Rising above the slopes of the Bosphorus, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul opened in January this year. The hotel has recently won the “Best City Hotel Turkey” and “Best City Hotel Europe” awards while achieving the International Five-Star Hotel Standard.
The International Hotel Awards is a global competition that determines the finest hotels and hospitality companies in the world. A gala dinner and presentation took place on Oct. 26, where the winners of the awards were announced.
The Fairmont Quasar Istanbul, as the Europe regional winner in the “Best City Hotel” category, serves as a hub in the heart of Istanbul for the well-traveled.
“A new icon for the vibrant Mecidiyeköy district, Fairmont Quasar sits at a crossroads in Istanbul — where eclectic neighborhood bazaars and colorful side streets meet modern shopping centers and commercial properties,” a press release said. “Set on the site of the 1930’s Robert Mallet Stevens’ designed Art Deco liquor factory, Fairmont Quasar Istanbul, with its 209 rooms, various culinary venues, art collection in the hotel and Willow Stream Spa, blends a sense of urban culture and industrial flair with the city’s storied traditions and a strong sense of place.”
Hundreds of entries from across Europe were scrutinized by the judging committee, which is chaired by Viscount John Thurso, as well as over 50 global experts. Stuart Shield, president of the International Hotel Awards, and Thurso presented the award to Kai Winkler, general manager of Fairmont Quasar Istanbul.
Fairmont Quasar Istanbul scoops national, regional awards
Fairmont Quasar Istanbul scoops national, regional awards
AMAK showcases Saudi Arabia’s mining potential
Al-Masane Al-Kobra Mining Company highlighted the Kingdom’s emerging position as a global mining hub during the Future Minerals Forum 2025 and announced the addition of three new exploration licenses for base and precious metals after winning the seventh round of the mining bids organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.
Underlining the recent operational achievements that demonstrate the sector’s growth potential, Geoffrey Day, chief executive officer of AMAK, said: “Saudi Arabia has established itself as one of the most progressive and supportive countries for mining development. The Kingdom’s mineral wealth, estimated at SR9.4 trillion ($2.5 trillion) according to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, combined with supportive government policies and initiatives, along with infrastructure development projects, creates unprecedented opportunities for international collaboration.”
Strategic growth and operational excellence
AMAK has accomplished several significant milestones that accelerate the Kingdom’s mining sector, in line with the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. These include the completion of the Moyeath processing plant within the Al-Masane Mine. The expansion has increased annual ore processing capacity to 1.2 million tonnes, enabling a combined production of 30-40 kt of copper concentrate, 60-80 kt of zinc concentrate, 35-45 koz of gold, and approximately 500 koz of silver.
As part of its 2025 strategic growth plan, AMAK is advancing several key projects. These include the Khutainah Gold Project, and the Nuham Iron Ore Project with more than 7 Mt resources. The company also plans to initiate underground mining operations at the Guyan Gold Mine in 2025, which is expected to reduce gold production costs through higher-grade underground reserves and lower production costs.
Sustainability and national talent
The company’s commitment to sustainable practices includes initiatives to connect its facilities to the national power grid, which will reduce diesel consumption and improve the company’s carbon footprint. AMAK is also expanding its dry tailing storage capacity to accommodate all current and future mineable reserves, supporting both operational growth and environmental sustainability.
In alignment with Vision 2030’s focus on human capital development, AMAK has achieved a 36 percent localization rate in its workforce. The company’s partnership with the Saudi Mining Polytechnic has been instrumental in training Saudi youth for specialized roles in the mining sector.
Recently, 30 Saudi trainees completed a comprehensive two-year diploma program and are now actively contributing to various operational areas.
“Our growth strategy fully supports the Kingdom’s vision by developing Saudi Arabia’s rich mineral resources while contributing to local economies,” Day said. “The expansion of our operations, combined with our focus on sustainability and national workforce development, demonstrates our commitment to creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”
Transformative potential of mining
Day also highlighted the transformative potential of Saudi Arabia’s mining sector in addressing global mineral supply challenges. “The Kingdom is strategically positioned to become a key supplier of critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. With our expanding operations and focus on innovation, AMAK is well-positioned to support this transformation.”
