Who’s Who: Basel Talal, managing director at Radisson Hotel Group KSA, Kuwait and Levant

Basel Talal
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Updated 28 December 2023
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Who’s Who: Basel Talal, managing director at Radisson Hotel Group KSA, Kuwait and Levant

Basel Talal is the managing director at Radisson Hotel Group KSA, Kuwait and Levant. He is responsible for the operations and profitability of Radisson hotels in the Kingdom. Radisson Hotel Group is rapidly expanding, with more than 30 hotels in operation and under development.

Talal has more than 25 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, with the majority of this time spent with Radisson Hotel Group, one the world’s largest hotel groups.

He takes an active role in the group’s talent development program in Saudi Arabia. He also supports its leadership efforts in the Kingdom, which aim to encourage more women to enter the hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia and take on leadership positions.

Before his role as managing director, Talal served as district director of Saudi Arabia, where he played an instrumental role in establishing the group’s operations in the Kingdom.

He was general manager of Radisson Blu Resort in Sharjah for five years from 2009 and overcame a number of challenges following the global financial crisis.

Talal started his career as a night manager at Radisson SAS Resort, Aqaba, in 1994. His commitment and dedication to hospitality led to him becoming operations manager at the same hotel.

In mid-1999, he held the position of executive assistant manager, taking over the opening of the Radisson SAS Muscat Hotel.

After three years at the Radisson SAS Muscat, Talal relocated to Saudi Arabia as the general manager of the Radisson SAS Hotel Jeddah. In 2005, he was involved in the opening of Radisson Blu Royal Suites Hotel in Jeddah.

Talal studied architecture in Jordan and the US. He has also undertaken multiple training courses covering hotel design and proactive leadership.


Saudi Arabia expands eVisa program to include Barbados, Bahamas and Grenada

The expansion brings the total number of countries eligible for the eVisa program to 66. (@KAIAirport)
Updated 6 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia expands eVisa program to include Barbados, Bahamas and Grenada

  • The expansion brings the total number of countries eligible for the eVisa program to 66

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has expanded its electronic visa program to include citizens of three Caribbean countries: Barbados, the Bahamas and Grenada.

People from these countries can now apply, online or on arrival, for a visa to visit the Kingdom for the purposes of tourism, to perform Umrah, to attend events, exhibitions and conferences, or to visit friends and relatives, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The expansion brings the total number of countries eligible for the eVisa program to 66. It is part of the efforts by Ministry of Tourism to enhance the Kingdom’s global connectivity, stimulate economic diversification, and help achieve the tourism goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification. Those goals include an increase in the tourism industry’s contribution to gross domestic product of more than 10 percent of the total, and the creation of 1 million jobs in the sector.

The Ministry of Tourism introduced tourist visas in September 2019 as part of a broader initiative to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage, encourage visitors from around the world to visit the country and engage with the rich cultural experiences on offer in the country, and promote international interactions. It is expected that the eVisa program will be further expanded to include more countries.


Saudi legal center issues key research on e-commerce, tax, sports

Updated 08 May 2024
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Saudi legal center issues key research on e-commerce, tax, sports

  • Focus also on regulations for privatization of healthcare sector
  • Legal framework for firms listing on stock exchange under study

RIYADH: The Center of Legal Studies and Research has released seven studies covering various sectors of the economy including business, health, e-commerce and sports, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The research is a part of the center’s aim to highlight key developments and challenges within the Kingdom’s legal and legislative framework, the SPA reported. 

The studies, which are in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, also focuses on regulations for managing special economic regions and zones.

One study focused on the privatization of the healthcare sector and developing regulations in line with international best practice.

Another paper looked at tax legislation in the Kingdom and made recommendations on insolvency.

There was also research conducted on a suitable legal framework for listing Special Purpose Acquisition Companies on the Saudi Arabia stock exchange.

The center began issuing research for the first time last year on ways to streamline the Kingdom’s legal framework for the economy. 

