RIYADH: Eyewear enthusiasts in the Middle East will soon find more outlets of the optical store Doctor M as Magrabi Retail Group, one of the region’s leading optical retail chains and owner of the lifestyle brand, is planning a major expansion drive.
Launched in Saudi Arabia in 2021, Doctor M has a strong presence in the Kingdom with 27 stores spread across Riyadh, Jeddah and other cities, as well as 150 employees.
The eyewear retailer plans to increase Doctor M stores in the Middle East to over 50 by launching branches in Egypt, Qatar and the UAE.
“We are undertaking Magrabi Retail Group’s largest-ever investment into Doctor M to expand its presence and meet growing consumer demand in the Middle East. With a doubling of store count, we aim to broaden our offering and cater to diverse lifestyles across the region,” Yasser Taher, the group’s CEO, told Arab News.
He added: “This strategic move reflects our vision which is re-envisioning the world of eyewear to empower the lifestyles of millions while championing inclusivity and positive social impact.”
Furthermore, Doctor M will enable the company to reach more customer segments with its affordable price ranges, appealing to a younger generation with dynamic lifestyles.
“Throughout this expansion, we remain dedicated to delivering and maintaining our excellent customer experience and medical services,” added Taher.
The expansion is backed by an extensive campaign highlighting some of the influential artists, sportsmen, entertainers, fashion icons, and scientists driving Saudi Arabia’s growing urban environment.
The campaign evokes a sense of enthusiasm and excitement by capturing the positivity and vibrancy of the new Saudi vision, which is vital to the Doctor M brand.
“The group’s strategic investment into Doctor M, timed with our store expansions, perfectly aligns with this vision, as it enables us to broaden our reach through our lifestyle banner and further solidify our dominance in the market,” said Souha Hasan, vice president of mainstream businesses of the group.
She added: “The ambitious Saudi 2030 vision serves as a great source of inspiration for individuals and companies alike, and I take immense pride in stating that Magrabi Retail Group is at the forefront of driving growth within our sector.”
Magrabi Retail Group to double Doctor M stores across the Middle East
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Magrabi Retail Group to double Doctor M stores across the Middle East
Saudi Arabia sees 21% jump in mining sector licenses since 2016
- The growth in the Kingdom’s mining sector licenses aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, launched in 2016
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s mining sector has shown sustained growth, with the number of mining licenses increasing from 1,985 in 2016 to 2,401 by the end of 2024, representing cumulative growth of 21 percent, according to the 2024 mineral wealth statistics from the General Authority for Statistics.
The data highlights a steady upward trend in recent years. Licenses rose to 2,100 in 2021, marking a 6 percent increase from the previous year.
The upward trajectory continued with 2,272 licenses in 2022, 2,365 in 2023, and 2,401 in 2024, reflecting expanding exploration and investment activity across the Kingdom’s mining sector. Building material quarries accounted for the largest share of mining permits, climbing from 1,267 licenses in 2021 to 1,481 by 2024.
Exploration licenses also recorded consistent growth, supporting the Kingdom’s broader push to develop its mineral resources.
Other categories of mining activity saw significant expansion, including 2,554 exploration licenses, 744 exploitation licenses, 151 reconnaissance licenses, and 83 surplus mineral ore licenses issued during the same period.
The growth in the Kingdom’s mining sector licenses aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, launched in 2016, which aim to diversify national income sources and strengthen non-oil sectors.
