The Ritz Carlton, Riyadh – Arabian Business Directory

Business Referrals

2,915
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Merhan El Massry

Director of Public Relations

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Pradeep Bijlwan

Club Manager

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Mohamed Dardari

Dir of Catering & Conference Services

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Fraulin Caparas

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Ahoud Abdullah

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Adel Al Mahboob

General Manager

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Mohammad Al Shahrany

Guest Relations

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Roel Acebedo

Club Supervisor

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Mikel Ibrahim

Director of Sales & Marketing

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Saudi nationals on hospitality fast-track

Marriott International the world s largest hotel company and leading Saudi five-star hospitality company Dur Hospitality have launched a program designed to fast-track Saudi nationals into the hospitality industry. Tahseen is a 12- to 18-month Leadership Development Program which will offer Saudi male and female college and university graduates as well as current Marriott employees and nationals passionate about entering the hospitality industry full immersion into all aspects of the hospitality business. Up to 50 Saudi nationals are expected to enroll on the tailored culturally-sensitive program with recruitment activity set to start in February 2017. The recruitment process will be supported by INJAZ Al-Arab a non-profit youth-focused organisation which will raise awareness of hospitality as a career opportunity to students in high schools colleges and universities in Saudi Arabia. Having enrolled on Tahseen participants will initially receive soft skills and workplace culture training from Education for Employment (EFE) whose mission is to create job opportunities for unemployed youth in the Middle East. This will be followed by a six-month component exposing participants to various different disciplines within the hospitality industry such as HR finance sales and marketing and engineering. Participants will then specialise in the discipline of their choice for the next six to 12 months benefitting from world-class tuition from Cornell University locally delivered by Cornell instructors as part of its executive leadership workshop program as well as e-Cornell certificate programs. Participants will also have access to Marriott International s world-renowned core management development programs. Having qualified individuals will be offered a managerial role at a Marriott property in Saudi Arabia. Alex Kyriakidis President and Managing Director Middle East and Africa Marriott International said: Tahseen gives Marriott International the opportunity to create a paradigm shift in the perception of hospitality among Saudi nationals. It responds to strong demand in the market for Saudi talent by showcasing careers in hospitality to the next generation of hoteliers benefiting both Arab youth as well as the industry. According to Thomas Kline Executive Director of Executive Education Cornell University School of Hotel Administration hotel management today requires complex technical skills. Today hoteliers must be masterful business people. Cornell will provide Tahseen participants with the opportunity to learn industry-specific business knowledge and skills contributing via our award-winning online courses as well as classroom learning sessions. Our instructors are experts in the business of hotels and in the science of human learning. David Leman Chief Human Resources Officer MEA Marriott International says Tahseen is closely aligned with the Kingdom s strategic economic objectives. Hospitality is a key economic pillar of the 2030 economic vision and we see a great potential to assist with addressing unemployment addressing opportunities across the economy and to grow our business in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is considered one of Marriott International s top-tier destinations in the Middle East and Africa. The company currently operates 20 properties in the country with almost 6 000 rooms and by 2022 will bring onstream a further 34 properties with an additional 9 000 rooms. However the region s hospitality industry has long struggled to attract national talent with many traditionally preferring jobs in the public sector oil or banking industries. Kyriakidis says Tahseen will showcase the opportunities in hospitality for nationals while meeting the company s long-term demand for indigenous management skills. Marriott International s interests now and in the future are best served with Saudi nationals leading in our business in Saudi Arabia he states. As well as ambitious expansion plans in Saudi Arabia the company is expected to have a total of 130 000 to 140 000 rooms either operating or in the pipeline in the Middle East and Africa within five years which will require some 60 000 new staff to manage and operate. In addition to Saudi Arabia Tahseen is being rolled out in other GCC states. Explaining the timing behind the launch of Tahseen Kyriakidis added: The program comes as the oil price has taken its toll and this has perhaps released sufficient demand from Saudi youth to consider entering this industry. And we felt if that s the case then we need something very special. I would like to think that in 10 years from now I will be able to walk around any of our hotels in Saudi Arabia and all leadership roles across the property will be filled by Saudi nationals.

