Nissan’s 2023 X-Trail big hit among Abu Dhabi car connoisseurs
Nissan’s 2023 X-Trail big hit among Abu Dhabi car connoisseurs/node/2298976/corporate-news
Nissan’s 2023 X-Trail big hit among Abu Dhabi car connoisseurs
The Nissan X-Trail incorporates changes in both the exterior and interior designs, including technology and safety features normally reserved for luxury vehicles.
Nissan’s 2023 X-Trail big hit among Abu Dhabi car connoisseurs
Updated 06 May 2023
Arab News
A sharp increase has been witnessed in sales of the latest edition of the Nissan X-TRAIL car model in the UAE.
Al-Masaood Automobiles, distributors for Nissan in Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain, and the western region, have reported first quarter sales already hitting 89 percent of total sales of the X-TRAIL model in 2022.
The new Nissan X-Trail incorporates major changes in both the exterior and interior designs and the inclusion of technology and safety features normally reserved for luxury vehicles.
Bachir Gemayel, sales and marketing director at Al-Masaood Automobiles, said: “Our customers cited the new bold look and the premium features of the all-new Nissan X-TRAIL, which weighed heavily on their consideration to purchase the model.
“As this model is geared toward families, our customers were also comforted with the new high-tech safety features of the vehicle.”
The model is popular among Asian expats in Abu Dhabi.
“As customer experience is a priority for us, and noting the increase in interest in the model, we ensured that the all-new Nissan X-TRAIL was readily available in our showrooms across Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain, and the western region,” said Gemayel.
“The news of its availability definitely contributed to the model’s success, especially as it responds to the pent-up demand for this popular Nissan model, in addition to our relentless drive to offer a quality car purchase and ownership journey,” he added.
The exterior of the new Nissan X-TRAIL is impressive and includes recognizable Nissan features like the V-motion grille and floating roof design while its bigger-opening rear door apertures, which open up to 85 degrees for easier rear access and egress, accentuate the SUV’s appeal
to families.
Meanwhile, Nappa leather-embellished seats with 3D diamond quilting, which is only offered on the top-of-the-line SL grade, highlight a premium upgrade to the interior.
The new Nissan X-TRAIL is powered by a brand-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine. Compared to its predecessor, it produces 181 horsepower and 244 Nm of torque for more confident overtaking and effortless acceleration.
With Nissan Safety Shield 360, a collection of active safety features from Nissan Intelligent Mobility that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and high beam assist, the SUV has become the safest X-TRAIL ever.
Test drives for the model are available across Al-Masaood Automobiles showrooms.
‘Party with Pepsi’: Pepsi unveils closing show for ROSHN Saudi League
Pepsi Becomes First Ever Brand to Take Center Stage at a Major Football Event in Saudi Arabia
Mystery DJs from MDLBEAST and superstar Fouad Abdulwahed to perform at the closing ceremony.
Updated 21 May 2024
Arab News
Pepsi will host the “Party With Pepsi” show, featuring the sensational singer Fouad Abdulwahed and a lineup of DJs, on May 23 at a major football closing ceremony in Saudi Arabia. This groundbreaking event marks the first time a brand will take center stage at a football event in the Kingdom. The unprecedented spectacle of light, sound, and celebration, in partnership with the ROSHN Saudi League, will not only showcase Pepsi’s bold new identity but also cement its position as a cultural vanguard, resonating with multiple generations through an electrifying musical journey from past to present.
The event will take place at the heart of Saudi cultural life, intertwining the excitement of football with the universal language of music, creating a platform where athletic passions and musical creativity collide. Through this event, Pepsi embodies a relentless quest for innovation and engagement, offering audiences not just a show but an experience that leaves them craving more. The motto “Thirsty for More” drives the event’s narrative, from the suspenseful reveal of mystery DJs blending iconic musical eras to a special performance by the superstar Fouad Abdulwahed, the finale promises continued innovation and excitement.
Pepsi has long stood as the sound of every generation, and “Thirsty for More” is more than just a brand slogan; it is a declaration of Pepsi’s commitment to pushing boundaries and pursuing excellence. By featuring a diverse lineup of artists who bridge the gap between generations, Pepsi demonstrates its unique ability to resonate with audiences both old and new. The show’s musical journey, meticulously curated by MDLBEAST, will transition from classic hits to contemporary anthems, illustrating Pepsi’s evolution while staying true to its roots.
Speaking about the campaign, Karim El-Fiqi, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at PepsiCo AMESA, said: “Recently, we launched our new identity and promised to keep delivering immersive and engaging experiences for our consumers. As part of the same, Pepsi will be the first brand to partner to create a never seen like before show at Roshn Saudi League. This event is a strategic move to solidify Pepsi’s standing as the premier brand that evolves with and supports the dynamic culture in Saudi Arabia. By aligning with the country’s burgeoning entertainment industry and rapidly expanding sports sector, Pepsi not only taps into the national zeitgeist but also sets the stage for future cultural engagements. This event is part of a broader strategy to embed the brand deeply into the cultural fabric of the markets it serves, making Pepsi synonymous with youthful energy and innovative experiences.”
