Technology startups incubated by the Badir Program, one of the main initiatives of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), have successfully raised more than SR48 million ($12.79 million) during the year 2017.
This was through 15 funding deals led by supporting venture capital firms, individual investors’ networks and governmental institutions, recording a 64 percent increase in comparison with the previous year.
Funding by venture capital firms amounted to SR34.5 million approximately, which was divided into five startups. Individual investors funded eight companies with SR11.89 million, while funding by the Social Development Bank reached SR1.9 million approximately in the form of loans presented for the benefit of two startups.
As a result of the “Demo Day” event organized by the Badir Program three times a year for the purpose of joining startups with investors, the concluded deals amounted to half of the number of investment funding deals after announcing eight deals amounting to SR12.4 million approximately. Seven deals were concluded outside the competitive enterprises showcase with an overall value of SR35.8 million approximately.
It is likely that the overall size of investment funding of startups will increase after disclosing the results of the third edition of the “Demo Day” event, which was held last month.
“Demo Day” aims at presenting, studying and facilitating the funding of promising investment opportunities among the technology startups incubated by Badir.
Nawaf Al-Sahhaf, CEO of the Badir Program for Technology Incubators, said that several factors have contributed in increasing the size of funding this year, namely the rise in the number of funding and risk investment companies, lending platforms and individual investor networks, which have become increasingly active recently.
“Disclosing the deals of funding startups will result in raising awareness and transparency in relation to the funding environment within the local market, especially with the persistence of the funding gap affecting and hindering the companies in turning from an emerging company to complete commercial businesses capable of attracting investment capitals,” he said.
“We look forward to supporting startups which have the basic factors that enable them to make quantitative changes in the main technology sectors,” Al-Sahhaf added.
Saudi tech startups raise over $12.79m in 2017
Saudi tech startups raise over $12.79m in 2017
Radisson offers gateway to Antananarivo’s charm
Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, blends rich history, cultural diversity, and modernization. Known for its hills adorned with traditional Malagasy houses and colorful market stalls, the city’s charm is captivating. Among its most dynamic areas is the Tana Waterfront District, a centerpiece of the city’s evolution, combining commerce, entertainment and luxury living along the serene Lake Masay.
In this vibrant district stand the Radisson Blu and Radisson Tamboho Hotel Antananarivo Waterfront. Owned by local stakeholders Feride and Eric Hassanaly of Talys Group and managed under the prestigious Radisson brand, these hotels epitomize modern sophistication and Malagasy hospitality. They offer a gateway to explore both the cultural richness of Antananarivo and the cosmopolitan vibrancy of the Tana Waterfront, making them ideal for explorers and business travelers alike.
Located near the Ankorondrano business district, Radisson Blu Antananarivo Waterfront is a serene retreat for professionals and leisure travelers. Combining contemporary design with comfort, it offers stylish rooms and thoughtful amenities, ensuring productivity and relaxation. The hotel features a range of accommodations, from standard rooms to the opulent presidential suite, each thoughtfully decorated with modern sophistication. Guests enjoy seamless service, making the Radisson Blu a perfect blend of luxury and practicality.
Beyond its rooms, the hotel offers inviting spaces for work and connection, excellent dining options, and attentive service, creating an environment where guests can recharge, connect, and thrive. The signature restaurant Firelake is a grill house and seafood haven that invites diners on a captivating sensory journey. Located on the eighth floor, it offers stunning views and a warm, vibrant atmosphere. Guests enjoy a variety of grilled meats and fresh seafood, prepared by skilled chefs who celebrate authenticity and depth of flavor. The open kitchen adds to the dining experience, showcasing culinary artistry, while the rooftop pool enhances the ambiance. Firelake transforms from a bright, inviting space during the day to a cozy, vibrant setting at night, making it a top destination for culinary exploration.
For those seeking comfort, The Larder offers a continental culinary escape, celebrating homely tastes and diverse cuisines. Guests can enjoy a sumptuous buffet in a relaxed setting, either indoors or on the charming balcony. Perfect for any occasion, The Larder provides a warm atmosphere and a delightful blend of familiar and new flavors. The Firelake Bar, also on the eighth floor, is a cozy retreat offering an exceptional selection of signature beverages. With soft lighting, inviting décor, and stunning city views, it provides the perfect backdrop for unwinding or celebrating. The Lobby Bar offers a tranquil escape with comforting drinks and warm beverages. Its inviting terrace and live piano music create a relaxing oasis, perfect for quiet reflection or meaningful conversations.
Wellness is a priority at Radisson Blu Antananarivo Waterfront. The eighth-floor fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment with panoramic city views, while the rooftop pool offers a refreshing escape. On-request massage services provide an additional layer of relaxation, making it easy for guests to recharge during their stay.
