Kerten Hospitality opens ‘Nakhati’ gelato store in Diriyah

The store opening brings Nakhati gelato’s locally inspired blends to the heart of Diriyah, reflecting the richness of Saudi heritage and modern culinary flair.
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Updated 03 December 2024
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Kerten Hospitality opens ‘Nakhati’ gelato store in Diriyah

Kerten Hospitality’s Nakhati brand, recognized as Saudi Arabia’s pioneering social impact food and beverage initiative, launched its latest location at the prestigious Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah. The store opening, which took place on Nov. 28, brings Nakhati gelato’s locally inspired blends to the heart of Diriyah, reflecting the richness of Saudi heritage and modern culinary flair. Founded by Kerten Hospitality, the unique gelato franchise is dedicated to empowering Saudi female entrepreneurs and fostering community prosperity.

To celebrate the opening, Nakhati introduced an exclusive aroma drawn from the heritage of Diriyah: Tahini Gelato. This special edition is being offered in two distinctive variations:

• Tahini and White Chocolate Variegato: A creamy indulgence crafted to captivate both newcomers and gelato enthusiasts alike.

• Tahini, Cardamom and Dates: A flavorful tribute to traditional tastes, celebrating the essence of Diriyah’s rich history.

Additionally, guests at the Bujairi Terrace location had the chance to sample “Pinturicchio,” a gelato made with premium olive oil and a touch of salt, as a complimentary treat on the opening day.

“Nakhati isn’t just a dessert brand; it’s a mission-driven initiative by Kerten Hospitality. Under a social franchise model, Nakhati empowers Saudi women through accessible pathways to business ownership, providing full franchise support, financing tools, training, and ongoing mentorship. This model exemplifies Kerten Hospitality’s commitment to fostering social responsibility while delivering premium culinary experiences,” a statement said.

“Our expansion into Diriyah is a testament to Nakhati’s mission: to empower Saudi women through a business model that merges quality, craftsmanship, and social impact,” said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality. “Nakhati showcases the skill of gelato-making, while also highlighting the potential for businesses to drive positive change.”

By 2028, Nakhati aims to empower 50 Saudi women through its network of 30 gelato carts and 20 kiosks across the Kingdom, bringing locally crafted gelato to communities throughout Saudi Arabia. Nakhati’s impact has garnered international recognition, including the prestigious Dentons Best Franchising Model Award, which celebrates the brand’s unique approach to sustainable and inclusive business.

Aligned with Kerten Hospitality’s broader vision for gender equity and community empowerment, Nakhati’s social franchise model is reshaping the industry, showing how social responsibility and business success can flourish side by side. Through each franchisee, Nakhati is helping to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for Saudi women and their communities.


ALJ Motors, Toyota conclude Phase 2 of hydrogen mobility pilot

Updated 18 sec ago
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ALJ Motors, Toyota conclude Phase 2 of hydrogen mobility pilot

Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia, together with Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Tsusho Corporation, has completed the second phase of the hydrogen mobility pilot in collaboration with the Engineering College at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and supporting entities at the university’s campus.
The pilot ran from Jan. 26 to 28, in alignment with the MoU signed between PNU and the Ministry of Energy for the implementation and deployment of hydrogen fuel cell mobility pilot projects. The program’s opening day ceremony featured prominent government, academia, and industry figures, who gathered to reaffirm the long-term importance of hydrogen solutions in Saudi Arabia.
The first phase, completed last September, focused on feasibility and initial testing, while the second focused on scalability, operational expansion, and diversification of hydrogen-powered mobility and stationary solutions within the university environment.
In addition to the previously deployed Toyota Mirai fuel cell electric vehicles, the pilot included the Caetano H2.City Gold hydrogen fuel cell bus, the Toyota hydrogen fuel cell forklift, and the GEH2 stationary hydrogen generator, all powered by Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell technology. Together, these additions support a broader assessment of hydrogen technology across multiple uses.
Mazin Ghazi Jameel, managing director of marketing operations, Toyota, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “The second phase of this hydrogen pilot represents a strategic step forward in advancing hydrogen mobility and stationary solutions in the Kingdom. By expanding the scope of hydrogen-powered transport and stationary applications at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, we are moving beyond exploration toward scalability, gaining practical insights into how this technology can deliver long-term value at scale while supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s sustainability objectives.”
Nobuyuki Takemura, chief representative of the Middle East regional office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “Toyota is proud to work alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and our valued partners to advance hydrogen mobility. Through practical pilots such as this, we are strengthening real-world understanding of hydrogen applications, engaging students directly and inspiring the next generation to shape the future of clean transport. This reflects Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, grounded in the belief that progress is accelerated when innovation is tested in real environments.”
Saud Alsultan, deputy general manager of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Saudi Arabia, added: “This second phase marks an important milestone in translating hydrogen mobility from pilot testing into scalable real-world applications. By expanding beyond passenger vehicles to include buses and stationary solutions, we are gaining valuable insights into how hydrogen can support integrated mobility ecosystems and contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s clean energy and sustainability ambitions.”
The initiative builds on Abdul Latif Jameel Motors and Toyota’s growing portfolio of Saudi hydrogen mobility and research projects. This includes the Jeddah hydrogen taxi pilot, the Makkah Caetano H2.City Gold bus trials, and a region-specific fuel cell research collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
The conclusion of both phases reflects Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Toyota Tsusho Corporation’s long-term commitment to be part of the Kingdom’s sustainability journey in mobility and beyond through a diversified, market-responsive approach.