Pakistani educator in Kingdom wins Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award

Farrukh Saleem Ghouri
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Updated 27 April 2025
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Pakistani educator in Kingdom wins Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Award

The International Education group at Cambridge University Press and Assessment has announced accounting and business studies teacher Farrukh Saleem Ghouri from Pakistan International School Jeddah English Section as the regional winner of the 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards in the  Middle East and North Africa. Ghouri is the first teacher in Saudi Arabia to be recognized as a regional winner in the competition’s seven-year history.

Ghouri is one of nine regional winners of the global Cambridge competition that celebrates the achievements of teachers around the world. As a regional winner, he will win 500 pounds ($665) worth of books for his class, a trophy, take part in a regional awards ceremony and receive publicity for himself and his school during the coming year. He will also appear on a “Thank you” page at the front of a range of new Cambridge textbooks, available to the public from November.

Ghouri has more than 25 years’ experience teaching Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A Level accounting and business studies. Currently serving as head of department — commerce at PISJES in Jeddah, Ghouri prides himself in delivering more than just the syllabus.

“Teaching, to me, isn’t just about explaining concepts or helping students pass exams. It’s about unlocking their potential, challenging them to think bigger, and standing beside them as they discover what they’re capable of,” he said. “Whether it’s late-night after school events or guiding students through moments of uncertainty, I believe true education happens when we show up — fully, genuinely, and consistently.” I’ve simply tried to be the kind of mentor I once needed, and if that’s made a difference, then I consider myself incredibly fortunate.”

By going to dedicatedteacher.cambridge.org/vote, the public can now vote for Ghouri or another of the nine regional winners to become the overall, global winner. 

The deadline to vote is April 30 and the winner will be announced on May 21.

Rod Smith, managing director of International Education, said: “I congratulate Farrukh on his immense accomplishments, which I’m sure will inspire teachers and learners across Saudi Arabia.”


Lulu opens new stores near holy sites to enhance pilgrim experience

Updated 05 June 2025
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Lulu opens new stores near holy sites to enhance pilgrim experience

Saudi Arabia is hosting millions of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj, which is taking place from June 4 to 9. The Kingdom continues to ensure an organized, safe, and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims.

As part of efforts to enhance pilgrim services, Lulu Group has partnered with Kidanh Development Company, under the supervision of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, to open new retail stores near key pilgrimage locations, including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. These stores are already operational, providing easy access to essential items such as food, beverages, and personal care products.

The agreement was signed by Muhammed Al-Mejmaj, executive manager at Kidanh, and Bashar Naseer Al-Besher, executive administration manager of Lulu Group.

The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on improving quality of life and expanding private sector involvement in national development. This partnership marks a significant step toward enhancing the overall Hajj experience through effective public-private collaboration.

Kidanh’s development strategy includes modernizing traditional market areas near the holy sites to better serve the needs of pilgrims through modern infrastructure and organized retail services.

More than 122,000 Indian pilgrims, including over 16,000 from Kerala, are performing Hajj this year. The new Lulu outlets are designed to meet the needs of this diverse and growing pilgrim community by offering trusted products in strategically located stores. Retail outlets have already opened, and shopping is underway, making Lulu one of the first major retailers to begin operating in close proximity to the holy sites. This reinforces Lulu’s commitment to service excellence and community support.


3,500 products, 25 countries: Saudi Warehousing Expo concludes

Updated 04 June 2025
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3,500 products, 25 countries: Saudi Warehousing Expo concludes

The Saudi Warehousing and Logistics Expo was held last week in Riyadh under the patronage of the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services. The event, which took place at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from May 27-29, showcased more than 3,500 products, solutions, systems and services to improve supply chain efficiency across warehousing, transport and logistics.

The exhibition opened with a formal inauguration by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, graced by Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih.

A strong lineup of government entities participated under the ministry, including Saudi Arabia Railways, Roads General Authority, General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Post SPL, Transport General Authority and Saudi Ports Authority.

