海角直播

Automechanika Riyadh to address need for future-proofing KSA鈥檚 automotive workforce

Automechanika Riyadh to address need for future-proofing KSA鈥檚 automotive workforce
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Automechanika Riyadh to address need for future-proofing KSA鈥檚 automotive workforce
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Automechanika Riyadh to address need for future-proofing KSA鈥檚 automotive workforce
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Automechanika Riyadh to address need for future-proofing KSA鈥檚 automotive workforce
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Automechanika Riyadh to address need for future-proofing KSA鈥檚 automotive workforce
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Updated 28 April 2025

Automechanika Riyadh to address need for future-proofing KSA鈥檚 automotive workforce

Automechanika Riyadh to address need for future-proofing KSA鈥檚 automotive workforce

Automechanika Riyadh, 海角直播鈥檚 leading regional trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry, is set to address the critical skills gap in the automotive aftermarket in the country, which is being driven by shifting consumer expectations, technological disruptions, and the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

As part of a panel discussion, Rudy Shukri, business leader and coach of learning and development company Tiqani, and Automechanika Riyadh Academy advisory board member, will highlight the significance of specialized automotive training programs integrating theory and practical experience through industry partnerships.

Speaking ahead of his participation in the Automechanika Riyadh Academy, which takes place from April 28-30, Shukri outlined several factors relating to the most critical skill gaps in the Saudi automotive aftermarket sector, including areas such as diagnostics, soft skills, inventory management and digital integration.

He said: 鈥淥ne of the most pressing gaps lies around technical diagnostics. Many technicians still rely heavily on outdated troubleshooting methods: plug in the diagnostic scanner, read the error code, replace the part. If the problem persists, try another part. This trial-and-error approach increases operational costs due to misdiagnosed components and erodes customer trust when vehicle issues remain unresolved.鈥

He also cited effective communication, professionalism and customer engagement as soft skills lacking within the market, which is in turn negatively impacting service quality and brand reputation, while also highlighting the urgent need for skills in IT, digital marketing, and online customer experience management to address the growing importance of digital commerce and e-commerce platforms.

Another area in which Shukri believes training is required is the electric vehicles sector. As 海角直播 accelerates toward a high-tech, sustainable future under Vision 2030, its automotive aftermarket sector is dramatically transforming. Landmark initiatives such as Lucid Motors and Ceer signal the Kingdom鈥檚 commitment to electric mobility and smart technology but also highlight an urgent need to modernize the industry鈥檚 talent pool.

鈥淲ith EV manufacturing gaining momentum, the demand for certified EV technicians is reaching a critical point. Today鈥檚 service teams must master battery diagnostics, thermal management, and charging system maintenance 鈥 yet these skills remain in short supply,鈥 said Shukri.

鈥淢oreover, EVs depend heavily on over-the-air software updates, creating a new requirement for basic IT proficiency, including the ability to troubleshoot digital systems and interface with software. Most pressing of all is the need for high-voltage safety training, which is currently inconsistent or unavailable across the sector,鈥 he added.

Licensed to 1st Arabia Tradeshows and Conferences by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, Automechanika Riyadh will feature a range of sessions, panel discussions, and presentations from experts within the automotive sector.

Bilal Al-Barmawi, CEO and founder, 1st Arabia Trade Shows and Conferences, said: 鈥淎s 海角直播 continues its journey toward becoming a global automotive powerhouse under Vision 2030, Automechanika Riyadh has a significant role to play in realizing this success. The overwhelming response to the 2025 edition reflects the industry鈥檚 readiness to address skill development, technology integration, and sustainable growth.鈥

Aly Hefny, show manager, Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: 鈥淎utomechanika Riyadh 2025 is more than just a trade show, it鈥檚 a strategic response to the dynamic needs of 海角直播鈥檚 rapidly evolving automotive aftermarket. With electrification, digitization, and e-commerce reshaping the landscape, our academy sessions tackle the critical skills required for future-readiness. From diagnostics to customer engagement, and high-voltage EV safety training, the show provides a knowledge-rich environment to support the upskilling of the Kingdom鈥檚 workforce and bridging gaps within the sector.鈥

Following the success of the record-breaking 2024 event, Automechanika Riyadh 2025 has witnessed continued growth, and this year鈥檚 sold-out edition is expected to be the largest to date.


stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims

stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims
Updated 14 June 2025

stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims

stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims

stc group, a leading digital enabler, supported more than 1.6 million Hajj pilgrims with a robust digital ecosystem, ensuring seamless connectivity, secure communications, and an exceptional spiritual experience.