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Saudi nationals on hospitality fast-track

Marriott International the world s largest hotel company and leading Saudi five-star hospitality company Dur Hospitality have launched a program designed to fast-track Saudi nationals into the hospitality industry. Tahseen is a 12- to 18-month Leadership Development Program which will offer Saudi male and female college and university graduates as well as current Marriott employees and nationals passionate about entering the hospitality industry full immersion into all aspects of the hospitality business. Up to 50 Saudi nationals are expected to enroll on the tailored culturally-sensitive program with recruitment activity set to start in February 2017. The recruitment process will be supported by INJAZ Al-Arab a non-profit youth-focused organisation which will raise awareness of hospitality as a career opportunity to students in high schools colleges and universities in Saudi Arabia. Having enrolled on Tahseen participants will initially receive soft skills and workplace culture training from Education for Employment (EFE) whose mission is to create job opportunities for unemployed youth in the Middle East. This will be followed by a six-month component exposing participants to various different disciplines within the hospitality industry such as HR finance sales and marketing and engineering. Participants will then specialise in the discipline of their choice for the next six to 12 months benefitting from world-class tuition from Cornell University locally delivered by Cornell instructors as part of its executive leadership workshop program as well as e-Cornell certificate programs. Participants will also have access to Marriott International s world-renowned core management development programs. Having qualified individuals will be offered a managerial role at a Marriott property in Saudi Arabia. Alex Kyriakidis President and Managing Director Middle East and Africa Marriott International said: Tahseen gives Marriott International the opportunity to create a paradigm shift in the perception of hospitality among Saudi nationals. It responds to strong demand in the market for Saudi talent by showcasing careers in hospitality to the next generation of hoteliers benefiting both Arab youth as well as the industry. According to Thomas Kline Executive Director of Executive Education Cornell University School of Hotel Administration hotel management today requires complex technical skills. Today hoteliers must be masterful business people. Cornell will provide Tahseen participants with the opportunity to learn industry-specific business knowledge and skills contributing via our award-winning online courses as well as classroom learning sessions. Our instructors are experts in the business of hotels and in the science of human learning. David Leman Chief Human Resources Officer MEA Marriott International says Tahseen is closely aligned with the Kingdom s strategic economic objectives. Hospitality is a key economic pillar of the 2030 economic vision and we see a great potential to assist with addressing unemployment addressing opportunities across the economy and to grow our business in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is considered one of Marriott International s top-tier destinations in the Middle East and Africa. The company currently operates 20 properties in the country with almost 6 000 rooms and by 2022 will bring onstream a further 34 properties with an additional 9 000 rooms. However the region s hospitality industry has long struggled to attract national talent with many traditionally preferring jobs in the public sector oil or banking industries. Kyriakidis says Tahseen will showcase the opportunities in hospitality for nationals while meeting the company s long-term demand for indigenous management skills. Marriott International s interests now and in the future are best served with Saudi nationals leading in our business in Saudi Arabia he states. As well as ambitious expansion plans in Saudi Arabia the company is expected to have a total of 130 000 to 140 000 rooms either operating or in the pipeline in the Middle East and Africa within five years which will require some 60 000 new staff to manage and operate. In addition to Saudi Arabia Tahseen is being rolled out in other GCC states. Explaining the timing behind the launch of Tahseen Kyriakidis added: The program comes as the oil price has taken its toll and this has perhaps released sufficient demand from Saudi youth to consider entering this industry. And we felt if that s the case then we need something very special. I would like to think that in 10 years from now I will be able to walk around any of our hotels in Saudi Arabia and all leadership roles across the property will be filled by Saudi nationals.

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PRODUCT & SERVICES

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Global Airports Forum to bring aviation leaders to Riyadh

Global aviation leaders will converge in Riyadh in November to discuss industry s key challenges and opportunities as Middle East airport development spending is expected to reach 180 billion. Taking place on November 30 and December 1 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center (RFECC) Global Airports Forum will bring together global and regional aviation leaders through four co-located conferences: the Global Aviation Issues Conference Future Aviation Investment Conference Airport Design & Build Conference and Women in Aviation General Assembly. Together the four conferences will explore how the industry is responding to some of its most significant opportunities and challenges from artificial intelligence cybersecurity and advanced air mobility to airport investment smart infrastructure sustainability passenger experience and the future aviation workforce. At the Global Aviation Issues Conference industry leaders will discuss airport se...

