TEAM SPIRIT TAKES THE LEAD ACROSS SAUDI ARABIA AT THE MARRIOTT BUSINESS COUNCIL SPORTS TOURNAMENT 2025

2 يوليو 2025 - 23:41

كتب : Nibras Al-arab - نبراس العرب

Rashad Iskandrni

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, June, 2025 – Under the vibrant skies of Riyadh and Jeddah, the 2025 MBC Sports Tournament came to life with energy, unity and spirited competition. Organized by “Mr. Muntaser Allah – Chairman of the MBC Saudi Arabia & “Mr. Mahmoud Omar – Vice Chairman of the MBC Saudi Arabia” This year’s tournament reaffirmed Marriott’s unwavering commitment to promoting associate wellness, teamwork, and cross-property collaboration through its global TakeCare program.

The tournament brought together over Seventeen Marriott properties from across the Kingdom, with associates competing fiercely—and joyfully—in football, paddle, and volleyball. This year’s participating hotels included:

Riyadh Hotels:

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, Le Méridien Riyadh, Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers, Courtyard by Marriott Riyadh Northern Ring Road, The St. Regis Riyadh, The Luxury Collection – Bab Samhan, Riyadh Marriott Hotel, and JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh.

Jeddah Hotels:

The Jeddah Edition, Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah, Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Nassem, Courtyard by Marriott Makkah, Jabal Omar Marriott Makkah, Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah Corniche, Sheraton Jeddah Hotel, Jeddah Marriott Hotel

Over the course of the tournament, the event transformed Riyadh into a hub of athleticism and connection, with each property proudly fielding teams that showcased not only talent and skill, but also exceptional camaraderie and sportsmanship. Whether it was the excitement of a football final, the strategic rallies in paddle, or the intensity of a volleyball match, the energy on the field was matched by the spirit off it—where associates cheered, connected, and celebrated one another.

“Our associates are the heart of everything we do,” said Mahmoud Omar, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Riyadh Northern Ring Road, and Vice Chairman of the MBC Saudi Arabia. “This tournament is more than just competition—it’s a reflection of the vibrant culture Marriott fosters.

The success of the tournament was amplified by the generous support of the official sponsors. ZTE Saudi, Honor, Tecno Mobile Global, and Xiaomi Technology each played a vital role in powering this event and elevating the experience for all involved.

“This tournament is more than just a series of games,” said Mahmoud Omar. “It’s a celebration of people—the passion, diversity, and spirit that make Marriott more than a workplace. Seeing our associates come together in Riyadh to compete, cheer, and connect was a powerful reminder of the culture we work so hard to build every day.”

From unforgettable match moments to heartfelt team huddles and inspiring victories, the 2025 MBC Sports Tournament has left an enduring mark on everyone involved. It serves as a reminder that when we come together—not just as colleagues, but as teammates—we unlock the best of what hospitality truly means.

Congratulations once again to Mahmoud Omar and all participating hotels for making this year’s event a true triumph.

To find out more information on Courtyard Riyadh Northern Ring Road, log onto Marriott.com/RUHNR.

-ENDS-

About Courtyard by Marriott

Courtyard is the hotel brand of choice for ambitious and enterprising guests who see business travel as a driver of personal fulfilment and professional growth. Courtyard provides opportunities for guests to pursue both their personal and professional passions on the road. With more than 1,100 locations in over 50 countries and territories, Courtyard is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz- Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest® (SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition. To enrol for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.marriott.com. For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com, become a fan on Facebook or follow @CourtyardHotels on Twitter and Instagram.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,300 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 134 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly awarded travel program with 141 million members globally. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

مواضيع ذات صلة

NOW STREAMING ON DISNEY+: “Reminder” — The New Turkish Original Starring Hande Erçel and Barış Arduç

Rashad Iskandrni

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 1 JULY 2025: The latest Turkish Original from Disney+, Reminder, starring Hande Erçel and Barış Arduç, is now available to stream in the UAE.

The romantic comedy follows Deniz (Barış Arduç), a trusted celebrity architect, and Güneş (Hande Erçel), an influencer/editor, who find themselves navigating a breakup on the way to marriage. But when a mysterious reminder lands on their phones the same night they meet by chance, they’re pulled into an unexpected journey that might just lead them back to each other. Set between the vibrant streets of Istanbul and the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, Reminder is a story of second chances, rediscovery, and love that lingers.

