Samsung Electronics has introduced its latest smartphones in Saudi Arabia, the Galaxy S9 and S9+.
The new smartphones are designed to enhance the user’s communication experience to express themselves in the most digitally-savvy manner. Samsung highlighted both smartphones’ main features at a press briefing held recently at Assila Hotel in Jeddah in the presence of the company’s senior executives, partners and the press.
Ismail Yoon, president of Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia, said: “Samsung constantly pushes the boundaries of innovation and immersive technology to cater to the demands of its customers. The all-new Galaxy S9 and S9+ allow users to seize the most stunning pictures and memories as they reimagine the camera and the way they communicate. The flagship’s camera is the most advanced in the world of smartphones, which stresses on Samsung’s keenness to deliver cutting-edge technologies to the market. They are also the result of a fruitful and confident relationship with our customers to deliver nothing less than state-of-the-art products that shape the future.”
The Galaxy S9+ packs the “best smartphone camera ever” as stated by the DxOMark, which rated it with a top overall score of 99. Both smartphones’ cameras have the largest lens slots and rely on artificial intelligence to improve the imaging experience, in addition to its design with dual aperture (F1.5 — F2.4) developed by Samsung to provide a perfect imaging experience even in low-light environments. They are also equipped with a Super Speed Dual Pixel sensor, dedicated processing power and memory to take amazing shots with high quality resolution. Moreover, the Galaxy S9 and S9+ have a new feature to capture a slow-motion video at 960 frames per second as well as providing automatic motion detection, a smart addition that helps detect the movement in the frame and starts recording automatically — all users have to do is to adjust the imaging setting.
The Galaxy S9 & S9+ also offer an enhanced entertainment experience with powerful AKG stereo speakers, an immersive Dolby Atmos sound amplifier and a high-resolution Gorilla Glass display resistant to scratches and bumps. They are also equipped with the new SmartThings feature, which connects and unifies all of Samsung’s Internet-enabled devices.
Samsung launches new Galaxy S9 and S9+ in KSA
Samsung launches new Galaxy S9 and S9+ in KSA
Budget Saudi bags four prestigious awards
Budget Saudi, the Kingdom’s leading car rental company, has been commended for its commitment to delivering world-class transportation and logistics services.
It bagged four honors at the 2024 World Business Outlook – Endorsing Excellence Awards, spotlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to transform the Saudi transportation sector.
Budget Saudi received the award for “Best Customer Experience Services in Transportation and Logistics in Saudi Arabia.”
Three members of the company’s leadership team were also recognized with individual leadership awards.
The honor highlights Budget Saudi’s ongoing work to curate memorable journeys and experiences for its customers and consumers around the Kingdom.
Leveraging a state-of-the-art fleet of over 38,000 vehicles and an extensive network of close to 100 retail stations across 30 cities, Budget Saudi is firmly established as the largest rental and leasing network in the Middle East and North Africa.
Held on Nov. 2 at Marriott Marquis, Queen’s Park in Bangkok, the ceremony brought industry leaders from around the world together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of exceptional leaders across a diversity of markets and sectors.
The gathering also shone a light on the accomplishments of Budget Saudi leadership team.
Fawaz Danish, president and Group CEO, received the “Excellence in Transformational Business Leadership in Saudi Arabia” award.
Dr. Mohammed Ravish Tatli, Group CFO, was named the “Best CFO in Merger & Acquisition in Saudi Arabia.”
Anil Mathew Abraham, VP Operations, Sales & Marketing, was commended as the “Most Efficient Marcom Leader in Saudi Arabia.”
Fawaz Abdullah Danish, president & Group CEO, Budget Saudi, said: “With our history in Saudi Arabia tracing back nearly five decades — being the first publicly traded car rental company in the Kingdom — we are as deeply rooted in the country as we are deeply committed to empowering the people, communities and businesses we serve with world-class services.
“We are so pleased to have been recognized by the World Business Outlook – Endorsing Excellence Awards. Not ones to rest on our laurels, we look forward to raising our standards even more and contributing to the development of the Saudi transportation industry. We are honored, thankful and inspired to do even better — today, tomorrow and in the years to come.”
