The director of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan’s Manufacturing Industries Bureau — Automobile Division and the director of Saudi Japanese Automobile High Institute (SJAHI) signed an MoU at the Saudi-Japan Vision Business Forum in Tokyo, on Oct. 23.
The business forum took place under the banner of Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East (JCCME). The forum aimed to explore business opportunities for Japanese technology companies to enable them to contribute to the Saudi private and public sectors and to introduce Saudi Arabia (under the Invest Saudi brand) as an attractive investment destination, especially in areas of tourism, hospitality and entertainment.
MoU to support SJAHI signed at Saudi-Japan forum
MoU to support SJAHI signed at Saudi-Japan forum
Porsche, Samaco drive women’s empowerment in KSA
Porsche Saudi Arabia, through its official Saudi importer Samaco Motors, supported the second Forbes Women Middle East Summit, which was held in Riyadh on Dec. 18-19, with a fleet of 20 cars for VIPs and delegates to be chauffeured. The automaker also showcased its new, fully electric Macan SUV at the event.
Following the success of the inaugural Forbes Women Middle East Summit, which attracted more than 400 delegates in Saudi Arabia, the event returned for its second edition with the support of Porsche Saudi Arabia. The event was held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
“The Forbes Women Middle East Summit proved to be a perfect opportunity for female entrepreneurs to grow their ideas and create new journeys, so we were excited to support its return for a second year. This great initiative blended perfectly with Porsche’s vision to support women behind the wheel in Saudi Arabia,” said Rashad Embaby, general manager for Porsche Saudi Arabia.
“Empowering women and supporting driven females is one of our key brand objectives, and the timing was perfect as it coincided with the release of the all-new Macan SUV, which has the highest concentration of female owners among our entire Porsche model range,” he added.
The new Macan delivers up to 639 PS and 1,130 Nm of torque, achieving up to 613 km of range in WLTP with a battery that could be charged from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 21 minutes at a fast-charging station.
Wallan Trading opens Renault service center in Riyadh
Wallan Trading Company has officially opened its first Renault service center in Riyadh. This facility — boasting the latest technologies and equipment — integrates sales, service, and spare parts under one roof.
The opening was attended by Arnaud Belloni, global chief marketing officer, Renault, and Fahad Al-Wallan, chairman of Wallan Holding Company, along with senior executives, customers, and other guests.
Al-Wallan said: “The launch of this modern facility reflects Wallan Trading’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional services for Renault customers in Saudi Arabia. We aim to provide quick access to spare parts and superior after-sales support, ensuring peace of mind for our customers. This step is part of our broader expansion strategy and builds on our strategic partnership with Renault, under which Wallan Trading became an authorized distributor of this renowned French brand in the Kingdom.”
He added: “This advanced service center is the first of many we plan to establish across Saudi Arabia to bring premium services closer to our customers, wherever they may be. Our highly trained and specialized team is equipped with the latest expertise and tools to meet the needs of Renault owners and deliver a seamless ownership experience.”
The newly launched service center spans 4,800 square meters and features cutting-edge equipment capable of handling up to 60 vehicles daily. In addition to routine maintenance, the facility offers express services for Renault cars, supervised by skilled engineers and technicians.
The showroom within this service center showcases a variety of Renault’s latest models, recognized for their innovative designs, advanced technologies, and high-performance capabilities. These vehicles cater to the preferences of Saudi consumers, offering a blend of driving pleasure, modern safety features, and an exceptional ownership experience.
Belloni said: “The opening of this modern center in Riyadh is a key moment in our strategy to strengthen Renault’s presence in Saudi Arabia. This service center provides an exceptional customer experience with high-quality services and quick access to the latest innovations. We are excited to offer Saudi customers an even smoother and more enjoyable Renault journey.”
Renault recently revealed its latest lineup during the Jeddah International Motor Show, featuring four models for 2025, including the compact crossover Renault Arkana from the C-segment, the versatile Renault Koleos from the D-segment, the globally popular Renault Duster, and the innovative Renault Scenic E-Tech 100 percent electric, which embodies a vision of sustainable and responsible mobility.
Wallan Trading continues to strengthen its position in the Saudi automotive market by bringing Renault’s lineup to local consumers. The company has been providing high-quality products and services to its customers for more than 45 years, in partnership with global manufacturers such as Renault, Hyundai, Genesis, Geely, Zeekr and Lotus.
