Kingdom —Business & Economy News

RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club has announced two major falconry events to be held in the Kingdom later this year, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s importance as an international center of falconry excellence.

The 2nd King Abddulaziz Festival of Falconry will be held at the purpose-built falconry showgrounds on Qassim Road, Riyadh (Mulham exit) from December 1-16, while the 2nd Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition will be held in Riyadh from October 11-15.

Falconry has always been closely associated with the Arabian Peninsula and is an important part of the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. Indeed, the sport was ascribed on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in 2016.

Today there are more than 20,000 active falconers in Saudi Arabia who are represented by the Saudi Falcon Club, which was established by royal decree in 2016 in order to stage international falconry events and competitions within the Kingdom, and to protect falcons and other migratory birds from predation and habitat loss.

For more information about the exhibition, festival and falconry in Saudi Arabia, go to: http://sfc.org.sa/en/home-en/

DUBAI: Most Middle East markets dropped on Sunday amid thin trading volumes, mirroring a tumble in global stocks last week and weighed down by sliding oil prices. 
Brent crude futures fell 58 cents on Friday, or 1%, to settle at $59.34 a barrel, while Wall Street stocks tumbled after President Donald Trump told U.S. companies to look at alternatives to China for manufacturing, following Chinese retaliatory tariffs on American goods. 
The Saudi index was the worst performer, losing 2.4%, dragged down by banks and the petrochemical sector. The rest of the region was also in red territory, except the Egyptian and the Bahraini exchanges, which were little changed. 
"We seem to be getting dragged down by international markets," said a Dubai-based trader. "It’s a quiet day, not the good kind." Islamic lender Alinma Bank was among the worst performers in Saudi Arabia, shedding 4%. 
The bank earlier this month posted a 12% rise in second-quarter net profit. 
In the petchem sector, Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co was heavily hit, losing 3.9%, while blue chip Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) lost 2.5%. Arqaam Capital said in a research note on Sunday it expected some weakness in the Saudi stock market this week as global index compiler MSCI completes the second phase of its upgrade of Saudi Arabia to emerging market status. 
"We expect to see circa $6.8 billion of passive inflows into KSA (Saudi Arabia) as part of Phase 2 of EM inclusion, bringing KSA to its full weight," said the Dubai firm. "However, it appears that the KSA index trade is mostly over, as we have already recently seen significant selling pressure, and expect to see weakness into the trade this week."
In the UAE, large property developers were hurt. In Dubai, where the index lost 1.9%, Emaar Properties lost 3.9%, while in Abu Dhabi, where the index shed 1.4%, Aldar Properties tumbled 4.1%. 
Outside of the Gulf, the Egyptian index edged up 0.1%, as a 1.4% drop by Orascom Investment Holding was partly offset by a 3.7% spike in Egyptian Resorts Co, which was the best performer on Sunday and among the stocks seeing the highest trading volume.

STC has been recognized as a 2019 Best Practices Award winner in the “BI, visual analytics and data discovery” category by TDWI, the premier source for in-depth education and research on all things data. The Best Practices Awards were presented at the TDWI Strategy Summit for Analytics 2019 in San Diego, California, which took place on Aug. 19.

STC Senior VP Technology and Operations Haithem Alfaraj said a sophisticated digital infrastructure is integral to today’s advanced industrial activities, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and that it attracts investors and enhances the fundamental competitiveness of the Saudi economy. 

“This award reflects STC’s commitment to play a key role in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, aligning with its ‘DARE’ strategy (Digitize, Accelerate, Reinvent, Expand), as we are a world-class digital leader providing innovative services and platforms to our customers and enabling the digital transformation of the MENA region.”

“We have kept the goals of our BI and data visualization initiatives aligned with our vision, which has enabled STC to deliver digital platforms that will support and fulfill customers’ needs and ensure enablement.” 

TDWI’s Best Practices Awards identify and honor companies that demonstrate excellence and innovation in developing, deploying, and maintaining analytics and data management applications. All nominated solutions were evaluated by TDWI analysts and faculty who selected the award winners based on business impact, maturity, innovation and relevance in their field.

High jewelry maison Van Cleef & Arpels has a new address in town near the Dubai Opera. The boutique, located close to this center of culture and artistic performances, pays homage to the maison’s long-standing links with the world of dance.

“With this opening, the maison extends its partnership with Dubai Opera while showcasing its virtuoso craftsmanship through contemporary and patrimony creations,” a press release said.

