Latest news with #Saudi-made
Arab News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
‘Esaaf,' first Arabic film in IMAX, eyes global release
In a groundbreaking moment for Arabic cinema, 'Esaaf' has earned its place in history as the first Arabic-language film to be screened in IMAX. Blending heart-pounding action with sharp comedy, the film offers a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience that sets a bold new precedent for the region's film industry. By leading the charge, 'Esaaf' opens doors for Saudi and Gulf talent to push boundaries and craft original, high-impact stories. Set in Riyadh, 'Esaaf,' meaning ambulance, follows two incompetent paramedics completely out of their depth, who unwittingly become embroiled in a kidnapping plot. Since its release in Saudi cinemas, 'Esaaf' has quickly captured the hearts of both critics and audiences alike. Its fresh mix of action and humor has sparked enthusiastic discussions online and drawn crowds across the country — including many families, who are embracing the film's dynamic energy and enjoying the shared experience it brings to the big screen. Supported by the General Entertainment Authority and Riyadh Season, 'Esaaf' is produced by Blacklight and House of Comedy in partnership with SMC. Talal Al-Anazi, CEO and co-founder of Blacklight, said: 'We're delighted by the overwhelming response to 'Esaaf.' This success not only validates our efforts but also inspires us to explore more bold ideas and larger-scale productions.' Lead actor Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj said: 'I've been blown away by the audience's reactions. Combining action and comedy through IMAX is something entirely new for local viewers, and I'm eager to see how it continues to evolve.' Christopher Tillman, vice president of international development and distribution at IMAX, said: 'This title marks our first step into the exciting and rapidly growing Arabic-language film market, which is full of thrilling and entertaining stories we're eager to share with audiences. With a high-level production team and a gripping, humorous story, fans can experience this laugh-out-loud thrill ride with the crystal-clear image and immersive sound exclusive to IMAX locations.' Behind the scenes, the production team has hinted at promising talks with international distributors — an exciting step that could see 'Esaaf' featured in global festivals and introduced to broader markets. The growing buzz around the film reflects a larger wave of excitement for Saudi-made content, reinforcing the Kingdom's rising influence on the global cinematic stage. Executive Producer Peter Smith is exploring international distribution to further underscore the potential of Saudi cinema.
Zawya
22-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Aquivio expands to Saudi Arabia with AstroLabs to scale circular economy practices with hydration technology
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Aquivio, a global provider of advanced hydration technologies for various industries and B2B settings, has announced its expansion into Saudi Arabia with the opening of its Riyadh office. The strategic move, facilitated by AstroLabs, the Gulf's leading business expansion platform, reinforces Aquivio's commitment to making advanced hydration accessible and sustainable in Saudi Arabia and internationally. 'Our entry into Saudi Arabia comes at a pivotal time, aligned with the Kingdom's push for sustainable, inclusive development as well as its Smart City initiatives, which open up strong opportunities for growth. Our partnership with AstroLabs has been key in accelerating our expansion and deepening our local presence,' said Daniel Hill, CEO of Aquivio. 'We're proud to support Aquivio as it brings its innovative hydration solutions to Saudi Arabia. With its drinking water treatment systems, Aquivio is well-positioned to contribute to the Kingdom's sustainability goals and Vision 2030,' said Alex Nicholls, Director of Expansion at AstroLabs. Aquivio offers IoT-based smart hydration and beverage dispensing machines that provide premium alkaline hydrogen water with up to 10 flavors - including vitamins, caffeine, or proteins like collagen and amino acids – allowing a blend of health and wellness ingredients to support diverse lifestyles and fitness goals. The company has already established a showroom and its offices in Saudi Arabia. In conjunction with its launch, Aquivio has raised funding from local investors to launch its beverage factory in the Kingdom solely for 'Saudi-made' drinks. Building early momentum in its Saudi journey, Aquivio will be working