Fawaz Alhokair Group opened the Kingdom’s first KidZania at Mall of Arabia in Jeddah on Friday.
KidZania is described as the world's fastest-growing edutainment brand, introducing kids to more than 80 careers in an indoor replica of a real-life city, complete with kid-sized streets, buildings, utilities and vehicles. Poised to become an educational landmark, KidZania Jeddah endeavors to empower, inspire and entertain children aged 4-14 throughout Saudi Arabia.
KidZania Jeddah offers as many as 100 role-playing activities at more than 60 establishments with a range of difficulty levels to meet the abilities and interests of each child. Kids can choose to pay for goods and services with KidZania's own currency or they can choose to work.
The attraction puts children in a pint-sized, kid friendly city, allowing them to role play and test drive careers of every kind – from pilots navigate airplanes, TV anchors, firemen and chefs to doctors, police officers, journalists and shopkeepers.
KidZania is a city just for kids, complete with a hospital, fire station, beauty salon, bank, radio station, supermarket, television station, pizzeria and theater. Kids are paid for their work in KidZos, the official currency of KidZania.
The opening ceremony was attended by Xavier Lopez, international executive chairman and founder of KidZania in Mexico, as well as Salman Alhokair; Stuart Breakwood, CEO of Kidzania Jeddah; Maged Al-Najjar, Kidzania GM; Iman Bakr, marketing manager, social figures and media representatives.
"The opening of KidZania Jeddah exemplifies how families from around the world have embraced the KidZania concept," said Xavier Lopez Ancona, president and founder of KidZania.
Alhokair, said: “We are honored and delighted to join the ever-growing KidZania nation, where children can imagine a better world and become global citizens through their experiences at our park.”
Fawaz Alhokair Group launches first Saudi KidZania branch
Fawaz Alhokair Group launches first Saudi KidZania branch
VTB: Agricultural exports to exceed $50bn in next 5 years
VTB Group, a global provider of financial services, estimates that exports of agricultural goods will surpass $50 billion by 2030. Leading positions in the grain segment will be complemented by new growth areas in meat and dairy production, as well as the food processing industry.
This forecast was presented by VTB analysts at the 15th VTB Russia Calling! Investment Forum, who identified the main growth factors as:
- Increased efficiency and experience of local producers
- Achieving the threshold for ensuring food security in the Russian Federation not only for grain but also across vegetable oils, fish and fish products, sugar, meat, and meat products. This will significantly expand the list of value-added agro-industrial complex goods for export.
- Potential for production growth relative to current cultivated areas and production capacities
- Strong positions in production costs
- Growing demand from China, the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia
Vitaly Sergeychuk, member of the management board of VTB, said: “Despite the current cycle of a high key rate and expensive borrowing, we see that our clients in the agricultural and industrial complex segment are fulfilling their obligations to banks, counter-parties, and employees in a timely manner. Moreover, they are constantly seeking out new markets and business partners. For instance, over the last three-five years, most of them have established export production and logistics chains for their products, including to Asia, the Far East, the Middle East, and Africa.
“At the same time, in light of new challenges to maintain the sovereignty of the country’s food security, the priority for players in this market will be to further increase vertical integration and develop new business directions. These include selective breeding and genetics, knowledge-intensive industries, dairy production, and livestock breeding.”
Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group forms Jiad International Holding Company to lead strategic restructuring
Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group has announced the formation of Jiad International Holding Company, a strategic initiative to optimize the group’s diverse portfolio of investments and accelerate long-term growth across key sectors, including automotive, transportation, logistics, and consumer goods distribution.
This new corporate structure highlights Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group’s commitment to enhancing corporate governance while solidifying its position as a leading service provider by empowering its subsidiaries to seize emerging opportunities.
HIGHLIGHT
The formation of Jiad International Holding Company is a strategic initiative to optimize the group’s diverse portfolio of investments and accelerate long-term growth across key sectors.
