Saudi transport chief elected MENA president of global body
RIYADH: The acting president of Saudi Arabia's Public Transport Authority has been elected president of the International Association of Public Transport for the MENA region.
Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih was selected in a vote during the association's summit in Hamburg, Germany, this week. He will occupy the role until 2028.
Al-Rumaih was selected for his expertise in developing modern transport systems, leading national projects and representing Saudi Arabia in international forums, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Having previously served as CEO of the Saudi Railway Company and president of the Transport General Authority, Al-Rumaih has a track record of working to improve the sustainability and quality of transport in urban settings.
'I am delighted to be with you today, and to start this new phase of work with a distinguished team that brings together a number of leaders and professionals,' he said during the conference.
'I believe that public transport is not just about infrastructure, but about experience, justice, accessibility, and sustainability.
Al-Rumaih highlighted the success of the Riyadh Metro system, which became fully operational earlier this year.
He said that the metro is witnessing high rates of usage and is changing commuter behavior in the capital.
'When we provide appropriate transportation services that are clean, safe, accessible, and reliable, people respond to and adapt to them,' he said.
Al-Rumaih also spoke about how building sustainable and people-centered transport systems requires collaboration between governments, operators, the private sector, and civil society.
'The International Association of Public Transport has always been a driver of this collaboration and will grow in importance in the years to come.'
Al-Rumaih also highlighted the findings of the MENA Transport Report 2025, which assessed trends in the industry in 40 cities across 14 countries in the region.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Where We Are Going Today: Day Day Game
If you are looking for a vibrant social hub in Riyadh, look no further than Day Day Game. This unique venue offers a diverse range of activities that cater to all types of fun-seekers. Whether you are a skater, a board game enthusiast, or someone who enjoys classic billiards, this place has something for everyone. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ One of the highlights is the skating area, where you can wear your skates and glide around with friends. It is a great way to enjoy some physical activity while having a blast. If skating is not your thing, you can play board games or read a book in a cozy corner. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it perfect for unwinding with friends over a card game or two. For those who enjoy classic games, Day Day Game features billiards tables where you can challenge your friends to a friendly match. And if you are feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at crossbow shooting? It is a unique offering that sets this venue apart. Additionally, there is a fun air hockey table that is sure to ignite some competitive spirit. A particularly appealing aspect of Day Day Game is their Ladies Day every Wednesday and Sunday, providing a welcoming environment for women to enjoy all the activities without any pressure. Accessibility is another key feature; you can conveniently reach the venue via the Riyadh metro by taking the orange line. When it comes to food, Day Day Game does not disappoint. Their delicious menu offers a variety of options to refuel after a day of fun. Whether you are in the mood for snacks or something more substantial, you will find it here. The venue also serves as a social hub where you can meet new people and make lasting connections. With an open mic night, talented individuals have the opportunity to showcase their skills, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. For nostalgia lovers, there are arcade games from the 1980s that will take you back in time. And if you are in the mood for something more classic, there is bowling available too. Day Day Game is an exciting destination with endless options for entertainment. Personally, I love going there to skate, but with so many activities available, you will likely find yourself trying something new each visit. Whether you are with friends or looking to meet new people, this venue promises a memorable experience in Riyadh.
Arab News
8 hours ago
- Arab News
How AI and microtools are empowering the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs
JEDDAH: Digitalization has reshaped how entrepreneurs get started — particularly in the early stages. Increasingly, small businesses are launching via platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, bypassing the traditional route of setting up a dedicated website. These social-first entrepreneurs are meeting customers where they already spend time, turning social media from a communication tool into a sales platform. 'Generative AI is reshaping the future of business, and when combined with digital marketing, the results are transformative,' Selina Bieber, vice president for international markets at the US-based web hosting company GoDaddy, told Arab News. According to the GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, 22 percent of small business owners in the Middle East and North Africa now run their businesses primarily on social media. This trend highlights the rising importance of social commerce, especially for solo founders and part-time business operators. However, running a business solely on social platforms comes with risks. Visibility may be high, but ownership and control are limited. Algorithm changes or policy shifts can dramatically affect a business's ability to reach customers or generate income. Shoppers also tend to look for additional signals of trust before making a purchase. A professional website, for example, often strengthens a business's credibility. According to The State of Digital Commerce in MENA 2024 report by Checkout, 73 percent of online shoppers in the region are more confident buying from businesses that have a website, rather than relying exclusively on social media accounts. In response to this shift, new digital tools have emerged to support social-first entrepreneurs. Features such as branded microsites, product catalogues, and smart links — often packaged into accessible platforms — help founders establish a more centralized and professional presence online without needing advanced technical knowledge. Artificial intelligence is also playing a growing role in this transition, helping entrepreneurs move more quickly from concept to launch. It can assist in writing product descriptions, developing pricing strategies, and automating customer engagement. Internal data suggests AI-powered tools can save small business owners up to 10 hours a week — a meaningful benefit for entrepreneurs managing limited time and resources. Beyond time savings, AI helps to level the playing field by making it easier for people to launch and scale businesses with minimal upfront investment. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a particularly dynamic arena for these digital shifts. In 2023, GoDaddy signed a partnership agreement with the Kingdom's General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises — Monsha'at — to equip Saudi entrepreneurs with the digital tools and training needed to build their online presence. The agreement, signed during the Biban 23 entrepreneurship forum in Riyadh, aimed to empower aspiring business owners through workshops, seminars, and a planned business accelerator. It also included support for Monsha'at Academy and content initiatives to share local success stories. 'We're inspired to see Saudi entrepreneurs and small business owners feel confident in embracing technology and in their approach to entrepreneurship,' said Bieber. While social media remains a powerful tool for customer engagement, long-term growth often requires a more permanent digital footprint. A dedicated website, complemented by tools like GoDaddy's Show in Bio, can provide an added layer of credibility and security — something that social media accounts alone may not guarantee. With the rise of impersonation and questionable accounts online, many customers check whether a business has a standalone website before making a purchase. The latest generation of entrepreneurs is pragmatic and digitally fluent. While they may start on social media, many are increasingly looking for tools that offer more autonomy, control, and brand distinction. Combining a social-first approach with a professional online presence can offer the credibility and resilience needed for sustainable growth. 'GoDaddy continues to level the playing field by offering powerful, affordable tools that allow small businesses to elevate their marketing and achieve real success,' said Bieber. With the right mix of AI and easy-to-use tools, turning a side project into a long-term venture is more achievable than ever. Social media may be where the journey starts — but building lasting value depends on owning and shaping your own digital presence.
Arab News
10 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudi science university makes world's top 100
DHAHRAN: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals has achieved a milestone by entering the list of the world's top 100 establishments, ranking 67th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings after being 101st last year. The transformation has taken place across academic, research, and administrative domains. Nearly 100 new programs have been launched, including innovative undergraduate and graduate offerings. The university has also introduced the region's first entrepreneurship program, granting students and researchers full ownership of their startups in a move that reflects a modern, innovation-driven academic culture focused on economic empowerment. In addition, the university has adopted the FAST transformation model and the AI+X initiative, which integrates artificial intelligence as an integral knowledge component across all disciplines, making it a core academic requirement for all students. The university has also achieved the highest female enrollment rate in engineering programs globally, and attracted students from more than 75 countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