Directed by Özgür Önurme and written by Ahmet Vatan, the series is produced by O3 Medya and Saner Ayar and features a stellar supporting cast including Başak Gümülcinelioğlu, Alper Saldıran, Gizem Sevim, İlayda Ildır, Fatih Al, Sezin Akbaşoğulları, Melis Minkarı and Feyyaz Şerifoğlu.

Episodes 1–4 are now available to stream on Disney+, with the remaining episodes dropping weekly as per the schedule below:

Episode 5: 2 July 2025

Episode 6: 9 July 2025

Episode 7: 16 July 2025

Episode 8: 23 July 2025

Reminder is now streaming exclusively on Disney+.

ABOUT DISNEY+

Disney+ is the dedicated streaming home for movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, along with The Simpsons and much more. In select international markets, it also includes the general entertainment content brand, Star. The flagship direct-to-consumer streaming service from The Walt Disney Company, Disney+ offers an ever-growing collection of exclusive originals, including feature-length films, documentaries, live-action and animated series, and short-form content. With unprecedented access to Disney’s long history of incredible film and television entertainment, Disney+ is also the exclusive streaming home for the newest releases from The Walt Disney Studios. For more, visit disneyplus.com, or find the Disney+ app on most mobile and connected TV devices.

منذ 11 ساعة . News

CFI Becomes Official Online Trading Partner of Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi

Rashad Iskandrni

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 2 July 2025 – CFI, the region’s leading online trading provider, is proud to announce its new designation as the Official Online Trading Partner of Etihad Arena, the region’s premier entertainment destination located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. This landmark partnership marks a key step in CFI’s continued expansion across high-impact lifestyle and entertainment platforms, further strengthening its connection with diverse audiences across the region.

Etihad Arena, on Yas Island, developed and owned by Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experience in Abu Dhabi, and operated by Ethara, plays host to some of the world’s most iconic concerts, sporting spectacles, and cultural events. As an Official Partner, CFI is uniquely positioned to tap into these high-energy moments while delivering distinctive value to fans and clients through integrated marketing campaigns and tailored experiences.

As part of the agreement, CFI will gain strong brand visibility across Etihad Arena’s year-round lineup of world-class events, reaching hundreds of thousands of visitors through premium onsite and digital exposure. Among the many highlights, the partnership includes access to a dedicated fan activation space during select events, allowing CFI to engage audiences through immersive brand experiences. A premium hospitality suite will also serve as an exclusive setting to host clients and guests at some of the region’s most anticipated moments. To further elevate the experience, CFI will offer unique rewards, including VIP access and unforgettable meet-and-greet opportunities, delivering added value that extends far beyond trading.

“Etihad Arena has become a regional hub for entertainment, sports, and culture, and we are thrilled to join forces with a venue that shares our passion for high performance and innovation,” said Ziad Melhem, CEO of CFI Financial Group. “This partnership is a powerful extension of our strategy to build meaningful connections with our audiences through platforms that inspire, entertain, and elevate.”

“We are proud to welcome CFI as the Official Online Trading Partner of Etihad Arena,” said Marcus Osborne, General Manager at Etihad Arena. “This partnership reflects our shared vision of delivering extraordinary experiences to fans while championing innovation and excellence. CFI’s commitment to engaging the community aligns perfectly with our mission to position Abu Dhabi as a top-tier global destination for entertainment and culture.”

This collaboration marks yet another milestone in CFI’s mission to align with platforms that reflect its ethos of ambition, excellence, and a global perspective - qualities that drive both the trading world and the experiences brought to life at Etihad Arena. It also reinforces CFI’s growing footprint in Abu Dhabi, complementing its ongoing partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and underscoring the capital’s role as a strategic hub for growth and cultural engagement.

About CFI: CFI Financial Group, established in 1998, is MENA's leading online trading broker with over 25 years of experience. Operating from key locations like London, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Cape Town, Baku, Beirut, Amman, and Cairo, CFI provides seamless access to both global and local markets. Offering diverse trading options across equities, currencies, commodities, and more, CFI delivers superior conditions, including zero-pip spreads, no commission fees, and ultra-fast execution.

