December 15, 2018:  Some media have reported incorrectly that UAE and Saudi Arabia have started using digital currency for cross-border settlements which will be backed by fiat currencies of the 2 nations. The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) would like to clarify that CBUAE is working with the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) on a joint project which constitutes a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) for experimenting with Blockchain technology to facilitate cross-border payments between the two countries. The PoC is still at an early stage and will help CBUAE gain a deeper understanding of the feasibility of distributed ledger technology in this field and explore the potential opportunities and benefits of a digital currency.CBUAE and SAMA have selected a tech company to support ......Read More

A downtown spirit, a modern attitude – both have always been at the heart of DKNY. For Holiday 2018, the brand delivers plenty of each, along with an intriguing blend of understated glamour and elevated ease.December 13, 2018:  In this collection of contrasts, quintessential DKNY signatures – sportiness imbued with femininity, ......Read More

Merited for best Service, Family and Luxury hotel among 670 hotels in Makkah Province by Travellers on the World’s Largest Travel SiteMakkah, KSA, 13 December, 2018:   Makkah Millennium Hotel, the luxury hotel serving the pilgrims coming to Makkah and located directly over the Holy Haram Piazza, has been consistently ranked one of ......Read More

December 12, 2018:  Q&A WITH ASIL ATTAR  1. Tell us about the relationship between DKNY and Al Yasra Fashion. How has it evolved during the years? The relationship between DKNY and Al Yasra is one of the best. DKNY has always had a strong presence in the region and a very strong and loyal customer base.  GIII ......Read More

December 10, 2018:   Saudi Arabia has experienced tremendous transformation in 2018, bouncing back from low oil prices with the largest expansionary budget and history-making reforms. King Salman’s Vision 2030 was a guiding principle for many of the country’s reforms along with Crown Prince Mohammed’s leadership has ......Read More

Saudi, Arabia, December 10, 2018:  BLOOVO, a regional fast-growing online recruitment platform that uses intelligent algorithms, announced today the entry of the Saudi-based Maharah Human Resources Company as a strategic shareholder to help in regional and international expansion as well as technology development. The blockbuster acquisition ......Read More

Riyadh, KSA, 9 December 2018:   Xerox Saudi Arabia employees joined more than 1,000 volunteers for the second annual Tashgeer sustainability initiative. With a goal to make the city of Riyadh greener, the team helped plant 200 trees along King Khaled and King Salman roads. A total of 8,000 trees were planted in one day. The ......Read More

Saudi Arabia, December 09, 2018:  Despite having the largest market in the GCC in terms of population and consumer spend, Saudi Arabia’s tech startup ecosystem is small and nascent compared to its vast oil sector. SMEs make up a small proportion of the economic activity in the Kingdom, contributing about 20% to the GDP. Unemployment ......Read More

Saudi Arabia, 9 December, 2018:  Lenovo, a global technology leader in driving Intelligent Transformation today announced the appointment of Emad Aldaous as the new Data Center Country Manager for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In his new role, he will be responsible for growing Lenovo Data Center Group’s (DCG) business in the Kingdom, ......Read More

Run by highly skilled and Trained Saudi Males and Females and the largest showroom for Huawei in the Middle East and AfricaRiyadh, December 6, 2018:   Based on its belief in the importance of the Saudi market and its desire to be closer to the user, Huawei Saudi Arabia will officially open its first main flagship showroom in Riyadh in January 2019. Not only does this showroom display the latest flagship devices from Huawei, it is also fully run by highly skilled and trained Saudi males and females. It is also the largest flagship showroom for Huawei in the Middle East and Africa region, demonstrating Huawei’s commitment towards the Kingdom and its trust in the local market.On this announcement, Mr. Pablo Ning, Vice President of Huawei Saudi Arabia said: “We are ......Read More

December 06, 2018:  PopSockets; the makers of popular collapsible phone grips, loved around the world by celebrities such as Gigi Hadid and Kylie Jenner, are thrilled to announce the release of their glamourous capsule collection adorned with Swarovski crystals– just in time for the holiday season.Having launched in the US last month, ......Read More

IMAGES: https://we.tl/t-riYunpUUUZ December 06, 2018:  Charm, atmosphere and pure relaxation are guaranteed when visiting Switzerland.  Enjoy the Mediterranean flair in Summer while Island hopping in Ascona-Locarno, create your very own watch in Geneva or challenge your taste buds by tasting over 30 different kind of chocolates in ......Read More

