Latest news with #Wassim
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
How Rivian is using software to compete with rivals
Rivian (RIVN) is expected to start delivering its R2 SUV in 2026. One of the big things the company is focusing on with both the R2 and its existing fleet is software. In the video above, Rivian's chief software officer, Wassym Bensaid, shares the importance of software to the next generation of vehicles. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Asking for a Trend here. I lead the software team at Rivian. And my team is responsible for the entire technology stack that underpins Rivian vehicles. And then the end-to-end user experience that we provide to our customers. In parallel, and then since November, I'm the co-CEO of the joint venture that we have with the VW Group, which is delivering reference platforms to Rivian to the VW brands and then eventually, our goal is to have that for other brands as well. Wassim, you mentioned, you know, software, software-defined vehicles, VW, right? Is that what that deal is all about? Is basically Volkswagen saying, Hey Rivian, you guys have great software. You know, we're talking about a vehicle that they were able to update the software to make the suspension better, believe it or not. Is that what we're talking about here when we talk about software-defined vehicles? That's exactly it. I mean, when you look at the technology trends in automotive technologies, like electrification, autonomy, connectivity, they are resulting in much bigger amounts of software. And customers now have very high expectations in terms of the end-to-end experience. And modern architecture require a lot of software to really power and unlock that experience. The R2 prototype, Wassim, is on the streets. It's been It's being tested. What do you love about it? Give me Give me the feedback. I love it. First of all, you have seen that wrap. I mean, it's it's so awesome. We have it. Yeah. I think we have it. We have it here. But R2 is a program we're extremely excited about the R2. R2 brings the essence of the Rivian brand, great design, great interior, great drive dynamics, great technology, but then into a price point that will be accessible by a much broader set of customers. So, there's no day where we don't get requests from customers, when can I get my R2? It's really the culmination of a long journey in terms of building our technology, so that we can get it into a vehicle that many more customers can now access. So talk to me about your also the co-head, you mentioned like you mentioned of the JV between Volkswagen and Rivian. What does that entail and are we going to see that R2 technology kind of flow into VW vehicles, for instance? Yeah, exactly. I mean, think about it as the R2 is the platform that will underpin actually all future EV products at VW. So, it's really that modular, scalable technology stack that we will take into VW brands. And we will do it in a way where we will still allow each of the brands to express their own identity. Each brand will have their own UI, look and feel. Each brand will have their own suspension tuning, as you mentioned, but underneath, the guts of the vehicle will be optimized based on the same technology and software architecture. There are questions out there, Wassim, about R2 scalability. Walk me through how you're thinking about that dynamic. Scalability, you mean, from which standpoint? Well, the ability to get as many of those many of them out there as people want. Yes. I mean, everybody is waiting for the R2. Everybody is exciting about the R2. It's the absolute number one priority for the customer. And I think what we are really excited about is when you look at from the technology standpoint, the R2 is an evolution of the architecture that we introduced with our gen two vehicles. And there's a ton of lessons learned that went into how we make the R2 from a technology standpoint, from engineering, from manufacturing. And that is allowing us to really not only make progress, but we're extremely happy with the maturity of R2 compared to where R1 was at the same time from a program standpoint. With the R2, you're going after the Model Y. So walk me through why your product is superior, Wassim. What is setting you apart? I mean, first of all, the the Model Y is a great product, and I think kudos to Tesla who have designed and built a fantastic product. R2, as I mentioned, brings really like everything which is beautiful about the Rivian DNA. That great design, that great interior, great storage, great drive dynamics, the Rivian drive dynamics and then all this technology content into the same price point as the Model Y. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Gulf Today
14-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Wassim Elassaad: The visionary redefining global luxury living
