LuLu grows Saudi footprint with new Taif store

Updated 02 October 2025

October 02, 2025 13:05

Strengthening its footprint across the Kingdom, LuLu Retail officially opened its 70th store in ��ֱ��, located in the suburban area of Taif. This store marks a significant milestone in LuLu’s expansion strategy and demonstrates its ongoing commitment to the Saudi retail market.
The new LuLu Hypermarket was inaugurated by Abdullah bin Khamis Al-Zaidi, mayor of Taif, in the presence of Nasser Huwaiden Thaiban Ali Alketbi, consul general of the UAE in Jeddah; Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, Indian consul general in Jeddah; and Yusuffali M.A., chairman of LuLu Group.
Also present on the occasion were Ashraf Ali M.A., executive director of LuLu Group; Mohamed Haris Puthiyaveettil, director of LuLu ��ֱ��; Noushad Madathiparambil Ali, regional director of LuLu western region, ��ֱ��; and other senior officials.
The opening not only represents a strategic retail development but also aligns with ��ֱ��’s Vision 2030 by supporting community growth and job creation.
“We are proud to support ��ֱ��’s Vision 2030 by expanding our retail footprint across the Kingdom,” said Yusuffali. “This new hypermarket is designed to enhance the shopping experience for the people of Taif while contributing to local economic development and providing employment opportunities for the community.”
The new hypermarket covers an impressive 195,770 square feet, offering a wide range of products and services under one roof. Shoppers can enjoy a supermarket, fresh food section, Lulu Connect electronics, a fashion store, a department store, BLSH beauty products, and Eye Express optical services. The store also features an upgraded food court to meet modern consumer needs.
To ensure convenience, the store includes six self-checkout counters and approximately 500 parking spaces. The launch was accompanied by attractive introductory offers across various product categories.
“This expansion reflects LuLu’s commitment to delivering quality products and services while supporting the Kingdom’s broader economic and social development objectives,” a statement said.
During the inauguration ceremony, Yusuffali also acknowledged the efforts of LuLu’s staff members who contributed to the making of the shattered glass art in Alkhobar that won a Guinness World Record and presented a memento to them. This artwork, created as the official emblem for the Saudi National Day celebrations, was a tribute to the Kingdom.

ALJ Motors and Toyota celebrate 70 years of success

Updated 01 October 2025

October 01, 2025 17:15

ALJ Motors and Toyota celebrate 70 years of success

"It is the spirit of trust and challenge that we must carry into the next 70 years with Abdul Latif Jameel Motors." said Koji Sato, president and CEO of Toyota

Updated 01 October 2025

October 01, 2025 17:15

Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in ��ֱ�� since 1955, celebrated seven decades of achievements with Toyota Motor Corporation in a landmark event. The longstanding relationship is committed to providing world-class mobility, socioeconomic progress, and supporting ��ֱ��’s ambitious development journey.

The event was held at Hussein Jameel Hall in Jeddah and was attended by key figures from ALJ Motors and Toyota as well as associates that have contributed meaningfully to the milestone. Hassan Jameel, vice chairman, Abdul Latif Jameel, ��ֱ��, and Koji Sato, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation, shared the stage as keynote speakers.

The partnership between ALJ Motors and Toyota began with an order of just four Toyota BJ all-terrain vehicles, the precursor to today’s legendary Toyota Land Cruiser, laying the foundation for a relationship that would connect people, commerce, and opportunity across ��ֱ��.

Jameel said: “For 70 years, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors has been proud to serve our enduring collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation, a relationship built on a shared commitment to innovation, quality, and service. Today, we thank Toyota Motor Corporation for its belief in this market, and we thank all those in our community who have made this journey possible as the frontline of guest trust and the daily ambassadors of quality. As we look to the future, we see our journey as just beginning. We remain dedicated to enabling a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive mobility ecosystem that serves the people of ��ֱ�� and contributes to the transformative ambition of Vision 2030.”

Sato said: “Looking back on our history, there is one thing that is very clear. It is the spirit of trust and challenge that we must carry into the next 70 years with Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. That spirit has been and will continue to be the cornerstone of our partnership. Our Chairman Akio Toyoda often tells us ‘We are all successors. Our founders turned zero into one. In honor of their determination, as successors, we must take on challenges.’ With this mindset, I would like us to continue moving forward in harmony, like a pair of wheels on a car, making ever-better cars and serving customers in every way, together. On this 70th anniversary, with gratitude for the vision and passion of those who came before us, let us stand united and commit ourselves to taking on the challenges ahead.”