Speaking about the collaboration, Ramadan Alharatani, chief executive of MDLBEAST, said: “This collaboration represents a powerful fusion of sports and music, igniting the passion of football enthusiasts through the universal language of music. With our meticulous curation of the musical journey, we aim to create an electrifying experience that resonates with multiple generations. Together with Pepsi, we are pushing boundaries, delivering innovation, and offering audiences an unforgettable experience that leaves them thirsty for more.”
Pepsi remains dedicated to supporting the growth and popularity of football in Saudi Arabia. Pepsi will not only deliver a spectacular finale but will also set a new standard for brand involvement in cultural events. This show will be a testament to Pepsi’s vision of staying at the forefront of cultural trends, delivering unmatched experiences that resonate across generations, and continuously inspiring audiences to remain “thirsty for more.”
Stay tuned as Pepsi continues to innovate and inspire. Follow @pepsi_Saudi for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and upcoming surprises. Join the conversation using #ThirstyForMore and share how Pepsi inspires you.
Two Saudi startups join climate action accelerator
Updated 19 May 2024
Arab News
Two Saudi startups are among the eight companies from the Middle East and North Africa region selected by PepsiCo, SABIC, AstroLabs and partners for their Mega Green Accelerator. The selected participants have all submitted an innovative solution focused on either advancing the circular economy, transitioning to clean energy, or mitigating climate change through technologies to improve water use and agricultural processes. Timed to coincide with this year’s GPCA Plastics Conference, themed “Innovating for Sustainable Growth,” the selected startups also presented to industry leaders who are accelerating the development of a circular economy in the region.
Eugene Willemsen, CEO, Africa, Middle East, and South Asia, PepsiCo and International Beverages
The Mega Green Accelerator will nurture the next generation of innovators as they develop solutions to address both regional and global sustainability challenges. For the next six months, the eight promising change-makers will receive funding, mentorship with industry experts, and market access to scale their innovative solutions. At the end of the program later this year, one winning company will be awarded $30,000 in funding to continue its expansion.
HIGHLIGHT
For the next six months, the eight promising change-makers will receive funding, mentorship with industry experts, and market access to scale their innovative solutions.
A total of 363 submissions were received from sustainable startups in the region during the applications phase. The eight shortlisted companies that will proceed in the program are:
•Mrüna, UAE: A consulting and distribution company dedicated to developing innovative urban solutions.
•The Surpluss, UAE: A climate technology startup that helps SMEs reduce their greenhouse gas emissions profitably through resource sharing via a digital sustainability exchange.
Startups can act as epicenters of innovation, and reshape, disrupt, and define our future.
Eugene Willemsen, CEO, Africa, Middle East, and South Asia, PepsiCo and International Beverages
•Mirai Solar, Saudi Arabia: A solar technology startup that specializes in expanding solar energy use beyond conventional applications, improving the energy use efficiency of food production and smart buildings for a sustainable future.
•Ahya Technologies, Saudi Arabia: A climate software and AI startup building a unified platform for scaling climate action across the Middle East North Africa and Pakistan.
•YY ReGen, Lebanon: The startup provides innovative solutions through the promotion of renewable energy, sustainable water management, and regenerative farming.
•Viridia Tech, Egypt: The startup offers a platform for crop analytics at scale for industrial agricultural companies, leading to significant improvements in yield, unit economics and sustainability metrics.
•P-VITA, Egypt: A biotechnology hub that specializes in producing natural raw materials for cosmetics, and food and beverage industries using AI and IoT technologies to reduce carbon footprint through automated processes.
•Kumulus, Tunisia: A water tech startup that turns air into fresh drinking water through innovative AWG machines — aiming to make drinking water more accessible, sustainable, and economical for hotels and businesses across MENA and Southern European regions.
“With solutions spanning agriculture, water, and the energy sectors, this is an opportunity for us to accelerate the development of practical climate technologies crucial to address the MENA region’s challenges and strengthen our position as a testbed for climate innovation globally. Startups can act as epicenters of innovation, and reshape, disrupt, and define our future. The Mega Green Accelerator provides the incentive to bolster this through cross-sector collaboration and nurture the region’s next generation of entrepreneurs by providing the needed mentorship, funding, and market access,” said Eugene Willemsen, CEO, Africa, Middle East, and South Asia, PepsiCo and CEO of International Beverages.
“Over 300 fast-growing sustainability companies from all over the MENA region have applied to the program, showcasing a healthy influx of sustainable solutions and rapid growth in the sector. The selection of these eight companies underscores their readiness for scale, marking a pivotal time in the sector’s development. The Mega Green Accelerator is setting the stage for a robust sustainability infrastructure, bridging the gap between these companies, and the resources necessary for them to thrive, scale, and translate their innovative solutions into regional impact,” said Roland Daher, CEO of AstroLabs.
