Juliarte, the Portugal-based company that sells a unique range of premium and exclusively selected handicrafts, antiques and authentic furniture pieces, opened its first branch in the Middle East — The House of Treasures at Deerfields Mall in Abu Dhabi.
Established in 1978, Juliarte is one of the world’s leading companies in the field of antiques, luxury furniture and home decoration. The company has its presence across the world with branches in Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Belgium, Poland and Brazil. Its products are exported to South and North America and East Asia.
In a bid to make its products more accessible to a wider target audience, Juliarte has ventured with its first branch in the UAE, a regional hub for luxury, tourism and recreational activities in the Middle East and North Africa. The showroom follows Juliarte’s iconic concept of antiquity and welcomes its guests into a new realm of design, indulgence and individuality where they get to see vintage and modern fuse into an unexpected harmony.
“We are pleased that Juliarte forayed into the Middle East market with its first branch in the UAE. The decision to open this first branch in the UAE was strategic. People in the UAE have a flair for all things lavish and unique. The House of Treasures is made up of the finest antiques and handicrafts that create unique pieces of furniture.
Each piece narrates a tale and appeals to customers who have a taste for unique and exclusive designs. In addition a growing population with consistent income and the growth of the industry have been some of the key factors in motivating us to establish this debut branch in the UAE,” said Hazza Mohammed Al-Suwaidi, executive director of the House of Treasures.
Juliarte launches ‘House of Treasures’ in Abu Dhabi
Juliarte launches ‘House of Treasures’ in Abu Dhabi
‘Esaaf,’ first Arabic film in IMAX, eyes global release
In a groundbreaking moment for Arabic cinema, “Esaaf” has earned its place in history as the first Arabic-language film to be screened in IMAX. Blending heart-pounding action with sharp comedy, the film offers a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience that sets a bold new precedent for the region’s film industry. By leading the charge, “Esaaf” opens doors for Saudi and Gulf talent to push boundaries and craft original, high-impact stories.
Set in Riyadh, “Esaaf,” meaning ambulance, follows two incompetent paramedics completely out of their depth, who unwittingly become embroiled in a kidnapping plot.
Since its release in Saudi cinemas, “Esaaf” has quickly captured the hearts of both critics and audiences alike. Its fresh mix of action and humor has sparked enthusiastic discussions online and drawn crowds across the country — including many families, who are embracing the film’s dynamic energy and enjoying the shared experience it brings to the big screen.
Supported by the General Entertainment Authority and Riyadh Season, “Esaaf” is produced by Blacklight and House of Comedy in partnership with SMC.
Talal Al-Anazi, CEO and co-founder of Blacklight, said: “We’re delighted by the overwhelming response to ‘Esaaf.’ This success not only validates our efforts but also inspires us to explore more bold ideas and larger-scale productions.”
Lead actor Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj said: “I’ve been blown away by the audience’s reactions. Combining action and comedy through IMAX is something entirely new for local viewers, and I’m eager to see how it continues to evolve.”
Christopher Tillman, vice president of international development and distribution at IMAX, said: “This title marks our first step into the exciting and rapidly growing Arabic-language film market, which is full of thrilling and entertaining stories we’re eager to share with audiences. With a high-level production team and a gripping, humorous story, fans can experience this laugh-out-loud thrill ride with the crystal-clear image and immersive sound exclusive to IMAX locations.”
Behind the scenes, the production team has hinted at promising talks with international distributors — an exciting step that could see “Esaaf” featured in global festivals and introduced to broader markets. The growing buzz around the film reflects a larger wave of excitement for Saudi-made content, reinforcing the Kingdom’s rising influence on the global cinematic stage.
Executive Producer Peter Smith is exploring international distribution to further underscore the potential of Saudi cinema.
GenAI can revolutionize healthcare in Kingdom: report
As part of the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program, the healthcare sector is witnessing groundbreaking innovations with the integration of generative AI. PwC Middle East, in partnership with the HSTP, has launched the latest report, “Navigating new frontiers in health: A strategic guide to GenAI in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” which provides a detailed analysis of the current state of healthcare transformation and how AI is poised to reshape the future of healthcare delivery in the Kingdom.
The report gathers insights from PwC Middle East’s 28th CEO Survey — KSA Findings, which revealed that 92 percent of CEOs in Saudi Arabia plan to systematically integrate GenAI into their technology platforms within three years, 88 percent into core business strategy, and 79 percent into new products/services development. For the health sector, the potential applications of GenAI in support of building a “vibrant society” are wide-ranging, including in medical imaging and diagnosis, drug discovery, mobile clinics and predictive, personalized care.
“This report underscores the growing potential of genAI to not only optimize healthcare operations but also to improve patient care and outcomes,” said Tariq Beshtawi, health industries partner, digital health transformation leader, PwC Middle East. “As Saudi Arabia works toward its Vision 2030 goals, the healthcare sector’s adoption of GenAI will play a crucial role in creating a more resilient, efficient, and patient-centric system.”