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Expo 2030 Riyadh, Mohammed Al Habib Real Estate sign $853m JV deal for Expo Village

Expo 2030 Riyadh and Mohammed Al Habib Real Estate Company (MAHR) have signed an SAR3.2 billion ( 853 million) joint venture agreement for the development and delivery of the Expo Village the residential community for Expo 2030 Riyadh. The agreement represents the first joint venture milestone for Expo 2030 Riyadh and reinforces its commitment to partner with the private sector to unlock economic opportunities and create lasting value both in the lead-up to the Expo and well beyond the event itself said a statement. The Expo Village will provide purpose-built accommodation for official participants and delegations within a fully integrated sustainable district. Designed to offer a convenient and comfortable living environment the Village will support international participants throughout their stay and enable the smooth operation of their presence at Expo 2030 Riyadh. ...

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Delegations arrive in Riyadh for UNESCO’s GFEAI

Delegations and guests including ministers responsible for technology and AI have begun arriving in Riyadh for the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026). Comprehensive arrangements are in place to welcome them along with decision-makers experts academics representatives of international organisations and public- and private-sector officials. More than 100 speakers will participate in 30 dialogue and specialised sessions a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report said. Saudi Arabia is hosting the forum from September 14 to 17 through the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation. AI ethics and governance Over four days GFEAI 2026 will address issues related to AI ethics and governance amid rapid advances in the field. Discussions will explore ways to strengthen international cooperation in developing and using AI tec...

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Saudi Arabia approves 4,310 sq km nature reserve near Riyadh

Saudi Arabia s Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal Nature Reserve a protected area covering 4 310 sq km across Dhurma Al Muzahimiyah and surrounding areas reported the Saudi Gazette. The Cabinet also approved the formation of the reserve s board of directors it stated. Ibrahim Al Sultan the Minister of State Cabinet member and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City said the decision reflected the government s efforts to protect natural areas develop nature reserves and preserve the kingdom s environmental rural and cultural heritage. The Cabinet also approved the formation of the reserve s board of directors. As per the deal the Royal Commission for Riyadh City will oversee the reserve s development and objectives which include protecting ecosystems restoring degraded areas and supporting economic and social development. The commission will coordinate with relevant government authoritie...

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Wyndham opens Howard Johnson by Wyndham Riyadh Al Nasiriyah

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Howard Johnson by Wyndham Riyadh Al Nasiriyah marking the brand s debut in Riyadh and adding a newly renovated midscale hotel to the Saudi capital s Al Nasiriyah district. The 99-room property is located near major government institutions healthcare facilities and cultural attractions including King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre the Saudi Central Bank and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Guests can also reach Al Murabba Palace and the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre while King Khalid International Airport is around 43 kilometres away. The opening follows a comprehensive transformation of the property which operated as Saudia Hotel for more than four decades. Completed in 2026 the conversion retains the hotel s longstanding presence in Riyadh w...

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Saudi, Welcome to Arabia wraps up participation at inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh

Saudi Welcome to Arabia concluded its participation in the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh the first event in WTM s new destination-focused series. Held over three days the event brought together government representatives international trade partners and media for meetings and discussions on the future of travel and tourism. The Saudi Welcome to Arabia stand showcased the Kingdom s diverse tourism offerings including cultural and heritage destinations coastal getaways luxury hospitality and emerging adventure experiences. It also hosted business meetings and networking sessions aimed at strengthening ties with international markets. The event featured several partnership announcements including a strategic agreement between the Saudi Tourism Authority and Almosafer Activities. The partnership integrates the platform with the Saudi Partner Tourism Exchange Portal highlighting continued ...

