One of Nice’s oldest and historic hotels is displaying a car artistically designed by a Saudi artist in its main lobby alongside artwork by some of the greatest artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.
Le Negresco is exhibiting the car, which has been transformed by Shalimar Sharbatly into a work of art, in cooperation with design agency ED Design. The hotel surrounded the car with a protective fence, placing sculptors from the 18th century in all corners.
Sharbatly said she is happy, especially because it came at a time when Europe is facing terrorist attacks and increased violence. She said the hotel was keen on hosting the car throughout the summer season. The Saudi artist added that moving the car from Italy, where ED Design is located, to France was difficult, and was done using machinery.
Historic French hotel displays Saudi artist’s car art
Historic French hotel displays Saudi artist’s car art
Social Development Bank launches entrepreneurship forum ‘DeveGo 2025’ in Riyadh
The Social Development Bank has launched the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum, known as DeveGo 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The event runs from Dec. 21 to 23, under the patronage of Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of SDB’s Board of Directors Ahmed bin Sulaiman Alrajhi. This landmark forum positions itself as the region’s leading platform for entrepreneurship, innovation, and setting the latest trends in modern work practices, bringing together local and international entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Don’t start from zero… start from DeveGo.”
DeveGo 2025 serves as a comprehensive national platform showcasing the latest trends in entrepreneurship through a range of diverse panel discussions, workshops, and other initiatives. The forum brings together an elite group of local and international entrepreneurs, investors, experts, government leaders, as well as prominent global figures in innovation and entrepreneurship, including Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, futurist Ian Khan, and Jonathan Greechan, CEO of the Founder Institute, among other experts, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. Their participation reinforces the forum’s international focus and enriches its agenda by enabling the sharing of the latest knowledge and experiences from diverse global markets.
DeveGo 2025 will witness the launch of a package of supportive programs and initiatives, including new financial products specifically designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and startups, in addition to the signing of strategic agreements and partnerships aimed at stimulating entrepreneurial ventures, creating opportunities, and empowering the most promising projects — all while opening new pathways for growth. The forum will also host the “NEXT UP Challenge,” which will enable 20 startups to showcase their innovative projects and solutions before a panel of experts and specialists, while offering entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with more than 50 local investors during the third day of the forum.
In addition, the forum will host the “DeveGo Handicrafts Competition,” which celebrates high-quality small enterprises that have evolved into impactful success stories with clear economic and social impact.
The “Salam Award for Promising Projects” will be given in collaboration with Saudi Telecom Integrated Company, or Salam, to encourage entrepreneurs and startup owners to present their projects in a smart and simplified manner, on social media platforms.
Furthermore, DeveGo 2025 offers participants and visitors a comprehensive, interactive, and knowledge-driven experience designed to enhance awareness of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as financial and non-financial programs. This will include training and consultancy services to support growth across three main tracks: the “Inspiration Zone,” focusing on modern technologies and the creative economy; the “Growth Zone,” dedicated to modern business models, flexible work, franchising, and business development; and the “Entrepreneurship Zone,” which highlights future economic trends, venture capital, and sustainability.
The forum is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors over three days, who will benefit from specialized workshops and advisory sessions delivered by more than 50 consultants and experts, providing an integrated experience in business development, guidance, and innovation.
