Lamborghini SC63’s First FIA WEC Race in Qatar

As Saudi Arabia celebrates seven years since the historic decision that allowed women to drive, Uber is proud to announce the upcoming launch of its new ‘Women Drivers’ product, designed to give women riders the option to be matched exclusively with women drivers. The feature builds on Uber’s commitment to empowering women through mobility and flexible economic opportunities.

The ‘Women Drivers’ product allows women riders to book rides exclusively with women drivers via the Uber app, expanding economic opportunities for Saudi women while enhancing rider choice. The initiative aligns with Uber’s long-term vision for a more inclusive platform and forms part of its broader commitment to support the participation of women in the Saudi economy.

The product is also designed for ease of use to ensure women feel comfortable and empowered. It will be available gradually for riders in the coming weeks. Here’s how the product works:

• On-demand – The Women Drivers product allows women riders to be matched with Women Drivers. The product functions just like UberX and is selectable from the product mini-list with similar prices as Uber X.
• Reserve – For women riders looking for added structure and planning, they can reserve a ride with a women driver up to 30 minutes in advance through the Uber Reserve feature.

Youssef Abouseif, KSA GM at Uber, said, “Women across Saudi Arabia have shown how mobility can open the door to new possibilities. At Uber, we see that future as electric, shared, and autonomous – but also inclusive. The launch of the ‘Women Drivers’ product reflects our commitment to empowering women and supporting their mobility and economic independence. We’re continuing to support women who choose to drive via the Uber app – giving them more choice, more opportunity, and a stronger sense of community. We’re also thrilled to witness this dynamic change unfold in Saudi Arabia, and we firmly believe initiatives like these play a pivotal role in Saudi Vision 2030.”

Empowering Saudi women through Al Nahda partnership and GigSister events

Uber is proud to announce its partnership with Alnahda Society, a leading non-profit organization established in 1962 with a mission to empower women both economically and socially. This collaboration aims to support women in mobility through capacity-building initiatives, including financial literacy programs, by equipping women with essential skills. The initiative paves the way for economic independence and opens up opportunities such as driving via the Uber app. This effort builds on Uber’s previous collaboration with Alnahda through the Masaruky initiative, which supported thousands of women in joining the workforce by helping them learn to drive and obtain a driver’s license.

Additionally, Uber will host its first GigSister program in Saudi Arabia, creating a dedicated space for women drivers to connect, share experiences, and foster a supportive local community. These initiatives highlight how Uber is going beyond mobility to actively invest in the development and success of women across the Kingdom.

Over the years, Uber has introduced a series of programs in Saudi Arabia, from the Wusool initiative, which has supported over 20 million subsidized rides for women, to Women Rider Preference, which allows women drivers to choose if they want to exclusively pick-up women riders. Each of these initiatives has been carefully curated to advance women’s participation in the workforce and align with the Kingdom’s broader socio-economic goals.

By integrating innovation, empowerment, and local insights, Uber continues to provide tangible solutions that address the unique needs of women in Saudi Arabia. With this latest product launch and new partnerships, Uber remains committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and progressive platform for all.

Wizz Air said it was exiting its Abu Dhabi operation to focus on its main eastern European market, after almost two years of turmoil in the Middle East wiped out any chance of making a profit there.

Wizz, a low-cost carrier founded in Hungary for eastern European travellers, expanded first into western Europe, before opening a base in Abu Dhabi six years ago, and pinning its hopes for future growth on a major expansion into the Middle East.

But it abandoned those plans on Monday, blaming recent geopolitical instability for frequent airspace closures and disruptions, which have hit travel demand, and meaning there was no hope for recovery at the loss-making unit.

Wizz CEO József Váradi said returning to Wizz’s “bread and butter” of central and eastern Europe, where it competes with Europe’s biggest airline Ryanair, would boost profits.

“We have been underinvesting in this market over the last few years. Now we can go back to the full spirit of continuously exploiting the market,” he told Reuters.