The exhibition featured exhibitors from more than 25 countries. Some of the top exhibiting brands included Swisslog, a global leader in intralogistics, warehouse automation and material handling; El-Ajou, a Saudi enterprise delivering integrated digital solutions and workspace services that enhance operational efficiency; SAL Logistics, a leading logistics and supply chain services provider in the Kingdom; and Savoye, a technology solutions provider in logistics and warehousing, among others.

An invite-only gathering on May 27, Saudi Warehousing and Logistics Summit was headlined by more than 40 influential voices shaping the future of warehousing and logistics in the Kingdom. The CPD-accredited program explored key themes including AI integration, infrastructure transformation, ESG and future workforce development, all aligned with Vision 2030. 

Focused on strategy, collaboration and long-term value creation, the summit offered critical insight into the sector’s next phase of growth.

On May 28-29, Hala Chats presented fast-paced sessions tackling operational challenges through case studies, panels and success stories from Saudi Arabia’s logistics and warehousing ecosystem. With contributions from industry leaders at Swisslog Middle East, Smartlog MEA, Dematic, Kaden, Shipsy and more, the program offered visitors an opportunity to gain practical insights and learn how leading organizations are responding to real-world demands.

Showcasing Saudi Arabia’s $6.7 billion commercial vehicle market, Commercial Vehicles Zone highlighted manufacturers, fleet solutions, electric vehicles and alternative fuel technologies and more. Brands such as Toyota, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, Bin-Shihon and Petromin — Foton headlined the exhibition.

Sponsored by SADR Logistics Services, Demo Hub featured a live, intelligent shuttle system that handles real-time pallet and container movement with seamless integration into warehouse control and management systems, using RFID and barcode scanning. The setup includes high-density pallet shuttles and container shuttles for fast goods-to-person picking, offering a first-hand view of warehouse automation.

Powered by Rfufco, Pack n Stack Challenge encouraged visitors to test their speed, precision and stacking skills in a fast-paced logistics simulation.


HungerStation records milestone achievements in 2025, reinforcing leadership in quick commerce

Updated 04 June 2025
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HungerStation records milestone achievements in 2025, reinforcing leadership in quick commerce

Ali Al-Damanhouri, CEO of HungerStation, announced through his official accounts on X and LinkedIn that HungerStation — a leading Saudi tech and delivery company — has achieved a series of significant milestones in 2025, further strengthening its position as a key driver of quick commerce transformation across the Kingdom. 

Al-Damanhouri said that these accomplishments reflect the trust of customers, the strength of strategic partnerships, and the efficiency of the team leading the company’s journey toward broader horizons of innovation and sustainable growth in the delivery sector. 

In recent months, HungerStation has achieved remarkable results across various fronts, including: 

  • The number of subscribers to HungerStation Plus (HPlus) surpassed 10 million, with over 100 million orders completed to date. 
  • The company provided exclusive discounts to HPlus members exceeding SR1.5 billion ($400 million), reinforcing its commitment to delivering real value to its customers. 

The announcement concluded by affirming that these milestones mark the beginning of a new phase of smart growth and technological innovation, aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. These achievements further cement HungerStation’s role as a pioneering company shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s digital and logistics ecosystem — a future that is being written today, with HungerStation leading the transformation. 


Flying cars in Saudi Arabia? ALJ, Joby sign agreement

Updated 04 June 2025
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Flying cars in Saudi Arabia? ALJ, Joby sign agreement

Abdul Latif Jameel, an 80-year-old network of diversified businesses, and Joby Aviation, a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, have announced the signing of an MoU to explore opportunities to establish a distribution agreement in Saudi Arabia for Joby’s electric aircraft.

This announcement builds upon the renewed economic partnership between the US administration and the Saudi government toward shared innovation and transportation growth. Potential delivery of up to 200 Joby aircraft and related services valued at approximately $1 billion are expected by the businesses over the coming years. In the long-term, Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby also see potential revenue opportunities across the Middle East. 

Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby share complementary long-term visions to revolutionize the future of mobility through transportation services that are cleaner, safer, more efficient and more affordable, helping to improve passenger experiences while simultaneously protecting the planet. In addition, the Jameel family invested in Joby’s Series C funding round, led by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2020.

