Tasama to empower Badael achieve its public health goals

Tasama to empower Badael achieve its public health goals
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Updated 8 min 39 sec ago

Tasama to empower Badael achieve its public health goals

Tasama to empower Badael achieve its public health goals

Tasama, a Public Investment Fund company specializing in integrated business services, and Badael, a PIF company dedicated to reducing smoking rates in the Kingdom, have signed an MoU to foster a robust strategic partnership. The signing ceremony at Badael’s headquarters marks a significant milestone in leveraging the PIF ecosystem to drive innovation and operational excellence in line with Vision 2030.

The MoU establishes a framework for Tasama to provide Badael with its end-to-end integrated services, designed to elevate Badael’s growth through innovation, operational efficiency, and local market expertise.

This collaboration exemplifies PIF’s integrated strategy to empower its portfolio companies by fostering partnerships that enhance capabilities and contribute to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Mohammed Aljasser, CEO of Tasama, said: “Our mission at Tasama is to empower businesses and government institutions by delivering reliable, agile, and digitally native business services, enabling them to focus on their core and remain future-ready. We are proud to partner with Badael, a company whose purpose is deeply aligned with the Kingdom’s vision for a healthier society. By providing Badael with our operational expertise, we are not just improving efficiency, we are helping to build a national champion that can achieve a vital mission for the country. This is the PIF ecosystem in action, creating integrated value and contributing to a thriving economy.”

Tolga Sezer, CEO of Badael, added: “At Badael, our mission to help 1 million people switch from smoking requires rapid growth and flawless execution. This partnership with Tasama is a strategic accelerator for us. By integrating their best-in-class business services, we can focus our resources on our core competencies — innovation, research, and connecting with our consumers — confident that our operational foundation is not only stable but also a competitive advantage. This will be critical in achieving our public health goals.”

The collaboration between Tasama and Badael is a powerful example of two PIF companies working in concert to achieve distinct yet complementary national objectives. Tasama aims to redefine industry standards as the national champion in business services and the preferred partner for organizations contributing to the Kingdom’s growth. Badael is a national leader in health and well-being, enhancing lives by providing innovative solutions that help smokers switch to a better, smoke-free life.


Saudi runner reports over 3% efficiency gain with Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3

Saudi runner reports over 3% efficiency gain with Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
Updated 15 September 2025

Saudi runner reports over 3% efficiency gain with Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3

Saudi runner reports over 3% efficiency gain with Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3

Puma brought its world-leading running innovation to the Middle East for the first time with the Nitro Lab Testing experience in Dubai, hosted at the SIRO One Za’abeel hotel. The exclusive activation allowed select athletes, both global and regional, to put the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3, Puma’s fastest race-day shoe yet, through a live, data-driven trial. 

The three-day experience transformed the venue into a state-of-the-art biomechanics lab, complete with 3D motion capture, force-instrumented treadmills, metabolic testing, and pressure-sensing insoles. Each athlete arrived fasted, warmed up, and then completed repeated five-minute running intervals in the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 and a competitor race shoe of their choice, with equal rest periods in between. Oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide output were tracked to calculate running economy — essentially how efficiently the body used energy at a fixed pace. Within 15 minutes of finishing, participants were shown real-time data comparing both shoes, offering measurable proof of efficiency gains.

led by biomechanics expert Wouter Hoogkamer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has demonstrated that the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 improves running economy by 3.15 percent. For a three-hour marathon runner, this translates to a time saving of more than four and a half minutes — a game-changing edge on race day. 

The shoe achieves these results through deliberate engineering: it is 95 grams lighter than its predecessor, built with Puma’s NitroFoam Elite midsole for enhanced cushioning and responsiveness, a PWRPlate carbon plate for propulsion, and an Ultraweave upper with Pumagrip outsole for lightweight comfort and multi-surface traction. 

