Latest news with #EasternProvince
RNZ News
2 days ago
- General
- RNZ News
Former Black Caps coach David Trist dies
Former Black Caps coach David Trist Photo: Photosport Former Black Caps coach David Trist has died aged 77. New Zealand Cricket posted on social media confirming Trist died in Christchurch on Thursday. NZC said it was "deeply saddened to confirm the passing of former Black Caps coach David Trist, who died in Christchurch yesterday, aged 77", with the organisation extending its "heartfelt condolences to David's family and friends". A former Canterbury pace bowler, Trist coached the New Zealand men's team from 1999 to 2001, during which time they won the ICC Champions Trophy in Nairobi. Trist was born in September 1947 in Christchurch and he played 24 first-class games for Canterbury between 1968-69 and 1977-78. After he stopped playing Trist moved into coaching and helped guide Eastern Province to victory in South Africa's Currie Cup in 1989. He also coached Hong Kong at the 1997 ICC Trophy and the Netherlands as well as Auckland. Trist replaced Steve Rixon as the Black Caps coach in 1999.
Arabian Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Inside ADDarah's vision for transformative hospitality
In a market where size often speaks louder than soul, ADDarah is doing something different. Located in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, the newly launched venue doesn't just cater to weddings and corporate launches – it curates them, down to the scent in the air and the acoustics in the room. Spearheading the project is Khaled Alba Hussain, a seasoned hospitality leader whose background includes mega scale openings, conferences, and governmental conferences. But it's in ADDarah that he sees the opportunity to build something more enduring: a benchmark for memory-making in the Gulf's growing luxury landscape. In a candid conversation, Hussain discusses what makes ADDarah unique – from its poetic roots to its performance-driven culture – and why, for him, hospitality is about far more than architecture. The name ADDarah has a unique tone to it. What's the story behind the name, and what does it represent? Our brand, 'Addarah,' is inspired by these fertile plains known as 'Darat Al Arab' – the white plains celebrated by poets throughout ages for their ability to sprout the most fragrantly pleasing flora. These lands, rich in heritage and natural bounty, have inspired countless odes, increasing in their number to one hundred and ten, among which 'Darat Jouljoul' is renowned. At 'Addarah,' we bring forth products that are deeply rooted in this rich cultural and natural heritage. Each offering is a tribute to the purity, abundance, and traditional wisdom encapsulated by the Darat. We are more than a brand; we are the continuation of a story that began in the lush expanses between the mountains – a story of beauty, sustenance, and poetic inspiration. We invite you to be part of this age-old narrative, where every product is an echo of the earth's generosity and the ancient poets' celebrations. Join us in rediscovering the timeless elegance and profound simplicity of 'Addarah.' What is ADDarah's long-term vision for transforming the hospitality landscape in the Eastern Province, and how do you plan to achieve it? We had a very clear vision from the start. We wanted to create something iconic but also rooted in the culture and values of the region. That's why we didn't just look at architecture or design – we looked at how people interact with space, how they celebrate, how they host, and we tried to build all that into ADDarah. The Ramadan soft opening was a key moment for ADDarah. What were the key factors behind its success, and what lessons did you take away from it? The Ramadan soft launch was a critical moment – it gave us a chance to test everything, from service quality to kitchen operations, from guest flow to lighting. We learned a lot. We had issues with timing and sequencing at first, especially for suhoor events, but our team was agile and quick to adapt. Earning the trust of Aramco and other high-profile clients so early is a significant achievement. What made ADDarah stand out to these major players? Winning the trust of a client like Aramco early on was both a challenge and a huge milestone. They demand excellence, and they notice everything – from how the valet welcomes them, to the taste of the coffee, to the acoustics in the room. But I think what stood out was our commitment to detail. We didn't cut corners. We even designed custom menus for each event. With Ramadan setting the foundation, what measures are in place to maintain and elevate service quality as ADDarah moves into full-scale operations? Now as we transition into full-scale operations, we've put a lot in place: training programs, service protocols, feedback loops with clients – even secret shopper visits. How do you ensure that your team consistently delivers world-class hospitality experiences, and what training or leadership approaches do you prioritise? To ensure consistency, we've built a culture of ownership within the team. Everyone feels responsible for the guest experience, from the front desk to housekeeping to the banquet team. How do you lead your team and create a high-performance culture at ADDarah? In terms of leadership, I personally hold monthly townhalls with the entire team – from interns to managers. We talk openly about what's working and what's not. This transparency creates accountability. Weddings, product launches, and corporate gatherings are key growth areas. How is ADDarah positioning itself as the top choice for these high-profile events? For high-profile events like weddings, product launches, and corporate receptions, we've designed modular spaces that can transform quickly. Our ballroom, for instance, can go from a corporate seminar setup in the morning to a luxury gala dinner by night. In a competitive hospitality market, how is ADDarah innovating to create unique guest experiences that go beyond traditional luxury service? In terms of innovation, we're pushing boundaries with things like scent identity, lighting design, immersive tech. We're working with artists to curate rotating exhibitions, so the venue feels fresh each time. As ADDarah moves into peak season, what major events and collaborations are in the pipeline, and how do they align with your goals? Looking ahead to peak season, we're hosting two major conferences, several brand launches, and at least five major weddings. Each one is an opportunity to elevate the standard of hospitality in the Eastern Province. ADDarah is evolving into more than just an event space – how do you envision it as a lifestyle destination? ADDarah