The new generation Ford Expedition comes with more than 40 new features and driver-assist technologies.
“Ford continues to build on its strong SUV leadership heritage, with the new generation 2018 Ford Expedition being the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever,” said Crystal Worthem, marketing director, Ford Middle East and Africa. “Active families don’t simply want a big, strong SUV to take them places; they want the journey to be as enjoyable as the destination. And Expedition gives them that.”
Of the new features in the newest Expedition, a great number contribute to Ford’s full-sized SUV earning the tag “Best-in-Class” and “Class-Exclusive.” These include best-in-class fuel economy, torque, towing capability and second and third row space, not to mention the Panoramic Vista Roof that spans two rows — a feature not offered by any competitor — BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert, which now includes class-exclusive trailer coverage, and an advanced cargo manager with an adjustable shelf behind the third row.
Expedition has been updated with the latest must-have connectivity features, driver-assist technologies, and premium convenience amenities. Here are some of the best:
l Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go: Adaptive cruise control keeps a constant speed without having to work the brake or accelerator pedals — plus it automatically maintains a comfortable distance from vehicles ahead, once a pre-set distance has been set.
l Pro Trailer Backup Assist: To operate Pro Trailer Backup Assist, the driver rotates a knob to indicate how much the system should turn the trailer, then the technology automatically steers the Expedition to turn the trailer the desired amount.
l Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection: Designed to help drivers avoid or reduce the severity of frontal collisions with vehicles or pedestrians, first by way of audible and visual alerts, then with active braking if the driver does not respond in time.
l Powerful and Efficient EcoBoost Engine: Expedition comes with the most torque in its class with the second generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine mated to a new class-exclusive 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.
Terrain Management System: The 2018 Expedition’s new Terrain Management System has up to seven drive modes including a Sand Mode, and, paired with a two-speed transfer case (all four-wheel-drive models) and the rear eLSD (electronic limited-slip differential) that allows a full differential lock, offers excellent off-road capability.
Ford Expedition a winner for large SUV buyers
Ford Expedition a winner for large SUV buyers
Zain KSA becomes Inter Milan’s first Saudi partner
Italian football club FC Internazionale Milano has announced the club’s first partnership agreement in Saudi Arabia, with Zain KSA becoming Inter’s first official regional partner.
The agreement, valid throughout the 2024/25 season, will see Zain KSA, a leading provider of innovative technology in Saudi Arabia, make its debut in Italian football. Zain KSA will leverage the global visibility of the Inter brand to advance its goals of delivering innovative digital experiences that cater to sports fans in Saudi Arabia.
The partnership underscores Inter’s dedication to expanding its presence in the Middle East — one of the club’s key global markets — and get even closer its extensive and ever-growing fanbase across the region. In 2024, Inter also secured a license from the Ministry of Investment to undertake and manage commercial activities in Saudi Arabia.
“We are very happy to announce our first regional partnership in Saudi Arabia, a key market for developing the Inter brand and one that has shown growing enthusiasm for Inter,” said FC Internazionale Milano CEO Corporate Alessandro Antonello. “Besides being our first partnership in the Saudi Arabia market, this collaboration with Zain KSA also enables us to join forces with a brand that, like Inter, views innovation and care for their community as two fundamental pillars of their growth strategy.”
Thanks to this agreement, football fans in Saudi Arabia — and Nerazzurri fans in particular — will be able to use Zain KSA’s cutting-edge 5G experience with personalized home packages and special-edition Inter-themed routers.
The partnership — a first of its kind for Zain KSA in the Kingdom and in the region — is the latest in a series of innovative initiatives planned by the company to improve people’s quality of life and enrich their daily experiences.
Zain KSA’s Chief Sales Officer Maher Al-Fawaz said: “This partnership with FC Internazionale Milano aims to promote a culture of sports in the Kingdom in line with our goals to promote a dynamic, connected and vibrant society. This innovative collaboration meets the growing aspirations of football fans in the Kingdom, attracts international clubs to have activities in Saudi Arabia and reflects our commitment to contributing to the empowerment of the sports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.”
Saudi marketing pioneer Ryouf Alrumaih credits Vision 2030 for success
At a time when it wasn’t easy for Saudi women to break into male-dominated industries, Ryouf Alrumaih emerged as a pioneer in marketing and creative leadership. As one of the first Saudi women to launch an integrated creative agency in the Kingdom, Alrumaih has redefined leadership in an industry often dominated by international players.
Her journey began with a bold vision and a belief in the potential of Saudi talent. “Leadership in marketing is about nurturing creativity and building trust within a team,” says Alrumaih, CEO of Nithar, a fully integrated creative solutions agency serving both public and private sectors.
