Amazon concludes virtual AMTECH 2021 conference

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Updated 20 December 2021
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Amazon concludes virtual AMTECH 2021 conference

Amazon in the Middle East and North Africa has concluded yet another edition of its annual tech conference, AMTECH 2021. The two-day virtual tech event brought together regional and global Amazon leaders with participants from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, and Egypt’s
thriving local landscapes, to showcase innovation, best practices, share knowledge, and recognize top experts in their respective fields.
In its third edition, which took place on Dec. 8-9, AMTECH 2021 focused on opportunities in the region covering topics such as machine learning, emerging technologies, industry trends, new payment methods, and customer behaviors.




AMTECH 2021 has given us another opportunity to relook at our passion for invention and the various ways we can continue to serve customers better.
Ronaldo Mouchawar
Vice president of Amazon MENA

Ronaldo Mouchawar, vice president of Amazon MENA, and Faisal Rafi, director of technology of Amazon MENA, inaugurated the event.

HIGHLIGHTS

• With ‘Invent and Simplify’ as its main theme, AMTECH 2021 covered topics such as innovation and technologies for e-commerce in the region, industry trends, customer behaviors, and new payment methods.

• The 2021 edition of AMTECH took place virtually, connecting Amazon leaders from around the world with participants from Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East and North Africa region

The joint keynote speech shed light on how the company maintains a strong focus on “Invent and Simplify,” one of Amazon’s leadership principles and the overarching theme of this year’s event, touching upon the need to stay ahead of fast-changing business environments and customer needs.
Mouchawar said: “We were very excited to once again connect with some of the brightest minds and vibrant talent across the MENA region, as they come together with Amazon leaders from across the world for a packed AMTECH 2021 event. Following a series of successful events in past years, this year’s conference perfectly demonstrated the synergy that exists between innovation and customer-centric thinking. We are very proud and thankful of the exchange that took place as our teams at Amazon engaged once again with incredible talent from the region. AMTECH 2021 has given us another opportunity to relook at our passion for invention and the various ways we can continue to serve customers better.”
In addition to a series of talks, AMTECH 2021 comprised engaging Q&A sessions and fireside chats for participants to engage directly with Amazon employees during the conference. Samir Kumar, vice president of International Retail at Amazon, gave a presentation titled “How Exciting is it to be an Amazonian?” as he deep dived into the company culture and best practices.
Abdo Chlala, director of other hardlines GCC at Amazon MENA, also gave a presentation titled “How Customers Shop Online? Key Trends” that discussed key trends in online shopping behavior.


 


ALJ Motors champions Toyota SUVs’ off-road legacy

Updated 07 January 2026
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ALJ Motors champions Toyota SUVs’ off-road legacy

Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia since 1955, has launched the second edition of its off-road initiative — an immersive driving experience designed to engage guests and showcase the real-world capabilities of Toyota’s SUV lineup in the Kingdom’s desert terrains. The activation takes place on weekends, starting initially in Riyadh and continuing through Jeddah, before concluding in Dammam on Jan. 24.
The multi-city activation is designed to engage guests through Toyota’s SUV lineup in fun and exciting ways, offering a hands-on opportunity to experience vehicle performance, control, and versatility. The lineup features a wide range of Toyota SUV models, including the Land Cruiser HEV Max, a hybrid vehicle built for performance. Beyond the off-road drives, the activation offers a welcoming weekend setting with supporting activities suitable for families and younger guests, creating a well-rounded experience for visitors of all ages.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, which welcomed more than 4,500 participants and attracted over 10,000 attendees, the second edition continues to focus on meaningful guest engagement through interactive and experiential driving activities while emphasizing safety, trust, and enjoyment. Through this approach, ALJ Motors champions Toyota’s off-road legacy while creating an experience that further connects guests with Toyota’s renowned SUV lineup.
Shahad Nassier, managing director of marketing communications at ALJ Motors, said: “Following the strong response to the inaugural season, the return of this off-road experience allows us to continue engaging our guests in an authentic and exciting way. In this second edition, we have further refined the driving routes and elevated the overall experience to better serve our guests and their families. By bringing Toyota’s SUV lineup into real desert environments, we provide an opportunity for guests to experience vehicle performance firsthand, while reinforcing the values of reliability and capability that have long defined Toyota’s presence in the Kingdom.”
The experiential initiative deepens guest relationships, supports informed vehicle choice, and reflects ALJ Motors’ ongoing role in delivering reliable and diversified mobility solutions across the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. 
Guests interested in participating in the off-road experience can register for the upcoming activations in Jeddah on Jan. 9-10, followed by Dammam on Jan. 16-17 and 23-24, through ALJ Motors’ official social channels.