“These are the markets that we know work.”

Shares in the London-listed airline rose 2.6% in mid-morning trade. The stock is down about 62% over the last two years, hit by issues with Pratt & Whitney GTF engines which led to the grounding of some aircraft.

Wizz has 280 aircraft on order from Airbus over the next five years, and Váradi said most of these would be deployed in central and eastern Europe, which accounts for about two-thirds of the airline’s business, while Britain, Italy and Austria are just under 30%, and Abu Dhabi had been about 5%. He said there would be sufficient travel demand to sustain that size of fleet, whether Ukraine fully opens as a market once more, or not.

“I think it would be great to have Ukraine,” he said.

Even before the heightened tensions in the region, Váradi said Wizz’s low-cost model was struggling to work in Abu Dhabi because engines degrade faster in the hot, harsh environment, making its operations there less efficient.

Secondly, Wizz had not been granted the market access it had been promised to India and Pakistan when it first decided to open Abu Dhabi, limiting the growth potential.

Wizz, which had operated a joint venture with Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding company (ADQ), said it will stop local flights from there in September.

Renovating a heritage-listed terrace is one of the most rewarding yet complex design challenges a homeowner can undertake.

With compact footprints, strict council regulations and the need to balance character with contemporary comfort, these projects demand a thoughtful and confident approach. 

Architect Georgina Wilson, known for her award-winning work across some of Australia’s most admired homes, shares her expert insights into transforming these historic properties into highly functional and beautiful modern residences. With years of experience navigating heritage overlays and working within tight constraints, she approaches each terrace project as a carefully considered puzzle. 

“Terrace homes are like puzzles. There is a best answer. If you don’t get the floor plan right from the beginning, you can easily end up with a dark, frustrating corridor of a house,” says Wilson. 

Her strategy typically involves retaining the original rooms at the front of the terrace and rebuilding the rear. Many terraces include low-quality additions from past decades that can be replaced with a well-designed, two-storey structure.

This creates the opportunity for a large, open-plan kitchen, living, and dining space that connects directly to the rear courtyard, while maintaining the charm and street presence of the original façade. 

Wilson warns that homeowners are often surprised by the limitations that come with heritage renovation. Restrictions can cover everything from paint colours and materials to staircases that cannot be altered. Even additions like dormer windows are subject to detailed approvals and strict visual guidelines. 

One of the most valuable tools in making a terrace feel light, spacious, and connected is creating a central courtyard. When done well, it can bring natural light and ventilation into the heart of the home.

“The key is to design it properly. I see too many courtyards that become wasted space, with laundries and utilities blocking the light from reaching the living areas,” she says. 

For homeowners seeking to enhance both livability and long-term value, Wilson recommends incorporating smart and practical features. These include up to four bedrooms, a bathroom on every level, two living spaces, a proper laundry, storage, off-street parking and a flexible courtyard for alfresco living and dining. 

“Heritage renovations can be incredibly rewarding. With the right design approach, you can create a home that is full of character and perfectly suited to modern living,” says Wilson. 

Q&A WITH GEORGINA WILSON  

What are the most common challenges homeowners face when renovating heritage-listed terraces, and how can they prepare for them?

Terrace houses often have a very compact footprint, so getting it right is absolutely critical. I actually think it’s one of the hardest design challenges you can take on. There is a best answer, and it’s almost mathematical.

If you don’t get it right, the house is incredibly unforgiving. You can easily end up with a long, dark corridor of a home that’s frustrating to live in.

Preparation really starts with good spatial planning and being honest about what the home needs to deliver for everyday life. 

How do you balance maintaining the historical integrity of a heritage home while incorporating contemporary elements and modern comforts?

My approach is usually to retain and restore the original front rooms of the terrace so they become a strong example of what a period terrace can be.

The rear of the home, more often than not, is comprised of low-quality add-ons, such as outdated kitchens and bathrooms that were added over time. That presents a great opportunity to rebuild with intention.

