Latest news with #PrinceKhaled
The National
3 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Arada unveils Akala, world's first precision wellness destination, with debut location next to Dubai's DIFC
Arada has unveiled Akala, the world's first precision wellness destination and a pioneering new global hospitality and branded residences concept. From an ancient Sanskrit word meaning 'beyond time', Akala uses future-facing design and technology and a weightless service model to help its residents, visitors and members unlock their full wellness potential. The brand's first and flagship location, Akala Hotel & Residences, which contains 534 branded residences, is ideally located between Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Downtown Dubai. Comprising two 220-metre-tall towers, the design of Akala features an architectural journey of compression and release, with signature elements flowing directly into a shared podium housing best-in-class spa, fitness, and clinical wellness facilities. Sales at the Dh5 billion development commence on Saturday 31 May with a two-day event taking place at Dubai's Museum of the Future. Every home – ranging from one-bedroom apartments to the show-stopping two-level penthouse The Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa - offers a lifestyle underpinned by a combination of advanced medical diagnostics, performance-driven therapies and seamless, intuitive hospitality, resulting in a unique, weightless experience. Featuring LEED Gold and WELL Silver pre-certification, construction on Akala is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2029. HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Executive Vice Chairman of Arada, said: 'With Akala, we are creating a sanctuary that reflects how people want to live today, where peak health, personal performance, and rest are all part of the same experience. With an array of wellness facilities and services that is unmatched anywhere in the world, Akala is designed for the next generation of global citizens who want to live better, happier and longer.' Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said: 'Akala represents the convergence of two powerful global shifts - the rise of wellness as a central life pursuit, and the demand for service-led, lifestyle-driven residential experiences. Dubai is the perfect place to launch this concept, and we're proud to introduce a new kind of brand from the region to the world.' Each residence at Akala has been meticulously designed to support physical, emotional, and environmental wellbeing. From advanced air and water purification systems to individually zoned climate control and circadian lighting, every detail enhances health and comfort. Materials and furnishings are selected for their natural, sustainable qualities, while integrated smart technology allows residents to personalise their environment with ease. Wellness-enhancing upgrades, including organic sleep systems, EMF-conscious design elements, and acoustic optimisation, combine to create a luxury home that actively supports longevity, focus, and rest. Life at Akala is backed by the world's most comprehensive wellness ecosystem. Facilities include a high-performance fitness club equipped with state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment, private training pods, an indoor lap pool, and dedicated studios for cycling and group exercise. Complementing this is the Akala Spa, a full-service hydrothermal and treatment facility featuring saunas, hammams, thalassotherapy pools, and VIP suites, anchored by a comprehensive luxury thermal circuit. The wellness experience extends into dedicated Wellness Studios for movement, recovery, and mindfulness practices, with spaces crafted to promote restoration, balance, and emotional wellbeing. Everwell's state-of-the-art medical wellness clinic provides discreet, boutique healthcare services with a focus on diagnostics, preventative care, and personalised treatments, including proprietary stem cell therapies. Akala also features curated organic dining, a striking L-shaped pool, elegant social spaces and a range of residents-only amenities including gym, spa and private cinema. Akala also offers an extensive range of services and amenities that extend the wellness experience far beyond the home. A dedicated lifestyle and wellness concierge delivers seamless, personalised support - from daily housekeeping and in-home spa treatments to curated dining, fitness and recovery programs. Residents benefit from intuitive hospitality and specialist services such as family support, companion care, and event planning. Akala is designed not only as a destination but also as a community: a members' club with a global footprint, giving residents and guests access to exclusive wellness programming, content, and experiences across its future locations worldwide. Following its debut in Dubai, Akala is set to expand to major international hubs, with plans under development for properties elsewhere in the Middle East, Europe and Australia. Future locations will continue the brand's mission to deliver precision wellness, with each project curated to its environment and culture. About Arada Launched in 2017 and headquartered in the UAE, Arada was created to build spaces people connect with for healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Arada's scope of operation covers property development, retail, education, healthcare, fitness, wellness and hospitality. The master developer has so far launched nine record-breaking communities in the UAE and has expanded into the Australian market, opening an office in Sydney in 2024. Arada also operates a portfolio of complementary brands and experiences, which includes large-scale gyms, F&B and retail assets, social initiatives and visitor destinations.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed leads Saudi Sports for All delegation at London investment forum
LONDON: Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed led a high-level Saudi delegation at this week's Middle East Sports Investment Forum 2025 in London, where he highlighted the Kingdom's push to promote inclusive, community-based sports as part of its Vision 2030 reform agenda. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Saudi Sports for All Federation, represented by Prince Khaled in his capacity as president and Managing Director Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini, joined more than 300 delegates at the event held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 27-28. Organized with the backing of the Saudi Ministry of Investment and in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Sports, MESIF 2025 brought together investors, policymakers and sports leaders from across the MENA region to explore opportunities in the rapidly growing sports sector. Prince Khaled praised the forum's organizers and sponsors for convening a cross-regional dialogue, highlighting the value of engaging both core and adjacent sectors in driving the future of sport across the Gulf and beyond. Speaking on a panel, Al-Husseini said the SFA remained committed to measuring its social impact using a data-led approach. 'Our metrics are aligned with the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan and are informed by national surveys, digital platforms and direct community feedback,' she said. Al-Husseini added that Saudi Arabia had already seen tangible improvements in public participation and gender equity, and that the SFA's long-term strategy centers on behavioral change, community ownership and evidence-based infrastructure development. Discussions at MESIF 2025 covered a wide range of topics, including sports finance, innovation and technology, fan engagement, stadium infrastructure and the role of tourism in sports development.