The company is a leader in AI-driven tools, offering intuitive and advanced solutions for traders of all experience levels. CFI fosters financial literacy through multilingual educational content and inspires excellence through partnerships with global icons like AC Milan, FIBA WASL, and MI Cape Town cricket team, as well as the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. With Seven-Time Formula One™ World Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton as Global Brand Ambassador, CFI reflects a shared commitment to innovation and success while supporting cultural and community initiatives worldwide.

For more information: www.cfi.trade

Media Inquiries: Cecilia Natalia Hage, Global PR & Communications Manager, c.hage@cfi.trade

About Etihad Arena: Etihad Arena is the UAE’s landmark of entertainment, the region's largest multi-purpose indoor arena set on the stunning waterfront of Yas Bay, offering world-class event space and hospitality. Designed with sustainability at its core, the venue offers a dynamic event space that can be easily transformed to host a variety of events including large-scale international concerts, sports games, corporate events, private functions and local community celebrations.

Operated by Ethara, Etihad Arena is proudly positioned on Yas Island, the Middle East’s premier leisure and entertainment destination, and will enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a global entertainment hub. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is the proud naming rights partner for Etihad Arena. Over the years to come, Etihad will fly many of the world-class entertainment acts and guests to the venue.

منذ 11 ساعة . News

Experience at the edge: Redefining CX for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Rashad Iskandrni

In 2016, Saudi Arabia launched Vision 2030, a sweeping national agenda to future-proof its economy, reduce reliance on oil and enhance quality of life for citizens. Built around the pillars of a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation, the initiative has become synonymous with rapid innovation—driven by investments in AI, cloud computing, smart cities and digital government.

Today, these efforts are visible everywhere, from biometric border controls to AI-powered health platforms and cashless pilgrimages. Yet amid all this progress, a critical question has emerged: as infrastructure transforms and services go digital, is the customer experience transforming with them or being left behind?

While government platforms like Absher and Tawakkalna have raised the bar for ease and accessibility, not all sectors have kept pace. Despite the surge in connectivity and the availability of advanced technologies, many businesses—and even institutions—still rely on fragmented, one-size-fits-all communication systems that fall short of citizen expectations.

A connected nation, rising expectations

In 2025, Saudi Arabia stands as one of the most digitally advanced nations in the region:

It has 36.84 million internet users, with 99% penetration

94.3% of the population is active on social media, with 35.1 million users (DataReportal 2024)
93.18% use smartphones to go online (Statista)

But this level of access is only the beginning. The real transformation lies in what people are now demanding—seamless, intelligent and hyper-personalised digital interactions across every touch point.

And this is where the gap starts to show.

Identifying the CX gap in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s CX evolution is a critical component of Vision 2030’s people-first transformation. Industries such as fintech, tourism and entertainment are embracing personalised, digital-first engagement. The rise of STC Pay, digital-only banks and mega-projects like NEOM reflect growing demand for seamless, tech-enabled experiences. Yet despite this momentum, customer experience delivery is not yet keeping pace with digital ambition. Many organisations still struggle with fragmented platforms, legacy systems and siloed data—barriers that make it difficult to deliver the kind of real-time, personalised interactions today’s consumers expect.

According to PwC’s Voice of the Consumer 2024 survey, Saudi consumers are increasingly digital, health-conscious and sustainability-minded, demanding intuitive, tailored experiences at every interaction. However, 59% of regional organisations still rely on basic journey mapping and only a fraction are adopting integrated, insight-driven CX tools. Meanwhile, the Saudi customer experience management (CXM) market was valued at USD 181.2 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 746.8 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.4% (BlueWeave Consulting), underscoring both the market’s potential and the urgency for transformation.

What’s needed now is a shift from reactive CX models—common in sectors like finance, where customer issues are often addressed only after complaints—to proactive engagement. The current CX gap stems from organizations’ inability to break down data silos, integrate touchpoints and provide seamless service across channels. Despite having the infrastructure for advanced digital engagement, many businesses still lack the tools and processes to deliver personalised, anticipatory service that customers now expect. This gap not only hampers customer satisfaction but also limits the ability of businesses to fully leverage their investments in digital transformation.

As highlighted in IDC’s Future of Customer Experience 2024 predictions, businesses must unify data, channels and insights to meet rising expectations and fully capitalise on their digital infrastructure investments.

