Ford Motor Company has announced the latest recipients of its Conservation and Environmental Grants, with $100,000 being made available to 10 successful entries. Accepted from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Yemen, the touted projects focused on three main areas: Environmental education, protection of the natural environment and conservation engineering.
Two further categories received financial support for the winning projects: Best in research — projects that show use of research in finding, and implementing, solutions to a specific environmental issue — and best in community engagement, for the project that best demonstrates community engagement during its undertaking.
The RSCN in Jordan has, over time, developed an innovative environmental education program for students called Nature Ranger. And with its first place finish and $15,000 bursary from Ford Conservation and Environmental Grants, the society plans to develop the project further. The program consists of five learning cycles to prepare students to be a specialized nature ranger.
In second place, worthy of a $10,000 grant, and also aimed at Jordan’s youth, is a Rural Family Society-designed project aiming to create a sense of responsibility of youth toward their local environments in an effort to protect their natural resources.
Rounding out the environmental education category, and Jordanian clean-sweep, was Green Generation Foundation, who will put its $7,000 windfall to good use in its community-based training in climate change, a pilot project intended to build capacity and awareness around climate change across the country
“Ford Motor Company is dedicated to preserving the environment for future generations and providing ingenious environmental solutions that contribute to a sustainable planet,” said Jacques Brent, president Ford Middle East and Africa. “Initiatives such as Ford’s Conservation and Environmental Grants program evidence a commitment to encourage, support and reward the actions of individuals, groups and non-profit organizations in achieving the same goal.”
Recipients are chosen by an independent panel of judges consisting of academics and leaders from regional environmental organizations. The judges are seasoned environmentalists or academicians from the region carefully selected based on geographical coverage, age and gender equality. They look for initiatives that demonstrate a well-defined sense of purpose, a commitment to maximizing available resources, and a reputation for meeting objectives and delivering planned programs and services.
Ford awards $100,000 to MENA organizations for environment
Ford awards $100,000 to MENA organizations for environment
Magrabi Health celebrates 70 years with eye on future
Magrabi Health marked its 70th anniversary, celebrating a legacy of pioneering medical innovation, regional leadership, and a steadfast commitment to patient-centric care across the Middle East.
The milestone honors the vision of the late Dr. Amin El-Maghraby, Saudi Arabia’s first ophthalmologist, who founded the region’s first private specialized eye center in 1955. It also pays tribute to Dr. Akef El-Maghraby, who expanded the legacy with the launch of the region’s first private eye hospital in 1975. Today, Magrabi Health operates more than 40 hospitals and medical centers across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and Yemen, providing specialized services in eye, ENT, dental, and most recently, aesthetics through its Mayam Aesthetics brand.
As a market leader in ophthalmology in Saudi Arabia, Magrabi Health screens more than 2 million patients annually and performs over 200,000 surgeries across the region. With its proven business model and market insights, the organization is expanding its success into dentistry and ENT. From just seven dental clinics, Magrabi Health now operates 200 dental chairs and is accelerating its growth through strategic acquisitions and expansion plans.
Magrabi Health has a long-standing legacy of groundbreaking medical milestones. It was the first in the region to perform a corneal transplant, and the first in the Middle East — and second globally — to conduct LASIK surgery. It is also a pioneer in cataract procedures.
Mutasim Alireza, chief executive of Magrabi Health, said: “As we celebrate 70 years of service, we do so with deep gratitude for the trust of our patients and the dedication of our teams. Our continued growth reflects our commitment to combining clinical excellence with personalized, high-quality care across the communities we serve.”
He added: “Looking ahead, our focus remains on expanding access to specialized care through new centers, strategic partnerships, and innovation. With continued investment in digital transformation and subspecialty expertise, we aim to ensure every patient receives expert, compassionate, and individualized care.”
As part of the anniversary celebration, Magrabi unveiled the “70-Year Shield,” symbolizing “70 Years of Trust, Built Around You.”
Dr. Abdulrahman Barzangi, deputy CEO and COO, said: “Innovation has been central to Magrabi Health’s leadership. From early adoption of AI-powered diagnostics to integrating the latest medical technologies, we continue to set new standards in patient care.”
He also noted the organization’s strong commitment to social responsibility, saying: “We actively deliver free community screenings, support public health initiatives, and partner with charitable organizations to expand access to quality care. Through outreach and education, we strive to uplift the communities we serve.”
