Saudis top Qatar’s 5m tourist arrivals in 2024

Updated 14 January 2025

Arab News

January 14, 2025 22:01

Saudis made up the largest proportion of tourists to Qatar in 2024 at nearly a quarter of arrivals, a Visit Qatar spokesperson told Arab News.

The peninsular state bordering ��ֱ�� is pushing to boost its tourism numbers in the years following the FIFA World Cup 2022, which brought millions of visitors from around the world.

“Visitors from ��ֱ�� remain the top source market for international visitors this year, contributing around a quarter of all arrivals,” said Dr. Buthaina Mohammed Al-Janahi, media relations and communications senior manager at Visit Qatar.

More than 5 million tourists visited Qatar in 2024, officials said, with the presence of more than 1 million Saudis reflecting close ties between the neighboring countries three years after the end of a diplomatic rift.

Both countries regularly host bilateral official visits and enjoy booming trade, which has seen around $10 billion worth of contracts signed, Reuters reported.

Qatar aims to raise its tourist numbers to 6 million annually, raise tourism spending to 12 percent of GDP and create 250,000 jobs by 2030.

The World Cup saw 3.4 million people from around the world attending — the biggest influx of visitors to Qatar in the country’s history.

There was much speculation at the time about how the extensive infrastructure built for the tournament would go on to serve the country’s needs after the 3.4 million had left.

One stadium — the 974 stadium — was built to be eventually disassembled and relocated. Another, Al-Bayt stadium, is set to be converted into a luxury hotel and shopping center to serve Qatar’s growing tourist numbers as well as residents.

Today, the streets of Doha are still adorned with banners from 2022, thus far the peak of the city’s tourism.

With the unprecedented global visibility that the World Cup offered, officials are hoping to build on the success of the tournament, with the number of hotel rooms exceeding 40,061 in 2024.

Having made history as the city where Lionel Messi first led his Argentine squad to victory, football fans from South America are still flocking to the popular Souq Waqif to pick up a version of the bisht cloak that was draped around the striker’s shoulders by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

New developments like Habitas Ras Al-Abrouq — developed by government-owned Qatar Airways and launched early 2024 — aim to attract high-wealth tourists.

The hi-tech Msheireb Downtown planned city is another draw for tourists, with its hydrogen-powered tram and luxury eateries.

The district is based in one of Qatar’s most historic areas, and the redevelopment was opened in 2021.

In a prime example of how the country deploys opulent spending in order to reimagine its heritage, the Katara Cultural Village offers such attractions as the Blue Mosque and the marble amphitheater.

Global collaboration key to building a zero-waste world

Updated 10 October 2025

October 10, 2025 14:01

Global collaboration key to building a zero-waste world

Updated 10 October 2025

October 10, 2025 14:01

The scale of the world’s waste crisis is staggering. According to the UN, humanity produces around 2.2 billion tons of municipal solid waste each year. Without urgent action, that figure could rise to 3.8 billion tons by 2050. 

For many cities, waste management has become not just an environmental but also a financial and health concern. At the recent ASEAN Governors and Mayors Forum in Kuala Lumpur, local leaders reported that up to 40 percent of their municipal budgets are spent on waste. Meanwhile, citizens across the region ingest the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of microplastics annually.

Samed Agirbas, president of the Zero Waste Forum, argues that this is a truly global problem. “Every city and town faces the same challenge,” he says. “Waste is threatening well-being and economic prosperity, while accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.”

Root of the problem

At the heart of the waste crisis is consumer behavior. A culture of convenience — where food, fashion, electronics and even construction materials are designed for short-term use — has driven unsustainable consumption and swelling landfills. Yet Agirbas points out that determined leadership can make a difference.

