Saudi travel and tourism company Al-Tayyar Travel Group has rebranded and will be known as Seera with immediate effect.
The name and identity of Seera, meaning journey, is the culmination of the company’s transformation efforts, which has seen its operating environment undergo a significant shift.
“The new brand name and its logo, symbolizing the voyage of a traveler around the world, serves as a reflection of the corporate journey the company has embarked on,” the company said.
With the Vision 2030 agenda as a driving force, Saudi Arabia is undergoing an economic and social transformation, with the
tourism sector set to be a key beneficiary.
“Seera is determined to be at the forefront of these positive developments, with the ultimate purpose of opening up the opportunity of travel for all, by connecting cultures,” the travel giant said.
A key focus for 2019 and beyond will be the continuous growth of Seera’s Consumer Travel Business Unit, which has unified all consumer-facing travel services under one department.
By working toward a more streamlined offering across digital and retail touchpoints under the Almosafer flagship brand, the Consumer Travel Unit is transforming from a pure play online travel agent into a fully-fledged omni-channel travel booking services business.
The group’s travel management business unit will now operate under Elaa.
Seera’s car rental business unit, which operates a fleet of over 8,000 vehicles in Saudi Arabia, will operate under the new brand name Lumi.
Mawasim, a complete Hajj and Umrah service provider for the B2B travel industry globally, will cater to the religious travel segment.
Seera’s CEO Abdullah Bin Nasser Aldawood said: “We are excited for this new chapter that will make our journey as a company even more remarkable. Seera as a new identity will help fuel our growth, accelerate our progress and give every employee, stakeholder and every traveler we engage with the opportunity to go further with us. With all business units working toward the common goal of opening up the opportunity of travel, we are confident that Seera has the talent, knowledge and capabilities to grow commercially, socially and geographically.”
He added: “Our opportunity now is to recognize the inherent power of travel to take us all further. To foster understanding among strangers, to connect and broaden minds, to breed tolerance and to accelerate learning for us all.”
Seera aims to play a role in creating the next generation of leaders and is putting increased emphasis on CSR initiatives, including the group’s homegrown talent accelerator Jadarah.
“The second round of Jadarah is set to start in September 2019 and we have already surpassed application numbers compared to last year. Half of the year one graduates are now full-time employees at Seera and Almosafer and we are proud to say that we have helped bridge the gap between classroom and real-world application,” said Aldawood.
Al-Tayyar Travel reveals new identity — Seera
Al-Tayyar Travel reveals new identity — Seera
MG RX9: A perfect blend of modern design and versatility
MG Motor has announced the launch of the new MG RX9, following the global premiere of the model during the Jeddah International Motor Show. A premium SUV that combines elegant design, advanced technology, and powerful driving performance, the MG RX9 is available in three distinct trim levels: the entry-level STD 2.0 Turbo, the mid-tier COM 2.0 Turbo, and the top-tier LUX 2.0 Turbo. The vehicle is designed to meet the needs of modern families, travel enthusiasts, and drivers who desire comfort and capability in a seven-seater configuration.
Prices for the new MG RX9, which offers a blend of modern design, power, and versatility, start from $26,000 (excluding VAT), ensuring the new model offers remarkable value for its class. Additionally, customers will benefit from a six-year/ 200,000 km manufacturer’s warranty, providing exceptional peace of mind.
Tom Lee, managing director of MG Motor Middle East, said: “The launch of the MG RX9 marks a new chapter in our journey to provide customers with modern, premium, and capable vehicles. The RX9 is designed for those who expect more from their SUV, offering space, power, and advanced features. Whether for family outings or off-road adventures, the MG RX9 delivers an exceptional driving experience, while embodying the latest in automotive design and technology.”
The MG RX9’s robust and striking exterior design ensures it stands out on the road. At 1,967 mm wide, it has the widest body in its class, providing a powerful yet elegant presence on the road. The vehicle’s Starburst Wing Grille, integrated with the sleek headlight design featuring 245 laser-engraved LED light units, further enhances its striking front profile. Complementing this dynamic front face are 21-inch wheels, which not only elevate the vehicle’s look but also ensure stability and performance on various terrains. The MG RX9 comes in six exterior colors inspired by nature, offering a choice to suit all drivers’ preferences.
Inside the MG RX9, drivers are greeted by a luxurious and spacious cabin, crafted for comfort and functionality. This seven-seater SUV offers generous legroom and headroom for passengers and drivers alike, boasting the largest three-row seating space in its class. The boot space, which can expand to accommodate 1,026 liters in the five-seat configuration, provides plenty of room for luggage, making it ideal for long trips.
