Latest news with #MadeinSaudi
Mid East Info
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Motory.com CEO Ahmad Al Tawbah on Saudi Arabia's Digital Shift in Mobility — An Exclusive EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 Interview
Exclusive Interview with Ahmad Al Tawbah CEO of Bio Ahmad Al Tawbah holds an MBA and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Digital Leadership from Warwick Business School, along with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from King Abdul Aziz University. As a founding team member of since 2013, Ahmad's expertise spans the automotive, financial services, and technology industries, positioning him as a leader in driving digital transformation in the automotive sector. About EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 is the Kingdom's premier international exhibition dedicated to showcasing the future of electric vehicles, energy storage, and smart mobility solutions. Held from May 4–6, 2025, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, the event brings together leading manufacturers, suppliers, innovators, policymakers, and investors under one roof. Aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 is committed to accelerating the transformation of mobility by fostering innovation, creating investment opportunities, and building strategic partnerships that advance sustainable transportation. Highlights: Hundreds of leading exhibitors and solution providers Thousands of industry buyers, entrepreneurs, and government leaders Live product showcases, B2B matchmaking sessions, expert-led seminars Key Sectors: Electric Vehicles and Components Charging Infrastructure and Stations Battery Technology and Energy Storage Smart Mobility and Infrastructure Projects Renewable Energy Integration for Transport Visitors can expect cutting-edge innovations, educational forums, live demonstrations, and unmatched networking opportunities. About Launched in May 2014, part of Abdul Latif Jameel Technology Limited, is one of the leading online platforms for buying, selling, and researching vehicles across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. Website Reach: Over 2 million monthly visitors (estimated) (estimated) Over 15 million monthly page impressions (estimated) Social Media Presence: Instagram: @motorysaudi – 470,000+ followers @motorysaudi – 470,000+ followers Twitter (X): @MotorySaudi – 70,000+ followers @MotorySaudi – 70,000+ followers Facebook: Motory Saudi – 2.2 million followers continues to play a major role in facilitating seamless digital transactions and providing trusted automotive content throughout the Kingdom. Interview Insights Talent, Technology & Global Influence Q: How important is nurturing local talent in achieving Saudi Arabia's sustainable mobility goals? A: Nurturing local talent is fundamental to achieving Saudi Arabia's sustainable mobility vision. Beyond technical skills, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship is key. Initiatives like Made in Saudi, the Human Capability Development Program, and innovation hubs like KAUST are preparing young Saudis to lead the EV and mobility revolution. Empowering local talent ensures solutions are tailor-made for the region's needs. Q: Which emerging technologies will have the most impact on the future of mobility? A: Three transformative technologies stand out: Artificial Intelligence (AI): Revolutionizing autonomous driving, traffic systems, and predictive maintenance. Revolutionizing autonomous driving, traffic systems, and predictive maintenance. Battery Innovation: Solid-state batteries and ultra-fast charging will make EVs more accessible and practical. Solid-state batteries and ultra-fast charging will make EVs more accessible and practical. Green Hydrogen: Vital for heavy transport and aviation where batteries alone aren't sufficient. Saudi Arabia's leadership in hydrogen initiatives like NEOM's Green Hydrogen Project is paving the way for sustainable mobility. Q: How is Saudi Arabia attracting global investment and technology partners in the EV space? A: Saudi Arabia is becoming a global hub for clean mobility innovation through: Strong government backing via Vision 2030 and investments from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) . and investments from the . Incentives such as tax breaks, infrastructure support, and access to industrial zones. A strategic location and a growing, tech-savvy consumer market. Together, these factors make Saudi Arabia an ideal destination for EV investment and collaboration. Q: What message do you hope global stakeholders take away from EVS Saudi Arabia 2025? A: EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 is not just an exhibition — it's a statement of Kingdom is committed to sustainability, technology, and inclusive economic growth. The message is clear: 'Join us.' Saudi Arabia is open for collaboration, innovation, and building a cleaner, smarter transportation landscape. We are not just adopting global technologies — we are shaping them. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this Q&A reflect the author's personal opinions and are intended for informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Join Us at EVS Saudi Arabia 2025! Dates: May 4–6, 2025 Venue: Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Website: Register for FREE:
