A VIP delegation comprising Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman, Saudi minister of energy; Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, deputy chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; and Thamir Abbas Ghadhban, Iraq’s deputy prime minister for energy affairs and oil minister; was briefed by Harj Dhaliwal, managing director of Virgin Hyperloop One (VHO), Middle East and India, on the future of mobility, at the World Energy Congress (WEC) in Abu Dhabi.
At the event, VHO also showcased DP World Cargospeed, a global brand for hyperloop-enabled cargo systems operated by DP World capable of supporting fast, on-demand, direct delivery of palletized cargo. Designed to provide exceptional service for high-priority, on-demand goods, DP World Cargospeed systems will deliver freight at the speed of flight and closer to the cost of trucking.
At the WEC, VHO also hosted visiting dignitaries from around the world, including President Kersti Kaljulaid of Estonia; Dharmendra Pradhan, Indian union minister for petroleum and natural gas and steel; and a delegation of Nigerian government leaders. VHO’s Dhaliwal also spoke on a high-level panel on the future of mobility.
VIP delegation tours Virgin Hyperloop One at WEC
VIP delegation tours Virgin Hyperloop One at WEC
Kingdom Centre’s comprehensive upgrade nears completion
Chairwoman of the Board of Kingdom Centre Nada Alateegi announced that the final phase of the comprehensive upgrade and redevelopment works at the iconic Riyadh landmark has neared completion.
Kingdom Centre was never intended to be just a shopping destination or a business hub, Alateegi said, but rather a space to deliver exceptional experiences. The experience is now being elevated to a new level of luxury that seamlessly brings together refined hospitality, high-end retail, and world-class business environments.
She said that Kingdom Centre, inaugurated in 2001, commenced its modernization project in April 2023. The project is being implemented in partnership with a group of top-tier global designers and renowned contractors, and led by the Kingdom Centre management team, to ensure the highest standards of quality and precision.
The upgrades were carried out in accordance with the best safety practices, while maintaining uninterrupted operations and ensuring visitors’ comfort and safety are preserved throughout, Alateegi said. This approach reflects the vision and directives of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and has contributed to the center receiving several awards, including its recognition for “visionary design and development.”
She added that Kingdom Centre had installed the largest fully integrated digital screen on Kingdom Tower facades, operated exclusively in partnership with digital advertising and media solutions leader Rotana Signs. The screen serves as an international showcase reflecting Riyadh’s evolution and its growing global standing.
Kingdom Centre is also home to the Four Seasons Hotel, one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands, in addition to VOX Cinemas, purpose-designed to world-class specifications guided by the center’s management vision.
Moreover, Kingdom Centre introduced Al-Mamlaka Social Dining zone, which has become one of the region’s leading dining experiences and a model for other investors. Conceived by the center’s management to elevate the visitor experience, the Social Dining concept has been officially registered as the intellectual property of Kingdom Centre.
Kingdom Centre has also launched a mobile application and a dedicated visitor loyalty program offering a range of benefits. This initiative is part of the center’s digital transformation strategy and aims to strengthen long-term engagement with visitors.
Kingdom Centre’s management remains committed to setting a leading example for the sector, delivering innovative experiences that support Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions and align with Saudi Vision 2030, Alateegi added.
