Amazon Prime launches in Saudi Arabia, bringing the best in shopping & entertainment

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Amazon has announced the launch of Amazon Prime in Saudi Arabia, which has more than 150 million paid members globally. (Supplied)
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Amazon has announced the launch of Amazon Prime in Saudi Arabia, which has more than 150 million paid members globally. (Supplied)
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Amazon has announced the launch of Amazon Prime in Saudi Arabia, which has more than 150 million paid members globally. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 January 2021
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Amazon Prime launches in Saudi Arabia, bringing the best in shopping & entertainment

  • Prime members in Saudi Arabia will enjoy a wide selection of benefits

RIYADH: Amazon has announced the launch of Amazon Prime in Saudi Arabia, which has more than 150 million paid members globally. Prime is a membership program that provides a combination of shopping and entertainment benefits from Amazon.

Prime members in Saudi Arabia will enjoy a wide selection of benefits including free and fast local delivery as quickly as one-day delivery in all key metropolitan areas and as quickly as two-day delivery in other areas.

Members can also enjoy free international delivery on products delivered from Amazon US and UAE and also access popular and award-winning entertainment, with Arabic subtitles and dubbing options available on Prime Video. In addition, they can access free in-game content for popular games and a growing library of free games from Prime Gaming.

All of these benefits, and more such as exclusive access to special shopping deals and events including Prime Day, are available as part of the Prime membership program for SR16 ($4.2) per month, while customers can also save by purchasing a SR140 annual membership. Everyone can try Prime and enjoy all of the benefits by signing up for a free 30-day trial at www.amazon.sa/prime

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of Amazon Prime in Saudi Arabia, providing customers with the best of shopping and entertainment,” said Ronaldo Mouchawar, vice president of Amazon Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

“Customers in Saudi Arabia can now enjoy all the benefits included in this program, starting with free and faster delivery times. With Amazon Prime, customers in all key areas across the Kingdom can get their deliveries within one day of placing a local order. Prime members shopping on amazon.sa can also enjoy getting free deliveries on over 7 million eligible items shipped from Amazon US and UAE, within days. In addition to shopping benefits, Prime delivers even more value to Saudi customers with access to our streaming service, Prime Video, offering entertainment for everyone with popular movies and TV shows including award-winning Amazon Originals, available with subtitles and dubbing in Arabic.” 

The Amazon Prime membership programs includes all of the following benefits for customers in Saudi Arabia: 

Free and fast local delivery

Amazon Prime members across Saudi Arabia will get free and fast delivery on everything they want and need across local eligible Prime items in a wide range of categories from daily essentials to electronics, apparel, home and kitchen, and much more. Popular top brands eligible for free and fast local delivery with Prime include Philips, Microsoft, Black+Decker, Lego, Guess, Nivea, L’Oréal, Tide, Babyjoy, Dettol, Nescafe and Pampers. Free and fast local delivery options for Amazon Prime in Saudi Arabia include:

• Free one-day delivery to all key metropolitan areas, which include Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Taif and Alkhobar. 

• Free two-day delivery for customers across other cities in Saudi Arabia including Jubail, Buraidah, Khamis Mushayt, Abha, Hail, Al-Ahsa, Hofuf, Jazan and Al-Kharj.

• Free delivery in 4 to 6 days to all other areas in the Kingdom.

• 50 percent discount on same-day delivery on orders made until 12 p.m. for customers in Riyadh and Jeddah.

Free international delivery on Amazon Global store products available on Amazon.sa

Prime members are also eligible for free delivery on over 7 million international items available directly on Amazon.sa, which are shipped from Amazon US and Amazon UAE, as part of the Amazon Global Store. Free international delivery options for Amazon Prime in Saudi Arabia include:

• Free delivery in 2 business days for Prime-eligible orders over SR200 shipped from Amazon UAE.

• Free delivery in 7 business days for Prime-eligible orders over SR200 shipped from Amazon US. 

Exclusive shopping deals

Prime members will have exclusive access to special shopping deals and events including Prime Day, early access to seasonal sales, and also enjoy discounts on millions of local and international brands every single day throughout the year.

Prime Video 

Amazon Prime members in Saudi Arabia will enjoy access to global entertainment featuring thousands of popular movies and TV shows, available with subtitles and dubbing in Arabic. Members can enjoy watching award-winning Amazon Originals like The Grand Tour, The Boys, The Wilds, The Expanse, and many more. Prime Video offers members the option to stream or to download selected titles, across multiple devices.

