The Philippines’ largest carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB), has announced a special promo exclusively for its customers in the Middle East.
Through March 15, all passengers originating from Doha, Dubai, Kuwait and Riyadh traveling to Manila with pre-purchased baggage allowance of 40 kg will be receiving additional 25 kg baggage allowance, free of charge. The extra baggage allowance will be given upon check-in of the guest at the airport.
For those guests with connecting flights to other domestic destinations, the additional 25 kg will be carried over up to their next flight, given that their flight itineraries were booked under one reference number only. This promotion is not valid on return flights from the Philippines to the Middle East and on bookings with Cebgo connecting flights.
“With the launch of this special promotion, CEB opens up more opportunities for its travelers across the Middle East region, most especially the Filipinos, to maximize their trip to the Philippines by allowing them to bring more items for their families and friends back home. Not only is CEB able to continuously make travel accessible and affordable to everyone through our trademark low fares, but now it is providing another avenue for them to get the best out of their travel,” Atty. JR Mantaring, CEB vice president for corporate affairs.
CEB currently offers flights to a total of 37 domestic and 29 international destinations, operating an extensive network across Asia, Australia, USA, and the Middle East. Its 58-strong fleet is comprised of four Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320, seven Airbus A330, eight ATR 72-500, and three ATR 72-600 aircraft. Between 2017 and 2021, CEB expects delivery of one more Airbus A330, 32 Airbus A321neo, and 13 ATR 72-600 aircraft.
For bookings and inquiries, guests can contact Cebu Pacific’s general sales agency in their area. Guests may also visit www.cebupacificair.com for latest promotions. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages.
Guests may also download the Cebu Pacific official mobile app on the App Store and Google Play.
Cebu Pacific’s special offer for Middle East passengers
Cebu Pacific’s special offer for Middle East passengers
Saudi Awwal Bank named ‘Best Bank for ESG’ for second year in a row
Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in the Kingdom, received Euromoney’s “Best Bank for ESG” award for the second consecutive year. The award recognizes SAB’s approach to sustainability and reporting.
The recognition comes as part of SAB’s efforts to align with market best practices whilst being a key contributor toward shaping corporate sustainability discussions in the Kingdom.
Tony Cripps, managing director and CEO at SAB, said: “We are proud to have received this award. This is a recognition of our efforts to embed ESG principles across our operations and decision-making processes.”
He added: “It is a testament to our commitment to sustainable banking and our desire to create long-term value for our stakeholders.”
SAB’s continuous improvement and high-performance standards have been recognized with other awards such as the “Best Bank in Saudi Arabia” and “Best Trade Finance Provider in Saudi Arabia” awards by Global Finance.
The bank was also honored with the Euromoney magazine’s “Best Bank for Private Banking in the Kingdom” award. These awards signify SAB’s exceptional services, highlighting its strength in catering to the Kingdom’s evolving business landscape with utmost efficiency and innovative solutions.
MYNM’s Defender partners with Hero Balloon Flights in AlUla
Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Co., the official distributor of Jaguar Land Rover products in Saudi Arabia, has signed a landmark partnership with Hero Balloon Flights, a subsidiary of Hero Experiences Group, the Kingdom’s first commercial hot air balloon operator, and the exclusive hot air balloon experience provider in AlUla. This collaboration is designed to enhance the guest experience in AlUla, one of the most enchanting and historic regions in Saudi Arabia.
AlUla, known for its rich history and stunning landscapes, now hosts an innovative experience that fuses tradition with modernity. This partnership will see the iconic Defender, renowned for its adventurous spirit and heritage, integrated into Hero Balloon Flights’ offerings. Guests will be transported in luxurious Defenders to enjoy breathtaking hot air balloon journeys over AlUla’s majestic canyons and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Hegra archaeological site.
Rhett Maxwell, managing director, MYNM Co. (Jaguar Land Rover), said: “The Defender, much like AlUla, is steeped in heritage, designed for adventure and embodies a legacy of endurance and exploration. Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Co. is pleased to showcase the Defender’s capabilities in a setting that resonates with Jaguar Land Rover, with a shared heritage and a commitment to exceptional experiences. We are thrilled to offer guests of AlUla an unparalleled experience that combines the thrill of exploration with the utmost luxury and comfort of the Defender.”
Adam McEwan, co-founder and chief executive of Hero Experiences Group, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “The addition of the Defender to our fleet in AlUla rounds off the experience with that touch of luxury we are known for. The three key elements in this venture — AlUla, Defender, and Hero Experiences Group — are all passionate about adventure, culture, and heritage. That makes this the ideal partnership in an ideal location, giving us the opportunity to truly showcase what makes AlUla so special, enhanced by unique experiences in beautiful vehicles. We are extremely excited to partner with Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Co. in this venture. We see this to be a long-term and fruitful relationship that will take the opportunities to discover AlUla to new heights, quite literally.”
The collaboration is more than a partnership; it is a celebration of the shared values of adventure and heritage. The Defender complements AlUla’s awe-inspiring beauty, offering a harmonious blend of the past and the present.
Together, MYNM Co. and Hero Balloon Flights are committed to providing visitors with a truly memorable and unique experience that honors the spirit of exploration as well as the rich cultural tapestry of AlUla.
