Alawwal bank has donated SR500,000 ($133,310) to the Al-Eradah Society for Talented Special Needs Individuals. The donation was made as part of the bank’s program of giving back to the communities it serves.
Alawwal bank’s donation is expected to help the charity achieve a number of its goals. As well as providing job opportunities for those living with special needs, the funds will also help increase awareness of special needs and encourage inclusiveness by expanding the society’s branches across the Kingdom.
Dr. Ammar Bogis, founder and chairman, Al-Eradah Society, said: “Everyone should have the opportunity to follow their dreams, whatever their ability. We just need to do more to give disabled people hope and positive encouragement to achieve their goals. Having Alawwal bank recognize and support our efforts has been essential to extending our support across the Kingdom.”
Alawwal bank has previously provided financial support to help the charity for a range of activities, including the supply of medical equipment, treatment and prosthetics, in addition to supporting projects providing rehabilitation and training services to special needs individuals.
Soren Nikolajsen, managing director of Alawwal bank, said: “We’re delighted to help a cause that empowers people of all abilities to follow their dreams. Dr. Ammar Bogis and the Al-Eradah Society should be an inspiration to us all. We are very proud to help them continue bringing life-changing opportunities to so many Kingdom-wide.”
The Al-Eradah Society for Talented Special Needs Individuals was started in 2014 by Dr. Bogis and founded as an association under the guidance of King Salman in 2016, with the aim of fueling the creativity of talented special needs individuals in the Kingdom. Dr. Bogis suffered from a rare disease that caused him to be born paralyzed and only have control over the movement of his eyes and tongue. Despite this, Dr. Bogis became a journalist, writer and lecturer on determination and awareness of special needs.
Alawwal supports Kingdom’s special needs community
Alawwal supports Kingdom’s special needs community
With new smart HQs, SAB emerges as a leader in sustainable banking in Saudi Arabia
At Saudi Awwal Bank, sustainability is not just a commitment; it is a responsibility. The bank’s ethos is built on the firm foundations of smart and sustainable banking and ESG is central to its success. The bank’s efforts are profoundly aligned with the Kingdom’s visionary goals for a greener, more eco-conscious future. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, and SmartScore Gold and Platinum certifications that SAB has earned for its headquarters underscore the dedication to creating environmentally responsible and resource-efficient structures.
LEED certification is a globally recognized rating system for sustainable building design and construction, and achieving the gold status signifies a commitment to excellence in sustainable building practices. As for SmartScore, it is from the global accreditation body WiredScore, which recognizes best-in-class smart buildings that provide engaging work environments, drive cost efficiency and ensure high sustainability standards.
SAB’s LEED and SmartScore certifications are not just a badge of honor; they are a testament to the bank’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. These certifications have far-reaching benefits, not only for SAB but for the environment, economy, and society at large.
The statistics surrounding SAB’s new headquarters are nothing short of impressive, showcasing the tangible impact the bank’s commitment to sustainability has had:
- A remarkable 28.47 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional baseline buildings, contributing to lower carbon emissions and reduced operational costs.
- 73.62 percent of construction waste was recycled, diverting metal, wood, concrete, paper, and plastic waste from landfills to recycling centers, reducing environmental impact.
- 36.74 percent of construction materials were composed of recycled content, further reducing the need for new resource extraction.
- The new building boasts 30 percent higher outdoor air flow compared to code recommendations, ensuring enhanced indoor air quality for occupants.
SAB’s ambitions extend beyond their SmartScore and Gold certified building. They aspire to play a leading role in mobilizing finance to support an inclusive, diverse, and a just transition toward a more sustainable economy. By embedding ESG considerations at the heart of the organization, SAB is taking meaningful steps to support a more sustainable future.
SAB’s new headquarters is a shining example of how financial institutions can lead the way in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. SAB’s commitment to reducing their environmental footprint while supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goals is a testament to the positive impact that can be achieved when sustainability is at the core of an organization’s values. The LEED Gold certification is not just a recognition of their achievement; it is a beacon of hope for a greener, more sustainable future for the Kingdom — inspiring the region and beyond.