The Digital Saudi 2030 learning platform in-line with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals and mission enabled more than 400+ c-level executives to meet with over 25 solution providers from across the globe on the 19 & 20th of November 2018.Digital Saudi 2030 powered by SAP along with the National Digital Transformation Unit and Saudi e-Government (Yesser program) is currently recognized as the most exclusive event for Digital Transformation. The program was designed for leaders looking to brush up on their knowledge and explore the latest technology applications and offerings that make future processes simple, enjoyable, engaging and efficient for employees and customers at each touch point.Attendees to the Digital Saudi 2030 held at the Fairmont Hotel Riyadh were joined by Dr. Esam Alwagait, ......Read More

Get glowing this holiday season with Skin Republic’s luxurious gold masksDecember 04, 2018:  Whether you’re getting ready for a party or pampering yourself the day after, these age-defying face masks, infused with 24 carat gold, will get your skin looking smoother, firmer and more luminous than ever before. They’re the ......Read More

December 04, 2018:  The HP ProBook x360 11 G3 EE and HP ProBook x360 11 G4 EE are the world’s thinnest rugged convertibles Since 2015, HP’s Education Edition PCs have consistently reset the bar for ruggedness and innovation for schools. With amazing new features designed to enhance instruction and minimize cost of management and ......Read More

Saudi Arabia, December 04, 2018:  Al Jazira Paints has opened a new production line called "Making Joy", coinciding with the International Children's Day. The company has recently enabled hundreds of children to work together with KIDSDOM for two consecutive days at Al Hayat Mall in Riyadh on the impact of rain showers in the ......Read More

NEW YORK, NY & LONDON, UK, NOVEMBER 20, 2018:  Marchon Eyewear, Inc. and Victoria Beckham Ltd., announced today that they have entered into an exclusive, long-term global licensing agreement for sun and optical eyewear. New collections developed under the licensing agreement will roll-out globally beginning Fall 2019. The collections ......Read More

The last rays of the sun filter through the luxurious brocade curtains of the palazzo. Bathed in their golden light, a glimmering sextet of precious flasks sealed by a refined monogram conceal a hidden treasure of scents and emotions…November 27, 2018:  Throughout the world, the Roberto Cavalli fashion house is renowned for its fine ......Read More

Held Under the Patronage of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah25 November 2018:   INJAZ Al-Arab – member of Junior Achievement Worldwide – is hosting their 12th Annual Young Arab Entrepreneurs Competition in Kuwait between November 26 and 29, 2018. The competition will see 80 students from 11 countries across MENA compete over 12 award categories before their peers and a panel of high-profile judges.   Held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the event will welcome over 180 attendees from INJAZ teams, volunteers and chaperons. The competition will conclude with a glittering award ceremony to be held on November 28, welcoming over 400 ......Read More

November 25, 2018:  Step into the magical world of Chloé this festive season with its most iconic fragrance. A fragrance that captures the full spirit of Chloé. Its effortless, sophisticated style. Its natural, spontaneous view of femininity.Eau de Parfum Chloé was based on the eternal feminine element of French perfumery: the rose. But a ......Read More

Stay more and pay less from 28 November till 4 DecemberSaudi Arabia, November 21, 2018:  Makkah Millennium Hotel and Towers, the luxury hotel serving the pilgrims coming to Makkah and located directly over the Holy Haram Al Sharif Piazza and King Fahd Gate, joins the United Arab Emirates’ National Day Celebrations by offering its guests ......Read More

Four new shoe designs created for the Kingdom, available exclusively at RobinsonsRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 21, 2018:   Luxury British footwear brand, Malone Souliers by Roy Luwolt, is bringing elegant design and style to the newly launched Robinsons department store in Kingdom Mall, Riyadh. The brand has released four new designs, ......Read More

How does a comedy improv show become the juggernaut of creative marketing in the region?November 20, 2018:  The answer to that is a recent show featuring the region’s top standup comedians including Bader Saleh from Saudi Arabia, Khaled Mansour from Egypt, Nemr Abou Nassar from Lebanon, Ahmad Al Shammari from Kuwait and Ali Al Sayed ......Read More

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – November 19, 2018:   The new Huawei custom operating system comes with the all-new gesture navigation mode. So how does this improve upon the already stellar FullView user experience? Effective One-Handed OperationIn times of travel and transportation, everyone knows the value of a smartphone in helping ......Read More