isn't just about events – we see it as a lifestyle destination. So we're developing partnerships with local chefs, wellness brands, even perfumers. We want guests to come not just for an event, but for an experience. How is ADDarah integrating sustainability and smart technologies into the guest experience? We're also very conscious of sustainability. We've worked with local suppliers for food sourcing, we've eliminated single-use plastics, and we're optimising energy use through smart lighting and HVAC systems. Another key area for us is technology. We've integrated smart booking systems, guest preference profiles, digital feedback collection. It's all about personalisation. Finally, what drives ADDarah's deep investment in hospitality, especially coming from a company rooted in construction? The goal is to make ADDarah a benchmark not just in Saudi, but regionally. We're already in talks for hosting regional tourism and hospitality forums here, and I think that says a lot. When people ask me why we're investing so much into hospitality, I tell them it's not about buildings. It's about moments. Hospitality is memory-making. And in a time when everything is moving so fast, creating a space where people feel seen, valued, celebrated – that's powerful. So yes, our roots may be in construction, but our heart is in hospitality.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
ROSHN breaks ground on first integrated community in Dhahran
ROSHN Group, the leading multi-asset real estate developer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a PIF company, has broken ground on its first fully integrated residential community - ALDANAH in Dhahran in the kingdom's Eastern Province of Dhahran. Spanning over 1.7 million sq m, the development will deliver more than 2,000 residential units upon completion. Each of the homes features diverse designs and amenities that ensure an easy and seamless transition experience for residents, said the developer. The groundbreaking ceremony was held under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Region, and in the presence of the Prince Saud bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province. ALDANAH offers nine floor plans and two distinct façade types, including duplexes and standard villas. Premium villas with five bedrooms are also available and will be conveniently positioned near a beautiful green spine. Located in Dhahran, ALDANAH is positioned near key landmarks such as the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and the region's main business districts. ALDANAH's groundbreaking ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives from the public and private sectors, alongside ROSHN's senior leadership team, who later visited the sales center and toured the show villas, gaining a first-hand look at the diverse typologies that will be available. Speaking on the occasion, ROSHN Group Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Khalid Johar said: "This is a significant milestone in the group's journey, fulfilling its mandate to provide exceptional, sustainable living experiences in line with Vision 2030 homeownership and quality of life goals." "Today, we are delighted to extend our fully integrated way of living to new customers in the Eastern Region. In ALDANAH, we are creating a vibrant new community deeply connected to Greater Dammam and the region's unique heritage," he noted. The groundbreaking marks a significant milestone in the development of the Eastern Region, paving the way for an integrated residential destination that offers a new way of living tailored to fulfill every aspiration, he added. ALDANAH is holistically designed to offer residents vibrant and healthy lifestyles while fostering the growth of family-friendly communities. Set to feature a wide range of amenities, the community will play a key role in enhancing the quality of life across Greater Dammam. A rich array of amenities, including mosques, community centers, retail and commercial areas, and education facilities, is all within the community, said the developer. Close to 145,000 sqm of the project's total footprint will be dedicated to urban green space, accompanied by naturally shaded and pedestrian-friendly living streets, connecting residents with nature, it added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Trade Arabia
3 days ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
ROSHN breaks ground on first integrated community in Dhahran
ROSHN Group, the leading multi-asset real estate developer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a PIF company, has broken ground on its first fully integrated residential community - ALDANAH in Dhahran in the kingdom's Eastern Province of Dhahran. Spanning over 1.7 million sq m, the development will deliver more than 2,000 residential units upon completion. Each of the homes features diverse designs and amenities that ensure an easy and seamless transition experience for residents, said the developer. The groundbreaking ceremony was held under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Region, and in the presence of the Prince Saud bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province. ALDANAH offers nine floor plans and two distinct façade types, including duplexes and standard villas. Premium villas with five bedrooms are also available and will be conveniently positioned near a beautiful green spine. Located in Dhahran, ALDANAH is positioned near key landmarks such as the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and the region's main business districts. ALDANAH's groundbreaking ceremony was attended by distinguished representatives from the public and private sectors, alongside ROSHN's senior leadership team, who later visited the sales center and toured the show villas, gaining a first-hand look at the diverse typologies that will be available. Speaking on the occasion, ROSHN Group Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Khalid Johar said: "This is a significant milestone in the group's journey, fulfilling its mandate to provide exceptional, sustainable living experiences in line with Vision 2030 homeownership and quality of life goals." "Today, we are delighted to extend our fully integrated way of living to new customers in the Eastern Region. In ALDANAH, we are creating a vibrant new community deeply connected to Greater Dammam and the region's unique heritage," he noted. The groundbreaking marks a significant milestone in the development of the Eastern Region, paving the way for an integrated residential destination that offers a new way of living tailored to fulfill every aspiration, he added. ALDANAH is holistically designed to offer residents vibrant and healthy lifestyles while fostering the growth of family-friendly communities. Set to feature a wide range of amenities, the community will play a key role in enhancing the quality of life across Greater Dammam. A rich array of amenities, including mosques, community centers, retail and commercial areas, and education facilities, is all within the community, said the developer. Close to 145,000 sqm of the project's total footprint will be dedicated to urban green space, accompanied by naturally shaded and pedestrian-friendly living streets, connecting residents with nature, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
