowers the disabled

Zain sponsorship of boccia event empowers the disabled
Updated 13 August 2025

Zain sponsorship of boccia event empowers the disabled

Zain sponsorship of boccia event empowers the disabled

Digital and telecommunications services provider Zain KSA has announced its sponsorship of the 2025 Boccia Championship, aligning the move with its corporate sustainability strategy and commitment to empowering all segments of society. Organized by the Saudi Boccia Federation, the championship will be held from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex in Riyadh.

The sponsorship underscores Zain KSA’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities, particularly quadriplegic athletes whose determination and competitive spirit inspire the wider community. The company views inclusion as a foundation for excellence and sustainable progress, believing that empowering persons with disabilities strengthens society as a whole. As digital sponsor, Zain KSA will highlight sport as a symbol of hope and resilience. The initiative reflects the company’s approach of pairing digital innovation with social responsibility, in line with its mission to build a better future and advance Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of a vibrant, inclusive society where all individuals have access to equitable opportunities to achieve their ambitions.

Eman Abdullah Al-Saidi, vice president of corporate communications at Zain KSA, said: “We believe that true innovation is only complete when it really touches people’s lives. Through our digital ecosystem, we hope to inspire a wonderful world that empowers every individual to unlock their potential, leaving no one behind. Our sponsorship of the Boccia Championship reflects our deep commitment to empowering people with disabilities.

“Beyond our social responsibility agenda, this is part of our strategic vision for a more inclusive digital world. These champions inspire us with their stories and embody the spirit of determination that we hope to mirror in every initiative we launch. With this sponsorship, we reaffirm our commitment to helping build a vibrant society where everyone can thrive and ambitions are embraced, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.”

The sponsorship builds on the company’s wide-ranging social responsibility programs, which have delivered measurable results. Zain KSA received the Gold Award from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development at the inaugural CSR Award in recognition of its impactful sustainability and social responsibility initiatives. The accolade underscores the company’s strategy of empowering the Saudi community and advancing national, humanitarian, and social development efforts within a responsible business framework.


AJi Group ranks among ENR’s top 100 global design firms

AJi Group ranks among ENR’s top 100 global design firms
Updated 13 August 2025

AJi Group ranks among ENR’s top 100 global design firms

AJi Group ranks among ENR’s top 100 global design firms

AJi Group, a leading architecture, construction, engineering and consultancy group in the region, has achieved a significant milestone by advancing 21 spots to be ranked among the top 100 international design firms in Engineering News-Record’s prestigious Top 225 list for 2025.

Ranking 86th in the global list that developers and investors turn to, AJi Group was recognized for its significant focus on investments in technology, climate resilience and energy transition. Aligning with the global trends in sustainability, ESG integration, artificial intelligence and resilient and adaptive infrastructure systems, AJi Group has been at the forefront in “reimagining its business model, enhancing operational efficiency and improving the return on investment for clients,” said Hamzeh Awwad, CEO of AJi Group.

“We are honored to be recognized among the top international design firms, a testament to the 60-year legacy of our organization, the commitment of our talented professionals, and our focus on reshaping the future of infrastructure in the MENA region,” added Awwad.

“As a trusted partner to some of the region’s most ambitious projects, we see this recognition as an acknowledgement of the remarkable advancements that the MENA region has made in redefining modern architecture, design and infrastructure development. The vision of our clients enables us to push our boundaries to deliver on their priorities, especially in promoting sustainable built environments and embracing advanced technology,” he said.

With close to half the projects coming from repeat clients, AJi Group is regarded as a go-to-partner for government entities, developers and investors in the MENA region. 

Under Awwad’s leadership, the company has demonstrated exceptional performance across key metrics in recent years, with revenues surging 210 percent in 2024, and its talented professional base growing by 35 percent.

The group’s ascent in the ENR rankings also underscores its strategic expansion across the MENA region, where it operates through 13 regional offices, including four in and three in the UAE.

In its report, ENR particularly highlighted AJi Group’s focus on tackling market challenges by embracing a transformation mindset. “As the region transforms, so must we,” observed Awwad, in the 2025 report, adding that the group focused on “empowering local talent, embedding sustainability and driving cross-border collaboration.”

AJi Group’s landmark projects include the Riyadh Municipality EPMO and AFMO, OSUS Eye — the first “10-minute” city in the Saudi capital, Green Riyadh’s projects across four neighborhoods and the Cleveland Clinic Expansion in the UAE.


