Riyadh event to explore role of innovation in value creation

The GPCA Plastics Conference serves as a regional platform where groundbreaking ideas and cutting-edge solutions converge.
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Updated 19 April 2025
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Riyadh event to explore role of innovation in value creation

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, the voice of the chemical industry in the Gulf region, will explore the role of innovation in driving value creation and growth at the 14th GPCA Plastics Conference taking place on April 20-21 at JW Marriott Hotel, Riyadh.

Innovation is a driving force behind value creation in the GCC plastic industry, contributing to sustainability, economic growth, and technological advancements. Accelerating innovation plays a crucial role across product design, business models, and resource management, and can support efforts to achieve a circular economy in the GCC. Continuous innovation in polymer production and conversion technologies has enabled the GCC region to maintain a competitive edge in the global market. This includes advancements in recycling technologies and the development of new, sustainable materials.

Opportunities exist to leverage innovation for more sustainable production and economic growth. Research estimates say that every 1 million tonnes of recycled plastic produced in the GCC region can generate approximately 1,500 jobs and $650 million in direct GDP impact.

According to another study, advancements in chemical recycling technologies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50 percent compared to traditional plastic production methods. The 14th GPCA Plastics Conference will provide an ideal platform to spotlight innovations in plastics recycling and discuss the role of regulations in creating an enabling environment for growth.

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, secretary-general of GPCA, said: “In the pursuit of the next paradigm of plastics growth, fostering innovation and collaboration will be essential to address the sustainability challenges of our time, while meeting the demand for sustainable plastics and ensuring socioeconomic growth. By fostering cutting-edge advancements and sustainable practices, we can enhance the plastic industry’s position as a dynamic driver of economic growth and environmental stewardship. The 14th GPCA Plastics Conference will serve as a beacon for visionary leaders and innovators from across the region and the world to collaborate and redefine the future of plastics for generations to come.”

Held under the theme “The Next Growth Paradigm: Value Creation through Innovation,” the conference will open with a welcome address by Khalfan Al-Muhairi, SVP regional MEAE, Borouge and vice chairman, plastics committee, GPCA, followed by a ministerial address outlining regional policy priorities.

Deena F. Al-Khayyal, managing director, LyondellBasell, will deliver a keynote address on “The Future of Plastics: Trends and Disruptions Shaping the Regional Industry.” A leadership dialogue moderated by Steve Jenkins, vice president, chemicals consulting, Wood Mackenzie, will explore “The Business Case for Sustainability: Turning Plastics Innovation into Profit.” The session will discuss how investing in green technologies, materials, and processes can be profitable in the long run and drive shareholder value, featuring insights from Khalid Al-Dawood, MD, NATPET; Unmesh Nayak, president — polymer chain, Reliance Industries, and Dr. Apostolos Krallis, vice president, innovation center, Borouge.

The program will continue with an in-depth panel discussion on “Building Sustainable Value — Innovation and Investment in Plastics Ecosystems,” which will highlight how seamlessly integrated ecosystems in production, feedstock, and logistics are crucial for driving innovation and value creation. The discussion will bring together senior industry executives, including Faisal Alsolami, executive vice president, finance and strategic planning, SIRC, and Dimitri Van Eekelen, vice president — commercial, SOHAR Ports and Freezone, to examine investment trends and new growth pathways. Another key session, “Turning Low-Value Plastic Waste into High-Impact Solutions,” will address the technical and economic challenges of collecting and processing lower-value plastic waste, featuring Don Thomson, founder and CEO, CRDC Global, and Peter Wang Hjemdahl, chief innovation officer and founder, rePurpose Global.

The afternoon sessions will advance the circularity agenda through a series of case studies, covering topics such as science-driven materials innovation, product design for a leaner plastics footprint, advanced recycling technologies, and consumer behavior change programs.

On Day 2, Naser Aldousari, CEO, EQUATE Group and Chairman, plastics committee, GPCA, will deliver the opening address. A multi-stakeholder dialogue will further explore regulatory trends shaping plastics waste management, focusing on policy innovations accelerating circularity, extended producer responsibility implementation, and the role of industry in compliance and sustainability progress. The discussion will be moderated by Noor Balfaqeeh, head of corporate affairs and communications, Unilever and chair, National Circular Packaging Private Committee — Federation of Saudi Chambers, who will be joined by senior policymakers and industry executives.