Jameel Motors to distribute Geely NEVs in Poland
Jameel Motors, a provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands, and Geely Auto, a globally well-known auto group with an unwavering commitment to innovation and safety, have signed an agreement to distribute new energy passenger vehicles in Poland.
For the first time, Polish customers will have access to Geely Auto’s advanced lineup of NEVs. Poland’s electric vehicle market has experienced robust growth, with a year-over-year increase of 41 percent in battery electric vehicles in February 2025. This represents a significant long-term opportunity for Jameel Motors to meet customer demand and support the transition toward more sustainable mobility.
Jameel Motors will initially focus on the distribution of two models: the Geely EX5, a next-generation electric SUV, followed by a plug-in hybrid vehicle from the C-SUV segment. Geely Auto vehicles are renowned for their innovative and cutting-edge modular architecture. Built on the self-developed Global Intelligent Electric Architecture Platform, they combine first-class design and exceptional safety features delivering outstanding value. The first model will be available for sale in Q3 2025.
Jasmmine Wong, CEO — Jameel Motors, said: “By expanding our new energy vehicle portfolio, we’re giving Polish drivers even more freedom and flexibility in personal mobility — while actively supporting the country’s transition to greener mobility. We’re proud to collaborate with a company as innovative as Geely Auto, which continues to set new benchmarks in automotive technology and sustainability.”
Moe Wong, vice president of Geely Auto International Corporation, said: “We firmly believe that this partnership is not only a win-win business initiative that creates value for our customers, teams, and shareholders, but also a meaningful step in elevating Poland’s automotive industry — by introducing high-quality, intelligent, and sustainable vehicles to the market.”
Marcin Słomkowski, general manager, Jameel Motors Poland, said: “Geely Auto’s vehicles are ideal for Polish drivers, combining advanced yet user-friendly features with exceptional style and high quality. This is a vehicle built for the expectations of modern Polish consumers — where intelligent technology, comfort and safety are not optional, but essential.”
The EX5 stands out with its next-generation electric architecture, advanced safety systems and a spacious, comfortable cabin tailored to diverse driving conditions — from city commutes to longer family trips. It’s a car designed with real user needs in mind, offering premium mobility that’s accessible to everyone .”
Geely Auto is a leading Chinese automobile manufacturer and pioneer in intelligent driving, with a presence in more than 80 countries and sales of over 2.17 million vehicles in 2024.
Jameel Motors is building on 70 years of automotive excellence. It represents some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands and has operations in more than 10 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia.
Diriyah Art Futures’ architectural innovation on show at Venice exhibition
The MENA region’s first new media arts hub, Diriyah Art Futures, inaugurated “The Light Footprint,” an exhibition in collaboration with Italian architecture studio Schiattarella Associati. The exhibition, which runs until June 15, coincides with the opening of the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025 and explores the architectural development of DAF’s groundbreaking headquarters in Riyadh.
Curated by Marta Francocci, “The Light Footprint” is hosted at Venice’s prestigious Querini Stampalia Foundation and presents architectural models, sketches, videos, drawings, photographs and archival objects, to highlight the development process of DAF’s remarkable headquarters.
The opening event brought together Mona Khazindar, adviser to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture; Haytham Nawar, director of DAF; and Amedeo and Andrea Schiattarella, principal architects of Schiattarella Associati, for a guided curator-led tour of the exhibition, highlighting the building’s architectural and conceptual vision.
Designed by Schiattarella Associati, the DAF hub sets a new benchmark for developing technologically advanced cultural landmarks, which integrate historical context with forward-thinking architectural design. Carved into the escarpment of Diriyah, the design draws on Najdi traditions, local materials, and a philosophy that prioritizes sustainability, cultural resonance, and human connection.
Developed by the Saudi Museums Commission, one of the 11 sector-specific commissions of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, DAF is an arts, research and education hub driven by a belief in the power of interdisciplinary creative practice at the intersection of science and technology. DAF’s 6,550-square-meter hub is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop forward-looking institutions, with strong roots in the nation’s unique cultural heritage.
Khazindar said: “We are pleased to present our vision for Diriyah Art Futures alongside the prestigious launch of the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025. This pioneering project embodies our efforts to develop forward-looking cultural institutions, which foster bold experimentation and new forms of creative expression, rooted in our distinct heritage. Through projects like Diriyah Art Futures, we are establishing new benchmarks for contemporary cultural institutions, while transforming the Kingdom into a leading global capital for cultural exchange.”
