Nissan is relaunching the 3-door version of the Patrol Super Safari — also known as the hard top version — in response to the demands of the Gulf’s 4WD-loving motorists.
This follows the success of the relaunched Patrol Super Safari 5-door earlier this year.
“When we relaunched the Patrol Super Safari station wagon in March it was as a response to the demands of our customers who had both a deep sense of nostalgia for the vehicle and a genuine appetite to see its return,” said Fadi Ghosn, chief marketing officer of Nissan Middle East. “We quickly realized after the relaunch, however, that there was an equal appetite to see the return of the 3-door variant.
As a company, we pride ourselves on our track record of listening and responding to our customers’ feedback. The relaunch of the 3-door Patrol Super Safari is yet another example of that customer focus.”
Nissan said the 3-door Patrol Super Safari is packed with features designed with comfort, practicality, style, and desert performance in mind.
The vehicle features a machine cut, black (43.2cm) wheels framed by grey overfenders and red Super Safari graphics which adorn the vehicle’s flanks. There are two color choices for the body, two-tone combinations of either grey and white or grey and gold, while inside a tan interior is the sole option.
In engine terms, again there is only one choice in the form of Nissan’s proven 4.8L inline six-cylinder DOHC unit, which produces 280 HP and 451 Nm of torque.
The engine is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to enhance safety while driving on the highway over long distances at higher speeds.
New driver aids include a navigation system as well as front and rear parking sensors with rear view camera, Bluetooth, USB, CD, auxiliary input socket and FM/AM radio to complete the in-car entertainment offering. The vehicle comes equipped with automatic climate control and a built-in, refrigerated cool box.
3-door Patrol Super Safari returns to Nissan line-up
3-door Patrol Super Safari returns to Nissan line-up
Chalhoub Group hosts skincare experts in Riyadh event
Chalhoub Group hosted “The Skincare Edition: Unfiltered” in Riyadh, in collaboration with Hia Hub 4.0, from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3. The event took place at the bustling JAX district, offering an unparalleled skincare experience featuring immersive workshops, insightful panel discussions, and live demonstrations.
The five-day program featured both professional and B2C talks, offering deep insights into personalized skincare. Attendees had the opportunity to learn directly from experts through panels and interactive sessions designed to transform skincare routines and ideologies. During the summit, Chalhoub Group unveiled the findings from its intelligence report on “Gen Z’s Skincare Evolution in GCC.”
Featured speakers and panelists included a lineup of dermatologists, experts and industry leaders, including Chairman of Shiseido EMEA Franck Marilly, MD of L’Oréal Middle East Laurent Duffier, CEO of Waldencast Michel Brousset, Founder and CGO of Waldencast Hend Sebti, Group President of Chalhoub Group Patrick Chalhoub, Regional Managing Director of Sephora Middle East Hasmik Panossian, VP Retail Commercial and Business Development EMEA of Estée Lauder Companies Henk van der Mark, Managing Director of Faces Beauty ME Nicole Nitschke, and Group President of Finoli Pierre Juhen, among others.
Leading tech companies discussed the latest innovations in skincare, with contributions from Anna Germanos, group director of CPF, retail, e-commerce and luxury, META; Hala Zgeib, head of luxury, MENA Snap Inc.; and Aref Yehia, head of retail and e-commerce, TikTok.
Global researchers and experts such as Jennifer Palmer, senior vice president, global skincare category and brand scientific authority strategy of Estée Lauder Companies, and Dr. Annie Black, international scientific director of Lancôme, also shared insights.
Visitors also attended engaging sessions with their favorite creators like Noor Stars and an inspiring panel featuring Yara Namlah and Amani Al-Ayed on “Generational Beauty: Inheriting Skincare Wisdom.” Another insightful session was “Facial Fitness: A Skincare Masterclass with Face Gym Founder Inge Theron,” where Inge talked about her journey as a founder and on facial fitness. The event featured brand experiences that encompassed all aspects of skincare, including wellness. Visitors explored the “Wellness Hub” by L’Occitane and “Skincare Nation” by Faces to enhance their skincare journey.
The event also feature unique workshops such as “Decoding Skincare with The Ordinary,” “Potential Has No Age by Shiseido,” “The Power of Science-backed Skincare and Beauty Tech with Lancôme,” “Discover The Guerlain Skincare Essentials With The Secret Of Facialist Gesture,” and “Unlocking The Secrets To Youthful, Radiant Skin.” The workshops offered attendees the opportunity to deep-dive into tailored skincare solutions.
