Social media, e-governance and cyber ambitions dominated the agenda at the second day of the 3rd Annual Kingdom e-Government Summit in Riyadh.
The day comprised of workshops, addresses, panel discussions and a keynote address from Suhail Al-Almaee, director of strategic planning and support initiatives at Yesser, the Kingdom’s e-Government program.
After reviewing the achievements of the First National Action Plan, Al-Amaee presented details of the Second National Action Plan’s initiatives, displaying a particular focus on staff development.
“We are working with Boston University to train CIOs within the government — already 62 individuals have gone to the university and are undergoing training,” he said.
Understanding the ever-changing role of social networking outlets, Fadi Salem, director of Governance and Innovation Program at Dubai School of Government, explored the various ways governments can use social media to help increase knowledge sharing and innovation between and among government entities, citizens and the private sector.
He said: “There is a shift of the way social media used — in 2010 people were used to make social connections, 2011 it had to do with political activism and journalism, and in 2012 it was increasingly concerned about the development of society and institutionalyzing the civil works.”
Salem’s address was followed by an interactive panel discussion during which participants examined just how the government can implement social media use to communicate with citizens and still maintain the culture of Saudi Arabia.
Hosted by French business information group naseba, the 3rd Annual e-Government Summit closed with a workshop led by Mohammed Aal Salem, dean of e-Learning and Distance Learning at Jazan University.
Social media, e-governance take center stage at summit
Social media, e-governance take center stage at summit
Diriyah Company woos UK investors with London center
Diriyah Company is launching a new marketing initiative at one of London’s most prestigious locations to showcase the project.
The Diriyah House Experience Center will be hosted at One Hyde Park, a premier business address in Knightsbridge near Harrods. It will provide an immersive experience for those interested in opportunities in Diriyah, one of Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects located on the outskirts of Riyadh.
The Diriyah House Experience Center’s official opening is scheduled for the beginning of July. The center will operate as a co-branded hub operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, the UK company originally founded by Sotheby’s art dealers.
Sotheby’s International Realty has recently entered the Saudi market and chose Diriyah as a key launchpad, already marketing branded residences for prestigious hospitality names such as The Ritz-Carlton, Corinthia, and Baccarat — all part of the landmark developments taking shape in Diriyah.
The Diriyah House Experience Center will include a state-of-the-art marketing suite featuring a masterplan model and flexible model display. It will bring the “City of Earth” to life for a wider global audience. Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “We are delighted to open this high-profile and prestigious experience center in the heart of London. This prestigious London address enables us to share Diriyah’s story on a global stage in a truly world-class setting, strengthening our international outreach as we build one of the world’s greatest gathering places, rooted in the history, heritage and culture of the Kingdom.”
George Azar, chairman and CEO of Sotheby International Realty, Dubai, the UK, and Saudi Arabia, added: “We are proud to collaborate with Diriyah Company on this landmark initiative and to support the launch of the Diriyah House Experience Center at One Hyde Park. As their partners, we are pleased to offer our experience and expertise in presenting ultra-prime real estate to a global audience. With a strong foothold in the UK’s super-prime market, this collaboration allows us to do what we do best — represent the world’s most exceptional properties while acting as local experts with global reach.”
Through this partnership, we look forward to connecting discerning investors and stakeholders in the UK with the extraordinary vision and opportunities emerging in Diriyah.”
The announcement of the center follows a successful month-long activation by Diriyah Company at Harrods in London in July 2024. The campaign featured a showcase of Diriyah’s master plan models and a supporting out-of-home marketing campaign across the city.
This international engagement reflects the growing global appetite for investment in the City of Earth and reinforces Diriyah’s commitment to connecting with the international investment community.
Located on the outskirts of Riyadh and backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Diriyah is an integrated urban development project covering 14 square kilometers. It includes building homes for around 100,000 residents and is expected to create nearly 180,000 jobs. Its ambition is to attract approximately 50 million visits annually, contributing an estimated SR70 billion ($18.6 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP. Diriyah Company does not have any permanent establishment or a place of business in the UK. The Diriyah House Experience Center is operated by Sotheby’s International Realty for the sole purpose of marketing Diriyah’ s projects.
New report reveals trends shaping future of halal travel
As awareness of Muslim travelers’ needs grows, halal travel is increasingly shaping how destinations design and deliver experiences. According to the newly released 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index, international Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 — up 25 percent from 2023 — and are projected to grow to 245 million by 2030. By then, total travel spending is expected to reach $230 billion, highlighting the growing influence and economic potential of this vibrant market.