The company’s strategic approach aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader ambitions to rank among the top 10 mining countries globally. AMAK’s recent investments in exploration and processing capabilities demonstrate the opportunities available within the Kingdom’s mining sector, which is supported by robust infrastructure development, including ports, modern highway networks, and industrial zones.
“What makes Saudi Arabia particularly attractive for mining investment is the combination of geological wealth, strategic location between Asia, Europe, and Africa, and the introduction of the Mining Investment Law,” Day added. “These factors, coupled with the Kingdom’s commitment to developing the sector, create an unprecedented opportunity for global partnerships.”
AMAK’s participation in FMF 2025, marking its fourth consecutive year at the forum, reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing Saudi Arabia’s mining sector. The company continues to implement advanced technologies, including prospectivity mapping and systems for real-time tracking of metals from mine to smelter, positioning itself at the forefront of mining innovation in the region.
PIF’s sarcc acquires Riyadh residential resort for SR2.5bn
Smart Accommodation for Residential Complexes Company, a PIF company, has successfully acquired the prominent Al-Nakhla Residential Resort in Riyadh for SR2.5 billion ($667 million).
This pivotal deal reflects sarcc’s alignment with PIF’s broader strategy, which directly supports Vision 2030. Through this move, sarcc is transforming employee accommodation in Saudi Arabia and reaffirming its mission to transform living spaces into innovative, world-class communities that foster professional success and enhance well-being.
Following the acquisition, sarcc has entered into a comprehensive resort management agreement with Al-Nakhla Investment to ensure continued operational excellence in leasing, marketing, and maintenance.
Mark Taylor, CEO of sarcc, said: “The acquisition of Al-Nakhla Residential Resort and our partnership with Al-Nakhla Investment Company represents a pivotal moment for sarcc as we aim to set new benchmarks in residential excellence. The resort’s exceptional facilities and award-winning reputation align seamlessly with our vision to create vibrant communities that enhance quality of life.”
Salama bin Melahi bin Saidan, chairman of Al-Nakhla Investment, added: “We are proud to collaborate with sarcc in its mission to revolutionize the employee accommodation sector.”
By leveraging our expertise, we aim to elevate operational standards and provide an unmatched living experience for Al-Nakhla residents.”
Al-Nakhla Residential Resort is known for its luxurious design, strategic location in Northern Riyadh, and world-class amenities. sarcc is committed to maintaining the resort’s reputation as a premier residential destination for senior management professionals, seeking to fulfill its promise of providing safe and secure living spaces that enhance the well-being and productivity of Saudi Arabia’s talent. Furthermore, the company remains dedicated to contributing to Saudi Arabia’s local content by partnering with local players to deliver exceptional employee accommodation facilities.
Riyadh Season to sponsor 2025 Drone Racing World Cup in Saudi Arabia
Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, has announced Riyadh Season’s sponsorship of the 2025 Drone Racing World Cup, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia from Jan. 23 to 25. The event is organized by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, in collaboration with the International Air Sports Federation.
The tournament, set to take place in the Boulevard City, will feature elite pilots from over 50 countries competing in thrilling races with speeds reaching 350 km/h. Winners will take home prizes exceeding SR1 million ($266,530).
This marks the inaugural championship of the Drone Racing World Cup series, which consists of rounds held in leading drone racing nations. Titles are awarded based on the best three results throughout the year.
Saudi Arabia is hosting the championship for the first time this year, following the previous edition held in South Korea last October. The 2025 series will also include rounds in countries such as South Korea, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Sweden.
Launched in 2016, the Drone Racing World Cup has captivated audiences worldwide with its exciting combination of emerging technology and sports.
Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this global event reflects its commitment to leadership in electronic sports and offers a golden opportunity for Saudi competitors to shine on an international stage.