Leading this venture, as the CEO of Jiad International Holding Company, will be Hossam Y. Radwan, who comes with a proven track record of experience spanning more than three decades in investment banking. He will be bringing exceptional expertise in driving the company’s strategic vision.
An alumnus of Georgetown University, US, Radwan most recently served as CEO of the Saudi Mortgage Guarantees Company (Damanat) and was previously appointed to numerous leadership roles in renowned financial institutions, such as JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, EFG-Hermes and Abraj Partners Holding.
The group expressed its enthusiastic welcome to Radwan, and expressed their confidence in his ability to drive Jiad International toward achieving its strategic objectives and unlocking a new era of growth for Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group.
Kerten Hospitality opens ‘Nakhati’ gelato store in Diriyah
Kerten Hospitality’s Nakhati brand, recognized as Saudi Arabia’s pioneering social impact food and beverage initiative, launched its latest location at the prestigious Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah. The store opening, which took place on Nov. 28, brings Nakhati gelato’s locally inspired blends to the heart of Diriyah, reflecting the richness of Saudi heritage and modern culinary flair. Founded by Kerten Hospitality, the unique gelato franchise is dedicated to empowering Saudi female entrepreneurs and fostering community prosperity.
To celebrate the opening, Nakhati introduced an exclusive aroma drawn from the heritage of Diriyah: Tahini Gelato. This special edition is being offered in two distinctive variations:
• Tahini and White Chocolate Variegato: A creamy indulgence crafted to captivate both newcomers and gelato enthusiasts alike.
• Tahini, Cardamom and Dates: A flavorful tribute to traditional tastes, celebrating the essence of Diriyah’s rich history.
Additionally, guests at the Bujairi Terrace location had the chance to sample “Pinturicchio,” a gelato made with premium olive oil and a touch of salt, as a complimentary treat on the opening day.
“Nakhati isn’t just a dessert brand; it’s a mission-driven initiative by Kerten Hospitality. Under a social franchise model, Nakhati empowers Saudi women through accessible pathways to business ownership, providing full franchise support, financing tools, training, and ongoing mentorship. This model exemplifies Kerten Hospitality’s commitment to fostering social responsibility while delivering premium culinary experiences,” a statement said.
“Our expansion into Diriyah is a testament to Nakhati’s mission: to empower Saudi women through a business model that merges quality, craftsmanship, and social impact,” said Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality. “Nakhati showcases the skill of gelato-making, while also highlighting the potential for businesses to drive positive change.”
By 2028, Nakhati aims to empower 50 Saudi women through its network of 30 gelato carts and 20 kiosks across the Kingdom, bringing locally crafted gelato to communities throughout Saudi Arabia. Nakhati’s impact has garnered international recognition, including the prestigious Dentons Best Franchising Model Award, which celebrates the brand’s unique approach to sustainable and inclusive business.
Aligned with Kerten Hospitality’s broader vision for gender equity and community empowerment, Nakhati’s social franchise model is reshaping the industry, showing how social responsibility and business success can flourish side by side. Through each franchisee, Nakhati is helping to create a more inclusive and prosperous future for Saudi women and their communities.
HORECA Riyadh brings best of hospitality to Kingdom
The 13th edition of HORECA Riyadh opened on Nov. 25 at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The opening ceremony was attended by Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, and Prince Waleed bin Nasser Al-Saud, founder and CEO of Mukatafa, along with several diplomats and top business leaders from across the Kingdom.
Concurrently, the second edition of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie also commenced, featuring a unique blend of chocolate and pastry arts, as well as the Saudi Elite Chefs competition. Strategically partnered with the Culinary Arts Commission, the event gathered an assembly of elite professionals and international brands through Nov. 27.
This year’s HORECA, the most expansive in its history, extended over 29,000 square meters and hosted more than 400 exhibitors representing 20,000 brands from 48 countries. These were displayed across eight international pavilions, each a showcase of cultural diversity and innovation that defines the modern hospitality landscape.
