Almatar enhances pilgrimage experience as official travel partner of UZF 2025
As the Official Travel Partner, Almatar provided a comprehensive suite of travel services tailored to the needs of pilgrims and global industry professionals. These services included flexible flight and hotel bookings, ground transportation arrangements, and exclusive packages—all accessible through Almatar's award-winning digital platform. The goal was to simplify travel logistics, allowing attendees to focus on the spiritual and professional aspects of the forum.
Faisal AlRajhi, CEO of Almatar Group, stated:
"We are proud to have supported UZF 2025 in its mission to enrich the Umrah and Ziyarah journey through technology and partnership. Almatar remains committed to delivering reliable, secure, and innovative travel solutions that align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030."
Organized by Tahaluf, in collaboration with Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), and the Events Investment Fund, UZF 2025 showcased advancements in tech, mobility, healthcare, aviation, and logistics that contribute to a more efficient pilgrimage experience. The event also created a global platform for stakeholders across the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem to connect, collaborate, and innovate.
Almatar's participation at UZF 2025 reaffirmed its position as a leader in smart travel solutions and a key partner in supporting Saudi Arabia's ambitions to elevate the pilgrim experience for millions of visitors annually.
For more information, visit www.almatar.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
a day ago
- Arabian Post
Wealth Fund Cleans House of Key US Tech and Logistics Stocks
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds with nearly $1 trillion in assets, has completely divested from six prominent U. S.-listed firms during the second quarter of 2025. Filings reveal that PIF no longer holds any shares in Meta, Shopify, PayPal, Alibaba, Nu Holdings or FedEx. At the end of March, the fund still held significant stakes—for example, nearly 668,000 class A shares of Meta and 1.76 million shares of PayPal—yet by the close of June, it had fully exited these positions. This strategic shift resulted in a reduction of PIF's disclosed U. S. equity holdings from $25.5 billion in Q1 to $23.8 billion in Q2, including call options. The divestments occurred during a period when U. S. markets were rebounding from April's losses tied to tariff policy uncertainty. This recalibration aligns with PIF's broader Vision 2030 mandate, under which the fund is increasingly directing its capital toward domestic megaprojects like NEOM, as well as global sectors such as tourism, clean energy, logistics, and elite sports investments. ADVERTISEMENT In the second quarter, PIF's heaviest exposures remained in sectors aligned with innovation and entertainment. According to its Q2 13F filing, the top holdings comprised Uber, Electronic Arts, Lucid and Take-Two Interactive, maintaining a concentrated portfolio weighted toward high-growth technology and gaming assets. By contrast, positions in firms like Meta, PayPal and Alibaba—which once formed a portion of its U. S. portfolio—were eliminated entirely. The timing suggests a deliberate shift away from large-cap tech and fintech, perhaps reflecting changing priorities amid global market volatility and evolving geopolitical considerations. Exiting stakes in Meta and Shopify, which represented substantial tech exposure, signals a pivot toward sectors considered more resilient or strategically aligned with long-term national ambitions. PIF's move exemplifies its dual-track strategy: while shedding exposure to certain U. S.-listed technology and logistics firms, it continues to cement core holdings in key global brands and innovative sectors. As PIF steers more resources toward domestic transformation and sustainable sectors, its shifting portfolio underscores how sovereign wealth strategy can reflect broader economic and policy imperatives.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
South Africa's Artisan Economy takes centre stage at the inaugural Fusion Fest 2025
South Africa's artisan economy is about to get a major boost with the inaugural Makers Fusion Fest 2025, taking place from 4 to 6 September at the Birchwood Hotel & OR Tambo Conference Centre. The event, hosted by Allan Gray Makers, will bring together 300 policymakers, entrepreneurs, financiers and artisans to address critical challenges facing the sector. At the heart of the festival is a bold vision to create a well-functioning trade entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling responsible artisan entrepreneurs and trade businesses to thrive and meaningfully improve lives by 2035. "Our research shows the artisan economy remains one of South Africa's most untapped opportunities for inclusive growth," says Seth Mulli, programme director at Allan Gray Makers. 'This festival is where we turn insights into action." Event highlights 4 September: The Fusion Fest The opening day features discussions on ecosystem challenges. Participants will roll up their sleeves in hands-on Fusion Labs to develop solutions for funding, skills development and market access barriers. 5 September: National Entrepreneurship Inter-College Finals & TVETpreneurs Launch The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) will launch TVETpreneurs, a game-changing initiative to standardise entrepreneurship development across all technical colleges. Simultaneously, top students from TVET institutions nationwide will compete in the Inter-College Competition Finals, demonstrating cutting-edge technical solutions in a high-energy showdown. 