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GLOBAL WOMEN IN PR MENA WELCOMES LYNN AL KHATIB AS NEW BOARD MEMBER, AS IT CELEBRATES 100 MEMBER MILESTONE

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شمس سيف
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GLOBAL WOMEN IN PR MENA WELCOMES LYNN AL KHATIB AS NEW BOARD MEMBER, AS IT CELEBRATES 100 MEMBER MILESTONE
GLOBAL WOMEN IN PR MENA WELCOMES LYNN AL KHATIB AS NEW BOARD MEMBER, AS IT CELEBRATES 100 MEMBER MILESTONE

Global Women in PR (GWPR) MENA is proud to announce the appointment of Lynn Al Khatib, Vice President, Communications of Chalhoub Group, as its new board member.

Lynn is a seasoned communications professional with more than 15 years of experience in the field. Throughout her career, Lynn has demonstrated a strong focus on empowering women within the communications industry.

“As someone committed to advancing women’s leadership in PR, I’m honored to join the board of Global Women in PR MENA and support its powerful regional mission to empower and elevate women across the communications industry.

“Today, communications plays an ever more critical role in shaping brands, organizations, and thought leaders — and as professionals, whether in-house or at agencies, we must continue evolving to deliver true value. In a world where corporate career growth is becoming more limited and traditional measures of success increasingly blurred, I look forward to contributing to both women and the industry through this incredible board of inspiring leaders.” said Lynn Al Khatib.

Her appointment comes at a time of rapid growth for GWPR MENA, which now celebrates 100 members — a testament to its ongoing commitment to advancing female leadership in the region’s communications industry.

Loretta Ahmed, GWPR MENA Chair and Founder and CEO of Houbara Communications, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Lynn Al Khatib, Vice President Communications at Chalhoub Group, to the board of Global Women in PR MENA. As we continue championing gender parity at the highest levels of the industry, Lynn’s voice and perspective will play an important role in driving meaningful progress.”

GWPR is a global not-for-profit network that champions and connects senior women in communications. Its MENA chapter provides a collaborative platform to tackle key industry challenges and drive tangible impact. Through practical initiatives, GWPR MENA empowers women to lead change, shape the future of the profession, and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

The GWPR MENA board is made up of six accomplished women from across the communications spectrum — agency, in-house, and consultancy — each bringing a wealth of experience and a shared passion for empowering women in the industry.

Together, they reflect the diversity and strength of the MENA region’s communications landscape and are united in their commitment to championing gender parity, fostering leadership, and driving long-term, positive change.

Board members include:

  • Loretta Ahmed, Founder and CEO, Houbara Communications – Chair
  • Louise Jacobson, Managing Director, Brazen MENA –  Board Member
  • Naamat Baradhy, Regional Communication Advisor, First Abu Dhabi Bank – Board Member
  • Radwa Allabban, Founder and Managing Director, Place Communications – Board Member
  • Purti Simon, Vice President, Teneo – Board Member
  • Lynn Al Khatib, Vice President, Communications, Chalhoub Group – Board Member

GWPR MENA welcomes women in senior leadership roles across agency, in-house, and consultancy environments with 10+ years of experience. Members gain access to exclusive career-building resources, including global networking, mentorship, thought leadership, and a collaborative platform for driving positive industry change.

Islamic Treasury Sukuk Auction for April 2025 Attracts Bids Worth AED 6.12Billion

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شمس سيف
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Islamic Treasury Sukuk Auction for April 2025 Attracts Bids Worth AED 6.12Billion
Islamic Treasury Sukuk Auction for April 2025 Attracts Bids Worth AED 6.12Billion
  • Oversubscription of 5.6 times.
  • Yield to Maturity (YTM) of 3.83% and 3.93% for May 2027 and September 2029 tranches, with spreads of up to 5 and flat basis points, respectively, over comparable US Treasuries.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF), in its capacity as the issuer and in collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) as the issuing and payment agent, successfully completed the auction of UAE Dirham-denominated Islamic Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk) amounting to AED 1.1 billion. This issuance forms part of the T-Sukuk issuance program for the year 2025, as published on the MoF’s official website.