Tawuniya partners with TT Club to elevate Saudi transport & logistics risk management

Tawuniya partners with TT Club to elevate Saudi transport & logistics risk management
Updated 13 August 2025

Tawuniya partners with TT Club to elevate Saudi transport & logistics risk management

Tawuniya partners with TT Club to elevate Saudi transport & logistics risk management

TT Club, an international insurer for the transport and logistics sectors, has entered into a strategic reinsurance partnership with The Company for Cooperative Insurance, or Tawuniya, a Saudi insurance provider.

The collaboration facilitates the launch of a newly approved liability insurance product tailored specifically to the transport and logistics industry in the Kingdom.

The new product, approved by ’s insurance regulator in January, enables Saudi-based transport and logistics operators to access global-standard liability coverage through Tawuniya, with TT Club acting as the reinsurer.

This development directly aligns with ’s Vision 2030 ambitions to transform the nation into a global logistics hub. Recognizing this strategic direction and the evolving risk landscape, TT Club and Tawuniya are working together to provide this vital specialized liability coverage.

Kevin King, CEO of TT Club, said: “As Saudi logistics operators expand internationally and adopt world-class operational standards, they are also developing their risk management strategies. Specialist liability insurance is a cornerstone of those strategies, in that it protects operations, supports reputational integrity, and helps to enable sustainable growth.”

The partnership does not involve a traditional joint venture or shareholder agreement. Instead, it acts practically as a commercial collaboration to provide market-leading coverage within the framework of ’s well-regulated insurance landscape.

Sultan Alkhomashi, CEO of general sector at Tawuniya, said: “This partnership with TT Club strengthens our ability to serve Saudi logistics operators with world-class insurance solutions that meet the highest international standards. Together, we are helping build safer, more resilient supply chains and supporting the Kingdom’s long-term vision to be a regional and global logistics powerhouse.”

TT Club has also recently strengthened its board of directors with the appointment of Saffia Abdulla Kanoo in June. Kanoo is vice president and international business director at Kanoo Logistics, one of the longest-established logistics businesses in the Middle East. Based in , she has worked across air cargo, shipping, customs clearance and specialized logistics services.


Jameel Motors brings Chery’s Omoda & Jaecoo brands to Iraq

Jameel Motors brings Chery’s Omoda & Jaecoo brands to Iraq
Updated 12 August 2025

Jameel Motors brings Chery’s Omoda & Jaecoo brands to Iraq

Jameel Motors brings Chery’s Omoda & Jaecoo brands to Iraq

Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands, has been appointed as the official distributor of Omoda and Jaecoo, the automotive brands under the Chery Group umbrella, in Iraq. Jameel Motors won the distribution agreement through a competitive process involving both local and international companies.

This marks a new market entry for Jameel Motors and Omoda and Jaecoo, where they will be tapping into Iraq’s rapidly growing automotive sector, which accounts for 8–10 percent of all imports to the country. With strong demand for new energy vehicles driven by a young, tech-savvy urban population, this agreement supports Jameel Motors’ inorganic growth and multi-brand expansion in the region, while enhancing personal mobility options for Iraqi drivers.

Jameel Motors will initially distribute the Omoda C5 and C7, and the Jaecoo J5, J7, and J8 models, with sales to commence in Q4 2025. Omoda and Jaecoo is part of Chery Group — China’s fourth-largest automaker and among the fastest-growing on the global stage. It has expanded to more than 40 markets, earning international recognition and a global customer base of over 500,000.

Jasmmine Wong, chief executive, Jameel Motors, said: “We are proud to be working with Chery Group to introduce Omoda and Jaecoo to Iraq, a dynamic and increasingly sophisticated automotive market. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering advanced, sustainable, and design-forward mobility solutions that meet the evolving needs of drivers. Together with Chery Group, we look forward to shaping the future of personal transportation in Iraq.”

Jameel Motors in Iraq will be headed by Kamal Sultan as the country manager. Sultan is a skilled automotive professional with more than 10 years of extensive experience in the Iraqi market. Having played a key role in the growth and network expansion of Toyota Iraq, as well as contributing to Nissan Iraq from its inception, he brings with him strong expertise in sales, after-sales service, and marketing strategies. He has also been instrumental in establishing Geely Iraq, Hongqi Iraq, Sixt Rental Car, and Iraq’s first automotive service chain. His deep industry knowledge and strategic insight make him a valuable leader in Iraq’s automotive sector.

“Launching Omoda and Jaecoo in Iraq marks an exciting new chapter for Jameel Motors,” Sultan said. “With a young and connected population driving demand for premium and technologically advanced vehicles, Iraq presents significant opportunities. We are committed to building a strong local presence with Chery Group’s customer-centric products, to serve this rapidly growing market.”

With a focus on localized operations at its overseas production bases, Chery Group is committed to the sustainable advancement of regional automotive industries through local job creation and the export of intelligent manufacturing standards and management expertise.

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.