Saudi Arabia’s national carrier nasair is gearing up to exhibit at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2013. The carrier will have a dedicated stand showcasing its services, fares and latest offers.
ATM is taking place at Dubai International Exhibition and Conference Center.
“This is the fifth consecutive year for nasair to be part of this respected trade fair and we are extremely excited to reconnect with industry partners. ATM provides the ideal international aviation platform to discuss our new focus on Dubai and share our key announcements,” nasair’s CEO Captain Francois Bouteiller said.
The carrier has shown continuous growth over the past year since it last attended ATM.
Since its launch in February 2007, nasair has provided competitively priced travel to more than 11 million passengers on both domestic and international routes and is currently operating 950 flights per week.
Captain Francois added: “Nasair has remained a pioneer in the Saudi industry with more than 88 routes now flying in and out of Saudi Arabia.”
He said: “Our growth over the past year reflects the increase in demand for safe and affordable travel. With our upcoming involvement at the new Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai’s second airport, we look forward to strengthening ties with Dubai in order to provide even better services to our customers.”
The CEO said: “As one of the leading airlines in the MENA, we are extremely excited to be the first airline to launch passenger services from the DWC on Oct. 28.”
According to Business Monitor International (BMI), the number of tourists heading to the Kingdom is expected to reach 15.8 million by 2014.
Earlier this year, nasair also celebrated a historical milestone by reaching over one million fans on its Facebook page.
Nasair highlights its fresh focus on Dubai
Nasair highlights its fresh focus on Dubai
AviLease delivers four A321neo aircraft to Frontier Airlines
AviLease, the rising global aircraft lessor wholly owned by PIF, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has successfully delivered four Airbus A321neo aircraft on lease to Colorado-based low-cost operator Frontier Airlines. These are the first of six next-generation aircraft that will be delivered in 2024.
The Airbus A321neo is one of the most fuel-efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced narrow-body aircraft in the market. These deliveries have set the tempo for AviLease, which is seeking to build a diverse portfolio of the most advanced, latest-generation narrow- and wide-body aircraft available, and an ever-increasing client portfolio.
Edward O’Byrne, chief executive officer, AviLease, said: “We are thrilled to deliver the first four of six new A321neo aircraft to Frontier Airlines. Our partnership with Frontier continues to strengthen and we are proud to support their fleet modernization with the A321neo, one of the most in-demand aircraft in the world. We wish the Frontier team continued success with their commitment to provide affordable and reliable air travel.”
AviLease fulfills PIF’s mandate to unlock the capabilities of priority sectors that can support the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy and contribute to non-oil GDP growth. In addition, the company supports a thriving aviation sector and drives financial sustainability within the aviation ecosystem, in line with Vision 2030. AviLease will continue to provide local economic opportunities and create direct and indirect jobs for the Saudi community in the aviation and financial sectors.
The latest delivery reaffirms the rapid global expansion of AviLease, which has a mandate to supply sustainable, efficient leasing and financing services to airlines across the world and is already playing a major role in the expansion of the Kingdom’s aviation ecosystem.
Kerten Hospitality doubles Q1 growth on back of Saudi expansion
Kerten Hospitality, a global leader in bespoke hospitality and integrated living solutions, has announced it has doubled year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2024. The hospitality company now boasts more than 57 projects across key global markets, including Rome, South of France, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
In a strategic display of its expanding portfolio, Kerten Hospitality participated prominently at the Future Hospitality Summit held in Riyadh, featuring a booth that highlighted several of Kerten Hospitality’s hotels in Saudi Arabia, and showcased the brand’s synergy with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and Aseer Investment Company.
The House Urban Eco Resort in Riyadh city center, a standout project highlighted by Kerten Hospitality in partnership with developers RIKAZ and RAFAL and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, garnered significant attention. The resort is poised to redefine urban eco-living. It seamlessly integrates leisure, wellness, and business within a sustainable and luxurious environment, showcasing a new standard in urban development.
The summit also served as a platform to highlight Kerten Hospitality’s strategic partnerships, notably with Aseer Investment Company, aiming to unlock substantial opportunities in the Aseer region’s hospitality and heritage sectors.