In short, the infrastructure is advancing, but experience delivery hasn’t fully caught up. To realise Vision 2030’s full potential, closing this CX gap must become a priority, not just in government, but across every industry shaping Saudi Arabia’s future.

Where expectations meet infrastructure

As organisations scale their digital operations, they face a layered challenge: How do you deliver personalised, real-time, multichannel engagement whilst ensuring data privacy, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency?

It's no longer enough to have siloed digital tools or individual channel integrations. What’s needed is a cohesive infrastructure for communication, one that can keep pace with user behaviour and support the customer-first mind-set driving Vision 2030.

This is where engageX from e& enterprise steps in, to make execution possible at scale.

How engageX powers customer-centric transformation

· Omnichannel reach for a mobile-first nation

With 93% of Saudis accessing the internet via smartphones, meeting people where they are isn't a convenience—it’s a baseline. engageX enables organisations to orchestrate communications across SMS, WhatsApp, voice, email, social platforms and mobile apps.

This is particularly vital in sectors like government, banking and retail where customer touch points have multiplied, and consistency matters more than ever. engageX unifies those channels under one umbrella, enabling smooth, intuitive interactions that feel effortless for users and manageable at scale for organisations.

· Intelligent contact centres, built for agility

As customer expectations evolve, contact centres must become more adaptive, responsive and channel-aware. engageX enables this shift by equipping organisations with cloud-native infrastructure, omnichannel agent interfaces and AI-powered self-service tools—all designed to streamline support operations.

From real-time routing to seamless transitions between virtual assistants and human agents, engageX helps reduce response times while improving customer satisfaction. For added flexibility, organisations can also tap into engageX’s BPO support for staffing and workflow management, making it easier to scale operations without compromising service quality.

· Data protection and responsible innovation

As digital touchpoints evolve, user trust is more important than ever. engageX is built with this in mind, offering:

Encryption by default, ensuring secure conversations across all channels
Granular access control, providing tight governance over sensitive information
Enterprise-grade security, designed to protect data and maintain compliance

These features are essential for industries handling sensitive information, such as healthcare, finance, education and public services, where security breaches can have far-reaching consequences.

· Localised innovation for a localised vision

While engageX is built on global standards, its true strength lies in regional relevance. The platform understands and integrates:

Arabic language preferences and UI
Local telco integrations

These capabilities not only accelerate deployment but improve adoption and usability, ensuring that digital experiences actually resonate with Saudi users.

With over 6.5 billion interactions enabled annually and use cases spanning everything from social commerce to airline support across 900+ agents, engageX is already demonstrating how Saudi institutions can bring Vision 2030 to life, not just through services, but through better experiences.

Conclusion – From digital to human

Saudi Arabia’s journey to 2030 is one of extraordinary ambition and real, measurable progress. And if the goal is a society that’s not just digital, but truly human-centred, then the way people experience these services must evolve alongside the infrastructure itself.

By closing communication gaps and enabling smarter engagement, solutions like engageX are helping organisations transform Vision 2030 from a strategic vision into a lived reality, one meaningful interaction at a time.

Customer experience that is real, responsive and relevant is no longer a competitive advantage, it’s a national imperative. Whether in the public or private sector, organisations must now rethink not just how they serve, but how they connect, listen and adapt.

منذ 11 ساعة . News

Dur for Hajj Services Concludes the 1446H Hajj Season with a Commendable Success

Rashad Iskandrni

Dur Company for Hajj Services, specialized in serving pilgrims and Umrah performers, announced the successful conclusion of its operations for the 1446H Hajj season with an honorable performance, delivering a comprehensive experience that seamlessly blended spirituality with personalized care while welcoming pilgrims from more than 47 countries.

This exceptional diversity stands as a testament to Dur’s unwavering commitment to expanding its global reach and setting new benchmarks in religious hospitality. The company’s efforts are firmly aligned with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly its focus on enhancing the Hajj journey and elevating the standards of hospitality from arrival to departure.

In pursuit of this mission, Dur deployed an integrated service model designed to ensure every pilgrim's journey was smooth, meaningful, and spiritually fulfilling. This comprehensive offering spanned air and ground transportation, premium accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, beautifully outfitted Mina tents, and curated catering services - all crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Mr. Amr Luqman Al-Sunari, VP Makarem and Hajj & Umrah sector, reflected on the company’s achievements, “We take immense pride in the success of this year’s Hajj operations, a result of unwavering dedication, strategic foresight, and the tireless efforts of our teams. Our goal has always been to uphold the highest global standards of hospitality, anchored in authentic Saudi values and driven by innovation. This season reaffirms our role in serving the Guests of the Almighty with dignity, devotion, and distinction".

