Omar Abdulrahman, the region’s most famous footballer, has been confirmed as ambassador and front cover star for the Middle East edition of Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 (PES 2016), the latest edition of the hugely successful football game produced by Konami Digital Entertainment B.V.
Omar, who plays for Al Ain football Club in the UAE, will appear alongside global footballing icon Neymar Jr. when he becomes the first Arab player to grace a cover of one of the world’s most acclaimed video games, already an established favorite in the region.
The new edition of the game, featuring the historic cover, PES 2016will be released across Egypt, the GCC and Levant countries on Sept. 17, with a 20th anniversary edition also available.
Despite being just 24 years old, Omar has made headlines around the world over recent years with sparkling performances on the pitch helping to light up the 2012 London Olympics and 2015 AFC Asian Cup in particular.
He scored in the final as the UAE won the 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations, and was subsequently named player of the tournament, while in the same year he was listed byFIFA.com as one of the most promising future stars in Asia.
Omar Abdulrahman commented: “I have played Pro Evolution Soccer since I was a child. Growing up, I never imagined that I would be on the cover one day, so I am excited to be featured on it in this year’s edition and I can’t wait to see the game in action this September”.
PES 2016 aims to retain the title of ‘Best Sports Game’, which was bestowed on the previous edition at games shows and by major media outlets across the world last year, by continuing to lead the way in the recreation of ‘The Beautiful Game’. The series aims to go back to its roots to create an exciting match between users, and proudly present PES 2016 to deliver quality gameplay following ‘The Pitch is Ours’ mantra. From using the latest technological advances to bring the on-pitch action to life and being fully committed to centering the product around creating the best gameplay experience, to the full redevelopment of Master League, every facet of the game has been enhanced to deliver yet another outstanding product.
PES 2016 will also exclusively retain its use of the AFL Champions League club competition — this partnership allows KONAMI to feature both the AFL Champions League club competitions within its many options, with both featured as individual modes or within the larger season overview upon qualification including the iconic Master League mode.
Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are among the countries with teams featured in PES 2016.
Adam Bhatti, brand manager for PES added: “We couldn’t be happier with the addition of Omar Abdulrahman facing the front of PES 2016 for the Middle East region. Omar has been a massive success at the Al Ain football club and has a huge fan base across the region. Omar’s amazing skills on the pitch in real life inspire our gameplay design and emulate the PES 2016 experience, and we are confident will help to raise the game’s profile in the Middle East.”
Omar Abdulrahman becomes first Arab star to feature on front cover of Pro Evolution Soccer video game
Omar Abdulrahman becomes first Arab star to feature on front cover of Pro Evolution Soccer video game
SAB first bank in Kingdom to win Global Innovation Institute honor
Saudi Awwal Bank has won the innovation accreditation from the US-based Global Innovation Institute. This achievement makes it the first bank in the Kingdom to receive this certification, affirming its leading position in innovation in the region.
The certification is a culmination of SAB’s efforts in adopting innovation and integrating it across all sectors, including various initiatives such as workshops, training camps, and hackathons. These efforts have resulted in raising the innovation culture among its employees to 90 percent.
Saeed Assiri, chief innovation officer at SAB, said: “This achievement reflects our steadfast commitment to innovation as an integral part of our strategy and is a recognition of the quality and effectiveness of the practices we follow in promoting the culture of innovation within the bank.”
He added: “We reaffirm our commitment to continuing our path toward innovation and excellence as we recognize its importance in achieving growth and development. We work to embed it in all aspects of our business and look forward to providing financial solutions that meet our customers’ needs in new and innovative ways.”
This recognition comes at a time when the Kingdom is focusing on innovation as a fundamental element in its Saudi Vision 2030, making SAB a role model in enabling and empowering innovation in line with the best global practices. This in turn contributes to accelerating the Kingdom’s position as a center for innovation and creativity in the region.
The bank’s progress in driving innovation is a starting point to stimulate the financial sector in the Kingdom to adopt similar strategies. Innovation efforts at the bank go beyond developing products and services and include improving internal processes and building a work environment that is conducive to creativity. The approach is a step toward achieving higher levels of efficiency and effectiveness and represents a model to be emulated in the Saudi business sector.
The Global Innovation Institute is a world leader in providing certifications and accreditations in the field of innovation. The institute relies on precise methodologies in assessment and well-thought-out criteria to measure the maturity of innovation in organizations.