Wassim Elassaad, founder of Gratuso Group, has created a niche in elite lifestyle experiences. The journey started in Australia, but it was Dubai, the international hub of innovation and luxury, where the dream took wings. More than a brand, Gratuso signifies a legacy characterized by simplicity, exclusivity, and excellence. Wassim was born in Australia to Lebanese parents. He rose from humble beginnings to being a well-respected figure in the realms of luxury fashion and lifestyle. His story has been one of triumph against odds fueled by ambition and a relentless pursuit of perfection. In 2021, while adhering to a vision and relentless spirit, Wassim left Australia and moved to Dubai. While it was a tactical move, it was personal as well. This was the launching of the Gratuso Group, which has developed a reputation for its authenticity, exclusivity, and distinction. Gratuso Group was founded in 2024 to tie together all its exclusive services under one trusted name. Gratuso Concierge Services provides ultra-high-net-worth clients with personalized life management and experiences reflective of the best discretion and refinement. The Group's other services include Yacht Concierge, which offers premade custom yacht resale solutions, and Gratuso Real Estate, which represents some of the most luxurious homes in Dubai's most desirable neighborhoods. Every endeavor under the Gratuso name is reflective of Wassim's unending vision and attention to detail. Under Wassim, Gratuso has gained notoriety far beyond the borders of Dubai and Australia. He is now steering the company into a realm of global expansion, targeting Europe and Asia. By 2025, Gratuso Group is anticipated to evolve its investments through commercial real estate and yachts, thus transforming itself from a luxury brand into a genuine global lifestyle brand. Wassim's distinguishing feat is his personable attitude. Always involved in delivering a personal touch to each client experience, be it custom-tailored private escapes to exclusive islands or advice on a multimillion-dollar real estate acquisition, while elegantly ensuring that privacy and perfection are afforded to every detail. For Wassim, luxury is not about the goods and services on offer but a deeply personal experience crafted from understanding what matters most to the clients within his sphere. Going forth, Wassim maintains his pace to the maximum. The plan is to double the workforce for Gratuso by 2025 owing to the global demand-the intention is to see that any and every team member is a true reflection of the elite values of the brand. Keeping the vision intact, his aim is to evolve Gratuso into a complete ecosystem of luxury at all ends, from travel and real estate to concierge services and more. To explore more about his journey and vision, visit
Khaleej Times
29-01-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
This Dubai restaurant topped Mena's best list thrice: Brothers share secret of Orfali bistro
Orfali Bros Bistro's founders stumbled upon the food industry after performing poorly in school. Today, they are leading the region's top restaurant, which topped the Middle East and North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants awards for the third year in a row. They also made it to the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list, landing at the 46th place, cementing their status as a global culinary are also introducing two new restaurants and a culinary academy to support young chefs in their home country. The trio spoke to Khaleej Times about how it all came to be. Founded in 2021 by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, the Wasl 51 hotspot blends Aleppian heritage with Dubai's dynamic dining scene. Led by head chef Mohammad Orfali, the bistro is known for standout dishes like OB croquettes, shish barak à la gyoza, and the corn bomb, while pastry chefs Wassim and Omar craft inventive desserts from their dedicated pastry kitchen overlooking the dining space. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. It all started when the eldest of the three brothers, Mohammad, now 42, scored a low grade in high school, which did not qualify him for higher education back in Aleppo. When the hospitality institute opened its doors in Aleppo in 1995, he directly enrolled in it. A year later, his younger brother Wassim joined him at the institute. 'He told me, 'Wassim, you don't know what the future holds. I will specialise in food and you specialise in sweets. You never know, maybe in the future we could open a restaurant'," said Mohammad. 'Honestly, I wasn't good at studying either,' added the 40-year-old middle brother. 'Like any Arab Syrian family, our parents preferred that their son become a doctor or an engineer. Especially around three decades ago, families did not consider it impressive for their son to become a cook.' Nonetheless, all three siblings paved successful careers in the culinary world. The youngest, Omar, followed their footsteps in 2008, while he was still in ninth grade. His first career attempt was to become a florist, but the job he landed at a neighbouring flower shop only lasted for a day and a half. 'I told the owner I was going out for a break and never came back,' said the 30-year-old. Unlike his brothers, Omar learned the art of pastry-making from working at factories, restaurants, and hotels. It all started after he visited Wassim at the pastry factory he worked for in Aleppo. 