- The writer is CEO of Saudi Awwal Bank.
InterContinental Al-Ahsa home to new Bateel boutique & café
Bateel International, a luxury retail, gourmet food and F&B brand, and InterContinental Al-Ahsa, part of the IHG Hotels and Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, have announced a partnership that will see the launch of the first Bateel Boutique and Café Bateel within the prestigious hotel in Saudi Arabia.
The partnership adds to Bateel International’s portfolio that spans 16 countries with more than 70 boutiques and cafés. Offering a welcoming and inspiring space centered around the hotel’s grand staircase, guests can indulge in an exquisite selection of gourmet dates, pastries, and premium coffee and tea. Additionally, guests can explore a range of gourmet products presented in luxurious packaging, perfect for gifting. The offerings include a unique range of Bateel’s date-based delicacies, from date syrup and date balsamic vinegar to olive dates, sparkling date drinks, and condiments.
Bateel’s foray into this dynamic environment of InterContinental Al-Ahsa is strategically aligned with evolving consumer preferences for premium hospitality experiences. Bilal El-Kurjie, director of business development, described the alignment between Bateel’s brand values and standards and IHG’s renowned luxury offerings, saying that the partnership sets new benchmarks in hospitality excellence while contributing to the Kingdom’s growth.
Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Afaliq, CEO of AH Group of Companies, highlighted the thoughtful planning behind the boutique and café concepts, envisioning the hotel as a premier destination for discerning travelers. The new retail and dining venues are poised to attract a new generation of customers seeking modern culinary experiences and unique gifting experiences.
Walid Al-Haddad, general manager of InterContinental Al-Ahsa, underscored the hotel’s status in the market as a cultural and hospitality icon, which stands out for its historic and natural surroundings. The collaboration with Bateel International and the launch of the new outlets will enhance the guest experience, offering a blend of sophistication, he said.
Al-Ahsa, the largest oasis in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Situated within this sprawling oasis, near the Al-Qarah Cave, is the luxurious InterContinental Al-Ahsa.
Bateel enjoys an unparalleled legacy as one of the world’s leading organic date cultivators. An award-winning pioneer in the global food industry, the brand has elevated a revered fruit to a gourmet delicacy and created a luxury retail experience that launched an entirely new market for dates and confectioneries.
Huawei’s smart auto service ‘HMS for Car’ debuts at LEAP
HMS for Car, Huawei’s global automobile intelligent solution, stole the show at LEAP 2024, receiving unanimous praise and admiration from the exhibition visitors.
HMS for Car consists of four boxes for technology solutions, including AI Box, Map Box, App Box, and Net Box. It builds a more intelligent and networked system for automobiles designed to revolutionize the in-car experience and enable customers to travel more comfortably.
The AI Box supports smart voice interaction to control the usage of the car functions, leveraging Huawei’s extensive device experience, for seamless device-cloud interaction in real-time, and personalized voice customization by vehicle manufacturers. Users can control their entire car ecosystem with ease, from simple commands such as opening the window, to turning on the music, or the seat massage. Celia, the intelligent voice assistant, supports more than 10 languages, personalized settings, and continuous dialogue.
The App Box features Huawei AppGallery in the car system, offering a dynamic ecosystem for car applications. The AppGallery platform is an open ecosystem that fosters simple and efficient app integration in compliance with regulations and user data protection and security.
The Map Box provides intelligent navigation with features like lane-level guidance, charging points reminders, and traffic light countdown timing to keep ahead of traffic, for a more comfortable vehicle experience when driving.
The Net Box provides seamless, intelligent connectivity across borders with faster network speed and an automatic and smooth network switching in weak signal areas between different carriers.
With the development of the internet of vehicles era, the diversity of automotive internet applications has attracted much attention. HMS for Car actively cooperates with ecosystem partners around the world to improve solution capabilities.
