Arada to open first overseas office in Riyadh as it expands operations in Saudi Arabia

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The first phase of the Central Hub, the UAE’s newest leisure and entertainment destination, which has been designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, will open in September this year. (Photo: Supplied)
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Nest has already witnessed significant success since its launch in March, selling 420 units. (Photo: Supplied)
Updated 06 April 2019
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Arada to open first overseas office in Riyadh as it expands operations in Saudi Arabia

  • UAE-based developer to launch sales office by end of June
  • Move follows sale of more than 250 homes to Saudi investors

SHARJAH: Arada has announced plans to open its first overseas office, which will be based in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The UAE developer made the announcement at Cityscape Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s largest real estate exhibition, which marked Arada’s entry into the country.  

Based in the centre of Riyadh, the Arada office will incorporate a sales suite showcasing the company’s two Sharjah-based lifestyle communities, Aljada and Nasma Residences, allowing potential buyers to ‘walk through’ the developments using next-generation virtual reality technology. The office is scheduled to open before the end of June. 

Founded in 2016 by two of the Gulf’s most respected businessmen, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal and HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Arada has quickly established itself as one of the UAE’s most exciting and progressive developers. The company has sold over 2,600 units in Sharjah, a rapidly growing property market that has benefited from recent moves to allow all nationalities to purchase homes in the Emirate, as well as a stable and well-regulated real estate environment. Investor interest from Saudi Arabia has already proved strong, with over 250 units purchased by buyers from the Kingdom over a two-year period. 

HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Vice Chairman of Arada, said: “It is a source of considerable pride that Arada’s first overseas office will be in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a country that has exceptionally close ties to our home market in the United Arab Emirates. As the capital of the Arab world’s largest economy, Riyadh is the perfect location for us to showcase our projects to a wide range of investors.” 

Arada’s decision to launch a permanent presence in Riyadh is part of a 2019 expansion strategy, which will also see the opening of an office in Abu Dhabi the first half of this year, as well as extending its marketing reach to the rest of the Gulf and South Asia. Arada has also earmarked Saudi Arabia as a potential destination in which to develop the smart and sustainable communities that it is already building in the UAE in the medium term. 

Arada is currently taking part in Cityscape Jeddah, which is being held between 5-7 April at the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events, and which is bringing together a host of top Saudi and international developers. During the event, Arada is highlighting the recent launch of Nest, a student housing complex that enables individual real estate investors to purchase directly in this lucrative asset class for the first time in the Gulf. By offering guaranteed return on investment of 10% annually for a five-year period, Nest has already witnessed significant success since its launch in March, selling 420 units. 

Nest is located within Aljada, a master-planned destination with a sales value of SR24.5 billion that is set to transform the future of Sharjah. Aljada was unveiled by HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, during an exclusive ceremony in September 2017. Construction on Aljada has already begun, with the first homes scheduled to be handed over by the end of this year. The first phase of the Central Hub, the UAE’s newest leisure and entertainment destination, which has been designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, will open in September this year. 

Arada’s first project, Nasma Residences, was launched in March 2017 and rapidly became Sharjah’s fastest-selling community when its first phase sold out in less than a month. Featuring landscaped parks, two retail centres and a GEMS international school, Nasma Residences sets a new standard for Sharjah communities. Construction on Nasma Residences began last year, and Arada is currently in the process of handing over its first homes in the project. The entire community will be completed by June 2020. 

 


ArabExpo: A pioneering journey in Middle East’s exhibition industry

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ArabExpo: A pioneering journey in Middle East’s exhibition industry

Established in 2013, ArabExpo has emerged as a trailblazer in the Middle Eastern exhibition industry. Headquartered in Saudi Arabia, the company has since grown into a multi-faceted enterprise, providing a wide range of services to support the region’s thriving exhibition landscape.

In its formative years, ArabExpo made a significant mark when it secured the role of official contractor for DMG Events and shortly after for Reed-Sunaidi. These partnerships paved the way for the company’s expansion, as it established a dedicated office in Dubai in 2014 to better serve the growing demands of the region.