The auction attracted robust demand from eight primary dealers across both tranches maturing in May 2027 and September 2029. The total bids received reached AED 6.12 billion, reflecting an oversubscription rate of 5.6 times, underscoring the strong confidence of investors in the UAE’s creditworthiness and Islamic finance framework.

The auction results highlighted competitive, market-driven pricing with a Yield to Maturity (YTM) of 3.83% for the May 2027 tranche and 3.93% for the September 2029 tranche. These yields represent a tight spread of 5 and flat basis points, respectively, above comparable US Treasuries at the time of issuance.

The Islamic T-Sukuk program plays a vital role in supporting the development of the UAE’s dirham-denominated yield curve, offering secure investment instruments for a wide range of investors. Furthermore, it reinforces the local debt capital market, contributes to the development of the broader investment landscape, and supports the UAE’s long-term economic sustainability and growth objectives.

For more information, please visit https://mof.gov.ae/federal-debt-management-office/.

Saudi Arabia ranks 15th globally for AI research papers, Global AI Competitiveness Index

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شمس سيف
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Saudi Arabia ranks 15th globally for AI research papers, Global AI Competitiveness Index
Saudi Arabia ranks 15th globally for AI research papers, Global AI Competitiveness Index

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key player in the global AI research landscape, ranking 15th globally in the number of AI research publications for 2025, according to the latest Global AI Competitiveness Index. 

The report is available for viewing at https://link.iff.org.cn/IFFAICIREP2EN.

The Index evaluates countries on the quantity and quality of their AI research, and measures factors such as the number of AI publications and their impact in academic journals. 

The study, which analysed more than two million Al-related scientific research papers and Al invention patents from countries around the globe, is a collaborative effort between the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group (DKG). The IFF is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in October 2003 by G20 countries and international organizations including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. DKG is a leading global think tank specializing in AI research and innovation, focusing on fostering advancements in technology, healthcare, and other strategic industries.

The report highlights the Kingdom’s remarkable contribution with 29,639 AI publications, a figure that underscores its growing position as an AI research hub, with over 823 AI publications per million people.

This achievement positions Saudi Arabia ahead of several well-established players such as the Netherlands, Singapore, Russia, Switzerland, and Sweden in the realm of AI research output. As the nation continues to focus on advancing AI technologies, the ranking highlights the progress made by Saudi Arabia in fostering a robust research ecosystem.

Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner at Deep Knowledge Group stated: “Saudi Arabia’s ranking aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives, reinforcing the country’s commitment to developing a sustainable, diversified knowledge-based economy. With AI being a central pillar in the nation’s development plans, the findings of our report pave the way for continued excellence and leadership in the field.”

“Saudi Arabia’s AI research output is a testament to the country’s commitment to becoming a leader in technology and innovation. The Kingdom’s strategic investments in AI infrastructure and talent development are already yielding impressive results, setting the stage for further advancements,” Kaminskiy added.

As the Kingdom continues to increase its investments in AI research, it is poised to further enhance its position in the global AI landscape, contributing to both technological innovation and economic development.

According to the report, Mainland China has become the region with the greatest total number of Al papers globally at 769,000, a 696% rise over the past 10 years. Japan and South Korea entered the global top 10, demonstrating East Asia’s contribution to global Al research.

SRMG and Naif Alrajhi Investment Announce a Strategic Partnership to Advance MENA’s Media and Advertising Ecosystem

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شمس سيف
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SRMG and Naif Alrajhi Investment Announce a Strategic Partnership to Advance MENA’s Media and Advertising Ecosystem
SRMG and Naif Alrajhi Investment Announce a Strategic Partnership to Advance MENA’s Media and Advertising Ecosystem
  • Partnership with Phi Advertising enhances Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising by combining Phi and SMS assets, offering diversified across the MENA region.
  • Partnership with Veyron Marketing to elevate the regional landscape by providing clients access to SMS’s dynamic portfolio of innovative digital formats, branded content, and experiential advertising solutions.

