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TOURISM-
#1- Abu Dhabi-based hotel operator Rotana has launched Nova M Hotel Olaya Riyadh, the first project to be launched in the Kingdom under its Edge by Rotana brand, according to a statement. The 104-key hotel comes as Rotana targets to open nine properties in the Kingdom by 2028, four of which will be launched under the Edge by Rotana brand — three in Riyadh and one in Al Baha. The 2028 target would see Rotana double its key count in the Kingdom to 4.2k. Information about the size of investment wasn’t disclosed.
#2- Zannier Hotels partnered with Neom to launch the 100-key Zannier Zardun luxury eco-resort on the Gulf of Aqaba coast, according to a statement from Neom. No further information was provided.
ENERGY-
Saudi Arabia and Algeria boost LPG prices for September: Saudi Aramco and Algeria’s Sonatrach have increased official selling prices for liquefied petroleum gas for September by 3% to 13% compared to August on the back of increased global demand, traders told Reuters.
REAL ESTATE-
Egypt-based real estate developer Mountain View has acquired its first plot of land in a “strategic location” in Riyadh in partnership with Saudi developers Maya Real Estate Development and Investment and Al Saedan Real Estate, Asharq Business reports.
ENTERTAINMENT-
Dubai World Trade Centre event management and experiential agency DXB Live launched a new office in Riyadh, Emirati state news agency WAM reported. DXB Live is the organizer of the Saudi Food Show, Saudi Food Manufacturing, the International Petroleum Technology Conference, and LEAP, among others, Mubasher reports.
Netflix + Arab Fund for Arts and Culture launch initiative for women filmmakers in the Arab world: Netflix and the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture launched a new initiative aimed at providing training and support for up to 45 emerging Arab women filmmakers, according to a press release. The initiative is open to women candidates between the ages of 21-27.
The details: The initiative targets participants from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait. It’s slated for kick off in November with workshops in Jeddah, Cairo, and Dubai, and includes a visit to Netflix’s production hub in Europe in early 2025. The deadline for submissions is next Sunday, 8 September, and successful candidates will be notified on 17 October.
AVIATION-
Flynas has kicked off flights to Sharjah Airport, adding seven weekly trips from Jeddah and two from Madinah to Sharjah, UAE state news agency WAM reported yesterday.
FINTECH-
Tamara is rolling out BNPL + consumer finance services: Fintech firm Tamara received preliminary approval from the central bank to offer consumer finance and BNPL services, according to a company statement.
EDUCATION-
#1- King Abdulaziz University launched its maiden AI training program, state news agency SPA. The semester-long program comprises 50 hours of training and 30 hours of assignments.
#2- King Faisal University launched the three-month Future Scientists program, aiming to train 145 high school students in scientific research and innovation, State news agency SPA reported.