This certification is a significant milestone for SAB, as it represents a pivotal step toward the bank’s vision of pioneering innovation and shaping the future of finance in the Kingdom — solidifying its position as a forward-thinking institution.
MBSC hosts talks on family business in Saudi Arabia
Industry leaders, academic researchers, educators, innovators, business pioneers, and more than 100 family business representatives from Saudi Arabia discussed the evolving landscape of family businesses and the modern business practices in Saudi Arabia.
The event, “Unlock Legacy, Foster Innovation: Navigating the Future of Family Business,” was organized by Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the Kingdom’s world-class business school and its MBSC Observatory for Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Innovation and Family Business, in collaboration with the National Center for Family Business and the STEP Project Global Consortium.
Discussions focused on key themes such as Legacy Preservation in a Modern Era, Intergenerational Leadership, Sustaining Family Values in Business Growth, Balancing Heritage and Disruption, Legacy as a Lever for Competitive Advantage, and The Role of Next-Generation Leaders in Legacy Businesses.
Participants gained insights from real-world case studies, enabling them to address challenges specific to family businesses. The event also fostered networking within the family business community and equipped attendees with essential tools for future leadership.
Dr. Zeger Degraeve, dean of Prince Mohammed bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, said: “We are delighted to highlight the significance of the event held. Participants gained valuable strategic insights, built connections within the community, and acquired essential tools for future leadership. This aligns with MBSC’s mission to empower organizations, fostering critical thinking and confidence in navigating the complexities of the real world. Ultimately, this contributes to the sustainable development and economic growth of Saudi Arabia.”
The MBSC Observatory for Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Innovation and Family Business convenes business and education leaders to address current economic, social, and environmental issues. Drawing on collective expertise, it supports effective decision-making and problem-solving, aiming for a lasting impact. Through shared knowledge and innovative solutions, the observatory creates value for startups, established companies, and family businesses.
Dr. Tarek El-Masri, assistant professor at MBSC and director of MBSC Family Business Institute, said: “Our newly inaugurated institute aims to be present at every intersection where family business researchers, owners, regulators, and experts meet to propagate family business continuity and sustainable growth.”
Situated in King Abdullah Economic City, a contemporary urban center that provides an unparalleled modern environment for both students and faculty, MBSC offers world-class education from Saudi Arabia for Saudi Arabia in both King Abdullah Economic City and Riyadh, delivering practical, pragmatic, hands-on experiential learning to develop a new generation of transformative leaders.
Budget Saudi inks 10-year deal with Avis Budget Group
Budget Saudi, a car rental company in the Kingdom, has renewed its Budget and Payless franchise agreement with Avis Budget Group. The agreement will extend the two entities’ partnership for another 10 years, until 2033.
Unitrans Group, through its flagship brand Budget Saudi, holds the title of being the world’s single largest franchise owner of ABG in that category. This global recognition, coupled with a legacy of 45 years in Saudi Arabia, underscores Budget Saudi’s commitment to delivering world-class services and creating memorable journeys and experiences.
The agreement was confirmed and announced at a recent signing ceremony held during ABG’s Middle East Conference in Jeddah. The Budget and Payless franchise agreement was signed by Hans Mueller, VP global licensees, ABG, and Fawaz Abdullah Danish, president and group CEO, Budget Saudi.
They were joined at the Middle East Conference — the largest regional get-together of its kind organized by ABG — by a selection of leading ABG executives and senior management from the UK, US and Singapore, as well as delegates from the GCC, Jordan, Lebanon and Kazakhstan.
The renewal of the agreement was followed by the announcement of Budget Saudi’s robust financial performance for the year 2023. The company recently reported profitability exceeding SR277.3 million ($73.9 million), a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Furthermore, revenue growth for the year 2023 was an impressive 34.4 percent higher than the previous year, underlining Budget Saudi’s strong financial health and promising future.
Danish said: “The franchise agreement signed for 10 years augurs well for the company and its growth strategy. It demonstrates the trust of Avis Budget Group in our company and our ability to deliver consistently and grow exponentially in the coming years. The brand Budget and Payless is secure in our portfolio in Saudi Arabia and is well positioned to achieve our vision of being the most comprehensive transportation solutions provider in the Kingdom: a one-stop-shop for wide-ranging vehicle renting and leasing services, as well as premier limousine operations. We are fully focused on achieving our accelerated growth plans for the next five years.”