From dream to reality
When Alrumaih founded Nithar in 2012, the challenges were immense. “Marketing services were largely dominated by foreign agencies at the time,” she says. “Starting a Saudi-led company meant breaking stereotypes — not just as a woman but as a visionary in a new field.”
Alrumaih credits Vision 2030 for transforming the playing field. “This vision didn’t just open doors; it removed walls, creating unprecedented support for Saudi women and paving the way for leadership opportunities in areas once considered out of reach.”
Marketing through a leadership lens
Alrumaih views marketing as more than campaigns; she sees it as a platform for cultural dialogue and economic growth. Her philosophy centers on teamwork and empowerment, fostering young Saudi talents.
“Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about inspiring others to think innovatively and act collaboratively,” she says. Under her guidance, Nithar has grown into a powerhouse, delivering strategies, brand identities, and creative solutions tailored to local markets while meeting global standards.
A bright future
Looking ahead, Alrumaih is optimistic about Saudi women’s role in shaping marketing’s future. “We’re seeing more women in leadership roles and redefining success. This shift isn’t just empowering; it’s reshaping the industry as a whole,” she says.
For aspiring marketers and entrepreneurs, Alrumaih has words of advice: “Seize the opportunities created by Vision 2030. Collaborate, innovate, and persevere.”
As Saudi Arabia continues making strides on the global stage, leaders like Alrumaih are ensuring the Kingdom’s story is told with creativity and authenticity — a testament to the transformative power of women’s leadership.
Saudi street artist San Shyn unveils 80-feet mural outside KSA Embassy in London
San Shyn, a young street artist from Saudi Arabia, revealed a new vibrant public art mural outside the Saudi Embassy in the heart of Mayfair, London. The project has been realized as part of a unique Saudi-UK cross-cultural collaboration, with the piece being installed by London-based Graffiti artist Cept. The collaboration developed organically through word of mouth within the grassroots street art community and demonstrates an artistic exchange at the intersection of Saudi and UK culture.
The public nature of the artwork in London promotes a greater understanding of diverse perspectives and worldviews that Saudi artists draw upon in their contemporary works. The 80-feet mural was installed over several days at the beginning of the year and will remain in place until mid-February.
Shyn said: “I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to create this mural in London and to collaborate with the incredibly talented UK artist Cept. The mural’s distorted lines and shapes reflect the imperfection of creative expression which is at the heart of my work. This project is especially meaningful to me, as it allows me to share the evolving street art culture from Saudi Arabia on an international stage. To create something outside of my hometown and to contribute to the global dialogue of art is a dream come true.”
The project is part of a series of artistic collaborations between the Embassy and Saudi artists including with Rashed Al-Shashai, whose luminous hanging sculpture was installed in the Embassy garden last year, and Ahmed Mater’s first retrospective held at Christie’s last summer. Mater is exhibiting his iconic Magnetism installation, first shown in the UK at the British Museum in 2012, at the historic Islamic Biennale, which opened in Jeddah on Jan. 25.
Saudi Ambassador to the UK Khalid bin Bandar Al-Saud said: ”Saudi Arabia is changing, and the rise of dynamic street artists like San Shyn is a great example of this. That’s why I was keen to give her a platform in central London, where we are already showcasing Rashed Al-Shashai’s brilliant sculpture. Art is a bridge between cultures, and these works are an opportunity to demonstrate that Britain and Saudi Arabia have more in common than we might imagine.”
In this mural, the artist’s primary aim is to celebrate the street culture, capturing the essence of spontaneous, vibrant graffiti. With quick, bold strokes made using spray cans, the mural transforms ordinary walls into canvases of beauty, bringing life to the streets. Central to the artwork are figures that embody the very act of creating art, illustrating the raw energy and creativity that define this underground movement. The overall direction is inspired by the photos below, which are dynamic, colorful and unapologetically loud — just like street culture itself.
Stephen Stapleton, founder of Edge of Arabia, said: “This playful, joyful artwork in front of the Saudi Embassy in Mayfair reflects a new era of cross-cultural collaboration between the UK and Saudi Arabia. The language of art transcends the borders that divide us, and we need that language now more than ever.”
