Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in the Kingdom, and Goumbook, a not-for-profit social enterprise pioneering sustainability-related initiatives in the MENA and GCC regions, have announced the launch of the second edition of the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Program for the 2024/2025 cohort. 

Building on the success of the inaugural edition, the program reaffirms SAB’s commitment to advancing sustainable innovation across the MENAT. It will empower and upskill researchers, students, and innovators with regenerative and entrepreneurial expertise to tackle critical challenges in food systems, biodiversity loss, climate change, and water management across the region. 

The program seeks to bridge the gap between academia, research, and the business sector by transforming research, science, and nature-based solutions and sustainable impact solutions into accessible, scalable, and sustainable long-term outcomes tailored to the needs of small to medium-sized farm holders. 

Innovators, researchers, and students focusing on regenerative agriculture are encouraged to apply on the program website by Jan. 6, 2025. Applicants will be able to present their ideas and receive support to develop their regenerative solutions addressing pressing issues such as food security, water management, and ecosystem restoration.

Faten Abalkhail, chief governance and corporate affairs officer at SAB, said: “Our support for RAVP is deeply rooted in the belief that regenerative agriculture can lead to substantial environmental and economic benefits. By fostering a culture of innovation and resilience, we aim to support impactful solutions for Saudi Arabia and the broader region’s unique challenges in soil health, water scarcity, and sustainable food production. Our commitment reflects a profound investment in the present and a sustainable, thriving legacy for our communities and the environment that supports us all.”

Samantha Kayruz, Goumbook’s strategy and sustainability impact director, said: “The continued support for the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Program reflects our commitment to empowering researchers and innovators to deliver solutions for the region’s unique challenges. Through this initiative, we aim to build on last year’s success and provide a platform for impactful projects addressing food, water, and climate issues while improving livelihoods across the region.”

Aligned with SAB’s environmental, social, and governance vision, the bank recognizes that ESG considerations are integral to the continued prosperity of both the Kingdom and the global economy. SAB is dedicated to mobilizing finance to enable an inclusive, diverse, and equitable transition toward a more sustainable future by embedding ESG principles into its operations. 

Regenerative agriculture, through its fundamental principles and adoption of resilient crop varieties that require less water, fewer pesticides, and reduced chemical inputs, is an approach that translates as a vital component in addressing the region-specific agriculture and climate challenges of the MENAT region. Regenerative agriculture also holds the potential to sequester carbon dioxide, making it a climate change mitigation and adaptation solution. 

Tata Motors, India’s leading multinational automobile manufacturer, launched its first automated manual transmission truck, the Tata Prima 4440.S AMT in Saudi Arabia at the Heavy Equipment and Trucks Show in Dammam. Based on its flagship platform, the Prima 4440.S AMT is built with the company’s global expertise to deliver unmatched reliability and performance. Equipped with a powerful drivetrain, robust aggregates and a comfortable cabin, the new truck perfectly blends driver comfort and fuel efficiency to offer higher productivity and profitability to its customers. Additionally, Tata Motors showcased five of its high-performance products at the HEAT Show, which are designed and engineered to suit the country’s requirements and cater to a wide variety of applications.

Unveiling Tata Motors’ HEAT Show pavilion, Anurag Mehrotra, head, international business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said: “Saudi Arabia is a key region for Tata Motors, where we have proudly established a strong presence and are serving the customers for decades. As the Kingdom undergoes rapid transformation, we remain committed to supporting its evolving mobility needs with our advanced solutions. With a strong focus on innovative technologies, reliability and customer profitability, we are proud to launch our first automated manual transmission truck in the Kingdom. We are confident that its world-class reliability, performance and smart features will aid the country’s ambitious growth aspirations and offer long-term value for our customers.”

Mehrotra further commented on the ongoing development of Tata’s available product lineup within the Kingdom, saying: “We are extremely happy to share that with the launch of the latest Prima truck, we are starting to complete the range of products that will be required to serve the market of Saudi Arabia. Anything that you need from a cargo or passenger mobility standpoint, we have a product for the Kingdom.” He added: “From a product range perspective, whether you look at trucks or buses, the portfolio we offer now is more complete.” 

Commenting on the Tata Group’s strategy in the Kingdom, Mehrotra said: “As a group, we have always approached the country with a sense of service. We are here to ensure that the country realizes its dreams and visions. If it is right for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it will be right for the Tata Group.”

Tata Motors’ range of trucks are complemented by comprehensive value-added services, provided in partnership with its official distributor Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Co. Customers across the Kingdom will benefit from a wide network of service touchpoints, skilled technicians, and easy access to Tata Genuine Parts that maximize vehicle uptime and enhance overall customer satisfaction.

Azeem Khan, managing director, Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Co, said: “Our successful partnership with Tata Motors allows us to bring to our customers reliable products developed as per the evolving needs of the Kingdom. With the introduction of the Prima 4440.S AMT, we remain committed to providing exceptional after-sales support, ensuring seamless operations for our customers. We will continue to deliver the highest level of service, backed by our strong service network and dedicated teams, to keep our customers’ businesses moving forward.”