Through the relationship with Toyota, ALJ Motors has been able to help drive innovation in mobility through many initiatives in the Kingdom. In recent years, these included launching a trial of the Toyota Mirai as part of a taxi fleet in Jeddah, supporting Makkah’s second hydrogen fuel cell bus trial with the Caetano H2.City Gold, and collaborating with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to advance hydrogen fuel cell research in ��ֱ��. Additionally, in 2024, ALJ Motors surpassed 100,000 Toyota hybrid vehicle sales in ��ֱ��, underscoring its commitment to delivering low-carbon transport solutions and advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The relationship between ALJ Motors and Toyota continues to evolve to meet ��ֱ��’s dynamic mobility needs by advancing technologies, empowering communities, and supporting sustainable economic growth in the Kingdom.

The partnership between ALJ Motors and Toyota began with an order of just four Toyota BJ all-terrain vehicles, laying the foundation for a relationship that would connect people, commerce, and opportunity across ��ֱ��.

Kuwait Fund helps countries build low-carbon economy

Updated 30 September 2025

September 30, 2025 09:42

Kuwait Fund helps countries build low-carbon economy

Updated 30 September 2025

September 30, 2025 09:42

The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the first institution in the Middle East that took an active role in international development efforts, plays multiple roles and carries out important practices aimed at preserving the environment. It gives considerable attention to projects that support the transition toward green energy, making the environmental sector one of its current priorities, in light of global efforts and determination to address climate change.

Climate change has become one of the most pressing challenges facing the international community today, and finding solutions has become a priority for all countries, given its negative impact not only on the environment but on all aspects of life — from changing weather patterns and threats to food production, to rising sea levels and catastrophic floods, as well as the increasing exploitation of Earth’s natural resources. These factors threaten climate stability and lead to the extinction of many species. Addressing this problem requires joint efforts and cooperation to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals for 2030 launched by the UN to improve global living conditions within the next 15 years.

A low-emission economy

The Kuwait Fund continues its contributions regionally and internationally to safeguard the environment and natural resources. It encourages countries to implement projects that protect natural resources and the environment by financing development projects designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also helps countries build low-carbon economies by replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, ensuring sustainable energy supplies for future generations through the efficient use of limited resources — thus contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Multiple environmental projects

Below are key environmental projects financed by the Kuwait Fund, aimed at preserving the environment and reducing harmful emissions:

Budi Ganga Hydropower Project (Nepal):

The fund contributed 5 million Kuwaiti dinars ($16 million) to finance the “Budi Ganga” hydropower plant in Nepal. The project promotes social and economic development by increasing electricity generation capacity. It is located in the Ashlam and Bajura districts along the Budi Ganga River, a main tributary of the Seti River, about 830 km from Katmandu.

Cross-border sand and dust storm adaptation and resilience project:

In cooperation with UN-Habitat, the fund financed a project with a grant of 4 million Kuwaiti dinars ($12.8 million) to reduce the occurrence of sand and dust storms originating from southern Iraq that directly affect Kuwait and neighboring countries. The project addresses the climatic, geological, and chemical causes of dust storms to provide a safer and cleaner environment for current and future generations.

Wind energy project in Jordan:

As part of supporting alternative energy initiatives, the fund managed a Kuwaiti grant to finance development projects in Jordan, including a wind power project in Ma’an, with a contribution of $135.5 million. The project aims to meet the growing demand for electricity, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower environmentally harmful emissions.

Merowe Dam Project (Sudan):

The fund extended three loans totaling 62 million Kuwaiti dinars ($198.4 million) for the Merowe Dam project on the Nile in Sudan. The project was designed to meet electricity demand and reduce production costs through the construction of a dam and hydroelectric station.

Commitment to sustainable development

An overview of the fund’s projects across multiple countries — especially in the electricity generation sector — reveals its firm commitment to supporting initiatives that conserve natural resources and protect the environment. Its financing of such projects is a true reflection of sustainable development goals pursued by the international community, as they aim to cut greenhouse gases, reduce hydrocarbon burning, enhance energy efficiency, and promote a shift to clean fuels and renewable energy — ultimately reducing harmful emissions.

