Hyundai Motor Company Middle East and Africa, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Netzero, has announced a new initiative to plant 20,000 trees across the Kingdom. This project aligns with Vision 2030’s goals, emphasizing sustainability and environmental stewardship within the Kingdom.

The announcement was made during a signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture office in Riyadh, with attendance from Hyundai, the Ministry’s Sedra Program, and Netzero.

The tree-planting campaign is designed to have a substantial impact on CO2 absorption, ecosystem restoration, and overall sustainability efforts in the Kingdom. By enhancing green spaces, this initiative contributes to a healthier environment, supports biodiversity, and bolsters climate resilience.

Tarek Mosaad, business strategies and planning group director for Hyundai Middle East and Africa, said: “Hyundai’s commitment to environmental responsibility goes beyond vehicle manufacturing and marketing. The company strives to enhance customer trust through impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives, demonstrating that sustainable practices are at the core of its operations. This tree-planting project reflects Hyundai’s dedication to fostering a greener future for Saudi Arabia and underscores its role as a leader in sustainability.”

The benefits of this initiative are both environmental and social. By engaging local communities in the planting process, Hyundai aims to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and inspire collective action toward a sustainable future. This initiative not only promotes a cleaner environment but also strengthens community bonds and encourages active participation in environmental stewardship.

As Hyundai continues to work hand-in-hand with the Saudi government and local distributors, this tree-planting initiative marks a key milestone in its ongoing journey to support Vision 2030. 

Global hospitality technology company OYO has launched its premium hotel brand Sunday in Saudi Arabia with the opening of Sunday Emerald Hotel in Jeddah. It is a 72-room property on Saeed bin Zaqr Street, near to popular tourist hotspots such as the world’s tallest unsupported flagpole, King Fahad’s Fountain and Bicycle Square in Jeddah.

There are multiple food and beverages outlets in the hotel to cater to the different requirements of the guests.

OYO has strategically chosen Jeddah to launch its Sunday brand of hotels in Saudi Arabia, recognizing the city’s role as a critical transit hub for millions of Muslim pilgrims traveling to Makkah and Madinah, especially during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. This religious importance draws a vast influx of visitors annually, many of whom seek premium accommodation options to enhance their pilgrimage experience.

Through the Sunday brand, OYO will meet this demand by offering high-quality stays that blend comfort, convenience, and cultural sensitivity. It breaks away from the mold of traditional hotels and offers a unique proposition of modern-day luxury coupled with mindfully curated experiences that enable guests to unwind at their own pace.

Sunday Hotels offer an immersive experience, designed to engage the local community, and showcase creativity. Each property has a dedicated team of highly trained hospitality professionals that ensure personalized services for every guest. From the moment of arrival, guests are treated to a seamless check-in process, with staff available around the clock to cater to their needs.

One of the hallmarks of the Sunday brand is its luxurious amenities, designed to offer the ultimate in comfort and convenience. Each hotel features spacious and elegantly furnished rooms equipped with modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, premium bedding, and well-appointed bathrooms. Many Sunday hotels also offer additional luxuries such as in-room dining, mini-bars, and premium toiletries. The concierge service provides travel arrangements, local recommendations, and any special requests, ensuring a memorable stay for all visitors.

Mohannd Bazerbashi, country head, OYO Saudi Arabia, said: “Through this launch, we aim to contribute to the Kingdom’s vibrant tourism ecosystem and drive a positive economic impact by creating local employment opportunities and fostering community engagement. It also aligns with Vision 2030’s ambition to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030 and further strengthens OYO’s footprint in the Middle East region.”

According to the World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, Saudi Arabia recorded a 73 percent increase in the number of international tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period of 2019.

OYO Hotels and Homes is a global hospitality chain with a presence in more than 35 countries. Sunday was originally launched in May 2023 in India by a joint venture between Softbank and Oravel Stays. 

The first Sunday hotel was launched in the globally popular heritage destination Jaipur followed by the UK and Dubai.