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The 5th PPP MENA Forum is set to take place from Sept. 10 to 11 at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai, solidifying its position as the region’s premier platform for public-private collaboration, investment, and policy transformation.
As the Middle East continues its ambitious journey toward economic diversification and infrastructure expansion, this year’s forum comes at a critical inflection point — bringing together more than 400 stakeholders from across government, finance, development, and industry.
Organized by Great Minds Event Management Company, the forum will welcome decision-makers, investors, project owners, EPC contractors, and sector specialists for two days of high-level dialogue and strategic networking. With participation from more than 150 government representatives and 40 global speakers, the event will explore the future of PPPs across core sectors including energy, healthcare, real estate, logistics, transportation, and digital transformation.
The 2025 edition will spotlight key sectors such as renewable energy, water, digital infrastructure, logistics, smart city planning, healthcare, and education — providing a well-rounded outlook on PPP models that create long-term impact. Special sessions will also be dedicated to women leadership in infrastructure, municipal-level partnerships, and global best practices for PPP governance.
Under the theme “Driving progress from MENA to the World,” the event will delve into emerging policies, procurement reform, investment strategies, and successful case studies that are shaping the next generation of PPPs in the region.

Nasser Massoud, MENA PPP Forum chairman, said: “As we approach the 5th MENA PPP Forum, the region stands at a pivotal juncture. With hundreds of PPP projects announced in pipelines, valued at billions of dollars, the momentum is undeniable.” 

At the same time, procurement policy changes require a novel approach to delivering these projects in an affordable and sustainable way. This forum will delve into examples of successes and challenges, while exploring the transformative changes in procurement policies that will impact the nature of partnerships and project structures going forward. It is an opportunity to harness collective expertise, drive innovation, and forge partnerships that will define the future of infrastructure and service delivery in the MENA region and beyond.”

LuLu Group inaugurated three new value concept stores, called LOT, in ����ֱ�� in a single day — in Makkah, Saihat in the Eastern Province, and Riyadh. The central launch event took place in Makkah and was attended by dignitaries and government officials.
The Makkah store was inaugurated by Dr. Waleed Basuliman, general manager of investment and partnerships at the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, alongside LuLu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali M.A.
Nasser Huwaiden Thaiban Ali Alketbi, consul general of the UAE in Jeddah; Yaser Attar, director general of investment and deputy for planning and financial sustainability at Makkah Municipality; Abdulaziz Al-Sindi; Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Rifaei; and business figures from Makkah were also present.
Chairman Ali said: “This expansion reflects our commitment to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and our goal to offer high-quality, affordable products to all.”
He added that with LOT, their aim is to redefine value retailing by making everyday essentials accessible to everyone without compromising on quality.
“Four more LOT stores are in the pipeline in the Kingdom,” the LuLu chairman added.
Located on Abdullah Areef Street in Al-Rusayfah district, the new Makkah LOT store spans 43,000 square feet and is designed to deliver an engaging, budget-friendly shopping experience.
It features a wide selection of household essentials, kitchenware, and fashion for men, women, and children, with a strong emphasis on quality and affordability.
The store also offers ample parking space, enhancing its convenience for residents and visitors alike.
These value concept stores offer a wide range of products at unbeatable prices, with many items priced below SR22 ($5.87).

The Eastern Province outlet, located in Saihat within the LuLu Hypermarket complex on Al-Musib Ibn Rafi Street, offers 24,000 square feet of smart retail space tailored to budget-friendly shoppers.
Meanwhile, the Riyadh location in Al-Malaz features 18,772 square feet of retail space and comprehensive parking facilities.
All three stores opened with exclusive collections and promotional offers, reinforcing LOT’s core mission of making good-quality products accessible at wallet-friendly prices, responding to growing consumer demand for affordable yet high-quality retail experiences.
With this strategic expansion, LuLu continues to strengthen its footprint in the Saudi market, energizing the local retail sector and reaffirming its commitment to delivering value-driven shopping across key cities in the region.