I often recommend containing the new build to one clean two-storey box at the rear.

This reduces integration issues and gives you a new structure that works really well. 

The key is to make sure the new addition doesn’t feel alien or out of place. It should sit comfortably beside the old. Not cold, not clinical, and definitely not like it landed from outer space. 

Are there any surprising heritage restrictions or council regulations that catch renovators off guard?

Absolutely. There are always unexpected restrictions around colour palettes and materials. Sometimes you’re not even allowed to change the original staircase. Dormers can be another tricky one, whether or not you’re permitted to have one and if you are, what it’s allowed to look like.

Heritage renovations are full of these kinds of surprises, so it’s really important to go in with patience and a solid understanding of local planning controls. 

What design considerations are key to ensuring heritage terraces feel light, spacious and functional for modern living?

A really strong floor plan is everything. You want to make sure your key living spaces get the maximum amount of natural light and ventilation.

A central courtyard can be an amazing strategy to help with that, but only if it’s done well.

I see a lot of courtyards or lightwells that are completely wasted. They’re surrounded by laundries and utility rooms that block the light and airflow. If you’re going to invest in a courtyard, make sure it actually benefits the parts of the house you live in the most. 

In your experience, what renovation choices tend to add the most long-term value to heritage homes in terms of lifestyle and resale?

The most valuable renovations are the ones that support modern family living. That usually means four good bedrooms, bathrooms on every level, a proper laundry and two living zones if you can manage it.

Car parking is always a big one, as is a flexible courtyard space for alfresco dining and entertaining. And don’t forget about storage. These aren’t just wishlist items.

They’re the things that make a house feel great to live in and really boost resale value down the track. 

Several Saudi companies, including utilities heavyweight ACWA Power and a subsidiary of oil giant Aramco, signed power purchase agreements on Sunday for clean energy projects with a capacity of 15 gigawatts and investments worth around $8.3 billion, the Saudi state news agency (SPA) said.

ACWA Power signed seven agreements as the main developer, in partnership with the Water and Electricity Holding Co (Badeel), owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Aramco Power, a unit of Aramco, according to SPA.

The projects include five photovoltaic solar plants in the cities of Aseer, Medina, Mecca and Riyadh, and two wind power projects in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia is aiming to build up to 130 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030, it said last year.

Huawei Technologies is attempting to export small amounts of AI chips to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, as it looks to establish itself in markets dominated by U.S. chip designer Nvidia, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.

The Chinese telecom giant has reached out to potential customers in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Thailand about purchasing its older-generation Ascend 910B AI chips, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.

China’s strongest competitor to leading U.S. chipmakers is offering the chips in the low thousands, though the exact number remains unclear, according to the report.

No deals have been finalised yet, the report said, adding that parties in the UAE have not shown interest, while the status of talks in Thailand is unclear.

Representatives for the government of Thailand and the Saudi government’s media office did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. Huawei did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.

The company is also trying to attract customers with remote access to CloudMatrix 384, a China-based AI system built with more advanced Huawei chips, which it is not currently ready to export due to limited supplies, the report said.

The Middle East has emerged as a booming market for AI chips, with several U.S. technology firms such as Nvidia announcing deals.

President Donald Trump had secured $600 billion in commitments from Saudi Arabia for U.S. companies during a tour of the region in May.

Huawei is also focused on selling 910Cs, its advanced AI chip product, to Chinese firms that cannot access best-in-class American chips, the report said.

Successive U.S. administrations have sought to restrict China’s access to advanced American chip technology, citing concerns that it could be used to strengthen Beijing’s military.

“With the current export controls, we are effectively out of the China datacenter market, which is now served only by competitors such as Huawei,” an Nvidia spokesperson said.

The number of visitors to heritage and historical sites across Saudi Arabia reached approximately 6.5 million, according to the Ministry of Culture.