Abeer Medical lauded for Hajj healthcare services

Updated 15 June 2025
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Abeer Medical lauded for Hajj healthcare services

Abeer Medical Group has concluded its 2025 Hajj pilgrimage medical services with resounding success, providing vital healthcare to thousands of pilgrims in both Mina and Arafah. Their dedicated efforts, which ensured a healthier and more fulfilling Hajj experience for many, have been lauded by pilgrims and health officials alike.

In Mina, Abeer’s Urgent Medical Care Center, situated at Tent 5505 on Street 520, served more than 2,000 pilgrims this year. Operating with full approval from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Health, the center became operational a day before pilgrims’ arrival on June 4. A volunteer team of doctors, nurses, and paramedics worked tirelessly, attending to pilgrims from over 12 countries, with a significant number from Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, and Pakistan. The clinic remained open until all pilgrims had departed Mina.

Saudi Health Minister Fahad AlJalajel, who led a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Health to inspect the Abeer clinic’s preparations, expressed his satisfaction with the arrangements. Abdurahman Al-Bedani, operation manager at Abeer Medical Group, received the delegation. Pilgrims who utilized the clinic’s services expressed profound appreciation for Abeer’s dedicated care.

Dr. Ahmed Alungal, executive vice president, and Dr. Jamsheed Ahmed, vice president of Abeer Medical Group, directly supervised the Mina clinic’s operations. Alungal Mohammed, president of Abeer Medical Group, extended his gratitude to all participants, expressing pride in providing healthcare facilities to pilgrims for the second consecutive year.

Beyond Mina, Abeer Medical Group’s commitment extended to the critical rituals at Arafah. Recognizing the profound emotional impact of missing the Arafah stand for pilgrims admitted to hospitals due to health conditions, Abeer’s dedicated healthcare team ensured that even these patients could fulfill this essential rite. A fleet of ambulances, accompanied by doctors and paramedics, safely transported patients to Arafah within the designated time, turning hope into reality for many.

This comprehensive and compassionate approach to pilgrim healthcare by Abeer Medical Group, strongly supported by the Saudi Ministry of Health, has significantly contributed to the well-being and spiritual fulfillment of Hajj pilgrims this year.


Investment Ministry supports launch of new health & fitness event ‘FIBO Arabia’

Updated 15 June 2025
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Investment Ministry supports launch of new health & fitness event ‘FIBO Arabia’

The Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia and its Sport Sector Team have signed an investment agreement with RX Arabia to support the launch of FIBO Arabia in the Kingdom. The annual show brings together key players from the health, fitness, and wellness sectors to create a platform for innovations, investments, and trends tailored to an active lifestyle.

The event will debut at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center from Oct. 1-3.

Organized by RX, a global leader in events and exhibitions, and under the theme for a strong and healthy society, FIBO Arabia is already 60 percent sold out following a successful sales launch at FIBO’s flagship trade show in Cologne, Germany last month. There, 1,200 exhibitors and partners from 60 nations and 154,748 visitors from 129 countries were welcomed.

The launch of FIBO Arabia coincides with the Saudi government’s significant support for investing in the country’s sports sector as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify its economy. The government aims to increase sports spending by $22 billion by 2030, encompassing sports clubs, academies, sportswear and equipment, and sports facilities.

Vasyl Zhygalo, managing director, Middle East and emerging markets, RX: “We are honored that the Ministry of Investment for Saudi Arabia is supporting the launch of FIBO Arabia. This underscores the importance of health and fitness to the Saudi Arabian government and highlights its investment-friendly attitude toward overseas entrepreneurs and progressive companies that want to invest in their health and fitness sector.”

The country’s focus on becoming a global sports hub is underscored by the announcement of major events set to take place in Saudi Arabia, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup, 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games.

Furthermore, according to Gymnation, which operates a chain of fitness centers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the Saudi fitness market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9.7 percent between now and 2032 when the health and fitness market is projected to be worth $2.28 billion.