Budget Saudi said its success at the awards builds on the company’s recent acquisition of Auto World — one of the major car leasing companies in Saudi Arabia.
Budget Saudi said that it “underlines the company’s commitment and leadership team’s drive and vision to achieve unprecedented growth, creating a legacy of innovation in the transportation industry.”
To learn more about Budget Saudi and its sustainability initiatives, visit: https://www.budgetsaudi.com
Diriyah Art Futures exhibition to showcase rare collection of world’s foremost computer art pioneers
Diriyah Art Futures exhibition to showcase rare collection of world’s foremost computer art pioneers
Diriyah Art Futures, the first new media arts hub in the MENA region, has announced its inaugural exhibition titled “Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts.” Developed by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, DAF will host the exhibition from Nov. 26 to Feb. 15, 2025 in Diriyah, Riyadh, introducing the region to the power and potential of new media and digital art.
Curated by the renowned Jérôme Neutres, former director at the Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais in Paris, the exhibition brings together more than 30 global and regional artists to explore new forms of creative expression at a critical juncture of technological development.
“Art Must Be Artificial” will present a sweeping history of computer art, from the 1960s to the present day, featuring works by iconic regional and international artists. The exhibition includes Saudi talents Lulwah Alhomoud, Muhannad Shono, Nasser Alshemimry (DesertFish), and Daniah Al-Saleh, their works spanning geometric abstraction, robotic and audiovisual art, and digital installations, showcasing the innovative spirit of the Kingdom. Notable MENA artists include VJ Um Amel (Laila Shereen Sakr, Egypt/US) and Haythem Zakaria (Tunisia), whose practices explore the intersections of media, culture, and technology.
Internationally acclaimed contributors include Refik Anadol (Turkiye), Ryoji Ikeda (Japan), Miguel Chevalier (Mexico/France), and Yang Yongliang (China), each known for their revolutionary use of AI, data, and digital landscapes. The exhibition also celebrates pioneers such as Frieder Nake (Germany), Vera Molnar (Hungary/France), Harold Cohen (UK), and Manfred Mohr (Germany), who laid the foundations of algorithmic and computational art. Other prominent names include Peter Kogler (Austria), Elias Crespin (Venezuela), Casey Reas (US), Daniel Rozin (US), John Gerrard (Ireland), Leonel Moura (Portugal), and Alan Rath (US), whose practices redefine creativity in the digital age.
Further enriching the exhibition are the collaborative works of Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau (Austria/France) and Edmond Couchot and Michel Bret (France), alongside experimental artists like aaajiao (Xu Wenkai, China), Anna Ridler (UK), Yining Fei and Chuck Kuan (China/US), Charles Sandison (UK), and Quayola (Italy). Together, these artists offer a comprehensive exploration of computational and robotic art, bridging history, innovation, and regional narratives.
The exhibition’s setting in Saudi Arabia, a country with a young, tech-savvy population, provides a fitting backdrop for this exploration of the evolving relationship between art and technology. With the word “algorithm” originating from the Islamic world, “Art Must Be Artificial” presents an intriguing regional connection, while bridging past, present, and future, to examine how algorithms and AI are transforming the nature of art creation.
Reflecting on his curatorial vision, Neutres said: “This exhibition seeks to explore a profound transformation, where artists are not just creators but architects of a new digital age. By embracing the power of AI and computational technology, contemporary artists are redefining the boundaries of art, opening infinite possibilities for the future.
“At Diriyah Art Futures, we are presenting a dialogue between past pioneers and today’s visionaries, showcasing how the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is uniquely well-positioned to lead these critical conversations in the global art world,” Neutres added.
In addition to the exhibition, Diriyah Art Futures offers a robust programming schedule that includes panel discussions, masterclasses, hands-on workshops, performances, and guided tours, designed to engage audiences in the dynamic intersection of art and technology. The activities, which feature prominent artists and scholars, provide an immersive experience for those looking to deepen their understanding of new media art. Tickets for both the exhibition and public programs are available through the Diriyah Art Futures website, offering visitors the chance to participate in a range of unique experiences that push the boundaries of art.