The group managed the holy season with outstanding readiness and reliability, elevating pilgrims鈥 experience through advanced telecommunications infrastructure and dedicated onsite maintenance teams. stc utilized its integrated operations center to monitor all performance indicators in real time, while leveraging cutting-edge analysis and network operation technologies to make swift, precise decisions, ensuring uninterrupted service, even during peak network traffic.

stc鈥檚 network reached record-breaking data and call volumes on the day of Arafah and the first day of Eid Al-Adha, surpassing previous Hajj seasons. The deployment of an advanced technical system powered by generative AI and cognitive SON enabled more than 14,000 technical actions per hour, a 30 percent increase from last year. This system also improved upload speed by 20 percent and achieved a self-recovery rate of more than 95 percent during peak times. stc鈥檚 5G network recorded its highest-ever utilization rate of 90 percent during Arafah, successfully meeting the unprecedented demand and ensuring a seamless customer experience.

Data usage peaked at Muzdalifah on the first day of Eid, with a 64 percent increase in traffic, a 129 percent surge in 5G usage, and a 25 percent improvement in user experience. In Mina, AI-based predictive analytics optimized load distribution, boosting data traffic by more than 30 percent and enhancing 5G performance by 39 percent compared to last season.

In response to the heightened demand throughout this season, stc set up 436 fixed towers and 78 mobile towers to serve the Haram area and the holy sites, along with 259 5G sites, 83 upgraded 4G sites, and 21 additional coverage sites. Moreover, 998 Wi-Fi access points and 179 dedicated indoor data network sites ensured optimal coverage.

stc dedicated 144 critical communications network sites to deliver immediate support to security and service sectors, backed by a robust team of on-ground maintenance professionals ensuring uninterrupted services in all conditions. The group also played a key role in supporting government and private entities serving pilgrims, demonstrating its commitment to fostering national collaboration during the Hajj season.

stc contributed to the delivery of more than 203 million text messages on the day of Arafah, providing pilgrims with multilingual guidance to perform rituals with ease.

stc subsidiaries played a vital role in enhancing the Hajj experience. 

鈥渟irar by stc鈥 delivered cyber protection solutions to safeguard data and ensure the continuity of digital systems, while 鈥渟pecialized by stc鈥 provided critical communication services via TETRA and LTE networks through its Miqat and Manasik solutions. Additionally, its Event Management Platform seamlessly connected operations rooms with field teams in real time, facilitating the safe and efficient movement of pilgrims.

鈥渟olutions by stc鈥 contributed with advanced services such as SD-WAN, router management, and high-performance Wi-Fi to ensure continuous connectivity. 鈥渋ot squared鈥 introduced smart tents equipped with sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and smoke, enabling early emergency detection and faster response through command centers.

鈥淭he success of this year鈥檚 Hajj underscores the group鈥檚 commitment to serving pilgrims as a trusted digital partner,鈥 the group said. 鈥淥perating behind the scenes, stc connected hearts and networks by delivering advanced telecommunications services that respected the sanctity of the occasion. stc group is proud to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by driving digital transformation and enhancing the experience of pilgrims during Hajj.鈥


Honor debuts in Bahrain market with 400 Series launch

Honor debuts in Bahrain market with 400 Series launch
Updated 14 June 2025

Honor debuts in Bahrain market with 400 Series launch

Honor debuts in Bahrain market with 400 Series launch

Global AI device ecosystem company Honor has officially announced its entry into the Bahrain market with the launch of its highly anticipated 400 Series. The launch event, held in collaboration with Future Communications Company, Honor鈥檚 exclusive distributor in Bahrain, welcomed more than 80 guests including leading retailers and telecom operators.

The event marked a significant milestone in Honor鈥檚 regional expansion strategy and introduced Bahrain to the brand鈥檚 latest innovation in AI-powered smartphones. During the event, Laurence Li, general manager Honor GCC, outlined the brand鈥檚 global achievements, rapid growth across the region, and its long-term investment strategy for the country.

Sayed Ali Kamel, senior business development manager at FCC, expressed strong confidence in the Honor brand and reaffirmed FCC鈥檚 commitment to working closely with all channel partners to ensure successful market penetration and growth.

The highlight of the event was the introduction of the Honor 400 and 400 Pro 鈥 both equipped with advanced AI capabilities including the industry-leading 200 MP AI camera and the new AI Creative Editor, designed to revolutionize mobile photography and visual storytelling.