Basim K. Ibrahim, sport sector investment development director, at the ministry added: “FIBO Arabia represents a pivotal platform in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals by promoting a culture of fitness and wellness while also highlighting the Kingdom’s growing potential as a hub for investment within this sector. With increasing emphasis on exercise, sports, and well-being across the Kingdom, the event provides a vital opportunity for international and local brands to showcase the latest innovations and technologies in the industry.” 

We look forward to the positive impact FIBO Arabia will have on our communities and the exciting prospects it will unlock for the future.”

Over the course of three dynamic days, FIBO Arabia will offer unparalleled opportunities for building businesses, networking, and educating at the highest level.

Professional development will be a key focus of the show, with FIBO Arabia hosting a series of expert-led workshops, seminars, and keynote sessions. 


Hospitality Awards 2025 celebrate visionaries shaping future of Saudi hospitality

Updated 15 June 2025
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Hospitality Awards 2025 celebrate visionaries shaping future of Saudi hospitality

The Hospitality Network has unveiled the winners of The Hospitality Awards 2025, honoring excellence across 11 categories that spotlight innovation, leadership, and alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. The awards ceremony, held as part of The 2025 KSA Stakeholder Gathering, brought together senior decision-makers from the hotel and real estate industries at this influential conference.

Winners of the 2025 Hospitality Awards are:

  1. City of Tomorrow: Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City 
  2. Cultural and Architectural Preservation: AlUla Development Company 
  3. Development Leader: Imran Changezi, Diriyah Company 
  4. Groundbreaking Project: Desert Rock Resort 
  5. Heritage Conservation Project: Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah
  6. Iconic Project: Shebara Resort 
  7. Innovator of the Year: King Abdullah Financial District 
  8. Luxury Hospitality Pioneer: Desert Rock Resort 
  9. National Hospitality Champion: Fabien Toscano, AlUla Development Company
  10. Sustainability Champion: King Abdullah Financial District 
  11. Urban Living Excellence: Rua Al-Madinah Holding 

A celebration of vision and progress

“These awards are milestones on a much larger journey, powered by purpose, passion, and vision,” said Martina Bjorkenor, managing director, The Hospitality Network. The evening celebrated the drive of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and real estate leaders to innovate while preserving heritage and advancing sustainability.

Beyond awards, creating opportunity through connection

Held as part of the 2025 KSA Stakeholder Gathering, The Hospitality Awards took place during a high-impact event that brought together over 500 senior leaders from Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and real estate sectors. 

The program featured keynote speeches from Joseph Bradley of TONOMUS, who explored the future of AI in hospitality, and Philip Wooller of STR, a CoStar Group Company, who shared key insights on regional hotel performance. 

Attendees participated in expert-led panel discussions covering technology, sustainability, development as well as design and architecture. Together, these elements created a strategic platform to accelerate partnerships, create new opportunities, and drive forward Vision 2030’s ambitious hospitality goals.

What’s next?

The momentum continues at The 2025 EMEA Stakeholder Conference in Dubai this November, where The Hospitality Network will unite the industry’s most influential leaders shaping the future of hospitality and real estate across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

This exclusive gathering brings together owners, operators, giga-developers, consultants, and leading suppliers who are key decision-makers driving hundreds of hotel and real estate projects in the region.


stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims

Updated 14 June 2025
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stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims

stc group, a leading digital enabler, supported more than 1.6 million Hajj pilgrims with a robust digital ecosystem, ensuring seamless connectivity, secure communications, and an exceptional spiritual experience.

The group managed the holy season with outstanding readiness and reliability, elevating pilgrims’ experience through advanced telecommunications infrastructure and dedicated onsite maintenance teams. stc utilized its integrated operations center to monitor all performance indicators in real time, while leveraging cutting-edge analysis and network operation technologies to make swift, precise decisions, ensuring uninterrupted service, even during peak network traffic.

stc’s network reached record-breaking data and call volumes on the day of Arafah and the first day of Eid Al-Adha, surpassing previous Hajj seasons. The deployment of an advanced technical system powered by generative AI and cognitive SON enabled more than 14,000 technical actions per hour, a 30 percent increase from last year. This system also improved upload speed by 20 percent and achieved a self-recovery rate of more than 95 percent during peak times. stc’s 5G network recorded its highest-ever utilization rate of 90 percent during Arafah, successfully meeting the unprecedented demand and ensuring a seamless customer experience.