To stay competitive, travel and tourism stakeholders must adapt to the evolving needs of Muslim travelers, prioritizing purpose, inclusivity, and digital innovation.
Key consumer trends impacting halal travel
• Smart apps: Muslim travelers are embracing digital tools that offer seamless access to faith-aligned services and personalized experiences.
• The modern female Muslim traveler: Women are shaping the halal travel sector in powerful ways, driving demand for safer, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed spaces.
• Muslim-friendly facilities: Destinations that offer alcohol-free environments, halal-certified dining, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated pools and spas are becoming essential.
• Solo travel surge: Younger Muslim travelers are embracing solo adventures, favoring autonomy and personalized itineraries.
• Digital detox retreats: Inspired by Islamic values of mindfulness and balance, many travelers are seeking tech-free escapes rooted in nature and spirituality.
Among OIC destinations, Malaysia retains the top spot, recognized for its accessible halal-friendly services and infrastructure. Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE share the second spot, each offering a strong combination of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and dedicated efforts to enhance the Muslim travel experience. Indonesia also ranks highly, supported by its rich cultural appeal.
Other notable destinations in the Gulf region include Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, all of which continue to strengthen their offerings for Muslim travelers.
Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore remains the leader — recognized for its emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Thailand and the Philippines are steadily emerging as rising Muslim-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. Thailand offers warm hospitality and a growing range of halal-certified services, while the Philippines is enhancing its capacity to serve Muslim travelers through better halal food access and Muslim-friendly features at key tourist sites.
SEVEN invests in future of Saudi entertainment sector
Saudi Entertainment Ventures, known as SEVEN, is investing heavily in the future of the Kingdom’s entertainment sector by creating a broad spectrum of job opportunities, said Abdulelah AlFawzan, chief projects officer at SEVEN.
AlFawzan told Arab News that SEVEN is developing a diverse range of technical, creative, operational, and managerial roles to unlock “new horizons of joy” while building a thriving and sustainable workforce that mirrors the energy and ambition of Saudi Arabia.
He said the company has already achieved 55 percent Saudization across its workforce, including 45 percent in leadership positions. “Through initiatives such as our Future Leadership Program in partnership with IMD, we are equipping Saudi talent with global best practices in entertainment management, ensuring they are prepared to lead this sector forward,” AlFawzan explained.
He said that delivering the best guest experiences depends on passionate, diverse teams who deeply understand and share the culture of the communities they serve. “We are committed to creating opportunities that empower Saudi youth to build meaningful careers in the entertainment industry,” he added.
The chief projects officer revealed that SEVEN is reshaping international entertainment experiences to resonate strongly with Saudi cultural values.
AlFawzan stressed that guests remain at the core of every decision SEVEN makes. When collaborating with global brands like Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, and Hasbro, the company ensures a robust commitment to meaningful localization.
“It is never a matter of simply importing a concept,” he said. “We carefully reinterpret every experience to reflect Saudi traditions, family values, and community preferences.”
AlFawzan disclosed that more than 60 percent of SEVEN’s offerings are locally inspired, which guarantees that each destination feels authentic, familiar, and welcoming to Saudi audiences. “Our aim is for every visitor to feel a deep sense of cultural pride and connection upon entering a SEVEN venue because, for us, entertainment reflects identity — not just leisure,” he said.
Addressing concerns about whether large-scale projects like SEVEN overshadow local businesses in favor of international brands, AlFawzan reaffirmed the company’s dedication to nurturing both.
“We firmly believe that global and local players, alongside diverse creative talent, are all essential to the success of our destinations,” he said. While SEVEN partners with renowned names such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, Flow House, Play-Doh, Clip ‘n Climb, and Hasbro, it equally prioritizes celebrating Saudi creativity.
He said that the company is actively developing original attractions and homegrown concepts across its venues by working closely with Saudi artists and entrepreneurs to bring local content and ideas to life.
“Whether through Saudi-owned offerings or regionally inspired entertainment, we are establishing platforms where local innovation can thrive alongside international intellectual properties,” AlFawzan said. “Our guests deserve an entertainment landscape that honors global excellence while remaining deeply rooted in Saudi identity, originality, and values.”
AlFawzan also said that SEVEN places sustainability and cultural connection at the core of its nationwide entertainment developments, fully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
“Sustainability is not an afterthought at SEVEN; it is a guiding principle embedded in every stage of our development,” he said. He detailed how the company integrates environmental responsibility from design through construction and into long-term operations, with a clear focus on minimizing environmental impact.
