King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) and Saudi Public Transport Co. (SAPTCO) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up a city check-in counter at SAPTCO’s bus station in Dammam.
Abdullah Al-Jaoini, director general of KFIA, said: "Under the arrangement, passengers will be able to check in their luggage at the bus station, as part of the airport’s plan to upgrade its services for the benefit of passengers."
The new service aims at facilitating the check-in through issuing of a boarding pass and transmitting passengers' luggage from the central part of Dammam instead of the airport, prior to the scheduled departure time flights.
Moreover, passengers' luggage will be transferred safely to the airport and loaded directly onto the plane after security checks, while passengers will be directly headed to the travel portals.
The new check-in lounge will include four counters, a system for automatic deportation, baggage, luggage packaging, and screens to display flight information, luggage storage, and parking lots.
KFIA, SAPTCO ink MoU for city check-in facility
KFIA, SAPTCO ink MoU for city check-in facility
A guide to the ultimate winter experience at LIWA 2025
The Liwa International Festival is back in full swing, bringing the ultimate winter experience to the golden dunes of Al-Dhafra, UAE, until Jan. 4, 2025.
Whether you are seeking inspiring cultural experiences or thrilling new adventures, LIWA 2025 offers something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the action, create unforgettable memories, and explore everything this iconic event has to offer:
Getting there
- By car: Take Sheikh Zayed Road (E10) toward Sweihan/Al-Ain, following signs for Liwa. Continue on this route until you reach your destination.
- Free parking is available on-site with ample spots for visitors.
Accommodation options
- Camping and glamping: Experience the magic of the desert under the stars. Bring your own tent or RV, or book a spot through the Liwa Sports Club app.
- Luxury options: Indulge in a luxurious stay at one of the many hotels, including Bab Al-Nojoum Bateen Liwa, Qasr Al-Sarab Desert Resort, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort and Western Hotel Liwa. For more options, visit the LIWA Fest’s website.
Festival amenities
- Enjoy a seamless and comfortable festival experience with these convenient amenities:
- Stay connected: 5G network connectivity throughout the festival site.
- Medical assistance: A 24/7 on-site medical clinic is available to ensure your safety and well-being.
- EV charging stations: Take advantage of dedicated charging stations across the festival site.
- On-site essentials: Supermarkets, ATMs, and a petrol station are available for your convenience.
Final tips:
- Arrive early: Get a head start on your day and allow yourself plenty of time to explore everything at LIWA 2025.
- Dress for comfort: Wear breathable clothing and comfortable shoes — sportswear is recommended.
- Stay safe: Follow safety guidelines, especially around motorsport events and camping areas.
Key festival highlights
For thrill-seekers
- Feel the adrenaline rush at the Monster Jam shows (Dec. 27–28) or witness daring performances at the Moreeb Dune Car Championship (Jan. 2–4), held on the towering 300-meter Tal Moreeb, the UAE’s tallest dune.
- Witness the Freestyle Drift Championship (Dec. 27–28) for high-speed excitement and expert driving skills.
- Experience the adrenaline rush of the UTV Drag Racing competition (Dec. 29) or the Car Stunt Competition (Dec. 30–31), where daring drivers tackle the steep slopes of Moreeb Dune.
- Celebrate the New Year with the Electronic Freestyle Championship (Jan. 1), showcasing jaw-dropping manoeuvres.
- For the ultimate thrill, participate in iconic dune-bashing adventures, where you navigate the towering sands of Tal Moreeb.
- Or head to the Liwa Village’s Adrenaline Zone to experience thrilling carnival rides and challenge-based games or visit the Meydan Zone a dynamic gaming area offering activities like a shooting range, laser tag, and more.
For families
- Spend time at Liwa Village’s Wanasa Zone - A family hotspot offering a perfect blend of creativity and interactive entertainment. Explore attractions such as the Night Oasis, Petting Zoo, and a spine-tingling Horror Escape Room.
- Soar above the golden dunes on a Hot Air Balloon ride for panoramic views of the stunning desert landscape of Al Dhafra, a magical experience for all ages.
- Marvel at jaw-dropping acrobatics, special effects, and family-friendly performances by world-class circus talent at the Hollywood Circus.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the desert from the heart of Liwa Village on the Shams Liwa Ferris Wheel, a must-visit attraction.
