Latest news with #Saudi-made


See - Sada Elbalad
6 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Saudi Arabia Launches the 'Precious Metals and Gemstones Association' to Support Innovation and Empower Artisans
Waleed Farouk In a strategic move aimed at advancing the jewelry and ornament sector, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in Saudi Arabia announced the establishment of the non-profit Precious Metals and Gemstones Association, with the goal of supporting local industry, encouraging innovation, and empowering national talent — including designers and artisans. In an official statement issued on Monday, the ministry emphasized that the launch of the association falls within broader efforts to enable non-profit organizations in the industrial and mining sectors, based on a firm belief in their role in driving economic and social development, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Strategic Goals: Sector Growth and Talent Empowerment The newly established association is designed to fulfill several key strategic goals, including: Enhancing local content in the jewelry, precious metals, and gemstone industries. Supporting creative industries and strengthening their presence in local and international markets. Empowering women and young talents in the fields of craftsmanship and design. Raising professional standards through specialized training programs, workshops, and accredited certifications. Providing technical and financial support to Saudi designers and artisans, and boosting their participation in local and global exhibitions. Focus on Sustainability and the Digital Ecosystem One of the association's main priorities is to promote sustainability, particularly by encouraging environmentally responsible practices in the gemstones and precious metals sector. It also aims to build a unified professional community through a digital platform that connects stakeholders and investors within an interactive and collaborative environment. This digital platform will feature tools to link artisans and designers with value chains, contributing to greater integration and a broader impact across the sector. Aligned with Vision 2030 Objectives The creation of the association is part of the ministry's roadmap to activate the non-profit sector's role in industrial and mining growth, increasing its contribution to the gross domestic product through initiatives grounded in innovation, capacity-building, and community engagement. The association is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Saudi-made jewelry and ornaments, while opening new horizons for local designers to market their creations both domestically and globally — reflecting the Kingdom's cultural identity and rich heritage. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results


Leaders
24-06-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Najran Industrial City: Growing Center for Manufacturing, Investment
Najran Industrial City is rapidly establishing itself as a key investment and manufacturing hub in Saudi Arabia. Its rise is fueled by a strategic location, rich natural resources, and modern infrastructure developed by the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON). Located about 45 kilometers northeast of Najran City, the industrial area spans 6.5 million square meters, with over 3.6 million square meters already fully developed. Numerous infrastructure and development projects have been completed to support the expanding industrial sector in the region. The Najran region is home to 90 factories, 29 of which operate within the industrial city. These facilities represent a wide range of industries, including food processing, chemicals, plastics, paper, and non-metallic minerals such as marble and granite. Collectively, these factories employ more than 1,200 workers, including around 400 Saudi nationals—a reflection of continued efforts to boost Saudization and create local employment. Najran Industrial City One of Najran Industrial City's most significant assets is its proximity to extensive mineral reserves. The region includes 27 mining complexes covering over 5,400 square kilometers, rich in resources such as gold, copper, iron, and ornamental stone. Additionally, designated zones for copper and zinc reserves span another 70 square kilometers. This mineral wealth offers tremendous potential for downstream industries that process granite, marble, and silica sand into high-value industrial products, contributing to Saudi Arabia's industrial GDP. Najran also plays a strategic role in the Kingdom's export economy. Products manufactured in its industrial city are exported to more than 25 countries, including the United States, Germany, France, South Korea, and neighboring Gulf states. Leading companies such as Bin Harkil Group and Polystar have helped expand the international reach of Saudi-made goods, especially in the plastics, metals, and stone sectors. Related Topics : Najran Celebrates Eid Al-Fitr with Cultural Festivities at Al-Ukhdood Archaeological Site Eid Al-Fitr 2025: Unparalleled Fireworks, Concerts, Food Festivities in Riyadh How to Take Zamzam Water Home Through Saudi Airports ? Eid Al-Fitr Vacation: Discover Saudi Arabia for SAR 99 with flynas Short link : Post Views: 8


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.'