Spread over 222 square meters, Les Salons Van Cleef & Arpels Dubai Opera is situated on the boulevard of Dubai Opera.

The two-story building’s facade is notable for its unique design. Symbolic of Van Cleef & Arpels’ rich patrimony, it is inspired by a drawing from the archives. Designed in 1929, the jewel box drawing reflects the Art Deco influence over the maison’s creations during this time. A metallic moucharabieh graces the pattern of the boutique’s façade with plays of light and shadow. This architectural structure is adorned with precious and soft materials creating a shimmering curtain effect. 

For the first time in the Middle East, Les Salons Van Cleef & Arpels Dubai Opera houses a patrimonial area in the center of the building, symbolic of the center stage of an opera house. Complemented by a library, the elements of this salon bring stories to life. Visitors can embark on a journey back in time, to discover the rich history of Van Cleef & Arpels. 

Special features include an elevator and a staircase, adorned with custom-made embellishments. 

“Since 2016, the maison’s friendship with the Dubai Opera has only strengthened over the years. We cherish this treasured bond and take it to a novel stage with the opening of the enchanting Les Salons Van Cleef & Arpels Dubai Opera,” said Alessandro Maffi, managing director Middle East and India of Van Cleef & Arpels. “It is a momentous occasion for all of us as we celebrate the wondrous universe and iconic creations of the maison at this exclusive venue. We look forward to welcoming guests to this inspiring stellar boutique.”

Van Cleef & Arpels has long turned to dance as a major source of inspiration. Ballerina clips were created in New York in the early 1940s at the prompting of Louis Arpels, an opera and ballet lover. The creations progressed to become one of the signatures of Van Cleef & Arpels. The maison continues to nurture this bond with the world of dance through a number of collaborations.

For the dance lovers, Van Cleef & Arpels is hosting a patrimony exhibition, featuring an array of ballerina clips from the 1940s up until today. The exhibition at Les Salons Van Cleef & Arpels Dubai Opera runs until mid-September.

The Pakistan International School Jeddah — English Section (PISJ-ES) has achieved a 100 percent pass percentage in the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) results for IGCSE and A-Level.

Principal Adnan Nasir said: “These spectacular results not only validate the enormous talent among the students and unconditional support of their parents but also speak volumes about the educational commitment, hard work and untiring efforts put in by the teachers.”

He added: “By setting high expectations, our teachers trigger moral and religious values coupled with instilling the sense of responsibility, passion for learning, hard work, discipline and dedication in their students. Consequently, all these attributes ... make the students crave for nothing less than excellence in education.”

“On producing such splendid results, the entire team of PISJ-ES extends their heartiest congratulations to all the students and their proud parents,” the school said.

Boys securing A* and A in IGCSE with nine subjects include: Abdullah Raza, Abdul Rehman Aftab, Ahmad Hashim, Ali Zahid, Asad Irfan, Azam Muhammad, Bazaid Muhammad, Faiq Masroor, Bilal Ahmed, Mohammad, Arjamand Ali, Huzaifah Farrukh, Mohib ur Rehman, M. Abdul Rehman, Ayan Khokhar, Bilal Sadiq, M. Taha, M. Usman, M. Walid Khalid, M. Zain-ul-Abdeen, M. Zakriya, M. Multazam Mohsin, Munhib Qayyum, Omar Kashif, Rayyan M. Ziaullah, Shaffaan bin Aamir, Yahya Mubasher Mir and Zain-ul-Abideen Nadeem. 

In the same category, the top ranking girls are: Alishba Anwar, Alishba Khan, Aniza Shahbaz, Asma Fazal, Atika Rauf, Ayesha Khan, Ayesha Shakeel, Bisma Aqeel, Eza Riasat, Farheena Azfar, Hadiyah Nadeem, Noaf Asmat, Rida Salman, Ruqayya Rehman, Sarah Mehboob, Sarah Batool, Sarah Zafar, Wania Naeem, Zainab Suad, Zaryab, Hafsa Noor, Hafsah Khan, Hareem Ejaz, Mahnum Rashid, Mahreen Qadri, Mariam Akmal, Minahil Nauman, Mishaal Imran, Musfirah Imran, Rahima Azeem, Ruaa Saeed and Samaa Sabir. 