Arabian Business
4 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai real estate: Arada launches world's first precision wellness destination ‘Akala'
Arada has unveiled Akala, positioning it as the world's first precision wellness destination and a new global hospitality and branded residences concept. The brand name derives from an ancient Sanskrit word meaning 'beyond time'. The flagship development, Akala Hotel & Residences, will house 534 branded residences located between Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Downtown Dubai. Akala Hotel & Residences Dubai sales begin May 31 The project comprises two 220-metre towers connected by a shared podium containing spa, fitness, and clinical wellness facilities. The AED5 billion development will launch sales on Saturday, May 31, with a two-day event at Dubai's Museum of the Future. Residential options range from one-bedroom apartments to The Observatory, a two-level penthouse offering views of the Burj Khalifa. Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal, Executive Vice Chairman of Arada, said: 'With Akala, we are creating a sanctuary that reflects how people want to live today, where peak health, personal performance, and rest are all part of the same experience. With an array of wellness facilities and services that is unmatched anywhere in the world, Akala is designed for the next generation of global citizens who want to live better, happier and longer.' The development has received LEED Gold and WELL Silver precertification, with construction scheduled for completion by the end of 2029. Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, added: 'Akala represents the convergence of two powerful global shifts – the rise of wellness as a central life pursuit, and the demand for service-led, lifestyle-driven residential experiences. Dubai is the perfect place to launch this concept, and we're proud to introduce a new kind of brand from the region to the world.' Each residence incorporates air and water purification systems, individually zoned climate control, and circadian lighting. Materials and furnishings are selected for their natural and sustainable qualities. Smart technology integration allows residents to personalise their environment. Wellness-focused upgrades include organic sleep systems, EMF-conscious design elements, and acoustic optimisation to support longevity, focus, and rest. The development features a fitness club equipped with strength and cardio equipment, private training pods, an indoor lap pool, and studios for cycling and group exercise. The Akala Spa includes saunas, hammams, thalassotherapy pools, VIP suites, and a thermal circuit. Wellness Studios provide spaces for movement, recovery, and mindfulness practices. Everwell's medical wellness clinic offers diagnostics, preventative care, and personalised treatments, including stem cell therapies. Additional amenities include organic dining options, an L-shaped pool, social spaces, and residents-only facilities including gym, spa and private cinema. Akala provides lifestyle and wellness concierge services covering daily housekeeping, in-home spa treatments, curated dining, fitness and recovery programmes. Specialist services include family support, companion care, and event planning. The development operates as a members' club with global reach, providing residents and guests access to wellness programming, content, and experiences across future locations worldwide. Following the Dubai launch, Akala plans expansion to international markets including other Middle East locations, Europe and Australia. Each future location will be curated to its specific environment and culture whilst maintaining the brand's precision wellness mission.
