Latest news with #AlKharj
Arab News
20-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft
RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has launched its first vocational empowerment training in leather industries for rural women in Al-Kharj governorate. The program aims to promote entrepreneurship and support the national economy in line with Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported. It provides rural women with practical skills in leather manufacturing to help develop their small businesses and improve the marketing of their products. Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, said 15 rural women are participating in the training, which covers value-added leather production, design, product diversification, quality control, and business management. The program includes training in business planning, cost management, marketing, and branding to help participants establish viable ventures, according to SPA. Recently, the UN World Tourism Organization recognized Saudi Reef's role in supporting sustainable development through its link with rural tourism. Basmah Al-Mayman, UNWTO Middle East director, in a letter to Saudi Reef Secretary-General Ghassan Bakri commended the program for organizing rural tourism events in various regions of the Kingdom. UNWTO expressed interest in collaborating with Saudi Reef on initiatives focused on sustainable community development and rural tourism.
Asharq Al-Awsat
19-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Reef Launches Leather Craft Training for Rural Women in Al-Kharj
The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef) has launched its inaugural vocational empowerment training program in leather industries for rural women in Al-Kharj Governorate, aiming to promote entrepreneurship and contribute to the national economy in line with Vision 2030 goals. The program equips rural women with essential skills in local leather manufacturing to strengthen their small businesses and support the marketing and growth of their leather products, SPA reported. Saudi Reef Assistant Secretary-General for Media and Communication Majed Al-Buraikan noted that 15 female rural entrepreneurs are participating in the training, which focuses on value-added leather industries, including techniques, innovative design, product diversification, quality control, and business management. The program also covers business planning, cost strategies, marketing, and branding to help establish value-added ventures.
Saudi Gazette
14-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Keeta reveals Saudi Food Delivery Trends in Q1 2025: Fast food leads, Sweet Cravings rise, and Delivery gets even faster
Keeta, the international subsidiary of Meituan, China's on-demand delivery giant, has released Q1 2025 insights, revealing what the Saudi population ordered, where food trends are shifting, and how delivery is becoming a seamless part of daily life. With over 30,000 registered delivery riders and 25,000+ restaurant partners across the Kingdom, Keeta's footprint is now matched by real-time data on local tastes and behaviors. Keeta Q1 2025 by the Numbers The majority of total orders = Fast Food Nearly one in five total orders = Desserts & Beverages 244 orders placed by one user in Q1 2025 <1 minute = fastest recorded delivery SR 4,791 = largest order (with traditional Saudi goat feast and 83 items!) Regularly among the top 5 of total orders nationwide = Italian cuisine Tastes That Defined Q1 2025 Fast food was the #1 choice across the Kingdom's major cities, including Jeddah, Madinah and Makkah. Riyadh followed closely, still ranking among the top. Arabic cuisine came in as a strong second, especially popular in Al Ahsa, Riyadh, and Dammam—each making around one-fifth of local orders. Desserts and beverages together made up nearly 1 in 5 orders, showing a growing craving for indulgent extras, especially during mid-day and evening hours. Italian cuisine consistently ranked on the top 5 across all major cities, reflecting its steady and widespread popularity in Saudi Arabia. City-by-City Cravings Jeddah: Burgers, fried chicken, and soft drinks led orders Riyadh: Strong demand for grilled meats and Arabic platters Makkah: Known for large, traditional group meals Madinah: A balance of international chains and sweets Dammam: Arabic meals took precedence over desserts or drinks Al Kharj: Topped the Kingdom for beverage orders Al Ahsa: Dual dominance in Arabic meals and dessert cravings Biggest Order? A feast Like No Other One of the standout moments from the quarter was a delivery totaling SR 4,791, the largest single order of the quarter. With 83 items packed into a single drop-off, it pushed the boundaries of what "on-demand" really means. The food arrived so fast, it might've beaten the customer's microwave to the finish line. Whether it was a family feast, a surprise celebration, or a week's worth of planning in one tap, the order showcased Keeta's ability to deliver more than just meals, it delivers scale, speed, and a whole lot of flavors. Alignment with Vision 2030 Keeta's growth supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions by empowering local businesses, enhancing quality of life through tech, and transforming the food delivery ecosystem with smart, scalable logistics. Keeta is a technology-driven delivery platform that connects consumers with local food and retail merchants and couriers. With the mission of "We help people eat better, live better," Keeta is committed to providing localized high-quality products and services, benefiting consumers, food and retail merchants and couriers from the entire ecosystem. Keeta was launched by Meituan ( which owns China's leading food delivery platform Meituan Waimai.
