Saudia Launches Its First Direct Flights to Moscow A New Bridge Between Riyadh and Russia

UAE home appliances market projected to reach AED 18 billion by 2028; After-sales segment valued at over AED 1.2 billion annually

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 13 October 2025: Homewide, a subsidiary of the Mohammed Hareb Al Otaiba (MHAO) Group; the 2nd oldest business conglomerate in the UAE incepted in 1946, has officially inaugurated its first service centre in Abu Dhabi, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by business leaders and media representatives.

The expansion comes at a time of strong sectoral growth. According to Mordor Intelligence (2025), the UAE’s home appliances market is projected to reach USD 4.9billion (AED 18billion) by 2028, driven by rising consumer demand for premium and energy-efficient products.

Meanwhile, Frost & Sullivan (2024) estimates the after-sales and repair segment for home appliances in the country at more than AED 1.2billion annually, underscoring the growing need for quality servicing, warranty support, and localized customer care; areas where Homewide continues to invest and expand according to its senior officials present in the inauguration event.

Located in Mussafah area, the 1,200 sq. ft. facility is now fully operational, featuring a state-of-the-art workshop, modern reception areas, spare parts storage, and dedicated service bays. With this opening, customers in Abu Dhabi will benefit from faster turnaround times and localized after-sales support.

Jaishankar K. Nair, Head of Services at MHAO Group, commented: “The opening of our Abu Dhabi centre is a major milestone in our journey to bring world-class after-sales service closer to our customers. We are proud to deliver a seamless experience built on speed, quality, and reliability. This reflects our ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainable growth.”

The centre is authorized to service globally renowned brands including Bosch, Beko, Black & Decker, and Laurastar, ensuring customers have access to genuine spare parts, trusted repairs, and warranty services. It also contributes to the local economy by creating new job opportunities and supporting Emiratization by prioritizing UAE national talent.

This expansion aligns with MHAO Group’s broader vision to build a decentralized network of service centres across all the UAE, while laying the groundwork for regional growth into GCC markets. By combining localized delivery with international standards, Homewide reinforces its position as a trusted partner for households and entities across the UAE.

Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi: “The winning films stood out for the quality, diversity, and artistic depth of their stories.”

“My Driver & I” wins Best Feature Film; “Miss Moxy” is named Best Animated Feature.

“The Mullah” wins Best Arab Short Film; “How to Open the Door” wins Best International Short.

“Guardians of the Mountains” awarded Best Documentary

 The 12th Sharjah International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFF) concluded on Sunday, October 12, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. The closing ceremony took place at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, in the presence of filmmakers, guests, and industry professionals.

Over six days, the festival welcomed more than 60,000 visitors, participants, and students, celebrating young filmmakers and honoring winners across various categories.

The Best Feature Film Award went to “My Driver & I” by Ahd Kamel, with Rola Khalil receiving a Special Mention for her performance. “Son” by Zhanna Bekmambetova won Best Short Animation Film, while “Miss Moxy” by Wib Vernooij received Best Animated Feature. “Every Living, Breathing Moment” by Angelo Visser won Best Film by Children and Youth, and “Coop” by Mujtaba Alhejji won Best Student Short Film. “The Old Klavirista” by Sarah Coppin received Best Student Short Animation.

“The Mullah” by Baha Al-Kadhimi won Best Arab Short Film, while “How to Open the Door” by Joan Ji Yey Hui and Ji Wan Park earned Best International Short Film. “Guardians of the Mountains” by Ali Fuad was awarded Best Documentary. Special Mentions went to Marion Provrov for “The Secret of the Black Hand” and Park So-yi for “2:15 PM”.

Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of SIFF, said, “The festival’s success reflects its growing influence both locally and internationally. The festival has become a key part of Sharjah’s cultural landscape. Its impact lies in how it inspires young people to explore cinema as a form of self-expression and creativity. The winning films captivated audiences and juries alike with their strong storytelling, technical excellence, and artistic diversity.”