For culture enthusiasts
- Heritage Displays and Demonstrations: Witness traditional crafts and skills that bring the UAE’s rich cultural legacy to life.
- Discover authentic Emirati art forms and explore heritage exhibits that celebrate the nation’s history.
- Browse intricate handicrafts, shop for unique keepsakes, and enjoy live demonstrations of local artistry.
- All at the Souk in Liwa Village.
Entertainment highlights
- Concerts and Tarab Liwa: Enjoy performances by Aseel Hameem and Mahmoud Al-Turky on Dec. 28. Do not miss the New Year’s Eve concert with Abadi Al-Johar and Rahma Riad, followed by spectacular fireworks at midnight.
- Nightly fireworks: Be captivated by dazzling displays lighting up the sky at 8 p.m. every evening.
- Film shows: Immerse yourself in a video projection on Moreeb Dune, celebrating the legacy of racing champions happening daily at 8 p.m., 10 p.m. and midnight.
For the foodies:
- Liwa Village Souk: Savor traditional Emirati dishes like Harees and Luqaimat, crafted by local chefs who bring the UAE’s rich culinary heritage to life.
- F&B Zone at Liwa Walk: Enjoy a wide variety of global cuisines, including sizzling burgers, shawarma, falafel, Mexican bites, and more, all served fresh and bursting with flavour.
Ready for an Unforgettable Adventure?
Don’t miss out on Abu Dhabi’s ultimate winter festival! From thrilling motorsports to cultural treasures and family fun, LIWA 2025 promises memories to last a lifetime.
Follow @liwafest and @liwavillage: Stay updated with the full schedule, and catch the latest stories and highlights from the festival and village on social media.
Learn more: liwainternationalfestival.ae
Get tickets: abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
MBSC partners with Saudi Water Authority to develop leaders
Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship has partnered with the Saudi Water Authority to design an innovative high-potential development program.
This program reflects SWA’s dedication to investing in its talent pipeline and MBSC’s mission to nurture leaders with impact, confidence, and an entrepreneurial mindset. The HIPO development program offers participants the unique opportunity to enhance their leadership capabilities, unlock their potential, and develop essential skills to drive high performance within their organizations.
Through a meticulously designed curriculum, the program will enable participants to:
•Discover strengths: Participants will gain deeper self-awareness, identifying their unique strengths and areas for growth.
•Harness new skills: Focused sessions will cultivate cutting-edge skills aligned with organizational and personal success.
•Adopt an entrepreneurial mindset: The program emphasizes innovation and strategic thinking, empowering participants to lead transformative change.
•Build meaningful connections: The initiative fosters networking among like-minded professionals, enabling collaboration and knowledge exchange.
This collaboration is part of a broader memorandum of understanding between MBSC and SWA, to establish a strategic framework for cooperation in key areas such as leadership development, women’s empowerment, digital transformation, and professional training. The MoU also underpins a shared vision to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by diversifying the national economy and enhancing competitiveness at both local and international levels.
Dr. Zeger Degraeve, dean of MBSC, said: “We are proud to partner with SWA to launch the development program, which aligns seamlessly with our mission to develop leaders who can drive impact and transformation across key sectors. This initiative underscores MBSC’s position as a catalyst for change, empowering individuals to not only achieve personal excellence but also advance the Kingdom’s broader goals.”
SCAI and SMC unite to transform Saudi advertising landscape
The Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence, a Public Investment Fund company, and Saudi Media Company, a leader in digital advertising sales across the Middle East, have signed an agreement to establish an innovative joint venture, marking a transformative step in the adtech industry. The partnership combines SCAI’s technological leadership with SMC’s robust media expertise to build a comprehensive platform designed to address the evolving needs of advertisers and publishers through advanced advertising solutions.
The signing ceremony, officiated by SCAI’s CEO George Nazi and SMC’s Chairman Mohammed Al-Khereiji, represents a major milestone in both the regional and global adtech ecosystems, reaffirming the leadership of both organizations in driving technological and commercial advancements. The event was attended by representatives from SCAI, SMC and the PIF, demonstrating substantial support for the partnership.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Nazi said: “This joint venture reflects our commitment to innovation and our vision to lead the adtech transformation in the region. By combining SCAI’s technological prowess with SMC’s market expertise, we aim to create solutions that not only address the immediate needs of the advertising and publishing realms but also set a new standard for excellence in the industry.”