This is a significant indicator of the growing interest among the community members and tourists in the Kingdom’s cultural destinations, the ministry pointed out.

Similarly, more than 25,000 architectural heritage sites in various regions of Saudi Arabia were registered, as part of ongoing efforts to inventory and preserve the nation’s cultural and architectural heritage.

The Heritage Commission,, under the Ministry of Culture, stated that field teams continued carrying out survey and documentation programs, resulting in the inclusion of more than 1,100 new heritage sites in the National Register of Architectural Heritage, bringing the total number of registered sites to 3,646.

The documentation process covers heritage buildings and sites in various regions, such as Historic Jeddah, Najran, Asir, and Tabuk, in addition to heritage villages and centers that were discovered and documented for the first time, using the latest digital scanning and drone technologies.

The ministry report noted that heritage and historical sites such as Diriyah, AlUla, and Historic Jeddah topped the list of most attractive destinations, supported by the organization of cultural events, seasonal festivals, and heritage exhibitions that contributed to increased attendance rates.

The report reflects the extent of the transformation in community awareness of the importance of national heritage, along with the ministry’s role in leveraging it as a sustainable economic and tourism resource, in support of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The vision goals place culture and heritage among the pillars of comprehensive development and enhances the Kingdom’s presence on the global cultural map.

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), which is currently evaluating strategic options for its industrial gas subsidiary, said that an initial public offering (IPO) and listing on the main market of the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) is among the options under consideration.

SABIC holds a 74% stake in National Industrial Gases Company (GAS), while the Saudi-listed National Gas and Industrialization Company owns a 9% share.

SABIC, 70% owned by Saudi Aramco, said that the study remains ongoing, with each option evaluated on financial, technical, regulatory, and economic parameters.

The petrochemicals giant said the move was in line with its strategy of portfolio optimization and focusing on core business focus. An IPO of GAS would aim to improve SABIC’s financial position and add value for shareholders.

GAS is primarily engaged in the production and supply of industrial gases.

The Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF), under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, has signed an employment-linked training support agreement with Boutique Hospitality Group, a Public Investment Fund (PIF), with the aim of empowering and qualifying Saudis in specialized hospitality and culinary arts fields.

The agreement was signed by HADAF Director General Turki Al-Jawini and Executive Director of People and Culture at Boutique Hospitality Group Dania Al-Obaid.

The agreement is an extension of the existing strategic cooperation between PIF and the Ministry of Tourism. The PIF has previously launched several training programs in cooperation with prestigious educational institutions, such as the Higher Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, with the aim of enabling the private sector to benefit from the Fund’s programs and capabilities.

This will contribute to raising the efficiency of Saudis and enhancing the sector’s competitiveness in the required specializations in the hospitality and culinary arts fields, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to develop human capital and localize quality jobs.

The agreement affirms the commitment to implementing the programs by contributing to supporting training costs outside the Kingdom and providing rewards to trainees in accordance with approved mechanisms. It also includes forming a working group comprised of both parties to monitor the implementation of its provisions and hold periodic meetings based on developments and business needs.

In a significant step toward modernizing its digital infrastructure and enhancing global connectivity, Kuwait has launched a new electronic visa (e-visa) system aimed at simplifying and expediting entry procedures for both travelers and residents.

The platform, introduced this week by Kuwaiti authorities, is a key milestone in the country’s efforts to become a regional hub for tourism, trade, investment, and international cooperation.

The e-visa platform currently offers four distinct visa types: tourist, family visit, business, and official, each tailored to meet various travel needs. All visa categories are now available online, streamlining the application process and reducing paperwork and processing times.

The tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days, caters to individuals seeking to explore Kuwait’s cultural heritage, modern attractions, and scenic coastline. The family visa, valid for 30 days, allows Kuwait residents to invite relatives, supporting easier family reunification.

