Full Emirates LitFest sessions now available online for free

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Updated 07 August 2022
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Full Emirates LitFest sessions now available online for free

Emirates Literature Foundation, home of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, one of the top literary festivals in the world and the biggest celebration of stories in the Middle East, is bringing some of the most compelling sessions from their 2022 edition to viewers’ fingertips via YouTube for free.
Panel sessions include “Global Leadership: Work, Family, and our Future,” with UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General Expo 2020 Dubai Reem Al-Hashimy and former CEO of PepsiCo Indra Nooyi.
There is also an out-of-this-world dialogue about the best scientific discovery of all times with YouTube content creator, Ahmed El-Ghandour, known as Da7ee7, head of the UAE astronaut program Salem Al-Marri, and professor and author Serhii Plokhy.

It is our mission to bring the joy of literature and literary conversations to everyone, and allow global audiences to enjoy the LitFest experience.

Ahlam Bolooki, director of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

Viewers can catch Sunday Times bestselling author Dr. Rupy Aujla and cookbook author, presenter, entrepreneur, and social media influencer Zahra Abdalla, as they discuss modern ways of “Cooking the Classics.” East meets West where Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, prolific author and direct descendant of Charles Dickens; Daniel L. Newman, author and chair of Arabic studies at the University of Durham; and Karim Hauser, head of international relations at Spain’s Casa Árabe; reflect on the long history of globalization in context of art, literature, and food.
Viewers can watch four masters of the crime thriller genre — Felicia Yap, Lucy Foley, Mark Billingham and Polly Phillips — as they talk “Originality in Crime Fiction,” and enjoy “Between the Covers,” a riveting discussion with poet and novelist Noor Naga and editor Selma Dabbagh on erotic writing in Arabic literature.
Ahlam Bolooki, festival director, said: “We strive to make the literary landscape more inclusive and accessible to all by making some of the diverse and interesting conversations from the festival available online. It is our mission to bring the joy of literature and literary conversations to everyone, and allow global audiences to enjoy the LitFest experience.”
The foundation also shares in-depth conversations with writer and blogger Jenny Lawson, and Emirati movers and shakers Omar Saif Ghobash, the assistant minister for culture and public diplomacy at the UAE’s Foreign Ministry, and Khalaf Ahmad Al-Habtoor, founder and chairman of Al-Habtoor Group of Companies.
Poetry lovers can enjoy the world premiere of the multi-lingual, multi-genre collaboration of Emirati spoken word poet Dr. Afra Atiq with Colombian-American award-winning poet Carlos Andrés Gómez, and singer, songwriter and music producer Brent Shuttleworth.


NEOM Energy and Water Company wins global recognition

Updated 16 June 2025
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NEOM Energy and Water Company wins global recognition

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Energy and Water Company has been named first runner-up in the Innovative Research and Development Award (International Institutions category) during the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Global Water Award. The company was recognized for pioneering membrane-based crystallization technology that enables high-efficiency freshwater recovery and mineral extraction from brine.

Held under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum Global Initiatives and supervised by the UAE Water Aid Foundation, the $1-million-award supports research institutions developing scalable, sustainable solutions to address global water scarcity through renewable energy and advanced technologies.

The NEOM-developed system replaces traditional energy-intensive thermal evaporation with a membrane-based approach. Using forward-osmosis principles and specially engineered membranes, the technology enables the extraction of valuable minerals such as salt, lithium and bromine, while simultaneously recovering desalinated water from seawater or brackish brine. The system operates at just 7 kWh per cubic meter, compared to 75-80 kWh/ cubic meters in conventional thermal systems.

The process begins with standard seawater reverse osmosis, where chemically embedded membranes capture more than 99 percent of targeted minerals. The brine then passes through a two-stage brackish water reverse-osmosis system that isolates and concentrates the minerals to a purity of 99.5 percent or more.

The pilot plant, located at the Duba Desalination Plant in Saudi Arabia, operates at a capacity of 1,200 cubic meters per day and has demonstrated strong performance under real-world conditions, with a technology readiness level of six. Beyond reducing environmental impact and operating costs, the innovation has the potential to redefine the economics of desalination by enabling mineral recovery at scale.

“The global water crisis threatens health, food security and economic development. By investing in advanced water technologies and fostering collaboration among governments, the private sector and innovators, we can find effective, sustainable solutions for billions affected,” said Dr. Noura Chehab, head of the research and innovation team at the NEOM Water Innovation Center.

“Receiving this award recognizes our team’s years of work and inspires us to continue advancing technologies that enhance ocean water use and help solve critical water challenges for a more sustainable future,” said Dr. Nikolay Voutchkov, executive director of the NEOM Water Innovation Center.