More than two million deals on products from leading brands  Souq empowers over 14,000 sellers and local brand across the region to succeed this White Friday Local and global brands go on sale from 20 to 24 November with up to 70%  More deals than last year across all categories, from electronics to furniture, fashion, toys and more15 ......Read More

14th November, 2018:   Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, won the first place prize of the prestigious King Khalid Responsible Competitiveness Award. This announcement was made during the illustrious annual Award Gala which took place Monday 12th of November at Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh. Huawei was honored for its excellent sustainability practices and responsible competitiveness leadership, as well as its exceptional management capabilities and innovative social and environmental initiatives. Launched in 2008, the King Khalid Responsible Competitiveness Award is the first and only award focused on responsible competitiveness and corporate responsibility in the Kingdom, and Huawei is ......Read More

Huawei's mobile platforms available in Kingdom's major cities to users to experience the smartphones prior to purchasing Riyadh, Saudi Arabia November 14, 2018:   In order to provide more live experiences before purchasing, Huawei Saudi Arabia went around between major cities in the Kingdom showcasing the latest products of ......Read More

14 November 2018:  Turkish Airlines, who has recently announced its passenger and cargo traffic results for October, reached 83.4% load factor in that month. On top of the strong base effect of the last year, the growth in the number of passengers, revenue per kilometer and load factor, is an important indicator of the continued growing ......Read More

November 13, 2018:  Tryano, the only luxury department store in Abu Dhabi is happy to announce the launch of ELEMIS, the first one in the Middle East exclusively at Tryano.ELEMIS is the pioneering British skincare and spa brand, working with over 1,600 luxurious spas and salons, 155 lavish cruise ship spas and over 150 retail stores around ......Read More

Inspired by the Purity of Shapes and Colours Seen in Nature in Winter, the New  Purely Pandora Jewellery Series Offers a Contemporary Take on Iconic Styles.November 11, 2018:  The new Purely PANDORA series takes PANDORA’s signature metals and design elements to a whole new dimension. High-quality materials from timeless sterling ......Read More

November 08, 2018:  Chloé’s  unique  aesthetic  distinguishes  the  new  Spring/Summer  version  of  the  iconic  “Rosie”  style,  now  revamped with a subtle heart-shaped design.The brand’s artisanal flair is revealed in the intricate finishing ......Read More

KSA; November 8, 2018:   Epson, a market leader in printing and imaging solutions, is championing Saudi businesses to ‘Make the Switch’ to inkjet printing, an energy saving printing option in line with Saudi Vision 2030 commitment to environment.  Epson is currently showcasing its market leading business solutions ......Read More

November 08, 2018:  Who doesn't love the festive season? The truth is no one, because it's days filled with holiday parties, family lunches and dinners, sweet treats and lots and lots of gifts. Sounds amazing, but no one enjoys the horrors of finding the best gifts, so here's something to help you.  To keep you winning ......Read More

7 years old; average age of child in Saudi Arabia to receive first mobile device Two out of three parents (82%) in Saudi Arabia admit they are worried about setting a bad example by spending too much time on mobile devicesSaudi Arabia, 07 November 2018 -   Parents feel guilty about the amount of time they spend online in front of their children, and their children are not shy about reprimanding them according to recent research from Norton by Symantec (NASDAQ: SYMC). The survey found that more than three in four respondents in Saudi Arabia (82%) suggested parents are setting a bad example by spending too much time online, and more than half (60%) admitted they have been told off by their own children for their behaviour, highlighting how today’s families are struggling to ......Read More

D1 Milano Introduces the Khaleeji Collection Exclusive to the Middle East RegionNovember 06, 2018:  Italian watch brand wonder, D1 Milano is proud to announce the addition of another jewel to its crown – ‘The Khaleeji’, designed exclusively for the Middle East. The Limited Edition timepiece comes in a stunning Rose Gold ......Read More

And “ITA’AM” project qualifies to the RECon awards in Las Vegas November  5, 2018:   Continuing the great streak of success and achievements by maintaining the standards of excellence and innovation through campaigns that were launched throughout the year, the Red Sea Mall in Jeddah was crowned with the ......Read More

November 04, 2018:  The Emirates Defense Companies Council (EDCC), is taking part in the Saudi National Security and Risk Prevention Expo (SNSR), which opened today in Riyadh and is being held under the patronage of HRH Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Nayef bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia.Patronized by Tawazun ......Read More