With the Kingdom facing increasing pressure to manage chronic diseases and improve accessibility in underserved regions, GenAI is proving to be a game-changer in optimizing care delivery and relieving the administrative burden on medical professionals.
Abdulgader Hamdan A Almoeen, Health Sector Transformation Program lead, said: “The Health Sector Transformation Program is driving efforts to create a future of healthcare that is more accessible, efficient, and focused on prevention. Leveraging GenAI and other advanced technologies, we are not just improving outcomes; we are defining a new global standard for the sector.”
As the Kingdom continues to prioritize healthcare in its Vision 2030 strategy, GenAI stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering significant benefits in diagnostics, drug discovery, and patient care. The insights provided in this report further demonstrate the clear potential for GenAI to revolutionize the healthcare system, ensuring that all citizens have access to world-class medical services.
This collaboration between PwC Middle East and the HSTP highlights Saudi Arabia’s readiness to embrace the future of healthcare, ensuring that it remains at the cutting edge of innovation while delivering more accessible, efficient, and personalized care for its population.
OceanQuest appoints Dr. Martin Visbeck as CEO to lead next era of ocean exploration
OceanQuest, a Saudi nonprofit foundation, has announced the appointment of Dr. Martin Visbeck as chief executive. A globally recognized leader in ocean science, Visbeck brings more than 30 years of expertise in advancing the understanding of the ocean’s critical role within the Earth system.
Visbeck’s contributions span ocean discovery, research, governance, and technological innovation. His expertise is widely sought by scientific organizations, national governments, and the UN, underscoring his profound influence on global ocean policy.
“OceanQuest’s mission is to illuminate the ocean like never before — driving discovery, advancing scientific understanding, and supporting human progress,” Visbeck said. “By investing in next-generation research vessels, robotics, and advanced sensing technologies, we are strengthening the global deep ocean exploration ecosystem.
“Our success depends on international collaboration, uniting nations to explore, understand, safeguard and sustainably utilize the ocean’s vast potential. The launch of OceanQuest marks a significant milestone in this shared journey, as we push the boundaries of exploration and make a lasting impact on the future of our planet.”
Visbeck’s pioneering work in ocean science, observation and robotics has transformed data collection, discoveries and understanding in remote and challenging regions. His advocacy for digital twin technologies has enabled the development of virtual replicas of ocean systems, allowing simulation and prediction of ocean changes — critical for understanding the ocean’s role in sustainable development.
OceanQuest is dedicated to advancing ocean science and accelerating deep ocean exploration. The foundation’s goals are aligned with those of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 — fostering sustainable development, innovation and global collaboration, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in ocean research and conservation.
OceanQuest is set to launch a series of joint expeditions in the coming years, with a focus on studying seamounts — vital underwater ecosystems that play a critical role in the ocean’s health. These missions will shed light on the biology, chemistry, physics, and geology of these ecosystems, expanding our understanding of their importance to humanity.
Tickle your taste buds at LuLu’s World Food Festival
LuLu Hypermarket is hosting its much-anticipated “World Food Festival” across its branches in the Kingdom from April 27 to May 10.
This features themed food experiences, vibrant displays, and interactive activities, celebrating a world of flavors and cultures under one roof.
LuLu is also giving away extraordinary prizes — including half a kilo of gold and luxurious stays at The Red Sea destination.
As part of the food festival, LuLu introduces the Happiness Millionaire program, where one lucky winner will receive 1 million Happiness points every single day.
Shoppers can also enjoy up to 5x points multipliers on select categories, plus 10 percent cashback in points and exclusive gifts for Happiness members.
The festival brings together a variety of international celebrity chefs and influencers from around the globe, who engage with customers through live cooking shows, chef battles, tasting sessions, and culinary competitions.
These events focus on creativity, taste, and presentation, offering visitors the chance to learn, participate, and be inspired by unique culinary experiences.
In every participating store, the festival atmosphere is brought to life with interactive zones, chef-led demos, and community-driven activities that turn shopping into an entertaining and educational journey.
Customers are encouraged to take part in challenges, vote for their favorite dishes, and interact with chefs and influencers in-store.
This year’s festival places a special spotlight on premium meat selections through Meety Meat experiences, offering customers the finest cuts and live demonstrations from meat experts.
Likewise, Cheese Academy will highlight a curated journey through global cheese varieties, where certified cheese experts will visit selected LuLu branches to educate, entertain, and engage directly with customers.
In line with growing health-conscious trends, LuLu is also championing nutritious choices under its Healthy Bites concept — spotlighting wholesome products, health-friendly recipes, and wellness tips to inspire better eating habits for families across the Kingdom.
The festival also brings the freshest and juiciest treasures of the season to center stage.