In Japan, Yokohama has pursued a two-decade city-wide program of awareness campaigns, regulation and community engagement. As a result, waste levels have dropped sharply, and landfill sites are being closed. Manila, by contrast, has focused on separating organic from inorganic waste, then incinerating residual waste to generate energy. While this is a positive step, Agirbas cautions that incineration cannot be the final answer. “Waste-to-energy plants are popping up all around the world,” he says. “But it isn’t zero waste. The Zero Waste Foundation would like the world to reduce the amount of waste that needs to be incinerated. This means rethinking, reusing and recycling.” 

Local solutions, global challenges

While cities experiment with solutions, international co-operation remains weak. Waste is still largely managed by national and municipal authorities with limited co-ordination across borders. Yet the Zero Waste Foundation, led by Agirbas, is working to change this.

The organization promotes zero waste principles globally, lobbying at the UN General Assembly, the World Urban Forum, regional summits such as ASEAN and annual climate conferences. It also works with academics to develop practical strategies that make low-waste living accessible to ordinary people. “Conservation of resources is important,” says Agirbas. “But we must be able to find alternatives that make it possible for ordinary people to live a zero-waste lifestyle.”

Signs of progress are emerging. In Tübingen, Germany, the introduction of a tax on disposable packaging cut waste by 15 percent within weeks. Initiatives such as this, Agirbas says, demonstrate that behavioral change is possible when governments provide the right incentives.

A growing movement

The foundation helped launch the first International Zero Waste Day in New York in 2023 and continues to build momentum. Its flagship upcoming event is the Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul, scheduled for Oct. 17-19. Under the theme “People. Places. Progress.,” the forum will convene leaders from governments, businesses and civil society to accelerate action.

Key themes include:

Cities as drivers of change, showing how mayors and governors are implementing zero waste locally.
Business and innovation, highlighting solutions from companies and startups making reuse and repair viable.
Global policy frameworks, including the UN Plastics Treaty and European packaging regulations.
Technology and data, exploring AI and digital traceability to measure progress.
Voices from the Global South, ensuring that solutions are inclusive and equitable.

The forum will also see the launch of the Zero Waste International Awards, recognizing pioneering cities, companies and individuals who deliver measurable results. Another expected outcome is the establishment of a business coalition to promote circular economy models that create jobs and attract investment.

A ministerial roundtable convened by Turkiye’s Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum will focus on the alignment of zero waste policies among member states. Malaysia’s Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming, who is also the president of the UN Habitat Assembly, will advocate for the mainstreaming of the New Urban Agenda into the UNFCCC process at COP30. By adopting the zero waste policy, countries and cities can take action to reduce pollution and environmental degradation.

Navigating global tensions

Calls for multilateral action are rising, but they come at a time of geopolitical strain. Agirbas acknowledges these challenges but insists that co-operation is essential. “We don’t have a choice,” he says. “As our patron, Emine Erdogan, the first lady of Türkiye, says, we are obliged as humanity to act at once and together because we will either win or lose all together.”

This sense of urgency is also personal. “I have a little daughter,” Agirbas adds. “I want to make sure we leave a better world for her.”

The road ahead

Looking to the next decade, the foundation’s mission is clear: to inspire and enable societies to rethink, reuse and recycle at scale. Collaboration will be central — working with UN agencies, national and local governments, businesses, civil society and indigenous communities. Innovation will be equally important, as new technologies and economic models will determine whether zero-waste living can be achieved by ordinary people around the world.

“So long as there are human settlements, there will be a waste management challenge,” Agirbas reflects. “We need to create a whole-of-humanity approach that makes zero waste possible.”

Alshaya Group inks deal with Shomoul Holding to invest $150m in The Avenues — Riyadh

Updated 08 October 2025

October 08, 2025 17:43

Alshaya Group inks deal with Shomoul Holding to invest $150m in The Avenues — Riyadh

Updated 08 October 2025

October 08, 2025 17:43

Shomoul Holding, a subsidiary of Mabanee Company, has announced the signing of an agreement with Alshaya Group, a leading international retail franchise operator of around 70 world-class brands.