He said that SEVEN is targeting LEED certification across its portfolio spanning 14 cities. “To date, we have recycled more than 75 percent of construction waste and sourced over 50 percent of materials from certified green suppliers,” AlFawzan noted. He highlighted that the incorporation of high-performance solutions has led to energy savings of up to 20 percent and water savings of up to 80 percent in key project locations.
Beyond environmental stewardship, SEVEN prioritizes broader social impact through community engagement and cultural preservation. “Entertainment is a powerful catalyst for community connection and cultural pride,” AlFawzan explained.
“With over SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) invested across 14 cities, our projects are accessible within minutes or a short drive for most Saudi communities,” he pointed out. “Accessibility is at the heart of our vision: making extraordinary experiences part of everyday life.”
He also revealed that SEVEN is introducing region-first and world-first concepts to the Kingdom, including the world’s first Hot Wheels electric go-karting experience and next-generation Family Entertainment Centers that seamlessly combine physical play with digital interaction.
“But more than the rides and attractions, what truly sets SEVEN apart is our focus on culture and community,” he added.
Nova Water signs MoU with Saudi NCVC to plant 200,000 trees
Nova Water, a bottled drinking water company, has signed an MoU with the Saudi National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification to plant 200,000 trees across the Kingdom by 2030.
This initiative underscores Nova’s ongoing environmental mission to reduce its ecological footprint and protect local ecosystems — while directly contributing to the overarching goals of the Saudi Green Initiative. It marks the latest step taken by the company to combat desertification, advance the development of a sustainable water ecosystem and safeguard the Kingdom’s future.
The agreement was officially signed by Dr. Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Abdulqader, CEO of NCVC, and Sulayman Serdar Seyhanli, CEO of Nova Water. The collaboration focuses on four core areas: identifying key locations for reforestation, prioritizing the use of native plant species, engaging Nova employees in afforestation activities, and supporting the rehabilitation of Saad National Park, located near the company’s facilities in Rumah, 120 km east of Riyadh.
Seyhanli said: “At Nova Water, we understand the importance of implementing innovative environmental solutions in the water sector. Our agreement with the NCVC is a testament to our unwavering support for national sustainability initiatives. Together, we are building a greener future while aligning with the ambitions of Vision 2030 and contributing to the protection and expansion of the Kingdom’s natural green cover.”
He added: “As a natural partner of the Saudi Green Initiative, this agreement represents a carefully planned execution strategy — covering irrigation, planting, and the ongoing care of seedlings across agreed-upon areas.”
Our reforestation efforts will span the next six years, from 2025 through to 2030, and will culminate in the successful planting of 200,000 trees and shrubs across Saudi Arabia. We are fully committed to seeing this goal through.”
This ambitious program seeks to create long-term environmental and social impact, including restoring native wildlife habitats, rehabilitating decertified lands, and enhancing biodiversity. Ultimately, it will support rainfall regeneration, provide shelter and food for local fauna, and contribute to rebalancing fragile ecosystems — which are the very objectives the NCVC was established to fulfill since its inception in 2021.
John Fekete joins CBRE MENA as general manager for advisory business in KSA
CBRE Middle East, a global leader in commercial real estate services, has appointed John Fekete as the new general manager for its advisory operations in Saudi Arabia.
Fekete joins CBRE from Qiddiya, where he served as the executive director of real estate strategy, spearheading the office, retail and residential strategy of one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious projects as part of the Vision 2030 initiative. Prior to this, he held senior positions at JLL in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, where he played a crucial role in shaping real estate strategies across the Middle East and North Africa.
Commenting on his appointment, Fekete said: “I am honored to join CBRE, a company renowned for its commitment to excellence in the real estate sector. I look forward to working with this talented team to drive growth and deliver outstanding results for our clients in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the realization of Vision 2030.”
Throughout his career, Fekete has demonstrated expertise in urban planning, transactions, property management, investment management, and strategic planning. In his previous roles, he managed real estate strategies across multiple countries in the EMEA region including his role at Citigroup as EMEA head of real estate.
Michael Young, managing director for CBRE MENA region, said: “We are delighted to welcome John to our team; his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the real estate market will be invaluable as we continue to grow our operations in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”
Anshuman Magazine, chairman and CEO for India, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, added: “We are thrilled to welcome John to our team.”
A highly respected leader in the real estate industry, John brings a wealth of experience and deep market insight. His exceptional track record and strategic vision will be instrumental in driving outstanding value to our clients. We look forward to the impact his leadership will have on our advisory operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