Google Cloud summit showcases growth & AI innovation
Google Cloud marked the first anniversary of the Dammam Cloud Region launch in Saudi Arabia with the inaugural Google Cloud Saudi Arabia Summit. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel Kingdom Tower in Riyadh, the event brought together more than 1,500 attendees, including Google Cloud partners, customers, government officials, and industry leaders, to celebrate the achievements of the past year and explore the future of cloud computing and AI in the Kingdom.
The summit underscored Google Cloud’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey and highlighted the significant growth and potential witnessed in the Kingdom’s technology landscape.
In his keynote speech, Bader Almadi, country manager for Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia, said: “This summit marks a significant milestone in Google Cloud’s journey in Saudi Arabia. We are deeply committed to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives by empowering businesses, government entities, and individuals with the transformative power of cloud technology and AI. We are confident that together, we can drive sustainable economic growth, create new opportunities, and establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for digital innovation.”
Abdul Rahman Al-Thehaiban, managing director, Turkiye, Middle East and Africa, Google Cloud, said: “Building on the momentum of our recent announcement with the Public Investment Fund to establish a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia, Google Cloud is dedicated to advancing the Kingdom’s position as a leader in technological innovation. We will continue to invest in infrastructure, introduce cutting-edge services and features, and foster a thriving ecosystem of partners and developers to unlock the full potential of Saudi Arabia’s dynamic digital landscape.”
The summit featured an engaging agenda with keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and interactive demos showcasing Google Cloud’s latest innovations in AI and data analytics. Prominent businesses like Saudia, ROSHN, and Almarai shared how they are innovating with cloud technologies and AI.
Recognizing the vital role of startups and developers in the Kingdom’s digital ecosystem, the summit offered dedicated programs to support their growth and innovation. The Founders Lunch provided a targeted gathering specifically for operators of early-stage startups. A dynamic group of speakers, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and Google Cloud experts, shared insights on key topics such as fundraising, product development, marketing, and scaling a business. The Founders Lunch also offered a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and discover how Google Cloud can empower their startup journey. Notable speakers at the Innovators Hive included Omar Shabaan, CEO and founder of The Space; Baraa Koshak, CEO and founder of Abwab.ai; and Naif Al-Obaidallah, co-founder and managing director of SDM.sa.
For developers and practitioners, the Innovators Hive offered a half-day program of in-person, interactive hands-on labs. With more than 630 registered participants, the program featured six sessions, spotlight labs, mini-courses, and a two-hour hands-on labs competition focused on “AI with BigQuery” and “MultiModality with Gemini.”
Underscoring Google Cloud’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the summit featured two dedicated sessions focused on empowering women in the technology sector. The “She Leads: Navigate the Path to Leadership for Women in Tech” session tackled invisible barriers and equipped attendees with actionable strategies to overcome them. Inspiring speakers such as Reem Al-Adeeb, the first Saudi racer to drive Formula E Gen 2, Gen3, and GenBETA (an all-electric GEN3 race car powered by Google Cloud); Rasha Al-Khamis, the Kingdom’s first certified female boxer and accomplished mountaineer; and Lisa Martinez Gomis, sales manager at Google Cloud, shared their personal journeys and insights on championing women’s leadership in tech.
Abdul Latif Jameel promotes Saudi talents on global stage
Abdul Latif Jameel collaborated with the Saudi Music Commission as a strategic partner to organize the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert in Tokyo, Japan. This concert comes as part of an initiative to elevate cultural exchange between the Kingdom and Japan while highlighting Saudi talents on an international platform.
This strategic collaboration reflects Abdul Latif Jameel’s commitment to promoting arts and music, and its continued support for globally-renowned Saudi cultural and creative initiatives. Boosting the Kingdom’s international presence, the collaboration falls under Saudi Vision 2030 and aligns with the objectives of the National Culture Strategy, aimed at highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural identity and enriching international cultural exchange.