The inaugural ceremony featured a special tribute to Badr, whose visionary leadership in the Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Culinary Arts Commission has significantly elevated the national culinary arts scene.
The opening day’s events included a range of competitions and demonstrations, including cooking, barista and mocktail competitions, drawing more than 100 skilled participants from around the globe, each eager to impress a panel of international judges.
Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie comprised more than 40 distinctive events, which included celebrated pastry chefs unveiling their latest creations and sharing insights into emerging trends in the world of chocolate and pastries. Additionally, the exhibition provided an arena for chefs to engage in competitions adjudicated by globally acclaimed chefs.
Adding an intellectual flavor, this year’s event introduced “The Talks,” an engaging series of panel discussions tackling a variety of contemporary issues, led by a cadre of industry leaders.
The Saudi Elite Chefs competition offered a face off between chefs facing novel challenges in Saudi cuisine, judged by a panel comprising Meilleurs Ouvriers de France laureates Philippe Bertrand, Jonathan Mougel, Joseph Viola and Jacques Rolancy.
The two exhibitions provide an ideal platform for expert networking and the forging of strategic partnerships. These events not only reinforce Riyadh’s eminent status as a global and regional hub for the hospitality, and food and beverage industries but also spotlight its dynamic role on the world stage.
Established almost 30 years ago, HORECA, an annual business meeting place, brings together an array of distinguished brands, experts and international personalities from the vibrant worlds of hospitality and food service. Over recent years, HORECA has cemented its strong presence in the GCC, particularly within Saudi Arabia.
Besides Riyadh, HORECA also takes place annually in Jeddah, as well as in Beirut, Kuwait, Amman and Muscat.
Eyeing KSA’s $1.1bn rice market, LT Foods opens Riyadh office
LT Foods Ltd., a global fast-moving consumer goods company in the consumer food space, has announced its official entry into Saudi Arabia with the inauguration of a new office in Riyadh.
The goal is to tap the $1.1 billion rice and rice-based food market in the Kingdom.
The move is part of the company’s strategic vision of expanding its global footprint to newer geographies. Today, LT Foods generates $1 billion in global revenue, demonstrating an established track record of sustained year-on-year profit growth. It has delivered 18 years of revenue compound annual growth rate of 18 percent and a profit CAGR of 21 percent.
With its new office in Riyadh, the company is set to revolutionize the rice market in Saudi Arabia and meet consumers’ growing demand for authentic and premium rice and rice-based food products. The new office will act as a hub for LT Foods’ regional operations, enabling the company to leverage its deep expertise in rice and rice-based food products that align with Saudi-based consumers’ tastes and culinary traditions.
LT Foods plans to invest SR185 million ($49.2 million) in warehousing, stocks, and people over the next five years in the Kingdom. It is eyeing a revenue of SR435 million over the next five years. With Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company as a key shareholder, LT Foods is also gearing to set up local manufacturing facilities in the Kingdom.
Vijay Arora, chairman and managing director, LT Foods, said: “We have built successful businesses in every market where we have set up our operations. We have provided quality products and premium food offerings to consumers. LT Foods has also added significant value to the economy and to its operations. We are now very excited to expand our footprint in Saudi Arabia. Our trusted brands — Daawat, Hadeel and Mufaddal — have long been a part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With SALIC being a strategic shareholder in LT Foods, we are now expanding our footprint in the Kingdom with warehouses and are prepared to establish local manufacturing.”
Gursajan Arora, CEO — Middle East Business, LT Foods, said: “Saudi Arabia is one of the largest importers of rice and a key market for us. We see tremendous potential for growth in the market and are excited to bring our legacy of quality, innovation, and trust to the region. With our Riyadh office, we aim to deepen our connections with local consumers and partners, tailoring our offerings to meet their specific preferences. We are confident in our ability to strengthen our market presence, drive sustainable growth, and continue delivering exceptional value to all our stakeholders.”