The Honor 400 is available in two storage variants: 12 GB + 256 GB at 154.9 Bahraini dinars ($410), and 12 GB + 512 GB at 174.9 Bahraini dinars.

The 400 Pro, offering enhanced features and performance, is available in a 12 GB + 512 GB variant at 279.9 Bahraini dinars.

Both devices come equipped with MagicOS 9.0, Honor鈥檚 intelligent user interface based on Android 15, and feature a 6,000 mAh battery with ultra-fast charging. The Pro variant also boasts IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance for added durability.

With a strong focus on innovation, design, and user experience, Honor aims to offer Bahraini consumers premium, AI-powered smartphones that empower creativity, productivity, and seamless connectivity.


Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele

Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele
Updated 13 June 2025

Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele

Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele

Miele, the 125-year-old German manufacturer of premium appliances, continues to set global benchmarks in design, sustainability, and technological innovation.

At the heart of this evolution is Dr. Reinhard Zinkann, co-proprietor and managing director of Miele, who embodies the brand鈥檚 founding ethos: Immer Besser鈥擣orever Better.

For Dr. Zinkann, leading a fourth-generation family business is not about simply maintaining tradition鈥攊t鈥檚 about enhancing it.

鈥淏eing a family business allows us to make decisions with a long-term perspective,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t frees us from the pressures of short-term gains and allows us to focus on quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility.鈥

Miele鈥檚 dedication to excellence is best illustrated in the life expectancy of its products. 

Designed and tested to last up to 20 years, their durability speaks not only to performance but also to a larger environmental ethic: fewer replacements and less waste.

In markets like the Middle East, where refinement and experiential luxury go hand in hand, Miele鈥檚 design philosophy plays a pivotal role. 

The brand seamlessly integrates form and function to craft appliances that are both elegant and efficient.

鈥淲e collaborate with top architects and designers globally to ensure our appliances are not just built to perform, but also to complement evolving interior trends,鈥 said Dr. Zinkann.

This approach is showcased in the new Miele Experience Center in Riyadh, where fully integrated kitchens and living spaces allow visitors to interact with the brand鈥檚 offerings in lifelike settings.

鈥淲e鈥檝e significantly reduced our operational CO鈧 emissions, and many of our appliances now use recycled materials,鈥 Dr. Zinkann added. 鈥淥ur products are also designed for disassembly, making them easier to repair and recycle.鈥

Such initiatives earned Miele the German Sustainability Award 2023, reinforcing the company鈥檚 commitment to responsible innovation across its supply chain and beyond.

Miele has embraced smart living through its Miele@home ecosystem. From AI-powered ovens that learn your favorite recipes to washing machines that optimize cycles based on fabric type, Miele鈥檚 tech solutions aim to simplify life without sacrificing performance.

鈥淭echnology should enhance convenience, not complicate it,鈥 Dr. Zinkann said. 鈥淥ur goal is intelligent simplicity, always paired with elegance.鈥

He said: 鈥満=侵辈 is transforming rapidly, and we see a strong synergy between our values and the Kingdom鈥檚 aspirations.鈥

The center offers more than appliances; it hosts live cooking events, sustainable living workshops, and collaborations with local chefs. It鈥檚 a space where innovation meets culture, a symbol of Miele鈥檚 long-term commitment to the region.

Miele鈥檚 alignment with Vision 2030 isn鈥檛 accidental. Its focus on sustainability, innovation, and education mirrors the Kingdom鈥檚 path forward. 

Through partnerships with local entities like the Awad Badi Nahas Group, Miele is investing not just in market share, but in societal growth.

鈥淲e want to empower communities through knowledge and responsible innovation. 海角直播 is a key partner in that journey,鈥 Dr. Zinkann said.

He added: 鈥淭oday鈥檚 customers want appliances that reflect their values 鈥 efficiency, design, and sustainability.

鈥淎t Miele, we鈥檙e redefining what it means to be premium in a world that demands both beauty and responsibility.鈥


Baheej to open new wellness resort on Yanbu coastline

Baheej to open new wellness resort on Yanbu coastline
Updated 11 June 2025

Baheej to open new wellness resort on Yanbu coastline

Baheej to open new wellness resort on Yanbu coastline

Baheej, 海角直播鈥檚 emerging destination developer and a joint venture between ASFAR, the Saudi Tourism Investment Company and a Public Investment Fund company with the Tamimi-AWN Alliance, has announced the fourth component of its transformative Yanbu Waterfront Project: a 34-room boutique wellness resort that brings together ancestral wellness wisdom and contemporary design inspired by the region鈥檚 seafaring heritage.