In a statement, Amedeo and Andrea said: “Our work begins with the belief that architecture must resist the global flattening of cultural identity by embracing the uniqueness of place. With Diriyah Art Futures, we sought to create something deeply rooted in the local context, which draws on natural materials, historical continuity, and the values of the Najdi tradition to build a contemporary language tied to its environment. Rather than imposing form, we envisioned a complex that harmonizes with the land, placing nature, humanity, and cultural distinctiveness at the center. Through a balance of geometry and unpredictability, we embrace contradiction as a vital, life-giving force in the architectural process.”
The contents of “The Light Footprint” exhibition are also featured as part of the collective exhibition “Intelligens Naturale, Artificiale,” curated by Carlo Ratti at Arsenale, part of the Venice Biennale of Architecture 2025.
With Maaden partnership, LIV Golf rebrands US event
LIV Golf unveiled a new identity for its eighth event on the 2025 schedule: LIV Golf Virginia presented by Maaden. The next stop on the league’s calendar will be held on June 6-8 at northern Virginia’s iconic Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, host of the first four Presidents Cup tournaments in the US and the Solheim Cup last September. The new naming rights reflect the league’s connection to the Commonwealth of Virginia and underscore the state’s bold vision to elevate professional golf through innovation, entertainment, and global reach.
Evolving from its former name LIV Golf DC, the tournament embraces Virginia’s distinct regional pride while advancing LIV Golf’s mission to build the sport’s most forward-thinking global league. Developed in collaboration with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and LIV Golf partner Maaden, one of the world’s fastest-growing mining and metals companies headquartered in Saudi Arabia, the event champions community engagement and cross-sector innovation.
“With LIV Golf Virginia presented by Maaden, we’re strengthening our connection to the Commonwealth and celebrating the local pride that drives this world-class event,” said Ross Hallett, executive vice president and head of events at LIV Golf. “This evolution reflects our mission of bringing bold energy, global vision, and an unforgettable next-gen fan experience to every stop on our schedule.”
As part of the announcement, Saudi Arabian Mining Company, known as Maaden, has launched their new partnership-focused campaign titled “Unearth Your Potential.” The campaign features LIV Golf stars Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia and Carlos Ortiz showing off their skills in a closest to the hole challenge, unveiling a mix of strategy, teamwork and fun that embody the league’s identity. “Unearth Your Potential” is inspired by LIV Golf’s impact and sustainability strategy and highlights the dedication to craft that is needed from both golfers and professionals alike to unearth and maximize their potential — both within the world of golf and within the mining industry.
Bob Wilt, CEO at Maaden, said: “LIV Golf Virginia presented by Maaden is more than a tournament — it’s a powerful expression of global collaboration and shared ambition. Our partnership with LIV Golf reflects a mutual drive to innovate, inspire and shape what’s next, both on the course and far beyond it.”
Maaden’s partnership brings bold branding, immersive activations, and elevated hospitality to the event. The event will showcase LIV Golf’s signature format: 54 holes of high-energy individual and team-based competition with unrivaled access, nonstop action, and an atmosphere that blends elite golf with culture, music, and digital engagement — hallmarks of the LIV Golf experience.
TDF to promote Saudi investment at Future Hospitality Summit
The Tourism Development Fund, the Kingdom’s tourism enabler, has announced it will serve as an enablement partner in the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia. The event is scheduled to take place in Riyadh from May 11 to 13, and will bring together global decision-makers and investors to explore opportunities in hospitality, promote knowledge exchange, and support startups and entrepreneurs in the sector.
TDF CEO Qusai Al-Fakhri said that the fund’s role extends beyond financial support and fosters connections between investment opportunities and local talent. “Our participation in the summit aims to accelerate this communication and broaden its impact across the Kingdom through hospitality projects and other initiatives that elevate the tourist experience and support sustainable economic growth,” Al-Fakhri said.
At its pavilion during the summit, TDF will present direct and indirect financing solutions. It will also feature non-financial initiatives from TDF Grow, which supports startups and small and medium-sized enterprises, develops national talent, and accelerates the growth of specialized projects throughout Saudi Arabia. The fund is also set to join a key panel discussion addressing tourism market shifts, exploring new investment prospects, and outlining TDF’s vision to build investor confidence while maintaining quality and returns.
TDF’s participation underscores its commitment to advancing the tourism sector by positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading investment destination and global hospitality hub, while highlighting the fund’s role as the Kingdom’s primary tourism enabler.
The summit is expected to attract more than 100 speakers, 280 investors, and 90 sponsors and partners from around the world.