Gulf Business
04-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Powering Saudi Arabia's strategic leap into the future of technology
The pace of technological advancement today is unprecedented, and those driving innovation are shaping the future of the global digital economy. Saudi Arabia is embracing this shift with ambition and purpose. Having witnessed the Kingdom's rapid progress, I'm deeply impressed by its strategic commitment to technological leadership. Guided by the forward-thinking framework of its Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is redefining its economy and cultivating a dynamic ecosystem driven by technology that unlocks new opportunities for future generations. Saudi Arabia recently ranked 4th in the . It also placed 14th in the , and first in the Arab world, demonstrating the country's rapid progress in AI adoption as well as its growing influence in the technology sector. At HP, we view ourselves as a key partner in Saudi Arabia's technological advancement, actively investing in local manufacturing, AI and talent development to support sustainable economic growth. Building a new era of manufacturing excellence At LEAP we are thrilled to announce a new manufacturing facility in Riyadh which marks a significant milestone in our support for reinforcing the country's technological infrastructure. As part of HP's 'Made in Saudi' initiative, this strategic investment enhances HP's regional presence and ability to scale local production, contributing to a more resilient supply chain. Saudi Arabia's strategic position, bridging Asia, Europe and Africa, makes it a prime location for regional and global distribution. Establishing operations in the Kingdom ensures that regional businesses and consumers have seamless access to the latest technology while enhancing trade networks. This new facility will manufacture millions of devices locally, boosting supply chain resilience, and enabling HP to better serve its customers in the region. With economic development in mind, HP's 'Made in Saudi' initiative and the new manufacturing facility also support the Kingdom's broader economic diversification agenda by contributing to its job creation goals. By 2027, thousands of new jobs will be created thanks to the Riyadh facility, enhancing the country's economic transformation through direct and indirect employment and empowering local talent. Accelerating AI leadership As AI is reshaping industries worldwide, HP also intends to support Saudi Arabia in leading this transformation. HP's new AI and R&D Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Dhahran will serve as a hub for innovation and new AI solutions, optimising business operations, enhancing decision-making, and unlocking new economic opportunities for Saudi companies. This investment by HP in Saudi Arabia's knowledge-based economy by equipping its workforce with AI skills and tools also fits within the Vision 2030's objective to diversify the country's economy. By attracting top talent and fostering collaboration with AI experts from HP's global research teams, the CoE will empower Saudi professionals to drive AI advancements and innovation across various industries. The facility will develop specialised research initiatives, equipping Saudi businesses with the capabilities to remain competitive in a changing economy. It will facilitate training programs, workshops, and talent exchange efforts, ensuring the Saudi workforce remains at the forefront of technological advancements. Beyond driving research and development, the CoE will solidify Saudi Arabia's leadership in implementing new AI solutions to existing industries. By embedding AI capabilities in smart cities as well as into core sectors such as healthcare and finance, the CoE will support businesses in adapting to an increasingly AI-powered world. Transforming the future of work with AI Business leaders in Saudi Arabia recognise AI's potential to sharpen employee focus and unlock new levels of efficiency. At HP, we envision a future where AI redefines productivity, personalisation and workplace fulfilment. According to HP's Work Relationship Index, a survey of 15,600 IT industry workers across 12 countries, more than half of surveyed participants believe that AI will create a better working environment. HP is committed to delivering on that optimism, ensuring businesses in Saudi Arabia and beyond can fully leverage AI's potential in the workplace. HP is putting AI directly in the hands of businesses with solutions designed to enhance and streamline workflows. As part of its commitment to the future of work, HP has recently