US-Saudi CEO Summit focuses on skills boost

Updated 26 January 2016
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US-Saudi CEO Summit focuses on skills boost

A US-Saudi CEO Summit was launched in Riyadh on Sunday. Leading officials and businessmen from Saudi Arabia and the US attended the summit with the aim of exploring areas of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) Chairman Abdulrahman Al-Zamil stated that the US-Saudi CEO Summit is a key tool for American and Saudi businesspersons to interact with each other to promote bilateral trade.
“Twenty five leading US executives and businessmen flew into Riyadh to attend this historic summit and meet with their Saudi counterparts. We aim to support the economic development plans of the Kingdom, which include diversification of the economy and job creation, and enhance bilateral trade relations with our Saudi counterparts,” US Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donohue said.
The summit’s agenda focused on an array of topics of high importance, including planning work force productivity and education, supply chain development, business environment, and knowledge-based economy focused on health care.
Participants of the summit will reconvene in Washington, DC, which will become a once-a-year meeting starting 2017. The summit will rotate between Washington DC and Riyadh.
Donohue added that there are opportunities for competitive US firms to transfer their technology and knowledge into the Saudi market and create partnerships with leading Saudi firms.
The US Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization, representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions.
The CSC is the official federation in Saudi Arabia, representing 28 chambers of commerce, as well as institutions of the private sector.
The CSC additionally has 37 national committees, which work closely with concerned bodies to address issues of related sectors. It also has 36 Saudi-foreign business councils, which have an effective role in enhancing the Kingdom’s economic relations with other countries.


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.