In the front, the dashboard features premium materials, including high-quality wood grain or aluminum dashboard trim and soft-plated keys, adding an additional touch of elegance. Features such as the 12.3-inch touch screen, virtual cluster, and hidden intelligent air-conditioning controls ensure drivers are equipped with all the latest features. Available in black or two-tone beige and brown leather, the cabin maintains a sophisticated yet practical design. Seating comfort is further enhanced by the eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat (with memory function in the LUX trim) and the four-way electrically adjustable passenger seat, providing personalized comfort for all.
The MG RX9 is designed for exceptional performance across all terrains. Powered by a new Net Blue 2.0 Turbo super-efficient engine and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, it delivers smooth, responsive handling in any environment. With five adaptive driving modes — Auto, Eco, Sport, Snow, and Off-road — drivers can easily adjust settings to suit road conditions. Whether in the city, on the highway, or off-road, the MG RX9 offers a seamless driving experience, enhanced by its advanced intelligent driving system and all-road intelligent cruise assist.
Safety is at the forefront of the MG RX9’s design. Equipped with Bosch’s 3rd Generation Intelligent Front View Camera and 5th Generation Millimeter Wave Radar, the RX9 offers advanced driver-assistance systems for all-around protection. The SUV also features HD 360-degree surround view cameras, allowing drivers to have complete visibility, whether parking or maneuvering in tight spaces.
The MG RX9 will be available soon in all GCC markets, as well as Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon markets.
GESALO awards celebrate Saudi-German trade ties
The German Saudi Liaison Office for Economic Affairs, known as GESALO, held its first awards event on Nov. 6 in Riyadh.
The 1st GESALO Award Gala honored outstanding company achievements and the enduring bilateral economic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Germany. The leadership of 30 companies and institutions were awarded in the categories: Innovation and Technology, Saudi German Business Partnership, Excellence in Customer Interaction and Responsibility for the Future. GESALO Delegate Dr. Dalia Samra-Rohte congratulated the winners in the presence of German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Kindsgrab.
GESALO is a vital link between businesses in the Kingdom and Germany, promoting trade and investment. By facilitating dialogue and collaboration, GESALO has played a crucial role in strengthening the bilateral economic relationship over the last 45 years.
“We are thrilled to launch this award gala as a platform to celebrate the strong economic partnership between Germany and Saudi Arabia. German companies are participating in numerous megaprojects and infrastructure development, contributing to the national objectives of Vision 2030,” said Samra-Rohte.
“We see a constant increase in the export numbers with a plus of 20 percent compared to last year. While German companies focused solely on exporting in the past, we are also seeing more German companies creating their value chain locally,” she added.
The continuous interest of German companies in the region is also illustrated by the visit of several German delegations. “Just in November, four German delegations are expected — among them are companies from the aviation and food sector,” said Samra-Rohte.
At the awards event, attendees had the opportunity to network with leaders from various industries, enhancing connections that could lead to fruitful collaborations and partnerships.
Saudia Cargo names Loay Mashabi as new CEO
Saudia Cargo, a leader in global air cargo transportation and member of the biggest air cargo alliance SkyTeam Cargo, has announced the appointment of Loay Mashabi as its new chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1, 2025. He is also the managing director of Saudia Cargo.
Mashabi succeeds Teddy Zebitz as CEO, who has led Saudia Cargo to record success, driving innovation and solidifying its leading position. Zebitz will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors.
“During Teddy’s tenure, we have achieved remarkable milestones and navigated through numerous challenges, all while maintaining our commitment to performance and service excellence,” said Abdulkareem Abualnasr, board chairman of Saudia Cargo. “Teddy’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in building the capabilities of our company and in executing our strategies, and we are deeply grateful for all his valuable contributions.”
Mashabi joined Saudia Cargo as board member in August 2021 and became the managing director in October 2023, bringing a wealth of experience in the transportation and logistics sector. Prior to joining Saudia Cargo, he served as deputy minister for logistics services at the Ministry of Transportation and Logistics Services, and deputy governor for planning and development of the General Authority of Customs. He also served as CEO of the inception phase of the Soudah Development at the Public Investment Fund.
Under Mashabi’s leadership, Saudia Cargo will focus on accelerating its growth, expanding its international network, and advancing Saudi Vision 2030’s logistics sector goals, enabling the Kingdom’s transformation by securing essential goods and providing customer-centric solutions that help businesses thrive and industries grow.
He holds an executive MBA from London Business School and a BSc in petroleum engineering from King Fahd University.
