Elm showcases smart solutions for pilgrims

Elm’s booth at the event.
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Updated 19 January 2025
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Elm showcases smart solutions for pilgrims

Elm, a digital solutions pioneer, concluded its participation as the strategic sponsor of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025, held recently in Jeddah. 

The company showcased a wide range of technological and smart solutions to enhance the experience of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, further simplifying the pilgrimage rituals and creating an innovative digital environment that provides the highest level of convenience for the guests of the two holy mosques.

Elm exhibited the “Smart Assistant for the Guests of the Two Holy Mosques,” an advanced AI-powered assistant designed to provide an interactive and seamless experience for Hajj and Umrah visitors, using voice and text, further streamlining and expediting responses to their inquiries in multiple languages. Furthermore, it decreases congestion by quickly guiding pilgrims and Umrah performers while also increasing the ability to handle a larger number of visitors to the two holy mosques.

The company also showcased the “Call Analyzer for Guests of the Two Holy Mosques,” which converts incoming calls into text for content analysis using AI to aid comprehension of vital contexts, generate analytical reports to support decision-making, and present recommendations to improve the quality of service provided to pilgrims and Umrah performers.

The company further showcased the “Digital Twin and Simulation for Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa,” which generates a comprehensive simulation of the experience for the pilgrims while considering their various characteristics.

Majid bin Saad Al-Arifi, official spokesman and VP of marketing at Elm, said: “The Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025 served as a unique platform to enhance the guests’ experience of the two holy mosques.”

It provided us with the opportunity to showcase our cutting-edge smart technologies and solutions, all aimed at improving the journeys of pilgrims and Umrah performers. This reflects our constant commitment to providing exceptional services that transcend the expectations of the guests of the two holy mosques, further ensuring their comfort and the smooth performance of the Nusuk ritual. We leverage our advanced capabilities in innovation and modern technologies to make substantial developments in Hajj and Umrah services. Our approach focuses on implementing advanced strategies that promote sustainable development and improve the overall quality of our offerings.”

He added: “We believe in the importance of developing robust partnerships with key decision-makers, where coordinated efforts and collaborations can incorporate Elm’s concepts and expertise into strategic decisions to attain the desired outcome. Elm’s reliability and recognition from our government partners are vital in achieving our mutual strategic goals. We remain committed to providing assistance at all stages of project execution to ensure the accomplishment of targeted goals and the constant improvement of services.”


Kohler inspires transformation at its first signature store in KSA

Updated 31 May 2025
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Kohler inspires transformation at its first signature store in KSA

Kohler Co., the global leader in kitchen and bath design and innovation, has launched its first signature store, KSS, in Saudi Arabia. 

This landmark showroom, developed in partnership with Bayt Al-Ebaa and designed by the internationally acclaimed Kristina Zanic Consultants, marks a significant milestone in Kohler’s commitment to transforming lifestyles through bold design, sustainable innovation, and immersive experiences.

The Riyadh KSS is an experiential space that showcases Kohler’s 151-year legacy of craftsmanship and innovation. 

It is designed to inspire visitors through a series of thoughtfully curated environments. 

These range from spaces that foster creative engagement and innovation, celebrate eco-conscious designs and have spaces such as Midnight Reverie, which balances sophistication with bold aesthetics; and Past Perfect, a timeless suite blending modern and traditional design languages. 

The store also introduces KALLISTA, a luxury brand that embodies artistry and quality, elevating the bathroom experience with its exquisite American craftsmanship and design heritage.

This immersive showroom is more than a retail space; it is a creative hub that integrates sustainable solutions, cutting-edge technology, and engaging content to elevate the quality of life for its visitors. 

Highlights include Kohler’s Anthem+ digital showering system featuring invigoration steam, sound tile shower speakers, and an innovative veil smart toilet in honed black, part of Kohler’s Design Changes Everything campaign.