Pilgrims began their journey in Madinah, where Dur ensured a spiritually immersive stay that included a visit to Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah, alongside guided tours of the city’s most revered historical and cultural landmarks. Among the highlights was an authentic visit to one of Madinah’s iconic palm farms, offering a rare glimpse into the city’s agricultural heritage. From there, pilgrims continued to Makkah under the company’s attentive care, with seamless support throughout their sacred rituals.

In a final gesture that encapsulates Dur’s philosophy of thoughtful service, each pilgrim was presented with a symbolic farewell gift, a heartfelt token that transformed the end of the journey into a cherished memory.

With over four decades of legacy in hospitality, Dur for Hajj Services continues to innovate and expand its suite of offerings. Its tailored services cater to a wide spectrum of pilgrims, underscoring the company’s enduring commitment to excellence, authenticity, and spiritual care.

منذ 11 ساعة . News

TEAM SPIRIT TAKES THE LEAD ACROSS SAUDI ARABIA AT THE MARRIOTT BUSINESS COUNCIL SPORTS TOURNAMENT 2025

Rashad Iskandrni

Riyadh Hotels:

Jeddah Hotels:

Congratulations once again to Mahmoud Omar and all participating hotels for making this year’s event a true triumph.

To find out more information on Courtyard Riyadh Northern Ring Road, log onto Marriott.com/RUHNR.

-ENDS-

About Courtyard by Marriott

About Marriott International

منذ 12 ساعة . News

Xiaomi lunches Redmi Pad 2 Series:Impressive Entertainment, Now More Vibrant than Ever

Rashad Iskandrni

Xiaomi, the global leader in smart electronics and advanced technologies, has officially launched its new lineup of tablets — Redmi Pad 2 and Redmi Pad 2 4G — combining powerful performance, an advanced display, and a modern design, all while maintaining the competitive pricing Xiaomi is known for in the budget device category.

The device features a large 11-inch 2.5K display with a 90Hz AdaptiveSync refresh rate, delivering smooth visuals and a high-definition viewing experience — ideal for video streaming, web browsing, or gaming. The screen is TÜV Rheinland certified for low blue light, flicker-free viewing, and eye comfort mode, making it safe and comfortable for prolonged use.

To elevate the entertainment experience, the series comes equipped with quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, offering immersive surround sound that matches the quality of the visuals.

Redmi Pad 2 is poised for outstanding success after earning praise in the Chinese market for its sleek design and excellent performance. It is now officially available in Saudi Arabia through Xiaomi’s official sales channels, including Jarir, Nesto, Noon, and others.

The device is available in three stylish colors — Graphite Gray, Mint Green, and Lavender Purple — and in multiple storage configurations to suit different user needs.

To celebrate the launch, Xiaomi is offering a special promotional discount valid for one week only, starting today. Consumers can take advantage of this limited-time offer to purchase the Redmi Pad 2 at an exclusive price. The offer is valid until July 7.

The tablet runs on Xiaomi HyperOS 2, ensuring seamless integration with other Xiaomi devices through smart features like call sync, auto mobile hotspot connection, and clipboard sharing — all designed to boost productivity and simplify daily tasks.

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G100-Ultra processor, the device delivers excellent everyday performance, backed by a 9,000mAh battery that supports extended usage without frequent recharging. The 4G version supports dual SIM cards, offering flexible internet access on the go, even without Wi-Fi.

A variety of accessories are available, including the Redmi Smart Pen with high sensitivity and low-latency response for writing and drawing, as well as a smart protective cover that supports automatic wake/sleep functionality.

The tablets are available in three attractive colors — Graphite Gray, Mint Green, and Lavender Purple — with storage starting from 4GB+128GB, priced from €199 for the Wi-Fi model and €249 for the 4G model.

📦 To purchase the device and take advantage of the limited-time offer until July 7, visit:

https://www.jarir.com/sa-en/redmi-pad2-series-tablet

منذ 17 ساعة . News