Movenpick Hotel and Residences Riyadh leads the way with digital room key innovation

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Updated 17 March 2025
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Movenpick Hotel and Residences Riyadh leads the way with digital room key innovation

In a pioneering move that underscores its commitment to technological advancement and guest convenience, Movenpick Hotel and Residences Riyadh has introduced digital room key cards. This innovative initiative not only enhances the guest experience but also aligns with global trends in the hospitality industry.

The transition from traditional cards to digital key cards represents a significant technological leap. Digital key cards utilize advanced technologies such as Near Field Communication, enabling guests to access their rooms with a simple tap or by bringing their device into proximity with the door sensor. This shift eliminates the mechanical wear and tear associated with traditional locks and reduces the common issues with NFC traditional cards.

 By adopting digital key cards, Movenpick Hotel and Residences Riyadh is setting a new standard in guest convenience and security. The system’s efficiency not only streamlines the check-in process but also aligns with the hotel’s sustainability goals by reducing the need for the traditional keycards.

The introduction of digital key cards significantly enhances the guest experience in several ways throughout seamless access where guests can now head directly to their rooms upon arrival, using their smartphones or smart devices as room keys. 

Additionally with digital keys stored securely on personal devices, the common inconvenience of lost or misplaced keycards is eliminated. 

This advanced system, integrated with VingCard — a leading provider of electronic locking systems, extends beyond room access to include elevator control, ensuring that only authorized guests can reach designated floors.

The move also positions the hotel as a forward-thinking establishment, appealing to tech-savvy travelers who value innovation and seamless service.


25,000 attend Social Development Bank’s DeveGO25 forum

Updated 27 December 2025
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25,000 attend Social Development Bank’s DeveGO25 forum

The Social Development Bank concluded the second edition of the Entrepreneurship and Modern Business Practices Forum — DeveGo 2025 — announcing the achievement of high-impact outcomes that further reinforced the forum’s position as the largest national platform in the region dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovation, and freelance work in Saudi Arabia and beyond. 

The forum witnessed broad participation from local and international experts, investors, entrepreneurs, and representatives of local, regional, and international institutions.

Over three days at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, the forum drew 25,000 participants and visitors, who benefited from over 45 specialized workshops and over 2500 advisory sessions delivered by more than 70 consultants and experts. 

The sessions covered key areas including entrepreneurial planning, business models, venture capital, digital platforms, freelancing, and emerging technologies. 

The forum also featured 20 panel discussions with leading local and international speakers, addressing major global trends in entrepreneurship, including the future of artificial intelligence, the creative economy, digital transformation, and venture investment. 

The forum saw the launch of the Saudi Empretec Fellowship, in the presence of Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development. 

The partners in success within the Social Responsibility Portfolio supporting entrepreneurs were honored. 

It also saw the honoring of 13 winners of the Handicrafts Competition, representing various regions of the Kingdom, the announcement of winners of the Salam Award for Promising Projects, and the recognition of leading entrepreneurial projects fund under the Enterprises Track. 

In addition, the NEXT UP Challenge concluded on the third day of the forum with 20 startups presenting their projects to more than 500 investors, enhancing opportunities for networking and partnership building.

As part of efforts to strengthen the support ecosystem, the forum witnessed the signing of 51 agreements, along with the launch of a suite of new financing products. These included the Capital Expansion Product with a ceiling of up to SR10 million, the Payroll Product with a ceiling of SR2 million, and the Rental Product with a ceiling of SR1.5 million, aimed at supporting enterprises in asset development and covering operational costs. 

This reflects the bank’s direction toward offering more specialized financing tools that respond effectively to market needs.

The forum concluded by reaffirming its role as a unifying national platform for entrepreneurship, where accompanying activities and events provided direct engagement opportunities between entrepreneurs, investors, and experts. 

The forum also highlighted success stories and practical experiences that reflect the scale of entrepreneurial momentum in the Kingdom and the growing role of the Social Development Bank in supporting a national economy driven by innovation and knowledge.