Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a second luxury hotel and branded residences in Dubai, which is targeted to open in late 2020. The hotel, located in downtown Dubai, will complement Mandarin Oriental Jumeira Beach, Dubai, the group’s previously announced urban resort ,which is currently under construction on the beachfront and due to open in the fourth quarter of 2018. Both hotels are owned and developed by wasl Asset Management Group.
The hotel will be the anchor of a 63-story, mixed-use building, to be known as Wasl Tower, located on Sheikh Zayed Road. The property will have direct access to the area’s business and leisure attractions, including Dubai Opera, Burj Park and Dubai Mall.
The downtown Mandarin Oriental hotel will feature 257 spacious and contemporary guestrooms, suites and serviced apartments, which will be located on floors 16 to 38 of the tower, providing outstanding views over downtown Dubai and the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. The accommodation will be designed to reflect local culture, with features inspired by Mandarin Oriental’s Asian heritage.
The group will also manage 144 residences at Mandarin Oriental, located on the tower’s upper floors, which will provide some of the most luxurious private homes in the city. The residences will have their own private access, with dedicated facilities including a resident’s lounge, while also benefiting from Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service and direct access to the hotel.
The group’s expertise in creating award-winning restaurants headed by some of the world’s most celebrated chefs will contribute to the food and beverage offerings of the hotel. A variety of restaurants and bars will be featured, comprising a lively rooftop sky bar with citywide views, a signature dining experience, an all-day dining venue, a poolside bar and restaurant, a lobby lounge, a club lounge, a cigar room and a Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop.
Mandarin Oriental announces a second luxury hotel project in Dubai
Mandarin Oriental announces a second luxury hotel project in Dubai
Locals embrace short getaways while foreign pilgrims spend in KSA
Travelers from Saudi Arabia took full advantage of this year’s extended Eid Al-Adha break, turning the six-day (June 5-10) holiday into an opportunity for cultural exploration, both at home and abroad. While many residents jetted off for short international getaways, the Kingdom also welcomed millions of foreign pilgrims during the Hajj season, driving a steady increase in travel to Saudi Arabia and spending.
According to Visa’s Travel Pulse: Eid Al-Adha Edition, international travel by Saudi residents rose by 25 percent compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was driven by a strong preference for shorter trips, with 69 percent of travelers from the Kingdom opting for brief weekend getaways. They also made 21 percent more purchases abroad and spent 13 percent more overall this Eid, reflecting a preference to maximize the holidays with quick trips abroad.
This Eid, international getaways became an opportunity for many Saudi travelers to indulge in retail experiences. Shopping led the way across all major destinations, influencing not just how people spent, but also where they chose to go.
•UAE led as the top international destination, welcoming 14 percent of Saudi travelers and accounting for 23 percent of total international spend. With an average spend of $635 per card, fashion took center stage — seven of the top 10 merchants were in the shopping and apparel category. Among the top brands were Dubai Duty Free Stores, Hermes, and Cartier, reflecting both a preference for convenient airport shopping and a strong appetite for luxury. Dining and entertainment were also high on the agenda.
•Nine percent of travelers went to Turkiye, making it the second most popular destination. It captured 15 percent of overall holiday spend with each visitor spending an average of $653 per card.
•While the UK attracted a smaller share of travelers from Saudi Arabia (6 percent) and overall spend (12 percent), it captured the highest spend per card at $839. This figure reflects the destination’s premium retail appeal, with shopping leading how Saudi visitors chose to spend.
Meanwhile, the Hajj season continued to play a meaningful role in Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape. Compared to the same period last year, the Kingdom saw a 7 percent increase in the number of foreign pilgrims, who made 16 percent more purchases during their stay. While overall spending grew by 4 percent, key shopping categories remained unchanged, including food, medicine, and other everyday needs, with smaller portions of spend going toward clothing and travel-related services.
“Whether it’s a short break or a meaningful pilgrimage, having a simple and secure way to pay matters at every step of the journey,” said Ali Bailoun, regional general manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman at Visa.
“We are proud to support that through our unique data insights and seamless, reliable payment solutions, and to contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by helping create more connected, inclusive and seamless payment experiences across borders.”
