STC has appointed Fay Al-Alshaikh as the product portfolio strategy general manager in its enterprise business unit.
The telecom giant said the appointment of Al-Alshaikh reflects its commitment to empowering women in executive positions and recruiting Saudi talents in the field of communications and informational technology.
The new appointment follows several other appointments in 2019 that saw women take up executive positions in the company. These include Mudhi Al-Jamea, who was named the general manager of ICT School at STC Academy, and Maha Al-Nuhait, who was appointed as the manager of sustainability program.
Prior to joining STC, Al-Alshaikh was the head of enterprise at Apple in Saudi Arabia and has also worked in Cisco and Hewlett-Packard.
During her career, she has held multiple leadership and advisory positions and is considered as one of the top Saudi experts in the enterprise business.
STC appoints Fay Al-Alshaikh as product portfolio GM
STC appoints Fay Al-Alshaikh as product portfolio GM
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
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
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
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.
Aston Martin to design interiors for $250m UAE beachfront project
Dar Global, a London-listed luxury international real estate developer, has announced a new partnership with Aston Martin. The collaboration will see the British ultra-luxury marque carefully craft interiors for an exquisite beachfront residential development in Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE.
To be officially unveiled in May, the new development will be situated on Al-Marjan Island. It is the first time Aston Martin’s internationally acclaimed design team has applied its renown to a real estate project in the GCC, building on successful brand collaborations in the US and Japan.
To be strategically positioned in a pristine location near the highly anticipated Wynn Resort, the new residence, with interiors by Aston Martin, promises to bring the car maker’s signature blend of sophistication, elegance, and high performance to the property, providing a unique fusion of luxury living and natural coastal beauty. The accompanying private beach gives way to scenic walking tracks and lush green spaces, with the bright lights of Dubai just an hour away.
With a gross development value of approximately $250 million, the project is expected to be completed in 2028, in joint development with Aarvees Group.
Abdulla Al-Abdouli, CEO of Al-Marjan, said: “The introduction of a residence with interiors by Aston Martin on Al-Marjan Island further enhances the appeal of our premier destination. This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences and reinforces Ras Al-Khaimah’s position as a leading real estate hub in the region.”
Stefano Saporetti, director of brand diversification at Aston Martin, said: “The partnership between Aston Martin and Dar Global brings together two ultra-luxury lifestyle organizations with a shared passion for combining traditional craftsmanship with innovation and cutting-edge design. Marking Aston Martin’s very first real estate collaboration in the GCC, we are incredibly proud to have the opportunity to design ultra-luxury interiors for what we believe will be an unparalleled development in the emerging luxury destination of Al-Marjan Island.”
Ziad El-Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, said: “Our collaboration with Aston Martin marks a significant milestone for Dar Global as we expand our footprint into Ras Al-Khaimah. With a track record of delivering iconic properties, we are committed to setting new standards of luxury living in this vibrant emirate.’’
Rajat Verma, president of Aarvees Group, added: “As Ras Al-Khaimah rightfully solidifies its destination appeal amid local and international investors, we are excited to contribute to its growth momentum alongside Dar Global, a visionary brand that is upending the global real estate market. With our joint expertise in luxury developments, we look forward to delivering a truly splendid lifestyle for our valued customers with this new project on Al-Marjan Island.
