Latest news with #TalhaIqbal
Syyaha
11-06-2025
- Business
- Syyaha
Leading the Business of Hospitality
A conversation with Talha Iqbal, Director of Sales & Marketing at Radisson Blu Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center In a city that's rapidly becoming a global hub for conferences, commerce, and innovation, Radisson Blu Riyadh Convention & Exhibition Center stands out as a business hotel built for the modern traveler. At the helm of its commercial strategy is Talha Iqbal, award-winning and seasoned sales leader who combines sharp market intuition with a deeply personal approach to client relationships. From tailoring solutions for top industries to positioning the hotel as the go-to for large-scale events and long-stay corporate guests, Talha shares how Radisson Blu RICEC stays ahead in Riyadh's competitive hospitality landscape — and why service, location, and trust are his ultimate differentiators. What types of corporate clients and industries do you primarily target, and how do you tailor your sales approach to meet their specific needs? We primarily target corporate clients in technology, finance, healthcare, and energy sectors, alongside government and Defense entities. Our sales approach is customized through direct engagement, offering tailored packages that include flexible meeting spaces, premium accommodations, and exclusive business lounge access to meet their unique operational and networking needs. Given the hotel's proximity to the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, how do you capitalize on large-scale events to drive group bookings and long-stay business? Our prime location, just a one-minute walk from the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, allows us to offer unmatched convenience for event attendees. We drive group bookings and long-stay business by providing extra ordinary services, seamless event coordination, and amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art health club facilities, ensuring we're the top choice for Exhibitors and visitors. How do you work with long-term corporate accounts or government entities to build sustained relationships and repeat business? We foster sustained relationships with corporate accounts and government entities through personalized account management, offering bespoke contracts with preferential rates and priority booking options. Regular follow-ups, dedicated support teams (Pro-active & Re-Active), and exclusive Radisson Rewards benefits ensure repeat business by prioritizing client satisfaction and trust. With Riyadh's hotel landscape growing increasingly competitive, what strategies help Radisson Blu RICEC stand out in the business travel and MICE segments? Radisson Blu RICEC stands out through its 'Yes I Can!' service philosophy, delivering exceptional hospitality. Our 7 versatile meeting rooms, including the Najd Hall for up to 350 guests, and proximity to RICEC make us a preferred choice for MICE business. Sustainable practices and modern amenities like an indoor pool and business lounge further differentiate us in the competitive market. On the marketing front, how are you showcasing the hotel's strengths — from meeting facilities to its strategic location — to attract both regional and international clientele? Our marketing leverages digital platforms, showcasing our state-of-the-art meeting facilities, strategic location near RICEC and the Riyadh Metro, and luxurious amenities through targeted campaigns on social media and travel platforms. We also engage regional and international clientele via partnerships with event organizers and Radisson's global accounts managers, highlighting our ability to host seamless, memorable events and guest stays.