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Delta Air Lines receives approval for Riyadh-Atlanta flights

Saudi Arabia s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has granted US-based Delta Air Lines a Foreign Air Operator Authorization paving the way for scheduled direct flights between Atlanta and Riyadh. The approval issued under Part 129 of Saudi aviation safety regulations supports the Kingdom s efforts to expand international air connectivity and attract global carriers to its aviation market. GACA said the move will strengthen links with international destinations enhance competition in the aviation sector and support tourism business and investment activity. The initiative aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom s Aviation Programme. -TradeArabia News Service ...

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Tourism leaders call for community-centred development at WTM Spotlight Riyadh

Saudi Arabia has an opportunity to establish a new benchmark for experience-led tourism by putting local communities culture and heritage at the heart of destination development tourism leaders said at WTM Spotlight Riyadh. Two sessions focused on community tourism and the growing experience economy with industry experts discussing how the Kingdom can leverage its cultural and natural assets while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. The discussions come as tourism becomes an increasingly important pillar of Saudi Arabia s economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030. The Kingdom welcomed nearly 123 million domestic and international visitors in 2025 generating more than SAR304 billion in tourism spending. With visitor numbers expected to continue rising speakers stressed the importance of ensuring tourism growth creates lasting economic value while prot...

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Riyadh Air launches direct flights to Manila

Riyadh Air has launched its first direct flights between Riyadh and Manila making the Philippine capital the airline s 13th destination and seventh in Asia. The new route operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft initially runs four times weekly increasing to daily service from October 19 2026. The service is expected to strengthen connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines while supporting trade tourism and travel. It will also offer passengers onward connections through Riyadh to domestic and European destinations supporting Saudi Arabia s Aviation Programme and Vision 2030 goals to expand international air connectivity . -TradeArabia News Service ...

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Fourth RGMBS to open Monday in Riyadh

The fourth Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit (RGMBS) will bring together leading experts researchers innovators investors and policymakers from around the world to discuss the latest developments in medical biotechnology. The event aims to strengthen Riyadh s position as a global hub for medical biotechnology innovation by showcasing the latest technologies and innovations and exploring promising investment opportunities a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report said. Sector coordination It will also foster cooperation among scientific experts research institutions and global companies while highlighting coordination among government sectors. These efforts aim to support the sector s growth and expand its economic and health impact in line with the objectives of the National Biotechnology Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. The show is held under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Crown Prince Prime Minister ...

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Alpha FMC expands presence across the GCC with new office in Riyadh

Alpha FMC a leading global consultancy to the financial services industry has expanded its presence across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with the opening of a new office in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Riyadh strengthening its regional footprint and providing a dedicated base for its growing team in the Kingdom. The Riyadh office is Alpha s third office in the GCC adding to its existing presence in Abu Dhabi and Qatar and further strengthening the firm s ability to support clients across the region. Alpha has supported financial institutions in Saudi Arabia for more than eight years and has continued to expand its presence across the GCC with established teams in Abu Dhabi and Qatar. The firm s growing regional presence enables it to combine international experience with local market expertise supporting clients as they respond to evolving client expectations modernise operating models transform technology platforms and deliver large-scale ...

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Debut WTM Spotlight Riyadh opens, domestic tourism spend up says STA CEO

The inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh opened in in the Saudi capital on Monday with the participation of senior tourism leaders and global travel buyers as Saudi Arabia showcased its growing portfolio of destinations experiences and tourism opportunities. On behalf of Ahmed Al-Khateeb Minister of Tourism Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) CEO Ageel AlShaibani opened the event. The destination-focused event has brought together international travel buyers and Saudi tourism businesses to build commercial relationships explore new products and programmes and strengthen the travel trade s ability to bring more of Saudi to market. Through Saudi Welcome to Arabia branding STA is showcasing Saudi Arabia s expanding tourism offering spanning cultural and heritage attractions coastal destinations luxury hospitality nature entertainment and emerging destinations. AlShaibani said: I m delighted to begin my tenure as the new CEO of the Saudi Tourism as Saudi hosts...