Jetour and new wave of Chinese SUVs drive Gulf mobility forward

Updated 29 September 2025

September 29, 2025 13:01

Jetour and new wave of Chinese SUVs drive Gulf mobility forward

Updated 29 September 2025

September 29, 2025 13:01

Jetour, one of the fastest-rising Chinese SUV makers, has chosen the UAE for the overseas premiere of its G700 hybrid SUV in November, a move that highlights both the region’s policy-driven openness and its growing weight as a stage for overseas debuts.

By placing technology at the center of its identity, Jetour is positioning its lineup to address Gulf consumer habits as well as national ambitions.

The result is not just a sales milestone, but an indicator of how the Gulf’s mobility landscape is being redefined.

Gulf drivers are known for sophistication — balancing family needs, lifestyle choices and weekend adventures. Families prioritize space, comfort and safety for long distances. Younger professionals look for digital cockpits, seamless connectivity and distinctive design. Off-road enthusiasts want capable, reliable four-wheel-drive systems that transition cleanly from city roads to sand.

Chinese brands, including Jetour, have gained traction precisely because they align with these segmented expectations.

The appeal is less about headline pricing and more about whether a vehicle matches how people actually live and drive across the Gulf.

Over the past five years, Chinese automakers have steadily climbed GCC rankings.

In the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain, Jetour has broken into the top SUV charts — a sign of growing consumer confidence.

Recognition from major awards, such as ��ֱ��’s National Auto Award for “Best Midsize SUV,” has further strengthened credibility among buyers who may be testing these brands for the first time.

With both peer validation and institutional recognition increasing, Gulf buyers are showing greater willingness to embrace new players.

Technology is increasingly seen as the decisive frontier. Hybrid systems, advanced driver-assistance and features adapted to both desert extremes and dense urban roads, have become differentiators.

Jetour’s forthcoming G700 hybrid SUV, set for a UAE debut, illustrates how newer players are placing technology, safety and sustainability at the center of their strategy.

The direction of travel is clear: efficiency must come without sacrificing usable power, software must be intuitive, and capability must be proven in heat, sand and traffic — not just on paper.

For policymakers, these innovations are more than incremental upgrades. They are tools to meet climate commitments and support economic diversification, from energy transition targets to knowledge-economy goals.

For consumers, they translate into vehicles that feel modern without feeling experimental — cars that deliver the right mix of range, comfort and capability for day-to-day Gulf realities.

The Gulf’s auto market is no longer defined solely by traditional players.

The rise of Chinese SUVs illustrates a wider transformation — one that blends evolving consumer lifestyles, government sustainability targets and new global supply dynamics.

Jetour’s growth is just one case, but it tells a larger story: how a new generation of automakers is moving from being seen as outsiders to becoming integral to the region’s mobility future.

That future is unlikely to be shaped by a single technology or brand. Instead, it will be built around ecosystems in which vehicles serve as connected, intelligent nodes within smarter cities and cleaner energy systems.

In such a setting, the winners will be those who align products with policy, pair software with sturdiness, and treat the Gulf not as a peripheral market but as a proving ground.

On all three counts, the momentum behind Jetour and the broader wave of Chinese SUVs suggests that the competitive order is still being written — and that Gulf consumers will have more credible choices than ever as they chart the road ahead.

SUDO Consultants recognized as AWS Premier Tier Services Partner in the Amazon Web Services partner network

Updated 30 September 2025

September 29, 2025 11:25

SUDO Consultants recognized as AWS Premier Tier Services Partner in the Amazon Web Services partner network

Updated 30 September 2025

September 29, 2025 11:25

, a leading cloud consulting and digital transformation partner in the Middle East, has been recognized as an AWS Premier Tier Services partner in the AWS partner network.

Being recognized as an AWS Premier Tier Services Partner differentiates SUDO as an AWS partner that has demonstrated expertise and notable success in helping customers design, architect, build, migrate, and manage workloads on AWS.

“SUDO Consultants is proud to be recognized as a Premier Tier Services Partner in the AWS Partner Network,” said Hameedullah Khan, CEO of SUDO Consultants.