6 September: South African National Artisan Awards Gala & Winners Announcement The culmination of Artisans of Mzansi will see the announcement of this year's exceptional winners, artisan entrepreneurs whose groundbreaking work is transforming industries. The gala will also host the South African National Artisan Awards, honouring lifetime achievements in the trades, along with the presentation of awards to winners of the Inter-College Competition. This elegant celebration bridges generations, connecting established masters with emerging talent while showcasing the bright future of artisanal entrepreneurship. The Fusion Fest supports Allan Gray Makers' ambitious 2035 vision of a well-functioning trade entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling responsible artisan entrepreneurs and trade businesses to thrive and meaningfully improve lives. About Allan Gray Makers Allan Gray Makers, a programme of Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies, fosters dignity and economic opportunity by supporting artisanal entrepreneurship. The programme invests in technical entrepreneurs who demonstrate ethical leadership, helping them build sustainable businesses that drive job creation and community impact.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Desert Group to showcase sustainable landscaping innovations at Myplant & Garden ME 2025
Dubai, UAE – Desert Group, a leading integrated landscape and green infrastructure company with nearly four decades of experience transforming arid environments into vibrant, sustainable spaces, is set to showcase its latest innovations at Myplant & Garden ME 2025 at Expo. The company, known for its holistic approach to landscaping and green infrastructure, will join the Myplant & Garden ME in highlighting the future of sustainable urban development. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Dubai, Desert Group has grown from a pioneering landscaping firm into a multi-disciplinary powerhouse, offering fully integrated solutions across the entire project lifecycle – from design and construction to plant production, irrigation, and ongoing maintenance. Today, the company operates through more than 15 specialized business units, serving clients across residential, commercial, government, and hospitality sectors. Desert Group's portfolio spans over 6,000 projects, including luxury resorts, civic landmarks, championship golf courses, and large-scale public realm developments. With a team of over 5,000 professionals – including horticulturists, landscape architects, engineers, agronomists, and skilled craftsmen – Desert Group continues to set benchmarks for sustainable landscaping in the region. 'We're looking forward to being part of Myplant & Garden ME 2025. It's a strong platform to connect with the right stakeholders and reinforce the role of practical, scalable landscaping solutions in shaping sustainable cities. That's where Desert Group adds value and that's the conversation we are here for.' — Michael Mascarenhas, CEO, Desert Group Now part of Al Ghandi Group Enterprises, Desert Group is poised for a new chapter of growth, combining legacy, scale, and vision to deliver impactful green infrastructure solutions that enhance urban life, restore ecological balance, and create meaningful human connections with nature. 'Desert Group's commitment to sustainability and green innovation aligns perfectly with the vision of Myplant & Garden. Their decades of experience and pioneering spirit make them a key player in the region's green transition, and we are excited to have them showcase their expertise at this year's event', said Valeria Randazzo, Exhibition Manager, Myplant & Garden ME. Myplant & Garden Middle East, the region's premier horticulture, landscape, and garden exhibition, is set to bloom this November with a spectacular showcase of innovation, sustainability, and natural beauty. Bringing together global and regional industry leaders, the event will transform Dubai into a vibrant hub for green excellence—featuring everything from ornamental plants and landscaping solutions to urban agriculture and smart garden technologies. Whether you're a grower, designer, architect, or enthusiast, this is the unmissable platform to connect, collaborate, and cultivate the future of green living in the Middle East. About: Myplant & Garden Middle East Green Expo is the region's premier B2B event dedicated to the horticulture, floriculture, landscaping, and urban green sectors. Organised by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), the expo builds on the international success of Myplant & Garden – International Green Expo in Milan, Italy. It serves as a dynamic platform for businesses, professionals, and institutions to explore innovations, forge partnerships, and drive sustainability in the Middle East's rapidly growing green industry. As cities in the region expand their commitment to sustainable urban development and climate adaptation, the expo brings together key industry players, including nursery and greenhouse suppliers, landscape architects, urban planners, environmental policymakers, and technology providers. Attendees will gain access to cutting-edge solutions in green infrastructure, smart irrigation, eco-friendly materials, and urban forestry, aligning with the region's ambitious green transformation goals. The event will feature exhibitions, specialised conferences, B2B matchmaking sessions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders from across the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. With the UAE's position as a global hub for business and innovation, Myplant & Garden Middle East Green Expo is set to become a key reference point for green professionals and companies looking to expand their presence in the region.