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Saudi Event Show 2026 to open tomorrow in Riyadh

Saudi Event Show 2026 will open tomorrow September 9 at The Arena in Riyadh bringing together professionals shaping Saudi Arabia s fast-growing events and entertainment sector. Now in its sixth edition the two-day event will welcome more than 5 500 industry professionals 100 exhibitors and suppliers and 30 regional and international speakers. The show will connect event organisers government stakeholders agencies technology providers suppliers marketers and creative professionals highlighting the latest production technology logistics venue and creative solutions supporting the Kingdom s expanding events ecosystem. More than 15 hours of free leadership content across two seminar hubs will explore Saudi success stories innovation emerging technologies and global best practices. Saudi Arabia is no longer simply ...

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flyadeal showcases expanding network, tourism support at WTM Riyadh

flyadeal Saudia Group s fast-growing low-cost carrier will showcase its contribution to Saudi Arabia s tourism ambitions at World Travel Market (WTM) Riyadh taking place from September 8 10 2026. The airline will highlight its expanding domestic and international network which connects major cities emerging destinations and global markets while making travel across the Kingdom more accessible and affordable. As Saudi Arabia s tourism sector continues to grow flyadeal s expanding fleet and route network are supporting greater visitor access to cultural heritage leisure and nature attractions. The carrier will also showcase its customer-focused approach competitive fares and efforts to enhance the passenger experience from booking through arrival. ...

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WTM Spotlight Riyadh opens tomorrow to connect Saudi tourism with global markets

WTM Spotlight Riyadh organised by RX will open on September 8 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre launching a new platform aimed at connecting Saudi Arabia with international travel markets as the Kingdom accelerates its tourism transformation under Vision 2030. Running from September 8 10 the inaugural event will give international travel companies an opportunity to engage directly with Saudi Arabia s rapidly developing tourism market while connecting Saudi stakeholders with global destinations brands travel buyers and industry leaders. Tourism is playing a growing role in Saudi Arabia s economic diversification strategy with the Kingdom targeting a 10% contribution to national GDP by the end of the decade. Investment in hospitality aviation infrastructure culture entertainment and destination development is creating opportunities ac...

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Armah Sports Company inks Riyadh Club development deal

Armah Sports Company has signed a 20-year development and lease agreement with Emaar Al Waseel Al-Mutamayyizah Company a subsidiary of Banan Real Estate Company for a men s sports club in Riyadh s Al-Qirawan district. The club to be developed in accordance with designs and specifications prepared and approved by Armah Sports will operate under Armah s B_FIT brand and will be dedicated to men. The facility will include full-service sports and fitness amenities as well as technology-enabled services Armah said. The project forms part of Armah s expansion plans and its strategy to diversify funding sources the company said. It is being developed in cooperation with Banan Real Estate and its subsidiaries with Armah targeting expansion in prime locations to support growth and returns. Under the agreement Emaar Al Waseel Al Mutamayyizah will develop the club on Prince Musaed bin Jalawi Road in accordance with specifications and design plans approved by Ar...

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KBLT Congress 2026 opens in Riyadh as Saudi luxury travel market surges

The fifth annual Kingdom Business & Luxury Travel (KBLT) Congress opens at the Mövenpick Hotel and Residences Riyadh on September 6 7 2026 bringing together more than 100 pre-qualified Saudi buyers and leading international travel brands as the Kingdom s outbound luxury market continues its rapid expansion. Saudi outbound tourism spending is projected to exceed 30.7 billion (SAR 115 billion) in 2026 driven by an estimated 12.3 million international outbound trips. The country s luxury travel segment valued at approximately 13.5 billion this year is forecast to surpass 25 billion by 2033. Against this backdrop KBLT s Advisory Board says Saudi luxury travellers are becoming increasingly sophisticated moving beyond traditional five-star offerings toward highly personalised authentic and experience-led travel. Sulaim...

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WTM Spotlight Riyadh Unveils inaugural conference programme

WTM Spotlight Riyadh has announced the conference programme for its inaugural edition bringing together tourism leaders from Saudi Arabia and international markets to explore opportunities created by the Kingdom s rapidly expanding visitor economy. The three-day event will take place from September 8 10 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre (RFECC) with discussions focused on Saudi Arabia s Vision 2030 tourism ambitions outbound travel connectivity experiences talent and technology. The opening day themed Driving Growth for Vision 2030 will examine how tourism growth can generate long-term economic and social benefits. UN Tourism s Samer Al-Kharashi will discuss how tourism can support regional development while preserving culture and nature and strengthening community participation. UN Tourism will also par...