“Our mission is to help people live more gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives — and this store embodies that vision," said David Kohler, chair and CEO of Kohler Co. 

“The launch of our first signature store in Saudi Arabia provides a terrific opportunity to invite the region to transform its expectations of daily living, showcase exceptional design, and build strong relationships to delight customers,” he added.

Kohler’s mission to help people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives resonates deeply with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly the Quality-of-Life program. 

The program aims to enhance lifestyle, promote healthy living, and foster sustainability — principles that are embedded in Kohler’s product portfolio and showroom experience. 

The KSS Riyadh store represents the first of many planned in the Kingdom, reinforcing Kohler’s long-term commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey toward a more vibrant and sustainable future.

“This partnership reflects a shared vision—to empower Saudi homes with transformative, future-ready living solutions,” said Abdullah Hakmi, owner of Bayt Al Ebaa. “This isn’t just a store. It’s a canvas for aspiration.” 

Bayt Al Ebaa is one of the leading suppliers of kitchen and bath materials in KSA. 

The aesthetic direction and spatial storytelling of the showroom were developed in collaboration with Kristina Zanic Consultants, known for their sophisticated, human-centric design sensibility.

For more than 150 years, Kohler Co. has been a global leader in bold design and innovation, dedicated to helping people live gracious, healthy, and sustainable lives through its kitchen and bath products; luxury cabinetry, tile, and lighting; wellness products and services; and luxury hospitality experiences and major championship golf. 

Privately held Kohler Co. was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin. 

The company also develops sustainable living solutions to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. 

Its Innovation for Good platform addresses pressing issues, such as clean water and safe sanitation, with breakthrough products and services for underserved communities. 

David Kohler serves as chair and CEO and represents the fourth generation of Kohler family leadership.


Naif Alrajhi Investment, Aljazira Capital launch SR1.7bn fund

Updated 30 May 2025
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Naif Alrajhi Investment, Aljazira Capital launch SR1.7bn fund

Naif Alrajhi Investment has formed a strategic partnership with Aljazira Capital to launch a closed private real estate investment fund. Valued at SR1.7 billion ($453.2 million), the fund will focus on the development of two high-impact real estate projects in Riyadh and Jeddah.

This partnership underscores the shared investment vision of both companies in the Saudi real estate market and their shared ambition to enhance its appeal by developing innovative, high-value projects. The fund will support the execution of two strategic developments in two of the Kingdom’s most prominent and dynamic cities.

In Riyadh, the fund will support the development of a luxury residential project in Al-Khuzama district, designed to offer a fully integrated residential environment. The project will feature a diverse range of private residences, premium services, and architectural designs aligned with Saudi Arabia’s modern vision. Strategically located near key landmarks in the capital, the project offers strong investment value and serves as an ideal choice for those seeking exceptional living in one of Riyadh’s most prestigious neighborhoods.

In Jeddah, the fund will support a mixed-use development in North Jeddah along King Abdulaziz Road. The project will feature residential and commercial towers, a luxury hotel, office spaces, retail outlets, and dining destinations. Designed to meet the growing demand for integrated, lifestyle-centric developments, the project combines living, working, and leisure in one strategic location. Its architectural design reflects Saudi Arabia’s vision to preserve and modernize the Kingdom’s identity, contributing to the evolving urban landscape of Jeddah in a contemporary and forward-looking way.

Naif Saleh Alrajhi, chairman and CEO of Naif Alrajhi Investment, said: “We are proud to partner with Aljazira Capital in developing two high-impact projects. Strategic locations were carefully selected, and the real estate offerings were designed based on thorough market research and trends, while ensuring alignment with the urban code and architectural identity of each region.” He added: “This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to developing distinctive real estate projects that enhance quality of life.”

Naif Al-Mesned, CEO and managing director of Aljazira Capital, said: “At Aljazira Capital, we remain dedicated to offering high-quality investment opportunities that align with our clients’ aspirations and respond to evolving market demands. The launch of this fund, in partnership with Naif Alrajhi Investment as a specialized real estate developer, reflects our strategy to diversify our investment offerings and reinforce our active presence in the real estate sector.”