For businesses and banks, Visa’s Travel Pulse offers unique insights to improve the payment experience for Saudi Visa cardholders traveling abroad or opting for local experiences.
Hankook Tire participates in ‘Mobility Live 2025’
Global tire company Hankook Tire and Technology participated in Mobility Live Middle East 2025, the region’s premier mobility exhibition, held from June 24 to 25 at the Dubai World Trade Center.
Mobility Live Middle East 2025 is the region’s largest mobility exhibition, centered around the future of transportation — including electric vehicles, smart infrastructure, and sustainable public transit. This year’s event brought together more than 10,000 experts, 1,000 VIP buyers, and over 250 participating brands, offering insights into future market trends.
Making its second consecutive appearance at the event, Hankook Tire reinforced its leadership in world-class EV tire technology. At its booth, the company showcased its premium EV product lineup tailored for Middle Eastern driving environments. Featured products included the “iON” brand — the world’s first full lineup of EV-exclusive tires — comprising the high-performance “iON evo,” the summer tire “iON GT,” and the “e-SMART City AU56” for electric buses.
In particular, the iON evo was recognized for its outstanding braking and handling performance, earning the top ranking in a recent tire comparison test conducted by Auto Bild, an automotive magazine in Germany.
The e-SMART City AU56, a truck and bus radial tire, offers optimized mileage performance compared to previous models.
It incorporates advanced tread block technology to deliver improved grip and extended tread life.
“Hankook Tire continues to strengthen its premium brand presence and expand its footprint in the Middle East EV tire market through a range of strategic initiatives,” said Jongwoo Kim, head of Hankook Tire’s Middle East and Asia division. “Mobility Live provided an exceptional platform to showcase the innovation behind our ‘iON’ brand, which leads the way in promoting sustainability in the future mobility sector through the use of advanced eco-friendly materials.” He added, “In line with the UAE’s vision to accelerate EV adoption and its broader sustainability goals under the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy, our participation in Mobility Live highlights our commitment to supporting the region’s clean mobility transformation. We are also reviewing Vision 2030 roadmaps set by each ESG steering committee to re-evaluate our current position and establish a refreshed mid- to long-term strategy for the decade ahead.”
St. Regis Riyadh’s GM wins Hotelier Middle East award
The St. Regis Riyadh has announced that their General Manager Marina Krasnobrizhaya has been awarded GM of the Year — Luxury Properties, Middle East by Hotelier Middle East, marking a defining moment in the hotel’s remarkable journey of excellence and recognition.
Since its grand opening, The St. Regis Riyadh has reimagined luxury hospitality in the Kingdom — seamlessly blending the storied legacy of the St. Regis brand with the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia. From its bespoke guest rituals to its refined design and exceptional dining venues, the hotel has become a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and modern prestige.
Under Krasnobrizhaya’s dynamic leadership, the hotel has emerged as one of the most celebrated properties in the region, earning multiple prestigious industry accolades, including: Best Luxury Hotel in Riyadh, Best New Business Hotel, Best Lounge in Riyadh for the iconic Stella Sky Lounge, and Best Afternoon Tea in the City, a tribute to The St. Regis signature ritual, elegantly reinterpreted in Riyadh.
“Each award reflects the hotel’s deep commitment to curating unforgettable experiences, blending international standards with local artistry and spirit,” a press statement said. “Whether it’s an elevated business stay, a sunset at Stella Sky Lounge, or the celebrated afternoon tea in The Drawing Room, every detail is thoughtfully designed to honor the brand’s heritage while resonating with today’s sophisticated traveler.”
“Krasnobrizhaya’s recognition by Hotelier Middle East is a testament to her visionary leadership and relentless drive to foster a culture of excellence. Her role has been instrumental in positioning The St. Regis Riyadh as a flagship of luxury in the Middle East and a benchmark for service innovation in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape,” the hotel said.
“As The St. Regis Riyadh continues to shape the capital’s luxury narrative, this award marks not only an individual achievement but a collective triumph for the entire team that brings the brand’s legendary legacy to life each day.”