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Riyadh Air launches direct flights to Bangkok

Riyadh Air has launched direct flights between King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok strengthening air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Thailand. The new route marks the airline s 12th destination since its inaugural flight in June 2026 and supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals by promoting trade tourism and cultural ties between the two countries. Riyadh Air will initially operate three weekly flights to Bangkok increasing to daily service from November 9. Tony Douglas Riyadh Air CEO emphasised that the launch of the direct route between the two capitals underscores the airline s commitment to advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by strengthening trade tourism and cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Thailand. -TradeArabia News Service ...

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Saudi Tourism Ministry joins WTM Spotlight Riyadh as strategic partner

WTM Spotlight Riyadh has announced the Ministry of Tourism as Strategic Partner for the inaugural edition of the event reinforcing a shared commitment to tourism growth international collaboration and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Scheduled for September 8-10 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Centre (RFECC) the event will connect international tourism businesses with Saudi Arabia s expanding travel market. WTM Spotlight Riyadh will bring together destinations tourism authorities hospitality providers airlines travel technology companies investors consumers and industry leaders to explore business opportunities across the Kingdom s tourism sector. The partnership comes as Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position as a leading global tourism destination. Under Vision 2030 tourism is a k...

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Swisslog to showcase next-gen warehouse automation at Riyadh event

Swisslog a global leader in automated logistics solutions will demonstrate how adaptable automation can help warehouse operators respond as volumes increase product ranges expand and service requirements evolve at the Saudi Warehousing & Logistics Expo in Riyadh. The event will be held from September 8 10 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center. Live automation technology on display Visitors will experience a live demonstration of AutoStore a compact goods-to-person system that stores products in a high-density grid and delivers bins directly to operators helping businesses maximise storage within limited space and scale capacity as needs grow. With experience from over 400 AutoStore projects over 13 years Swisslog covers full system design deployment optimisation and long-term support. The company will also showcase its IntraMove autonomous mobile robot which moves loads of up to 3 000 kg with autonomous nav...

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NTT DATA AI Factory Lab to launch in Riyadh

NTT DATA a global leader in AI digital business and technology services has announced its intention to launch the NTT DATA AI Factory Lab in Riyadh Saudi Arabia this month. Designed to help organisations accelerate AI adoption the lab will bring together NTT DATA s full stack AI solutions and services expertise and technologies from leading ecosystem partners including Cisco and NVIDIA to help scale AI with confidence. The AI Factory Lab will support executive briefings AI strategy workshops and hands-on experiences that will help organisations identify high-impact AI use cases validate business outcomes and accelerate adoption on a secure integrated foundation spanning infrastructure platforms and services. While interest in AI continues to grow many organisations are looking for a practical path from experimentation to business outcomes said Hani Nofal Executive Head of Infrastructure Solutions in Middle East and Africa NTT DATA. The AI Fa...

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IGIC 2026 in Riyadh set to be biggest so far

Some 700 delegates from over 40 countries are expected to attend the 3rd Annual International Geotechnical Innovation Conference (IGIC 2026) taking place in Riyadh from October 14 to 15. This year s conference the biggest so far comes at a critical time for the region. With Saudi Arabia s construction pipeline exceeding 1.6 trillion in active projects geotechnical engineering is playing an increasingly vital role in delivering the Kingdom s giga and mega-projects safely and efficiently a release said. IGIC 2026 will bring together project owners contractors consultants technology providers and equipment suppliers to explore the latest challenges and innovations across ground engineering. It is Mena s leading geotechnical engineering platform purpose-built to support the region s especially Saudi Arabia s unprecedented scale of infrastructure urban mining and giga-project developments. Across Mena projects are increasingly confronted by ha...