This step also underscores Abdul Latif Jameel’s ongoing focus on further showcasing Saudi talents on the global stage. It celebrates the artistic skills and cultural diversity of the Saudi community, which holds high regards for creative arts. The “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert is a major event that contributes to introducing Saudi Arabia’s musical heritage and diversity to international audiences, featuring several international engagements led by talented Saudi artists.
Previously, the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concerts have dazzled audiences in Paris, New York, London and Mexico.
The Jameel family, through its philanthropic arm, boasts an impressive track record of major contributions to the arts and crafts industry, most notably through the Nafisa Shams Academy of Arts and Crafts. This program develops and refines the artistic talents of Saudi women. Managed by Art Jameel, Hayy Jameel in Jeddah is also a leading arts and creative hub in Saudi Arabia that supports art and culture and provides a platform for creativity and innovation. It also offers Saudi artists ample opportunities for self-expression and networking with the global art community.
Enjoy a timeless holiday season under the stars at Banyan Tree AlUla
This festive season, Banyan Tree AlUla is inviting guests to celebrate the holidays amidst the tranquil beauty of Saudi Arabia’s Ashar Valley. Exquisite tented villas with private pools and sweeping desert views provide an idyllic setting for an unforgettable mix of adventure, fine dining, and relaxation.
AlUla’s clear winter skies and refreshing temperatures provide the ideal conditions to explore the captivating landscape. After a day of discovery, guests can relax by the iconic Rock Pool, overlooking vast valley vistas and creating moments of deep connection with nature in this breathtaking desert sanctuary.
Guests can celebrate Thanksgiving in style with a family-style sharing menu at Harrat on Nov. 27, featuring a festive feast perfect for bringing loved ones together. Beginning with a refreshing butternut squash salad, followed by succulent roasted turkey with all the traditional trimmings, and a decadent Beef Wellington, ending the meal with a classic pumpkin pie to capture the spirit of the season. The experience is available for SR450++ ($120) per person.
For those who prefer to celebrate at home, Banyan Tree AlUla offers a Thanksgiving To-Go package including a delicious roasted turkey perfect for up to six people. Guests can enjoy all the festive trimmings, including cauliflower “mac” with bacon and gouda, and roasted brussels sprouts, ending on a sweet note with a pumpkin pie. This is priced at SR1,200++, available for pre-order until Dec. 25.
The season’s highlight is the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, where guests can ring in the New Year under the stars. This exclusive celebration, starting from SR8,100++ per night, includes a stay in the a tented Dune One-Bedroom Villa, where guests can enjoy the privacy of their own swimming pool, inclusive of a memorable gala dinner for two, ensuring a luxurious and immersive holiday escape.
The experience promises a celebration of elegance and nature that combines live DJ entertainment, with a remarkable culinary feast, hosted at Saffron Restaurant. As the evening begins, guests are welcomed with sunset mocktails and canapés, followed by a curated five-course menu by Chef Gede Widyarsana. Drawing inspiration from both local ingredients and international flavors, the dinner highlights a blend of delicate and bold flavors, from Red Sea lobster with avocado and fig arugula, to the rich notes of Patagonian Toothfish accompanied by purple curry and tropical Asian slaw. For the main course, guests will savor full-blood wagyu, prepared with a zaatar crust and paired with truffle hummus — a true fusion of Arabian and global cuisine.
In addition to the New Year’s Gala, Banyan Tree AlUla offers a variety of experiences throughout the festive season. Guests can embark on stargazing tours under AlUla’s pristine night skies, explore the Ashar Valley’s scenic trails, or take in AlUla’s natural beauty from above with a thrilling hot air balloon ride. The resort’s luxurious Banyan Tree Spa provides the ideal setting to start the New Year feeling refreshed, with treatments designed to restore balance and well-being.
The celebrations continue into the New Year, with a special all-day New Year’s Day brunch, priced at SR450++ per person, at Harrat from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., featuring an extensive selection of gourmet pastries, breakfast classics, and regional dishes. Highlights include a pastry and bakery corner with freshly made croissants, a variety of local and international sweets, a hot corner with crab cakes, polenta-crusted eggs, and Welsh rarebit.
