Jeep has been recognized as a 2018 “Cult Brand” honoree at the annual The Gathering (Society of Cult Brands). Jeep is the first and only automotive brand to be recognized by the association.
Eight brands and their leaders were honored at The Gathering in Banff, Alberta for their outstanding courage and unconventional thinking in achieving “enviable brand engagement” and reaping the benefits of “cult-like status.”
“Having the Jeep brand acknowledged as a Cult Brand honoree is a testament to the people, who since 1941, have dedicated themselves to building the world’s most capable SUVs, whose off-road capability is second to none,” said Mike Manley, head of Jeep brand — FCA.
“The global Jeep community is like no other. There is no other automotive brand that is so instantly recognizable and woven into the history of its home nation yet recognized around the world, and one that is protected with such a passion by its owners, fans and followers.”
Founded in 2013, The Gathering focuses on honoring the principles and practices employed by the world’s most successful brands, which have come to dominate their industries or categories by winning the irrational loyalty and devotion of customers and fans the world over.
“Other automotive brands have been nominated over the years, but it’s so fitting that Jeep is the first Cult Brand honoree,” said Chris Kneeland, co-founder of The Gathering and chair of the brand selection committee. “It’s an iconic brand with vehicles that stand apart from any other in the automotive category. Their marketing, product innovation and customer engagement are best-of-breed and represent exactly how cult brands foster internal and external brand engagement.”
The latest addition to the Jeep range in the Middle East, and available in showrooms across the region from April this year, is the Jeep Compass.
The new compact SUV claims to offer an unmatched combination of attributes, including — best-in-class 4x4 off-road capability, contemporary and authentic Jeep design, excellent on-road driving dynamics, open-air freedom, great interior and cargo space plus a full array of advanced user-friendly connectivity and safety technologies.
United Motors Co. is the official distributor of Jeep in Saudi Arabia.
Jeep becomes first automotive brand to receive ‘Cult Brand’ honor
Jeep becomes first automotive brand to receive ‘Cult Brand’ honor
25,000 attend Social Development Bank’s DeveGO25 forum
The Social Development Bank concluded the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum — DeveGo 2025 — announcing the achievement of high-impact outcomes that further reinforced the forum’s position as the largest national platform in the region dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovation, and freelance work in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
The forum witnessed broad participation from local and international experts, investors, entrepreneurs, and representatives of local, regional, and international institutions.
Over three days at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, the forum drew 25,000 participants and visitors, who benefited from over 45 specialized workshops and over 2500 advisory sessions delivered by more than 70 consultants and experts.
The sessions covered key areas including entrepreneurial planning, business models, venture capital, digital platforms, freelancing, and emerging technologies.
The forum also featured 20 panel discussions with leading local and international speakers, addressing major global trends in entrepreneurship, including the future of artificial intelligence, the creative economy, digital transformation, and venture investment.
The forum saw the launch of the Saudi Empretec Fellowship, in the presence of Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
The partners in success within the Social Responsibility Portfolio supporting entrepreneurs were honored.
It also saw the honoring of 13 winners of the Handicrafts Competition, representing various regions of the Kingdom, the announcement of winners of the Salam Award for Promising Projects, and the recognition of leading entrepreneurial projects fund under the Enterprises Track.
In addition, the NEXT UP Challenge concluded on the third day of the forum with 20 startups presenting their projects to more than 500 investors, enhancing opportunities for networking and partnership building.
As part of efforts to strengthen the support ecosystem, the forum witnessed the signing of 51 agreements, along with the launch of a suite of new financing products. These included the Capital Expansion Product with a ceiling of up to SR10 million, the Payroll Product with a ceiling of SR2 million, and the Rental Product with a ceiling of SR1.5 million, aimed at supporting enterprises in asset development and covering operational costs.
This reflects the bank’s direction toward offering more specialized financing tools that respond effectively to market needs.
The forum concluded by reaffirming its role as a unifying national platform for entrepreneurship, where accompanying activities and events provided direct engagement opportunities between entrepreneurs, investors, and experts.
The forum also highlighted success stories and practical experiences that reflect the scale of entrepreneurial momentum in the Kingdom and the growing role of the Social Development Bank in supporting a national economy driven by innovation and knowledge.