Entrepreneur
22-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Prince Khaled Backs Enhances Games, Calls It "Ultimate Biohacking" Opportunity for Elite Athletes
The Enhanced Games announced its first host city as Las Vegas and aims to stage first edition in 2026. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The sports organization Enhanced Games announced that the inaugural Enhanced Games will take place on May 21-24, 2026, at Resorts World on the Las Vegas Strip. At the heart of the Enhanced Games is the Performance Enhancement Protocol, a medically supervised, IRB-approved clinical framework that ensures all enhancements are safe, legal, and scientifically guided. Unlike traditional sporting bodies, Enhanced does not ban performance-enhancing substances but allows them with full transparency, safety, and medical oversight. In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed discussed his interest in the Games. Calling it the "ultimate biohacking" opportunity for elite athletes, Prince Khaled said that his first interaction with the Enhanced Games took place at the 2024 Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh. The only regional investor in the games, Prince Khaled is part of a big name backer list including Peter Thiel, Balaji Srinivasan, and 1789 Capital, the investment fund of Omeed Malik, Chris Buskirk, and Donald Trump Jr. Enhanced Games co-founders Dr Aron D'Souza and Christian Angermayer. Each individual event will carry a total prize purse of US$500,000, with US$250,000 awarded to first place. Plus, Enhanced Games will offer appearance fees and bonuses, including US$1 million for breaking world records in the 100m sprint and 50m freestyle – the two definitive tests of raw human speed. The latest in a string of headline-grabbing investments, Prince Khaled's KBW Ventures is also the only regional investor in backed Colossal Biosciences, a biotechnology heavy-hitter with ambitions to "de-extinct" the woolly mammoth.
Arab News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Is the world of sports ready for the Enhanced Games?
In modern parlance, it is what techies would call a 'disruptor,' to say the least. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport It will take a lot more, however, for sporting fans of earlier generations to get their heads around the concept of the Enhanced Games, which were officially announced on Wednesday and will take place next year in Las Vegas. Saudi Arabia's Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al-Saud, founder and CEO of KBW Ventures and chairman of the Kingdom's Sports For All Federation, is the region's first, and to date only, investor in the tournament that allows athletes to use performance-enhancing substances without being subjected to testing. Prince Khaled — nicknamed the 'Tech Prince' for his investments in startups, among many other fields — is bullish about the potential of the Enhanced Games when asked if the sports world is ready for such a controversial step. 'Look, I like to think of myself as a progressive investor, venture capital typically backs very nascent ideas,' he told Arab News. 'You are always looking for the big idea, the society-changing concept. Then, you attempt to predict and really visualize how and where and when that big idea will prove relevant to the wider world. 'As someone who is pretty involved in sports on both personal and business levels, I think there is a segment of the world who would like to push the limits of human potential,' Prince Khaled said. 'How fast? How far? How long? All questions in sport that someone like me is curious about, and very eager to see. I want to see real-world application, and a competitive approach.' He accepts that this idea, with all the ethical points and counterpoints it evokes, might take a long time to be accepted in mainstream sports. 'Is the world ready? The world wasn't ready for most fresh concepts. At the most basic level people weren't even ready for ride-hailing, now it is considered a must for many all over the world, he said. 'So, whether it is transportation or AI or art or biotechnology or in this case, sport and biohacking, the world is usually not ready for things that have not been done before. That doesn't mean they should never be done. 'Elite athletes who have never been granted the opportunity to experiment with body autonomy and enhancement exploration can now sign up if they so choose,' said Prince Khaled. 'If you want to talk sports in specific, I also think the world wasn't ready for MMA, but it's now one of the biggest crowd draws out there.' The reaction from the sports community at large has, unsurprisingly, been a negative one. In February of last year, a joint statement issued by the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency condemning the games was supported by The International Fair Play Committee. 'Well, it is voluntary, and it's like for like. The Games is for those who choose to enroll and compete with enhancements. It is ethical; the ethics rests in equality, safety and transparency. 'There is a disclosure protocol, and everyone knows that everyone else is applying the same types of enhancements and experimenting with biohacking. 'I don't think I have to justify investing in what I see as a form of competitive sport,' he added. 'As long as everyone involved is aware, then it is fair and transparent.' Prince Khaled is known to be the Middle East North Africa face of venture capital, with investments across artificial intelligence, biotechnology, agricultural and food technology, as well as in the sports-adjacent sector, robotics and broadcast technologies. One of his biotechnology bets, Colossal Biosciences, recently made headlines with its reported $10.2 billion valuation. 'I met the co-founder of Enhanced Games (Aron D'Souza) at a private conclave staged by FII (Future Investment Initiative) last year in Riyadh. This was my first exposure to the idea of the Enhanced Games. 