Budget Saudi has seen substantial growth in its revenues and fleet. As part of its growth strategy — and in accordance with Vision 2030 — the company has launched a range of sustainable green initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of its fleet. The company has also inducted EV vehicles to its fleet for rental and leasing services and is taking proactive steps to advance the Kingdom’s burgeoning EV infrastructure, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative.
New Canon CX center boosts Saudi printing industry
Canon Middle East, a leader in printing and imaging solutions, recently announced the establishment of a new customer experience center in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step toward fulfilling the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The initiative highlights Canon’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction and strategic partnerships within the region.
Since establishing a direct presence in Saudi Arabia at the end of 2018, Canon has rapidly expanded its operations in response to the country’s status as the largest GDP contributor in the Middle East. With more than 70 years of experience in the region, Canon’s expansion into the Saudi market includes the strategic opening of offices in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. This expansion not only solidifies Canon’s commitment to the Saudi market but also highlights the brand’s dedication to meeting the evolving demands of its customers with updated technology and state-of-the-art solutions.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions, Canon Middle East has maintained a significant market share of 70 percent within just two years of operation. This achievement reflects the strategic importance of Canon’s direct presence in the country, which has been instrumental in ensuring the availability of products and providing unparalleled customer support.
“Canon Middle East’s investment in the customer experience center represents our ongoing commitment to driving innovation and empowering the printing industry in Saudi Arabia,” said Shadi Bakhour, B2B business unit director at Canon Middle East. “Our goal is to exceed customer expectations through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technological advancement, thereby contributing to the socioeconomic development of the Kingdom as outlined in Vision 2030.”
The customer experience center will foster innovation and collaboration, positioning Canon Middle East as a trusted partner in Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey.
“By doubling its revenues in just two years and investing in local initiatives, Canon demonstrates its dedication to not only meet but also exceed the expectations of Saudi customers,” the company said in a statement.
“As Saudi Arabia progresses toward achieving its ambitious Vision 2030, Canon Middle East remains committed to supporting the nation’s goals across various sectors. With opportunities for growth abound, Canon is poised to capitalize on mega-deals and initiatives that drive the Saudi economy forward.”
Experience innovation and elegance with Nissan’s sedan trio
When it comes to automotive excellence, Nissan has a lineage that spans decades, with each of its sedans — the Altima, Maxima, and Sunny — telling a story of meticulous design and engineering tailored to meet the unique needs and aspirations of drivers. Crafted with an emphasis on the driver’s experience, these models reflect Nissan’s commitment to diversity, ensuring there is a sedan for every customer, regardless of their lifestyle, budget, or aspirations.
The sleek and stylish Nissan Altima, with its fuel-efficient engine, ensures a drive that is as economical as it is powerful. This sedan does not just move you from point A to B; it does so with an unmatched blend of efficiency and flair, whether for city commutes or for longer trips. Equipped with intelligent driving aids and comprehensive protective systems, it offers peace of mind, safeguarding every journey and providing a driving experience that is secure and profoundly enjoyable. Sealing the deal, the Altima’s design, characterized by clean lines and an aerodynamic shape, further solidifies its position as a symbol of modern automotive design.
The Nissan Maxima, on the other hand, takes the concept of a four-door sports car and infuses it with luxury and high-performance capabilities. Boasting a powerful engine that delivers exhilarating acceleration and a refined interior that includes luxury features often found in premium segments, the Maxima is a testament to Nissan’s ability to blend performance with style. As impressive under its hood as it is on the outside, it is engineered for drivers who demand more from their vehicles — more power, more comfort, and more advanced technology — illustrating the result of the blending of engineering and luxury without compromise.
For those seeking practicality without sacrificing quality, the Nissan Sunny offers an unbeatable proposition. Its spacious interior and fuel-efficient engine makes it an ideal vehicle for families and individuals alike. However, what really puts the Sunny a notch above the rest is its affordability, ensuring that quality and reliability are accessible to a broader range of customers. It is a model that proves Nissan’s dedication to offering versatile options across various budget ranges, making the joy of owning a well-crafted vehicle a reality for more people.
In addition to its forward-thinking approach to automotive design, Nissan consistently demonstrates its commitment to customer-centricity by prioritizing the evolving needs of the drivers. By incorporating cutting-edge technology and advanced features, Nissan not only enhances the driving experience but also ensures that each journey is safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. The seamless integration of intelligent mobility features across models such as the Altima, Maxima, and Sunny underscores Nissan’s dedication to innovation and its focus on exceeding customer expectations.