The business visa, also valid for 30 days, is designed for representatives of foreign companies and institutions visiting Kuwait for meetings, conferences, or professional engagements. Meanwhile, the official visa is reserved for members of government delegations and diplomatic missions on formal assignments, reinforcing Kuwait’s active participation in international diplomacy.

Officials emphasized that the launch of the e-visa system supports the Ministry of Interior’s broader digital transformation strategy. It is intended to enhance Kuwait’s accessibility to tourists, professionals, and visiting delegations while positioning the country as a forward-looking destination for global cooperation.

Looking ahead, Kuwait is also expected to benefit from the upcoming GCC Grand Tours Visa — a unified short-term visa that will allow travel across six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Though not yet implemented, the initiative represents a major step toward streamlined regional mobility and greater tourism integration in the Gulf.

The new e-visa system reflects Kuwait’s commitment to digital innovation, economic growth, and improved public services through modern, user-friendly platforms.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pony.ai, a leading company specializing in autonomous driving technologies, to commence pilot trials of autonomous vehicles in the emirate. The trials are scheduled to begin later this year, paving the way for the launch of a fully driverless commercial service in 2026.

Pony.ai recently unveiled seventh generation of its autonomous vehicles jointly developed with major automotive manufacturers such as Toyota, GAC, and BAIC. The company’s vehicles are equipped with advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, supported by a sophisticated suite of sensors, including lidars, radars, and cameras, to ensure precise navigation and safety across varying road and weather conditions.

The company has also established partnerships with leading technology firms such as Tencent and Alibaba to integrate robotaxi mobility services into platforms like WeChat and Alipay.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, and Dr. Leo Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Pony.ai, attended the signing ceremony of the MoU between RTA and Pony.ai.

The MoU was signed on behalf of RTA by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, and on behalf of Pony.ai by Ann Shi, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, in the presence of several officials from both parties.

Mattar Al Tayer applauded the signing of the MoU with Pony.ai, emphasizing that the partnership would support Dubai’s ongoing efforts to adopt autonomous mobility solutions and reinforce its global leadership in future mobility. He also expressed appreciation for the company’s decision to choose Dubai as its global platform for expanding operations beyond China.

Al Tayer added: “RTA’s continued expansion of partnerships with leading global companies in the field of autonomous mobility marks a key step towards achieving the Dubai Smart Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all trips in Dubai into autonomous journeys across various modes of transport by 2030. It underscores RTA’s commitment to working closely with global technology leaders to advance the future of smart, efficient, and sustainable mobility.”

“The operation of autonomous taxis contributes to the integration of transport systems by facilitating the movement of public transport users and improving access to their final destinations in line with the first and last-mile strategy. Operating autonomous taxis will enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors in Dubai, improve road safety, and offer greater convenience in daily mobility across the emirate.”

“Autonomous mobility has become a present reality. Leading global companies are accelerating the development of technologies and software that power autonomous vehicles, while governments—through the relevant licensing and regulatory authorities—are working to provide the necessary infrastructure and establish the legislative and regulatory frameworks required to enable their operation.”

Advancing Autonomous Driving Technologies

Pony.ai CFO Dr. Leo Wang highlighted the regional significance of the partnership: “The collaboration with Dubai RTA exemplifies our commitment to deploying Level 4 autonomous technology in strategic global markets. By aligning our technological capabilities with RTA’s visionary leadership, we’re establishing foundational standards for intelligent transportation ecosystems across the MENA region.

Dubai Future Academy, an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), announces the opening of applications for the second edition of ‘FEEL: A Disruptive Futures Program’, designed to train local and global talent to navigate disruption and enhance future readiness. The program equips executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and experts with the tools to anticipate and harness transformative changes ahead.

The four-week program, delivered by global experts, starts on 20 October 2025 and offers participants exclusive immersion into Dubai’s innovation ecosystem, including interactive workshops, strategic field visits, collaborative projects, and unparalleled networking opportunities with global experts and decision-makers.

