Yanmar opens office in Riyadh, solidifying commitment to KSA

Yanmar Europe B.V. Manager MEA and East Europe Sidath Weerakoon, Yanmar Europe B.V. CEO Samir Laoukili and Yanmar Arabia General Manager Raheel Aziz.
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Updated 27 February 2025
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Yanmar opens office in Riyadh, solidifying commitment to KSA

  • Underlining its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s industrial growth, Yanmar Arabia has already made significant strides

Yanmar, a global leader in innovative power solutions, has announced the establishment of Yanmar Arabia, further solidifying its long-standing presence in the Kingdom. With more than 55 years of collaboration through its distributor Abdullah Hashim Co. Ltd., Yanmar has been a trusted name in delivering high-performance engines and powertrain solutions to various industries.
Yanmar Arabia officially opened its doors on Feb. 10 in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to supporting the region’s industrial and power needs with cutting-edge technology.
Yanmar Arabia marks a strategic shift, emphasizing its expertise in TNV engines and tailored powertrain solutions for original equipment manufacturers. Unlike finished products, Yanmar Arabia focuses on providing cutting-edge engineering support, application development, and customized solutions that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 industrialization goals.
Underlining its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s industrial growth, Yanmar Arabia has already made significant strides. A key milestone includes a partnership with ASAD Industries, a local OEM based in Jeddah, which now produces truck refrigeration units powered by Yanmar engines. This collaboration is a testament to Yanmar’s dedication to fostering local manufacturing and enhancing technological capabilities in the region.
“We are not just here for commercial purposes. Our mission is to provide world-class powertrain solutions that drive local innovation. By working closely with Saudi OEMs, we aim to contribute to the ‘Made in Saudi’ initiative, empowering manufacturers with reliable and sustainable engine solutions,” said Samir Laoukili, CEO of Yanmar Arabia.
General Manager Raheel Aziz added: “Our focus is on delivering application engineering expertise and strengthening our partnerships with local manufacturers. Through Yanmar Arabia, we will continue to support the Kingdom’s industrial evolution with robust, high-efficiency engine solutions.”
With a rich history spanning seven main business domains, Yanmar is globally recognized for its relentless pursuit of innovation and sustainability. The company actively contributes to environmental responsibility through the Yanmar Green Challenge, an initiative that seeks to achieve a sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency across its product lines.
Additionally, Yanmar’s Hanasaka program is dedicated to youth development, fostering the next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders through education and skill-building initiatives.
By integrating these global sustainability and development initiatives with its presence in Saudi Arabia, Yanmar Arabia is set to play a vital role in shaping the future of power solutions within the Kingdom.

 


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.