Al-Khereiji added: “We are proud to partner with SCAI in this forward-thinking initiative. This joint venture is not just a business endeavor but a major stride toward redefining how technology and AI intersect in the media and advertising space. Together, we aim to deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders and help shape the future of digital media and advertising in the Middle East.”
Khalid Alkhudair, CEO of SMC, said: “This collaboration marks a transformative step in the media and advertising field. By combining SCAI’s technological capabilities with SMC’s deep expertise in media, we are creating a company that will redefine how data and AI are leveraged to deliver impactful advertising solutions.”
He added: “SMC’s goal is to drive innovation and empower stakeholders with tools and platforms that offer precision, efficiency, and unmatched value in a rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.”
The new digital and AI company in media and advertising is conducting an extensive assessment of the market in Saudi Arabia and the region to lay the foundation for adtech and mediatech applications. This endeavor will streamline advertising processes for buyers and optimize the monetization of digital properties for sellers. Central to these technologies is a focus on precision and efficiency, achieved by managing insights and aligning strategies through advanced tech and AI applications.
LuLu opens first store in Makkah, 250th globally
Lulu Retail launched its first store in Makkah, located close to Masjid Al-Haram, in Jabal Omar on Ibrahim Al-Khalil Street. This highly anticipated opening marks a significant milestone, as it also represents Lulu’s 250th store globally, highlighting the retailer’s remarkable growth and expansion across the Middle East and beyond.
The new Makkah store is strategically positioned to serve both the local community and the millions of pilgrims who visit the holy city each year. With its prime location near the Holy Mosque, the store provides a top-quality shopping experience for visitors and residents alike, making it easier for them to access essential products and services.
The store was inaugurated by Zaher Abdulmajeed Khan, leasing manager at Jabal Omar Development Company, and Samer Sabra, chief asset management officer at Jabal Omar Development Company. Dignitaries who attended the launch event included Ashraf Ali M.A., executive director of Lulu Group; Shehim Mohammed, director of Lulu Saudi Hypermarkets; Rafeek Mohammed Ali, western region director of Lulu Hypermarkets, and other officials.
“We are proud to open our new store in Makkah, and are committed to providing high-quality services and products to pilgrims and local communities. This store is a reflection of our dedication to supporting the growing needs of the community, particularly those traveling to this holiest city. We are pleased to contribute to making their visit more convenient by offering a wide range of products tailored to their needs. This opening marks an important milestone in our long-term expansion strategy across the Kingdom,” said Ashraf Ali.
The Makkah store features a variety of offerings, including an express supermarket, a fresh food section, Lulu Connect for mobile accessories, digital electronics and services, and a fashion store showcasing a wide range of collections.
The store operates 24 hours a day, allowing customers to shop whenever they need, whether for everyday essentials or during the busy pilgrimage seasons.
The opening of Lulu’s first store in Makkah is part of a broader expansion strategy, with plans to open more outlets in both Makkah and Madinah over the coming months.
Lulu’s growth in Saudi Arabia continues to gain momentum, with plans to open 100 stores across the Kingdom within the next three years.
New Murabba launches training program for young Saudis
New Murabba — a PIF Company — has announced the launch of its inaugural Graduates Program, a strategic initiative designed to cultivate and empower the next generation of Saudi leaders. The program welcomed its first cohort, marking a significant milestone in New Murabba’s commitment to developing exceptional talent and contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Through a rigorous selection process, New Murabba has identified exceptional graduates who embody the program’s values. This immersive program will equip these individuals with critical skills in construction, engineering, project management, artificial intelligence, and other key areas, ensuring they are prepared to contribute to building the world’s “largest and most transformative downtown.”
“Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, New Murabba is dedicated to investing in the nation’s future by providing unparalleled opportunities for its youth,” the company said in a statement. “This program exemplifies the company’s commitment to education, training, and workforce localization. Participants will embark on a transformative journey that seamlessly integrates structured on-the-job training with targeted learning courses.”
Mamdouh Al-Quraishi, chief corporate services officer, said: “By cultivating the next generation of leaders, New Murabba aspires to build a brighter tomorrow for our nation. We are confident these graduates will shape the future of our community and drive innovation on a global scale.”
The New Murabba Graduates Program represents a significant investment in the future leaders of Saudi Arabia. This initiative, along with other upcoming efforts, will lay the foundation for a new generation of skilled professionals who will remarkably support the continuous development taking place in the Kingdom.