The year 2016 witnessed a significant milestone for ArabExpo, as it unveiled new production facilities in Dubai. These state-of-the-art facilities enabled the company to enhance its capabilities and deliver high-quality event solutions to its clients. This strategic move solidified ArabExpo’s position as a reliable and versatile player in the industry.

In 2017, ArabExpo secured a groundbreaking contract with the Turkish authorities to construct the Turkiye country pavilion. Soon after a similar contract with Germany saw ArabExpo as the main contractor for the German pavilions. These achievements showcased the company’s expertise in large-scale project management and demonstrated its ability to collaborate seamlessly with international partners.

The year 2018 marked another pivotal moment in ArabExpo’s history, as it was appointed as the official contractor for all shows organized by Informa Markets in Saudi Arabia. This prestigious contract strengthened the company’s reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in the region’s exhibition industry.

The following year saw a significant expansion of ArabExpo’s premises in Dubai, Jeddah, and Riyadh. This move allowed the company to accommodate its growing client base and enhance its service offerings, solidifying its position as a dominant player in the Middle Eastern exhibition landscape.

The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 did not deter ArabExpo’s momentum. The company was contracted by the Dubai authorities to facilitate vaccination efforts and implement comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols, demonstrating its adaptability and commitment to supporting the community during unprecedented times. Additionally, ArabExpo was awarded various production and fit-out contracts for Expo 2020 Dubai, further cementing its reputation as a reliable partner in large-scale event execution.

As the growth in Dubai continued, so did the activities in Saudi Arabia; ArabExpo won a major contract and became the official contractor for the World Defense Show in Riyadh. The excellent planning, partnership and expertise demonstrated by ArabExpo ensures that they remain the exclusive service provider for WDS in the 2024 edition as well.

In 2023, ArabExpo continued its growth trajectory, expanding its offerings in the realm of fit-outs and interior decorations with the launch of “ArabDeco.” Furthermore, the company secured a contract with Sela, the leading venue management company, to provide comprehensive venue services through its innovative “Venue Hive” branch.

As ArabExpo looks to the future, its growth strategy remains firmly focused on developing and supporting the exhibition industry in the Middle East. By leveraging its expertise, innovative solutions, and deep understanding of the region’s needs, the company aims to add significant value to Vision 2030, contributing to the transformation of the Saudi capital into a vibrant global hub for trade, investment, and cultural exchange.


Saudi hospital offers novel angioplasty procedure

Updated 1 min 20 sec ago
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Saudi hospital offers novel angioplasty procedure

King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital has become the first facility in the Kingdom to begin clinical research and now offer a new type of angioplasty procedure with the DynamX bioadaptor implant, an innovation beyond stents designed to restore vessel function. The bioadaptor is a transforming implant that, after the period of healing, unlocks and allows the artery to pulse and function more naturally in response to a patient’s exertion and heart’s changing needs. More normal artery motion and expansion help the artery restore its healthy function and reduce the risks of secondary adverse events such as heart attacks or repeat procedures. The new procedure is being offered to patients under the leadership of Dr. Mirvat Alasnag, head of catheterization lab; Dr. Khalid Al-Shaibi, director of cardiac center; and interventional cardiologists Dr. Waqar Ahmed, Dr. Salem Assiri, and Dr. Sultan Al-Otaibi.

“We are pleased to offer bioadaptive angioplasty at King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital to patients suffering from coronary artery disease, and especially for those who are younger and seek to reclaim an active lifestyle,” said Dr. Alasnag.

King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital, one of the premier hospitals and clinical research centers, is also participating in the global BIO-RESTORE post-market registry for the bioadaptor to generate diverse, in-market experience, specifically in Saudi patients.

The bioadaptor is a metallic coronary device that is implanted via a minimally invasive angioplasty procedure. It is designed to provide dynamic vessel support and establish adaptive hemodynamic modulation of the artery, enabling vessel function and motion and increased blood flow. It consists of three thin metal alloy helical strands held together temporarily by a bioabsorbable coating to provide strength when opening artery blockage. Unlike traditional stents, after the period of healing and coating resorption in the first six months, the bioadaptor unlocks and the helical strands separate thereby uncaging the vessel and establishing more natural and dynamic support of artery motion and function.