Nestled on the tranquil shores of Yanbu, this intimate sanctuary will feature private sea-view cabanas, immersive wellness programming, and a signature spa designed as an architectural homage to the pearl, once a precious treasure of Yanbu and a symbol of renewal and serenity.

Norah Al-Tamimi, CEO of Baheej, said: 鈥淭his project is a reflection of Baheej鈥檚 vision to enrich Saudi destinations with meaning, not just infrastructure. Our wellness resort is more than a place to stay 鈥 it鈥檚 an experience crafted around the values of balance, beauty, and belonging. We believe it will become a new symbol of Yanbu鈥檚 evolving identity as a serene coastal escape.鈥

Envisioned as a journey and offering guests opportunities to reconnect with self and place, Baheej is developing the resort with curated experiences that include meditation at sunrise, movement rituals inspired by coastal rhythms, and wellness treatments rooted in Arabic healing traditions and native ingredients.

鈥淭he design, developed by Spectrum Architecture, draws deeply from the soul of Yanbu,鈥 said Stefano Lopez, senior director at Baheej. 鈥淚t reinterprets the poetry of seafaring traditions and the calm resilience of the sea into a space of reflection, comfort, and transformation.鈥

Lopez also noted that the official brand of the resort will be revealed later this year, hinting at its distinctive Saudi character. 鈥淲e want to create a brand that resonates with our domestic travelers 鈥 one that brings generations of Saudi heritage and wellness practices to the forefront of contemporary hospitality,鈥 he said.

This launch marks a further step in Baheej鈥檚 mission to transform Yanbu into the gateway to the Red Sea Riviera 鈥 a new destination narrative that fuses nature, culture, and community. The wellness resort joins a growing collection of destination-defining assets developed by Baheej in Yanbu, including Cloud 7 Lifestyle hotel by Kerten Hospitality, Kaynuna Beach Escape and the upcoming Jaba Tour Center and Diving Club.


Aldar announces region鈥檚 first King鈥檚 College School Wimbledon

Aldar announces region鈥檚 first King鈥檚 College School Wimbledon
Updated 11 June 2025

Aldar announces region鈥檚 first King鈥檚 College School Wimbledon

Aldar announces region鈥檚 first King鈥檚 College School Wimbledon

Aldar has announced an exclusive partnership between Aldar Education and the internationally renowned King鈥檚 College School Wimbledon to establish its first regional campus on Abu Dhabi鈥檚 Fahid Island.

Scheduled to open in September 2028 鈥 following ADEK and regulatory approvals 鈥 the new K-12 super-premium school will significantly enhance Abu Dhabi鈥檚 already world-class educational offering, providing students with an established pathway to the highest ranked universities globally.

Strategically located within Fahid Island鈥檚 master-planned community, the new King鈥檚 College School Wimbledon Abu Dhabi campus will span an expansive 50,000 square meters, accommodating up to 2,220 students. Designed to seamlessly blend cutting-edge educational resources, extensive sports facilities, and a focus on student well-being, the campus complements Fahid Island鈥檚 broader vision to foster balanced lifestyles within a vibrant natural setting.

King鈥檚 College School Wimbledon is renowned for its rich heritage and exceptional academic standards.

Talal Al-Dhiyebi, group chief executive at Aldar, said: 鈥淲e are proud to announce the first King鈥檚 College School Wimbledon to Abu Dhabi, a milestone that reflects Aldar鈥檚 fast-growing education portfolio and commitment to educational excellence. With King鈥檚 longstanding legacy of academic distinction and its proven track record of preparing students for the world鈥檚 top universities, this new school at the heart of Fahid Island will further strengthen Abu Dhabi鈥檚 position as a premier destination for world-class education and a global center for talent development.鈥

Sahar Cooper, chief executive at Aldar Education, added: 鈥淜ing鈥檚 College School Wimbledon is globally recognized for its ability to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped with the confidence, compassion and critical thinking skills to thrive. The school鈥檚 holistic approach to education, anchored in strong values, rich co-curricular programs, and personalized pastoral care, will add a new dimension to Aldar Education鈥檚 offering and further support Abu Dhabi鈥檚 vision to become a regional hub for excellence in education.鈥

The establishment of King鈥檚 College School on Fahid Island marks the initial phase of Aldar鈥檚 comprehensive educational strategy for the island, designed to address growing demand for premium educational offerings. Future phases will introduce additional educational institutions as part of its masterplan.