Additionally, at the LEAP 2024 exhibition, Huawei signed an MoU with Najm, one of the biggest insurance service providers in Saudi Arabia, to provide digital solutions and expand the reach of Najm’s services and optimize the user experience. This collaboration will see the integration of local digital information with Petal Maps, to provide more efficient digital services for users. This will include integrating relevant data, including street names, administrative divisions, GPS tracks, road data, and panoramic 360-degree street view photos wherever available.
Kiri distributes 20,000 iftar meals through Eta’am
Saudi Food Bank, known as Eta’am, a prominent nonprofit organization in the Kingdom and region, has partnered with Kiri, a part of the Bel Group, to distribute iftar meals to those in need. The Ramadan initiative will ensure the provision of 20,000 fresh meals to individuals facing social challenges and those with limited incomes across Jeddah.
The collaborative effort to spread kindness and compassion aligns with the Vision 2030 goal of ensuring inclusive access to nutritious food for all. It underscores Kiri’s commitment to making meaningful contributions to society and spreading kindness across the Saudi community.
The iftar meals feature a wholesome combination of Kiri cheese with bread, fresh juice, and fruits, embodying the essence of Ramadan. Each meal will be meticulously packed daily to ensure freshness and the highest standards of taste.
This collaboration also highlights Bel Group’s commitment to engaging with the Kingdom’s culture and championing charitable endeavors.
Faisal Al-Shushan, CEO of Saudi Food Bank, said: “Our partnership with Bel Group to distribute 20,000 meals in Jeddah during the sacred month of Ramadan is not merely a gesture, but a profound testament to our unwavering commitment to enhancing food security efforts and extending vital assistance to families in need. By joining hands with esteemed organizations like Kiri, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of compassion and support, ensuring that every individual, regardless of circumstance, has equitable access to nourishing meals essential for a healthy and sustainable life. This collaboration underscores the spirit of Ramadan, a time of heightened generosity and communal solidarity, where acts of charity resonate deeply within our hearts and communities. Together, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve, embodying the true essence of this blessed month.”
Garo Matossian, general manager of Bel Group for the Near Middle East, said: “Kiri is deeply committed to fostering kindness and generosity through all our initiatives, and our partnership with the Saudi Food Bank exemplifies this dedication. As we enter the sacred month of Ramadan, synonymous with compassion and giving, we recognize the significance of supporting the people of Saudi Arabia, where our brand has flourished. By collaborating with the Saudi Food Bank, we aim to empower individuals to make meaningful contributions to society, particularly during this auspicious time. Through initiatives like ‘Iftar Sayim,’ Kiri endeavors to create opportunities for spreading kindness and uplifting communities across Saudi society.”
This partnership not only reflects our commitment to giving back to the people of Saudi Arabia but also reinforces our belief in the transformative power of collective goodwill and generosity during the month of Ramadan.”
ServiceNow committed to powering Saudi Arabia’s AI future
As Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation journey in line with Saudi Vision 2030, ServiceNow, a leading digital workflow platform, is solidifying its commitment to the Kingdom’s success. During LEAP 2024, ServiceNow Chief Commercial Officer Paul Smith emphasized the company’s commitment to helping the Kingdom realize its AI ambitions. Smith envisions a deep, prosperous partnership that will fuel Saudi Arabia’s rise as an economic powerhouse through the strategic application of new and emerging technologies.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a roadmap that seeks to diversify the economy and propel the nation into the digital era, is a bold and ambitious framework. Smith sees it as an ideal fit for ServiceNow’s expertise. “The Kingdom’s vision is all about innovation and leveraging technology as a competitive advantage,” he said. “We have top-tier engineering talent, an industry-leading platform, and a deep understanding of how to use AI, particularly generative AI, to make a tangible difference in the business world. ServiceNow is ready to help Saudi Arabia make that leap.”
