Tatweer Company for Educational Services (T4EDU) the exclusive executer of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz’s Project for Development of Public Education, Saudi Arabia’s strategic education services company, has announced that a leading learning company, Pearson, will deliver a flagship project to provide Saudi Arabian teachers with professional development training aimed at improving learning outcomes in the Kingdom.
The Math and Science Teacher Development Program is a ground-breaking initiative of the Tatweer Company for Educational Services (T4EDU).
The project forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader education reforms, which are seeking to raise the standard of teaching across the entire spectrum of Saudi’s education system, and increase the country’s standing in international educational comparison tables.
Pearson is working with Tatweer to roll out professional development programs for the Kingdom’s mathematics and science teachers, with the aim of enhancing student achievement in these disciplines.
The program, which can take up to two years to complete, will provide participants with an advanced level of content knowledge and pedagogy in math and science instruction.
The program will promote instructional excellence and innovation through the professional development courses based on internationally recognized, research based principals of professional learning.
The program incorporates online, face to face and self-study training, giving participants maximum flexibility and personalization in their learning.
Professional Development Director at Pearson in the Middle East, Amanda Collins says at the center of this program is a train-the-trainer initiative, which will see 500 Saudi-based educators undergo an intensive program to form an active community of math and science educators who can deliver the programs throughout the country in the future.
“Pearson will train a core team of staff from the Ministry of Education who will be be accredited to deliver the Math and Science Teacher Development Program to primary and secondary math and science teachers throughout Saudi Arabia.
This capacity-building focus of Pearson’s agreement with Tatweer will ensure this new math and science pedagogy is firmly embedded in schools across the Kingdom, and help develop an on-going culture of professional development and learning amongst Saudi teachers – something that will inevitably benefit local learners”.
The Kingdom’s government has made student achievement in the fields of English language, science, technology, engineering and math a priority in its recent education initiatives, given the importance of these subjects to the future economic development of the country. It is hoped that the introduction of the Math and Science program will aid in the implementation of the new Saudi Math and Science Curriculum and increase student interest and engagement in these areas. Encouraging student success in these fields will also help to alleviate some of the demand the region is experiencing for school and university graduates with strong math and science skills.
Sherry Preiss, Pearson’s senior vice president for professional development, says international research consistently shows the importance of teacher education to improving student outcomes across all subject areas:
“The Math and Science Teacher Development Program recognizes the research-based evidence that the biggest single impact on student achievement is teacher quality. Therefore, in order to improve the level of math and science success amongst Saudi school students, there is a strong need to build both teachers’ subject area knowledge and subject-specific pedagogy skills. These programs will do that by developing teachers’ abilities to implement practical, interactive, teaching strategies for leading students in inquiry based learning”.
The program is intended to empower the Kingdom’s educators by combining Saudi cultural values with international best practices. Designed with the experience of Saudi educators in mind, local content and pedagogy experts will help ensure all resources meet the needs of Saudi teachers.
Mohammed Asiri, Pearson’s country manager for Saudi Arabia, says that creating culturally specific programs was a priority for both Pearson and Tatweer:
“Pearson has worked with millions of learners and educators in more than 85 countries around the world. If there is one thing this international experience has shown us, it is that learning is at its most successful when it is tailored and relevant to those undertaking it. That is why with these programs we have been sure to adapt the language, content, examples and case studies used throughout the course so they are contextualized for the Saudi learner. Great care has been taken to ensure the entire program is in keeping with local values.”
Tatweer project to boost maths and science teaching standards in KSA
Tatweer project to boost maths and science teaching standards in KSA
Careem partners with CarbonSifr to launch eco-friendly rides
Careem Rides has joined forces with CarbonSifr, a climate-tech company and a participant in the inaugural Sedrah Program under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, to launch a new eco-friendly ride option in Saudi Arabia.
Eco-friendly rides, launched in collaboration with the Transport General Authority and MEWA’s Sedrah Program, will first be available in Riyadh. Customers who choose the eco-friendly option will enjoy the same reliable and convenient everyday Careem rides while contributing to carbon removal efforts, achieved through the tree planting program of the Ministry powered by Sedrah.
Saleh Ibrahim Al-Zuwayed, director and spokesperson at TGA, said: “At the Transport General Authority, we are committed to fostering eco-friendly transport solutions that contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. We also recognize and congratulate impactful initiatives that showcase how innovation can support environmental objectives and our journey toward a more sustainable future.”
Wael Ibrahim, general manager of Careem Rides in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain, said: “This comes as part of our ongoing efforts to continuously innovate and bring a positive impact to the communities we’re part of. We are excited to make this ride option available in Saudi Arabia, giving customers the opportunity to reduce the carbon impact of their daily trips by supporting MEWA’s tree-planting projects across the Kingdom.”
