Under the Theme: “GIS: Uniting Our World” … Esri Saudi Arabia to Host 2025 User Conference in Riyadh

Under the Theme: “GIS: Uniting Our World” … Esri Saudi Arabia to Host 2025 User Conference in Riyadh

21 January 2025 - 22:49

written : رشاد اسكندراني

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Rasahd Iskandrni

 

Esri Saudi Arabia User Conference 2025 Returns for Its 3rd Edition

Unveiling the GeoExcellence Award at Esri Saudi Arabia User Conference 2025

The Conference Gathers Users, Partners, And Esri Experts To Showcase The Latest Innovations in Geographic Information System (GIS) Technology.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Tuesday 21st January, 2025 – Esri Saudi Arabia User Conference 2025 has kicked off today in Riyadh in its third edition. The two-day conference, which is organized by Esri Saudi Arabia, is scheduled for January 21-22 at Fairmont Riyadh.

Held annually, the conference aims to unite users, partners, and Esri experts to showcase the latest innovations in Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. This year’s event will explore the theme "GIS: Uniting Our World."

The conference, which marks its third consecutive year, is expected to host more than 1,800 participants from a diverse set of sectors including government, private organizations, and academic institutions. Attendees will include GIS professionals, industry experts, decision-makers, and representatives from key geospatial organizations, including the President of GEOSA, CEO of RER, CEO of IARDA, and the CEO of HDA.

Empowering Digital Transformation in Saudi Arabia

The Esri Saudi Arabia User Conference serves as a platform to demonstrate Esri’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the nation’s ongoing digital transformation. As a cornerstone event, it highlights the growing role of GIS in urban planning, smart cities initiatives, and sustainable development.

Esri Saudi Arabia offers an expansive suite of solutions, including:

  • Smart Infrastructure Management leveraging GIS.
  • Geospatial Solutions for Security Operations.
  • Imagery Management Solutions.
  • Modern Utilities Network Management.

New Milestones 

On the sidelines of the Conference, Esri Saudi Arabia launched the first edition of Saudi Arabia GeoExcellence Awrad with an aim of stimulating and supporting the innovation in the pivotal Geographic Information Sector (GIS) to enhance innovative solutions that fulfill other sectors’ needs.

The award in its preliminary edition went to:

  • Imam Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority (IARDA).
  • Sharqia Development Authority (SDA).
  • Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA).
  • Saudi Post (SPL).
  • Al Madinah Region Development Authority (MDA).
  • Naif Arab University for Security Sciences (NAUSS).
  • Madinah Regional Municipality (MRM).
  • Mikkah Province Development Authority (MPDA).
  • Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY).
  • Rua Al Madinah Holding.

Moreover, Esri Saudi Arabia signed six partnerships with RASIKH for Communication and IT, Falcon Visualization Ltd. Co, Al-Qotr Professional Consulting Company, Quality e-Business, Kayanat Technologies, and Tilad Environmental Consultants.

The Conference also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Letter of Intent. The MoU between Esri and NEO SPACE GROUP (NSG). set to be signed on January 22, 2025, underscores a shared commitment to advancing geospatial technology adoption and innovation across the Kingdom and beyond. This collaboration aims to drive the development of cutting-edge GIS solutions, foster knowledge exchange, and support digital transformation initiatives in key sectors, which further contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

Meanwhile, the LOI signed between Prince Sultan University (PSU) and Redlands University during the Esri Saudi Arabia User Conference, serves as a pivotal step in fostering collaboration in geospatial sciences and technology. This partnership aims to advance academic research, innovation, and capacity building in the geospatial field, reflecting the shared commitment of PSU, Redlands University, and Esri Saudi Arabia to drive the growth of the geospatial ecosystem in the Kingdom.

A Look at GIS Technology’s Role in Saudi Vision 2030

The GIS landscape in Saudi Arabia has flourished in recent years, spurred by the Kingdom's commitment to Vision 2030. Esri Saudi Arabia has been involved in numerous high-profile projects including NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and supporting Saudi Aramco and SABIC with advanced GIS solutions. These projects underscore the crucial role GIS plays in optimizing infrastructure development, resource management, and environmental monitoring.

Looking ahead, Esri Saudi Arabia is poised to continue its leadership in the geospatial sector, with a solid focus on AI, machine learning integration, and smart city solutions. The company will drive initiatives to enhance decision-making processes, foster economic diversification, and contribute to the Kingdom’s sustainability efforts.

Building a Geospatial Knowledge Economy

Esri’s business plan for 2025 focuses on becoming a strategic enabler of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation by continuing to deliver cutting-edge GIS solutions. Through local talent development and research partnerships, Esri is committed to ensuring that GIS remains a vital tool for decision-makers and industry leaders across Saudi Arabia. By expanding its regional footprint and investing in research and development, Esri aims to support the Kingdom’s large-scale projects and help shape the future of the geospatial market.

Conference Highlights and Expected Outcomes

The conference will offer a series of hands-on workshops, followed by expert-led discussions and keynote sessions. The Plenary Session on Day 1 will feature prominent speakers, who will delve into GIS innovations and explore their impact on a variety of industries. On Day 2, technical workshops will provide attendees with practical insights on how to implement GIS solutions in their respective organizations.

Supporting Vision 2030 with GIS Technology

Toufic Yannieh, CEO of Esri Saudi Arabia, stated: “Esri Saudi Arabia continues to reinforce its commitment to the kingdom’s Vision 2030, contributing to its goals of building a knowledge-based economy and promoting sustainable development”.

“The company’s GIS solutions are integral to smart cities, energy management, and environmental conservation efforts across the Kingdom, helping to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for all”, Yannieh added

Yannieh affirmed: “We are proud to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by providing innovative GIS solutions that empower industries and communities alike. The Esri Saudi Arabia User Conference is an opportunity for professionals from all sectors to come together, learn, and collaborate on the role GIS plays in shaping the future of Saudi Arabia”.

About Esri Saudi Arabia

Esri Saudi Arabia, a subsidiary of Esri, the global leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), location analytics, and mapping. Esri focuses on empowering businesses, governments, and organizations by helping them make data-driven decisions using geographic information. Founded in 1969, Esri has been at the forefront of providing innovative GIS solutions worldwide.

For more information, visit: https://www.esrisaudiarabia.com  

مواضيع ذات صلة

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GymNation Opens its Biggest Location Yet in Riyadh's Qurtubah District

Rashad Iskandrni



The 77,000 sq ft Qurtubah men’s & ladies facility is GymNation’s largest gym to date.

This is GymNation’s 22nd location, with an additional 20 more gyms planned to open in the Kingdom by the end of 2025.

Home to KSA’s biggest ladies-only Reformer Pilates studio 

Includes an outdoor roof terrace for fitness and social events – set to become the most talked about destination in Riyadh for fitness and social events

Hosts the region’s largest free weights area and a fully equipped recovery zone with saunas, ice baths, and treatment rooms, alongside a dedicated Glute Training Zone, affiliated HYROX Training Club, and Mind & Body studio. 



GymNation, the region’s fastest-growing fitness brand, has officially launched its largest and most advanced (most instagrammable) facility to date in the heart of Qurtubah, Riyadh. Spanning 77,000 square feet, GymNation’s new flagship sets a new benchmark for health and wellness facilities within Saudi Arabia, further reinforcing GymNation’s mission to make world-class fitness accessible, affordable, and inclusive for everyone.

Purpose-built to meet the needs of the local community, the facility offers a diverse mix of premium training environments, industry-leading equipment, and specialised spaces tailored to different fitness goals and lifestyles. In a first for the Kingdom, the gym features the largest ladies-only Reformer Pilates studio in Saudi Arabia, alongside a private Reformer Pilates room. It also debuts GymNation’s first-ever male spin studio complemented by a dedicated ladies-only spin zone to add to its offerings. 

Gym-goers will also benefit from a purpose-built Glute Training Zone, a mind and body studio for holistic health practices, an affiliated HYROX training club for high-performance training, and the region’s largest free weights section. In addition to its cutting-edge fitness zones, GymNation Qurtubah features a fully equipped recovery area complete with infrared saunas, ice baths, and treatment rooms to support total wellness and optimal performance. 

Josh Whiteley, KSA Country Director, “After an incredibly successful pre-sell, we opened GymNation Qurtubah, with over 7,000 members on day one, and the initial feedback has been unbelievable and we are only just getting started. We’ve got a series of brand-new classes launching, as well as some groundbreaking in gym events that will blend fitness, wellness, culture, and music into one amazing space.  Riyadh will not have seen anything like GymNation before!”

Speaking about the launch, Loren Holland, Founder and CEO of GymNation, said: “Beyond being our largest gym to date, this new Qurtubah location is another symbol of our belief that fitness should be accessible, innovative, and empowering for everyone. Saudi Arabia is experiencing a fitness revolution and we’re proud to provide an environment where people of all fitness levels feel welcomed and motivated. We’ve invested significantly to bring not only the biggest gym with the widest selection of equipment and classes Riyadh has ever seen, but also a gym that looks incredible! From lighting to graffiti, all the way through to new fixtures and finishings, we’ve well and truly raised the bar for what a gym experience can be in the Kingdom.”

The launch of the Qurtubah men’s and ladies gyms follows GymNation’s record-breaking entry into Saudi Arabia, which saw more than 12,000 pre-opening memberships snapped up in just 72 hours across its initial locations in Jeddah and Al Khobar in 2024. As Saudi Arabia continues to drive forward its Vision 2030 goals of promoting more active communities, GymNation is uniquely positioned to support this momentum through its commitment to removing barriers around cost, intimidation, and accessibility.

منذ 13 ساعة . News

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Celebration of the Signing of the Kingdom’s First Landmark Agreement to Transfer Technology of Oral Cytotoxic Oncology Drugs Technology

Rashad Iskandrni



IOn the pursuite towards achievingof vision 2030 of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia May , a partnership Joint Venture agreement was signed between Nasaq Al-Injaz Company for Development and Commercial Investment, one of the companies of the renowned Al-Zahran Group, represented by Mr. Badr Ghurmallah Al-Zahrani, Chairman of the Group’s Board of Directors, and Macleods Pharmaceuticals of India, one of top 10 pharma companies in India and its affiliated research center, represented by Mr. Vijay Agarwal, CEO of the company.


This project  which was inked on 27th May 2025, marks a major milestone in the production of vital chronic disease medications, specifically oral oncology drugs, which currently have no alternatives generics available in the Kingdom. The foreign party Macleods will transfer the technology for these products, which require specific standards in the design and construction of the manufacturing plant to comply with global pharmaceutical benchmarks.


In addition to oncology drugs, both parties have agreed to establish a separate plant to manufacture the latest medications for other chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, psychiatric disorders, and also the newest treatments for acute and chronic migraines.


Production from the project is expected to be available in phases, with the first phase beginning within 18 months of the agreement’s signing.


The ceremony has been be attended by prominent figures from the pharmaceutical industry, led by His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al-Abdulqader, the founder of the pharmaceutical industry in Saudi Arabia through the pioneering company SPIMACO, as well as a former member of the Shura Council and Vice President of the Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), in addition to senior officials from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.


منذ 13 ساعة . News

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RIMOWA EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN RIYADH WITH A NEW BOUTIQUE AT SOLITAIRE MALL

Rashad Iskandrni


RIMOWA, the iconic German Maison renowned for its emblematic aluminum suitcases and pioneering craftsmanship, announces the opening of its latest boutique in Solitaire Mall, Riyadh. This expansion reaffirms RIMOWA’s commitment to offering a seamless shopping experience for discerning travelers in the Kingdom.

 

Solitaire Mall in Riyadh is one of Saudi Arabia’s most distinguished luxury shopping destinations, solidifying the city’s reputation as a leading hub for fashion, lifestyle, and high-end retail experiences. The new boutique embodies RIMOWA’s signature blend of modernity, functionality, and timeless design. Designed to reflect the brand’s heritage and innovation, the store features a sleek, contemporary aesthetic with an open-plan layout and high ceilings, creating an inviting and immersive atmosphere.

 

Visitors will explore distinct zones carefully curated to enhance their customer journey. A dedicated client care space allows for on-the-spot quick repairs and personalized assistance, ensuring that every traveler’s needs are met efficiently. The store will showcase RIMOWA’s full range of iconic pieces, from the emblematic aluminum original suitcases to the essential cabin collections, as well as an array of travel accessories.

 

With this new boutique, RIMOWA continues strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia. The German Maison is bringing its legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful engineering to the Kingdom’s growing community of sophisticated travelers, offering them companions for a lifetime of movement.

 

 

RIMOWA Soliaite Mall Boutique

Address: As Sahafah, Riyadh 13315

Business hours: 10:00 AM-11:00 PM

 

 

About RIMOWA:

RIMOWA is a global leader in premium luggage. Since 1898, it has placed quality and innovation at its core to create functional tools for a lifetime of movement. In the 1920s, RIMOWA introduced aviation-inspired aluminium into the manufacture of its suitcases, an idea that revolutionised the industry and resulted in their iconic grooved aluminium design. In 2000, it pioneered again with the debut of the first polycarbonate suitcase. In 2017, RIMOWA joined LVMH; three years later, it launched Never Still, a collection of bags for daily use that heralded its evolution into a cult mobility brand. In 2023, RIMOWA introduced an unconditional lifetime guarantee covering all suitcases purchased from July 25, 2022. Designed and engineered in Germany, RIMOWA combines a legacy of craftsmanship with the rigours of modern technology.    

https://www.rimowa.com/sa/en/home


https://www.rimowa.com/sa/en/home

منذ 14 ساعة . News

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World Premiere: The All-New Nissan Patrol NISMO roars into the Middle East

Rashad Iskandrni

 

-    NISMO delivers 495 hp for the most powerful Patrol ever  

-    Design, precision and performance tailored to Middle Eastern customers preferences

 

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (29 June 2025) – In a bold showcase of performance, Nissan last week, premiered the all-new Patrol NISMO at an event in the Middle East. Explicitly developed through extensive customer insights from the region, the latest iteration is perfectly tailored to the Middle East’s driving preferences and performance expectations. Last week, a decade after the introduction of the first Patrol NISMO, Nissan reaffirms that legacy with a world-first unveiling that combines race-inspired styling with power and precision.

Born from decades of motorsport excellence, NISMO (short for Nissan Motorsports) represents the pinnacle of Nissan performance, engineering, and innovation. Every NISMO model is designed to offer an adrenaline-packed driving experience, and the all-new Nissan Patrol NISMO blends the robustness of an SUV with the precision of track-inspired engineering.

A dedicated team of specialized engineers, handpicked for their expertise in high-performance development, worked exclusively on the all-new Patrol NISMO, to unleash the most potent Patrol ever, uniquely tailored to Middle Eastern customers.

With a specially tuned twin-turbo V6 delivering region-exclusive performance, optimized aerodynamics, and bold new styling cues, the all-new Patrol NISMO introduces substantial advancements in both performance and design. A retuned suspension, steering system, and a more pronounced exhaust note heighten the driving experience, while signature NISMO details reinforce its unmistakable motorsport pedigree. With a specially tuned twin-turbo V6 delivering region-exclusive performance, optimized aerodynamics, and bold new styling cues, the all-new Patrol NISMO introduces substantial advancements in both performance and design.

Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President & President – Middle East, KSA, CIS – Nissan & INFINITI, said: "Since the introduction of the first Patrol NISMO in 2015, our customers have continually valued its mix of performance, exclusivity, and craftsmanship. This all-new model was developed from the ground up utilizing customer insights from across the Middle East. It has been rigorously tested in the region’s most challenging environments, underlining the significance of this market to Nissan. With its race-inspired styling and powerful 495 hp engine, the all-new Patrol NISMO offers the thrilling sensation of a sports car while maintaining the commanding presence of an SUV, an ultimate icon with unmatched edge and authenticity. Building on the legacy of its predecessors, the all-new Patrol NISMO is purpose-built for those who seek exhilaration without compromise."

FEEL POWERFUL

Exclusive to the Middle East, the all-new Nissan Patrol NISMO boasts a class-leading 495 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque in Sport Mode — the highest output for the VR35DDTT engine anywhere globally. This region-specific tuning is a direct result of extensive customer insights and feedback, reinforcing Nissan’s commitment to crafting vehicles that reflect the performance expectations of Middle Eastern customers. Engineered with precision for regional conditions, this potent powerplant embodies Nissan’s mission to defy ordinary and push the boundaries of performance.



Beneath the sculpted hood lies the VR35DDTT twin-turbo V6 engine, a masterpiece of engineering, assembled with precision at Nissan’s famed Iwaki Plant in Japan. Its distinctive NISMO-red engine cover and commemorative metal plate speak to the craftsmanship behind every unit, a detail reserved for vehicles of the highest performance pedigree. Each VR35DDTT NISMO engine undergoes a special manual tuning process by Nissan's Iwaki Plant experts, including a meticulous valve clearance check and adjustment to ensure optimal performance. Paired with a recalibrated 9-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters, the Patrol NISMO delivers an unfiltered connection to the road, whether accelerating on long straights or carving up steep mountain passes.

Every element is fine-tuned to elevate both performance and confidence behind the wheel. A new bumper design channels cool air directly to the brakes, reducing disc temperatures by 6%, a critical advantage during high-performance driving. Layered air diffusers at the rear don’t just look aggressive but actively optimize aerodynamics, ensuring greater high-speed stability and sharper on-road handling.

Together, these enhancements make the Patrol NISMO more powerful, more responsive, and more attuned to the needs of the region’s most discerning drivers. It’s an SUV built to perform and excite every time the engine roars to life.



FEEL ICONIC

At the front, the face of the all-new Patrol NISMO commands attention with a dramatic V-Motion grille reimagined through both vertical and horizontal strokes. The three-dimensional honeycomb mesh has been purposefully designed to optimize airflow into the radiator, increasing cooling performance in demanding conditions. Beneath it, the front spoiler features a precisely sculpted cross-section that acts as an air splitter, generating downforce beneath the floor to enhance front-end grip and stability at speed.

The side portions of the front bumper incorporate grille-side air curtains that divide airflow horizontally and create vortices. These vortices help pull air from inside the wheel wells, reducing lift, increasing downforce, and contributing to sharper, more confident handling.

Around the rear, aerodynamic refinement continues with an extended rear spoiler that has been deliberately elongated to shift the air separation point away from the body. Additionally, rear side air splitters, layered air diffusers, and air outlets collectively generate rear downforce and improve grip.

Every design element communicates the vehicle’s dual character of distinction and power. NISMO red accents are integrated into the “Layered Double Wing,” visually and functionally reinforcing the car’s precision-tuned performance potential. Complementing this is the Formula E-inspired rear fog lamp, adding a racing-inspired aesthetic while enhancing safety in low visibility, further emphasizing the Patrol NISMO's motorsport pedigree.

Customers can choose from five striking exterior color options: White Pearl, Gray Metallic, Blue Metallic, Black Pearl, and a NISMO-exclusive Stealth Gray. These colors are available in monotone configurations, as well as dual-tone options featuring a contrasting black roof, creating six distinctive variations. The dual-tone configuration particularly emphasizes the Patrol NISMO’s commanding presence, complemented by contrasting NISMO red accents that amplify its aggressive stance and aerodynamic silhouette.

Inside, the Patrol NISMO continues to reflect a philosophy of “Functional Beauty.” The cabin features a bold black-and-red color scheme, highlighted by contrast stitching across the dashboard, seats, steering wheel, and doors. Every surface combines tactile and visual quality, from precision-cut metallic elements and red decorative finishers to genuine leather and soft suede-touch materials.

The seats offer exceptional support, firmly holding occupants during spirited driving, with a honeycomb quilting pattern that mirrors the exterior grille mesh. Signature NISMO logos embroidered into the headrests and touches such as red seat belts, a red start/stop engine button, carbon fiber-inspired surfaces, and aluminum accelerator and brake pedals further enhance the sporty and high-performance atmosphere.

FEEL ELEVATED

The all-new Nissan Patrol NISMO delivers a driving experience that’s as thrilling as it is refined, shaped by extensive motorsports expertise and meticulously tuned for the region’s demanding expectations, with a recalibrated suspension system at its core. This system features NISMO-tuned E-Dampers that automatically adjust damping levels in real-time, sharpening responsiveness and enhancing ride stability whether navigating tight corners or cruising on long highways. The result is a deeper sense of control, improved composure at high speeds, and heightened confidence through tight corners.

Complementing the suspension upgrade is an electronic power steering system specifically tuned for the Patrol NISMO. This intelligent tuning ensures that the vehicle remains easy to maneuver in the city while delivering assertive confidence on highways and winding roads alike.

This transforms routine drives into thrilling moments behind the wheel. Adding to the sensory thrill is the NISMO-tuned exhaust system, engineered to deliver a deep, resonant note that amplifies the vehicle’s performance character. Inside the cabin, Active Sound Enhancement (ASE) enriches this sound profile, creating a multi-layered auditory experience that engages driver and passengers alike with every surge of acceleration.

Underscoring the SUV’s track-inspired pedigree are 22-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels, co-developed with RAYS — a brand synonymous with high-performance racing. The 9-spoke layout, which is a unique NISMO design, provides optimal structural rigidity while minimizing weight by 23% than the base model, offering improved lateral stiffness and brake cooling efficiency without compromise.

Paired with high-performance tires, these wheels unlock the Patrol NISMO’s full cornering potential, ensuring maximum grip and lateral control across a variety of conditions. Together with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and suspension tuning, the Patrol NISMO delivers exceptional high-speed stability and cornering capability, inspiring confidence in the driver and ensuring a smooth, yet sporty ride in every scenario.

The all-new Nissan Patrol NISMO joins the current Patrol lineup in the region, now offering three distinct choices: the iconic Patrol, the lifestyle-oriented off-roader Patrol PRO-4X, and the track-inspired Patrol NISMO. Each model caters to the unique needs and passions of drivers and the all-new Patrol NISMO will be available through Nissan’s partner network across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East from July 2025 onwards.

Key specifications for Patrol NISMO in Middle East

 

 

Patrol NISMO

Patrol

Dimensions

OAL (mm)

5,295 (+90)

5,205

OAW (mm)

2070 (+40)

2030

OAH (mm)

1,945

1,945

Wheelbase (mm)

3,075

3,075

FR O/H (mm)

1,020 (+30)

990

RR O/H (mm)

1,200 (+60)

1,140

Tread FR (mm)

1,730

1,730

Tread RR (mm)

1730

1,730

Approach/Ramp/Departure Angle[°]

23/26/25.5

27.5/27/27

Min Ground Clearance (mm)

195

244

Tire/Weel size

275/50R22

275/50R22

Mass

Curb Weight (kg)

2,817

2,813

Seating

Capacity

8

8

Engine

Displacement (cc)

3492 (Twin Turbo)

3492 (Twin Turbo)

Max Power (HP @rpm)

495 @5600

425 @5600

Max Torque (Nm @rpm)

700 @3600

700 @3600

 

###

 

About Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Nissan is a global car manufacturer that sells a full line of vehicles under the Nissan and INFINITI brands. Nissan’s global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan, manages operations in four regions: Japan-ASEAN, China, Americas, and AMIEO (Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania).

For more information about our products, services, and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit Nissan AMI. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Hatoun Bushnaq 

GM Corporate Communications 

Nissan Saudi Arabia Co. Ltd.  

Email: hatoun.bushnaq@nissan-me.ae  

Phone: +966595544787 

 

Faisal Ghouth  

DGM Corporate Communications 

Nissan Saudi Arabia Co. Ltd.  

Email: faisal.ghouth@nissan-me.ae  

Phone: +966593127124 

 

Naif Al Shahrani 

Media Relation Director 

Edelman Saudi Arabia 

Email:  naif.alshahrani@edelman.com   

Phone: +966530633777

 

منذ يومين . News

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"SAHEM" Program to Combat Obesity in the Kingdom Launched in Riyadh with Broad Participation from Experts and Media Representatives

Rashad iskandrni

Riyadh – June 29, 2025, The capital city Riyadh hosted the launch of the “SAHEM” program, a distinguished national initiative aimed at addressing and controlling obesity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The inaugural meeting was held at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh, with the presence of leading health officials, healthcare practitioners, and media representatives.




The “SAHEM” program aims to spotlight obesity as a chronic disease that requires an integrated medical approach—moving beyond traditional perceptions based on individual blame. The program seeks to build a comprehensive health system that promotes prevention, early diagnosis, and the provision of effective, evidence-based treatment options, in parallel with sustainable community awareness efforts.

The meeting witnessed broad participation from journalists across various media outlets, in addition to several distinguished speakers, including Professor Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sheikh, Dr. Saud Al-Safri, and Dr. Ali Al-Shehri.

Dr. Saud Al-Safri, Consultant of Internal Medicine and Head of Endocrinology and Diabetes Departments at the Armed Forces Hospitals in Al-Hada, emphasized that the “SAHEM” program serves as a national initiative to gather insights from healthcare practitioners—particularly primary care and family physicians—aiming to identify the challenges they face when dealing with obesity patients and to determine their training needs. This is intended to support the development of specialized training programs tailored to real-world practice, based on survey findings.

He added that obesity is a chronic condition that necessitates multifaceted interventions, including prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Therefore, it is essential to qualify and train healthcare professionals in the latest diagnostic and therapeutic standards to ensure unified, evidence-based practices.

During the event, the program’s implementation plan was presented, encompassing several key pillars. Among them: launching field activities and public awareness campaigns targeting the general population in schools, workplaces, and shopping centres in collaboration with public and private entities; as well as organizing workshops and training sessions for physicians, nutritionists, and nurses to ensure standardized treatment practices in accordance with the latest global guidelines. The program also includes the development of multi-channel educational content to be produced and disseminated in partnership with media outlets to ensure the widest possible reach of awareness messages.

Speakers affirmed that the program aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030  goals , as to enhance the quality of life, promote public health, and reduce the burden of chronic diseases. They also stressed on the critical role of media as a strategic partner in correcting misconceptions about obesity and reintroducing it as a health issue that deserves collective scientific and societal efforts, through the dissemination of awareness messages in a scientific and humane manner.

The event concluded with a set of recommendations underscoring the importance of collaboration among regulatory bodies, scientific associations, healthcare professionals, and media organizations to establish a successful national model for combating obesity and mitigating its health and economic impacts.

منذ يومين . News

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SICO Capital Announces Strategic Voluntary Transition in Management of SICO Saudi REIT

Rashad iskandrni


SICO Capital, the fund manager of SICO Saudi REIT , announced today that unitholders of SICO Saudi REIT have approved its decision to voluntarily withdraw from managing the fund and voted to appoint Wasatah Capital as its successor, subject to final approval from the Saudi Capital Market Authority.

 

The resolution was passed during a meeting of the REIT’s unitholders which was held virtually on 26 June 2025 via Tadawulaty.


This decision to transition out of the Fund’s management came after a thorough internal strategic review process at SICO Capital, which also appointed its new CEO last month. Management views the move as a strategic step in the best interest of unitholders and the long-term sustainable growth of the fund.

 

 

Wissam Haddad, CEO of SICO Capital, said, “This transition represents a new chapter for the REIT and reflects SICO Capital’s ongoing commitment to unitholders. We received significant interest from several fund managers, these requests were handled with full transparency and objectivity, underscoring our commitment to ensuring a smooth and well-governed transition that safeguards unitholder’s interest and supports price stability. We are confident that this step will support the long-term sustainability of the fund's success, in compliance with the Capital Market Law, its implementing regulations, and other relevant laws and regulations.”

منذ يومين . News