Bandar Al-Hogail, head of real estate assets at Aljazira Capital, added: “The launch of this fund marks an important milestone in Aljazira Capital’s strategy to offer a diversified portfolio of high-quality real estate investment products.” He added: “Partnering with experienced industry specialists such as Naif Alrajhi Investment — the developer behind the fund’s projects — is a key factor in ensuring project success and achieving targeted returns.”

Naif Alrajhi Investment is one of the Kingdom’s leading investment groups, managing a diversified portfolio with a strong focus on the real estate sector. With a proven track record of success both locally and internationally, the company brings deep expertise and a strategic vision to developing real estate assets that meet the highest standards.


Aramco Digital, LTIMindtree launch NextEra — a next-generation IT services company in KSA

Updated 29 May 2025
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Aramco Digital, LTIMindtree launch NextEra — a next-generation IT services company in KSA

Aramco Digital, the digital and technology subsidiary of Aramco, and LTIMindtree, a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, have launched NextEra, a next-generation IT services company headquartered in Saudi Arabia.

A strategic joint venture between LTIMindtree and Aramco Digital, LTIM Aramco Digital Solutions for Information Technology Company-NextEra is designed to accelerate Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation in alignment with the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment to building a robust, homegrown digital ecosystem that fuels innovation, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.

Powered by advanced and emerging technologies, NextEra aims to offer organizations future-ready solutions that enhance operational efficiency, enable intelligent decision-making, and deliver seamless customer experiences.

NextEra’s foundation is built upon six core pillars — emerging technologies and automation, scalable cloud services, deep industry expertise, digital engineering, sustainability, and customer centricity.

Nabil Al-Nuaim, chairman of NextEra and CEO of Aramco Digital, said: “The launch of NextEra marks a pivotal milestone in our efforts to localize IT services and contribute to advancing the Kingdom’s digital landscape.

“We are glad to partner with LTIMindtree in establishing this joint venture, which brings together world-class technology expertise and deep local insight.

“Through NextEra, we aim to build a future-ready digital ecosystem that drives innovation, enhances national competitiveness, and contributes to the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey under Vision 2030.

“This collaboration also reinforces Aramco Digital’s commitment to accelerating digital progress across industrial and other strategic sectors,  delivering sustainable impact, long-term value, and alignment with national priorities.

"Partnering with Aramco Digital to establish NextEra is a significant milestone in LTIMindtree’s global expansion strategy. We are excited to bring our deep technical capabilities and cross-industry experience to support Saudi businesses in their digital journeys,” said Venu Lambu, vice chairman, NextEra; chief executive officer (designate) and whole-time director, LTIMindtree.

“This joint venture is a key step toward Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as we build a national platform for innovation and sustainable digital growth,” said Dina Aboonoq, CEO and board member, NextEra; executive VP, LTIMindtree.

“Through advanced delivery centers and partnerships with local universities, we’re accelerating digital transformation, empowering local talent, and supporting SMEs and major industries with tailored managed services that ensure excellence and compliance.”

NextEra is uniquely positioned to blend local insight with global expertise, delivering tailored solutions that cater to the dynamic needs of regional and international markets. From optimizing operations to fostering innovation across critical sectors, the company aims to be a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s digitally driven future.

Aramco Digital is the digital and technology subsidiary of Aramco, established to contribute to the Kingdom’s digital transformation under Vision 2030. It aims to advance industrial digital solutions in partnership with local and global partners, enabling sustainable growth across industrial and other strategic sectors.

LTIMindtree is a global technology consulting and digital solutions company that helps enterprises reimagine business models and accelerate innovation. With a client base of over 700 companies and a team of 84,000+ professionals across 30+ countries, LTIMindtree delivers transformative outcomes across industries. A part of the Larsen & Toubro Group, LTIMindtree is at the forefront of delivering large-scale digital transformation programs worldwide.