This year’s edition showcased 74 films selected from 1,740 submissions across 26 countries, including Saudi Arabia, France, Iran, Indonesia, Bahrain, Russia, India, and the Netherlands, alongside first-time participants from São Tomé and Príncipe, Ecuador, and Belize. The festival’s Green Carpet featured the regional premieres of “Miss Moxy”(Netherlands), “2:15 PM” (South Korea), and “Hajeer” (Saudi Arabia).

Korean cinema was the Guest of Honour, with a curated program highlighting its human-centered storytelling and global appeal.

The 12th edition also introduced the World Conference on Children and Youth Films, a new platform exploring cinema’s role in shaping awareness among Arab youth and discussing opportunities for developing the regional film industry.

In a gesture of social commitment, SIFF donated proceeds from ticket sales to the Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi Humanitarian Foundation, supporting vulnerable children worldwide, reaffirming FUNN’s dedication to social responsibility.

Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said:“As the festival’s official tourism partner, we are proud to support initiatives that reflect Sharjah’s cultural and family values. Our collaboration with FUNN highlights our shared vision of fostering creativity and youth engagement.”

Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO of Crescent Enterprises, described the festival as “a vital platform for intercultural dialogue and creative empowerment.”

Fared Belbouab, CEO of Gulftainer Group, added, “Supporting SIFF reflects our commitment to empowering youth through creativity and collaboration, strengthening Sharjah’s role as a thriving hub of innovation.”

The closing ceremony also honored jury members, trainers, volunteers, partners, and sponsors, including Crescent Enterprises, Gulftainer, Sharjah Media City (Shams), the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, Sharjah Airport, Emirates Airline (official airline partner), and many others such as Sharjah Research Technology Park, House of Wisdom, Vox Cinemas, City Centre Al Zahia, Sony, Nikon, and Palazzo Versace Hotel.

Select Property becomes first UK developer to establish a permanent presence in Riyadh, strengthening support for Saudi client demand and ties with UK property market

• Select Property is the first UK developer to expand its footprint with a permanent presence in Saudi Arabia

• This regional expansion marks 20 years in the GCC

• Saudi Arabia’s construction sector hit USD 148bn in H1 2024, with total investment forecast to reach USD 191bn by 2029

• Vision 2030 is accelerating global integration and economic diversification, reflecting Select Property’s strategy of creating globally connected real estate opportunities

Riyadh, KSA, 13 October 2025 – Select Property, a leading UK-based real estate developer and investment company, has expanded its footprint into Saudi Arabia by becoming the first UK developer to establish a permanent presence in the Kingdom. This marks a significant milestone in its 20-year presence in the Middle East, during which Saudi investors have consistently represented a strong share of its GCC client base. The expansion into Riyadh underscores the company’s commitment to being closer to its investors and meeting growing demand for direct access to premium UK property opportunities, in line with Vision 2030’s focus on global integration and economic diversification.

The launch comes at a time when Saudi Arabia’s construction and real estate sectors are experiencing record growth. In the first half of 2024 alone, the Kingdom’s construction output reached USD 148 billion, up 4.6% year-on-year, with forecasts suggesting total investment will climb to USD 191 billion by 2029 . This surge, driven by Vision 2030’s ambitious pipeline of new homes, hotels, retail, and office developments, has positioned Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s most active property markets .

Alongside this domestic growth, diversification remains a key priority for many Saudi investors seeking to spread risk and build balanced portfolios, particularly families and parents looking to secure property in the UK while their children study abroad. Against this backdrop, Select Property’s Riyadh presence will provide direct access to stable, high-growth opportunities in the UK, enabling investors to balance local ambition with international portfolio security.

Adam Price, CEO of Select Property, stated, “Our presence in Riyadh is more than just a geographic expansion; it is a natural progression of our two decades of success in the Middle East and a direct response to the trust Saudi investors have placed in us. Today, Saudi Arabia is at the centre of global investment conversations, and our presence here ensures we can provide investors with unrivalled access to high-growth opportunities in the UK’s most dynamic cities.

What makes us unique is our fully integrated ‘develop, sell, manage’ proposition, which allows us to deliver a seamless, hassle-free investment journey. This approach ensures Saudi investors not only gain access to premium UK properties but also benefit from end-to-end expertise and long-term partnership. As part of our commitment, we are building a dedicated Saudi national team in Riyadh, including senior leadership already in place, to bring local insight and ensure our operations reflect the ambitions of our clients.”