With more than 30 years of experience, Cluster Executive Chef Jérôme Daniel Martens brings a love for gastronomy to Radisson Blu Madagascar. His commitment to using 100 percent local ingredients ensures each dish reflects the essence of Madagascar, creating memorable dining experiences that celebrate both tradition and innovation. Cluster General Manager François van Rens oversees three Radisson properties in Madagascar. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry, van Rens is dedicated to excellence and actively contributes to the development of Madagascar’s tourism sector through his work with local organizations.
‘Sip of Excellence Competition’ to recognize Saudi’s best brews
The Saudi Coffee Company, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund, has launched its second annual Saudi Sip of Excellence Competition, where Saudi coffee farmers will compete for a grand total prize pool of SR240,000 ($63,910).
Held in partnership with the global nonprofit Alliance for Coffee Excellence, the competition is designed to educate, empower, and reward coffee farmers from Saudi Arabia’s southern region. This year, entrants from Jazan, Baha, Muhayil Asir and Rijal Almaa will get a platform to showcase their finest green coffee and brews, to a panel of international judges from Alliance for Coffee Excellence, whose experts hail from leading markets like Brazil, Nicaragua, the UK and US, Canada, Belgium, Australia, and Japan.
Through careful inspection and evaluation of a 25-kg sample from each contender over a one-month period, the jury will select 12 winners from the participating cities. The prizes for the top three positions in each city are: SR25,000 for first place, SR15,000 for second place and SR10,000 for third place. The competition will also award cash prizes to the fourth- and fifth-place winners from each city, encouraging meaningful widespread participation.
In addition to monetary rewards, the competition connects winners with larger markets through new networks to importers, exporters, auctions, showcases, and outlets.
“This year marks a significant expansion for the competition,” said Khalid N. Abu Theeb, CEO of Saudi Coffee Company. “With the involvement of more cities, more farmers, and a greater focus on every aspect of production, we hope events like this will help elevate quality Saudi coffee on the global stage while empowering our local farmers.”
By helping Saudi farmers reach global industry standards for high quality coffee, the competition supports Saudi Coffee Company’s efforts to empower the wider sector.
After careful examination of their crop, farmers can engage with industry experts to receive constructive feedback on factors such as soil and water quality, implementing the right fertilizer, picking and pruning practices, securing tools and infrastructure, obtaining commercial records and licenses, and building out their websites, marketing, packaging, and branding.
With its focus on improving the quality of Arabica green coffee in the southern region, the competition is keen to identify the next great specialty Saudi coffees. Farmers wishing to participate should submit entry forms and 1-kg coffee samples — the last date of submission being Jan. 9. Selected farmers will be asked to submit a 25-kg sample by Jan. 18.
The initial round of phase 2 inspection and evaluation of 40 selected contestants will be completed by Jan. 25. A second round of 20 samples will be further inspected on Jan. 29, and a final round of 12 samples on Jan. 30. Winners will be announced during the International Coffee Festival.
Boehringer Ingelheim, SHC join forces to enhance mental health services in KSA
Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Health Council to reassess mental health policies and enhance related services in the Kingdom. The MoU was signed on Dec. 12, 2024 by Dr. Mushabab Al-Assiri, acting director general of health economics and policies at SHC, and Abdallah Hamed, general manager and head of human pharma Saudi Arabia, Gulf and East Africa at Boehringer Ingelheim, during an official ceremony.
The strategic partnership serves as a platform for the exchange of global expertise to foster innovation and bring the latest research and mental health treatment models to the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s mental health strategy. The agreement is a testament to the commitment of the SHC and the Saudi government to prioritize mental health in line with Vision 2030, which aims to improve healthcare services for the citizens and residents of the Kingdom.
Hamed said: “At Boehringer Ingelheim, we continuously look to strengthen our collaborative efforts with the public sector to create science-based solutions that support patients, their families and healthcare systems in the communities we serve. Our most recent collaboration with the Saudi Health Council underscores our commitment to advancing mental health awareness, education, and treatment options in Saudi Arabia. We are proud to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and to contribute to the development of a more robust mental health ecosystem that addresses the needs of the community.”
The partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between public and private sector entities to achieve common goals and advance national agendas, including community health and well-being.
The long-term goals of the partnership include developing robust policies that address the population’s needs regarding mental health disorders. These policies aim to improve public knowledge, reduce the stigma around mental health conditions, and focus on evidence-based practices to enhance access to care and clinical outcomes for patients by collaborating and aligning with various stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare professionals, and patient advocacy groups.