closely with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture through the 'Sahabah' Program. The specialized program aims to promote an entrepreneurial system in the local water sector. Alongside Saudi Arabia, Aquivio boasts a wide-reaching global presence, with key locations including the US, Taiwan, and Singapore. Earlier this year, Aquivio exhibited at the LEAP 2025 Tech Conference and Cop16 under the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Teaming up with AstroLabs, Aquivio also participated in the last edition of Saudi Arabia's largest SME & entrepreneurship conference, Biban 2024. Furthermore, Aquivio will exhibit at the Future Hospitality Summit in Riyadh in May. These platforms have strengthened their local presence in the Kingdom and helped them fast-track market integration in the Kingdom. Revenue in Saudi Arabia's beverage sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.83% between 2025 and 2029, reaching $303.42 million by 2029. Aquivio is actively capitalizing on its first-mover advantage to help shape the future of this space. About AstroLabs AstroLabs is the leading business expansion platform in the Gulf, propelling high-growth companies across strategic industries. With a decade of supporting economic development in emerging markets, AstroLabs is the partner of choice for over 1,750 companies that have expanded across the region, engaging a vibrant network of 10,000+ market leaders in the UAE and KSA. Bridging key gaps in fundamental industries in the Gulf, AstroLabs designs sector-focused and outcome-driven programs in partnership with government entities and the private sector. AstroLabs is committed to building the future of key sectors, driving market access, and contributing to regional visions like Saudi Vision 2030. About Aquivio Aquivio delivers smart hydration solutions that combine wellness, sustainability, and technology. Their IoT-enabled beverage stations provide premium alkaline hydrogen water and functional drinks tailored to a variety of environments – from luxury hotels and wellness centers to corporate offices, medical facilities, and fitness hubs. By reducing reliance on single-use plastics, Aquivio helps organizations enhance user experience while advancing circular economy goals.
Arab News
04-04-2025
- Arab News
Reviving heritage — the story of Bayt Isa
RIYADH: The historic Bayt Isa — named after Isa bin Mugayel — in Riyadh's Irqah district is now open to members of the public following major restoration. Born in 1873, Isa was one of the sons of Irqah. His grandson, Bader Al-Mugayel, spoke to Arab News about the deep connection to his ancestors' legacy that led him to renovate the building in 2022. 'Three years ago, I saw the area. Of course, what made me interested was my grandfather,' he said. After 16 months of hard work, the historic house is now open to visitors free of charge. 'We wanted this project to be Saudi-made and with local products,' explained Al-Mugayel. 'The goal isn't investment; the goal is that this place doesn't die.' Highlighting the architectural techniques used in the traditional houses, he added: 'Any house has something in it. It has engineering. It's impossible to build a house that lasts for a long time without a solid foundation.' Some of the houses in the area date back 200 years. The distinctive Najdi architecture plays a crucial role in the heritage of Irqah and is characterized by flat roofs, thick walls and intricate geometric patterns. The restoration of Bayt Isa adhered to these architectural principles, ensuring it reflected the traditional building techniques of the Najd region. 'When we came to restore, we found that they actually followed certain measurements. they didn't exceed 3.5 meters,' said Al-Mugayel. The resilience of the materials used, especially wood that can bear heavy loads, underlines the ingenuity of generations past. Al-Mugayel's commitment to preserving the integrity of the structures is clear in his approach — very little has been changed. Future plans include a motel, to allow guests to experience a taste of life in another time. He also hopes to include local cafes and markets, prioritizing the involvement of local producers and families. The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to promote tourism and cultural heritage. 'Our strategy is to ensure that local families benefit from this project,' said Al-Mugayel, who has engaged with those producing traditional Najdi food. 'We want everyone to come and witness how people lived in the old days,' he told Arab News. 'We opened it for free. You come, walk around, have coffee, tea, and see the house.'