Prime Gaming

Prime members on Amazon.sa can enjoy in-game content like skins and currency for popular games, an ever-growing collection of games they can claim and keep forever, and a free Twitch.tv subscription, all included with the Prime bundle. Content for some of the world’s biggest games like League of Legends and Legends of Runeterra, are available now for Saudi gamers to enjoy.

Jamil Ghani, vice president, Amazon Prime, said: “Today, Amazon customers in Saudi Arabia can join more than 150 million paid members worldwide to enjoy the best of shopping and entertainment. With free and fast local delivery, free international delivery, exclusive deals, access to Prime Video, and more benefits all included as part of the Prime membership bundle, we know there’s something in there for everyone. We look forward to sharing the Prime experience with members in Saudi, which is designed to make their lives more convenient, easier, and a little more fun every day.”

To sign up for a free 30-day trial and learn more, customers in Saudi Arabia can visit www.amazon.sa/prime.

Prime members can shop on Amazon.sa in Arabic and English using the Amazon shopping app or by visiting the website directly. Both the app and the website offer a rich Arabic browsing experience, accurate search results, trusted product reviews, personalized recommendations and simple order management, all backed by Arabic language customer support.


The Chefz brings Saudi flavor to the world with their TikTok strategy

Updated 22 November 2024
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The Chefz brings Saudi flavor to the world with their TikTok strategy

Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape has rapidly evolved to fully embrace social media, with TikTok usage growing steadily in the country. 

In response, businesses across the Kingdom are increasingly recognizing the platform’s significance. 

What uniquely sets TikTok apart in Saudi Arabia is its sense of community, a value deeply embedded within the connected society. 

This collective spirit fuels a dynamic for shared experiences on the platform.

One example of this approach is The Chefz, a leading delivery app in Saudi Arabia that’s using digital marketing to promote Saudi culinary culture globally. 

By integrating local flavors, presentation styles, and cultural values into their campaigns, The Chefz has developed an authentic brand voice that resonates with the Saudi audience.

As a Saudi local business, The Chefz prioritizes content that reflects the nation’s rich cultural heritage. 

Through culturally attuned campaigns that align with Saudi values, they foster a strong emotional bond with their customers. 

By showcasing regional flavors and foods, The Chefz effectively builds a community grounded in culinary heritage. 

This creates a sense of belonging among users who identify with the traditions celebrated in their content, promoting their brand’s presence on TikTok with authenticity.

The Chefz seamlessly merges traditional Saudi elements with modern marketing techniques. 

Their strategy includes balancing iconic foods and aesthetics with interactive digital features, ensuring that their content is both relatable and engaging.

They also utilize humor, local music, and storytelling to captivate Saudi customers, highlighting food’s central role in the culture. 

Additionally, they aim to establish a globally appealing local identity. By incorporating international sounds and trends, The Chefz makes their content accessible and intriguing to tourists who may need delivery services during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

A key element of The Chefz’s strategy is adapting campaigns to align with special occasions and traditions. 

During important periods like Ramadan and Eid, demand peaks, as well as in the winter season when reservation requests surge. 

During these times, The Chefz maximizes demand by emphasizing timely promotions, such as suhoor deals, and highlighting seasonal offers and traditional dishes. 

This approach reinforces their connection with cultural values and ensures that each campaign resonates with the unique significance of each occasion.

The Chefz’s strategy emphasizes data-driven marketing with a cultural focus. 

Their decisions are grounded in a deep understanding of customer behavior, especially around Saudi culture. 

By leveraging TikTok’s visual tools, trending sounds, and features like Spark Ads, The Chefz combines cultural relevance with modern engagement strategies, creating an authentic and immersive experience that boosts both interaction and sales.

Their commitment to cultural authenticity and strategic use of TikTok has fueled their rapid growth, with a 150% sales increase between 2021 and 2022. 

Now serving 5 million customers and boasting 2 million active users, part of what makes The Chefz’s so successful is their strong TikTok presence, amassing over 187k followers and 3.3 million likes on the platform.

By blending innovation with cultural authenticity, The Chefz has built a loyal community that continues to expand. 

Their approach has positioned them well to further deepen connections with both local and international audiences in the future.

 


Budget Saudi bags four prestigious awards

Updated 21 November 2024
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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

Updated 21 November 2024
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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

Updated 20 November 2024
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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

Updated 20 November 2024
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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.