The Babson Global Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (BGCEL) at Prince Mohammad Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship (MBSC), located in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), has appointed Amal Dokhan as managing director. She will be responsible for the “strategic direction, tactical execution and operational oversight of the center, with an aim to instil an entrepreneurial mindset in the Kingdom and beyond.”
Dokhan was selected by Babson Global after a worldwide search for the most qualified expert for the role, among candidates from Europe, the US and Australia.
Shahid Ansari, CEO of Babson Global, said: “We are extremely pleased that we have found not only the best qualified candidate, but also one who will bring considerable local knowledge and experience to this role to achieve the nation’s goals, God willing.”
Over the past few years, Dokhan has played a leading role at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in establishing various startup accelerators, corporate innovation programs, and advanced level courses at the entrepreneurship center.
Dokhan said: “I have spent the past few years managing programs for entrepreneurs in the region and coaching organizations to have an entrepreneurial mindset. After joining the Babson Global Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership with its diversified portfolio of programs, I can’t wait to bring my previous experience to realize BGCEL’s ambition to become a global center of excellence in entrepreneurial leadership. I will dedicate all my experience and expertise to make that happen.”
Dokhan has participated as a speaker and trainer in innovation and design thinking at many international and regional events, such as TEDx, the annual Islamic Development Bank conference, Startup Istanbul and the MIT Enterprise Forum.
Dokhan has designed and taught a number of organizational and corporate innovation programs in different parts of the world, including the US, Canada, South Africa, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
“The appointment of Amal Dokhan in this strategic position points us in the right direction toward achieving our visions and goals,” said Nabeel Koshak, dean of MBSC. “Her great wealth of experience with global institutions will enable her to excel in fulfilling the objectives of the center to become an international source of research and developer of entrepreneurship education that promotes a sustainable entrepreneurial leadership culture for business, government, and non-profit enterprises in our beloved Kingdom.”
Amal Dokhan named new MD of Babson Global Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
Amal Dokhan named new MD of Babson Global Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership
Aramco Digital, LTIMindtree launch NextEra — a next-generation IT services company in KSA
Aramco Digital, the digital and technology subsidiary of Aramco, and LTIMindtree, a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, have launched NextEra, a next-generation IT services company headquartered in Saudi Arabia.
A strategic joint venture between LTIMindtree and Aramco Digital, LTIM Aramco Digital Solutions for Information Technology Company-NextEra is designed to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation in alignment with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030.
The initiative reflects a shared commitment to building a robust, homegrown digital ecosystem that fuels innovation, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.
Powered by advanced and emerging technologies, NextEra aims to offer organizations future-ready solutions that enhance operational efficiency, enable intelligent decision-making, and deliver seamless customer experiences.
NextEra’s foundation is built upon six core pillars — emerging technologies and automation, scalable cloud services, deep industry expertise, digital engineering, sustainability, and customer centricity.
Nabil Al-Nuaim, chairman of NextEra and CEO of Aramco Digital, said: “The launch of NextEra marks a pivotal milestone in our efforts to localize IT services and contribute to advancing the Kingdom’s digital landscape.
“We are glad to partner with LTIMindtree in establishing this joint venture, which brings together world-class technology expertise and deep local insight.
“Through NextEra, we aim to build a future-ready digital ecosystem that drives innovation, enhances national competitiveness, and contributes to the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey under Vision 2030.
“This collaboration also reinforces Aramco Digital’s commitment to accelerating digital progress across industrial and other strategic sectors, delivering sustainable impact, long-term value, and alignment with national priorities.
"Partnering with Aramco Digital to establish NextEra is a significant milestone in LTIMindtree’s global expansion strategy. We are excited to bring our deep technical capabilities and cross-industry experience to support Saudi businesses in their digital journeys,” said Venu Lambu, vice chairman, NextEra; chief executive officer (designate) and whole-time director, LTIMindtree.
“This joint venture is a key step toward Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as we build a national platform for innovation and sustainable digital growth,” said Dina Aboonoq, CEO and board member, NextEra; executive VP, LTIMindtree.
“Through advanced delivery centers and partnerships with local universities, we’re accelerating digital transformation, empowering local talent, and supporting SMEs and major industries with tailored managed services that ensure excellence and compliance.”
NextEra is uniquely positioned to blend local insight with global expertise, delivering tailored solutions that cater to the dynamic needs of regional and international markets. From optimizing operations to fostering innovation across critical sectors, the company aims to be a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s digitally driven future.
Aramco Digital is the digital and technology subsidiary of Aramco, established to contribute to the Kingdom’s digital transformation under Vision 2030. It aims to advance industrial digital solutions in partnership with local and global partners, enabling sustainable growth across industrial and other strategic sectors.