Riyadh Season continues to present a wide array of events and entertainment options catering to diverse interests within the community.
World Police Summit to gather 17,000 security experts from 130 countries in Dubai
The World Police Summit 2025 will return for its 4th edition from May 13–15 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event is expected to gather more than 17,000 law enforcement and government specialists from 130 countries.
Organized by Dubai Police, the summit will be held under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.
The summit will bring together global thought leaders and experts in policing and security to address critical challenges and opportunities. It will also act as a vital forum for innovation, fostering collaboration between governments, private sector organizations, and global innovators to advance public safety and combat evolving threats.
Renowned for its focus on innovation, the summit’s exhibition will showcase pioneering solutions from leading international companies, including Samsung as the event’s strategic partner, alongside ESRI, Presight, and Thermo Fisher. More than 200 exhibitors specializing in security technologies, armored vehicles, marine safety systems, and surveillance solutions — such as Hikvision, Inkas Armored, AksumMarine, and Dahua Technology — will contribute to making this one of the largest and most impactful policing events on the global calendar.
Lt. Col. Dr. Rashid Hamdan Al-Ghafri, deputy director of the General Department of Forensics and Criminology for Administration Affairs at Dubai Police and chair of the summit’s general secretariat, said: “Dubai Police is honored to host the World Police Summit, a platform that unites influential leaders and specialists in law enforcement and security. The summit reaffirms our commitment to advancing global dialogue, sharing best practices, and encouraging innovation in policing to create safer communities worldwide. As we confront both current and future challenges, the summit offers an unmatched opportunity to form strategic partnerships and shape the future of public safety.”
The three-day summit will deliver an extensive program, with discussions covering 11 pivotal themes such as AI in policing, cybersecurity, organized crime, traffic safety, borderless policing, and anti-money laundering. Workshops, interactive sessions, and four specialized platforms will delve into emerging technologies, operational challenges, and strategies for enhancing global security.
Honor Magic7 Pro arrives in MEA, showcasing power of AI
Honor has launched the Magic7 Pro in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, featuring advanced AI capabilities that enhance photography, display quality, and hardware performance. The device comes with the Google Gemini app pre-installed, offering AI assistance for various tasks. George Zhao, CEO of Honor, highlighted the integration of on-device and cloud AI capabilities for a more intuitive and secure user experience. Honor also announced its partnership with Louvre Abu Dhabi for the exhibition “Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power.”
Revolutionary photography
The Magic7 Pro boasts an advanced AI Falcon Camera System with a 50 MP Super Dynamic Main Camera, 50 MP Wide Camera, and 200 MP Telephoto Camera. The AI Honor Image Engine, the industry’s first mobile imaging system with Hybrid AI Large Models, provides sophisticated photography features, including AI Super Zoom, AI Motion Sensing Capture, and HD Super Burst.
Smart lifestyle
The Magic7 Pro offers a personalized interface with enhanced Magic Portal2 capabilities, supporting various applications. Gemini’s overlay provides quick access to Google AI assistance. The device includes AI Translation, Honor Notes with AI Summary, and AI Minutes for productivity. AI Dual-way Noise Reduction ensures clear communication.
Unrivaled battery life
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, the Magic7 Pro features AI Real-Time Rendering technology for PC-level graphics and responsive gaming.
The 5,850 mAh silicon-carbon battery supports fast recharging with 100 W wired and 80 W wireless Honor SuperCharge. The device also includes a stereo speaker with enhanced bass and the Natural Light Honor AI Eye Comfort Display.
Availability
Pre-orders for the Magic7 Pro in the Kingdom have started at SR3,999 ($1,065), available in Lunar Shadow Grey, Breeze Blue, and Black.
Pre-order customers get a package worth SR1,998, including the Honor Watch4 Pro (SR1,099) and Honor VIP Care+ (SR899) with 180 days replacement, 365 days screen protection, and four screen film replacements in 12 months.