Maximilian Grüttner, team head of performance concepts — innovation for footwear and apparel at Puma headquarters in Herzo, described running economy as the foundation of performance testing. He said: “Just as a car becomes more efficient when it consumes less fuel, runners benefit when they require less oxygen to maintain speed.” That, he said, is what makes the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 stand out — “its ability to help athletes run the same pace with less effort, ultimately translating into faster times.” 

Laura Healey, senior manager of research and insights at Puma Running in Boston, said the development process was guided by both science and athlete data. “We combined computer simulations with feedback from over 75 runners to refine every detail of the shoe.” The result, she added, is a foam midsole that “stays responsive from the first stride to the last, maintaining energy return across the full marathon distance.” 

“Creating a good shoe is straightforward, but crafting a truly great one meant balancing weight, propulsion, and durability — and the testing proves we achieved that,” Healey said.

Among the regional athletes who tested the shoe was the Saudi athlete Aziz Ibrahim. Reflecting on his results, he said: “At first, I was unsure how stable the shoe would feel, but once I started running it felt incredibly light and fast. Each stride gave me an extra push forward, and I finished the session feeling fresher and stronger. The data showed that the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 improved my running economy by 3.08 percent — which could mean cutting nearly six minutes from a marathon, two minutes from a half marathon, or close to a minute from a 10K. With its cushioning, carbon plate, and proven efficiency gains, this is a race shoe I can rely on.” 

Johan Kuhlo, managing director Puma Middle East, said: “The Nitro Lab’s debut in the Middle East was a key moment to bring our innovation closer to athletes in the region. Runners here are part of one of the world’s most exciting and fastest-growing communities, and it was important for us to showcase the science behind the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3. The experience allowed them not just to try the shoe but to understand the performance data driving it. Unveiling the new colorway here first reflects both our focus on innovation and our long-term investment in the region.”

The Dubai Nitro Lab marked the platform’s first appearance in the Middle East after activations in four other global locations. Its arrival highlights the region’s growing appetite for performance sport and marathon running. “Dubai is a hub for running communities from around the world,” added Grüttner. “It’s the perfect place to prove, with hard data, that our innovation performs better than competitors.” 

The Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 are available now at Puma UAE retail stores, online in and the UAE, and selected GO Sport retail stores. 


Al-Futtaim BYD KSA hosts first Super Hybrid Tech Day in

Al-Futtaim BYD KSA hosts first Super Hybrid Tech Day in
Updated 11 September 2025

Al-Futtaim BYD KSA hosts first Super Hybrid Tech Day in

Al-Futtaim BYD KSA hosts first Super Hybrid Tech Day in

Al-Futtaim BYD KSA hosted its inaugural Super Hybrid Tech Day at BYD Showroom and Discovery Centre in .

The event offered media, influencers, customers, and sub-dealers an exclusive opportunity to explore BYD’s cutting-edge hybrid innovations for the first time in the Kingdom.

The Super Hybrid Tech Day highlighted BYD’s pioneering Dual Mode technology. This in-house developed plug-in hybrid system combines the convenience of fuel refilling with the efficiency of electric driving.

The event also featured live demonstrations, immersive interactive showcases, and expert presentations.

These sessions showcased how BYD’s innovative Dual Mode technology seamlessly blends efficiency, power, and environmental responsibility.

Attendees experienced firsthand BYD’s commitment to revolutionizing the automotive industry worldwide through advanced hybrid powertrains designed for urban, performance, and off-road capabilities.

Jerome Saigot, managing director of Al-Futtaim BYD in , said: “With distinguished pride, we unveil BYD’s revolutionary Plug-in Hybrid Dual technology to the Kingdom.

“The Super Hybrid Tech Day is more than an event; it is a landmark chapter in our journey of innovation, sustainability, and vision.

“This occasion reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence, where world-class technology meets timeless refinement, and where every innovation is crafted to inspire progress and elevate the driving experience for our esteemed customers in the Kingdom.”

BYD continues to redefine the standard for New Energy Vehicles, driven by an unyielding pursuit of innovation and technological mastery.

At the vanguard of this global movement, BYD embodies the spirit of a true technology company, with over 12 percent of its people devoted to research and development across 11 world-class institutes.

