Cluster meet Phase 2 winners honored at Indian school

Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, consul general of India, with members of the managing committee, school staff and students.
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Updated 01 July 2025
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Cluster meet Phase 2 winners honored at Indian school

The prize distribution ceremony for the 33rd cluster meet Phase 2 was held on June 27 in the boys’ auditorium of the host school, International Indian School Jeddah. The program was meticulously planned and executed to mark the end of a successful series of interschool sports competitions.

Around 825 students from 21 schools across the Kingdom participated in the second phase held from June 23 to 27. The event covered athletics and field events, table tennis and basket ball for boys.

The ceremony commenced with a soulful recitation of the holy Qur’an, followed by a bouquet presentation to the chief guest Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, consul general of India, who was warmly welcomed along with members of the school’s managing committee, principals of participating schools, guests and student participants.

The welcome address was delivered by IISJ Principal Dr. Mohammed Imran, who expressed appreciation for the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by students throughout the meet.

Following the welcome, head of the physical education department Adil Akhtar Khan presented a report on the cluster meet, highlighting key events, participation statistics, and notable achievements across the various sports disciplines. The report reflected the tremendous efforts and coordination that went into organizing the event and the enthusiasm shown by all participating schools.

An insightful overall observation was then shared by Mohammed Sirajuddin, a physical education teacher from Riyadh X-Zone, who commended students for their energy and commitment, and acknowledged the high level of competition witnessed over the past few days. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the host school’s PE teacher and his dedicated team for their exceptional efforts and true spirit of sportsmanship in organizing and managing the event seamlessly.

In her speech, Farheen Taha, a member of the IISJ managing committee, emphasized the importance of physical education and interschool collaboration in holistic student development.

The highlight of the evening was the inspiring address by chief guest Suri, who praised the organizing team for their efforts and encouraged students to maintain a balance between academics and physical fitness. Quoting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said “Khelega India, tabhi toh khilega India,” meaning “When India plays, India prospers,“

A lively musical interlude came next with a song performance by the students, which received resounding applause from the audience.

Girls Section Vice Principal Farhadunnisa delivered the vote of thanks.

Adding an element of fun and excitement, the mascot of the cluster meet “Altius” was introduced amidst cheers and applause. The mascot energized the crowd and symbolized the spirit of sportsmanship and unity.

The much-awaited prize distribution ceremony followed, where winners of various tracks, and field and team events were felicitated. Medals, trophies, and certificates were awarded to recognize outstanding performances. The overall championship trophy was awarded to IISJ for their consistent excellence across events.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Vice Principal of IISJ Girls’ Section Farhadunnisa, who expressed gratitude to the organizing committee, volunteers, sponsors, participants, and guests for making the event a grand success.


Al-Saedan launches $400m investment platform for real estate, digital infrastructure

Updated 27 January 2026
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Al-Saedan launches $400m investment platform for real estate, digital infrastructure

Al-Saedan Real Estate Company of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Serpentine Lake Capital of the UK and SGI Real Estate of Canada, have announced the establishment of a joint development and investment platform under the name SL Property. The platform will develop commercial, residential, and hospitality projects, alongside infrastructure and data center projects, across the Kingdom. It reflects the growing international interest in Saudi Arabia’s real estate and digital infrastructure markets and supports the development of high-quality, long-term assets within the Kingdom.

The agreement signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing and Chairman of the Real Estate General Authority Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail, as part of the Future of Real Estate Forum, in which Al-Saedan Real Estate participated as a strategic sponsor. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Badr bin Ibrahim bin Saedan, chairman of the board of Al-Saedan Real Estate; Ahmed bin Ibrahim bin Saedan, vice chairman of the board of Al-Saedan Real Estate; Ben Mikola, representative of Serpentine Lake Capital and SL Property; and Hassan Al-Shawwa, representative of SGI Canada.

The attendance reflects the strategic importance of the initiative and the continued support of the authority in facilitating the attraction of high-quality international investments into the Kingdom’s real estate and digital infrastructure sectors.

This development follows the issuance of the Regulation on Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis in Saudi Arabia, which came into effect in January. The updated regulatory framework is expected to expand access to international investment, facilitate foreign investor participation in strategic sectors, and increase the depth of institutional capital flowing into the real estate, infrastructure, and data center sectors in the Kingdom.

The platform is targeting initial joint investments of SR1.5 billion ($400 million) in partnership with Al-SaedanReal Estate, representing the first phase of a broader, multi-stage investment program. In its initial phase, SL Property — Al-Saedan intends to invest in six to eight projects across real estate, infrastructure, and data centers, with additional opportunities anticipated as the platform’s activities expand in the future.

The initial projects will be concentrated in Riyadh and Jeddah, and will include mixed-use developments, commercial assets, residential projects, and infrastructure related to data centers. These projects are designed to be scalable, sustainable, and aligned with national development priorities, including housing expansion, enhancement of urban quality of life, hospitality sector growth, and strengthening the Kingdom’s digital services capabilities.

Al-Saedan Real Estate is one of the oldest private real estate development companies in Saudi Arabia, with more than 80 years of operational experience and a strong track record that includes the development of seven major integrated urban communities, in addition to numerous commercial, hospitality, and associated infrastructure projects.

The SL Property platform will serve as a dedicated investment vehicle for this initiative, with Serpentine Lake Capital contributing its asset management expertise, and SGI Real Estate providing its specialized real estate sector experience. The platform’s structure is intended to combine local development capabilities with disciplined international investment practices and robust governance standards.

This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s economic diversification objectives and reflects growing confidence in the updated regulatory framework governing the real estate and digital infrastructure sectors. As the platform evolves, it is expected to provide both local and international investors with access to high-quality investment opportunities across the real estate and data center sectors throughout the Kingdom.

Dr. Badr bin Ibrahim said: “At Al-Saedan, we are pleased to be among the first beneficiaries of the promising new foreign investment system. Following our success in raising several local investment funds, we look forward to expanding our expertise and partnerships at a global level.”

Mikola added: “We are pleased to partner with Al-Saedan, whose strong track record provides a solid foundation for this collaboration. As the platform develops, we expect to explore opportunities to expand into real estate and infrastructure projects within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond. The Kingdom represents a fast-growing market driven by clear structural factors, and we look forward to developing high-potential opportunities through a disciplined and focused approach.”