The new eco-friendly ride option is part of CarbonSifr’s broader commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and environmental goals, and represents a significant step toward helping reduce emissions in line with national objectives. All trees planted through this initiative will be in MEWA-designated sites in Saudi Arabia, directly impacting local sustainability efforts.
By focusing on reforestation in key ecological zones, the initiative will create long-term environmental resilience, helping mitigate climate change’s effects and preserve natural ecosystems.
Yazeed Al-Shammari, Sedrah program manager, said: “CarbonSifr is one of the standout startups in our Sedrah accelerator program, and we’ve been dedicated to providing them with the support they need to succeed within the Kingdom. This partnership with Careem Rides reflects the innovative approach that will drive Saudi Arabia’s transition to a low-carbon future.
He added: “By integrating technology to reduce emissions through everyday services like transportation, they contribute directly to our national sustainability and emission reduction goals. I’m incredibly proud to see our collaboration already bearing fruit, and I look forward to this initiative’s positive impact on the Kingdom’s environmental efforts.”
Onur Elgun, CEO of CarbonSifr, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the unlimited support from our partners Careem Rides and the MEWA’s Sedrah Program. Their innovative thinking and ambition to be trailblazers have helped us enormously with this great initiative in the Kingdom.”
He added: “Through our partnership with Careem Rides, we provide a simple, effective way for individuals to participate in eco-friendly behaviors by removing their CO2 emission impact while supporting MEWA’s tree planting projects in Saudi Arabia. This program is about turning everyday actions into meaningful climate solutions, and we’re excited to bring this initiative to the Kingdom with Careem Rides, and more is yet to come.”
CATRION elevates catering experience at Dakar Rally
Dakar and CATRION, formerly Saudi Airlines Catering Company, have partnered for Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025, taking place from Jan. 3–17, across the Kingdom. As both the main sponsor and exclusive catering partner, CATRION is redefining collaboration in global motorsport events.
This partnership reflects CATRION’s commitment to advancing global sports and entertainment with world-class services. It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a premier hub for international events, innovation, and economic diversification.
CATRION’s role as the exclusive catering partner will see the company providing more than 9,000 meals daily, supporting over 3,000 participants, staff, and support teams across the rally. Leveraging its expertise in remote catering, CATRION has deployed six mobile kitchens, 34 support trucks, and five food trucks, supported by a dedicated team of more than 165 professionals, including 35 chefs. This robust infrastructure ensures exceptional service delivery even in the most remote and challenging environments.
The Dakar Rally’s approximately 8,000-kilometer route, spanning from Bisha to Shubaytah, highlights Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness. With more than 5,000 kilometers of special stages, including a 48-hour chrono stage and a marathon stage, the rally exemplifies the spirit of adventure and endurance.
This partnership between Dakar and CATRION not only supports Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a global destination for international sports but also enhances the Kingdom’s position as a dynamic hub for sports, entertainment, and innovation. For CATRION, this collaboration represents a significant milestone as it expands its expertise from in-flight catering to large-scale event services and global sports sponsorships.
“Together, Dakar and CATRION are setting a new benchmark for partnerships in motorsport, ensuring an unparalleled experience for participants and spectators alike, while contributing to the growth and visibility of Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sports and entertainment,” a statement said. “This partnership with Dakar and Saudi Motorsport Company highlights CATRION’s innovative approach to supporting high-profile events while reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and the highest standards of quality.”
Ericsson announces new Customer Unit in Saudi Arabia
Ericsson has announced a new organizational structure for its operations in the Middle East and Africa region. As part of this transformation, the Saudi Arabia market will be served under a newly established Customer Unit, led by Håkan Cervell, vice president and head of CU Saudi Arabia.
This move is part of Ericsson’s strategic ambition to simplify its organizational setup, enhance customer responsiveness, and strengthen local market accountability.
The newly created CU Saudi Arabia, which will serve all customers in the country, is one of five Customer Units established under the new structure.
The broader reorganization will optimize resources, accelerate time-to-market, and empower decision-making at country level.
With more than 30 years of experience in the information communication technology industry, Cervell brings proven leadership, business development expertise, and a deep understanding of the region. Since 2022, Cervell has served as the head of CU stc, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, where he played a pivotal role in fostering strong partnerships and advancing digital transformation initiatives.
The establishment of CU Saudi Arabia is part of Ericsson’s larger regional transformation, which includes five Customer Units: CU Saudi Arabia, CU Gulf, CU West and Southern Africa, CU Central and Eastern Africa, and CU MEA North. Each unit is designed to address local market needs with increased accountability and customer focus.
In a press statement, Ericsson said that it remains committed to accelerating digital transformation and supporting Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a global leader in connectivity and innovation.