All publications are accessible on the center’s website at www.clsr.gov.sa.


Saudi Fashion Commission launches product-development studio

Updated 08 May 2024
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Saudi Fashion Commission launches product-development studio

  • The Lab will help develop sustainable, thriving industry
  • Assist local designers, firms fulfil ‘Made in Riyadh’ plan

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission recently launched a studio for product development, The Lab, in Riyadh.

The launch was attended by Misk Foundation CEO Badr Al-Badr, Deputy CEO Omar Najjar, industry specialists, and officials from government entities. The headquarters of the project is in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, or Misk City. 

Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said The Lab would help develop a sustainable and thriving industry. And assist local designers fulfill their creative visions as a part of the “Made in Riyadh” label. 

Misk City CEO David Henry said The Lab would elevate the fashion industry in the Kingdom, and allow domestic businesses to showcase their products in the country and abroad.

Henry highlighted Misk City’s contribution to promoting national retail brands in the fashion sector and supporting small- and medium-sized local companies. 

The studio would support education and training programs for young Saudi Arabian designers and open new avenues for investment in the fashion sector. 

It would also assist in hosting fashion events and festivals in Misk City.


Saudi, British teams to explore prehistoric sites in Farasan Islands and Jazan

Updated 08 May 2024
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Saudi, British teams to explore prehistoric sites in Farasan Islands and Jazan

  • Saudi Heritage Commission, York University ink pact in Riyadh
  • Survey, excavation data will help rehabilitate archeological sites

RIYADH: The Saudi Heritage Commission has signed a scientific cooperation agreement with the University of York in the UK for archaeological surveys at prehistoric sites on the Farasan Islands in the Jazan region, as well as along the Red Sea coast in the southwest of the Kingdom.

Representing the commission at the signing ceremony, held recently at its headquarters in Riyadh, was the general manager of archaeology, Abdullah Al-Zahrani, along with the commission’s CEO, Jasser Al-Harbash. The University of York was represented by the project director at the archaeological site, Prof. Geoff Bailey.

This agreement is part of the commission’s ongoing effort to expand field archaeological surveys and excavation work across the Kingdom. And to prepare and rehabilitate archaeological sites by expanding the base of scientific partnerships with universities and international research centers specializing in heritage.

Through this agreement, the commission aims to gather more scientific data on prehistoric sites and understand patterns of ancient pastoral activity.

Field studies will be conducted, and the publication of the findings from archaeological surveys and excavations will be broadened as a result of this collaboration.

The aim is also to attract top-notch scientific talent to assist with such projects.

The agreement calls for the joint preparation of periodic reports and scientific studies, as well as the exchange of information and expertise in related fields.

Last week, the Heritage Commission signed an agreement with Japan’s Kanazawa University to collaborate on archaeological work at two prehistoric sites in Jouf and Tabuk.

It highlights the commission’s commitment to expanding its field work and archeological surveys across the Kingdom and enhances its scientific partnerships with specialist universities and centers around the world.


Syrian refugees benefit from KSrelief’s volunteer program

Updated 08 May 2024
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Syrian refugees benefit from KSrelief’s volunteer program

  • The week-long program involved 23 volunteers who assisted more than 900 Syrian refugees

RIYADH: The 25th volunteer training program organized by Saudi aid agency KSrelief recently concluded at Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The week-long program involved 23 volunteers who assisted more than 900 Syrian refugees.

Run in collaboration with the Technical and Vocational Training Corp. and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, the program offered training courses in areas such as tablet and mobile phone maintenance, sewing and embroidery, ceramics, pottery, and carpentry.

It also included English language courses, interactive science courses in chemistry and physics, and activities to enhance children’s creative and social skills.

Additionally, the program provided medical services at the camp’s clinics in specialties such as ophthalmology, dermatology, diabetic foot care, and physical and occupational therapy.

Workshops for wheelchair maintenance and repair and about medical equipment were also held.

This program was one of KSrelief’s volunteer initiatives and emphasized the importance of volunteer work.