VFS Global opens visa application center in Riyadh

The center was officially inaugurated by Ambassador of the UK to Saudi Arabia Simon Collis and other officials.
Updated 23 September 2018
Follow

VFS Global opens visa application center in Riyadh

VFS Global, the world’s largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for diplomatic missions, has announced the opening of a UK visa application center in Riyadh, close to the diplomatic quarter.

VFS Global said the new center, which will serve travelers to the UK and Australia, is equipped to handle more visa applicants conveniently with increased seating capacity and ample parking space, while also offering ancillary travel services within the premises for a seamless customer experience.

Officially inaugurating the center, Ambassador of the UK to Saudi Arabia Simon Collis said: “‘Our customers in Saudi Arabia are extremely important to us, and we continually look for new and innovative ways to improve the visa service we offer, both to Saudi nationals and local residents. We offer an excellent visa service for those who choose to apply for a UK visa. 

For Saudi nationals, the average processing time for non-settlement visas is less than five days. Whether speed, convenience or comfort is the priority, we hope that this new VAC — and indeed the visa services available across the whole of Saudi Arabia — provide our customers with a Great British welcome from the very start of their journey to the UK.”

The new center is located at 2591, Al-Hada District, besides Courtyard Marriott Hotel and close to Ritz Carlton, Riyadh. Visa applicants to the UK and Australia can access details on visa application procedures at www.vfsglobal.co.uk/sa/en

Located on the Makkah Road, the center is also well-connected to the city center and other neighboring towns.

Vinay Malhotra, regional group COO for Middle East, South Asia and China, VFS Global, said: “The new standalone center has been designed with a view to provide a comprehensive experience to applicants in terms of visa processing and accessing necessary travel services under one canopy. The UK continues to remain a popular destination for tourism, business and student visitors from Saudi Arabia. The latest visa figures show that over 130,000 Saudi nationals were issued a UK visa in the last year.We are confident that the new center for the UK and Australia visa applicants will provide enhanced convenience and ensure customer delight.”

Managed by professionals, the center also offers the comfort of a Premium Lounge for more personalized service as optional service.


Petromin Nissan celebrates decade of partnership excellence in Kingdom

Updated 28 January 2026
Follow

Petromin Nissan celebrates decade of partnership excellence in Kingdom

Petromin Nissan recently hosted an event to celebrate 10 years of partnership with Nissan, marking a decade since Petromin was appointed as the official Nissan dealer in Saudi Arabia. The milestone reflects a partnership shaped by trust, consistent performance, and a shared long-term vision that has played a meaningful role in the development of the automotive sector in the Kingdom.

The event highlighted Petromin Nissan’s continued confidence in the Saudi market, demonstrated by the attendance of senior leadership from Nissan Global, the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom was reaffirmed as one of Nissan’s most important growth markets in the region, in line with the company’s global focus on innovation, sustainability, and intelligent mobility.

The celebration was attended by a number of senior industry and business leaders, including Sheikh Amr Al-Dabbagh, chairman and CEO of Al-Dabbagh Group, reflecting the significance of the partnership and its broader impact on the Kingdom’s automotive and business landscape.

As part of its performance over the past year, Petromin Nissan had been awarded two Awards of Excellence from Nissan Global, recognizing operational strength and overall business performance, and reinforcing its standing as one of Nissan’s leading partners worldwide.

Paddy Magee, managing director of Petromin Nissan, said: “Over the past 10 years, Petromin’s priority has been to build a business that puts the customer first while fully reflecting Nissan’s global standards. Through expanding our network, strengthening our service capabilities, and investing in our people, we have focused on creating sustainable value for the Saudi market.”

Adib Takieddine, managing director of Nissan Saudi Arabia, said: “Saudi Arabia continues to be a strategic market for Nissan. Our partnership with Petromin has been instrumental in strengthening our presence in the Kingdom, supporting growth, enhancing customer satisfaction, and advancing our long-term vision for mobility in alignment with Vision 2030.”

Over the decade, Petromin Nissan significantly expanded its footprint across the Kingdom, now operating 18 showrooms and 16 service centers in 11 cities, improving accessibility and delivering a more seamless customer experience nationwide.

Reflecting on the broader partnership, Terence Byrne, CEO of National Motor Company, said: “Reaching this milestone is a clear reflection of a partnership built on shared values and long-term commitment. Petromin Nissan has established a strong platform in Saudi Arabia and continues to deliver real impact for customers and the wider automotive ecosystem.”

Looking ahead, Petromin Nissan reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Saudi market, with continued focus on innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and customer-centric mobility as the partnership moves into its next phase.