Bioadaptors can also expand slowly over time along with the artery in order to maintain good blood flow. Recent findings also show stabilization and even shrinking of plaque volume in arteries treated with bioadaptors.

Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease in the world and a leading cause of death. It is caused by a buildup of fatty deposits and other substances in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. Over time, the buildup causes the inside of the arteries to stiffen and narrow, and lose their natural functions, which can partially or totally block the flow of blood and nutrients to the heart. Chest pain is the most common symptom of CAD. For many people, a heart attack is the first sign that they have CAD.


Kate Fleetwood appointed as Serco’s head of operations for western region

Updated 3 min 12 sec ago
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Kate Fleetwood appointed as Serco’s head of operations for western region

Serco has announced the promotion of Kate Fleetwood to the role of head of operations for the western region of Saudi Arabia. The promotion of Fleetwood into this newly created role reaffirms Serco’s commitment to supporting the Saudi government and Vision 2030, with a special focus on enhancing the safety and readiness of projects across the western region.

Fleetwood is responsible for overseeing the financial and operational delivery of Serco’s contracts on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, including within the Red Sea and NEOM area, where Serco holds a number of contracts supporting the development of the giga-cities infrastructure, including providing fire and rescue services at Red Sea International Airport and supporting Red Sea Global’s carbon-neutral mobility services.

In her new role, overseeing around 200 staff, Fleetwood and her team have a core objective of bringing Serco’s many years of experience and knowledge within the transport and emergency services industry to the rapidly developing region.

Since joining Serco in October 2022, having previously worked with Rolls-Royce and National Nuclear Laboratory in the UK, Fleetwood has been instrumental in leading multiple large-scale negotiations and mobilizations, swiftly establishing herself as a key contributor to Serco’s growth in the Middle East. Additionally, Fleetwood’s promotion is also reflective of the progressive efforts of Serco’s commitment to fostering female leadership within the operations sector.

“It’s a privilege to represent Serco, a company that actively challenges the status quo in promoting the progression of women into operational roles,” said Fleetwood. “This advancement paves the way for a new generation of women to shape their own futures in the industry. As Vision 2030 unfolds, revealing an increased need for adept and experienced partners, our team is dedicated to playing a significant and important role in impacting a better future for the community here in the region, delivering top-tier transport and emergency services across the west coast and ensuring our operations both support and keep pace with the ambitions of the Saudi government.”

Fleetwood will report to Samantha Rowles, operations director — transport, for Serco Middle East, who said: “Kate’s promotion is a testament to her remarkable skillset and the exceptional value she has added to our operations in a short time.” 

Her expertise and experience will be pivotal as we continue to expand our operations in Saudi Arabia.”


SAL launches fulfillment services to transform Saudi logistics landscape

Updated 05 May 2024
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SAL launches fulfillment services to transform Saudi logistics landscape

SAL, Saudi Arabia’s leading logistics and supply chain solutions provider, has announced the launch of its Fulfillment Business Unit, a one-stop-shop solution aimed at revolutionizing the logistics and supply chain industry in the Kingdom.

SAL’s fulfillment services represent a comprehensive commitment to meet the growing requirements and accelerated needs in the Saudi logistics sector. By successfully providing an integrated approach that combines air cargo handling and logistics solutions, SAL’s new service will enhance operational efficiency and increase reliability.

With a vision to transform the logistics landscape, SAL’s fulfillment services are designed as a one-stop-shop solution. Leveraging its strong foothold as a leading logistics company with an expansive logistics network, SAL aims to address the growing demand for integrated fulfillment services in the Saudi market.

The heart of SAL’s Fulfillment Business Unit lies in its holistic approach, combining a comprehensive suite of value-added services with expertise in cold chain logistics and robust digital enablement. By seamlessly integrating fulfillment and logistics solutions, SAL today is offering an integrated service that extends from the first mile to the last.

