Google and HTC Corporation have announced a definitive agreement under which certain HTC employees — many of whom are already working with Google to develop Pixel smartphones — will join Google. HTC will receive $1.1 billion in cash from Google as part of the transaction. Separately, Google will receive a non-exclusive license for HTC intellectual property (IP).
“The agreement is a testament to the decade-long strategic relationship between HTC and Google around the development of premium smartphones,” a press release said.
“This agreement also supports HTC’s continued branded smartphone strategy, enabling a more streamlined product portfolio, greater operational efficiency and financial flexibility. HTC will continue to have best-in-class engineering talent, which is currently working on the next flagship phone, following the successful launch of the HTC U11 earlier this year. HTC will also continue to build the virtual reality ecosystem to grow its VIVE business, while investing in other next-generation technologies, including the Internet of Things, augmented reality and artificial intelligence,” it added.
Cher Wang, chairwoman and CEO of HTC, said: “As a pioneer of the smartphone market, we are very proud of our history of innovation. Our unmatched smartphone value chain, including our IP portfolio, and world-class talent and system integration capabilities, have supported Google in bolstering the Android market.”
She added: “This agreement is a brilliant next step in our longstanding partnership, enabling Google to supercharge their hardware business while ensuring continued innovation within our HTC smartphone and VIVE virtual reality businesses. We believe HTC is well positioned to maintain our rich legacy of innovation and realize the potential of a new generation of connected products and services.”
The agreement is expected to further reinforce Google’s commitment to smartphones and overall investment in its emerging hardware business.
It represents a significant investment by Google in Taiwan as a key innovation and technology hub, according to the statement.
“HTC has been a longtime partner of Google and has created some of the most beautiful, premium devices on the market,” said Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of hardware at Google. “We’re excited and can’t wait to welcome members of the HTC team who will be joining Google to fuel further innovation and future product development in consumer hardware.”
Google, HTC announce $1.1bn cooperation agreement
Google, HTC announce $1.1bn cooperation agreement
LuLu showcases best of Singapore’s gastronomy
The Saudi-Singapore Gastronomy 2024 event at LuLu Hypermarket is showcasing the best of Singapore’s gastronomic delights, bringing 10 premier Singaporean food brands to the hypermarket’s stores across Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
Held in association with the Singapore Food Manufacturing Association, the event — running from Dec. 14-24 — supports the expansion of Singapore’s renowned culinary brands into the Kingdom.
This is the first-ever cross-border event to introduce Singapore’s finest culinary products to the Saudi market, transforming LuLu stores into culinary hubs, showcasing the country’s finest ingredients and flavors.
The opening ceremony was attended by chief guest Premjith Sadasivan, ambassador of Singapore to Saudi Arabia, and Tonya Tan, founder and business development director of World Future Enterprises, alongside other dignitaries from various fields.
Upon arrival, Sadasivan was welcomed by LuLu’s senior management with a purple carpet ceremony, bouquets, and a traditional orchid garland. A state-of-the-art robot announced the launch of new products, adding an innovative and tech-savvy dimension to the event.
Sadasivan said the Saudi-Singapore Gastronomy 2024 event marks a significant milestone in enhancing economic and cultural relations between Singapore and Saudi Arabia. “This event presents exciting business opportunities for the growth of Singaporean products in the Middle Eastern market. By providing Saudi consumers with access to premium Singaporean food brands, LuLu Hypermarket and World Future Enterprises are paving the way for greater collaboration between the two nations,” he added.
Saudi-Singapore Gastronomy 2024 features a wide range of Singaporean food products, from sauces, spices, and noodles to ready-to-eat meals, offering a blend of authenticity and premium quality. The Singaporean brands debuting in the Kingdom include: Boozt Isotonic Sports Drink, Jungle Kitchen Productions Pte. Ltd, Chilli Brand, Double Elephant Brand, Fred and Chloe, Ideal Food, Quay Wholefoods, MindoFoods, Oatbedient, RÓA Daily, and Flavors of Asia/ Simple Chef.
Key highlights of the event include tasting tables and interactive live cooking stations manned by celebrity chefs preparing Singaporean dishes.
Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Saudi Hypermarkets, said Saudi-Singapore Gastronomy 2024 reflects LuLu’s commitment to offering the best of Singaporean flavors to the sophisticated Saudi palate “With our global network of sourcing offices and state-of-the-art warehousing and logistics support, LuLu Hypermarket is in a unique position to bring the finest food trends from Singapore to Saudi Arabia,” Mohammed said. He said the event presents an exciting opportunity to explore Singapore’s rich culinary offerings bursting with flavor and quality.
World Future Enterprises’ Tan said the organization focuses on innovation, sustainability, and an immersive retail experience. With her wealth of experience in retail and international brand expansions, Tan aims to drive significant growth and consumer engagement for both Singaporean and Saudi markets.
Hyundai Motor concludes hydrogen bus trial in KSA
Hyundai Motor Company has successfully concluded a strategic initiative to evaluate hydrogen-based mobility in the Kingdom. The project was conducted in partnership with Saudi Transport General Authority, Saudi Public Transport Company, Almajdouie Motors Company, Air Products Qudra, Abdullah Hashim Gases, and Aramco.
The collaboration involved a two-month trial of the Hyundai Universe Fuel Cell Coach Bus in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The project assessed the feasibility and performance of hydrogen-powered transportation, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s journey toward sustainable mobility.
Hyundai Motor supplied its advanced hydrogen fuel cell bus, leveraging its globally recognized expertise in hydrogen technology. Abdullah Hashim Gases managed the hydrogen supply, whereas Air Products Qudra and Aramco provided fueling infrastructure. SAPTCO oversaw the trial operations, including driver resources and implementation, while Almajdouie Motors offered technological and service support throughout the initiative.
Bryan Park, head of Hyundai Motor Company Middle East and Africa headquarters, said: “‘Progress for Humanity’ is the vision guiding Hyundai Motor Company’s innovation. Through pioneering hydrogen technologies, we are advancing carbon neutrality and sustainability. Collaborating with our trusted partners in Saudi Arabia, we have made a meaningful contribution toward emissions-free mobility, aligning with the region’s forward-looking strategies.”
Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Acting President of the Transport General Authority Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih said the bus trial is part of the TGA’s efforts to support innovation and adopt sustainable transportation methods that help reduce carbon emissions, in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to continuing collaboration with public and private-sector partners to promote the use of modern technologies and develop the transportation sector, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness regionally and globally.
Sherif El-Gohary, managing director at Almajdouie Motors Hyundai, added: “We at Almajdouie Motors are very eager to support a sustainable eco-friendly future, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by providing transportation solutions that offer superior technologies.”
Aligned with the directives of Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Energy is actively working to promote sustainable energy solutions.
The adoption of sustainable transport, powered by clean energy sources, is a key component of this strategy, as it contributes to reduced carbon emissions and environmental protection.
Hyundai Motor has long been at the forefront of hydrogen-powered mobility in the Middle East. This trial builds on Hyundai Motor’s earlier successes, including the export of ELEC CITY Fuel Cell buses and XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks to Saudi Arabia in 2020, and its continued efforts to test hydrogen vehicles under extreme weather conditions.
The completion of this trial reflects Hyundai Motor’s unwavering commitment to sustainable mobility and reinforces the importance of partnerships in achieving shared goals for a cleaner, greener future.
Nesma joins forces with NetZero for tree-planting initiative
Nesma and Partners signed a landmark agreement with NetZero, a mission-driven company specializing in environmental and social sustainability solutions, during the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties, or COP16 in Riyadh.
The conference — a global event dedicated to combating desertification, restoring degraded lands, and promoting sustainable land management — brought together governments, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, civil society, and scientists from around the world.
The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, and in the presence of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the agreement supports the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Over the next five years, the Smart Tree Planting Initiative will plant 200,000 trees across the Kingdom, with an annual target of 40,000 trees. This project aims to absorb 22,000 tonnes of CO, promote biodiversity, and expand vegetation cover. Supervised by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the National Center for Vegetation Cover, it addresses critical environmental challenges such as desertification and climate change while enhancing the Kingdom’s natural landscape.