LTIMindtree is a global technology consulting and digital solutions company that helps enterprises reimagine business models and accelerate innovation. With a client base of over 700 companies and a team of 84,000+ professionals across 30+ countries, LTIMindtree delivers transformative outcomes across industries. A part of the Larsen & Toubro Group, LTIMindtree is at the forefront of delivering large-scale digital transformation programs worldwide.
What Mauritius can learn from Saudi Arabia’s revolutionary transformation
Saudi Arabia, once defined by its oil wealth, is undergoing a dramatic and deliberate transformation through Vision 2030, a bold national strategy spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This plan is not cosmetic, it is systemic. It reimagines the Kingdom as a global leader in technology, innovation, and tourism, moving beyond oil dependency to a diversified, future-ready economy.
Inayat Ramjean, a Mauritian with over 35 years of experience in Saudi Arabia, including leadership roles in international hospitality, has witnessed this transformation first-hand. Now back in Mauritius, he urges his homeland to draw inspiration from the Kingdom’s progress.
Reinvigorating tourism with vision and investment — Saudi Arabia’s pivot toward tourism has been nothing short of revolutionary. From streamlined e-visas to mega-projects like NEOM, Red Sea and AlUla, the Kingdom aims to host 150 million tourists annually by 2030. This has transformed the Kingdom into one of the top 10 most visited countries globally. Mauritius, once a premier destination, is now losing momentum. To reverse this trend, the country must reimagine its tourism model, focus on eco-luxury, and leverage its direct flight connections with Saudi Arabia to tap into new markets.
Leveraging technology and innovation — Saudi Arabia has moved from being a technology consumer to a global innovator, with initiatives in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure. Flagship projects like NEOM are powered by AI, renewables, and automation, setting global standards in urban planning and sustainability. Mauritius, with its youthful population and strong ICT foundation, should invest more strategically in digital skills, smart city development, and tech entrepreneurship to future-proof its economy.
Ensuring safety and stability — Saudi Arabia is now ranked the safest country among G20 nations, thanks to a renewed emphasis on public order and national security. In contrast, rising crime and social instability in Mauritius threaten both tourism and investment. Addressing these issues is not just about law enforcement, it’s about creating an environment where citizens and investors feel secure.
Strengthening bilateral and regional partnerships — Inayat played a key role in establishing ties between Saudi Arabia and Mauritius, including the opening of a Saudi embassy and flight connectivity. Mauritius must now position itself as a gateway for Saudi investment into Africa. Aligning with Vision 2030 can unlock partnerships in tourism, health, trade, and broader regional cooperation. Mauritius stands at a turning point. The Saudi model proves what is possible when vision, governance, and ambition converge. If Mauritius embraces reform and bold leadership, it too can become a global example of reinvention and resilience. The time for action is now.
- The writer, Inayat Ramjean, is a hospitality consultant.
flynas launches retail subscription for IPO
flynas Company, one of the leading low-cost carriers in the Middle East and North Africa region, has announced the opening of its retail subscription period for individual investors as part of its initial public offering on the Saudi Exchange.
The final offer price has been set at SR80 ($21) per share, marking the top end of the previously announced price range. This follows an overwhelming response from institutional investors, with the institutional tranche oversubscribed approximately 100 times, attracting SR409 billion in orders from local and international investors.
Retail investors have access to 10,251,114 shares, representing 20 percent of the total offering, while institutional investors have been allocated the remaining 80 percent.
Subscriptions can be made through a wide network of receiving banks and capital market institutions, including: Albilad Capital, Alinma Capital, Alistithmar Capital, Al-Jazira Capital, Alkhabeer Capital, Al-Rajhi Capital, ANB Capital, BSF Capital, Derayah Financial, GIB Capital, Riyad Capital, SAB Invest, Sahm Capital, SNB Capital, and Yaqeen Capital.
The retail subscription window will run from May 28 to June 1. Allocation will be completed by June 3 and refunds by June 5.
Abdul Latif Jameel, Uber sign MoU to transform urban mobility
Abdul Latif Jameel and Uber Technologies have signed an MoU to explore opportunities to build a scalable, next-generation fleet operations platform. In line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the collaboration seeks to enable socioeconomic growth in the Kingdom and create more earning opportunities for Saudi nationals.
The MoU was recently signed during the period in which the Saudi-US Investment Forum was held and the signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser and Acting President of the Transport General Authority Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih. The MoU will help accelerate the transformation of urban mobility across Saudi Arabia, including through the deployment of autonomous vehicles. Representing both parties, the MoU was signed by Hassan Jameel, vice chairman, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel, and Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber.