SRMG, the MENA region’s largest integrated media group, and Naif Alrajhi Investment, a leading Saudi investment firm with a diversified portfolio and a track record of leading portfolio companies in the media sector regionally, today announced a strategic partnership designed to advance innovation and growth across the media and advertising industries. This partnership focuses on two strategic pillars: Expanding Phi’s Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising footprint and partnering with Veyron Marketing to drive innovation in media and marketing.

The agreement brings together SRMG’s newly launched SRMG Media Solutions (SMS), a next generation data-driven advertising entity representing a portfolio of renowned brands including Asharq Al-Awsat, Asharq News and Asharq Business with Bloomberg, Arab News, Hia Magazine and Thmanya, with Naif Alrajhi Investment’s diversified assets.

Through the partnership, Phi, a key player in the Middle East’s Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising sector, offering a dynamic range of solutions from traditional billboards to cutting-edge digital displays, will amplify its reach, supported by SMS’s cross-platform content distribution across digital, social, TV, and print channels.

Moreover, Veyron Marketing, a leading player in Saudi Arabia’s advertising industry, renowned for its innovative marketing solutions and robust media planning and buying capabilities, will gain access to SRMG Media Solutions’ (SMS) dynamic portfolio of advertising offerings, including innovative digital formats, branded content, and experiential advertising.

The partnership is underpinned by a shared vision to foster innovation, expand digital capabilities, and unlock new commercial opportunities for both parties. Together, SMS and Veyron bring a deep understanding of the Saudi market, further strengthened by SRMG’s extensive global reach enabling them to drive long-term value for advertisers.

SRMG CEO Jomana R. Alrashid stated, “This partnership is a convergence of vision, impact and capability. By uniting Phi’s comprehensive presence and Veyron’s operational expertise, combined with SRMG Media Solutions’ services and reach of over 170 million users, we are creating a dynamic ecosystem that empowers brands to engage audiences with unmatched relevance and impact.”

Naif Saleh Alrajhi, Chairman & CEO of Naif Alrajhi Investment, commented, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovative advertising solutions, creating exceptional opportunities for both regional and global advertisers. By partnering with SRMG and SRMG Media Solutions with our own assets, we are positioning brands to engage with audiences in new and meaningful ways. The strength of Naif Alrajhi Investment lies in our diversified portfolio and strong presence across key sectors, which allows us to offer unique, high impact opportunities that go beyond traditional media. This Partnership not only leverages the incredible growth in Saudi Arabia but also aims to shape the future of the media and marketing landscape globally.”

The partnership underscores SRMG’s expansion through SMS, which leverages a global audience of over 170 million users across platforms such as Asharq News, podcasts, and experiential activations. This, coupled with Naif Alrajhi Investment’s diversified portfolio, positions the parternships to drive economic growth and redefine regional advertising standards.

For brands seeking to leverage this partnership, visit https://srmgms.com/ or contact partner@srmgms.com.

DAE Receives Additional US$282 million from Settlement of Insurance Claims

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شمس سيف
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DAE Receives Additional US$282 million from Settlement of Insurance Claims
DAE Receives Additional US$282 million from Settlement of Insurance Claims

Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Ltd (“DAE”) today announced that it had recently received cash proceeds totaling approximately US$282 million from settlements with selected insurance companies with respect to aircraft previously on lease to airline carriers in the Russian Federation. DAE and its relevant affiliated entities have released their claims against these insurance and reinsurance companies.

DAE has now received cumulative cash proceeds of US$601 million including settlements announced in 2023 and 2024 with various parties.