It offers a comprehensive educational and training experience aimed at developing a new generation of visionary leadership talent. The program equips participants with the skills to anticipate future trends, opportunities, and innovations, engaging them in immersive practical experiences and empowering them to keep pace with global trends in innovation, advanced technologies, and foresight.

The first edition of the program in 2024 attracted nearly 1,500 applications from around 100 countries, from which 42 participants representing 15 nations were selected. Participants engaged in 33 interactive workshops, hands-on experiences, and insightful discussion sessions.

Abdulaziz AlJaziri, Deputy CEO and Chief Operations Officer at DFF, said: “The ‘FEEL: A Disruptive Futures Program’ helps participants keep pace with rapid transformations across all sectors driven by advances in technology and innovation. The program aims to develop skilled talent who can identify early signals of change, anticipate impacts, and proactively seize emerging opportunities.”

He added: “The second edition focuses on uncovering future opportunities, highlighting investment prospects, and transforming them into tangible realities. This contributes to prosperity, sustainable development, and enriching human capital with agile expertise and advanced foresight.”

AlJaziri concluded: “The objectives of the program align with Dubai’s commitment to enhancing future readiness and developing participants’ capabilities in understanding emerging trends. The program also empowers them with essential foresight tools to shape the future and create new opportunities.”

Global Experts

The program offers participants direct engagement with globally acclaimed experts and specialists, providing valuable opportunities to interact closely with pioneering thought leaders in fields including robotics, autonomous vehicles, futures foresight, critical thinking, longevity and health optimization, future and lab-grown foods, and the development of advanced AI chips.

The list of experts includes Professor Oussama Khatib, recipient of the Great Arab Minds Award for Technology from Stanford University; Professor Sohail Inayatullah from Tamkang University in Taiwan; Alyaa Al Mulla, Founder of the Longevity Think Tank; Dr. Steven Novella, Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at Yale School of Medicine; Dr. Brad Stanfield, a practizing physician at the University of Auckland and specialist in preventive medicine; David Bucca, Founder and CEO of Change Foods; Guillaume Verdon, Founder and CEO of Extropic; Professor Paul Newman, Founder of the Oxford Robotics Institute; as well as Dr. Mohammed Qassem and Dr. Heba Shehadeh from the Dubai Future Foundation, among many others.

Exclusive Visits

Participants will also benefit from exclusive strategic visits to key innovation hubs, including the Technology Innovation Institute, Micropolis the autonomous vehicle manufacturer, the Sustainability and Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park, Dubai Future Labs, and other prominent locations. These visits provide firsthand exposure to the UAE’s cutting-edge advancements, enabling participants to clearly visualize and actively engage with transformative innovations shaping the future.

The Dubai Future Academy aims to build capabilities and empower national and global leaders and talent with future-focused skills, enabling them to keep pace with global trends and challenges.

Weber Shandwick, the earned-first global communications agency, has entered into a strategic partnership with ZENDATA Cybersecurity, a leading global cybersecurity firm, to deliver a fully integrated cyber crisis and resilience offering under Weber Advisory. The partnership combines deep expertise in cybersecurity and threat intelligence with industry-leading crisis communications and reputation management, offering clients a seamless solution to navigate today’s complex risk landscape.

This collaboration reflects a growing demand from boards, CEOs and communications leaders for a unified approach to cyber resilience, which addresses both the technical and reputational dimensions of modern crises. The Weber Shandwick–ZENDATA Cybersecurity alliance will initially launch from regional hubs in London, Geneva and Dubai, with a view to serving clients across Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

“This partnership is a powerful extension of Weber Advisory and a direct response to client needs,” said Alphonse Daudre-Vignier, Executive Vice President, Corporate, Weber Shandwick. “Managing a cyber crisis has long required more than a technical fix; it’s a test of leadership, trust and stakeholder confidence. By combining our strengths with ZENDATA Cybersecurity, we’re giving clients the integrated capabilities they need to anticipate, manage and recover from digital threats with greater agility and authority.”