Top achievers in A-Level with four subjects are: M. Hamza Awais, M. Talal Ashraf, Majid Ahmad and Khadija Khan. Top students with three subjects in the same level are: Taimoor Hassan, Muaaz Aslam, Eilad Tariq, M. Nabeel Asim, Zain-ul-Abedeen, Farman Faheem, Ali Hassan, Omar Ahmad, Saad M. Latif, Hamza Toqeer, Tanzeel Siddiqui, Abeer, Fajar Habib, Hamna Toqeer, Hania Sana, Haniyyah Toqeer, Heyam Khan, Nimra Versiani and Sara Rahman. 

Top achievers in AS-Level with four subjects are: Huda Amir, Amna Khalid and Tooba Sana. Other top students include: Ammar Syed, Ayan Ahmed, Bilal M. Noor, Ibrahim Ahsan, Mohammad Asad Khan, M. Yusuf Khan, Saad Riazuddin, Syed Hasham Hassan, Syed Shaheer Ahmed, Talha Abdul Karim, Omaima Hasan, Eeman M. Azhar, Laweezah Baig, Manahil Imran, Haram Mohsin, Maira Kamran, Mariyam M. Alim, Nawal Asim, Haiqa Sheraz, Navaira Asif and Maryam Fuad.

Nickelodeon and the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced the first set of international stars who will perform at the inaugural Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards Abu Dhabi 2019.

For the first time in Middle East, Abu Dhabi will host the slime-and-surprise-filled event that is loved by kids around the world, featuring performances, “slime” moments and a fun-packed entertainment show.

Aminux, Nora Fatehi and Maritta and Al-Waleed Hallani are the first big names confirmed for the award ceremony, which takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on Sept. 20. More artists will be announced in the coming weeks in the run up to the show.

“The stature of the lineup of talent we are announcing today underscores the desire of the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi and its partners to establish the UAE capital as a global leader for family-friendly events and as a destination that delivers the best in entertainment and activities to visitors and residents alike,” said Saeed Rashed Al-Saeed, destination marketing director at DCT Abu Dhabi.

“And with even more star names yet to be revealed, the first ever Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards to be held in the Middle East is guaranteed to be an unmissable event, which will no doubt help boost visitor numbers to our emirate.” 

Tracey Grant, vice president content and channels for Viacom International Media Networks Middle East, said: “Nickelodeon is dedicated to putting kids first and the Kids Choice Awards Abu Dhabi are a perfect example of how we deliver on that commitment. We are thrilled to confirm that beloved stars from around the region will be performing at the KCA Abu Dhabi.”

Moroccan singer Aminux is one of the biggest stars on his country’s urban pop scene. 

Fatehi, a Canadian-Moroccan dancer, model, actress and singer will perform her hit songs at the awards. 

Two members of the Lebanese Hallani family musical dynasty will make a special appearance at the awards, with Maritta and Al-Waleed taking to the stage. 

For the first time in the region, children can vote for their favorite artist in each category by casting their ballot on Nickelodeon’s digital site, on Instagram using the hashtag of their favorite nominee, or via the Nickelodeon Play app. 

The Kids’ Choice Awards Abu Dhabi 2019 is part of a wider program of activations organized by DCT Abu Dhabi, which will bring a series of activities for kids and families to the city. This will include The World of Nickelodeon from Sept. 19-21 at ADNEC, where visitors can interact with all their favorite Nickelodeon characters. With features such as the Paw Patrol Area, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles VR Experience and Pizzeria, and the SpongeBob SquarePants Museum and Arcade, plus the chance to meet the likes of Dora, SpongeBob, and Marshall and Chase at live entertainment shows and musical performances, it promises to be an unmissable event.

DUBAI: Any skeptics about Expo 2020 Dubai — and there are a few who still have reservations about the extravaganza that will open to exuberant fanfare next year in the UAE — should spend an hour or two with Marjan Faraidooni.

She is the executive in charge of the pavilions and exhibitions on the huge site in south Dubai, and crucially, she has responsibility for “legacy” — what will remain after the show packs up in April 2021. She is calmly confident that the event will be a big success.

“It’s a challenge, but we have the mechanisms in place to make sure we meet that challenge,” she said amid the bustle of the Expo headquarters. It was August, and the holiday season, but there was no sign of any slackening in activity in the administrative hub, nor on the site itself. The clock is ticking down to the opening on Oct. 20 next year.

The scale of the event is mind-boggling. Over six months, the site will be visited some 25 million times, triple the population of the UAE. A previous Expo executive described it as the biggest ever gathering of people in the Arab world. It is expected to give a significant boost to the regional economy, and leave a permanent new city on the southern borders of Dubai.