The direct sale of aircraft through businesses such as Abdul Latif Jameel form one pillar of Joby’s commercialization strategy. Additionally, Joby will directly own and operate its aircraft and services in certain markets, like the US, and partner for similar operations in other markets, such as Japan. 

“This collaboration is about bringing America’s leadership in electric air mobility to the world,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “Together with Abdul Latif Jameel, we’re not just imagining a cleaner, safer, more efficient future— we’re building it. And there is no better partner to help unlock the extraordinary opportunity for air travel in the region.”

Hassan Jameel, vice chairman, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel, said: “Saudi Arabia is transitioning toward a new era of mobility — one that is on-demand, shared, connected, and sustainable. eVTOL is an exciting and important component of this. We are looking forward to collaborating with Joby to support the transformation of the Kingdom’s mobility sector. This collaboration also comes as Abdul Latif Jameel Motors marks 70 years of distributing Toyota in Saudi Arabia — a strategic investor in Joby.”

Joby’s collaboration with Abdul Latif Jameel will initially focus on Saudi Arabia, where Abdul Latif Jameel has an extensive presence, network and deep operational experience. The two businesses will work together to explore distribution and sales collaborations, the launch of local air taxi services, including the establishment of aftermarket services such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul, and pilot training.

Joby’s piloted, all-electric aircraft is designed to carry four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, offering high-speed mobility with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions. The business plans to carry its first passengers in Dubai in 2026.

Given the importance of mobility to Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation, the collaboration will drive socioeconomic growth in the Kingdom and create employment opportunities for Saudi nationals, in line with Vision 2030.


Hajj: Najm ensures safety of pilgrims on the road

Updated 03 June 2025
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Hajj: Najm ensures safety of pilgrims on the road

Najm is playing a pivotal role in bolstering traffic safety within the holy sites by ensuring prompt arrival at accident scenes, initiating necessary procedures and alleviating traffic congestion.

Najm’s operational plan for Hajj reinforces national efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. The plan facilitates the smooth and secure performance of rituals, safeguarding pilgrims from the moment of their arrival at the Kingdom’s border crossings until their safe return home. Najm has prepared a field fleet of approximately 120 vehicles, including 54 motorcycles, and a dedicated field team of more than 150 qualified specialists.

The operational plan incorporates a robust, integrated technical infrastructure designed to proactively manage the expected rise in pilgrim numbers and bolster traffic safety in the holy sites. A central operations room, outfitted with the latest smart systems and diverse digital communication channels, serves as the command hub. This network leverages tools such as the Najm application, IVR system, and the direction and control system. Complementing these are a full-service call center and WhatsApp service, all integrated to expedite response times and optimize the handling of any traffic incidents. 

Abdullah Al-Khalaf, acting CEO at Najm

Abdullah Al-Khalaf, acting CEO at Najm, said: “We at Najm are proud to be part of the integrated national system concerned with serving pilgrims, under the supervision of our leadership. We have worked to improve our operational readiness this year in a qualitative manner, harnessing all our human and technical capabilities to support the efforts made to enhance traffic safety during the Hajj season in cooperation with the General Traffic Department and all concerned parties.”

He added: “Najm’s operational plan for this year’s Hajj season reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to caring for pilgrims. It aligns with the ‘Pilgrims’ Experience Program’ — a key initiative of Saudi Vision 2030 — to enhance the Hajj journey and enable pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.”

In addition, within the framework of its social responsibility program “Najm Al-Khair” and in continuation of the company’s efforts in the Hajj mission, Najm is sponsoring the “Aoun” initiative in cooperation with the National Center for Responsibility and Studies. 

Aoun is a community initiative helping pilgrims through a team of volunteers providing professional services to pilgrims that enable them to perform their rituals with ease.

Moreover, Manafeth, Najm’s subsidiary, is actively receiving pilgrims at the Kingdom’s border crossings. Manafeth facilitates their entry by issuing mandatory third-party liability insurance for foreign vehicles. This service, accessible through its border offices, website, and the Manafeth application, ensures pilgrims receive necessary insurance protection, safeguarding their rights and covering their liabilities in the event of traffic incidents during their Hajj.