A guide to the ultimate winter experience at LIWA 2025
The Liwa International Festival is back in full swing, bringing the ultimate winter experience to the golden dunes of Al-Dhafra, UAE, until Jan. 4, 2025.
Whether you are seeking inspiring cultural experiences or thrilling new adventures, LIWA 2025 offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the action, create unforgettable memories, and explore everything this iconic event has to offer:
Getting there
- By car: Take Sheikh Zayed Road (E10) toward Sweihan/Al-Ain, following signs for Liwa. Continue on this route until you reach your destination.
- Free parking is available on-site with ample spots for visitors.
Accommodation options
- Camping and glamping: Experience the magic of the desert under the stars. Bring your own tent or RV, or book a spot through the Liwa Sports Club app.
- Luxury options: Indulge in a luxurious stay at one of the many hotels, including Bab Al-Nojoum Bateen Liwa, Qasr Al-Sarab Desert Resort, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort and Western Hotel Liwa. For more options, visit the LIWA Fest’s website.
Festival amenities
- Enjoy a seamless and comfortable festival experience with these convenient amenities:
- Stay connected: 5G network connectivity throughout the festival site.
- Medical assistance: A 24/7 on-site medical clinic is available to ensure your safety and well-being.
- EV charging stations: Take advantage of dedicated charging stations across the festival site.
- On-site essentials: Supermarkets, ATMs, and a petrol station are available for your convenience.
Final tips:
- Arrive early: Get a head start on your day and allow yourself plenty of time to explore everything at LIWA 2025.
- Dress for comfort: Wear breathable clothing and comfortable shoes — sportswear is recommended.
- Stay safe: Follow safety guidelines, especially around motorsport events and camping areas.
Key festival highlights
For thrill-seekers
- Feel the adrenaline rush at the Monster Jam shows (Dec. 27–28) or witness daring performances at the Moreeb Dune Car Championship (Jan. 2–4), held on the towering 300-meter Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune.
- Witness the Freestyle Drift Championship (Dec. 27–28) for high-speed excitement and expert driving skills.
- Experience the adrenaline rush of the UTV Drag Racing competition (Dec. 29) or the Car Stunt Competition (Dec. 30–31), where daring drivers tackle the steep slopes of Moreeb Dune.
- Celebrate the New Year with the Electronic Freestyle Championship (Jan. 1), showcasing jaw-dropping manoeuvres.
- For the ultimate thrill, participate in iconic dune-bashing adventures, where you navigate the towering sands of Tal Moreeb.
- Or head to the Liwa Village’s Adrenaline Zone to experience thrilling carnival rides and challenge-based games or visit the Meydan Zone a dynamic gaming area offering activities like a shooting range, laser tag, and more.
For families
- Spend time at Liwa Village’s Wanasa Zone - A family hotspot offering a perfect blend of creativity and interactive entertainment. Explore attractions such as the Night Oasis, Petting Zoo, and a spine-tingling Horror Escape Room.
- Soar above the golden dunes on a Hot Air Balloon ride for panoramic views of the stunning desert landscape of Al Dhafra, a magical experience for all ages.
- Marvel at jaw-dropping acrobatics, special effects, and family-friendly performances by world-class circus talent at the Hollywood Circus.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the desert from the heart of Liwa Village on the Shams Liwa Ferris Wheel, a must-visit attraction.
For culture enthusiasts
- Heritage Displays and Demonstrations: Witness traditional crafts and skills that bring the UAE’s rich cultural legacy to life.
- Discover authentic Emirati art forms and explore heritage exhibits that celebrate the nation’s history.
- Browse intricate handicrafts, shop for unique keepsakes, and enjoy live demonstrations of local artistry.
- All at the Souk in Liwa Village.
Entertainment highlights
- Concerts and Tarab Liwa: Enjoy performances by Aseel Hameem and Mahmoud Al-Turky on Dec. 28. Do not miss the New Year’s Eve concert with Abadi Al-Johar and Rahma Riad, followed by spectacular fireworks at midnight.
- Nightly fireworks: Be captivated by dazzling displays lighting up the sky at 8 p.m. every evening.
- Film shows: Immerse yourself in a video projection on Moreeb Dune, celebrating the legacy of racing champions happening daily at 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and midnight.
For the foodies:
- Liwa Village Souk: Savor traditional Emirati dishes like Harees and Luqaimat, crafted by local chefs who bring the UAE’s rich culinary heritage to life.