DAE will continue to actively pursue its litigation in the English courts under its own insurance policies. DAE will also continue its efforts to seek to mitigate its losses in respect of its aircraft that were previously leased to airline carriers in the Russian Federation.

Dubai Investments Shareholders Approve 18% Dividend at the 29th Annual General Meeting

By
Sahfy Sahfy
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Dubai Investments Shareholders Approve 18% Dividend at the 29th Annual General Meeting
Dubai Investments Shareholders Approve 18% Dividend at the 29th Annual General Meeting
Dubai Investments Shareholders Approve 18% Dividend at the 29th Annual General Meeting
Dubai Investments

Dubai Investments, the leading diversified investment company listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), has announced the distribution of 18% cash dividend, amounting to AED 765.36 million, for the financial year ended December 31, 2024. The proposal was approved by shareholders during the Company’s 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on April 16th, 2025.

The Group reported a net profit before tax of AED 1.3 billion for FY 2024, marking a 21% increase over the previous year. This performance reflects Dubai Investments’ continued focus on delivering value to shareholders through strategic growth and operational excellence.

In line with regulatory best practices and a commitment to robust governance, the AGM also witnessed the approval of a new Dividend Distribution Policy.

Arabian Travel Market to gather global AI experts to explore new frontiers in travel

By
Sahfy Sahfy
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Arabian Travel Market to gather global AI experts to explore new frontiers in travel
Arabian Travel Market to gather global AI experts to explore new frontiers in travel

The transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which takes place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The international travel event will gather experts and thought leaders in AI from around the world to explore how AI is changing the landscape of leisure and business travel, streamlining operations and improving the customer journey. 

According to recent research by Statista, AI and machine learning have accounted for approximately two-thirds of global technology investment deals by travel and mobility companies since 2020. Across the travel industry, AI is being embraced at every level, from customers using AI-powered tools to plan their journeys to tourism providers leveraging AI to improve resource management and deliver more personalised guest services. 

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “At ATM 2025, we are thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of visionary speakers. Attendees can expect engaging discussions that delve into the latest technological advancements, ethical considerations, and real-world applications. In addition, we will showcase groundbreaking developments across the exhibition, from sophisticated booking solutions to data analysis tools that empower organisations to make informed decisions. This is an unparalleled opportunity for travel industry professionals to be at the forefront of AI and gain actionable insights that can drive business success.” 

Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and a globally renowned speaker in AI
Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and a globally renowned speaker in AI

On the opening day of ATM, Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and a globally renowned speaker in AI, will lead an insightful session on “AI adoption: From Buzzwords to Business Strategy”, where she will outline how companies in the travel industry can identify genuine opportunities to improve their businesses. Kozyrkov will delve into why organisations struggle, uncover the biggest threats in the field and discuss what AI means for the future. 

Best known for founding the field of ‘Decision Intelligence’ and serving as Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, where she spearheaded the tech giant’s AI-first transformation, Kozyrkov is a sought-after AI advisor and speaker who has transformed how organisations such as Gucci, NASA, Spotify, Meta and GSK approach AI strategy. She has presented on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the United Nations (UN), and the World Economic Forum and is set to inspire and empower audiences at ATM on how to navigate the future with confidence and innovation. 

Speaking ahead of the event, Kozyrkov said: “I am delighted to be attending Arabian Travel Market 2025. There is a lot of hype around AI, but it can sometimes be difficult to separate the fact from the fiction. My session will help attendees see the opportunities to apply AI to their business, while also improving their lives and the lives of those around them. 

“AI has so much potential to unlock a better world. I hope I will be able to inspire attendees and show practical ways to harness the power and the beauty of data for automation.”

Elsewhere at ATM, Futurist and travel expert John Duffield will share fascinating insights on how AI and smart systems are reshaping the industry by enabling hyper-personalised experiences, seamless connectivity and innovations. During his presentation, Duffield will also discuss how travel providers can act now to prepare for these technologies, while addressing challenges such as data privacy and resistance to change. 

