Prince Mohammed bin Salman College (MBSC) of Business & Entrepreneurship, the first educational institution in Saudi Arabia dedicated to entrepreneurial development, hosted the Kingdom’s first-of-its-kind SME Forum. The event was held at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) with MBSC as the knowledge partner and was attended by entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The event was held as part of a strategic partnership with the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and attracted more than 400 participants from the health, education, technology, retail, real estate, consulting, and food and beverage industries among others.
Dedicated to building connections between SMEs, the event featured rotational networking, speed networking and mentor networking as well as digital networking, in which participants developed a one-minute video pitch to promote their business.
The forum was attended by Turki bin Abdul Majeed Al-Sulaimani, deputy governor of the authority, as well as by Bandar Arab, director of SMEs Center at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), and Walla Nahas, economic development consultant.
“The SME Forum 2017 is part of MBSC’s and KAEC’s shared commitment to supporting and embracing small and medium-sized companies in recognition of their key role in Saudi Vision 2030,” said Fahd Al-Rasheed, vice-chair of the board of trustees for MBSC, and group CEO and managing director of KAEC. “SME Forum 2017 redefines what forums are all about, making networking the primary goal and helping entrepreneurs and owners of SMEs get together, share experiences and build solid business relationships and partnerships.”
SMEs are a significant driver of economic growth, job creation and innovation and in many countries form more than 90 percent of all business operations.
KAEC is a key enabler for the SME sector and a major contributor to the successful outcome of Vision 2030.
KAEC currently has more than SR6 billion in projects under implementation, providing many opportunities for SMEs to participate in the growth of the city.
Officially inaugurated last year, MBSC is the first institution of higher education in Saudi Arabia to focus on developing entrepreneurial leadership skills for students entering government, businesses and civil society.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman College, KAEC partner to host SME Forum 2017
Prince Mohammed bin Salman College, KAEC partner to host SME Forum 2017
Meena Health launches Riyadh’s first occupational health center
Meena Health has officially opened the Meena Occupational Health Center in Riyadh — the first dedicated facility in the capital to provide specialized healthcare services focused exclusively on occupational health and safety. The launch marks a major milestone in advancing preventive care for the Kingdom’s workforce and aligns with broader national efforts to foster healthier, safer work environments.
Coinciding with the center’s inauguration, Meena Health also signed a series of strategic agreements and MoUs, reinforcing its leadership position in the field and its growing role within Saudi Arabia’s evolving healthcare landscape.
The Meena Occupational Health Center offers an integrated suite of services that includes pre-employment medical evaluations, periodic employee health checkups, and specialized assessments for high-risk industries such as aviation and maritime. The facility also provides rehabilitation services and disability assessments, all designed to foster a culture of prevention, support regulatory compliance, and elevate occupational health standards nationwide.
To bring healthcare closer to the workplace, Meena Health signed a cooperation agreement to establish on-site clinics at company locations, allowing employees to access care conveniently within their work environments. Additionally, a new MoU will facilitate the delivery of medical fitness examinations for both new and existing employees, enhancing workforce readiness and reducing occupational health risks.
The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health has designated Meena Occupational Health Center as a center of excellence. This acknowledgment highlights the center’s role in preventive occupational healthcare and its contribution to building safe, sustainable workplaces in line with global best practices.
Moreover, Meena Academy signed an academic partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The collaboration will focus on developing national talent through specialized training and education programs tailored to the occupational health sector.
Dr. Suleiman Al-Towayan, CEO of Meena Health, emphasized the significance of this launch as a transformative step toward improving employee well-being across Saudi Arabia. “Opening Riyadh’s first specialized occupational health center sets a new benchmark for workplace health and safety in the Kingdom.” he said. “It reflects our commitment to advancing the goals of Vision 2030 by promoting a proactive approach to healthcare through early screening, home care, telemedicine, and now, specialized occupational services.”
He added: “At Meena Health, we believe that prevention is better than cure. This belief drives everything we do.”
With the launch of its first specialized occupational health center in Riyadh, Meena Health is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of workplace wellness in Saudi Arabia. The company remains committed to advancing preventive healthcare, strengthening strategic partnerships, and supporting the Kingdom’s journey toward a more resilient and healthier workforce.
Saudi brands set sail for growth at Floating Franchise Expo
The first-ever International Floating Franchise Expo officially launched aboard the luxurious cruise ship Aroya Cruises on May 5. This pioneering initiative, featuring the participation of top entrepreneurs, investors, and representatives from both Saudi and international brands, will empower Saudi brands to expand locally and globally, while promoting collaboration and investment in the franchise sector.