Zawya
13-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Simah Rating Agency assigns initial unsolicited national scale entity ratings to Mayar Holding Company
Riyadh: Tassnief has assigned initial long-term entity rating of '(BB-(pi))'' (Double B Minus unsolicited rating) and a short-term entity rating of 'T-5' to Mayar Holding Company. The 'BB-' ratings reflect low creditworthiness and high credit risk. The risk profile may vary significantly with changes in economic and sector conditions. The unsolicited ratings, indicated by a 'pi' subscript, utilize analytical procedures that are parallel to traditional credit ratings, but differ in that they are based on public disclosures made available by companies, as well as other secondary sources. The 'pi' ratings do not carry an outlook. The 'pi' ratings are reviewed annually based on the latest financial statements, but may be reviewed earlier if a major event that could affect an entity's credit quality. The rated entity has not participated in the unsolicited credit rating, and the rating has not been disclosed to the rated entity prior to the announcement. Rating Rationale: The assigned ratings incorporate Mayar's long operating track record of over two decades. Ratings also reflect good business fundamentals of elevators and escalators sector, which supports demand for the company's services, along with revenue diversification across segments and geographies. The company's presence in uncorrelated industries can help stabilize revenues during different economic cycles and market conditions. However, the ratings are constrained by a very weak financial profile, characterized by a low equity base, volatile and low margins, elevated leverage indicators, and very weak cash flow coverages. Additionally, there is a significant mismatch on the balance sheet, indicating a low capacity to meet obligations from internal cash flows. The elevators and escalators industry in Saudi Arabia is expected to witness double digit growth from 2023 to2029. The key growth drivers of the sector comprise Vision 2030 initiatives (such as smart cities and economic zones), urbanization and population growth, as well as tourism and healthcare projects under Vision 2030. Going forward, Mayar is pursuing aggressive expansion through acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and large-scale contracts in food, agriculture, irrigation, and elevator solutions, thereby strengthening its market presence across multiple sectors. Rating Triggers: A sizeable equity injection that reduces current leverage indicators and improve cash flow generation, resulting in enhanced debt servicing capacity, is critical for an upgrade in ratings. About the Company: Mayar Holding Company is a Saudi joint stock company with CR#1010398836 dated 23 December 2013. The Company is engaged in management of subsidiaries of holding companies, provision of financing for subsidiaries of holding companies and owning and leasing industrial property rights to subsidiaries of holding companies. For further information on this rating announcement, please contact Mr. Talha Iqbal, email at RS@
Zawya
06-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Simah Rating Agency assigns solicited insurer financial strength ratings of A- to MALATH Cooperative Insurance Co.
Riyadh: Tassnief has assigned national scale Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating of A- (Single A Minus) to Malath Cooperative Insurance Co. ('Malath' or the 'Company'). The outlook on the rating is 'Stable'. The assigned rating is indicative of robust financial profile, low risk factors and high prospect of meeting policyholder liabilities. The rating has also been placed on 'Rating Watch – Positive' status on account of proposed merger with Liva Insurance Company. The rating will be reviewed upon the completion and finalization of the merger. Rating Rationale: The assigned ratings incorporate Malath's solid operational track record and current market position as a mid-sized insurance Company with a market share of around 1.8% in terms of gross premiums at end September-2024. Rating also takes into account the Company's conservative investment profile, sound reinsurance program & low net risk retention, satisfactory risk adjusted capitalization levels, and sound governance and risk management framework. The assessment further incorporates a diverse senior leadership team, with expertise across insurance, finance, technology, and risk management sectors. The Company's business mix incorporates healthy presence across 3 main segments, i.e. health, motor and property & casualty segments. Diversification in customer mix compares favorably as compared to peers and bodes well from a risk perspective. Gross premiums mix by customer type has depicted an improving trend particularly in 9M2024 with individuals and SMEs accounting for around 70% of the gross premiums. Growing business from individuals and SMEs remains a key focus area for the Company. Tassnief is of view that regulatory initiatives by the Insurance Authority (IA) will be important in supporting business growth, market stability, and enhance financial strengthen of the sector. Rating Triggers: Key rating trigger for the Company would be successful merger with Liva, an increase in market position and a greater diversification in business mix while improving underwriting performance and capitalization buffers. Moreover, strengthening financial flexibility through increasing absolute quantum of profitability and equity base remains important. About the Company: Malath Cooperative Insurance Co. ('Malath' or the 'Company') is a listed Saudi Joint Stock Company registered in KSA with CR#1010231787 dated April 09, 2007. Malath was listed on Tadawul in May 2017. The Company's shareholding is held by general public and institutional investors, with no single shareholder owing 5% or more. Malath's principal lines of business include medical, motor, marine, fire, engineering, casualty and other general insurance. For further information on this rating announcement, please contact Mr. Talha Iqbal (Ext. 6627) at +966-112506627 or email at RS@