Data usage peaked at Muzdalifah on the first day of Eid, with a 64 percent increase in traffic, a 129 percent surge in 5G usage, and a 25 percent improvement in user experience. In Mina, AI-based predictive analytics optimized load distribution, boosting data traffic by more than 30 percent and enhancing 5G performance by 39 percent compared to last season.

In response to the heightened demand throughout this season, stc set up 436 fixed towers and 78 mobile towers to serve the Haram area and the holy sites, along with 259 5G sites, 83 upgraded 4G sites, and 21 additional coverage sites. Moreover, 998 Wi-Fi access points and 179 dedicated indoor data network sites ensured optimal coverage.

stc dedicated 144 critical communications network sites to deliver immediate support to security and service sectors, backed by a robust team of on-ground maintenance professionals ensuring uninterrupted services in all conditions. The group also played a key role in supporting government and private entities serving pilgrims, demonstrating its commitment to fostering national collaboration during the Hajj season.

stc contributed to the delivery of more than 203 million text messages on the day of Arafah, providing pilgrims with multilingual guidance to perform rituals with ease.

stc subsidiaries played a vital role in enhancing the Hajj experience. 

“sirar by stc” delivered cyber protection solutions to safeguard data and ensure the continuity of digital systems, while “specialized by stc” provided critical communication services via TETRA and LTE networks through its Miqat and Manasik solutions. Additionally, its Event Management Platform seamlessly connected operations rooms with field teams in real time, facilitating the safe and efficient movement of pilgrims.

“solutions by stc” contributed with advanced services such as SD-WAN, router management, and high-performance Wi-Fi to ensure continuous connectivity. “iot squared” introduced smart tents equipped with sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and smoke, enabling early emergency detection and faster response through command centers.

“The success of this year’s Hajj underscores the group’s commitment to serving pilgrims as a trusted digital partner,” the group said. “Operating behind the scenes, stc connected hearts and networks by delivering advanced telecommunications services that respected the sanctity of the occasion. stc group is proud to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by driving digital transformation and enhancing the experience of pilgrims during Hajj.”


Honor debuts in Bahrain market with 400 Series launch

Updated 14 June 2025
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Honor debuts in Bahrain market with 400 Series launch

Global AI device ecosystem company Honor has officially announced its entry into the Bahrain market with the launch of its highly anticipated 400 Series. The launch event, held in collaboration with Future Communications Company, Honor’s exclusive distributor in Bahrain, welcomed more than 80 guests including leading retailers and telecom operators.

The event marked a significant milestone in Honor’s regional expansion strategy and introduced Bahrain to the brand’s latest innovation in AI-powered smartphones. During the event, Laurence Li, general manager Honor GCC, outlined the brand’s global achievements, rapid growth across the region, and its long-term investment strategy for the country.

Sayed Ali Kamel, senior business development manager at FCC, expressed strong confidence in the Honor brand and reaffirmed FCC’s commitment to working closely with all channel partners to ensure successful market penetration and growth.

The highlight of the event was the introduction of the Honor 400 and 400 Pro — both equipped with advanced AI capabilities including the industry-leading 200 MP AI camera and the new AI Creative Editor, designed to revolutionize mobile photography and visual storytelling.

The Honor 400 is available in two storage variants: 12 GB + 256 GB at 154.9 Bahraini dinars ($410), and 12 GB + 512 GB at 174.9 Bahraini dinars.

The 400 Pro, offering enhanced features and performance, is available in a 12 GB + 512 GB variant at 279.9 Bahraini dinars.

Both devices come equipped with MagicOS 9.0, Honor’s intelligent user interface based on Android 15, and feature a 6,000 mAh battery with ultra-fast charging. The Pro variant also boasts IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance for added durability.

With a strong focus on innovation, design, and user experience, Honor aims to offer Bahraini consumers premium, AI-powered smartphones that empower creativity, productivity, and seamless connectivity.