New Murabba opens partnership doors for Mukaab
The New Murabba Development Company, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is inviting the world’s leading contractors to take part in bringing its groundbreaking Mukaab to reality. An icon and cornerstone of Riyadh’s New Murabba mixed-use development, the Mukaab will feature the latest immersive technologies and will be one of the largest built structures in the world.
The year 2024 is primed to be a year of major progress for this landmark, with the excavation of nearly 5 million cubic meters of material, the award of the permanent piling works slated to commence in Q2 2024, and the tendering of the raft foundation and main works packages later this year — each marking a significant milestone in the destination’s progression.
“As part of its mission to deliver the Mukaab, New Murabba Development Company seeks to partner with contractors who uphold the highest standards of excellence, safety, worker welfare, sustainability, and innovation in all aspects of delivery,” a statement said.
“Applying contractors should share New Murabba’s bold vision, and be qualified to apply advanced approaches and methodologies that will ensure the development’s success and breathe life into the architectural marvel that the Mukaab represents.”
This invitation extends to globally recognized contractors specialized in large-scale construction developments that cover the full spectrum of the project delivery lifecycle, from the enabling work stage through to the construction and handover stages.
Additionally, New Murabba Development Company is seeking the interest of leading international, regional, and Saudi-based contractors specialized in long-span structural steel works, large-scale design-build façade developments, expansive public realm constructions, critical infrastructure, and pioneering technology developments.
Contractors interested in contributing to the delivery of this innovative destination, which symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to innovation, are encouraged to visit the New Murabba Development Company website for more information.
“By partnering with New Murabba Development Company, contractors will have an outstanding opportunity to contribute to a development that is set to become an international symbol of architectural and construction excellence,” the statement said. “Partnering with New Murabba Development Company to bring the Mukaab to life will involve taking part in a legacy that will stand the test of time and inspire the Kingdom’s future generations,” it added.
Once completed, the Mukaab will be one of the largest built structures in the world, measuring 400 meters in height, width, and length.
Saudi Insurance & Financial Academy hold training course for journalists
Saudi Insurance, through its Media and Insurance Awareness Sub-Committee, and in collaboration with the Financial Academy, conducted a comprehensive training course titled “Insurance Industry for Media Community.” Held on May 26-27 at the Financial Academy’s head office in King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh, the training course targeted journalists, reporters, editors, TV and radio presenters, and media professionals interested in covering the Saudi insurance market news.
The training course, led by Adel Al-Eisa, head of the Media and Insurance Awareness Sub-Committee, covered a number of essential topics. These included the definition and types of risks, the importance of insurance, different types of insurance products, governance in insurance and fraud prevention, and the roles of regulatory bodies in the Saudi insurance industry, including the Insurance Authority.
Al-Eisa said: “The media plays a crucial role in educating the public about the importance and benefits of insurance. Our goal with these training courses is to equip media professionals with the knowledge they need to accurately and effectively communicate the intricacies of the insurance industry to their audiences.”
Chief of Capabilities Development at the Financial Academy Mohammed Alhamazany, expressed the academy’s pride in participating in this initiative for the sixth year in a row.
“Enhancing understanding of insurance among media professionals is vital to enhancing transparency and trust in this key sector,” he said.
Alhamazany added: “The ‘Insurance Industry for Media Community’ training course forms part of a broader effort that began five years ago, as the Media and Insurance Awareness Sub-Committee organized several training courses within the framework of the program in different cities in Saudi Arabia to ensure widespread participation.”
He said that the Financial Academy is also working on building partnerships with local and international institutions to enhance the exchange of knowledge and expertise, ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and professionalism in the financial sector.
“The next training course is scheduled to be held soon in another region of the Kingdom, continuing the mission of educating and enhancing knowledge of the media community, thus enhancing the overall quality and accuracy of news coverage related to the Saudi insurance sector,” Alhamazany added.
Oppo teams up with football star Kaká for 2024 UEFA Champions League Final
To celebrate this year’s UEFA Champions League Final and its second year as the official global partner of the prestigious football competition, Oppo announced that it will be bringing its latest flagship Oppo Find X7 Ultra to Wembley Stadium. The phone will be used by official UEFA Champions League photographers to capture inspirational moments on and off the pitch and share them with fans around the world.
“With Oppo smartphones, the non-stop excitement of football — whether captured through telephoto photography, portraits, or night scenes — becomes more than just a memory, but a collection of unforgettable moments to be shared with friends and family for years to come,” the company said.
As part of the celebrations, Oppo global brand ambassador Kaká once again plays a starring role in the brand’s “What A Shot” campaign and will meet with fans at the exclusive Oppo Hospitality Lounge in the Champions Village.
Oppo will activate the Oppo Booth at Potters Field Park as part of the UEFA Champions Festival to create an unforgettable match-day experience for fans during the final.
“It’s been an honor to partner with Oppo and engage with fans through a whole series of offline and digital activities during the past two Champions League seasons,” said Kaká. “I’m super excited for this year’s final and I can’t wait to see who will be crowned champions of Europe this year.”
Earlier this month, Oppo rolled out the “What A Shot From You” social media campaign as part of the #OppoimagineIF Photography Awards, encouraging users around the world to share their most memorable moments through captivating photography. The campaign will also see selected photos taken to the big screen via the LED display inside Wembley Stadium during the UEFA Champions League Final.
Alongside the social media campaign, Oppo has invited Kaká to review and score the best shots in his football career and star in a new themed video “What A Shot.”