Jeddah Historic District unveils Phase 2 of waterfront project
The Jeddah Historic District Project, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, has announced the commencement of Phase 2 of the Al-Arbaeen Lagoon Waterfront Development Project. This ambitious phase will excavate areas previously filled during urban expansion and meticulously reshape the lagoon, construct a state-of-the-art marina, and enhance water quality. The project seeks to restore Al-Bunt Port as closely as possible to its historic state, reconnecting the sea to the Al-Bunt area and the upcoming Red Sea Museum. Historically, Al-Bunt Port served as a primary arrival point for pilgrims traveling for Hajj and Umrah by sea, emphasizing its significant historical value and impact on Jeddah, its people, and culture.
Furthermore, the project will develop an integrated environment featuring 5 km of waterfront, infrastructure improvements, and essential facilities. The initiative will support the Marina District and Jeddah Historic District waterfront development, key anchors of the regeneration masterplan. It will create a sustainable ecosystem around the waterfront, serving as an economic driver, business hub, and platform for cultural and creative projects, contributing to making Jeddah Historic District a global tourist destination in line with the strategic goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
The current phase will see the dredging of 350,000 cubic meters from the lagoon bed, the implementation of a water aeration system to enhance water flow, quality, and environmental sustainability, and foster a healthy marine ecosystem. Additionally, the project will reshape approximately 1 million cubic meters of the lagoon, erect a 972-meter-long marine dock, and construct 490-meter-long retaining sea walls, along with the necessary infrastructure.
Preparations are underway to develop a new marina for large yacht and leisure activities, water taxi stations connecting Jeddah Historic District to Obhur Creek, the corniche, and other Red Sea attractions, including a 4.4 km public park with playgrounds and recreational options for pedestrians and cyclists. A 1,313-square-meter elevated boardwalk in the lagoon’s southern section will further enhance visitor experiences, transforming the area into a dynamic tourist hub.
Key achievements from Phase 1 of the Jeddah Historic District Program include 185,000 square meters of excavation, more than 12,000 linear meters of infrastructure, and the removal of over 200,000 square meters of roads. The phase also saw the leveling of 300,000 square meters and the demolition of existing structures, including the SAPTCO bus station and pedestrian bridge, alongside multiple parking areas. Additionally, the iconic ship sculpture was relocated and meticulously restored.
Established in 2018, the Jeddah Historic District Project was conceived with the vision of preserving the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the old city area of Jeddah, reconnecting its urban fabric, and revitalizing its communal spaces to become a center for commerce, cultural initiatives, and entrepreneurship. The project continues to focus on enhancing visitor experiences, highlighting the district’s heritage sites, cultural landmarks, and unique tourist offerings, ultimately establishing its reputation as a premier global cultural and tourist destination.
Aramex launches robotic sorting facility in Jeddah
Aramex, a leader in comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, launched its cutting-edge automated robotic system at Jeddah Islamic Port, in the presence of Rayan Salah Al-Din Al-Bakri, deputy minister for logistics services at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services. The move marks a significant milestone in the company’s digital transformation journey.
The state-of-the-art facility showcases Aramex’s commitment to technological innovation and operational excellence. The centerpiece of the facility is an advanced automated sorting system featuring three feeding lines integrated with 120 robotic guided vehicles, capable of processing 4,000 shipments per hour and 96,000 shipments daily.
Abdulaziz Alnowaiser, general manager of Aramex, said: “This automated facility represents a quantum leap in logistics efficiency and demonstrates our commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. By combining robotics, artificial intelligence, and temperature-controlled environments, we are creating a blueprint for the future of logistics in the region. With the automation system, our capacity to handle shipments will increase to 100 percent. Additionally, the plan for the activation and launch of drone delivery by the end of February 2025 has been reviewed with one of our clients in the banking sector, and we are also advancing our future plans for domestic express mail sea transportation services. We look forward to continuing to enhance the Kingdom’s logistics infrastructure and adopting sustainable practices.”
Samer Marei, vice president, Aramex, GCC, said: “We remain deeply committed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as our primary market, where we continue to make strategic investments to lead the logistics sector. By continuously enhancing our services and strengthening our presence in the Kingdom, we hope to contribute to Vision 2030’s goals of establishing Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub.”
Our sustained and ongoing investment reflects our confidence in the Kingdom’s vibrant economy and the transformative vision of its leadership.”
In a parallel development that promises to be transformative for logistics in the region, Aramex unveiled plans for its first drone delivery project. This initiative will complement the automated facility, further cementing Aramex’s position as a pioneer in smart logistics solutions. The drone delivery program will reduce carbon emissions while enhancing last-mile delivery efficiency in urban and remote areas.
The strategic location of the facility at Jeddah Islamic Port, combined with its advanced capabilities, positions Aramex to play a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global logistics hub. The facility’s enhanced operational efficiency and sustainable practices directly support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives for sector modernization and environmental stewardship.