Moreover, Kerten Hospitality and Baheej Tourism Development Company announced their partnership, facilitated by ASFAR, poised to elevate integrated living in Yanbu’s waterfront. The agreement, which was signed at the summit in Riyadh, will see Kerten Hospitality managing Baheej’s hotel in Yanbu under the premium Cloud 7 brand, an innovative hotel and residence lifestyle brand known for its vibrant designs, dynamic check-in lobbies, healthy food options, a beach club, and curated retail boutiques.
“Kerten Hospitality is set on a trajectory of innovation and growth. Our significant expansion in the first quarter is not just about scale, but also about deepening our engagement with local cultures and communities,” said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality. “Each project is a reflection of our commitment to creating spaces where bespoke meets local.”
Notably, the FHS booth featured a recreation of the Dar Tantora The House Hotel, an emblem of AlUla’s cultural heritage, and displayed classic cars at the entrance, symbolizing the unique character of the hotel. The 30-key hotel was restored using the same ancient materials and architectural techniques as the traditional mud brick buildings of the area.
At the forefront of Kerten Hospitality’s Saudi expansion is “The Collective by Kerten Hospitality,” an initiative designed to group a network of 23 culturally rooted, yet innovative hospitality ventures. This initiative not only emphasizes the aesthetic appeal of its properties but also focuses on the strategic alignment of business goals with local cultural values, which has proven essential for the sustainable growth of the global portfolio.
Kerten Hospitality’s Nakhati brand, a culinary initiative, was also featured at the summit. Kerten Hospitality has announced an ambitious plan to empower 50 Saudi female entrepreneurs through strategic partnerships to provide the opportunity for a single-family office to franchise 30 kiosks and 20 carts.
Nakhati also announced a unique collaboration with giga-project Diriyah Gate, where it will produce an exclusive Diriyah flavor available at Bujairi Terrace, to celebrate the region’s rich heritage and flavors.
This quarter also marked the initiation of a significant partnership with Kayali, a perfume brand led by entrepreneur Mona Kattan.
SaudiFood Manufacturing looks to the future of F&B innovation
Majed Al-Argoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, or Modon, launched the inaugural SaudiFood Manufacturing show, which ran from April 30-May 2 at ROSHN Front.
Al-Argoubi toured the exhibition’s aisles, visiting the stands of many national and international companies, as well as countries. More than 500 global players from 35 countries participated in the exhibition, from across the processing, packaging and ingredients sectors.
Opening the Food Forward Summit, Al-Argoubi stressed the importance of the event for showcasing the economic transformation of the Kingdom and advancing the industrial base to realize Saudi Vision 2030. Bringing together manufacturers and industry, SaudiFood Manufacturing is enforcing global partnerships and solidifying the Kingdom’s vision to be the perfect destination for industry, he said.
“The industrial sector is going to increase both the GDP and abilities of youth in the Kingdom. We are making impressive growth through Saudi Vision 2030, and Made in Saudi is remarkable for expanding cities across the country and achieving our goals,” Al-Argoubi added.
The Modon CEO’s speech was followed on stage by leading food futurist Tony Hunter of Future of Food Consulting, speaking for the first time ever in Saudi Arabia. He outlined the technologies advancing the personalization of food and showcased the tools increasing access to nutritious food. “SaudiFood Manufacturing is looking into the future, optimizing and maximizing the opportunities based on new technologies. There is a will to make things happen in the Kingdom with a vision for the future and everyone is pushing in the same direction to make Saudi Arabia one of the hubs for food manufacturing in the region,” said Hunter.
The first day of SaudiFood Manufacturing also saw the winners of the inaugural SaudiFood Manufacturing Awards announced. Aimed at recognizing innovative products and technologies that enhance productivity, offer greater convenience, and promote sustainability within the F&B manufacturing sector, the awards were organized in three categories. Brenntag won the Best Ingredients Innovation Award for its plant-based Greek-style cheese alternative, while Multivac scooped the Best Packaging Innovation Award for its TX series and smart services. DC Norris and Co. came out top in the Best Processing Innovation category for the DCN Jet Cook, which uses advanced steam technology for sustainable food production.