Opening ceremony
The event commenced with an introductory video showcasing the mission and objectives of the National Franchise Committee, followed by the Saudi national anthem. Salman Al-Anzi delivered the opening speech, followed by remarks from Dr. Khalid Al-Ghamdi, chairman of the National Franchise Committee. The event continued with speeches from strategic partners, namely, Mohammed Yousuf Naghi, chairman of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mohammed Al-Ouhali, director general of agriculture, food production and franchising at the Ministry of Investment; Nawaf Al-Ruwais, vice president of Monsha’at; and Abdullah bin Saad Al-Ruwais, vice president for business sector at the Social Development Bank.
Global expansion
Al-Ghamdi said that the franchise sector in the Kingdom is witnessing rapid growth, reflecting market maturity and strong investor confidence. He noted that the floating expo is more than just a platform to showcase opportunities — it marks a significant step in exporting “Saudi franchises to the world,” aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and investment promotion.
Al-Ghamdi also unveiled three key initiatives launched during the expo:
• The establishment of a national company to support export-oriented franchises
• The launch of a platform to facilitate international expansion of Saudi brands
• The creation of an investment fund to support global expansion of Saudi trademarks
He further highlighted the growing global interest in Saudi products, known for their quality and reliability. To date, more than 204 Saudi brands have been listed on the national franchise platform, with franchise registration increasing by 866 percent over the past three years, reaching a total of 1,788 registered franchise agreements.
Promising figures
Ibrahim Al-Hussein, director of franchise services at Monsha’at, said that the expo represents a strategic step to empower the franchise ecosystem. By the end of 2024, the number of operating franchise brands had surpassed 1,200 — a 38 percent increase over the previous year. The platform currently offers more than 22,000 franchise opportunities for investors.
He also noted that the Franchise Center has provided more than 5,000 consultations since its inception, evaluated the eligibility of over 1,900 brands, and licensed more than 300 franchise brokers. The center continues to play a key role in dispute resolution and supporting brand development through specialized training and advisory programs.
Investment support
Al-Ouhali of the Ministry of Investment highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to streamlining investment processes through advanced digital services and targeted incentives, while also enhancing transparency and governance.
He said that the Kingdom is experiencing a “golden era” of investment opportunities, with sustained support for investors from setup to operation, in full alignment with Vision 2030 objectives.
Fostering partnerships
The expo witnessed the signing of several MoUs between the National Franchise Committee and the Social Development Bank, Monsha’at, and the Restaurant and Café Owners Association, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders in the franchise sector.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, sponsors were honored by the National Franchise Committee and the Federation of Saudi Chambers. Participating brand representatives were also recognized for their contribution to this landmark event.
A platform for growth
The expo continues for three days until May 8 aboard Aroya Cruises, one of the Public Investment Fund’s flagship projects. The event offers an exceptional experience that blends business, investment, and tourism, with the goal of promoting shared franchising models and fostering collaboration between local and international brands.
Bupa CareConnect wins two honors at CHI Excellence Awards
Bupa Arabia for Cooperative Insurance has announced that its healthcare arm, Bupa CareConnect, has won two prestigious awards at the third Council of Health Insurance Excellence Awards 2024. The awards affirm its leadership in digital healthcare innovation and sustainable healthcare practices in the Kingdom.
The high-profile awards ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel and convened senior healthcare executives, policymakers, and innovators from across the Kingdom and the broader region.
Bupa CareConnect won in two categories: Innovative Sustainability for Private Providers and Digital Innovation in Healthcare for Private Providers. These accolades highlight the company’s pioneering efforts to harness cutting-edge technologies and deliver patient-centric solutions that align with the health and well-being priorities of Saudi Vision 2030.
“This recognition reaffirms our belief that impactful healthcare begins with innovation rooted in human needs,” said Tal Nazer, CEO of Bupa Arabia. “We’re proud to lead this transformation and extend our gratitude to every member of our Digital Clinic team and our partners who contributed to this success.”
The CEO said that the company aims to create a holistic, patient-first experience powered by digital tools, greater flexibility, and seamless accessibility — without the need for pre-approvals. “We are redefining access to healthcare by making it seamless, personalized, and responsive,” he said.
Nazer also commended the CHI for its efforts in promoting a sector-wide culture of excellence through a national platform that recognizes innovation and value-based care.
Bupa Arabia’s Digital Clinics have become a benchmark for virtual healthcare delivery, offering real-time consultations across more than 10 specialties and enhanced user experiences powered by AI-driven claims processing and smart digital platforms.
These innovations enable patients to navigate their healthcare journeys more efficiently while expanding sustainable access to high-quality care.
“This award is a tribute to the commitment and compassion of our medical professionals, who are at the heart of everything we do,” said Dr. Abdullah Khafagy, executive medical director of Bupa CareConnect. “It motivates us to continue elevating standards in preventive, tech-enabled healthcare.”
Bupa Arabia has a long-standing track record of excellence at the CHI Excellence Awards. In 2023, the company secured six awards, including Health Insurer of the Year, Best Customer Experience, and Digital Excellence, along with individual honors such as CEO of the Year, Women Leader of the Year, and Young Achiever of the Year.