unveiled the HP EliteBook Ultra, a next-generation AI-powered PC designed to significantly improve productivity and collaboration. This new device is equipped with AI features such as real-time transcription, intelligent noise reduction, and an AI-enhanced camera experience. Its sustainable design also aligns with Saudi Arabia's growing commitment to environmental responsibility. The EliteBook Ultra, along with HP's suite of AI-powered products, offers an opportunity to empower professionals to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. HP's long-term vision in Saudi Arabia extends beyond providing technology. It involves becoming a trusted partner in the Kingdom's digital transformation. The 'Made in Saudi' initiative, the CoE, and HP's workforce development projects exemplify its dedication to supporting Saudi Arabia's leadership in AI-driven industries, economic diversification, and job creation. As Saudi Arabia advances towards becoming a global AI and technology pioneer, HP is honoured to play a key role in this journey. Fadle Saad, Managing Director Saudi Arabia, HP MENA Regional Headquarters
Arab News
16-03-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
Frankly Speaking: Assessing Lucid and the Kingdom's EV ambitions
RIYADH: Faisal Sultan, vice president and managing director of Lucid Middle East, is confident about the company's trajectory and its growing presence in Saudi Arabia — a nation eager to establish itself as a key player in the global electric vehicle (EV) market. Lucid Motors has had a transformative year despite a leadership change following Peter Rawlinson's departure as CEO after 12 years in the post. Appearing on the Arab News current affairs program 'Frankly Speaking,' Sultan said the firm has been left on a strong footing. 'What Lucid is today is because of him,' Sultan told 'Frankly Speaking' host Katie Jensen. 'The company is in a growth stage and therefore Peter decided to hand it over to the team that he has established to take it forward.' Lucid, a pioneering EV manufacturer headquartered in the US, has set ambitious goals for its expansion in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds a significant stake in the company, Lucid is spearheading the development of the Kingdom's first EV manufacturing facility. The firm's assembly plant in Jeddah's King Abdullah Economic City, which opened in September 2023, is already operational. Construction is underway for a full-scale factory, expected to be completed by the end of 2026. 'I'm very proud of the team, what we've been able to accomplish in Saudi Arabia — the first-ever international automotive manufacturing plant in the Kingdom,' said Sultan. 'We are definitely going to move and expand on that. We're building a complete build unit factory now after the semi-knocked-down assembly factory, and that is currently under construction. It's on time and it's going to be completed, as previously stated, by the end of next year. 'It will have a capacity of 150,000 and we'll start producing some cars in early 2027 from there for global consumption.' Lucid Motors has joined the 'Made in Saudi' program, becoming the first global automotive company to do so, allowing it to use the 'Saudi Made' logo on its products, signifying quality and national pride, and reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a leader in innovative manufacturing. 'The 'Made in Saudi' badge is a very prestigious thing,' said Sultan. 'And it's a really emotional thing for our teammates out of Saudi Arabia because they feel very proud to be a part of history and to be the first automotive manufacturer that can say that we have a Saudi-made vehicle, which is now being exported to other countries. 'Even the public has perceived it as a medal.' Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy places great emphasis on sustainability and clean energy, with the aim of electrifying 30 percent of vehicles on its roads by the end of the decade. Sultan believes this goal is attainable, given the steady increase in EV adoption and the government's strong policy support. 'Our estimates are, basically, about 6 to 7 percent of vehicles that are being sold in the country are already electric vehicles,' he said. 'But I think that's going to grow to 30 percent because of initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative that really puts in the drive, the motivation, the policies, all of them coming together.' More can be done, however, to boost the uptake of EVs. 'One of the biggest challenges when you talk about EV adoption is the infrastructure,' said Sultan. 'And if the infrastructure is not there, it's not going to happen. So we're working with many companies, many partnerships that Lucid has. We're working with the government entities to make sure that the chargers are there.' Lucid's vehicles are often compared to other luxury EVs, particularly Elon Musk's Tesla range. However, Sultan is keen to clarify that Lucid is operating in a different league. 