Strategic investment partners like Dubai Future District Fund, Venture Souq and Shurooq Partners will provide platforms for investment opportunities, mentorship in raising capital, and networking opportunities throughout the term of the Mega Green Accelerator. Schneider Electric will support the Mega Green Accelerator as a prize partner alongside participating in the final selection of the winner.
Deputy Minister of Municipal Rural Affairs and Housing Talal bin Mohammed Al-Khunaini on May 14 inaugurated the second edition of the Saudi Real Estate Development and Ownership exhibition in Jeddah.
Held at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center, the four-day event explored promising opportunities in the real estate development sector, while offering a platform for exchanging expertise, transferring best practices and experiences among professionals in the field, and strengthening local and international partnerships. The exhibition brought together leading real estate developers, providing an opportunity for companies to showcase their real estate products to specialists and interested individuals in the sector, and to foster new partnerships.
The exhibition covered a variety of topics related to the sector through its diverse sessions, notably including discussions on real estate sector developments and analysis of modern market trends, the utilization of geospatial data and its impact on shaping new horizons in real estate, methods and strategies to professionalize real estate auctions, entrepreneurship and innovation in the real estate market, real estate funds, and negotiation techniques for real estate brokers.
These sessions featured the participation of officials, speakers, and specialists in the sector.
SEREDO 2024 witnessed the participation of several major real estate development companies, banks, and financial institutions. The event showcased the latest housing projects and financing offers for citizens, contributing to the development and sustainability of the real estate sector and enhancing housing diversity and financing solutions to support the goals of the housing program — one of the key initiatives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, aiming to achieve a 70 percent homeownership target.
DCAA spotlights air transport enablement at Airport Show 2024
Updated 19 May 2024
Arab News
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority highlighted its pivotal role in advancing the aviation industry in the emirate during the 23rd Airport Show. Under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman of DCAA, chairman of Dubai Airports, and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, the event saw participation from over 150 exhibitors from more than 20 countries worldwide.
One of the key achievements showcased was the significant growth in commercial activities in the aviation sector during the first quarter of 2024, totaling 11,990 activities, a 21 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. This growth has led to a surge in permit requests by 72 percent and permit renewals have grown by more than threefold.
Meanwhile, requests for landing permits for aircraft (private, passenger, and cargo) at Dubai International Airport and Al-Maktoum International Airport to operate all types of non-scheduled and designated flights (commercial and non-commercial) have also increased, reaching more than 4,000 permits in the first quarter of 2024. Building and elevation permits in air easement zones have increased significantly as the emirate’s construction industry has grown, reaching two and a half times the previous level.
Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, director general of DCAA, said: “The aviation industry of Dubai continues its sustainable growth thanks to the directives of our wise leadership represented by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE, ruler of Dubai.”
He added: “Our participation in the Airport Show underscores our significant achievements in industry development, illustrating our mission and role within this framework.”
The authority’s pavilion at the Airport Show attracted considerable attention from visitors and partners keen to understand its role in advancing Dubai’s aviation industry and its shift to fully digital, paperless services. This digital transformation simplifies customer access, enabling them to complete transactions anytime and anywhere via the authority’s website.
DCAA is dedicated to close collaboration with federal authorities, international, and regional bodies to enhance air transport relations and attract investment in Dubai’s aviation industry. It aims to maintain security and safety, and enhance infrastructure to solidify Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub.
SAB named ‘best bank’ in Saudi Arabia by Global Finance
Updated 19 May 2024
Arab News
Saudi Awwal Bank has been awarded the “Best Bank Award 2024 in Saudi Arabia” by Global Finance for the fifth time in a row. The award is a recognition of SAB’s innovative banking services and its efforts in serving its customers and enhancing their banking experiences.
The recognition came following a referendum in which a select panel of financial experts participated, considering a range of criteria that included asset growth, profitability, quality of customer service, strategic relationships, product innovation, and other relevant factors.
Tony Cripps, managing director and CEO at SAB, said: “Being honored with this prestigious award serves as a testament to our bank’s strategic vision and excellence across various departments and reinforces our commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in the Financial Sector Development Program. It highlights our position as a leading financial institution in contributing to economic development.”
He added: “Through our deep understanding of market needs, we develop products and services to exceed our customers’ expectations, enabling us to provide distinctive and innovative banking solutions, contributing to achieving their desires and helping them reach their ambitious goals.”
This year, SAB continues to strengthen its leading position in the banking sector through several achievements, including the “Accreditation in Innovation” award from the Global Innovation Institute, which makes it the first bank in the Kingdom to receive such recognition. SAB was also honored with the “Best Bank for Private Banking in the Kingdom” award by Euromoney magazine. These awards serve as a testament to the bank’s exceptional services, highlighting its strength and diversity in catering to the needs of its customers with efficiency and innovative solutions.