What Mauritius can learn from Saudi Arabia’s revolutionary transformation

Updated 29 May 2025
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What Mauritius can learn from Saudi Arabia’s revolutionary transformation

Saudi Arabia, once defined by its oil wealth, is undergoing a dramatic and deliberate transformation through Vision 2030, a bold national strategy spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This plan is not cosmetic, it is systemic. It reimagines the Kingdom as a global leader in technology, innovation, and tourism, moving beyond oil dependency to a diversified, future-ready economy.

Inayat Ramjean, a Mauritian with over 35 years of experience in Saudi Arabia, including leadership roles in international hospitality, has witnessed this transformation first-hand. Now back in Mauritius, he urges his homeland to draw inspiration from the Kingdom’s progress.

Reinvigorating tourism with vision and investment — Saudi Arabia’s pivot toward tourism has been nothing short of revolutionary. From streamlined e-visas to mega-projects like NEOM, Red Sea and AlUla, the Kingdom aims to host 150 million tourists annually by 2030. This has transformed the Kingdom into one of the top 10 most visited countries globally. Mauritius, once a premier destination, is now losing momentum. To reverse this trend, the country must reimagine its tourism model, focus on eco-luxury, and leverage its direct flight connections with Saudi Arabia to tap into new markets.

Leveraging technology and innovation — Saudi Arabia has moved from being a technology consumer to a global innovator, with initiatives in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure. Flagship projects like NEOM are powered by AI, renewables, and automation, setting global standards in urban planning and sustainability. Mauritius, with its youthful population and strong ICT foundation, should invest more strategically in digital skills, smart city development, and tech entrepreneurship to future-proof its economy.

Ensuring safety and stability — Saudi Arabia is now ranked the safest country among G20 nations, thanks to a renewed emphasis on public order and national security. In contrast, rising crime and social instability in Mauritius threaten both tourism and investment. Addressing these issues is not just about law enforcement, it’s about creating an environment where citizens and investors feel secure.

Strengthening bilateral and regional partnerships — Inayat played a key role in establishing ties between Saudi Arabia and Mauritius, including the opening of a Saudi embassy and flight connectivity. Mauritius must now position itself as a gateway for Saudi investment into Africa. Aligning with Vision 2030 can unlock partnerships in tourism, health, trade, and broader regional cooperation. Mauritius stands at a turning point. The Saudi model proves what is possible when vision, governance, and ambition converge. If Mauritius embraces reform and bold leadership, it too can become a global example of reinvention and resilience. The time for action is now.

  • The writer, Inayat Ramjean, is a hospitality consultant.

flynas launches retail subscription for IPO

Updated 29 May 2025
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flynas launches retail subscription for IPO

flynas Company, one of the leading low-cost carriers in the Middle East and North Africa region, has announced the opening of its retail subscription period for individual investors as part of its initial public offering on the Saudi Exchange.

The final offer price has been set at SR80 ($21) per share, marking the top end of the previously announced price range. This follows an overwhelming response from institutional investors, with the institutional tranche oversubscribed approximately 100 times, attracting SR409 billion in orders from local and international investors.

Retail investors have access to 10,251,114 shares, representing 20 percent of the total offering, while institutional investors have been allocated the remaining 80 percent.

Subscriptions can be made through a wide network of receiving banks and capital market institutions, including: Albilad Capital, Alinma Capital, Alistithmar Capital, Al-Jazira Capital, Alkhabeer Capital, Al-Rajhi Capital, ANB Capital, BSF Capital, Derayah Financial, GIB Capital, Riyad Capital, SAB Invest, Sahm Capital, SNB Capital, and Yaqeen Capital.

The retail subscription window will run from May 28 to June 1. Allocation will be completed by June 3 and refunds by June 5.