As technology continues to evolve, travel companies are identifying innovative ways to use human-centric technologies to connect with their customers. On 30 April, a panel of thought leaders, including Robin Lawther, VP Expedia TAAP, Expedia Group, will examine how the travel industry can use human-centric technology, addressing the ethical considerations surrounding AI, privacy and the importance of maintaining the human touch in an increasingly automated world. 

Dorothee Anjos, General Manager, Middle East at Multilem, will also touch on the importance of the human element in a thought-provoking discussion on the relationship between human connection and AI in the events industry. During this session, she will explore how integrating both is revolutionising the planning, execution, and experience of events, as well as addressing the challenges posed by the rise of AI.  

On 30 April, Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports will provide a comprehensive overview of what’s next for aviation in the age of transformation and global disruption, touching on how AI, among several other factors, is reshaping the future of flight. The session will discuss the role of artificial intelligence in optimising operations, predictive maintenance and passenger experience. 

Finally, Graham Pope, Vice President, Sales Supplier and Venue Solutions at Cvent will host a session titled Future-proofing 2025: Trends, AI and shifts in business and MICE travel, exploring how business event organisers can measure the impact of their events using a blend of strategic planning, effective data collection and robust analysis, of which AI plays a key role. 

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner. 

The latest ATM news stories are available at https://hub.wtm.com/category/press/atm-press-releases/.

Arthur D. Little: Saudi Arabia Positioned to Lead $8 Billion Feeder Shipping Boom

By
شمس سيف
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Arthur D. Little: Saudi Arabia Positioned to Lead $8 Billion Feeder Shipping Boom
Arthur D. Little: Saudi Arabia Positioned to Lead $8 Billion Feeder Shipping Boom
  •  Saudi Arabia is positioned to capture up to 45 percent of Red Sea and 35 percent of Gulf feeder trade as regional volumes rise to 41 million TEUs by 2030.
  • Feeder shipping delivers returns on assets of 17 to 23 percent, outperforming other logistics sectors and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s growth priorities.
  • The 8 billion dollar feeder market across MEEAT and South Asia centers on Saudi Arabia, with geography, infrastructure, and policy all aligned.
  • Red Sea container volumes are set to nearly double by 2030, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a key East West logistics hub.

As global logistics undergo rapid transformation, new research from Arthur D. Little (ADL) positions Saudi Arabia as a future powerhouse in feeder shipping, a high-potential segment of maritime trade set to grow to $451 billion globally by 2030. The Middle East, East Africa, Turkey (MEEAT), and South Asia region alone is forecast to account for $8 billion of that total, making it one of the most strategically valuable feeder markets in the world.

At the heart of this regional surge is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. According to ADL’s latest Viewpoint, Unlocking Opportunities in the Feeder Shipping Sector Saudi ports are poised to capture up to 45 percent of Red Sea feeder trade and 35 percent of Gulf trade, driven by infrastructure investment, geographic advantage, and Vision 2030’s logistics transformation agenda. Red Sea throughput alone is projected to nearly double from 12 million TEUs in 2021 to 23 million by 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a linchpin for intra-regional and East–West container movement.

Feeder shipping, the practice of transporting containers between smaller regional ports and major global hubs, is attracting growing interest from operators and investors due to returns on assets of 17 to 23 percent. This performance significantly outpaces returns in other freight and logistics segments such as rail, trucking, and traditional maritime transport. While historically overlooked, the sector has become an increasingly vital part of the global shipping ecosystem.

“Saudi Arabia sits at the intersection of macroeconomic shifts in global trade, regional port infrastructure growth, and heightened investor appetite for logistics assets that deliver strong, stable returns,” said Paolo Carlomagno, Partner at Arthur D. Little “Its ability to combine geographic proximity to high-growth corridors with government-backed investment strategies creates a uniquely scalable feeder shipping environment that few markets globally can match.”