Each day, nearly 45 patent applications are filed and around 20 secured, including the highly coveted Golden Patents, an enduring testament to BYD’s vision, craftsmanship, and relentless commitment to pioneering excellence.

José Miranda, marketing and communications director at BYD Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “At BYD, we share the same vision as ’s Vision 2030 – building a sustainable future through technology, innovation, and better quality of life. With our expertise in electromobility, energy storage, and solar solutions, we see ourselves as a strong partner in supporting the Kingdom’s transformation journey.”

He added: “ is ready for this technology. At BYD, innovation is in our DNA, and our mission goes beyond selling cars; we aim to showcase our super hybrid solutions, making advanced technologies accessible.

“Through events like this Technology Day, we engage with customers and partners to demonstrate how our vehicles provide the benefits of electric driving while ensuring long-range capability, offering confidence, convenience, and an exciting driving experience”.

BYD’s technology has evolved over four generations and currently includes three specialized versions: DM-i (intelligent, energy-efficient urban use), DM-p (powerful, performance-focused), and DMO (off-road optimized).

The DMO platform combines a high-performance longitudinal engine, dual-motor four-wheel drive, advanced suspension, and BYD’s cutting-edge Blade Battery technology.

It redefines NEV safety standards with top-tier nail penetration resistance and has been granted over 1,100 patents related to its design and manufacturing.

This industry-leading battery innovation delivers unparalleled power, efficiency, and safety across all vehicle categories.

The DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform represents a breakthrough in automotive engineering.

It combines BYD’s non-load-bearing frame, high-performance longitudinal engine, Cell-to-Chassis technology, dual-motor electric four-wheel drive, and independent suspension.

This platform delivers nearly 480 horsepower—comparable to a 4.0L V8—an extended range of over 800 km, and a remarkably smooth, quiet, and comfortable driving experience, all while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency and robust off-road performance.

Looking ahead, BYD KSA is preparing to unveil more models, expanding its portfolio of innovative electric vehicles tailored to meet the evolving needs of the Kingdom’s market.

This commitment to innovation is part of BYD’s larger vision to revolutionize the automotive industry worldwide through advanced new energy solutions.

Beyond its global leadership in electric mobility, BYD stands as a pioneer in battery technology and energy storage solutions.

Today, its vision extends into , where strategic partnerships and landmark battery storage projects are shaping the foundation of a cleaner, more sustainable future.

In harmony with the Kingdom’s energy ambitions, BYD’s presence is not merely an expansion—it is a commitment to empowering progress and illuminating the path toward tomorrow’s infrastructure.

 


Future Projects Forum showcases 21,000 projects worth $800bn

Future Projects Forum showcases 21,000 projects worth $800bn
Updated 10 September 2025

Future Projects Forum showcases 21,000 projects worth $800bn

Future Projects Forum showcases 21,000 projects worth $800bn

The seventh edition of the Future Projects Forum 2025, organized by the Saudi Contractors Authority under the theme “Future of the Future,” concluded in Riyadh after three days of activities, workshops, and on-ground events. The forum showcased more than 21,000 projects with an estimated total value exceeding SR3 trillion ($800 billion), covering housing, energy, water, industry, and infrastructure.

The forum was inaugurated In the presence of Deputy Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ihab Al-Hashani, along with senior officials and representatives from government entities and the private sector.

In his opening remarks, Mohammed Al-Ajlan, chairman of the Saudi Contractors Authority, said: “In this tunnel, there is a bright light for Saudi youth in this sector.”

The opening also featured the launch of two new digital platforms:

  • Ertiqa, an integrated system to assess contractors’ readiness, improve project quality, and enhance compliance across five major sectors through more than 20 readiness certificates.
  • Memar, a unified platform enabling homeowners to digitally manage their housing projects with clear steps covering contractor selection, electronic contracting, financing, insurance, and project monitoring until delivery.

Key activities

The forum hosted over 60 workshops and panel sessions spotlighting digital transformation, sustainability, modern construction technologies, and project management.