Located in the heart of the capital, the hotel is a landmark of modern elegance and Arabian grandeur. With its signature butler service, immersive rituals, and a dedication to exceptional service, the hotel is redefining luxury for the Kingdom’s new era.
Petromin and Foton sign four-party MoU to establish commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia
Petromin Corporation, Foton, the Ministry of Investment, and the National Industrial Development Center signed a four-party memorandum of understanding to explore the establishment of an integrated commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement is in line with Saudi Vision 2030 efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s industrial sector and localize high-value manufacturing.
The initiative will develop local capabilities in manufacturing and logistics, strengthen supply chains, and increase localization rates in the vehicle sector.
The scope of production will include heavy-duty trucks, light-duty trucks, and buses.
Amr Al-Dabbagh, chairman and CEO of Al-Dabbagh Group, owner of Petromin, said: “This step aligns with our ambitions to promote a diversified economy based on industry and technology. We take pride in this partnership with Foton, who are No. 1 in the Chinese commercial vehicle market. This partnership acts as a strong catalyst to deliver high-quality commercial vehicles that meet market expectations and support achieving Vision 2030 objectives.”
Chang Rui, chairman of BAIC Foton, added: “We are proud of our partnership with Petromin to localize commercial vehicle manufacturing. Through this collaboration, we aim to transfer advanced technology to the Saudi market and provide innovative and sustainable mobility solutions benefiting businesses and consumers alike.”
The project is backed by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Investment, the National Industrial Development Center, the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, and the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority.
It is expected to create job opportunities for national talent, support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, and contribute to the Kingdom’s shift toward a sustainable, advanced industrial economy.
With its rich history and expertise in the automotive industry, Petromin is a leading provider of comprehensive automotive solutions in the Middle East.
The company is committed to fostering innovation within the community and ensuring customer satisfaction through high-quality products and services.
Meanwhile, Foton, the No. 1 commercial vehicle manufacturer in China, has established a global presence in the industry.
It focuses on producing high-quality commercial vehicles through strategic partnerships with leading industry manufacturers such as Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), ZF Transmission, Cummins Engines, and others.
Its partnership with Petromin provides a unique opportunity to enhance its presence in the Saudi market, leveraging Petromin’s local expertise and market presence.
Saudi dermatologist first in region to receive ILDS honor
In a significant international milestone for Saudi Arabia, Dr. Saad bin Sami Al-Sogair, a leading Saudi dermatologist, has been awarded the 2025 International Leadership Medal by the International League of Dermatological Societies — one of the highest honors globally in the field of dermatology.
This prestigious award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional international leadership, influence in public health policy, and who contribute meaningfully to global collaboration in skin health and medical education.
Dr. Al-Sogair is the first dermatologist from the GCC countries to receive this recognition. He was nominated by the Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery and was selected from a record number of distinguished candidates worldwide.
This achievement is widely seen as a testament not only to Dr. Al-Sogair’s personal dedication and leadership, but also to the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in global medical and scientific advancement. The announcement has been met with widespread praise in academic, clinical, and policy circles and is considered a source of national pride.
Professor Henry W. Lim, president of ILDS, congratulated the recipients, saying: “These annual awards celebrate exceptional contributions by dermatologists and related professionals in advancing skin health worldwide. Each of our worthy recipients have significantly improved the lives of people living with skin diseases, whether through international leadership or humanitarian efforts.
“Each of this year’s recipients is an inspiration. We extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks for their exceptional service to the field of dermatology.”
Dr. Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al-Akeel, president of the Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, said: “We are extremely proud of Dr. Saad Al-Sogair for this historic recognition. His award not only reflects his tireless work and leadership but also highlights the Kingdom’s increasing global standing in dermatology. This comes at a significant moment, as Riyadh is currently bidding to host the 2031 World Congress of Dermatology, a global platform to showcase Saudi excellence in skin health.”
The ILDS International Leadership Medal honors individuals whose work has had a sustained global impact in areas such as medical education, innovation across borders, and international dermatologic collaboration.
This recognition aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance the Kingdom’s international presence in science, research, and healthcare innovation.