Diriyah program to mentor 40 Saudi engineers
Diriyah Company has launched the third edition of the Diriyah Engineers Development Program, a flagship initiative designed to attract and develop Saudi graduates with an engineering mindset. This pioneering program empowers participants to contribute to Diriyah’s transformational projects, aligning with the Human Capability Development goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The program offers a comprehensive, year-long training journey that combines both theoretical learning and hands-on experience. It enhances personal growth, strengthens professional competencies, and cultivates an engineering mindset.
Participants will benefit from industry experts’ mentorship, which will equip them with the practical knowledge and skills to become future leaders in the field. This initiative reflects Diriyah Company’s commitment to investing in national talent, creating high-quality employment opportunities, and enabling Saudi youth to play a fundamental role in the development of the Diriyah project. Throughout the program, participants will develop a wide range of skills, including professional writing, presentation techniques, data analysis, project management, financial analysis for non-financial professionals, strategic problem-solving, emotional intelligence, operations management, and more.
The program’s third edition will train and develop 40 promising male and female engineers, recent graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees (Class of 2024 and beyond) and no more than six months of professional experience. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in both Arabic and English and are expected to have participated in cooperative training programs, university projects, or related initiatives. The program offers specialized full-time employment opportunities with a robust benefits package, including monthly bonuses, housing and transportation allowances, medical insurance, social security registration, and access to external training at leading global educational institutions. Participants will join one of three key departments — design and development, asset management, or technology management — where they will undergo high-level training. A series of expert-led workshops and immersive, hands-on learning experiences will help participants build technical, leadership, and personal skills under the guidance of distinguished professionals.
Building on the success of its first two cohorts, which collectively trained 48 engineers (14 in the first edition and 34 in the second), the third edition of DEDP solidifies Diriyah Company’s dedication to empowering the next generation of Saudi talent. The program has already garnered significant interest, with more than 37,000 applicants, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of the company’s contribution to Saudi Vision 2030.
As part of this national transformation, the company is working to establish Diriyah as a world-class destination for tourism, heritage, and culture. The development includes office spaces for tens of thousands of professionals alongside vibrant artistic, cultural, sports, and entertainment zones. It also encompasses more than 18,000 luxury residential units, 40 international hotels, iconic cultural and historical landmarks, museums, and specialized educational institutions and academies.
Bentley debuts Batur Convertible, a true collector’s piece
The Batur Convertible, the third coachbuilt Bentley of the modern era, has made its global debut at an exclusive event.
With only 16 individually numbered cars being produced, the Batur Convertible is a true collector’s piece. Each will feature the most potent iteration of Bentley’s iconic W12 engine, a 750 PS, hand-assembled 6-liter twin-turbocharged masterpiece set to end production this summer, making this one of the last Bentleys to ever house this legendary powertrain. Beyond its extraordinary performance, the Batur Convertible offers limitless personalization, with every detail tailored to reflect the vision and individuality of its owner.
The exterior of the Batur Convertible is another demonstration of the art of the possible with the Mulliner Bespoke Studio. It is a showcase of dynamic color transitions and high-performance materials, brought to life through its Midnight Emerald exterior paint and high gloss carbon fiber finishes. At the front, the grille stands out with a bold Satin Dark Titanium finish throughout, with the exception of the grille matrix, where a Gloss Mandarin to Gloss Beluga fade creates a striking visual transition.
At the heart of this bold exterior is the distinctive Batur Racing Stripe, finished in Gloss Porpoise and flanked with Gloss Mandarin outer stripes, both hide-matched to the interior leather, creating a seamless visual connection between the exterior and the cabin.
The cabin echoes the exterior, with Cumbrian Green and Porpoises leather being accented with Mandarin stitching and piping, complemented with machined titanium Organ Stops and Bullseye vents. The veneer is Mulliner’s exquisite “guitar fade,” where a transition of color and texture spans the width of the cabin, from gloss Beluga to high gloss carbon fiber, and back to gloss Beluga, and finished with the unique laser-etched audio signature of this W12 engine.
Bentley has a rich history of open-cockpit cars, from the very first Bentley of 1919, through the company’s foundation years in the 1920s, to the most recent — the Bacalar.
The architecture of the Batur Convertible has allowed Mulliner’s designers to seize the opportunity to create a theme that not only blends the design of the Bacalar and Batur but includes the versatility of a convertible. The designers also chose to highlight the two-seater character with a “wraparound” cockpit inspired by the design of the Bacalar.
The Mulliner Bespoke Studio will co-create every Batur Convertible with each client, utilizing their exclusive in-house commissioning software. It adopts a unique “off menu” approach to commissioning that allows any part of the car to be customized in color and surface finish, bringing each vision to life.