It also featured the Contractors Financing Conference, bringing together banks and financial institutions to explore financing solutions that support SMEs’ participation in major projects.

A highlight was the National Construction Festival, where Saudi students competed live in plumbing, welding, and reinforced concrete works, under the supervision of local and international judges. The event showcased the capabilities of the new generation of Saudi talent.

The forum recognized Saudi Aramco as the official partner, and the Saudi Electricity Company and Fal Arabia as strategic partners, alongside other sponsors who contributed to the success of the event.

Participants said that the forum has become a national platform that enhances transparency and connects project owners with contractors and investors, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.


GC Coupons: A trusted ally of smart shoppers in

GC Coupons: A trusted ally of smart shoppers in
Updated 10 September 2025

GC Coupons: A trusted ally of smart shoppers in

GC Coupons: A trusted ally of smart shoppers in

’s transformation under Vision 2030 is often measured in terms of infrastructure, investment, and diversification. Yet perhaps the most powerful driver of this change is less visible: the Kingdom’s youth. With more than 60 percent of the population under the age of 35, is one of the youngest nations in the G20. This demographic is not only shaping cultural life but also powering the rise of the digital economy.

A generation born digital

’s youth have grown up with smartphones in their hands, with social media shaping their worldviews and global e-commerce platforms just a click away. Unlike earlier generations, young Saudis are digital natives. They expect seamless mobile experiences, fast delivery, and personalized online services as a basic standard.

This has transformed how businesses approach the Saudi market. International brands that once viewed the Kingdom as a secondary retail destination are now launching localized apps, Arabic-language interfaces, and dedicated customer service to cater to this audience. Local startups, meanwhile, are finding fertile ground in fintech, logistics, and digital services — all areas where young Saudis are the first adopters.

Spending power meets innovation

’s youth are not only digitally connected but also financially influential. Recent data shows that young professionals and students are key contributors to the Kingdom’s growing e-commerce sector, which has seen double-digit growth annually since 2020. Fashion, electronics, health and fitness, and online food delivery top the list of categories.

Platforms like Noon and Namshi have become household names, while global players such as Temu and H&M are expanding their Saudi footprint. At the same time, Saudi-founded ventures like Calo — which delivers personalized meal plans — are thriving, blending convenience with innovation.

What unites these brands is their ability to connect with younger audiences through digital-first strategies. Flash sales, mobile-exclusive discounts, influencer partnerships, and gamified shopping experiences all appeal to the Saudi youth’s appetite for immediacy and value.

Culture of smart shopping

While Saudi youth are enthusiastic consumers, they are also savvy. Rising awareness of financial planning and the impact of global inflation has created a culture of “smart shopping.” Young Saudis want quality and convenience, but they also look for savings.

This is where platforms like have carved out an important role in the digital economy. Founded in 2020, the platform provides exclusive coupons and promo codes for more than 1,300 leading online retailers across , the UAE, and other countries. Its partners include Noon, 6th Street, Temu, Max Fashion, Calo, Level Shoes, Riva Fashion, H&M, adidas, Crocs, Namshi, Whites, Carrefour, VogaCloset, and Sun and Sand Sports.

For young shoppers, GC Coupons has become a trusted ally, offering access to discounts that align with their lifestyle needs — whether that means upgrading to the latest sneakers from adidas, shopping fashion-forward looks at Max, or stocking up on essentials at Carrefour. For instance, those looking to stretch their riyals further during seasonal promotions can find dedicated deals on and through the platform.

Beyond shopping: Building a digital ecosystem

The reliance on coupon platforms reflects a larger truth: Saudi youth are shaping not just consumer trends but also the infrastructure of the digital economy. Their demand for efficiency has accelerated investment in payments, fintech, and last-mile logistics. Buy now, pay later services, for example, have grown rapidly in the Kingdom, fueled by younger users seeking flexibility.

