Hyundai’s Palisade & Sonata voted best cars of KSA

Bang Sun Jeong, vice president, head of Middle East and Africa operations, Hyundai, poses with the award-winning Hyundai 2020 Palisade and Sonata models.
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Updated 13 January 2021
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Hyundai’s Palisade & Sonata voted best cars of KSA

Hyundai Motor Company has won two coveted accolades at the PR Arabia National Auto Awards, with its 2020 Palisade and Sonata models being named Saudi Arabia’s best vehicles in their respective categories. 

Voted by more than 150,000 people in the Kingdom, the Palisade model was named the “Best Family SUV” while the Sonata won first place in the “Best Sedan” category in the eighth edition of the awards.

The Palisade and Sonata have both become popular brands across the Kingdom, largely due to Hyundai’s innovative approach in leveraging advanced technologies to boost comfort, convenience and safety for all passengers. 

Launched in 2013, the PR Arabia National Auto Awards recognize the efforts of those working in the automotive industry, and encourage companies to offer the best services to help improve overall customer satisfaction.

Bang Sun Jeong, vice president, head of Middle East and Africa operations, at Hyundai, said: “We are extremely honored to receive these two awards and would like to express our gratitude to PR Arabia for hosting this awards event. We would also like to thank the people who voted for us, our partners and team that have played a part in achieving this success.

“Since the Hyundai Palisade and Hyundai Sonata vehicles were rolled out on the roads, the brands have gone from strength to strength and we are delighted that our efforts in enhancing the models have been recognized by being named the best cars in their respective categories.

“Innovation is at the heart of everything that we do at Hyundai, placing technology at the forefront. With many Hyundai models driven across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on a daily basis, we see a bright future in the country and we are determined to create more memorable journeys for our customers in the future.” 

As one of Hyundai’s most popular SUVs, the seven-seater Palisade boasts exceptional second and third-row roominess, generous cargo area and flexible seating. It is also installed with Hyundai’s HTRAC multi-mode all-wheel-drive system, bringing new levels of all-road, all-weather capability, technology, safety, spaciousness, and efficiency. 

Hyundai recently introduced a new range of variants for the eighth-generation Sonata for customers in the Kingdom. The 2.5 GDi model is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission with high-efficiency combustion while the Sonata N Line, which will be available at the beginning of 2021, offers an attractive entry point to Hyundai’s N Brand.

Sonata Hybrid passengers can also benefit from the solar roof, which is one of the many advanced features. The car can also be charged for up to 5.8 hours a day, adding 1,300 km per year to the total driving distance. 

Another key feature that is available for Sonata passengers is the abaya sensor, which alerts female drivers if their abaya is stuck in the door. 

Bang added: “Palisade and Sonata have become two iconic models due to their feature-packed infotainment system and the advanced technological features incorporated in the vehicle.

“This award represents the peak of a remarkable year in Saudi Arabia. Thanks to the unwavering support from our customers, we have further cemented our position in the automobile market.”


Social Development Bank launches entrepreneurship forum ‘DeveGo 2025’ in Riyadh

Updated 22 December 2025
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Social Development Bank launches entrepreneurship forum ‘DeveGo 2025’ in Riyadh

The Social Development Bank has launched the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum, known as DeveGo 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The event runs from Dec. 21 to 23, under the patronage of Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of SDB’s Board of Directors Ahmed bin Sulaiman Alrajhi. This landmark forum positions itself as the region’s leading platform for entrepreneurship, innovation, and setting the latest trends in modern work practices, bringing together local and international entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. This year’s edition is being held under the theme “Don’t start from zero… start from DeveGo.”

DeveGo 2025 serves as a comprehensive national platform showcasing the latest trends in entrepreneurship through a range of diverse panel discussions, workshops, and other initiatives. The forum brings together an elite group of local and international entrepreneurs, investors, experts, government leaders, as well as prominent global figures in innovation and entrepreneurship, including Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, futurist Ian Khan, and Jonathan Greechan, CEO of the Founder Institute, among other experts, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs. Their participation reinforces the forum’s international focus and enriches its agenda by enabling the sharing of the latest knowledge and experiences from diverse global markets.

DeveGo 2025 will witness the launch of a package of supportive programs and initiatives, including new financial products specifically designed to meet the needs of entrepreneurs and startups, in addition to the signing of strategic agreements and partnerships aimed at stimulating entrepreneurial ventures, creating opportunities, and empowering the most promising projects — all while opening new pathways for growth. The forum will also host the “NEXT UP Challenge,” which will enable 20 startups to showcase their innovative projects and solutions before a panel of experts and specialists, while offering entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with more than 50 local investors during the third day of the forum.

In addition, the forum will host the “DeveGo Handicrafts Competition,” which celebrates high-quality small enterprises that have evolved into impactful success stories with clear economic and social impact. 

The “Salam Award for Promising Projects” will be given in collaboration with Saudi Telecom Integrated Company, or Salam, to encourage entrepreneurs and startup owners to present their projects in a smart and simplified manner, on social media platforms. 

Furthermore, DeveGo 2025 offers participants and visitors a comprehensive, interactive, and knowledge-driven experience designed to enhance awareness of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as financial and non-financial programs. This will include training and consultancy services to support growth across three main tracks: the “Inspiration Zone,” focusing on modern technologies and the creative economy; the “Growth Zone,” dedicated to modern business models, flexible work, franchising, and business development; and the “Entrepreneurship Zone,” which highlights future economic trends, venture capital, and sustainability.

The forum is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors over three days, who will benefit from specialized workshops and advisory sessions delivered by more than 50 consultants and experts, providing an integrated experience in business development, guidance, and innovation.