Argaam
12-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
MC4 maintains strong demand in Q1 2025: CEO
Khalid Al Maktary, CEO of Fourth Milling Co. (MC4), said the company's net profit rose by 8% in Q1 2025, supported by revenue growth, improved financial efficiency, and a SAR 2.3 million reduction in deferred tax liabilities. This was also buoyed by a SAR 1.3 million increase in returns from Shariah-compliant investment deposits and effective cost control. In an interview with Argaam, Al Maktary added that demand for the company's products remained strong in Q1 2025, with flour sales rising 4.3% year-on-year (YoY) and 6.4% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ). This was supported by seasonal demand during Ramadan and an improved product mix. He noted that this growth reflects robust demand from both business and retail segments. Animal feed sales also maintained positive momentum during the quarter, although revenue from the bran and feed segment declined by 5.6% QoQ due to seasonal factors and the company's focus on improving margins over volume increases. MC4 retained its leadership in the Saudi flour market during Q1 2025, backed by strong performance from its flagship brand, FOOM, which held a 28.4% market share—the highest in the packaged flour category. According to the CEO, the company seeks to enhance its competitive edge through target marketing campaigns, expanding its distribution network, and continuous innovation in product development to meet market needs. Geographically, sales were significantly supported by performance in Madinah and Al-Kharj, benefiting from advanced infrastructure and proximity to demand centers, which improved distribution efficiency and market responsiveness. Regarding flour exports, Al Maktary said the company plans to leverage surplus capacity at its Dammam facility—strategically located near King Abdulaziz Port—to expand into Middle Eastern, Asian, and African markets. This aligns with the company's long-term strategy to diversify income sources and grow its geographical presence. The top executive forecasts growth momentum to continue into the second half of 2025, driven by an expanding customer base, improved coverage in high-density areas, and stronger offerings for both business and retail segments. Thanks to optimized distribution strategies and continued consumer demand for essential products, the company is well positioned to sustain stable revenue performance in H2 2025.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
A wildfire closes main highway linking Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and sends 12 people to the hospital
AP file photo JERUSALEM - A wildfire shut the main highway linking Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on Wednesday, sending at least a dozen people to the hospital and turning skies over Jerusalem gray. Video footage showed vehicles stranded nearby as flames spread throughout the area, while another video showed the fire approaching a Catholic monastery. The fire was being whipped up by strong winds and hot, dry weather. The cause was being investigated. Help was on the way from across the region, including aircraft from Italy, Croatia and North Macedonia, Israeli officials said. Helicopters were dropping water to battle the flames from above, while other firefighting teams were responding on ATVs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Al Kharj: Calculate how much you could earn by investing in Aramco CFDs DailyMarkets Learn More Undo "We hope to reach 150 firefighting teams," Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said. The fire occurred as Israel observes Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of attacks, ahead of Independence Day on Thursday. Many of the planned events were being canceled, including the official national ceremony in Jerusalem. The event had been set for Mount Herzl, near the fire zone. Instead, a recording of the dress rehearsal was being broadcast. Those taken for hospital treatment mostly suffered from smoke inhalation, while another 10 people were treated in the field, Magen David Adom Ambulance services said. Residents living close to the fire zone were evacuated, police said. Officials at the monastery, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, said it was too early to assess the damage, if any. The religious communities had been safely evacuated, they said. "We pray for the safety of everyone," their statement said. As flames advanced towards the Tel Aviv-to-Jerusalem highway, many people abandoned their cars and fled on foot or hitched rides with other vehicles heading in the opposite direction. In 2010, a massive forest fire burned for four days on northern Israel's Mount Carmel, claiming 44 lives and destroying around 12,000 acres, much of it woodland.