From Manchester to Birmingham, these markets continue to deliver stability and long-term returns, aligning with the aspirations of Saudi investors under Vision 2030. After 10 successful years leading global operations at Select Property, we have appointed Richard Lonsdale to lead our KSA operations, ensuring that local expertise and on-the-ground insight guide every step we take. With projects like One Port Street and Edition Birmingham, we are not only offering premium real estate but also reinforcing our role as a long-term partner in our clients’ wealth-building journeys.”

In turn, Richard Lonsdale, Regional Director for Saudi Arabia, commented on the operation expansion by saying, “Leading our expansion into Saudi Arabia is an exciting opportunity to bring both international expertise and regional experience to a market that is transforming at pace. Having worked extensively across the GCC, I have seen first-hand how strategic investment in real estate can deliver long-term value, and I believe Saudi investors are uniquely positioned to benefit from the growth of UK regional cities. Our Riyadh expansion allows us to be on the ground, listening closely to the ambitions of Saudi clients, and tailoring investment opportunities that align with both their personal goals and the wider Vision 2030 objectives.”

Saudi investors have been crucial to Select Property's success over the last 20 years, helping build a devoted GCC investor base. The company's landmark projects, including Edition Birmingham and One Port Street in Manchester, have showcased how regional UK cities offer strong returns and more accessible entry points compared to London. Select Property has consistently highlighted the benefits of these opportunities, reinforcing the UK’s role as a trusted destination for long-term real estate investment.

Riyadh – October 10, 2025

Riyadh Season 2025 officially kicked off on Friday night with a grand opening ceremony that lit up the Saudi capital in a dazzling display of color, light, and sound. Marking the beginning of its sixth edition, the festival drew tens of thousands of spectators who flocked to the city’s main entertainment zones to witness what has been described as the most ambitious opening since the inaugural Riyadh Season in 2019.

The opening parade began at Boulevard World and continued to Kingdom Arena, transforming the city into a vibrant stage filled with international performances, massive light projections, and breathtaking fireworks that illuminated the Riyadh skyline. More than 3,000 performers from around the world participated in the parade, alongside 25 giant balloons and dozens of themed floats representing the festival’s diversity and energy.

The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) announced that this year’s edition carries the slogan “The World in the Heart of Riyadh,” symbolizing the city’s growing global appeal. The event features artists, brands, and performers from over 40 countries, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s role as a rising hub for culture, creativity, and tourism in the Middle East.

A Grand Opening with a Global Touch

The celebration began at 4:00 PM with a massive procession featuring international celebrities, local icons, athletes, and content creators. Crowds filled the streets surrounding the parade route, capturing the vibrant scenes of a city that has become synonymous with large-scale entertainment.

The ceremony featured a blend of live music, dance performances, digital effects, and immersive storytelling. A major highlight was the collaboration between the GEA and Macy’s Parade Studio, bringing to Riyadh some of the iconic balloons that are usually seen in New York City’s Thanksgiving Parade — a first in the Middle East that underscored the global ambition of Riyadh Season.

Attractions and Zones

Riyadh Season 2025 spans 11 major zones across the city, combining entertainment, culture, sports, and fine dining. Key destinations include Boulevard World, Boulevard City, Via Riyadh, and Al-Suwaidi Park, which returns this year after its previous success.

The season features over 7,000 events, including 15 world-class sports tournaments, 34 art and cultural exhibitions, and a wide range of concerts, theatrical shows, and culinary festivals. Among the highlights are the global tennis tournament “Six Kings Slam”, the first-ever WWE Royal Rumble to be held outside North America, and a world boxing championship titled “Ring IV.”

A new addition this year is Beast Land, a zone developed in partnership with global YouTube star MrBeast, featuring interactive games, adventure experiences, and exclusive dining and retail spaces designed for thrill seekers.

Economic and Tourism Impact

In his opening remarks, HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, emphasized that Riyadh Season 2025 is not only a celebration of joy but also a strategic driver of the national economy.

He noted that the event supports several sectors including tourism, hospitality, transportation, and retail. Over 2,100 local and international companies are participating this year, with more than 4,200 contracts signed with private sector partners. The season is also expected to generate 25,000 direct jobs and over 100,000 indirect opportunities, underscoring its role in sustainable economic growth.

According to Alalshikh, the brand value of Riyadh Season has now exceeded 32 billion Saudi riyals, reflecting the festival’s global success and growing influence on the regional entertainment industry.

Culture, Art, and Global Exchange

Beyond entertainment, Riyadh Season 2025 places a strong focus on cultural diversity and creative exchange. The program includes performances celebrating Saudi heritage through modern artistic interpretations, as well as international showcases that bridge cultures and traditions.

One of the major highlights this year is the Japan Week Festival, marking 70 years of Saudi–Japanese diplomatic relations, featuring cultural exhibits, art installations, and culinary experiences. Additionally, fashion and art festivals throughout the season will bring together designers and artists from around the world.

The festival also provides a platform for young Saudi talents in music, art, and gastronomy, alongside established artists from the Arab world, positioning Riyadh Season as a regional incubator for creativity and innovation.

Seamless Experience for Visitors

Organizers have implemented advanced digital solutions to enhance the visitor experience, including the Riyadh Season Tickets app, which allows users to book and manage event tickets easily. The city has also expanded public transport options and parking facilities to accommodate the surge of visitors expected during the season.

Many events are free and open to the public, reflecting the government’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, while other ticketed events are priced to cater to various audience groups.

Riyadh Season: A Global Entertainment Icon

Since its debut in 2019, Riyadh Season has evolved into one of the largest entertainment festivals in the world, rivaling global events in both scale and production value. The 2025 edition is expected to attract over 15 million visitors, including tourists from around the region and beyond.

The festival continues to position Riyadh as the beating heart of entertainment in the Arab world — a city that embodies ambition, creativity, and cultural openness inspired by Saudi Vision 2030.

As fireworks faded over the skyline and the streets echoed with celebration, one message resonated clearly: Riyadh is no longer just a city to visit — it is a destination to experience, live, and remember.

In a major milestone for its global expansion strategy, Saudia has inaugurated its first regular and direct flights between Riyadh and Moscow, making Russia the latest European destination to join the airline’s growing international network. The new route strengthens air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and the world, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to position the Kingdom as a global hub for aviation and tourism.

The inaugural flight, numbered SV0283, departed from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh amid a festive atmosphere attended by officials from the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Russian Embassy, and senior Saudia executives. Upon arrival at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow, the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water salute, a customary gesture in the aviation industry to mark the launch of a new destination.

 Strategic Expansion

This launch is part of a broader expansion plan by Saudia, which has added several new destinations across Europe, Asia, and Africa this year.

Saudia’s CEO Ibrahim Koshy described the Moscow route as “a strategic move that opens new horizons for Saudi travelers — whether for tourism, business, or education.”

He emphasized that Saudia is committed to building a comprehensive flight network connecting the Kingdom to key global capitals. The airline will operate three weekly flights between Riyadh and Moscow — on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays — using modern Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft, offering passengers greater comfort and state-of-the-art onboard technology.

 Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The Russian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sergey Kozlov, welcomed the new route, calling it “a new bridge between Moscow and Riyadh that reflects the growing strength of relations between the two nations.”

He noted that the new service will boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, and will encourage Russian tourists to explore Saudi Arabia’s emerging destinations — from AlUla to Jeddah, Riyadh, and the Red Sea coast — especially as the Kingdom continues to simplify its electronic visa process.

According to the ambassador, the number of Russian visitors to Saudi Arabia has already risen significantly since the introduction of the e-tourist visa, and that figure is expected to double in the coming year with the introduction of the direct route.

 Saudi Arabia: A New Destination for Russian Travelers

With its rich heritage and diverse landscapes, Saudi Arabia is poised to attract more Russian travelers seeking warm winter escapes and cultural discovery. Several Russian travel agencies have already begun including Riyadh, AlUla, and Jeddah in their package offerings, while investors from Russia have shown growing interest in the Kingdom’s tourism and hospitalitysectors.

The new route will also enhance opportunities for joint investment and cooperation in tourism development and travel services between the two nations.