SaudiFood Manufacturing is affiliated with leading trade event Gulfood Manufacturing.
Saudi sustainability champion: stc commits to net-zero by 2060
stc Group, the region’s leading digital enabler, has reinforced its position as a leader in sustainability by joining the inaugural edition of the “Saudi Sustainability Champions” program, launched by the Ministry of Economy and Planning at the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development in Riyadh.
The program is a knowledge transfer and partnership initiative that has identified the top performing Saudi companies in corporate sustainability. stc Group has joined 23 other champions that have been shortlisted from seven sectors, reflecting the continuous efforts by stc Group to focus on sustainability within its operations.
At the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Olayan Al-Wetaid, CEO of stc Group, signed a pledge that commits the group to become net-zero by 2060 or earlier, supporting three or more companies in their sustainability transformation, and improving sustainability performance and reporting across the group.
stc Group has committed to integrating sustainability in all its operations by adopting new technologies and solutions that help reduce its environmental footprint and boost operational efficiency. By adopting these policies, stc Group will be able to achieve its corporate objectives, support national and global sustainable development goals, and contribute to Vision 2030.
The group utilizes state-of-the-art technologies and solutions to bolster the principles of sustainability and provide a healthier environment for next generations. In 2023, it won Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders Award in recognition of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices.
Leva Hotels debuts in Riyadh with five-star property
UAE-headquartered hospitality brand Leva Hotels, in collaboration with their local partners Siraj Holdings, is celebrating a significant milestone with the signing of its newest property, a luxe five-star hotel boasting 134 keys, nestled in the bustling heart of Riyadh’s Al-Olaya District.
In an exclusive partnership with Princess Dr. Nouf Mohammed Fahad Al-Saud — president of Dhaliliyah Group, Leva Hotels is embarking on a journey to set a benchmark for excellence in Riyadh’s vibrant hospitality landscape. This move signifies Leva Hotels’ evolution from a provider of four-star experiences to a brand offering luxury hospitality.
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is undergoing a transformative phase driven by Vision 2030 — the national economic diversification plan. With 150 million tourists expected by 2030 as stated by global real estate consultancy Knight Frank, the new hotel is strategically positioned to contribute to the Kingdom’s tourism growth trajectory, with a projected 320,000 rooms envisioned as part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious tourism infrastructure development plans.
Leva Hotel Riyadh will present guests with breathtaking city vistas and a wealth of amenities, including an indoor pool, a meticulously appointed gym, two culinary destinations, and versatile event spaces comprising five meeting rooms and two grand ballrooms.
Conveniently positioned within close proximity to iconic landmarks such as the Al-Faisaliah Tower and the revered King Khalid Grand Mosque, the property ensures effortless accessibility to key destinations. With King Khalid International Airport a mere 31 km away, guests can anticipate seamless travel experiences, whether for business or leisure pursuits.
“We are delighted to unveil the debut of our premier five-star property in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in our journey,” said J.S. Anand, founder and CEO of Leva Hotels. “Our partnership with Princess Nouf marks the culmination of meticulous planning and unwavering dedication to excellence in hospitality. Leva Hotel Riyadh stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to elevating guest experiences and setting new industry standards.”
For business travelers seeking luxury and convenience, the hotel located in Al-Olaya, Riyadh’s main commercial area, is an ideal choice. Its proximity to key business centers and government offices makes it perfect for professionals visiting Riyadh. Additionally, culinary enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of international flavors and healthy dishes right at the hotel.
In a statement, Princess Nouf said: “The launch of Leva Hotel Riyadh signifies a new era of luxury hospitality in Saudi Arabia. I am confident that together, we will set new standards of excellence in the hospitality industry.”
The opening of Leva Hotel Riyadh marks a significant step forward for the brand, strengthening its footprint in Saudi Arabia alongside its two four-star hotels in Jeddah. Since its establishment in 2019, Leva has flourished to encompass 10 hotels and more than 550 keys throughout the MENA region. This expansion aligns with Leva Hotels’ strategic vision to redefine hospitality experiences and create lasting memories for guests across the globe.