Under the agreement, which represents an investment of $150 million by Alshaya Group, the company’s world-famous brands will open across a total leasable area of more than 50,000 square meters in 100 stores at The Avenues — Riyadh, creating jobs for 2,500 Saudi nationals.

Set to become one of the largest and most prominent shopping and leisure destinations in the Middle East and Africa region, The Avenues — Riyadh will span a land area of 390,000 square meters, with a gross leasable area of 370,000 square meters. This landmark project will feature a wide array of global retail outlets alongside exceptional leisure and entertainment concepts and is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027.

Waleed Alsharian, CEO of Shomoul Holding, said: “The Avenues — Riyadh represents a major milestone in our journey to create exceptional, integrated destinations that seamlessly combine retail, leisure, and hospitality. The addition of these prestigious brands from Alshaya Group will further elevate the visitor experience at one of the most anticipated shopping and entertainment hubs in ��ֱ�� and the wider region.”

John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group, added: “We are delighted to be part of The Avenues — Riyadh, which reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing the finest global brands and outstanding retail and leisure experiences to our customers in ��ֱ��. With over 100 stores — including many flagship stores from our famous brands including our new partner Ulta Beauty, our first DreamWorks entertainment center, and more new brands to follow — our investment demonstrates our support of growth in the Kingdom and the employment of Saudi nationals.”

Alshaya Group’s portfolio at The Avenues — Riyadh will include a diverse range of brands including Starbucks, American Eagle, Footlocker, Victoria’s Secret, H&M, Bath and Body Works, Charlotte Tilbury, Raising Cane’s, Shake Shack, and Chipotle, as well as recently announced new partner Ulta Beauty. The first Ulta Beauty store in the region will open in The Avenues, Kuwait, in November.

Last year, Alshaya Group also announced a strategic partnership with DreamWorks Animation and Universal Live Entertainment to launch the Middle East’s first DreamPlay interactive and creative entertainment center. The region’s first DreamPlay will also open at The Avenues — Riyadh, further strengthening its position as a premier, fully integrated family leisure hub.

The destination will also feature more leading entertainment experiences from Alshaya Group, including Masha and the Bear, Zafari, Cube Karting, and Sports Ultimate.

Thabet Investment and Singapore’s Five Keys launch $100m ‘Everbridge Capital’ to support fintech innovation

Updated 08 October 2025

October 08, 2025 17:00

Thabet Investment and Singapore’s Five Keys launch $100m ‘Everbridge Capital’ to support fintech innovation

Updated 08 October 2025

October 08, 2025 17:00

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering the Saudi financial sector, Thabet Investment Company has announced a partnership with the Singaporean firm Five Keys Investment Pte. Ltd., to establish a specialized financial technology company.

Headquartered in Riyadh, Everbridge Capital, launched with an investment of SR375 million ($100 million), will provide innovative financing solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises and contribute to bridging the current financing gap in this sector, which is estimated to be more than SR300 billion.

This launch aligns with the objectives of the Financial Sector Development Program, a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to increase SME financing from its current level of 9.4 percent to 20 percent by 2030.

Dr. Abdulelah bin Ahmed Saleh, who holds a Ph.D. from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, has been appointed CEO of the new company.

Abdulrahman bin Ahmed Saleh, CEO of Thabet Investment, said: “The launch of Everbridge Capital demonstrates our commitment to our national role in achieving Vision 2030 by bridging the financing gap in the fintech sector and providing a growth engine for this vital industry.

Our partnership with Five Keys ensures we can deliver innovative solutions that meet global standards. Empowering SMEs and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed drives innovation and creates new opportunities for economic growth.”

Commenting on his appointment, Abdulelah said: “I am honored to lead Everbridge Capital at this pivotal stage of the Kingdom’s economic transformation.

Our mission is clear: to be the bridge that enables SMEs to cross over to growth and prosperity, turning the SR300 billion financing gap challenge into an opportunity, and actively contributing to the Financial Sector Development Program’s goal of reaching 20 percent financing. Our vision is to be the most innovative and trusted financial partner for entrepreneurs in the Kingdom.”