'It was a closed-door working group held to discuss democratizing access to healthy aging solutions. Some of the foremost figures were present; from stakeholders from the Saudi Health in All Policies committee, to scientists, to entrepreneurs and investors.' 'I do think the Enhanced Games can play an important role here; how better to analyze the effects of enhancement than on elite athletes? People who are in the best possible shape physically that they can be naturally, and then build on that,' he said. 'When your baseline is elite athlete level, then we can really see what biohacking and these enhancements can do. 'I do think it is ethical, because there is no subjectivity and no varying board rules, and because it is upfront and clear about the idea that everyone is competing with their own approach to enhancement.' Certainly the games seem to appeal to athletes either coming to the end of their careers or ones for whom Olympic and international success remain out of reach. Established figures, including Australian swimming coach Brett Hawke, have backed the idea. At the age of 31, four-time Olympic Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev will take part in the Enhanced Games, having received a $1 million prize for breaking the long-standing 50-meter freestyle world record with a time of 20.89 seconds. 'Being the first to break a world record at the Enhanced Games means a lot to me. I'm proud to lead the way,' said the athlete who specialized in sprint and butterfly events, and earned a silver in the 50-meter freestyle at the 2019 FINA World Aquatics Championship in South Korea. However, having not consistently been at the top of the sport, he sees these Games as an opportunity to make up for missed opportunities. 'One year at the Enhanced Games could earn me more than six Olympic cycles combined,' Gkolomeev told Arab News. 'I've never had this kind of support; doctors, nutritionists, therapists, all working to make me better.' Prince Khaled accepts that participation will depend entirely on the choices of the individual athletes and their particular circumstances. 'There are athletes who are not going to want to join, and then there are those who will be the early adopters,' he said. 'At launch, there is already a record-breaker, who just won a million dollars. 'Is this going to make everyone rush to sign up? No, but this will definitely spark some honest and much-needed discussions about the irregularities between sporting rules and different governing bodies, and the allegations of unfair treatment levied against some athletes over others.' 'Democratizing access to aging solutions is what first interested me in the Games, and then I began to think of the implications on sport. 'I'm sure you know about the politics involved when deciding which athletes were accused of using enhancements, in several instances countries felt their athletes were unfairly targeted. 'At the Enhanced Games, this political maneuvering is completely removed from the equation. I bet if you ask the athletes that felt they were wrongly maligned, they would be pretty quick to agree that politics played a role.' In its statement last year, the International Fair Play Committee said the Games 'represent a potentially catastrophic healthcare risk' to the athletes. The Enhanced Games' website meanwhile promises medical vigilance and safe participation for the athletes. Critics will rightly question just where the line is drawn in terms of the use of performance-enhancing substances. 'To my knowledge, there are two cohorts, one is enhanced with their own resources and medical guidance, and one cohort that is officially under the Enhanced Games,' said Prince Khaled. 'For the second cohort, there is a full treatment protocol lined up for athletes. 'They will definitely have better medical guidance and access to the latest in monitoring methodologies and technologies with the Enhanced Games than they have ever had in their professional sporting careers.' 'Everyone knows one of the biggest barriers to elite athletics is cost,' he added. 'The Enhanced Games is bringing the best medical and scientific protocols and giving the athletes access to that. 'To bring this conversation full circle, this is something enabled by funding, and in venture capital, funding is, most of the time, allocated to groundbreaking entities and ideas.' Prince Khaled said he is a 'cautious believer in biohacking' which is, simply stated, the optimization of nutrition to enhance energy, cognitive function, and overall health and well-being. 'I think longevity medicine and healthspan and various other biotechnology sectors are burgeoning for a reason. 'KBW Ventures is invested in biotechnology, health tech, medtech, and with the Enhanced Games, I consider it kind of an ultimate biohacking opportunity for elite athletes,' he said. 'I expect that so much valuable scientific data on reversing biological age, and repair and so much more is going to come out of the Enhanced Games,' Prince Khaled added. 'On a separate note, the athletes that participate in the Games have to undergo what is termed health testing, ensuring that they are fit to compete. They also need to disclose everything that they are using to enhance their performance.' At the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, the world of athletics was shaken to its core when Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson was stripped of the gold medal he had won with a world record time of 9.79 seconds. Author Richard Moore's 'The Dirtiest Race in History' remains a seminal read on the events of Sept. 24, 1988. Since then, many other athletes have been banned from participating, or stripped of medals, for similar offences with increasingly less fanfare and shock. But is the world ready now to consign such considerations to history? The clock is now ticking toward the first Enhanced Game. It remains a tough, if not almost impossible sell, for a sporting community brought up on the concepts of fair play and the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs. Whether the world is ready for these Games, and how the future will judge these developments, remain open questions.
