Brand building is a key factor in economic growth and development, said Fahd Al-Rasheed, group CEO and managing director of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).
He was speaking at the NEXT Forum, which brought together CEOs, local and international brand experts and thought leaders.
The NEXT Power Brands Festival, organized by Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (MISK), concluded recently with the NEXT Forum.
The festival was the first event to place branding at the center of a conversation around Saudi Arabia’s social-economic transformation.
“We are delighted to be a strategic partner of MISK and Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship (MBSC) in presenting his important thought leadership event," said Fahd Al-Rasheed, group CEO and managing director of KAEC.
“We are committed to supporting all initiatives that aim to increase the private sector’s competitiveness, reach and expansion in order to achieve the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030,” he added.
Among the business leaders who participated in the event were Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP; Mohammed Alshaya, CEO of the Alshaya Group; Fahd Al-Sukait of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs; and Khalid Al-Bayyari, CEO of Saudi Telecommunications Company (STC).
Teams of panelists discussed market realities, opportunities and challenges, and presented innovative ideas and impactful recommendations related to building and establishing brands.
Topics included the future of retail, consumers’ views, modern perspectives on branding, marketing in the 21st century, the branding of cities, the dynamics of modern economies, and brand building beyond borders.
A highlight of the festival was Prince Mohammed bin Salman College’s announcement of the NEXT Power Brands Index, which will track the Kingdom’s most valuable and impactful brands, based on the BrandZ methodology.
Mohanud Helal, secretary-general of the Economic Cities Authority, thanked KAEC and Prince Mohammed bin Salman Foundation for holding the event.
He said: “We at the Economic Cities Authority encourage initiatives like NEXT, which lend support to the Kingdom’s comprehensive development by empowering young Saudis by honing their marketing and business skills through bringing them together with international thought leaders and enabling them to them showcase their talents at exhibitions and events all over the world.”
Fahd Hamidaddin, secretary-general of the NEXT Festival, was equally upbeat. He said: “I could not be happier with the turnout and response of the who’s who of presidents, executives, and business people from around the world and their contribution to the Next Forum, which was an open, constructive discussion that covered many vital aspects of the reality and future of the Saudi market and the role of the private sector in its development.”
A key component of the festival was the NEXT Markathon, in which a group of national talents competed to develop solutions to marketing problems posed by major national brands, all in an atmosphere of learning that enriches the experience of the contenders and brings them closer to becoming leaders in the near future.
KAEC committed to supporting initiatives to promote private sector competitiveness
KAEC committed to supporting initiatives to promote private sector competitiveness
LuLu expands specialty coffee footprint in KSA with Sulalat
LuLu Group has signed a landmark MoU with Sulalat Coffee during the 5th edition of World of Coffee Dubai trade show. This exclusive retail partnership is designed to enhance the specialty coffee offerings across LuLu Hypermarkets in Saudi Arabia, meeting the growing demand for premium coffee experiences within the region.
The agreement was signed by Mohamed Haris, director, Saudi Arabia, LuLu Group, and Abdulelah Al-Murqi, marketing director, Sulalat Coffee. Through this collaboration, LuLu Group will provide a dedicated platform for Sulalat’s specialty-grade beans, which are globally sourced and roasted in Riyadh. This initiative ensures that world-class coffee quality, previously reserved for niche aficionados, is now readily accessible to coffee lovers throughout the Kingdom.
By partnering with Sulalat Coffee, LuLu Group is integrating artisanal expertise with large-scale retail excellence. Sulalat has been a pioneer in the specialty coffee movement in the region, and this partnership allows LuLu to showcase unique varieties and professional-grade roasting. The collaboration reflects a shared vision to celebrate the thriving local coffee culture and deliver an unparalleled selection of premium products to everyday consumers.
In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, this partnership reinforces LuLu Group’s commitment to empowering homegrown brands and fostering economic diversification within the Kingdom. By providing a global stage for local excellence at events like World of Coffee Dubai, LuLu continues to support the growth of a vibrant private sector and a sustainable retail ecosystem.
As the premier platform for the industry, World of Coffee Dubai 2026 highlights the rapid growth and innovation within the regional coffee scene. With the event attracting more than 17,000 visitors and hundreds of global exhibitors, it provides a vital stage for industry leaders to connect.