Jeel and audax partner to transform digital banking across Kingdom
Jeel, the digital innovation arm of Riyad Bank, and audax Financial Technology, a comprehensive digital banking technology solutions provider backed by Standard Chartered, have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing the digital banking landscape in Saudi Arabia. The partnership brings together Jeel’s forward-thinking digital technology as an enabler of digital innovation, and audax’s proven track record as a solutions provider as the comprehensive plug-and-play banking solution powering Asia’s first banking-as-a-service offering by a global bank. This partnership offers a suite of comprehensive solutions for banks in Saudi Arabia, with an initial focus on enabling advanced business models such as digital banks, BaaS, super apps, and open banking solutions.
Saudi Arabia’s financial sector is undergoing rapid transformation as part of Vision 2030, with a growing market for digital banking solutions driven by a tech-savvy population. The urgency of digital transformation is clear — banks must modernize to remain competitive in a fast-evolving economy, projected to reach $1.1 trillion in GDP by the end of 2024. The surge in digital wallets, from 315,000 users in 2018 to over 17 million by 2022, along with the rapid rise of real-time payments, emphasizes the immediate demand for innovative, scalable banking models.
With initiatives like the SR300 million ($80 million) fintech-focused fund and the National Technology Development Program providing crucial funding and support for startups, the urgency of digital transformation in banking is increasingly clear. These measures highlight the opportunity for banks to modernize and capitalize on the significant potential created by Vision 2030, positioning them to compete and thrive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
While banks serve as the first application, these offerings are adaptable for other financial institutions and non-bank entities, allowing for seamless integration into a variety of ecosystems and extending the benefits of digital transformation beyond traditional banking.
In the shorter term, institutions in Saudi Arabia will benefit from rapid migration from legacy systems, unlocking new digital capabilities and flexible business models. Through easy integration with third-party vendors and ecosystem players, clients will be able to offer innovative services such as open banking and BaaS. This flexibility positions them to compete with digital-native challengers, drive customer acquisition, and improve operational efficiency.
In the longer term, the partnership between Jeel and audax will allow Saudi Arabia’s institutions to leverage a wealth of data across their ecosystems, creating new revenue streams and business lines. This includes opportunities such as real-time underwriting through third-party data access, cross-selling products through contextual offers, and even expanding into fee-based services such as KYC-as-a-service and real-time data provision to consumer and SME-focused companies.
George Harrak, CEO of Jeel, said: “At Jeel, we are committed to driving innovation and technological digital advancement. Our collaboration with audax enables us to deliver pioneering digital solutions that will enhance the agility and scalability across Saudi Arabia and the region. By integrating our cutting-edge technology with audax’s proven platform, we can accelerate the digital transformation of our customers, including banks, financial institutions and non-bank entities, and provide them with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.”
Kelvin Tan, CEO of audax Financial Technology, added: “We are excited to bring our proven digital transformation capabilities to Saudi Arabia through this partnership. By working with Jeel, we aim to accelerate the pace at which Saudi institutions can modernize and scale their digital offerings, ensuring they remain competitive in the evolving business landscape. Our partnership will empower them to launch cutting-edge solutions quickly and efficiently, creating new revenue streams and improving operational resilience.”
Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah launches ‘Signature Collection’
At Cityscape Global in Riyadh, Diriyah Company announced the launch of 59 new luxury apartments and villas for the Signature Collection of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, marking the latest release of its luxury branded residences. This launch follows the successful sell-out of the initial 106 Ritz Carlton Residences.
This exclusive new collection offers 59 fully furnished apartments and villas, with options ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom configurations, each meticulously crafted to meet the legendary standards of The Ritz-Carlton brand.
Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to amenities at the co-located hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah, including a state-of-the-art gym, luxurious spa, and fine-dining restaurants.
Announcing the new residences, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “We are delighted to announce these new world-class luxury homes from the Ritz-Carlton brand. Following the incredible success and sell-out of our initial release of 106 villas at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, we are anticipating significant demand for this exceptional new offering. This announcement underscores our dedication to delivering best-in-class offerings at every stage of our incredible development journey.”
Jaidev Menezes, regional vice president — mixed-use development, EMEA, Marriott International, said: “Following the overwhelming success and sold-out response to the initial release of villas at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, we are excited about the launch of the new inventory of villas and apartments. We are once again expecting high levels of demand for the newly launched residences offering tranquility, privacy and luxury living in one of the most significant cultural and heritage destinations in the region.”
The development of these luxury hotel residences at Diriyah is part of a comprehensive residential strategy to create diverse living opportunities for more than 100,000 future residents. This wide-ranging plan underscores Diriyah’s vision to become a premier destination for luxury living and community development.