ADL’s analysis outlines a phased strategy for capturing this opportunity. New entrants to the Saudi market are encouraged to adopt asset-light models, chartering vessels and building lean, responsive operations before scaling through asset ownership and deeper integration with major liners, freight forwarders, and regional exporters. This approach helps reduce capital risk while allowing operators to adapt quickly to demand and align with specific Saudi trade flows in the Red Sea, Gulf, and Arabian Sea.

“Saudi Arabia offers a rare combination of volume potential, policy alignment, and port readiness that makes it a natural launchpad for feeder shipping operations,” said Alexandre Sawaya, Principal at Arthur D. Little, Middle East. “The Kingdom is no longer a peripheral player in maritime trade. It is fast becoming a focal point for regional connectivity and a strategic base for operators seeking scale and resilience.”

The report also highlights feeder shipping’s compatibility with Saudi Arabia’s environmental priorities. Feeder vessels, being smaller and more agile, are easier to retrofit for clean fuels such as methanol, biodiesel hybrids, or hybrid-electric propulsion. This flexibility supports the Kingdom’s goals to reduce carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2060.

With container volumes rising, infrastructure expanding, and consolidation accelerating across the shipping landscape, ADL concludes that Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to lead the next phase of growth in feeder shipping.

Kilow, a Saudi Health Tech Startup, Launches Offering the First All-in-One Weight Loss Platform

By
Sahfy Sahfy
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Kilow, a Saudi Health Tech Startup, Launches Offering the First All-in-One Weight Loss Platform
Kilow, a Saudi Health Tech Startup, Launches Offering the First All-in-One Weight Loss Platform

Kilow (www.kilow.app), a Saudi-born digital health startup, officially launches today, introducing a new, science-backed approach to weight loss. Built by local experts for local needs, the platform offers a seamless, all-in-one program that brings together lifestyle coaching, health tracking, and, where appropriate, access to modern medical treatments like GLP-1 medications.

Designed specifically for the Saudi population, the application is only available in Saudi Arabia and in Arabic, with other languages to be added at a later stage.Kilow helps users lose weight in a safe, sustainable, and personalized way, whether they need expert medical support, habit-building tools, or targeted intervention options.

A One-Stop Shop for Weight Loss in Saudi Arabia

With obesity and chronic lifestyle-related conditions on the rise across developed nations, more people are searching for effective, personalized solutions. Kilow is built to meet that need- in Saudi Arabia, for Saudi lifestyles. The platform removes the friction, guesswork, and overwhelm from weight loss by offering:

  • Personalized nutrition, sleep, and exercise coaching
  • At-home lab testing and real-time health tracking
  • Home delivery of medications and health essentials
    Access to licensed medical consultations and optional GLP-1 medications
  • A Saudi-focused lifestyle modification program built for long-term results

Getting started is simple: users download the app, fill in a few health details, and receive a free medical consultation. After approval, they choose from flexible, affordable plans ranging from one to six months. 

Homegrown Innovation, Global Experience

Kilow is founded by digital health expert and four-time startup founder Fahed Al Essa, whose career spans five countries and two decades across healthcare, biotech, and digital health. But Kilow is rooted in Saudi Arabia-developed locally, and designed for the unique needs of Saudi users.

This isn’t just another weight loss app,” said Al Essa. “It’s built by people who understand the Saudi lifestyle and the health challenges we face. For me, Kilow is deeply personal-after years of struggling with my weight, I finally feel like I’ve found a solution that works, and I wanted to share that with others.

What makes Kilow stand out is its practical, culturally relevant approach to change.

If you tell someone in the GCC to stop eating rice, they probably won’t. But if you teach them how to eat rice better, that’s where we specialize. We don’t want to overhaul your life. We give you small, practical tools-like having vinegar before your rice meal to reduce blood sugar spikes. Tiny changes. Big effect.

 Looking Ahead

Kilow’s launch comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is placing wellness at the heart of Vision 2030. With regional expansion on the horizon, the company is also preparing to announce its first funding round in the coming weeks.