Saudi Arabia, November 04, 2018:  Saudi Airlines Cargo Company has once again helped bring World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) event to the Kingdom by transporting all the equipment and supplies for the long-anticipated Crown Jewel tournament to Riyadh.The WWE event, which millions of wrestling enthusiasts look forward to, will go ahead on ......Read More

Mazen Pharaon to lead Deloitte Digital Center in RiyadhSaudi Arabia, November 01, 2018:  Deloitte has appointed Mazen Pharaon as the Leader of the Deloitte Digital Center (DDC) in Riyadh. Mazen will lead the DDC’s full-range of Digital services for clients in the region, which also include the development of the DDC’s digitally ......Read More

Leading local and international interior design companies descend upon Riyadh Riyadh, KSA, 1 November 2018:   Majid bin Abdulmohsen AlHokair, Vice Chairman of the Board of Al Hokair Group officially opened the inaugural edition of INDEX Saudi 2018, a new regional interior design show connecting more than 5,000 designers, architects, project managers and procurers.Welcoming recognised industry brand names from around the world, AlHokair toured the exhibition halls and met company representatives who have gathered in the Kingdom for the three-day event, which finished yesterday (1 November) at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre.The new trade show hosts more than 100 exhibitors and is showcasing 1,000s of brands which are set to contribute to the ......Read More

2520 Female Visitors within 5 Days of Asir CampaignSaudi Arabia, October 31, 2018:  The National Campaign Events for Early Detection of Breast Cancer (2018), which was held by the General Directorate of Health Affairs in Asir Region was fulfilled. It was organized by the Department of Communication, Relations and Awareness of the ......Read More

Dubai, UAE, October 31, 2018:  Achieving Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 requires consolidation of regulations in order to attract foreign investment, create new jobs and transfer private sector skills to the public sector. This was the consensus during accountancy and finance body ICAEW’s Corporate Finance Faculty roundtable ......Read More

Saudi Arabia, October 30, 2018:  The Ideal Teacher Center, an affiliate of Dar Al-Hekma University, marked the World Teachers’ Day on Wednesday October 3rd by launching the Ideal Teacher Program Seventh Session under the theme “Innovative Learning Institution”. Monetary prizes for innovative schools and teachers were ......Read More

Saudi Arabia, October 30, 2018:  Saudi Airlines Cargo Company has signed an agreement with Gallup Inc., the global management consulting company, for developing Saudia Cargo employee performance and studying its employee trends and performance levels. The agreement comes in line with the company's Strategy 2020. Saudia Cargo CEO ......Read More

INSPIRATIONOctober 30, 2018:  The timepiece has been named after the Italian city of Florence. Culturally rich and diverse, Florence is known as the ‘cradle of Renaissance’. Painted by the imagination of Michelangelo and strewed with extraordinary architecture at every turn, the city serves as the perfect backdrop for the Firenze ......Read More

Saudi Arabia’s DIEC invests SR10 billion to help build more cinema halls, estimated to reach 2,600 cinema screens in 2030 that will drive revenues as Saudi Arabia’s youth ready to spend more on entertainment Key Announcement: SR12 billion is being invested in Saudi cinema industry between now and 2030 Saudi Arabia to see the ......Read More

Saudi Arabia, October 29, 2018:  Saudi Airlines Cargo Company appointed Abdulrahman Al-Mubarak as Chief Ground Handling Officer for the company’s ground handling business unit.This appointment comes as part of Saudia Cargo’s recognition of the important role its ground handling business unit has in achieving its Strategy 2020 ......Read More

October 28, 2018:  This fall, Bottega Veneta introduces L’Absolu eau de parfum, an exceptionally exquisite scent. Offering a more intense take on the iconic leather chypre featured in the first eau de parfum, this new and distinctive interpretation honors the use of the finest natural raw materials synonymous with Bottega Veneta ......Read More

Space Grill – The World’s Best Full Size and Indoor Certified Fold-Away BBQ Launches in the Middle East October 27, 2018:  With many of us Dubai and GCC residents enjoying apartment living, the award-winning Space Grill is an amazing new-to-the-region cooking solution for those who enjoy a little al-fresco balcony dining but ......Read More

October 25, 2018:  The Michael Kors Holiday 2018 watch collection reimagines the classics with irresistible sparkle, while introducing new designs that exude undeniable sophistication. Novelty and glamour take the spotlight with party-perfect pieces you’ll want to give and receive. The iconic Runway style from fall will be updated ......Read More