GFH and GWC join forces to develop logistics facilities
GFH Financial Group, a financial institution with a strong focus on the logistics sector, has signed a heads of terms agreement with Gulf Warehousing Company, one of the GCC’s top logistics providers. The collaboration will see GFH power GWC’s expansion plans by developing 200,000 square meters of Grade “A” logistics facilities across key locations in Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
As part of the heads of terms, GFH will finance and oversee the development of these state-of-the-art logistics spaces, tailored to meet GWC’s specific operational requirements. GWC will lead the technical development of these facilities while being the anchor tenant once completed. GWC will leverage its expertise in logistics and supply chain solutions to ensure the facilities are optimized to serve the clients’ needs. This signing is part of GFH’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s logistics infrastructure, which aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives to diversify the economy and establish the country as a global logistics hub.
Razi Almerbati, chief executive of GFH Capital, said: “Our collaboration with GWC marks a significant step in advancing Saudi Arabia’s logistics infrastructure. By combining GFH’s financial strength and focus on the logistics sector with GWC’s logistics prowess, we are confident this development will further cement Saudi Arabia’s position as a logistics leader in the region.”
Matthew Kearns, deputy CEO at GWC, said: “This heads of terms with GFH will open the horizon to tailored supply chain solutions that meet the increasing demand for high quality logistics solutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, further supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. GWC is proud to deploy its logistics and supply chain expertise, offering world-class logistics solutions for clientele across the Kingdom.”
The heads of terms state that GWC will be responsible for operating the logistics facilities to serve its expanding client base across the Kingdom, incorporating cutting-edge technologies, highest sustainability standards and optimal operational infrastructure to meet the highest industry standards. The facilities will provide GWC with the capacity to manage and optimize its logistics operations efficiently, supporting the company’s growth and enhancing the country’s logistics capabilities.
SingleView showcases transformative open banking solutions
SingleView, a leader in fintech and open banking services, participated in the Seamless Saudi 2024 exhibition and conference, held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center from Oct. 22-24. The company highlighted its dedication to driving innovation in digital commerce through its cutting-edge open banking services.
During the event, SingleView announced two strategic partnerships with prominent industry players, namely Al-Dawaa Pharmacy and Lendo Saudi Arabia. These partners will leverage SingleView’s innovative platform to enhance their financial operations, marking a significant step in advancing their digital transformation across key sectors in Saudi Arabia. These partnerships reflect SingleView’s growing influence in the financial sector and its mission to support the acceleration of digital innovation.
HIGHLIGHT
During the event, SingleView announced two strategic partnerships with prominent industry players namely, Al-Dawaa Pharmacy and Lendo Saudi Arabia.
Abdulrhman Alarifi, chief executive of SingleView, said: “These collaborations highlight SingleView’s unwavering drive to redefine financial services in Saudi Arabia. By harnessing the power of open banking, we are not only transforming the financial landscape but also paving the way for a more innovative, inclusive, and digitally empowered future.”
Alarifi joined a keynote panel on Oct. 23, discussing Saudi Arabia’s journey in taking open banking from vision to reality and emphasizing its impact in driving forward financial advancements.
Eugene Williams, head of product at SingleView, captivated crowds with his presentation on the topic “Open Banking PIS: Why Should I Care?” delving into the importance of payment initiation services and how businesses can benefit from these advancements.
Headquartered in Riyadh, SingleView is a fintech company offering open banking and financial solutions. With partnerships established with all major Saudi banks, the company is dedicated to transforming financial services on a global scale.
Their mission is to empower businesses in every industry to drive profitability, enhance customer engagement, and achieve long-term success.
Saudia Cargo names Loay Mashabi as new CEO
Saudia Cargo, a leader in global air cargo transportation and member of the biggest air cargo alliance SkyTeam Cargo, has announced the appointment of Loay Mashabi as its new chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1, 2025. He is also the managing director of Saudia Cargo.
Mashabi succeeds Teddy Zebitz as CEO, who has led Saudia Cargo to record success, driving innovation and solidifying its leading position. Zebitz will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors.
“During Teddy’s tenure, we have achieved remarkable milestones and navigated through numerous challenges, all while maintaining our commitment to performance and service excellence,” said Abdulkareem Abualnasr, board chairman of Saudia Cargo. “Teddy’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in building the capabilities of our company and in executing our strategies, and we are deeply grateful for all his valuable contributions.”