“We believe Saudi Arabia can lead the future of digital health,” said Al Essa. “With Kilow, we’re proud to show what local innovation can do- meeting real patient needs with real solutions.”

Future product plans include AI-powered meal tracking, personalized real-time coaching based on real-time activity and biometrics, and precision health features such as:

  • Genetic and hormonal testing to personalize treatment paths
  • Smart meal feedback using wearable glucose and activity data
  • Adaptive habit coaching powered by behavioral science
    Voice-guided check-ins to improve engagement and emotional well-being

Predictive health scoring to identify weight loss plateaus before they happen

Diriyah Company sets a Guinness World Record for the largest construction safety lesson

By
شمس سيف
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Diriyah Company sets a Guinness World Record for the largest construction safety lesson
Diriyah Company sets a Guinness World Record for the largest construction safety lesson
  • 2,864 workers gathered for a construction safety lesson in Wadi Safar development, Diriyah.
  • Diriyah Company has achieved a Total Recordable Incident Rate of 0.015 for ongoing infrastructure projects

 

Diriyah Company has set a new Guinness World Record for the largest construction safety lesson, with the participation of 2,864 workers in Diriyah’s Wadi Safar development. The record was achieved in collaboration with Al-Rashid Trading & Contracting Company (RTCC).

The World Record certification ceremony was held at Diriyah Company’s head office on 14 April 2025. Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, attended the ceremony alongside official representatives from Guinness World Records.

The 30-minute safety lesson focused on the “Top Five Critical Safety Hazards in the Construction Industry” and was conducted by a single safety instructor. Touching on key health and safety measures directly relevant to their daily tasks, the lesson highlighted the importance of safe working practices and personal responsibility on-site and is part of a broader commitment to safety training. Ongoing assessments will be conducted on-site, and additional training will be provided by Diriyah Company’s Occupational Health, Safety, & Security program.

To accommodate the scale of the exercise, a dedicated outdoor venue was constructed with a specially designed stage, creating an environment conducive to learning while also supporting the official record attempt. To accurately measure participation and uphold the integrity of the record attempt, a structured entry and exit system using special gates was implemented. This method provided a precise number of attendees, ensuring compliance with the record requirements. Through this initiative, Diriyah Company not only set a new benchmark in construction safety training but also reinforced its solid commitment to workers’ well-being.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “This new world record, in which Diriyah’s project staff gathered in Wadi Safar, one of Diriyah Company’s masterplans covering an area of over 62 sq km demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety and our goal of ensuring everyone returns home safely to their families. Our Health & Safety management system goes above and beyond to ensure and protect the welfare of employees, contractors and on-site teams working across the Diriyah project.”

Diriyah Company upholds the highest safety standards across its construction and development sites, reinforced by regular training sessions for both internal teams and external contractors. To date, Diriyah Company has achieved a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.015 for ongoing infrastructure projects. Wadi Safar, one of Diriyah Company’s masterplans, is an exclusive sanctuary of refinement and wellbeing built from a rich cultural heritage. It features a range of exclusive residential options and internationally renowned hospitality, retail and leisure venues. In July 2024, a $2.13 billion joint venture construction contract was awarded for the development of the Royal Equestrian & Polo Club, Wadi Safar and world-class hotels Aman Wadi Safar, Six Senses Wadi Safar, The Chedi Wadi Safar, and the Faena Wadi Safar. Wadi Safar is additionally the location for the prestigious Royal Golf Club, Wadi Safar, and the 27-hole signature championship golf course designed by golf legend Greg Norman.

Developed on the outskirts of the capital, Riyadh, Diriyah is one of Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects, backed by one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, the Public Investment Fund (PIF). As part of this transformative urban development, Diriyah aims to provide homes for nearly 100,000 residents, create an estimated 178,000 jobs, attract approximately 50 million annual visits, and contribute a remarkable $18.6 billion directly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP once completed.

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