Prince Mohammed bin Salman College (MBSC) of Business & Entrepreneurship, the first educational institution in Saudi Arabia dedicated to entrepreneurial development, hosted the Kingdom’s first-of-its-kind SME Forum. The event was held at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) with MBSC as the knowledge partner and was attended by entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The event was held as part of a strategic partnership with the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and attracted more than 400 participants from the health, education, technology, retail, real estate, consulting, and food and beverage industries among others.
Dedicated to building connections between SMEs, the event featured rotational networking, speed networking and mentor networking as well as digital networking, in which participants developed a one-minute video pitch to promote their business.
The forum was attended by Turki bin Abdul Majeed Al-Sulaimani, deputy governor of the authority, as well as by Bandar Arab, director of SMEs Center at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), and Walla Nahas, economic development consultant.
“The SME Forum 2017 is part of MBSC’s and KAEC’s shared commitment to supporting and embracing small and medium-sized companies in recognition of their key role in Saudi Vision 2030,” said Fahd Al-Rasheed, vice-chair of the board of trustees for MBSC, and group CEO and managing director of KAEC. “SME Forum 2017 redefines what forums are all about, making networking the primary goal and helping entrepreneurs and owners of SMEs get together, share experiences and build solid business relationships and partnerships.”
SMEs are a significant driver of economic growth, job creation and innovation and in many countries form more than 90 percent of all business operations.
KAEC is a key enabler for the SME sector and a major contributor to the successful outcome of Vision 2030.
KAEC currently has more than SR6 billion in projects under implementation, providing many opportunities for SMEs to participate in the growth of the city.
Officially inaugurated last year, MBSC is the first institution of higher education in Saudi Arabia to focus on developing entrepreneurial leadership skills for students entering government, businesses and civil society.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman College, KAEC partner to host SME Forum 2017
Prince Mohammed bin Salman College, KAEC partner to host SME Forum 2017
Kingdom Centre’s comprehensive upgrade nears completion
Chairwoman of the Board of Kingdom Centre Nada Alateegi announced that the final phase of the comprehensive upgrade and redevelopment works at the iconic Riyadh landmark has neared completion.
Kingdom Centre was never intended to be just a shopping destination or a business hub, Alateegi said, but rather a space to deliver exceptional experiences. The experience is now being elevated to a new level of luxury that seamlessly brings together refined hospitality, high-end retail, and world-class business environments.
She said that Kingdom Centre, inaugurated in 2001, commenced its modernization project in April 2023. The project is being implemented in partnership with a group of top-tier global designers and renowned contractors, and led by the Kingdom Centre management team, to ensure the highest standards of quality and precision.
The upgrades were carried out in accordance with the best safety practices, while maintaining uninterrupted operations and ensuring visitors’ comfort and safety are preserved throughout, Alateegi said. This approach reflects the vision and directives of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and has contributed to the center receiving several awards, including its recognition for “visionary design and development.”
She added that Kingdom Centre had installed the largest fully integrated digital screen on Kingdom Tower facades, operated exclusively in partnership with digital advertising and media solutions leader Rotana Signs. The screen serves as an international showcase reflecting Riyadh’s evolution and its growing global standing.
Kingdom Centre is also home to the Four Seasons Hotel, one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands, in addition to VOX Cinemas, purpose-designed to world-class specifications guided by the center’s management vision.
Moreover, Kingdom Centre introduced Al-Mamlaka Social Dining zone, which has become one of the region’s leading dining experiences and a model for other investors. Conceived by the center’s management to elevate the visitor experience, the Social Dining concept has been officially registered as the intellectual property of Kingdom Centre.
Kingdom Centre has also launched a mobile application and a dedicated visitor loyalty program offering a range of benefits. This initiative is part of the center’s digital transformation strategy and aims to strengthen long-term engagement with visitors.
Kingdom Centre’s management remains committed to setting a leading example for the sector, delivering innovative experiences that support Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions and align with Saudi Vision 2030, Alateegi added.