'I saw how they made cakes, pouring cream and adding chocolate, and I found it fascinating. I told Wassim I wanted to learn and get into this profession. I thought about it a lot and even dreamed of it.' He started at a factory in Aleppo in 2008, then travelled to Lebanon to study pastry making in 2011, and in 2013, he followed his older brother to Dubai. Two years later, the trio held a three-day masterclass at ICCA in Dubai Knowledge Village. 'Several students asked why we didn't open our own shop or restaurant?' said Wassim. Driven by the profound public demand, they secured a location at Al Wasl 51. 'At first, it was a pastry shop, but then Mohammad decided to expand it to a restaurant after Covid hit. We started by making salads and sandwiches for takeaway. Then we added pizza to our menu,' explained Wassim. Their restaurant did not only evolve to becoming the region's top restaurant, but the brothers are also expanding to new ventures. They are opening a new concept next door called Three Rows. 'It will be more of a bistro-style restaurant, featuring our famous pizza and burger, but not just as a typical burger joint. We are still refining the concept with our R&D team,' explained Mohammad. Furthermore, the Orfali brothers recently launched a Thai concept called Manao just four weeks ago, and they have their eyes set on establishing a culinary school in their hometown to support emerging Syrian chefs. 'The idea is to teach the young generation about our heritage, our food, and everything that comes with it, rather than letting them be influenced by other cuisines,' said Mohammad. 'We feel a responsibility towards our country, Syria, and specifically Aleppo. We want to do this to support the community and the Syrian people.' 'Our food is strong and deeply rooted in our culture. The younger generation interested in the food business should focus on presenting it correctly rather than altering it. Fusion is fine, but the authentic flavours should remain,' added Wassim. Mohammad, formerly a TV chef on Fatafeat culinary channel for almost 11 years, said when he moved to Dubai chasing his dreams, little did he know he would be establishing an award-winning restaurant a few years later. When asked about the secret to their restaurant's continued success after winning the award on Tuesday night, he said: 'I think we love people, and they love us. This is the secret. We are here because people are looking for us. Don't ask me how we do it — I don't know, but we make it possible.' Addressing a common misconception, Mohammad clarified: 'People get confused a little bit. We are not a Syrian restaurant. We are Syrian people, and we are so proud of that. But our restaurant represents Dubai and the UAE.' Their "dream team" which started with just the three brothers, now consists of 60 people. 'We don't work just to be number one. We work to continue. We want this restaurant to be an example for so many chefs in the Middle East. We want this to last for the second and third generations. It is not a short-term endeavour,' he concluded. Dubai's Trèsind Studio, led by chef Himanshu Saini, secured the second spot for the 2025 awards, followed by Dubai's Kinoya at third and Cairo's Khufu's at the fourth spot, which was also named Egypt's best restaurant. Shams El Balad in Amman (eighth) was recognized as Jordan's top restaurant, while Bahrain's Fusions by Tala (sixth) and Lebanon's Em Sherif in Beirut (ninth) took home top honours for their respective countries. Marble in Riyadh (16) was crowned Saudi Arabia's best restaurant, while La Grande Table Marocaine in Casablanca (22) earned Morocco's top spot. Tunisia also made its mark with Le Golfe in La Marsa (44) securing the title of the best restaurant in the country. Special award winners included Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi, who received the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs' Choice Award for her contributions to modern Middle Eastern gastronomy, and Dubai's Boca (12), which won the Sustainable Restaurant Award for its eco-conscious practices. Omar Shihab, the visionary behind Boca, was honoured with the Icon Award for his leadership in responsible dining. Spanish pastry chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez was named MENA's Best Pastry Chef, while Yasmina Hayek of Em Sherif group won the Best Female Chef Award. Dubai's Ossiano received the Art of Hospitality Award, and Casablanca's Table 3, led by chef Fayçal Bettioui, was recognised as the American Express One To Watch. Also recognised at the awards was Riyadh's Aseeb Restaurant. Its founder and chef, Abdulrahman Albabtain, spent 25 years in banking before deciding to revive his childhood memories through food. 'I was always with my mother in the kitchen, learning how to cook and exploring the world's exotic spices,' said the 48-year-old Saudi. After marrying his wife, Arwa, the pair decided to open Aseeb, offering traditional Saudi dishes with a modern touch. Aseeb was ranked number 39.