President and CEO of Nesma and Partners Samer Abdul Samad said: “We are proud to play a key role in supporting the Kingdom’s green initiatives. This partnership goes beyond tree planting; it is about developing sustainable solutions that ensure a lasting environmental legacy. By leveraging innovative technologies and fostering sustainable practices, we significantly reduce environmental impact and promote a greener future for all.”
The project integrates advanced technologies to transform environmental conservation through three innovative platforms. TreeLog provides comprehensive tree data collection and ecological benefit analysis. TreeMap offers a geospatial tracking system with precise location and impact insights, while TreeWallet enables personal engagement by allowing individuals to gift, name, and track trees. These integrated technologies transform ecological restoration into a transparent, measurable, and personally meaningful experience.
Saudi Arabia’s first cruise ship ‘AROYA’ sets sail on maiden voyage
The inaugural non-commercial voyage of AROYA Cruises, Saudi Arabia’s first-ever cruise line, set sail on Dec. 11, embarking on a three-night journey across the Red Sea with no fixed destination.
Offering a remarkable home-at-sea experience where luxury, comfort, and adventure seamlessly combine, AROYA offers a gateway to a world of discovery, blending Arabian hospitality with modern luxury.
This exclusive experience provided guests, including Saudi media representatives and social media influencers, with the unique opportunity to explore what it truly means to sail on Saudi Arabia’s first-ever cruise line.
Turky Kari, executive director of marketing and corporate communications at AROYA, said: “Generosity and hospitality are core to our values. We want families to leave with memories of warmth, care, and the unique Arabian ‘kefa’ (generosity) that defines AROYA Cruises.”
“Part of Vision 2030 is to build a robust tourism industry, both domestic and international. AROYA Cruises is a reflection of that vision — Saudi Arabia’s first cruise line, designed to offer a uniquely Arabian experience,” Kari added.
With 19 decks, AROYA offers a luxury floating resort. The ship spans more than 330 meters and accommodates 1,678 cabins. Guests are treated to world-class dining, immersive entertainment, and exceptional concierge services. The ship is served by a crew of more than 1,500 individuals who manage all aspects of the vessel, from wings and engines to hotel operations, hospitality and restaurants, ensuring daily services.
A meticulously scheduled full-day program for guests is planned, ensuring that no minute of their stay is wasted. The daily itinerary includes a variety of activities catering to all age groups and tastes.
The cruise features a variety of accommodations, ranging from thoughtfully curated cabins to the elite Khuzama suites, offering guests the pinnacle of luxury. Khuzama’s offerings include 145 suites, including Royal Villas, which is among the largest in the cruise industry spanning across six bedrooms, as well as two Presidential Villas and Senior Suites.
The remaining 1,524 cabins are diverse, including interior cabins, sea-view cabins with windows overlooking the sea, and balcony cabins, with approximately 1,000 of these cabins featuring private balconies.
The experience aboard AROYA is a celebration of the Saudi culture and its regions. Walking through the corridors, guests are surrounded by 2,589 artworks, 60 percent of which are created by Saudi artists, reflecting the diversity and beauty of the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.
“Everything we provide, from the ship’s design to food, entertainment, and programming, is inspired by modern Arabian culture and tailored to the tastes of Arabian families,” Kari said.
The cruise also offers specially designed cabins for guests with disabilities, featuring a range of accommodations with varying dimensions and unique features to ensure both comfort and safety. These accessible cabins are equipped with wider doors, lower furniture, and adjustable features to cater to the specific needs of individuals with mobility challenges.
AROYA offers a diverse culinary experience with 12 restaurants and 17 lounges, catering to every taste. Among these is IRTH, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, offering authentic local cuisine. The ship also includes specialty restaurants serving seafood, Italian, and Lebanese dishes, along with a unique “Sea Shisha” offering.
The ship features 20 entertainment venues, including The Atrium, Challenge Chambers, and Glitch VR. AROYA Theatre hosts a variety of performances, including broadway productions, comedy shows, and international dance performances. The cruise also showcases regional traditions, such as Saudi Arabia’s Ardah dance performance, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
AROYA Cruises offers a variety of itineraries, including exclusive trips around the Red Sea. Guests can embark on a three-night voyage departing from Jeddah, with prices starting at SR1,672 ($445).