'We don't really consider Tesla as our main competitor,' he said. 'Because if you look at a Lucid's interior, and you look at the offerings that we have, how luxurious the car is, Tesla doesn't produce a car like that. 'They do have a technological electric vehicle but that is really not the segment. Now people do take that misconception and try to compare it. But it's an upgrade for a Model S person to come into a Lucid Air. They're upgrading.' Sultan says he is not concerned about Tesla entering the Saudi market, pointing to the healthy competition that already exists between other EV brands. 'There's the Chinese brand BYD. More competition is better because it gives the consumer the difference. And I think we need to just continue to have our powertrain capabilities that are much higher. For example, our motors give you per kilogram more horsepower.' Saudi Arabia is also launching its first ever domestic EV brand, Ceer, raising further questions about potential competition for Lucid within the Kingdom. However, Sultan sees Ceer as a complementary force rather than a rival. 'Saudi Arabia has been trying to do this for a while,' he said. 'Lucid gave it the opportunity to ignite that spark. And now that we've done so, we have Ceer, our sister electric vehicle company that is now owned by Saudi Arabia itself, its first national brand. And we have Hyundai, which has also signed a deal with them. 'The three companies — the two companies EV, one company mixed — I think that will give them 500,000 production units by 2030, around that time frame, and a capacity at least. And I think that will get the supply chain coming in, it will get the whole ecosystem developed and then from there on they can build on it.' There are, however, several barriers to the wider adoption of EVs in Saudi Arabia, including the hefty price tag attached to many vehicles currently on the market, the limited number of charging stations, and the lag in changing public attitudes. 'A lot of it is actually just the change itself, because a lot of people are really worried,' said Sultan. 'They're used to doing things a certain way. You have a car, you go to the gas station, you fill your gas anywhere. For them, it is an adopted way of living. And I think that's one of the things, we have to inform the consumer how easy it is.' Sultan stresses that home charging solutions will be key in easing the transition to EVs. 'I think the focus should be at-home charging and it should not be on public charging. If people are thinking that they're going to be charging all the time on public charging, I think that's really the wrong way to think about charging. It should be on your home base.' Another lag on the expansion of the EV industry as a whole is the availability of the rare earth minerals needed to make batteries. Although Lucid already has a reliable supply chain for its batteries, Saudi Arabia's mineral riches — particularly lithium — have not escaped its notice. 'Our suppliers really need those materials,' said Sultan. 'We typically don't buy them directly in raw form. But yes, we're keeping an eye on that and we're very lucky because Saudi Arabia is also, under Vision 2030, looking at the mining and minerals sector.' The company is also open to the idea of sourcing its EV batteries from a Saudi partner in future, but Sultan expects such collaborations to involve established global players. 'We're open to all these partnerships,' he said. 'Currently we buy from LG Chem, Samsung, and Panasonic. Samsung and Panasonic are the two biggest suppliers for our batteries right now.' Lucid is also working on battery recycling solutions, with discussions underway to establish a recycling facility in Saudi Arabia. 'Some studies have shown that 95 percent of these batteries now can be recycled,' he said. 'The cost to recycle needs to come down, and it is (coming down). If you go back five, six years ago, it was a tremendous effort to get these things recycled. But we are getting a lot of development happening, a lot more companies jumping into this.' Looking ahead to the future, Lucid has seen strong demand for its vehicles in the Gulf Cooperation Council area and intends to expand its presence across these key markets. 'The current focus is really within the GCC area,' said Sultan. 'That's where we want to focus on because the market for a luxury four-door sedan and a luxury full-size SUV is the strongest in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar.' He added: 'In Saudi Arabia, Riyadh is our biggest market. And we want to have a couple more locations in Riyadh. In the Eastern Province, in the Dammam, Al-Khobar area, we don't have a presence. We're definitely going to have a presence there.' With Saudi Arabia's growing commitment to the EV sector, Lucid Motors appears well-positioned to play a central role in shaping the Kingdom's automotive future. And with state investment and environmental policies taking priority, public uptake of EVs is expected to boom.