Al-Habtoor Palace opens doors at Budapest’s iconic Adria Palace
Al-Habtoor Group has announced the official launch of Al-Habtoor Palace, Budapest, located within the historic Adria Palace in the heart of the Hungarian capital. This iconic building, originally constructed in the early 20th century, has been a landmark of architectural elegance and cultural significance. It has been reimagined into Al-Habtoor Palace to deliver an elevated luxury hospitality experience that combines timeless grandeur, sophistication with modern luxury.
Positioned as “A Jewel of Dubai Hospitality,” Al-Habtoor Palace marks a significant milestone in the group’s vision to bring Dubai’s renowned luxury and excellence to Europe. Guests can now enjoy a unique blend of refined amenities, bespoke care, and world-class standards that have earned Al-Habtoor Hospitality a distinguished reputation in the UAE and globally.
Inspired by the success of Al-Habtoor Palace Dubai in Al-Habtoor City, a symbol of sophistication and grandeur, the Budapest property offers the same unmatched levels of personalized service and luxury, while embracing the rich heritage of Adria Palace, a cornerstone of Budapest’s cultural legacy.
Khalaf Ahmad Al-Habtoor, founding chairman of Al-Habtoor Group, said: “The introduction of Al-Habtoor Palace in Budapest reflects our vision to expand our homegrown luxury brand to Europe. Nestled within the historic Adria Palace, Al-Habtoor Palace represents the pinnacle of hospitality while offering an unforgettable experience in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. This marks the global debut of our ultra-luxury Al-Habtoor Palace brand from Hungary, the jewel of Central Europe, and a significant milestone for our group.”
Now welcoming guests, Al-Habtoor Palace, Budapest offers a unique stay as a beacon of luxury and sophistication, seamlessly blending the historical charm of Adria Palace with the renowned warmth and excellence of Dubai’s hospitality.
Rotana Group partners with MRC, ushering in new era of precise analytics with KSA TAM
In a groundbreaking move to empower the media sector and enhance the quality of television and digital content in Saudi Arabia, Rotana Group, one of the region’s leading media companies, has announced a strategic partnership with the Media Rating Company. This partnership introduces the adoption of the KSA TAM system, a cutting-edge tool for audience measurement and media performance analysis.
This agreement highlights Rotana’s dedication to utilizing data-driven insights to elevate viewer engagement and streamline media production processes. By partnering with MRC, Rotana will benefit from cutting-edge measurement and analytics tools, empowering data-informed strategies for optimizing channel and content performance.
This move aligns with the General Commission for Audiovisual Media’s decision to adopt KSA TAM as the official national benchmark for audience measurement in Saudi Arabia. It reflects Rotana’s dedication to employing licensed, accurate data to deliver unparalleled insights into audience viewership across its channels.
The KSA TAM system is a state-of-the-art data integration solution that provides granular insights into audience behavior. The system tracks viewership during regular hours, prime time, and special slots, offering minute-by-minute analysis of audience engagement with programs and ad performance. By ranking channels based on audience share and viewership, it empowers advertisers to optimize their media strategies effectively.
Advertisers will gain valuable insights through detailed post-campaign analyses, covering metrics such as reach, frequency, CPM (cost per thousand impressions), GRP (gross rating points), and cost per GRP. With its ability to capture natural viewing habits across TV and digital platforms, the KSA TAM system empowers the development of comprehensive, audience-focused media strategies driven by content preferences.
Starting January, five of Rotana’s flagship channels will be measured using the KSA TAM system, providing precise data on audience engagement, content consumption patterns, and advertising effectiveness.
This partnership comes as MRC nears the completion of its pilot phase for audience measurement using smart devices. The agreement showcases years of dedication by MRC to developing advanced tools that meet global standards, offering precise analytics to support media decision-makers in refining their strategies.
Princess Lamia bint Majid Al-Saud, CEO of Rotana Media Group, said: “This partnership is a strategic milestone for Rotana channels. The KSA TAM system enables advertisers and content creators to deeply understand audience preferences and deliver content that meets their expectations. It also provides advertisers with accurate insights into target demographics, enhancing advertising strategies and strengthening Rotana’s ability to effectively connect brands with their audiences.”
Bandar Al-Mashhadi, CEO of MRC, added: “We are proud of our partnership with Rotana, a company committed to delivering exceptional local content that resonates with audiences. This agreement comes at a pivotal time as we approach the final stages of piloting smart device audience measurement. It represents the culmination of years of dedication to developing advanced measurement tools and data analytics that elevate the media ecosystem.”
He added: “This agreement is a landmark moment in our journey toward providing innovative solutions that support the media industry. The adoption of KSA TAM as a standard metric reflects our commitment to delivering modern measurement tools that align with global benchmarks. Our collaboration with Rotana highlights this dedication, supporting local content while meeting audience expectations and enhancing the Saudi media sector’s regional and global standing.
“Rotana Group boasts diverse content, including films, talk shows, music, and other outstanding productions. This partnership offers a significant opportunity to analyze and refine this content, ensuring maximum value for viewers.”