But the doubters have been nagging away ever since Dubai won the right to stage the world fair in 2013. Would it be ready on time? Would it justify the financial outlay by boosting the UAE economy? Would it leave a lasting legacy or risk becoming a multibillion-dollar white elephant in the desert?

Faraidooni is convinced on all counts. On delivery, she said: “Yes, we are on track and although it’s not my direct remit, as part of the senior management team we are all responsible for doing whatever it takes to get this Expo delivered on time.”

Construction is progressing well. Earlier this year, Expo announced that the three “thematic districts” — reflecting its key themes of sustainability, mobility and opportunity — were complete, with more than 100 million working hours clocked on the site.

Faraidooni said that many of the 192 individual units built by the participating countries or organizations had already broken ground — including the big pavilion housing the Saudi presence — and that key infrastructure and transport around the site was well under way. An extension to the Dubai metro system and new roadways are under construction, as is apparent from the hectic construction activity around the site.

BIO

BORN: Dubai

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in human physiology and master’s in public health, University of Boston, US

CAREER

• Instructor, Sharjah Women’s College

• Special projects analyst, executive office of Dubai ruler

• Senior manager, Dubai Healthcare City

• Portfolio strategy director, Dubai Holding

• Chief pavilions and exhibitions officer, Expo 2020 Dubai

On the economic benefits of the project, Faraidooni pointed to a recent study by consultants EY which projected a big boost to the Dubai economy and a permanent increase in jobs.

“This Expo is happening in a location that is critical to the development of Dubai as a city and close to a new airport. A lot of infrastructure has been developed not only to service the Expo but for this whole area of Dubai,” she said.

Some economists have talked about the “Expo effect” as a factor that will boost the economy, especially the real estate market, which has been in the doldrums for several years.

That economic development is part of the legacy Faraidooni believes Expo will deliver. “The future is something we think about on a daily basis,” she said. The site will become a new addition to the Dubai urban scene, a mixed-use development called District 2020: A mixture of a business park, an exhibition center and a residential area with retail, leisure and cultural features, based around the Al-Wasl centerpiece.

Two big international corporations — Siemens, the German engineer, and Accenture, the international consulting firm — have already said they will base significant operations on the Expo site once the event ends, and Faraidooni hinted that other big global businesses are interested.

“We think of it as the place that happened to hold the Expo for six months. It will hold all the cultural and educational assets that played a fundamental role in the project,” she said.

We will have thousands of people coming through the doors on a daily basis.

Her infectious enthusiasm for the Expo project — she has been involved in it since the very beginning — is most obvious when it comes to discussing the actual content of the thematic pavilions that form the core of the experience.

She admitted the three key themes of sustainability, mobility and opportunity are “heavy themes, traditionally discussed in the UN and other political environments,” so the challenge has been how to make those accessible and enjoyable as well as informative.

“We will have thousands of people coming through the doors on a daily basis, so how do we quickly send them the Expo message in a way that inspires them and educates them? That’s what I do on a daily basis. It’s one of the best parts of my job,” she said.

As Faraidooni describes it, the sustainability pavilion, called Terra, will be quite an attraction in its own right. Designed by the renowned British firm Grimshaw Architects, the pavilion has a diameter of 130 meters and its roof consists of solar panels that will make it self-sustaining in energy use. “You won’t miss the sustainability pavilion — it’s like a spaceship has landed on the site,” she said.

The “theatrical approach” Faraidooni had adopted in the pavilions involves simulating different experiences that hammer home the sustainability message in Terra. “When you come through the entrance of the building you’ll be given two choices: Do you want to go through the forest, or under the ocean? We take you through chapters of experience that inspire you about the world you live in,” she explained, mentioning an encounter with a “giant fish with stacks of plastic in its belly” to highlight environmental threats.

The two other thematic pavilions involve a similar mixture of entertainment and experience, but with a serious message and a flavor of Emirati and Arabic heritage.

In the mobility pavilion, visitors encounter famous Arabic navigators and travelers who led the way in exploration techniques, as well as modern examples from the ports company DP World and Dubai Smart City.

In the opportunity pavilion, visitors will view the world through the lens of the UN sustainable development goals, and what the implementation of those targets can mean for everyday experiences.

No detail is too small. Expo recently announced an international competition to design water fountains for the site — the Sabeel fountain project — which will invite designs for 40 locations around the site, highlighting the role that the communal provision of water has played in Arab and Islamic culture.