ZENDATA Cybersecurity brings cutting-edge cybersecurity services to the partnership, including proactive threat hunting, dark web monitoring, and rapid incident response. These technical capabilities will be integrated with Weber Advisory’s proven crisis communications frameworks and strategic counsel.

Steven Meyer and Isabelle Meyer, Co-CEOs of ZENDATA Cybersecurity, have noted a widespread and dangerous trend: “Companies consistently overestimate their readiness to face modern cyber threats. With this partnership, we’re redefining what preparedness looks like. By fusing our cybersecurity expertise with Weber Shandwick’s crisis communications leadership, we’re helping organizations not just react, but respond with resilience and control.”

The offering will include joint cyber crisis simulations, scenario planning, real-time incident response and recovery support. The integrated solution builds on Weber Shandwick’s recent launch of RADIUS – an operational AI-powered issues and crisis platform developed in collaboration with clients – now enhanced with ZENDATA Cybersecurity’s cyber threat intelligence.

CARMA, the global leader in media intelligence and research solutions, in partnership with SOCIALEYEZ, the Middle East’s leading team of creative strategists, and Cicero & Bernay, a leading communications consultancy, officially launched the Fifth Edition of the landmark Kingdom Reputation Report during an exclusive event held at Crowne Plaza Hotel Riyadh, Digital City (RDC). The gathering brought together leading voices in media, business, and communications to explore the evolving global perception of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom’s remarkable transformation under Vision 2030.

The event commenced with a keynote speech by Mazen Nahawi, Founder & CEO of both CARMA and SOCIALEYEZ, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Sean Trainor, Founder of Salient Communication Group. The panel featured renowned industry leaders, including Islam Zween, CEO of Argaam Investment Company; Rawan Althagafy, Founder, Coach, and EQ Leadership Expert at Elevating Minds; and Rebecca Wiles, Senior Vice President at Teneo.

Drawing on AI-powered analysis and human-led interpretation of media content across more than 100 countries, CARMA’s report reveals a marked increase in positive sentiment surrounding Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts, cultural diplomacy, and global leadership. The volume and tone of media coverage affirm that the Kingdom is gaining investor trust and attention as a future-ready nation at the forefront of innovation.

The new study reveals a decisive shift in the Kingdom’s international reputation. In 2024, positive coverage in top-tier traditional media climbed to 86%, a 30% increase since 2020. This momentum has been driven mainly by economic diversification, sports, and the rapid growth of the tourism sector, which experienced a 60% surge in visibility over the past year. Vision 2030 continues to reshape the narrative, now accounting for 60% of reporting on Saudi Arabia and signaling broader recognition of the nation’s transformation.

Mazen Nahawi, Founder and CEO of CARMA and SOCIALEYEZ said: “This fifth edition of the Reputation Report clearly illustrates that the Kingdom’s reforms, mega-projects, and diplomatic efforts are being recognized and respected globally, aligning with Vision 2030. Whether in sustainability, cultural transformation, or economic diversification, Saudi Arabia is delivering results that command attention by building credibility and shaping identity, and media intelligence is giving us the clarity to see what’s working and where the momentum is. The resulting data tells a powerful story of progress.”

The report highlights several key trends that are shaping Saudi Arabia’s global image. To begin with, media coverage is increasingly reflecting the Kingdom’s ambitious push for economic diversification and innovation, led by major initiatives such as NEOM and the Red Sea Development. In addition, strategic investments in sports, arts, and entertainment are enhancing Saudi Arabia’s soft power, encouraging cultural exchange, and fostering goodwill on the international stage. High-profile state visits and cross-border engagements are also helping to position the Kingdom as both a regional stabilizer and a valued partner. Furthermore, the ongoing commitment to social and economic reform continues to bolster Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a progressive and resilient nation. Taken together, CARMA’s data analysis and sentiment tracking confirm a consistent international perception of Saudi Arabia as an innovative, forward-looking country.