Moscow Startup Summit displays technologies of the future from startups worldwide

Updated 06 October 2025

October 06, 2025 15:22

Moscow Startup Summit displays technologies of the future from startups worldwide

Updated 06 October 2025

October 06, 2025 15:22

The Moscow Startup Summit, held on Oct. 1–2, welcomed startups from around the globe to showcase future technologies. Organized by Sber and the Moscow government, the event featured more than 60 sessions and presentations by over 150 experts from Russia and abroad.

The summit’s agenda covered five key tracks catering to all participants. Main stage sessions explored global tech trends and the impact of generative AI on innovation-driven businesses. Topics included macro-trends and autonomous entrepreneurship, highlighting how generative AI transforms markets, supply chains, and partnership models.

The opening remarks were delivered via a video message by Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin, who stressed the significance of collaborating with BRICS and SCO nations to promote tech startups.

Highlights included a panel discussion featuring Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin and CEO and Chairman of the Sberbank Executive Board Herman Gref, stressing the importance of advancing new technologies, creating jobs, and attracting talented professionals by offering a comfortable lifestyle.

Gref said that Moscow now offers distinctive living conditions. These include a comfortable urban environment, an expanded subway system, and overall improvement in transportation infrastructure. Ultimately, these developments create superior living conditions for young people, encouraging them to remain in their home country, while also fostering unique opportunities for startup ventures.

Moscow, noted Sobyanin, possesses all necessary conditions for growing high-tech industrial enterprises. Entrepreneurs and businesses are actively returning to the city due to highly skilled and motivated talent pools unavailable elsewhere.

Creating a welcoming environment and new employment opportunities, Moscow invests heavily in industrial sector upgrades. Priority lies in import-substitution technologies, whose advancement fuels adjacent industries.

Both Gref and Sobyanin concurred that having the right environment is vital for fostering startups. Creating opportunities for work and living encourages young professionals to stay in their home country and pursue pioneering ideas locally.

Gref added that building environments in Russian cities is a social duty and mission of Sber. Employees at Sber take pride in their accomplishments, striving to make each project a benchmark for the nation.

A tech exhibition displayed 60 booths showcasing startups. Forty-one Russian teams joined forces with 19 international startups from Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Pakistan, ��ֱ��, Uzbekistan, and France.

Another highlight was the Demo Day of the international IT accelerator Sber500. Any angel investor or venture fund representative could declare investment readiness online — either fully funding or partially joining syndicated rounds. Startups received over 1.2 billion Russian rubles ($14.6 million) in investment proposals from angels, VC funds, and investor clubs.

Final presentations were given by 30 startups, including 25 graduates of the main track and five participants from the AI-focused Sber500-GigaChat track. Session moderator Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank’s first deputy chairman of the executive board, said that nearly 70 percent of finalists utilized generative AI, with 48 percent classified as deep-tech projects.

Six of the 25 finalists were international, originating from India, Algeria, the UAE, South Korea, and Pakistan, while two teams had co-founders from Denmark and Iran.

Applications for the sixth wave of the accelerator program exceeded 1,900 submissions from 42 countries. Following bootcamp evaluations, 150 startups progressed, resulting in the selection of the top 25 teams. Almost 85 percent worked with AI, and 70 percent leveraged generative AI. Twelve finalists presented deep-tech projects.

Finalists demonstrated solutions spanning biomedicine (33 percent), industrial robotics and tech (15 percent), corporate software (12 percent), fundamental technologies (12 percent), construction and development (7 percent), and cybersecurity (7 percent).

Notable innovations included diagnostic platforms detecting mental disorders via lipidome blood tests, next-generation neuroprocessors turning ordinary gadgets into intelligent systems, and AI-powered photo-to-detailed-3D-model conversion technology. Also shown were 3D printing technologies for buildings of varying heights, IoT sensors with deep AI analytics for industrial machinery, and portable breath trainers paired with personalized AI assistants.