Major infrastructure and transport upgrades boost Hajj experience

Updated 16 June 2025
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Major infrastructure and transport upgrades boost Hajj experience

The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites significantly enhanced the pilgrim experience during Hajj by implementing advanced infrastructure projects, particularly in the energy and transportation sectors.

In a substantial investment exceeding SR3 billion ($800 million), the commission boosted electricity capacity in the holy sites by 95 percent and distributed more than 7 million cubic meters of water, ensuring robust essential services for pilgrims.

The commission also managed an integrated transportation system involving over 23,000 buses. It launched the General Center for Transport as a unified hub to streamline movement. This center spearheaded the public transportation plan for all stages of the Hajj, in collaboration with the Public Security. Dedicated frequency lanes for buses drastically reduced travel time to just 20 minutes.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Kidana Development Company, the commission increased bed capacity in the holy sites by more than 60 percent and opened an emergency hospital. It also equipped 71 rapid intervention points for the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, shaded over 170,000 square meters of paths with rubber flooring, and planted 23,000 trees in Mina.

Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites CEO Saleh Al-Rasheed commended the tireless efforts of the wise leadership, which he said were instrumental in the success of this year’s Hajj season. He also lauded the continuous cooperation and diligent work of all participating entities.


Saudi digital wallet tiqmo partners with MoneyGram

Updated 16 June 2025
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Saudi digital wallet tiqmo partners with MoneyGram

MoneyGram, a global payments network for consumers, businesses and communities, has announced a partnership with tiqmo, a Saudi mobile payment service provider. Through this partnership, tiqmo users across Saudi Arabia can now transfer money to more than 200 countries and territories via the global MoneyGram network.

With this integration, tiqmo customers will gain access to more than 5 billion digital endpoints and over 480,000 MoneyGram locations worldwide, supporting send and receive options in over 120 currencies. Additionally, tiqmo provides a range of international financial services including bank account transfers, digital wallet transfers, cash pick-up, bill payments and mobile top-ups.

tiqmo is one of the fastest-growing apps in Saudi Arabia, licensed by the Saudi Central Bank. Since its launch in 2024, tiqmo has rapidly established itself as a leading digital wallet in Saudi Arabia, and across the Middle East and North Africa region. Trusted by millions of users, tiqmo selected MoneyGram as its cross-border payments partner due to the breadth of its extensive global reach, trusted infrastructure and strong footprint in Saudi Arabia — one of the world’s largest remittance markets.

“We believe that our partnership with MoneyGram will strengthen tiqmo’s portfolio of international financial services and connect our customers with a payment brand known around the world,” said Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan, managing director at tiqmo. “In line with Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s digital transformation objectives and in pursuit of our goal to redefine digital financial services, we are delighted to welcome MoneyGram into our world-class digital payments ecosystem for the MENA financial services and marketplace.”

“This partnership reflects MoneyGram’s leadership in enabling digital cross-border payments and advancing financial inclusion across the region,” said Ahmed Aly, head of Middle East, South Asia and Asia Pacific at MoneyGram. “By expanding our digital network through this collaboration with tiqmo — one of the Kingdom’s most innovative and fast-growing wallets — we are reinforcing our role as a key enabler of remittance innovation and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 toward a more inclusive and digitally empowered financial ecosystem.”

According to the World Bank, Saudia Arabia was the second largest sender of remittances in 2022, with more than $39 billion flowing abroad. This new service is expected to benefit customers sending money to top recipient countries, such India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Egypt, Indonesia and Nepal.


Driving digital growth in MENAT: A reflection on the Stanford GSB case study, ‘Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage’

Updated 16 June 2025
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Driving digital growth in MENAT: A reflection on the Stanford GSB case study, ‘Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage’

Stanford Graduate School of Business selects companies that redefine industries, scale sustainably, and set new benchmarks for success. Aleph was the subject of a recent study titled “Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage,” which provided an in-depth exploration of how trust, innovation, and strategic execution built a company that is bridging the global digital divide.

Digital advertising has often been defined by volume and scale, where the focus is on platform size and audience reach, however the Stanford GSB case study, “Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage,” invites us to reconsider this approach, especially in emerging markets like the MENAT by considering the value of prioritizing the opportunities we unlock for businesses, creators, and communities across the world, which is at the core of Aleph’s mission, and particularly relevant to the MENAT’s dynamic landscape.