Careem partners with CarbonSifr to launch eco-friendly rides
Careem Rides has joined forces with CarbonSifr, a climate-tech company and a participant in the inaugural Sedrah Program under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, to launch a new eco-friendly ride option in Saudi Arabia.
Eco-friendly rides, launched in collaboration with the Transport General Authority and MEWA’s Sedrah Program, will first be available in Riyadh. Customers who choose the eco-friendly option will enjoy the same reliable and convenient everyday Careem rides while contributing to carbon removal efforts, achieved through the tree planting program of the Ministry powered by Sedrah.
Saleh Ibrahim Al-Zuwayed, director and spokesperson at TGA, said: “At the Transport General Authority, we are committed to fostering eco-friendly transport solutions that contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. We also recognize and congratulate impactful initiatives that showcase how innovation can support environmental objectives and our journey toward a more sustainable future.”
Wael Ibrahim, general manager of Careem Rides in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain, said: “This comes as part of our ongoing efforts to continuously innovate and bring a positive impact to the communities we’re part of. We are excited to make this ride option available in Saudi Arabia, giving customers the opportunity to reduce the carbon impact of their daily trips by supporting MEWA’s tree-planting projects across the Kingdom.”
The new eco-friendly ride option is part of CarbonSifr’s broader commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and environmental goals, and represents a significant step toward helping reduce emissions in line with national objectives. All trees planted through this initiative will be in MEWA-designated sites in Saudi Arabia, directly impacting local sustainability efforts.
By focusing on reforestation in key ecological zones, the initiative will create long-term environmental resilience, helping mitigate climate change’s effects and preserve natural ecosystems.
Yazeed Al-Shammari, Sedrah program manager, said: “CarbonSifr is one of the standout startups in our Sedrah accelerator program, and we’ve been dedicated to providing them with the support they need to succeed within the Kingdom. This partnership with Careem Rides reflects the innovative approach that will drive Saudi Arabia’s transition to a low-carbon future.
He added: “By integrating technology to reduce emissions through everyday services like transportation, they contribute directly to our national sustainability and emission reduction goals. I’m incredibly proud to see our collaboration already bearing fruit, and I look forward to this initiative’s positive impact on the Kingdom’s environmental efforts.”
Onur Elgun, CEO of CarbonSifr, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the unlimited support from our partners Careem Rides and the MEWA’s Sedrah Program. Their innovative thinking and ambition to be trailblazers have helped us enormously with this great initiative in the Kingdom.”
He added: “Through our partnership with Careem Rides, we provide a simple, effective way for individuals to participate in eco-friendly behaviors by removing their CO2 emission impact while supporting MEWA’s tree planting projects in Saudi Arabia. This program is about turning everyday actions into meaningful climate solutions, and we’re excited to bring this initiative to the Kingdom with Careem Rides, and more is yet to come.”
CATRION elevates catering experience at Dakar Rally
Dakar and CATRION, formerly Saudi Airlines Catering Company, have partnered for Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025, taking place from Jan. 3–17, across the Kingdom. As both the main sponsor and exclusive catering partner, CATRION is redefining collaboration in global motorsport events.
This partnership reflects CATRION’s commitment to advancing global sports and entertainment with world-class services. It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a premier hub for international events, innovation, and economic diversification.
CATRION’s role as the exclusive catering partner will see the company providing more than 9,000 meals daily, supporting over 3,000 participants, staff, and support teams across the rally. Leveraging its expertise in remote catering, CATRION has deployed six mobile kitchens, 34 support trucks, and five food trucks, supported by a dedicated team of more than 165 professionals, including 35 chefs. This robust infrastructure ensures exceptional service delivery even in the most remote and challenging environments.
The Dakar Rally’s approximately 8,000-kilometer route, spanning from Bisha to Shubaytah, highlights Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness. With more than 5,000 kilometers of special stages, including a 48-hour chrono stage and a marathon stage, the rally exemplifies the spirit of adventure and endurance.
This partnership between Dakar and CATRION not only supports Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a global destination for international sports but also enhances the Kingdom’s position as a dynamic hub for sports, entertainment, and innovation. For CATRION, this collaboration represents a significant milestone as it expands its expertise from in-flight catering to large-scale event services and global sports sponsorships.
“Together, Dakar and CATRION are setting a new benchmark for partnerships in motorsport, ensuring an unparalleled experience for participants and spectators alike, while contributing to the growth and visibility of Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sports and entertainment,” a statement said. “This partnership with Dakar and Saudi Motorsport Company highlights CATRION’s innovative approach to supporting high-profile events while reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and the highest standards of quality.”