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WWE Crown Jewel set for Riyadh Season Stadium

The General Entertainment Authority and WWE have announced that Crown Jewel will take place at Riyadh Season Stadium in KAFD as part of Riyadh Season s sports and entertainment programme. The event will feature champion-versus-champion matchups in both the men s and women s divisions. Last year Seth Freakin Rollins and Stephanie Vaquer won the Crown Jewel Championships featuring titles crafted with 50 carats of diamonds. Tickets for the Riyadh event will be available soon through Webook. WWE s partnership with Saudi Arabia began in 2018 and has brought major events including Crown Jewel Elimination Chamber King & Queen of the Ring Night of Champions and Royal Rumble to the Kingdom. Riyadh Season will also host WrestleMania 43 in 2027 marking the event s first edition outside North America. ...

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Riyadh Air celebrates first Saudi female aircraft maintenance engineers

Riyadh Air has celebrated the graduation of its first group of Saudi female aircraft maintenance engineers marking a milestone in the airline s efforts to develop national talent in a critical aviation field. The ceremony held at the airline s headquarters in the presence of graduates families and senior executives honoured 26 engineers who completed a diploma course under Riyadh Air s Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Programme. Launched in partnership with Colleges of Excellence and the International Aviation Technical College at Riyadh the programme is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia. It aims to equip Saudi women with internationally recognised skills while supporting the development of a national aircraft maintenance ecosystem. The initiative forms part of Riyadh Air s wider talent-development strategy which inclu...

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Global technology community gathers in Riyadh as LEAP 2026 opens

LEAP 2026 opens its doors in Riyadh today marking the landmark fifth edition of an event that has grown into one of the world s largest gatherings of the global technology community. Since launching in 2022 LEAP has grown rapidly in scale and international reach drawing technology companies investors startups speakers and innovators from around the world. LEAP 5 will welcome global technology leaders investors founders and innovators for four days of major announcements live demonstrations and conversations across AI advanced computing mobility gaming sport and emerging technology. The programme will span 16 stages and more than 20 content tracks alongside new zones and experiences that reflect how LEAP has evolved over its first five editions. The Main Stage will feature some of the most influential voices shaping the global technology landscape including Eng. Abdullah Alswaha Saudi Arabia s Minister of Communications and Information Technolo...

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flynas begins construction of $54m aviation training centre in Riyadh

Saudi low-cost carrier flynas has begun construction of an advanced aviation training centre in Riyadh with an estimated investment of more than SAR 200 million ( 54 million) as it strengthens its training capabilities and supports the development of national talent in the aviation sector. The centre being developed in collaboration with global and local companies including Airbus CAE and Restart is scheduled to open in 2028. It will cover approximately 13 000 square meters in Riyadh s Al Rimal district less than 10 minutes from King Khalid International Airport. The facility will have capacity to train around 700 people daily providing integrated training for pilots and cabin crew in line with international aviation standards and the airline s expanding operational requirements. The first phase will include three advanc...

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Riyadh Air, Saudia activate first phase of strategic partnership

Riyadh Air (RX) and Saudia (SV) have launched the first phase of their Strategic Cooperation Agreement strengthening connectivity across Saudi Arabia and international markets while supporting the Kingdom s National Aviation Strategy. The partnership builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2023 and marks a significant step toward greater cooperation between the two Saudi carriers. As part of the initial phase Riyadh Air has connected its technology platform with Saudia s Passenger Service System (PSS) enabling the airlines to implement a codeshare across their respective systems. Under the agreement Riyadh Air will place its RX designator on selected Saudia-operated flights linking Riyadh s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) with six major domestic destinations: Abha Al Qassim Dammam Jeddah Medina and Tabuk. p cla...

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Riyadh Digital Innovation District launched as global innovation hub

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has launched the Riyadh Digital Innovation District one of its key strategic initiatives aimed at positioning the capital as a global hub for technology talent and digital innovation. The initiative seeks to attract global technology professionals and establish an international ecosystem that brings together talent and entrepreneurship contributing to the development of a strong knowledge-based economy driven by digital leadership and technological innovation. The Riyadh Digital Innovation District will focus on attracting companies and specialised talent across six core technology domains: Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Cybersecurity Computing and Cloud Services the Internet of Things (IoT) Blockchain Technologies and Robotics and Unmanned Aerial Systems. These sectors account for the majority of global investments in technology innovation companies highlighting their pivotal role in driving future growth and tec...

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