“Starting Dec. 16, we offer exclusive itineraries, including private island trips and journeys to Egypt and Jordan. Special thematic cruises, such as the six-night Founding Day celebration in February, will bring fresh and unique experiences for our guests throughout the year,” Kari said.
Additionally, starting on Dec. 22, AROYA will set sail to Sharm Al-Sheikh, with future destinations including the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf by 2025.
“By 2025, we’ll take our remarkable Arabian experience to the Mediterranean, offering a unique East Mediterranean journey. We will soon cruise in the Mediterranean and stop by Türkiye and Greece,” Kari added.
AROYA Cruises is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Red Sea. “We are continuously exploring ways to preserve the Red Sea and its coral reefs, working with the relevant authorities to ensure we operate sustainably,” Kari said.
Launched in June 2023 as a part of Cruise Saudi, AROYA Cruises embodies the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030. The cruise line represents the Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy and developing its tourism sector.
AROYA Cruises aims to become a leading player in the global tourism industry. By 2025, the cruise line will expand its itineraries, offering new routes in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and beyond.
Richard Mille celebrates success of inaugural Rally A’Shira
Richard Mille’s inaugural Rally A’Shira held from Oct. 16 to 21, amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Saudi Arabia was an incredible success for the brand. Inaugurated by Amanda Mille, global brand and partnership director, Richard Mille, and Tilly Harrison, managing director of Richard Mille Middle East and Turkiye, the event celebrated the guiding light of the A’Shira star — a powerful symbol of discovery and empowerment.
This groundbreaking all-female three-day regularity rally brought together 40 competitors, driving 850 kilometers in 20 4x4 cars, representing a range of nationalities from the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Starting in the historic city of Madinah and culminating on the shores of the Red Sea, the competitors navigated their journey using a roadbook and a mileage tracker, requiring excellent concentration and a keen sense of precision, fully immersing themselves in the spirit of exploration and collaboration that defines Rally A’Shira. The RM 07-04 Automatic Sport, the brand’s first female-focused sports watch, was the official timepiece of the rally, embodying the spirit of drive and determination.
Women in motorsport has been a crucial pillar for the Richard Mille brand; in the last decade it yielded the creation of the Richard Mille Racing Team from 2020 to 2022, the Rallye des Princesses Richard Mille, since 2015, the support of drivers like Aurora Straus, the professional race car driver in the US, or Lilou Wadoux, who is the first official female Ferrari Competizioni GT driver. The Rally A’Shira was a logical continuation, the first event of its kind in the MENA region, aligning with the brand’s desire to create opportunities and experiences for passionate women.
“Rally A’Shira represents a natural extension of Richard Mille’s dedication to supporting women in motorsport. It’s about creating a platform where women can challenge themselves and forge new paths. We thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this opportunity and their belief in this project. This all-female rally is all about determination, passion and human encounter,” Mille said.
Harrison added: “Rally A’Shira is not just a rally; it’s a celebration of empowerment and a testament to Richard Mille’s commitment to creating extraordinary experiences that resonate with our community. We are proud to have launched this pivotal initiative and look forward to building on its success in the years to come.”
Throughout the rally, participants formed lasting connections, shared inspiring stories, and embraced the adventurous spirit that Rally A’Shira represents. The stunning accommodations at Edition Jeddah, Habitas AlUla, and The Red Sea’s Shebara Resort provided a serene retreat, blending nature, wellness, and world-class luxury.
The Rally A’Shira will become an annual event, further solidifying the brand’s dedication to celebrating women in motorsport and beyond.
In a statement, the Richard Mille brand thanked the Saudi Motorsport and Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation for their invaluable support, as well as BeOnd Jet for delivering an unparalleled luxury travel experience. The rally concluded along the picturesque shores of The Red Sea destination, a fitting finale to an event that began as a dream and was brought to life with the vision of The Red Sea, a key partner of the rally. Their invitation to explore the exceptional, unopened Shebara Resort added another layer of exclusivity to this landmark event in the MENA region, creating many unforgettable memories.