This ambition builds upon a foundation of collaboration. ServiceNow already has a significant presence in Saudi Arabia, having worked with partners and clients since 2011. Their platform has proven its value by streamlining processes and improving efficiency within both government institutions and private businesses. Smith cites noteworthy examples including the Ministry of Justice, which benefited from over 180 automated processes, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, which created a single, integrated employee portal for faster issue resolution.
Currently, ServiceNow is further amplifying this impact. Recent company developments in the Kingdom include the introduction of new data center pairs and bold plans to grow its team in a new MENA regional headquarters. Furthermore, the Now Platform has been enhanced with Arabic language support, an initiative that aims to enable Saudi enterprises and individuals to effortlessly adopt this technology.
But technology on its own isn’t enough. To truly power an intelligence-based economy, a skilled workforce is essential. ServiceNow is addressing this need in two key ways:
- The Garage Partnership: ServiceNow is working with “The Garage” to nurture tech startups and provide access to the Now Platform, alongside training and mentorship that will help fuel innovation.
- ServiceNow Academy: Through the RiseUp with ServiceNow initiative, a new ServiceNow Academy will launch in partnership with the Saudi Digital Academy. This first-of-its-kind venture will provide thousands of Saudi citizens with training and hands-on experience with the Now Platform, equipping them with in-demand digital skills that are critical for an AI-driven workplace.
“There’s no question that Saudi Arabia has ambitious goals,” Smith said. “ServiceNow believes wholeheartedly in the value of big dreams. We know the Kingdom can achieve true digital transformation, and we’re committed to helping them do so.”
Leading this transformation is a focus on generative AI, a branch of artificial intelligence capable of creating original text, images, code, and other content formats. The potential is staggering, and Smith foresees its value across diverse sectors.
“The adoption of GenAI is moving faster than anything I’ve seen. Enterprises see the potential and want to get involved quickly,” he said. Citing Gartner’s research, he highlighted a predicted $3 trillion investment in AI between 2023 and 2027, with GenAI making up one-third of this surge. While companies are experimenting, Smith believes they’ll ultimately seek strategic partners like ServiceNow, for long-term, scalable success.
The benefits are already apparent. Companies like CBRE (real estate), Coursera (education), global giants Deloitte and Siemens AG, and others are using ServiceNow’s GenAI-powered solutions for tasks ranging from enhanced customer support to more streamlined HR operations. The common thread, Smith said, is increased productivity and greater employee satisfaction.
“I see endless possibilities for GenAI across industries,” he said, “but some obvious areas where it can create disruption and positive outcomes are healthcare and pharmaceuticals, retail, and the oil and gas sector.” In drug development, for example, GenAI’s ability to process massive amounts of data has the potential to streamline clinical trials and speed up the delivery of life-changing medications.
This is not just theoretical; ServiceNow is seeing the benefits of GenAI firsthand. GenAI product offerings are seeing record-breaking sales, while internal pilots demonstrate productivity increases of 30-40 percent. Perhaps even more telling, developer teams are embracing GenAI’s ability to generate code from plain language, overcoming the dreaded “blank page” problem that can stifle innovation.
When asked about ServiceNow’s own growth trajectory, Smith pointed to two key factors that set the company apart:
- The power of the platform: “Our platform is unmatched. It gets our customers real, tangible results quickly, which in today’s world of hyper-focus on ROI is essential. When we make our customers more productive and help them see value, ServiceNow also grows.”
A winning culture: “We’ve built a culture that’s results-oriented but focused on our most critical asset — our people. Our attrition numbers are the lowest they’ve been, and we’re seeing a record number of applications. We invest in our team with the goal of making them successful, knowing that in turn, they’ll make our customers successful.”
Smith emphasized a combination of strategic vision and a strong execution model for success. He said: “At ServiceNow, we have the reach of a global enterprise but retain the nimbleness and adaptability of a startup. Add to that our culture and a world-changing platform, and I believe that’s what drives our sustained success.”