SAL’s fulfillment centers will offer an advanced warehouse management system, which serves as the backbone of its digital strategy, providing customers with real-time access to operational data and metrics. This digital platform enables users to place orders, track their progress, and generate customized reports, enhancing operational transparency and efficiency.

As part of its expansion strategy, SAL is investing in the establishment of a growing network of fulfillment centers in key locations across the Kingdom. With targeted facilities in Riyadh, Jeddah port and Dammam port, SAL’s state-of-the-art warehouses serve a variety of industries, ranging from perishable goods to pharmaceuticals and high-value materials.

“Our fulfillment services represent our solid commitment to delivering unparalleled logistics solutions,” said Faisal Albedah, CEO of SAL. “With our extensive network, cutting-edge technologies and a dedicated team, we are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our customers and drive growth in the Saudi logistics sector.”


6th Automechanika Riyadh spotlights tech innovation & collaboration

Updated 04 May 2024
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6th Automechanika Riyadh spotlights tech innovation & collaboration

Automechanika Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s leading trade show for the automotive aftermarket, concluded a successful sixth edition on Thursday. Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center and running from April 30-May 2, the event featured more than 340 exhibitors from 26 countries and welcomed over 8,000 visitors.

Spanning three halls and more than 11,000 square meters, Automechanika Riyadh showcased a diverse product range featuring brands from local and international exhibitors. In addition, attendees had access to unparalleled networking opportunities, unlocking new pathways for business expansion.

Bilal Al-Barmawi, CEO and founder of 1st Arabia for Trade Shows and Conferences, said: “The international automotive aftermarket is a thriving and constantly evolving sector, and the Automechanika portfolio globally represents the entire automotive aftermarket value chain like no other. Automechanika Riyadh caters to all industry segments, from parts and components to repair and maintenance equipment services.”

Aly Hefny, show manager, Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, added: “The event provides a unique opportunity for industry professionals to come together and explore new technologies and business opportunities in the region. Automechanika Riyadh offered three days of innovation and collaboration while highlighting our position as more than just a trade show but a place to share knowledge and keep attendees up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.”

The Automechanika Riyadh Academy, running throughout the three-day exhibition, featured keynote presentations, panel discussions and market updates. The academy was hosted by industry leaders and featured speakers from renowned global companies such as Bosch, Renault and Nissan, as well as Saudi government representatives.

On the opening day, Saleh Al-Khabti, deputy minister of investment transaction, Ministry of Investment, launched proceedings with a keynote speech. This was followed by a presentation on “The Kingdom’s Automotive Industry Landscape” by Aftab Ahmed, chief adviser — automotive cluster, National Industrial Development Center at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. The rest of the day’s agenda explored topics including sustainability, innovation and urban mobility among many others.

On the second day of the Automechanika Riyadh Academy, topics included “Growth Opportunities in the GCC Automotive Aftermarket,” “Impact of Technology in the Automotive Aftermarket Space,” and “Winning Formulas for Aftermarket Distribution.”

A three-hour training workshop, “Navigating After-sales Learning and Development,” concluded the academy on May 2. This workshop highlighted the importance of continuous learning for after-sales professionals in the automotive industry and was delivered by Farid Sfeir, training manager, Tiqani Inc.

Senior buyers and key decision-makers had the opportunity to meet through The Premium Club, an exclusive networking program that fast-tracks and simplifies the purchasing process.

Automechanika Riyadh hosted six country pavilions, including China, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Korea, and Singapore. Exhibitors from Germany, the UK, the US, Japan, India and Pakistan also showcased their products at the event.

From the GCC, the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia had a significant presence, with Saudi exhibitors taking over 25 percent of the total exhibition space.

Automechanika Riyadh featured eight product categories, which include: parts and components, electronics and systems, accessories and customizing, tires and batteries, car wash and care, oils and lubricants, diagnostics and repair, and body paint.

The show is one of 14 Automechanika events worldwide and is licensed to 1st Arabia Tradeshows and Conferences by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition.