What it takes to run a global event like LEAP 2025
Richard McKeon, VP of Marketing & Communications at Tahaluf, has been instrumental in shaping Riyadh's global tech showpiece, LEAP, since its launch in 2022. In this interview, he discusses the event's rapid growth, the challenges of managing its rising popularity, and what it takes to run a world-class tech gathering on this scale.
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Arabian Post
24-05-2025
- Arabian Post
Sanad and GE Aerospace Forge Path to Advance UAE's Aerospace Workforce
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Sanad, a global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions provider wholly owned by Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Investment Company, has partnered with GE Aerospace to bolster the UAE's aerospace talent pool. This collaboration aims to address the projected surge in global demand for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul professionals, with the sector expected to reach $169 billion by 2037. The partnership has led to the inauguration of the LEAP Engine MRO Center in Abu Dhabi, the first certified facility of its kind in the South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa region. This center is set to support over 450 LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines over an 11-year period, enhancing the UAE's capabilities in servicing next-generation aircraft engines. ADVERTISEMENT Sanad has invested over AED 100 million into its Abu Dhabi facility, expanding its state-of-the-art engine MRO capabilities. The center spans 5,000 square meters, contributing to a total of 30,000 square meters in Sanad's Abu Dhabi campus. This expansion not only augments the company's technical capabilities but also reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global aviation hub. The collaboration with GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, formalized during the Paris Air Show in June 2023, has significantly expanded Sanad's MRO services to include the new-generation CFM International LEAP-1A and -1B engines. These engines, powering Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft, are recognized for their exceptional reliability and fuel efficiency. Sanad's LEAP Engine MRO Center began operations within a month of signing the agreement and successfully completed the MRO process on the first LEAP engine from flydubai just four months later. This rapid operationalization underscores Sanad's commitment to excellence and speed in establishing state-of-the-art MRO capabilities. The center is operated by a dedicated team of technical and engineering experts, utilizing cutting-edge MRO technologies. Sanad's engineers and technicians have undergone intensive training programs with GE Aerospace, equipping them with the skills required for tasks such as Rotor Drive System and Inlet Gear Box quick turnaround, borescope inspection, and general familiarization. This initiative not only ensures the operational efficiency of LEAP engines but also contributes to reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting engines outside the region for maintenance. By providing in-country solutions, the partnership aligns with the UAE's commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. The LEAP engine's popularity has surged, with a backlog exceeding 10,000 engines, primarily due to its innovative design aimed at reducing carbon emissions in air transport. Sanad's enhanced capabilities position it to meet the growing demand for MRO services for the LEAP engine, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a global aviation hub. In addition to the LEAP Engine MRO Center, Sanad has expanded its global partnerships, including a strategic agreement with Airbus to provide MRO services for engines powering Airbus single-aisle and wide-body aircraft. This collaboration further solidifies Sanad's position as a global partner of choice and a key player in the aerospace industry. Sanad's commitment to workforce development is evident in its focus on training and upskilling local talent. The company has established multi-tiered training programs to nurture local expertise, combining classroom training in aviation principles with hands-on experience in its facilities. This approach supports the UAE's broader goals of economic diversification and the development of a knowledge-based economy.
Zawya
04-05-2025
- Zawya
National Bank of Kuwait hosts group HR conference for international branches
Al-Ablani: The conference aimed to strengthen strategic alignment and global cooperation across all Group HR departments. The event reflects the Bank's commitment to fostering a unified corporate culture across all markets. A shared dedication to building a future-ready workforce that aligns with NBK's global vision and the evolving needs of our business and clients. Emphasis on HR operational harmony to support the Group's strategic objectives and future growth. As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen integration and alignment across international markets, the Group Human Resources Division at the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) hosted a major HR conference at its Head Office in Kuwait. The three-day event brought together HR leaders from NBK's international branches and subsidiaries across 13 countries and 4 continents. Held from April 28 to 30, the conference served as a platform for sharing best practices, aligning future strategies, and reinforcing cooperation among HR teams within the NBK Group. The conference opened with welcoming remarks from NBK's executive leadership, followed by a comprehensive presentation of the Group's overall HR strategy. Each international HR head also delivered presentations outlining their respective local strategies and initiatives. A key component of the event was a specialized workshop titled 'Change Management', part of NBK's Career Leap project. The program also included advanced training on job design and evaluation, emphasizing alignment with global HR best practices in attracting, retaining, and developing top talent—solidifying NBK's position as an employer of choice in the banking sector. As part of the Career Leap initiative, attendees participated in a full-day training session delivered by a leading global firm on 'Strategic Change Leadership Workshop'. The session explored dynamic change leadership practices, highlighting strategies for managing transformation in fast-evolving economic environments. It also provided tools and frameworks for adapting to organizational change, fostering agility, and navigating uncertainty through global case studies. The conference further addressed ways to enhance the effectiveness of HR services and operations across the Group. Discussions included developing core competencies, grooming future leaders, promoting a unified organizational culture, and leveraging innovative ideas from diverse markets to drive performance. Cross-border collaboration was underscored as a critical strategy for addressing common challenges. In a heartfelt moment, the conference honored the Head of HR at NBK Singapore on her retirement, marking 41 years of dedicated service. The recognition demonstrated the Bank's deep appreciation for employee commitment and exemplified the values of professionalism and respect that define NBK's corporate culture. On this occasion, Mr. Emad Al-Ablani, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, stated: "We are proud to host this important conference aimed at strengthening strategic alignment and global collaboration among HR teams across all NBK international branches and subsidiaries. This event reaffirms our commitment to supporting the Group's operational goals and long-term growth." He added:"The conference reflects the strength of our Group HR function and our collective dedication to building a high-performing, future-ready workforce that aligns with NBK's global vision to meet the evolving demands of our business and clients." Al-Ablani emphasized that the event reasserts NBK's leadership in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent while reinforcing a unified corporate culture across all operational markets. He concluded by affirming that NBK's HR Division will continue to play a vital role in enabling the Group's strategic ambitions by focusing on human capital development, preparing professional talent to lead the Bank into the future, and cultivating an innovative, engaging, and empowering work environment. He noted that cooperation among HR teams across all geographies remains a cornerstone of NBK's continued excellence and leadership in both regional and global arenas. NBK is recognized for its exceptional workplace culture and invests heavily in employee development. The Bank actively fosters creativity and innovation within its workforce—key drivers that contribute to its distinguished standing in the local and regional banking sector.
Zawya
10-04-2025
- Zawya
Riyadh's Malham Airport designated for general aviation operations
RIYADH — The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has announced the allocation of a new airport in the capital, Riyadh, dedicated to general aviation operations. Located in the northern area of Malham — approximately 70 kilometers from downtown Riyadh — the new Malham Airport marks a strategic addition to the Kingdom's growing aviation infrastructure. Spanning 140,000 square meters, the airport is designed to handle more than 25,000 general aviation flights annually. It will serve as a key hub for private jet owners, business aviation operators, and service providers, enhancing Saudi Arabia's capacity to host international business and entertainment events. Malham, the airport's location, is rapidly emerging as a center for major global events, including the World Defense Show and the LEAP tech conference. The establishment of an airport in this area supports its transformation into a world-class destination for international gatherings. GACA stated that the move aligns with the goals of the National Aviation Strategy, which seeks to boost the general aviation sector by increasing the number of operators, improving services, localizing maintenance and repair companies, and strengthening the sector's contribution to the national economy. The authority emphasized that Malham Airport will offer a fully integrated environment tailored for private aviation, helping to solidify Riyadh's position as a regional and global aviation hub. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