Mashabi joined Saudia Cargo as board member in August 2021 and became the managing director in October 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in the transportation and logistics sector. Prior to joining Saudia Cargo, he served as deputy minister for logistics services at the Ministry of Transportation and Logistics Services, and deputy governor for planning and development of the General Authority of Customs. He also served as CEO of the inception phase of the Soudah Development at the Public Investment Fund.
Under Mashabi’s leadership, Saudia Cargo will focus on accelerating its growth, expanding its international network, and advancing Saudi Vision 2030’s logistics sector goals, enabling the Kingdom’s transformation by securing essential goods and providing customer-centric solutions that help businesses thrive and industries grow.
He holds an executive MBA from London Business School and a BSc in petroleum engineering from King Fahd University.
Shein unveils Saudi-inspired Fall/Winter collections
RIYADH: Global fashion powerhouse Shein made a bold statement in Riyadh on Nov. 2, unveiling its latest Fall/Winter 2024 collections to an audience of eager fashion enthusiasts. Themed “Pearls to Radiant Glow, A Journey Through Arab Splendor,” the event merged tradition with trend, offering a fresh take on fashion that speaks to Saudi Arabia’s youth.
The immersive show showcased three collections — Dune Silhouette, Sunset Glow, and Ocean Garden — each reflecting a unique aspect of Saudi culture and landscape. With Riyadh’s style-conscious crowd in attendance, the collections represented the spirit of Saudi youth by drawing on elements of the natural world, from deserts to sunsets to marine life. Every piece seemed to embody the duality of Saudi identity, balancing heritage with a modern, forward-looking aesthetic.
The Dune Silhouette collection set the stage with designs inspired by the dynamic patterns of sand dunes. Embracing khaki hues and earthy tones, the collection used asymmetric tailoring and layered skirts to evoke the fluidity of desert landscapes. The pieces offered a fashionable twist on classic workwear, making a strong impression on attendees who value style that is both sophisticated and wearable.
Meanwhile, Sunset Glow captivated audiences with its warm color gradients that transition from deep orange to soft purples. Flowing silhouettes and delicate detailing, like chiffon accents and tassels, added a touch of romance to the collection. The designs captured the drama and beauty of a Saudi sunset, appealing to those drawn to a softer, more ethereal look.
Bringing a vibrant contrast to the event, Ocean Garden turned to the sea for inspiration, featuring youthful colors, floral prints, and whimsical embellishments like pearls and diamond accents. The collection’s playful spirit shone through with lotus leaf pleats and unique patterns, making it a standout for fashion fans seeking fresh, lively pieces.
Adding a layer of excitement, Shein welcomed more than 30 prominent fashion influencers to the event, including popular figures like Noha Nabil, Almaha, and Fouz, whose attendance highlighted the show’s influence on the region’s style scene. Their presence not only underscored the cultural relevance of the collections but also drew attention to the unique blend of Saudi heritage with Shein’s modern, accessible fashion philosophy. In addition to influencers, several dedicated fans of the brand were invited via social media giveaways and in-app registrations, creating a direct connection between Shein and its loyal customer base.
Another highlight of the evening was the attendance of Bayan Yasien, a celebrated Saudi artist who recently collaborated with Shein on a “Back to School” collection. This partnership, launched in September, was inspired by Saudi culture and reflects Shein’s commitment to celebrating regional artistry. Yasien’s involvement reinforced Shein’s dedication to honoring local creativity while fostering relationships within the Saudi artistic community.
With these new collections, Shein continues to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia by catering specifically to the tastes and interests of Saudi consumers. The event marked another step in Shein’s strategy to create meaningful engagement with its customer base, blending global fashion trends with elements of local culture. Fashion fans can explore the collections exclusively on the Shein website and app, while enjoying exclusive promotions.
For those who wish to experience the collection firsthand, Shein will host a pop-up showroom at Boulevard Riyadh starting on Nov. 15, offering a chance to view iconic pieces up close.
Shein’s Fall/Winter 2024 show in Riyadh underscored the brand’s growing influence in the Middle East, presenting a fusion of Arab splendor and contemporary style. As the collections hit the market, Shein’s approach to capturing local identity through global fashion reflects a broader trend within the industry, making the brand a prominent player in the Saudi fashion landscape.