- F&B Zone at Liwa Walk: Enjoy a wide variety of global cuisines, including sizzling burgers, shawarma, falafel, Mexican bites, and more, all served fresh and bursting with flavour.
Ready for an Unforgettable Adventure?
Don’t miss out on Abu Dhabi’s ultimate winter festival! From thrilling motorsports to cultural treasures and family fun, LIWA 2025 promises memories to last a lifetime.
Follow @liwafest and @liwavillage: Stay updated with the full schedule, and catch the latest stories and highlights from the festival and village on social media.
Learn more: liwainternationalfestival.ae
Get tickets: abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
MBSC partners with Saudi Water Authority to develop leaders
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship has partnered with the Saudi Water Authority to design an innovative high-potential development program.
This program reflects SWA’s dedication to investing in its talent pipeline and MBSC’s mission to nurture leaders with impact, confidence, and an entrepreneurial mindset. The HIPO development program offers participants the unique opportunity to enhance their leadership capabilities, unlock their potential, and develop essential skills to drive high performance within their organizations.
Through a meticulously designed curriculum, the program will enable participants to:
•Discover strengths: Participants will gain deeper self-awareness, identifying their unique strengths and areas for growth.
•Harness new skills: Focused sessions will cultivate cutting-edge skills aligned with organizational and personal success.
•Adopt an entrepreneurial mindset: The program emphasizes innovation and strategic thinking, empowering participants to lead transformative change.
•Build meaningful connections: The initiative fosters networking among like-minded professionals, enabling collaboration and knowledge exchange.
This collaboration is part of a broader memorandum of understanding between MBSC and SWA, to establish a strategic framework for cooperation in key areas such as leadership development, women’s empowerment, digital transformation, and professional training. The MoU also underpins a shared vision to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by diversifying the national economy and enhancing competitiveness at both local and international levels.
Dr. Zeger Degraeve, dean of MBSC, said: “We are proud to partner with SWA to launch the development program, which aligns seamlessly with our mission to develop leaders who can drive impact and transformation across key sectors. This initiative underscores MBSC’s position as a catalyst for change, empowering individuals to not only achieve personal excellence but also advance the Kingdom’s broader goals.”
SCAI and SMC unite to transform Saudi advertising landscape
The Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence, a Public Investment Fund company, and Saudi Media Company, a leader in digital advertising sales across the Middle East, have signed an agreement to establish an innovative joint venture, marking a transformative step in the adtech industry. The partnership combines SCAI’s technological leadership with SMC’s robust media expertise to build a comprehensive platform designed to address the evolving needs of advertisers and publishers through advanced advertising solutions.
The signing ceremony, officiated by SCAI’s CEO George Nazi and SMC’s Chairman Mohammed Al-Khereiji, represents a major milestone in both the regional and global adtech ecosystems, reaffirming the leadership of both organizations in driving technological and commercial advancements. The event was attended by representatives from SCAI, SMC and the PIF, demonstrating substantial support for the partnership.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nazi said: “This joint venture reflects our commitment to innovation and our vision to lead the adtech transformation in the region. By combining SCAI’s technological prowess with SMC’s market expertise, we aim to create solutions that not only address the immediate needs of the advertising and publishing realms but also set a new standard for excellence in the industry.”
Al-Khereiji added: “We are proud to partner with SCAI in this forward-thinking initiative. This joint venture is not just a business endeavor but a major stride toward redefining how technology and AI intersect in the media and advertising space. Together, we aim to deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders and help shape the future of digital media and advertising in the Middle East.”
Khalid Alkhudair, CEO of SMC, said: “This collaboration marks a transformative step in the media and advertising field. By combining SCAI’s technological capabilities with SMC’s deep expertise in media, we are creating a company that will redefine how data and AI are leveraged to deliver impactful advertising solutions.”
He added: “SMC’s goal is to drive innovation and empower stakeholders with tools and platforms that offer precision, efficiency, and unmatched value in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.”
The new digital and AI company in media and advertising is conducting an extensive assessment of the market in Saudi Arabia and the region to lay the foundation for adtech and mediatech applications. This endeavor will streamline advertising processes for buyers and optimize the monetization of digital properties for sellers. Central to these technologies is a focus on precision and efficiency, achieved by managing insights and aligning strategies through advanced tech and AI applications.