Saudi Arabia will be a key participant at Expo. The Kingdom’s pavilion — the second biggest on the site after the UAE’s — is themed on a gigantic mirror rising into the sky, but firmly attached to the ground, “reflecting a society deeply rooted in its culture but with unlimited ambitions,” according to the official statement.

“It’s very advanced, like something out of a sci-fi movie, and very interesting. The Saudi pavilion looks like it’s going to be one of the main attractions on the whole site. We’re very excited about it,” Faraidooni added. Expo rates Saudi Arabia as the second-largest source market for visitors next year, after India, accounting for a significant number of the 11 million anticipated foreign visitors.

Foreigners will make up 70 percent of the visitors to Expo, but the majority are expected from the UAE, who are being encouraged to come more than once, with a program to Emirati and regional schools to ensure youthful participation.

A big role will be played by Emirates Airline, one of the official partners of Expo, which is working on plans to persuade transit passengers to visit the site, as well as tourists on holiday in the UAE. So the goal of 25 million visits, labeled as overly ambitious by some critics, is eminently achievable. “Of course it’s feasible. Everything is feasible,” Faraidooni said.

She is acutely aware that the deadline is approaching. “We’re doing a lot, but there is so much more we could do, but we’re constrained by time. We know we have to open our doors and there is no question about that date whatsoever,” she said.

Faraidooni faces a personal challenge too: What to do once the Expo closes its doors on the last visitor in spring 2021? “This is a once-in-a-lifetime job. Anything I do after this is going to be boring,” she said.

Emirates Aviation University has introduced an international student study package, offering financial benefits and support to international students.

The package includes 20 percent savings on costs for university accommodation, 15 percent discount on program fees, and a complimentary economy class return ticket per year on Emirates. The package will also offer the students free services for three persons from Marhaba, a passenger services provider, free hotel accommodation for two adults for three days as well as a waiver for all visa administration charges.

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ali, vice chancellor of Emirates Aviation University, said: “Getting your kids settled in a new university and city can be a difficult task for many parents. The special package will give parents peace of mind and ensure a stress-free experience, as they help their children settle in Dubai. With the new benefits, students can easily visit their parents and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while pursuing their academic and career goals at Emirates Aviation University.”

Studying abroad helps students develop powerful personal and professional relationships, long-lasting cultural ties, find new interests and experience life from a different perspective.

“Emirates Aviation University believes that education is greatly enhanced by experience and exposure to different, real-life perspectives, and thus supports its students and provides them with the best tools to benefit from unique opportunities academically and in personal development,” the university said. 

The university offers an extensive range of aviation-related specializations. Students can choose from vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programs that combine the highest standard of academics with the latest development in the field of aviation. The programs are offered in collaboration with Coventry University in the UK and accredited by different national and international institutions, including last year’s accreditation from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a Maintenance Training Organization.

Emirates Aviation University is the academic wing of the Emirates Group and one of the region’s most prestigious universities. It is also one of the Middle East’s leading educational institutions for aviation programs. Growing from a small college to a full-fledged university in 2014, it offers more than 35 programs in various fields of study. This growth underscores the demand for quality higher education in the UAE.

Emirates Aviation University recently announced a new six-month internship program with the Emirates Group for students who demonstrate extraordinary academic performance. The coveted program will help students combine academic study with practical, applied experience relevant to their education and career plans.

Students who enroll from Fall 2019 onwards will be eligible for the internship program in their final year of education.

Mövenpick Resort and Residences Aqaba has appointed Tatyana Atanasova as general manager with more than 16 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to her new appointment, she has been the hotel manager at Mövenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba for 14 months.

The hotel described Atanasova as “a well-traveled professional, a successful leader, and an inspiring team player.” She obtained a master of economics and a master of science. Earlier in her career, she completed hospitality projects in Germany, Czech Republic, South Africa, the US, and Barbados.

Founded in Switzerland in 1973, but with a heritage of food and beverage excellence stretching back to the 1940s, Mövenpick holds a growing portfolio of more than 80 hotels in 24 countries. Mövenpick is part of AccorHotels, a travel and lifestyle group comprising more than 4,500 hotels, resorts, and residences, along with some 10,000 fine private homes around the globe.

National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has become the first bank in Bahrain to successfully complete the SWIFT global payments innovation (SWIFT gpi) certification. SWIFT gpi is the latest initiative launched by SWIFT to improve the customer experience in the world of international (cross-border) payments.