Ahmed Dahduli, Managing Director – Saudi Arabia at CARMA, added: “What we see today is a confident ownership of Saudi Arabia’s narrative, reflecting the reality of its transformation. The Kingdom is no longer defined by external perceptions alone, and through strategic investments in culture, sport, tourism, and diplomacy, it is actively shaping how it is viewed on the global stage. This Reputation Report affirms the growing importance of media intelligence: not just as a measurement tool, but as a lens to understand sentiment, track progress, and provide cultural context that drives smarter decisions.”

CARMA’s Kingdom Reputation Report draws on advanced natural language processing, proprietary content monitoring, and expert media analysts to deliver unparalleled clarity into how nations are perceived in a fragmented, fast-moving global media landscape.

The Riyadh launch event concluded with a networking dinner, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with speakers and the CARMA team and to discuss the implications of the report for Saudi Arabia’s global reputation.

Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector is enjoying record double-digit growth, thanks to the growing global interest in the country as a travel destination, according to global property consultancy Knight Frank.

Across Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector, the average daily rate (ADR) climbed by 10.8%, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) rose by 12.3% in the 12 months to March. This growth has been driven largely by strong demand in the holy cities and the capital.

In 2024, Saudi Arabia welcomed a record 30 million international visitors, highlighting growing global interest in the country as a travel destination. Looking ahead, the target is to attract 70 million international tourists by 2030, stated Knight Frank in its latest report.

Makkah remains a critical destination for religious tourism, supported by infrastructure upgrades and increased hotel capacity, it stated.

In Q1 2025, ADR rose by 28.9% year-on-year to SAR 859, while RevPAR was up by 35.7% to SAR 673. The surge in performance reflects heightened demand linked to the rise in issued Umrah visas, which grew by 8.3%, according to Ministry of Hajj data.

With more than 8,500 rooms under construction across 12 hotel developments, Makkah’s total inventory is set to increase from 63,428 to 71,643 rooms by 2027, according to Knight Frank.

Large-scale masterplans such as Masar Destination and Rua Al Haram aim to open up Makkah, as the spiritual heart of Islam, to a greater number of visitors, improving access, capacity and guest flow within walking distance of Al Haram, it stated.

In Q1, the ADR in Madinah reached SAR891 ($237) – the highest in the Kingdom and an 11.8% year-on-year increase – while RevPAR increased by 15.1% to SAR 724.

Madinah currently has 20,673 hotel rooms, and an additional 2,100 keys expected to be delivered by 2027. Major international operators continue to expand their presence, including Hilton and Marriott, with planned openings totalling over 6,000 rooms by these two operators alone.

In parallel, Rua Al Madinah, a new giga project located east of the Prophet’s Mosque, is set to reshape the hospitality landscape with over 47,000 planned hotel rooms, integrated transit and public realm enhancements, said the industry expert in its report.

Amar Hussain, Associate Partner – Research, Middle East, said: “These latest figures point to resilient demand amid limited new supply and further highlight Madinah’s pricing strength.”

“Pilgrim arrivals in the city are expected to reach 30 million by 2030, up from 17.3 million in 2025, reflecting the city’s growing role as a global hub for religious tourism,” he added.

Dubai International (DXB) is entering a period of sustained peak operations, with more than 3.4 million guests expected to travel through the airport between 27th June and 9th July 2025, reported WAM.

Daily volumes are forecast to average over 265,000 with the busiest day on 5 July for both departures and transfer traffic. Dubai Airports, alongside its stakeholders, has activated an integrated summer readiness plan to ensure guest journeys remain safe and efficient.

While the wider regional situation has led to some delays and cancellations across the network, the oneDXB community has been working around the clock to support guests, provide welfare, and maintain service continuity. Supported by a real-time monitoring and predictive system to optimize manpower and resource utilization. DXB continues to monitor the situation in close coordination with authorities and airline partners, prioritizing the safety of all guests and employees on the ground and through to take-off.