This region, with its unique blend of tradition and rapid modernization, stands at the forefront of not only digital transformation but digital revolution. Aleph’s approach, as detailed in the Stanford study, is not just about providing access; it’s about building a sustainable ecosystem that fosters growth and innovation. In MENAT, we see firsthand the transformative power of digital inclusion, where businesses are not just adopting new technologies, but are reshaping their identities and creating new opportunities. 

Aleph has been present in the MENAT for more than 20 years (previously Connect Ads), pioneering the digital advertising industry in the region with a geofootprint covering 15 markets through eight strategically located offices spanning the region, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Gulf, and being part of this as Aleph’s MD in MENAT, and I can speak on behalf of our entire MENAT teams of more than 180+ digital advertising experts, makes us proud — proud to be part of this great legacy, proud to play a role in empowering, advancing and developing our region and its great people. We see Stanford GSB case study, “Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage” as a testament to the value we bring. To put it simply, it is a confirmation that we are definitely doing something meaningful here.

Our journey continues and is defined by several key principles: decisive decision-making, unwavering persistence, a strong belief in our mission, and a clear vision for the future of digital growth in emerging markets. These principles are not just abstract concepts; they are the driving force behind our expansion, our partnerships, and our commitment to our clients across the MENAT. As the Stanford case study illustrates, our focus on education, financial solutions, and localized support is crucial for navigating the complexities of this diverse region.

Here are some key takeaways and highlights from the Stanford GSB case study, which are particularly relevant to our region:

  • Building sustainable ecosystems: Aleph’s approach is about creating ecosystems that foster growth and innovation. This is particularly important in MENAT, where building a robust and sustainable digital infrastructure with an eye on human capability building and upskilling is crucial for long-term economic development.
  • Empowering entrepreneurs: The case study emphasizes Aleph’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, a vision that strongly resonates in MENAT, where there’s a growing drive to support local businesses and innovation.
  • Transformative power of digital inclusion: The study highlights the transformative power of digital inclusion. In the MENAT, this is evident in how businesses and people are adopting new technologies and reshaping their identities, leading to new opportunities and growth.
  • Strategic focus: The case study also underlines the importance of education, financial solutions, and localized support, which are key to navigating the diversity and challenges of the MENAT region.

The MENAT region holds immense potential, and we are committed to unlocking it by providing businesses with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in the global digital landscape. This case study is proof that our approach is not only effective, but also transformative. It inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, to keep innovating, and to work tirelessly to ensure that the digital future is accessible to all.

  • The writer, Mohamed Megahed, is managing director of Aleph, MENAT.

 


Abeer Medical lauded for Hajj healthcare services

Updated 15 June 2025
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Abeer Medical lauded for Hajj healthcare services

Abeer Medical Group has concluded its 2025 Hajj pilgrimage medical services with resounding success, providing vital healthcare to thousands of pilgrims in both Mina and Arafah. Their dedicated efforts, which ensured a healthier and more fulfilling Hajj experience for many, have been lauded by pilgrims and health officials alike.

In Mina, Abeer’s Urgent Medical Care Center, situated at Tent 5505 on Street 520, served more than 2,000 pilgrims this year. Operating with full approval from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Health, the center became operational a day before pilgrims’ arrival on June 4. A volunteer team of doctors, nurses, and paramedics worked tirelessly, attending to pilgrims from over 12 countries, with a significant number from Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, and Pakistan. The clinic remained open until all pilgrims had departed Mina.

Saudi Health Minister Fahad AlJalajel, who led a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Health to inspect the Abeer clinic’s preparations, expressed his satisfaction with the arrangements. Abdurahman Al-Bedani, operation manager at Abeer Medical Group, received the delegation. Pilgrims who utilized the clinic’s services expressed profound appreciation for Abeer’s dedicated care.

Dr. Ahmed Alungal, executive vice president, and Dr. Jamsheed Ahmed, vice president of Abeer Medical Group, directly supervised the Mina clinic’s operations. Alungal Mohammed, president of Abeer Medical Group, extended his gratitude to all participants, expressing pride in providing healthcare facilities to pilgrims for the second consecutive year.

Beyond Mina, Abeer Medical Group’s commitment extended to the critical rituals at Arafah. Recognizing the profound emotional impact of missing the Arafah stand for pilgrims admitted to hospitals due to health conditions, Abeer’s dedicated healthcare team ensured that even these patients could fulfill this essential rite. A fleet of ambulances, accompanied by doctors and paramedics, safely transported patients to Arafah within the designated time, turning hope into reality for many.

This comprehensive and compassionate approach to pilgrim healthcare by Abeer Medical Group, strongly supported by the Saudi Ministry of Health, has significantly contributed to the well-being and spiritual fulfillment of Hajj pilgrims this year.