GE Vernova's H-Class gas turbines to expand Qurayyah power plant in Saudi Arabia
QIPP can potentially be configured with post-combustion carbon capture systems Project supports Saudi Arabia's commitment to increase gas power generation in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA: GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) today announced it has secured an order for five 7H-Class gas turbines - three 7HA.03 and two 7HA.02 units from Técnicas Reunidas and Orascom Construction (TR & ORASCOM CONSTRUCTION). The two companies have signed, under a 50-50 joint venture, the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for Qurayyah Independent Power Plant (IPP) Expansion Project in the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia). This expansion project, a 3 gigawatt (GW) combined cycle gas-fired power plant with readiness to build a carbon capture unit, aims to bolster electricity production capacity and enhance operational efficiency in Saudi Arabia. Expanding Saudi Arabia's fleet of combined cycle power plants plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabia's plan to generate half of its electricity from gas by 2030 and half from renewables, paving the way to net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2060. Hajr Two Electricity Co., a company owned by ACWA Power, the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), and Haji Abdullah Alireza & Co. Ltd signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the Qurayyah Independent Power Plant (IPP) Expansion Project with the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC – Principal Buyer) in February 2025. Hajr Two Electricity Co. commented: 'The QIPP Expansion Project is a very ambitious project and we are proud to support its development. We look forward to working with TR & ORASCOM CONSTRUCTION and GE Vernova to contribute to Saudi Arabia's enhancement of its electricity supply as the Kingdom transitions its power generation mix to incorporate more renewable energy in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and its ambitious sustainability targets.' 'QIPP project is evidence of Saudi Arabia's strong belief in the future of gas as it emits less CO2 and other pollutants than oil-fueled power plants' said Joseph Anis, President & CEO of GE Vernova's Gas Power business in Europe, Middle East & Africa. 'We have developed a productive and successful relationship with TR & ORASCOM CONSTRUCTION building on our proven expertise in natural gas combined cycle plant engineering, operability, and plant integration, and we are delighted to deploy some of our most advanced power generation technologies, with the potential to integrate carbon capture solutions to help significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in QIPP's and other gas power plants in Saudi Arabia.' GE Vernova has been playing a pivotal role in fostering the evolution of the Kingdom's energy infrastructure for almost 90 years, supporting economic diversification, localization, high value exports, and talent development efforts and still does so today in support of Saudi Vision 2030. The company currently employs approximately 850 people in Saudi Arabia. GE Vernova's investments in the Kingdom include the Khobar Integration Facility (KIF) for grid solutions, as well as the GE Manufacturing and Technology Center (GEMTEC) campus in Dammam, which encompasses a Services and Repairs Center for gas turbines, the GE Saudi Advanced Turbines (GESAT) facility for the manufacturing of gas turbines, components and accessory modules, the GE MENA Decarbonization Center of Excellence, and a Monitoring & Diagnostics Center for the remote monitoring of power generation assets. © 2025 GE Vernova and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. GE and the GE Monogram are trademarks of General Electric Company used under trademark license. Forward Looking Statements: This document contains forward-looking statements – that is, statements related to future events that by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. These forward-looking statements often address GE Vernova's expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and the expected performance of its products, the impact of its services and the results they may generate or produce, and often contain words such as 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'believe,' 'seek,' 'see,' 'will,' 'would,' 'estimate,' 'forecast,' 'target,' 'preliminary,' or 'range.' Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, such as statements about planned and potential transactions, investments or projects and their expected results and the impacts of macroeconomic and market conditions and volatility on the Company's business operations, financial results and financial position and on the global supply chain and world economy. GE Vernova: GE Vernova (NYSE: GEV) is purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world's challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with approximately 75,000 employees across approximately 100 countries around the world. Supported by the Company's purpose, The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova technology helps deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. GE Vernova's Gas Power business engineers advanced, efficient natural gas-powered technologies and services, along with decarbonization solutions that aim to help electrify a lower carbon future. It is a global leader in gas turbines and gas power plant technologies and services with the industry's largest installed base. GE Vernova's mission is embedded in its name – it retains its legacy, 'GE,' as an enduring and hard-earned badge of quality and ingenuity. 'Ver' / 'verde' signal Earth's verdant and lush ecosystems. 'Nova,' from the Latin 'novus,' nods to a new, innovative era of lower carbon energy. Learn more: GE Vernova and LinkedIn. For more information, contact: Laura Aresi Media Relations Leader - Power GE Vernova Abeer Masood Communications Director – Middle East & Africa GE Vernova