The government, through Vision 2030 initiatives, has encouraged this environment. Programs supporting entrepreneurship and innovation hubs have given Saudi youth the confidence to not only consume digital services but also build them. In sectors ranging from gaming to health tech, young Saudis are increasingly at the forefront as founders and developers.

Global connection

’s youth are not confined to local platforms; they are highly global in their outlook. They follow international fashion trends on TikTok, order beauty products from Europe, and stream content from the US and Korea. Yet their loyalty often lies with brands that adapt to their cultural expectations.

This has created a unique ecosystem in which global players compete with regional champions. The result is a market that is highly competitive, innovative, and customer-centric. For platforms like GC Coupons, which straddle both worlds by offering deals from global giants and regional favorites, the opportunity is vast.

Looking ahead

As accelerates its diversification, the role of youth in the digital economy will only deepen. Their choices today are shaping the trajectory of e-commerce, fintech, entertainment, and digital culture for decades to come.

Smart shopping, mobile-first experiences, and global connectivity are more than consumer habits — they are signals of how is integrating into the world economy on its own terms. In this transformation, platforms that empower youth — by saving them time, money, and effort — will remain at the heart of the Kingdom’s digital story.


Jewelry expo ‘SAJEX 2025’ to boost Saudi-India trade

Jewelry expo ‘SAJEX 2025’ to boost Saudi-India trade
Updated 10 September 2025

Jewelry expo ‘SAJEX 2025’ to boost Saudi-India trade

Jewelry expo ‘SAJEX 2025’ to boost Saudi-India trade

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah, in collaboration with the Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council of India and the Embassy of India in Riyadh, is set to present the Jewelry Exposition 2025. The event is backed by the Ministry of Investment of , as well as the Jeddah and Makkah Chambers of Commerce. The landmark international B2B jewelry exhibition will take place from Sept. 11 to 13 at Jeddah Superdome.

As a lead-up to the main exposition, curtain raiser events were held in Jeddah on July 6 and Riyadh on July 8. Both programs witnessed an excellent turnout from the industry, generating strong interest and enthusiasm from stakeholders in India and . These engagements have set the stage for what promises to be a milestone event in the region’s jewelry sector.

The opening ceremony on Sept. 11 will be a glittering affair, graced by Ambassador of India to Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Consul General of India Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, senior dignitaries from and India, and other guests. The inaugural program will also feature a specially curated fashion show by a noted Indian designer, showcasing unique jewelry–apparel pairings, along with a cultural performance by an Indian musical ensemble.

The exhibition will bring together more than 200 leading exhibitors across 250+ booths, representing key jewelry markets including , India, the UAE, and others. More than 2,000 business visitors and international buyers are expected to attend. The showcase will feature the finest craftsmanship and designs — from diamond and colored gemstone jewelry to gold (18, 21 and 22 carat), lab-grown diamond creations, bridal collections, gifting ranges, and the latest innovations in jewelry technology.

Adding to the business dimension of the exposition, the Global Jewelry Investment Forum will follow the inauguration, featuring panel discussions and roundtables on key topics, including: Investment prospects for the gem and jewelry industry: facilitating seamless trade between India and ; Retail and manufacturing: shaping the future of jewelry for the GCC consumer; and Labs and associations: driving consumer awareness and demand. 

The sessions will be led by senior dignitaries from , global industry leaders, and experts, and will include special presentations by GJEPC, MISA, and the Industries Department of the government of Maharashtra, India.

SAJEX 2025, envisaged to be a premier trade platform for the gems and jewelry sector, will bring together leading jewelers, designers, manufacturers and industry professionals from around the world. With its scale, international participation, and strong institutional backing, the exhibition is poised to become a cornerstone for strengthening bilateral trade, fostering new investments, and positioning as a vibrant hub in the global jewelry value chain.

The Indian Consulate is calling on exhibitors, buyers, investors, and visitors to be a part of SAJEX 2025 and witness “this celebration of design, craftsmanship, and collaboration in the heart of Jeddah.”

Registrations for business visitors are still open and can be completed through the following link: https://iijs.gjepc.org/r/67adb88b12a94c3291c3d953.