The Saudi Mango Fest highlights the Kingdom’s rich fruit heritage, especially from regions like Jizan, known for producing some of the world’s finest mangoes.
Shoppers will enjoy interactive tasting zones, fun facts, and deals on a wide variety of locally grown mangoes.
Meanwhile, the vibrant Berry Fest is back, celebrating strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries through themed displays, limited-time offers, and creative berry-inspired recipes.
And for those seeking something adventurous, LuLu is presenting a curated selection of exotic fruits from around the world, such as dragon fruit, mangosteen, passion fruit, and more, inviting customers to experience bold, international flavors.
Alongside the vibrant events, LuLu Hypermarket is offering exclusive promotions and unbeatable prices across all categories — groceries, fresh produce, frozen foods, health & beauty, household essentials, electronics, and much more.
The goal is to provide customers with exceptional value while celebrating global food culture.
“The World Food Festival is not only a celebration of food, but also of community, creativity, and great value,” said Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Saudi Hypermarkets.
“It reflects our commitment to making international experiences accessible to everyone while rewarding our customers with exciting offers and prizes.”
Whether you are visiting for the live shows, tasting something new, or simply shopping for your essentials, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for families, food lovers, and communities across the Kingdom.
Bayn: A coastal community development that bridges Abu Dhabi and Dubai
ORA Developers has lifted the curtain on Bayn, a visionary coastal community development where city energy meets coastal serenity without compromise.
The 4.8 million square meter master plan in Ghantoot was unveiled at an event in the presence of influential business leaders and government representatives.
Located in Ghantoot, Bayn embraces the compact-city philosophy, integrating schools, retail, sports, leisure, and wellness facilities, accessible within 15 minutes.
Featuring 1.2 km of beachfront with crystal-clear Arabian Gulf waters, lagoons, a marina and a business park, the community is crafted for those seeking a dynamic yet tranquil lifestyle.
“Our vision with Bayn is to create a destination that enhances how people experience time and space,” said Naguib Sawiris, chairman and CEO of ORA Developers.
“We are bringing together the best of both worlds: the dynamism of city living and the calm of a coastal retreat. By investing in sustainable infrastructure, walkable neighborhoods, and high-quality amenities, we’re not just building homes — we’re shaping an environment where people can truly flourish. We look forward to seeing Bayn evolve into one of the UAE’s most sought-after addresses — one that enriches every moment,” he added.
Bayn’s design is inspired by the site’s natural history.
Preliminary insights suggest that the land may have once been shaped by waterways, a concept that has influenced the master plan, reintroducing water as a defining element.
At the core of the community lies a seamless connection to water with over 7 km of waterfront living, framed by 9,000 residences, including mansions, villas, townhouses, and apartments.
The community is further activated by a marina, a beach town, a business park and multiple promenades, creating a seamless connection between land and sea.
More than 55 percent of Bayn’s land area is dedicated to open space, including one million sqm of public parks, landscaped pathways, and outdoor activity zones featuring gyms, padel courts, BBQ areas, and playgrounds.
A standout feature of Bayn is its expansive sports club, covering over 100,000 square meters.
This facility is designed to cater to both professional athletes and families, offering a comprehensive range of sports and recreational activities.
A network of pedestrian, cycling, and running trails connects high-energy social hub such as the bustling marina promenade to quieter enclaves designed for relaxation and wellness.
Bayn is built on principles of responsible development, integrating smart, sustainable solutions at every level.
Solar-powered energy systems reduce reliance on traditional power sources.
A landscape designed with native greenery enhances the environment while supporting sustainable water use.
Smart water and waste management systems enhance environmental efficiency.
Building orientations maximize natural light and airflow, reducing cooling demands.
These elements contribute to a lower carbon footprint and an enhanced quality of life, aligning with the UAE’s long-term sustainability agenda.
Bayn is designed for seamless access to both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with direct connectivity to Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road, Al Fayah Road, Sheikh Zayed Road and Mohamed Bin Zayed Road — placing residents just 35 minutes from Downtown Dubai and 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi’s city center.
Future infrastructure projects, including the Etihad GCC Railway and airport expansions, further elevate Bayn’s strategic positioning, while its proximity to major developments like Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai South makes it a compelling investment destination.
The first phase of Bayn, launched on 24th April, introduces 464 meticulously designed residences, spread across four gated clusters, offering 10 distinct typologies, with a selection of three to five-bedroom residences and is set for handover in 2028.
Residents of Phase 1 will enjoy a clubhouse and a curated mix of F&B and retail experiences, reinforcing Bayn’s vision of a seamlessly integrated, self-sufficient coastal destination.
With a blend of compact city principles, ecological stewardship, and strategic dual-city connectivity, Bayn is set to redefine the UAE’s waterfront real estate landscape, offering a lifestyle that balances social vibrancy with the serenity of the sea.