“This recognition validates the results we deliver and the trust our clients place in us. Completing the rigorous process of demonstrating AWS expertise shows that our team is dedicated to helping companies achieve their goals by leveraging the agility, breadth of services, and pace of innovation that AWS provides.”

To qualify for Premier Tier, companies must complete a rigorous approval process through accreditations and certifications, demonstrate a long-term investment in their relationship with AWS, and showcase extensive expertise in deploying customer solutions on AWS. AWS Premier Tier Services Partners also have a strong team of AWS-trained and certified consultants and proven capabilities in project management and professional services.

As part of its expanding AWS practice, SUDO has also achieved multiple AWS competencies — including DevOps, Resilience, MSP and Gen AI — and has launched AWS Bedrock-powered generative AI frameworks for industries such as finance, retail, and healthcare.

These solutions are designed to deliver:

Improved customer experiences through AI-driven personalization and real-time decisioning.
Faster innovation by automating content creation and product design to cut time-to-market.
Greater efficiency with predictive analytics and process automation that unlock up to 40% in productivity gains.
Stronger compliance by embedding security and governance into every AI workflow.

“We’re excited to bring our Premier Tier capabilities to GITEX Global 2025, where we’ll showcase how generative AI can move beyond hype to deliver real business impact,” said Khan.

Customers across the Middle East have already benefited from SUDO’s expertise, including enterprises in financial services, logistics, and consumer goods who have scaled operations and reduced costs using AWS-native solutions implemented by SUDO.

About SUDO

SUDO Consultants is a leading cloud consulting and digital transformation company, helping organizations across the Middle East embrace the future with AWS-powered innovation. From DevOps to GenAI, from resilience frameworks to cloud optimization, SUDO empowers enterprises to move faster, smarter, and with confidence.

Catch SUDO Live:

AWS Cloud Day, Riyadh – September 29, 2025
Join us in Riyadh to connect with our AWS experts, explore our GenAI use cases, and discover how our Premier Tier recognition can accelerate your business.

inDrive brings transparent ride-hailing to Riyadh

Updated 28 September 2025

September 28, 2025 10:06

inDrive brings transparent ride-hailing to Riyadh

Updated 28 September 2025

September 28, 2025 10:06

Riyadh has a new way of getting around — inDrive, the world’s second most downloaded ride-hailing app, has officially launched in the Saudi capital. The rollout follows its successful Jeddah debut earlier this year, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion across the Kingdom.

What sets inDrive apart from other ride-hail apps is that it puts passengers and drivers in control, allowing them to agree on a fair price before every trip. No hidden fees, no fixed rates, just a transparent exchange that gives both sides the power to decide.

This peer-to-peer model is where inDrive breaks the mold. Riders propose their price, and drivers can accept, decline, or suggest a different fare. The result is ride pricing shaped by real people who understand the route, not an algorithm that surges pricing.

For drivers, the benefits go further. inDrive’s commission fee is two to three times lower than the industry average, and during the launch phase in the Kingdom, inDrive is waiving commission fees entirely. Drivers get to take home more of what they make from the very start.

Fairness with inDrive goes beyond pricing. Safety remains at the core of its service, with driver verification, live ride tracking, and a 24/7 support system for every journey. Riders and drivers both benefit from these features, securing each trip from A to B.

The Riyadh launch is one of inDrive’s defining milestones for 2025. People in Jeddah are already regularly using the app to get around, driving platform growth by 250 percent month-over-month in Q3 of 2025.

Globally, inDrive has been downloaded more than 360 million times and now operates in 982 cities across 48 countries. This expanding presence perfectly positions the company to play an active role in advancing ��ֱ��’s Vision 2030 goals for mobility and innovation.

inDrive is shaking up ride-hailing in ��ֱ��, and that’s just the start. By rethinking how drivers and riders set fares, the company is introducing fairness and transparency into a market that has long operated the same way around the world.

Mobility is just the first step. At Riyadh’s Money 20/20, inDrive’s leadership shared how its vision for digital ecosystems is expanding into fintech, delivery, advertising, and more, while also advancing initiatives in education, sustainability, culture, and gender equality. The ambition is bold: to positively impact the lives of 1 billion people by 2030, starting with every ride on the streets of Riyadh.

What’s rolling out on the streets of Riyadh is a signal that inDrive is ready to bring more clarity, choice, and control to every service it can provide.

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