Capping the summit was the presentation of Startup Summit Awards. The award was initiated by the Moscow Government and Sber and is intended to recognize best practices in innovation and encourage large companies and investors to support tech entrepreneurs.. More than 1,700 applications were received from 79 regions of Russia. On Oct. 2, winners were honored across 17 categories, encompassing startups, investors, corporations, universities, and media outlets.

Awe Research unveils ‘CX-awe’ platform to accelerate Kingdom’s transformation

Updated 06 October 2025

October 06, 2025 10:48

Awe Research unveils ‘CX-awe’ platform to accelerate Kingdom’s transformation

Updated 06 October 2025

October 06, 2025 10:48

The energy was electric at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh as Awe Research, a leading marketing research agency in the MENA region, welcomed more than 90 senior executives and leading experts to its flagship forum “Saudi Next: From Vision to Impact.” The event showcased the Kingdom’s rapid transformation and revealed CX-awe, a breakthrough platform that could revolutionize customer experience research in ��ֱ�� and beyond.

Ahmed Said, CEO and founder, opened the forum with a call to action: aligning insight-driven strategies with ��ֱ��’s Vision 2030. Ghaida Fatany, KSA country manager and partner, emphasized the importance of grounding strategies in local realities, while Mona Ahmed, regional managing director and partner, described the event as “a room alive with engagements, collaborations, and Saudi pride.”

Tamer Ali, General Manager Healthcare, MENA, highlighted the latest health and wellness trends in Saudi, focusing on the fight against obesity with its social and economic impact.

The day’s biggest reveal came when Vimal Kumar introduced CX-awe, an AI-integrated platform capable of turning weeks of CX research into just minutes of actionable insights. By combining automation, advanced analytics, and local expertise, the system promises to reshape how corporations and government entities make decisions.

“CX-awe is not just a tool, it is a response to the pace of transformation,” Kumar said. “In today’s ��ֱ��, every decision counts, and speed is everything.”

Samar Abdelaal, vice president insights and co-founder, led a thought-provoking panel discussion that offered a cross-section of perspectives and enlightening conversations:

Dr. Saud El-Sifri, vice president MENA, Saudi Scientific Diabetes Society and president, Saudi Society for the Study of Obesity, spoke passionately about public health challenges, stressing collective action to reduce obesity.
Noble Coker, customer experience and QA adviser, Diriyah, reminded attendees that “impact is not transactional, it is rooted in resonance and authenticity of the Saudi people.”
Saleh Alsuwaiyel, tourism data and insights adviser, Saudi Tourism Authority, highlighted how tourism data can spark wider industry growth — not just tourism, but the entire ecosystem.
Iman Tolba, marketing director, BMW Group, captured the audience’s mood, describing the insights as “mind-blowing and strategy shaping.”

Their messages pointed to a common truth: ��ֱ��’s future is not just about infrastructure or policy, it is about understanding people.

Since its founding in 2012, Awe Research has evolved into the fastest-growing research consultancy in MENA, serving 300+ clients across 35+ markets. Its 200+ professionals represent more than 14 nationalities, bringing both local understanding and global expertise.

The company has received several accolades including Fastest Growing Marketing Research Agency in MENA (2022) and the Business Excellence Award for Innovation and Leadership (2024).

“Saudi Next was a milestone,” said CEO Said. “It’s proof of our mission: to create insights that live and breathe with the people they represent. We call it ‘living research’.”

For many in attendance, the forum was more than a corporate event — it was a lens into the Kingdom’s transformation story. By launching CX-awe, Awe Research signaled its readiness to support leaders who must move at the speed of transformation.

“��ֱ�� is moving forward with incredible momentum,” said Ahmed. “With CX-awe, we are making sure leaders have insights as fast as the change itself.”

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