Asharq Al-Awsat
28-03-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Rise in Non-Oil Exports Strengthens Saudi Arabia's Economic Diversification Efforts
Saudi Arabia's non-oil exports continued their upward trajectory, reflecting the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy. According to data from the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), non-oil exports, including re-exports, grew by 10.7% in January, while excluding re-exports, they increased by 13.1%. The International Trade Statistics Bulletin for January, published by GASTAT, reported a 2.4% growth in Saudi Arabia's total merchandise exports compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, oil exports saw a slight decline of 0.4% in January. The share of oil exports in total exports also dropped from 74.8% in January 2024 to 72.7% in January 2025. This increase in non-oil exports is a positive indicator of the success of Saudi Arabia's economic policies in diversifying income sources beyond oil, according to Dr. Abdullah Al-Jassar, a member of the Saudi Association for Energy Economics. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Jassar emphasized that this growth did not happen by chance but was the result of a comprehensive strategy to develop the manufacturing sector, which has become a key driver of the non-oil economy. Notably, chemical industry products accounted for 23.7% of total non-oil exports. He also highlighted that major improvements in logistics infrastructure, supported by the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), have enhanced export efficiency and strengthened the connection between Saudi-made products and global markets—solidifying the Kingdom's position as a key trade hub. China: A Key Trade Partner According to the latest data, China remains Saudi Arabia's top trading partner, accounting for 15.2% of the Kingdom's total exports, while imports from China made up 26.4% of total imports. This underscores Saudi Arabia's strong presence in Asian trade, Al-Jassar noted. Imports and Trade Surplus Despite an 8.3% increase in imports, the trade surplus declined by 11.9%. However, Al-Jassar explained that this decline should be viewed within the broader context of Saudi Arabia's structural economic transformation. The rise in imports is largely driven by an increase in production inputs that support industrial expansion rather than consumer goods. Economic policy expert Ahmed Al-Shihri told Asharq Al-Awsat that the 10.7% growth in non-oil exports reflects the success of investments in industrial sectors, particularly the chemical industry, which accounted for 23.7% of non-oil exports. This growth indicates an improvement in production capacity and international competitiveness. 'The increase in non-oil exports is driven by enhancements in industrial infrastructure, government support for the private sector, and rising global demand for Saudi non-oil products. This shift reduces the Kingdom's dependence on oil as the primary revenue source, making the economy more resilient to fluctuations in oil prices. Furthermore, the rise in the ratio of non-oil exports to imports—from 35.7% to 36.5%—suggests a healthier trade structure that supports long-term economic sustainability,' Al-Shihri added. Vision 2030 Saudi Vision 2030 continues to drive non-oil sector growth through various initiatives, including enhancing local content, boosting exports, attracting foreign investments, and expanding economic and logistics zones. Al-Jassar believes that the continuation of these strategies will establish Saudi Arabia as an emerging export powerhouse in the coming years, further strengthening its global economic standing.
Argaam
24-03-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Hail red meat project part of pipeline to boost red meat production: ADF CEO
The Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) has been and continues to be a major supporter of food security and rural development in various regions of Saudi Arabia, CEO Munir Al-Sahli told Argaam in an interview. The signing of the financing agreement for the sheep-beef farming project in Hail today, March 24, under which a farm specialized in red meat production will be established at SAR 1.1 billion, came within the framework of the National Agriculture Strategy. It is aimed at promoting food security, creating job opportunities, and boosting local content, Al-Sahli stated. Saudi Arabia has successfully achieved 61% self-sufficiency in red meat production, thanks to the government's great support for the food security sector, said the top executive. He also noted that the Hail red meat project is part of a project pipeline aimed at supporting local red meat production, thus raising self-sufficiency and stabilizing prices in local markets. He added that this project represents a huge investment opportunity. It is set to contribute to the development of supply chains and will provide contractual opportunities for small breeders by bolstering their access to more sector-related areas of expertise. Moreover, the project will rely on Saudi-made equipment, which enhances local content in the agricultural sector, the CEO pointed out. ADF continues to support modern technologies and innovation in the agricultural sector for raising more financing for projects that rely on advanced tech. It also strives to spread their use among breeders to enhance production efficiency, according to Al-Sahli. According to Argaam 's data, ADF signed today a financing agreement with Alraie National Livestock Co., a 51%-owned subsidiary of National Agricultural Development Co. (NADEC), with a ceiling of SAR 1.1 billion. The funds will be used to establish a project focused on intensive livestock breeding (sheep and goats), reproduction, and meat production. The amount will be disbursed in stages based on the project's progress and the submission of required documents.
