A Saudi media delegation recently paid a visit to Hankook Tire’s new research and development center — Hankook Technodome — in Daejeon, South Korea.
They were invited by Hankook Tire and Bin Shihon Group, the exclusive distributor for Hankook Tire in Saudi Arabia.
A press conference was held at Hankook Technodome, where Hankook senior officials gave a briefing regarding the company’s latest tire production technologies and strategic globalization. The vice presidents of global marketing strategy division of Hankook tire and research and development planning department made a presentation about research and development investment and Mideast sales marketing strategy.
Marwan bin Shihon, vice president of Bin Shihon Group, said: “The long-lasting and beneficial cooperation between us and Hankook Tire and the strategic partnership has been confirmed through this visit of the Saudi media delegation. The visit is an occasion for the Saudi media and press to emphasize the importance of this relationship. Visiting Technodome is very important for us as it would reflect positively on our business and clients in Saudi Arabia.”
Seung Hwa Suh, vice chairman and CEO of Hankook Tire, said: “Hankook Tire and Bin-Shihon Group is beyond partnership, we are a family now. We believe this visit will help in portraying our global leadership in Saudi Arabia.”
The company said Hankook Technodome represents its commitment in research and development innovation, and will act as a core instrument of the company’s global research and development infrastructure. At the high-tech facility providing optimized research environment, Hankook Tire plans to focus on securing original technology for the future of Hankook Tire’s mid-long-term research and development plans, and to lead the latest tire technology. The new research and development center will also play a pivotal role in implementing Hankook Tire’s proactive corporate culture by innovating the working process, and continuously strengthening the company’s research and development capability.
At the Hankook Technodome, Hankook Tire will showcase future technology integrating eco-friendly material, new material development, and simulation technology as well as networking technology.
“Hankook Technodome is equipped with the high-tech facilities and the optimal work environment to strengthen our global competitiveness through innovation, while actively dealing with rapid changes in the business environment and delivering products optimized for various customers’ needs,” the company said in a statement.
Saudi media delegation tours Hankook Tire’s research and development center in South Korea
Saudi media delegation tours Hankook Tire’s research and development center in South Korea
Saudi Awwal Bank becomes first Middle East bank to earn 7-star CinOrg innovation accreditation
Saudi Awwal Bank has become the first bank in the Middle East to receive a 7‑star Certified Innovative Organization rating from the Global Innovation Institute, the highest recognition awarded by the institute.
The accreditation marks a significant step in SAB’s innovation strategy and follows an innovation maturity assessment conducted by the institute in December 2025. The review, which built on an earlier assessment in December 2023, raised the bank’s maturity level from “Champion” to “Leader.” The new rating reflects SAB’s institutionalized approach to innovation, its enterprise-wide impact and its ability to consistently deliver measurable results.
With the 7‑star rating, SAB becomes the first bank in the region to reach the highest innovation maturity level, strengthening its position as a regional reference point for innovation-led and future-ready banking.
In 2025, the bank opened its flagship Innovation Centre and secured six internationally recognized innovation awards, along with a lab accreditation. The centre has supported SAB’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, encourage cross-functional collaboration and reinforce its standing as a regional leader in financial innovation.
Saeed Assiri, chief innovation banking officer at SAB, said the recognition reflects years of focused work to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem.
“By investing in SAB’s culture, governance and talent, innovation enables the bank to remain future-ready,” he said. “This milestone reinforces our role in accelerating financial innovation in Saudi Arabia and delivering long-term value for our customers.”
The certification adds to SAB’s broader efforts to strengthen its innovation capabilities as the Kingdom’s banking sector continues to evolve.