 Economic and Tourism Impact

The launch aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to transform its aviation industry into a key economic driver. According to official statements, the Kingdom aims to increase its international destinations to over 250 routes and significantly boost airport capacity by 2030.

The Riyadh–Moscow flights are expected to facilitate not only passenger travel but also cargo and trade movement, particularly in the fields of agriculture, technology, and energy, thereby strengthening commercial ties between the two economies.

 Enhanced Passenger Experience

Saudia announced that travelers on the new Moscow route will enjoy a premium onboard experience that includes meals inspired by both Saudi and Russian cuisines, as well as access to over 5,000 hours of in-flight entertainment available in multiple languages, including Russian.

Passengers will also have access to high-speed Wi-Fi and the Saudia Connect service, allowing for seamless coordination with domestic flights upon their return to the Kingdom.

 Healthy Competition and Future Outlook

It is worth noting that flynas, another Saudi carrier, had launched direct flights to Moscow two months earlier via Vnukovo Airport — a sign of the growing importance of the Russian market.

Saudia’s entry into the route adds healthy competition among Saudi airlines, offering travelers more flexibility in flight schedules, pricing, and connectivity.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s National Aviation Strategy, the new Riyadh–Moscow connection represents another step toward transforming Riyadh into a leading global aviation hubbridging East and West.

Saudia is also expected to announce new routes in Eastern Europe and Central Asia soon, continuing its momentum in global expansion.

With this historic flight, Saudia writes a new chapter in its 75-year legacy — one that reflects the Kingdom’s ambitions for the future and its growing role in connecting people, cultures, and economies across the world.

The Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF) celebrated South Korea yesterday (FridayZ as the Guest of Honour for its 12th edition. This event offered audiences a window into the depth and creativity of Korean cinema, known for its powerful human stories and exceptional productions.

As part of this year’s programme, the festival hosted various interactive workshops and panel discussions highlighting Korean culture and its universal philosophy, showcasing how art and creativity can transcend language and cultural barriers. The “Green Carpet” screening featured the Korean film 2:15 PM by director Seryeong Jung, telling the story of a ten-year-old girl who meets another child isolated from the world, discovering together the warmth of human connection and its power to break barriers.

A panel discussion titled “A Journey Through Korean Cinema: From Korea to the World” explored the reasons behind the global rise of Korean cinema and its influence on young audiences worldwide. Held at VOX Cinemas, City Centre Al Zahia, the session featured the experiences of Korean school students who created their own films, reflecting the creativity and imagination that define contemporary Korean cinema.

Moderated by the Korean Club in the UAE, the session featured remarks from Ralm Lee, Director of the Busan International Film Festival, who noted that Korean cinema’s success “did not happen overnight.” She said, “K-pop and Korean dramas like Squid Game became global phenomena, reflecting the growing influence of Korean culture and cinema. This success is the result of years of experimentation and creative effort. My visit to Sharjah’s festival showed me how much Korea and the UAE share, especially in values and a forward-looking vision for the future.”

Korean filmmaker Shin Seo-yeon shared that her journey began with short films during high school, inspiring her to continue in the field. Expressing her joy at screening her film in Sharjah, she added, “Cultural differences between the UAE and Korea highlight the uniqueness of both nations, each expressing its identity in its own way. I look forward to greater cultural collaboration in cinema. During COVID-19, global audiences discovered Korean cinema through streaming platforms, and today we’ve become part of one global culture, where technology and AI make creativity and connection easier than ever.”

Alaa Al Awadi, a member of SHOGO – the Korean Club in the UAE – said, “Our role is to build bridges between Korea and the UAE through culture, music, and cinema. Our collaboration with SIFF helps bring more Korean films to local audiences.” She added that the club was born out of a growing passion for Korean culture, from K-pop to Korean cuisine, which has become a global trend thanks to social media, influencers, and rising international curiosity.

Meanwhile, the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park hosted a series of hands-on workshops where festival visitors explored the many facets of Korean culture, from its traditions and values to its art, music, and cuisine. Participants experienced Korean cooking, traditional and modern music, and the fashion and beauty trends that have become hallmarks of the global “Hallyu” wave, engaging directly with Korea’s creative and human spirit.