Western Auto, the name well established for quality transport solution in the Kingdom, is a member of ETA Star conglomerate with its headquarters in Dubai. It is the exclusive distributor of the state of art ASHOK LEYLAND range of commercial vehicles in the Kingdom.
Ashok Leyland is the flagship brand of the Hinduja Group. One of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in India, Ashok Leyland has been moving people and goods for over six decades.
Ashok Leyland carries over 70 million passengers every day; close to 700,000 vehicles bearing the Ashok Leyland badge. The company has seven manufacturing units spread pan-India and installed capacity for 150,000 vehicles per annum. Ashok Leyland has overseas manufacturing facilities at Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) and Prague (Czech Republic) and a joint venture in Srilanka- Lanka Ashok Leyland (LAL). AVIA Ashok Leyland Motors (AALM), headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic represents the company’s European presence where the famous D- Series trucks are manufactured for the markets of Hungary, Ireland, Spain and Middle East. Ashok Leyland is also the only auto major in India to have been awarded the ISO/TS 16949 Corporate Certification.
In 2007, Western Auto was appointed the authorized importer and dealer of the Ashok Leyland buses and trucks in Saudi Arabia.
“Right from the very beginning Western Auto in the kingdom has been focusing on strategically placing the Ashok Leyland models in the market. The range, the pricing and the facility work hand in hand to establish the brand, helping well acceptance across the Kingdom” with world class showroom and service center.
Western Auto showrooms in Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh are supported by a strong team of professionals in workshops, Mobile Service Units, extensive service and spare parts facilities. Since 2007, it has been successful in meeting the growing demand for industrial transport solutions in cities like Jubail, Dammam, Khobar, Jeddah, Riyadh, Yanbu, Rabig and Ras Tanura.
“In a very short span Ashok Leyland has established itself as the primary choice for commercial transport not only at the construction sites but also in school, staff transportation segments, including rent a cars like Hanco, Best Rent A Car, Al Jazira Rent A Car, etc. Ashok Leyland Buses are well accepted in Kingdom for its quality and low maintenance operational cost.
Ashok Leyland buses are widely accepted and running successfully with all major Saudi Aramco Contractors, these buses are as per the specification of Saudi Aramco, Ministry of Transport and Health.
Supported by efficient technicians and well equipped workshop with spare parts, Ashok Leyland is commanding top-of-mind choice among customer.
For enhancing customer and cater their needs, Western Auto is expanding its service network with Modern workshop in Jubail and Yanbu, and opening biggest workshop in Riyadh to cater the growing demand of Central region
Western Auto, the quality transport solutions provider, views the tie-up with Ashok Leyland as an opportunity to provide Quality that is affordable too, supported by service and warranty — ASHOK LEYLAND, No.1 Choice for staff transport and present market leader in KSA,” says GM Sales — Western Auto.
Moving people for six decades
Moving people for six decades
Najran’s camels are embedded in local culture and traditions
- Several distinct camel breeds are found in the region
- Animals permeate Arab consciousness, says expert
RIYADH: In Najran, camels are not only a vital livestock resource but also a cornerstone of local identity and tradition.
According to Hadi Benyan Al-Amer, head of Najran’s Camel Association, the region has several distinct camel breeds.
Principal among them is the Awarik, an ancient Arabian lineage linked to territories where arak trees flourish, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
These light-colored, sparsely-haired camels possess remarkable resilience, and are prevalent across southern Arabia.
The Majahim are characterized by dark hues spanning black to brown, and excel in both milk yield and endurance.
The Asayil are prized for their sleek, lean physiques, and dominate in speed-based competitions.
Al-Amer said traditional water sources known as Odood, or traditional water wells and artesian wells, have sustained herders navigating the Empty Quarter’s grazing lands for generations.
These permanent water points, equipped with dedicated drinking basins for camels, showcase the animals’ extraordinary environmental resilience.
Among the principal wells accessible from Najran are Al-Minkhali, Abu Shadid, Hamra Nathil, Tamani, Umm Al-Wahat, and Khujaima.
Countless additional wells dot the Empty Quarter and adjacent territories, forming the backbone of camel owners’ far-reaching pastoral networks.
Dr. Hind bint Dawood Al-Shuqair of Najran University’s Arabic Language Department explained how camels have permeated Arab consciousness through legends and stories spanning thousands of years.
Representing endurance, power, and grace, they have become inseparable from Arab cultural identity.
Archaeological evidence at Al-Ukhdood, Mount Al-Tharwa and Hima, preserves through carvings and ancient artwork the deep bond between people and camels, Al-Shuqair said.
She drew attention to Saudi Arabia’s substantial investment in camel heritage, exemplified by proclaiming 2024 as the Year of the Camel.
This designation emphasizes their importance to national prosperity and cultural heritage while backing global initiatives to promote awareness of camels as valuable economic and cultural assets.
The Kingdom further demonstrates its commitment to protecting the animals through the annual King Abdulaziz Festival, the SPA reported.