Nabeel Kazim, head of bank operations at NBB, said: “On behalf of NBB, I am proud to announce our achievement of SWIFT gpi certification, the latest in a series of initiatives launched by SWIFT to improve customers’ international payment experience. In line with our role as a key player at the forefront of the market, NBB is the first bank in Bahrain to achieve this certification. As always, the overall customer experience comes first and we will continue to work toward developing further enhancements to our operational capabilities.”

Onur Ozan, head of Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, SWIFT, said: “On behalf of SWIFT, I would like to congratulate the National Bank of Bahrain on being the first bank in the country to be certified for and go live on SWIFT gpi. In doing so, it opens up a new corridor for gpi payments and supports the strong adoption of SWIFT gpi in this region. We look forward to see more banks in Bahrain embrace gpi in the near future.”

The 7th Middle East and North Africa Information Security Conference 2019 (MENAISC2019) will take place in Riyadh for the fourth consecutive year between Sept. 9-10, under the theme “Cyber Space, the New Frontier: Deception, Orchestration and Blackholes.”

Information and cybersecurity expert Samer Omar, CEO of VirtuPort’s MENAISC2019, said the increasing number of foreign cyberattacks on the Kingdom in the recent period have pushed for more institutionalization by developing national cadres specialized to combat these attacks. This step, he said, is in line with the Saudi Vision 2030, digital transformation initiatives and the development of e-governance.

“There is a significant qualitative improvement in the quality and number of gifted and talented Saudis working in cybersecurity and we will see in the near future more awareness and greater capacity in this vital sector by these young men and women,” said Omar. He added: “Today, we have specialized courses in cybersecurity in universities and other concerned institutions, and this in itself is a significant transformation that is important and demonstrates the depth of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”

Last year, Saudi Arabia recorded the highest number of cyberattacks among all Arab countries and ranked 17th globally in the same context.

The MENAISC2019 will also be hosting the Cyber Saber Hackathon in its third edition, which will attract students from all around Saudi Arabia to try their skills at hacking and defending a model smart city. 

Previous editions of the conference have attracted more than 300 participants from all over the Kingdom, as well as a large number of specialized brands and international media organizations.

The increasing cyberattacks on Saudi Arabia are due to its economy — ranked among the top 20 global economies — being one of the strongest in the Middle East, making Saudi companies and institutions a direct and indirect target of cyberattacks to disrupt their operations and seize their data and resources. 

In line with Vision 2030, the Saudi government is working to support the information technology sector, promote creative and innovative thinking for companies and protect their data and systems.

Omar underlined the need for continued focus on human capital, in addition to investments in tools and technologies required by companies and government agencies to secure themselves from cyber-related threats.

Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd. (HHA), the sole dealer of Mazda cars in Saudi Arabia, won the “Best Dealer Experience” award for providing outstanding services to its customers, at the PR Arabia National Auto Awards, in cooperation with National Commercial Bank’s Al-Ahli Lease Finance program. The annual awards ceremony was recently held in Jeddah.

The company reiterated that customer satisfaction is always its top priority and the real investment, and claimed that its services are unmatched in the Kingdom.

Ali Hussein Alireza, chief executive of HHA, said winning the “Best Dealer Experience” award in the Saudi automotive market is the culmination of the great efforts and plans set by the company to enhance Mazda customers’ satisfaction. It is a confirmation of the customers’ confidence in what the company offers, he said.

“Therefore, this award will be an additional incentive for us to continue with these plans,” added Alireza.

He said: “After every achievement with the Mazda brand, the responsibility placed upon us at the company doubles in order to maintain this advanced position and provide the best. In this context, we find that the company has increased its efforts in business expansion and is keeping pace with business technologies through smart applications to facilitate services for customers.” 

Yousef Xenail Alireza, COO of HHA, received the award during the ceremony. He said: “This has become an annual day for us, and we want to provide a unique experience for our customers from their first visit to Mazda showrooms across the Kingdom until they receive and drive their new car, in addition to the services and follow-up they may need. We work hard all year round, and our employees undergo training courses to continuously qualify them in order to keep improving our services. It is great that customers reward us year after year with this award, which is the best in the world of awards in Saudi Arabia.”

PR Arabia Auto Awards are solely voted for by the public, and aim to recognize the efforts of those working in the automotive industry, and to encourage companies to offer the best service to improve overall customer satisfaction.