Autonomous vehicles are pivotal to the future of transportation. Uber is building toward an electric, shared, and autonomous future, already working with 18 leading AV partners globally. Saudi Arabia is primed to be a key destination for urban transformation and the integration of AVs in the ecosystem. Abdul Latif Jameel, in collaboration with Uber, will play a pivotal role in accelerating the deployment of AVs, supporting local fleet operations.
Through their collaboration, the businesses will work closely to build a scalable mobility fleet with the aim of creating 30,000 earning opportunities for Saudi nationals.
With mobility playing a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation, the MoU addresses current and future opportunities, as well as the needs of drivers, riders, and tourists in line with Vision 2030. By combining Abdul Latif Jameel’s strong operational excellence and local expertise with Uber’s global innovative mobility technology and network, the businesses will support economic diversification, elevating giga-projects, and contributing to the Saudi economy.
Vice chairman Jameel said: “Our collaboration with Uber reflects a shared vision for a smarter, more accessible, and autonomous mobility future. We are proud to be working with such a renowned technology leader, as we support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and position the Kingdom as a role model for the future of mobility. Equally important is how this agreement will help empower Saudi youth through the creation of job opportunities, while contributing to the Kingdom’s long-term prosperity.” Jameel also expressed his gratitude to Minister Al-Jasser for attending the MoU signing ceremony.
Meanwhile, Khosrowshahi said: “Saudi Arabia is a hugely important market to Uber. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Abdul Latif Jameel to advance and accelerate a future of mobility that is electric, shared, and autonomous in the country, while advancing earning opportunities for Saudi nationals. Our goal is to make Uber the best platform for AV technology and continue to introduce both autonomous and human-driven mobility solutions to help people get where they need to go, effortlessly.’’
With Saudi Arabia as the role model, Abdul Latif Jameel and Uber have a long-term ambition to create a cutting-edge standard for the future of mobility and a scalable playbook that can be deployed internationally.
Indian school in Jeddah hosts Phase 1 of cluster meet
The annual interschool sports and co-curricular meet “XXXIII CBSE Cluster Meet 2025” kicked off at the International Indian School Jeddah, which is the host school for the event this year. The zonal level competitions were conducted in April, following which the finalists participated in the cluster meet, which was inaugurated on May 17 at IISJ boys’ section.
Consul General of India Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri was the chief guest for this event. IISJ Managing Committee Chairman Dr. Mohammed Abdul Saleem, members of the managing committee, officials of the Saudi Basketball Academy, principals from participating schools, officials and staff of the host school, in addition to coaches, managers and participants from 18 CBSE schools across the Kingdom were part of this program.
Chapter Convener and Principal of IISJ Dr. Mohammed Imran welcomed the gathering, urging participants to compete with true sportsmanship and camaraderie. The chief guest along with all the dignitaries hoisted the CBSE flag and declared the cluster meet open. Suri, who attended the event despite his commitments to ongoing Hajj preparations, said he was eager to meet the 715 participants. Wishing them luck, he advised students to participate with zeal and enjoy every moment.
The cluster meet mascot “Altius” was introduced in a grand manner leaving the crowd excited. Students of the III-V blocks welcomed the gathering with a musical performance. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Vice Principal of the Girls’ Section Farhadunnisa.
Phase 1 included badminton (under ages 14,16 and 17 for boys and girls), basketball (under 19 for girls), volleyball (under 19 boys), and football (under 19 boys) These teams came from the central, eastern and western regions of the Kingdom to participate in the final matches to clinch the championship.
IISJ won the rolling trophies for volleyball (boys) and basketball (girls), while IISR and NMEIS Riyadh bagged the rolling trophies for badminton for boys and girls, respectively. Al-Mawarid International School won the rolling trophy for football. In the first phase, IISJ and IISR are leading with equal points. The second phase, which will be held in September, will determine the school that will bag the coveted overall championship of the cluster meet.
Prominent among those who attended the valedictory event and gave away the prizes were Dr. Prince Mufti Ziaul Hasan, Dr. Hemalatha Mahalingam and Dr. Mohammed Shafee.
The managing committee chairman praised the coaches and participants of the schools and appreciated the host school for all the arrangements.
Adil Akther, head of department of sports at IISJ, presented a report on the events held during the five-day meet. Mohammed Sirajuddin, senior PE teacher from IIS-Riyadh, presented the report on behalf of the participating schools.
The valedictory event concluded with the vote of thanks presented by the Controller of Examinations and officiating vice principal of IISJ Boys Section Syed Abdul Haq.