Professionals countdown to next week’s INDEX Saudi as companies seek to capitalise on a growing marketRiyadh, KSA, 25 October 2018:   A new wave of mega projects in Saudi Arabia are set to fuel major growth in the Kingdom’s US$3 billion interior design market. Real estate developments with a combined value of US$146 ......Read More

October 24, 2018:OverviewIn a previous blog post we detailed the TRITON intrusion that impacted industrial control systems (ICS) at a critical infrastructure facility. We now track this activity set as TEMP.Veles. In this blog post we provide additional information linking TEMP.Veles and their activity surrounding the TRITON intrusion to a Russian government-owned research institute.TRITON Intrusion Demonstrates Russian Links; Likely Backed by Russian Research InstituteFireEye Intelligence assesses with high confidence that intrusion activity that led to deployment of TRITON was supported by the Central Scientific Research Institute of Chemistry and Mechanics (CNIIHM; a.k.a. ЦНИИХМ), a Russian government-owned technical research institution located in ......Read More

Involving about 34 Countries and 500 CompaniesSaudi Arabia, October 24, 2018:  The Saudi build exhibition 2018 was held on October 22nd in its 30th cession and will continue until the 25th of this month, targeting all construction related including products, tools, paints and others. It is considered the largest trade exhibition in the field ......Read More

Get rid of heavy makeup and keep beastly blemishes bay, without wrecking your skin 23rd October 2018:   You’re already thinking about the makeup wizardry you’re going to perform this Halloween, but have you thought about how you’re you going to get all of that magic off your face before you fall into ......Read More

Ashridge to coach HR Leaders on maximizing company business value and their strategic impactOctober 23, 2018:   Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 challenges HR leaders in Saudi to take progressive steps to bring about organizational changes aimed at ensuring greater business success.  Ashridge Executive Education has launched a ......Read More

Codeshare to cover 41 destinations on the two carriers’ networks Etihad Airways Engineering to provide select maintenance services for SAUDIA fleet at Abu Dhabi hub Discussions taking place to explore commercial cargo joint opportunities Plans to offer reciprocal ‘earn and burn’ on frequent flyer programmesOctober 22, ......Read More

Market research shows a 14.1% incidence of non-domestic cigarette packs in Saudi Arabia for Q2 of 2018, almost doubling from 7.2% in Q4 of 2017 Excise and VAT have increased the price of cigarettes in some GCC nations, giving rise to illicit trade Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: 22 October 2018:   A recent report by the Gulf Research Centre outlines the prevalence of smoking across the GCC and the implications of cigarette taxation on illicit trade. Smoking statistics for the GCC show a rate of over 7 million adult smokers ; of which more than 3 million adult smokers are in KSA.   Furthermore, Q2 2018 market research conducted by MSintelligence shows a 14.1% incidence of non-domestic cigarette packs in Saudi Arabia, almost doubling from 7.2% in Q4 of 2017. ......Read More

October 21, 2018:  Aston Martin Lagonda’s sixth region – Middle East, North Africa & Turkey (MENAT) – has been fully integrated into international operations with its UAE-based representative office now up and running. Previously President of Aston Martin UK & South Africa, Dan Balmer has taken the role of President, ......Read More

DAAR pursues off-plan sales license from the Ministry of Housing Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 21 October, 2018:   Dar Al Arkan, the largest listed real estate developer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today announced that it has submitted a request to ETMAM, the Developers Services Centre at the Saudi Ministry of Housing, for the accreditation of three comprehensive development projects in Shams Ar Riyadh, totaling over 1.936 million square meters. The company also applied for the issuance of off-plan sales license for projects under construction in Shams Ar Riyadh. The new masterplans involve three zones in the iconic Shams Ar Riyadh development, which is strategically located on King Khalid Road. The comprehensive development in Zone 1 will be built over an ......Read More

Exclusive Opening Brings Together Elite VIP Clientele at the Store in Kingdom Mall, RiyadhRiyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 21, 2018:   Robinsons, the luxury fashion retail store established in 1858, has opened its very first store in Saudi Arabia, at the prestigious Kingdom Mall in Riyadh, one of the city’s largest malls. The store ......Read More

A Talent Development Programme for National Colleagues in GCC countriesRiyadh, KSA, October 20, 2018:   Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa, one of the fastest growing hotel management companies in the region, today launched one of its key initiatives, ‘TooMooH’, in the Kingdom of Saudi ......Read More