Startup Saudi

The Saudi General Organization for the Conservation of Coral Reefs and Marine Turtles in the Red Sea announced the identification of the largest recorded sea turtle nesting site in Saudi waters, located on the Four Sisters Islands. This discovery represents a significant achievement in the country's environmental conservation efforts, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Khaled Asfahani, CEO of the organization, stated that the Four Sisters Islands have been designated as a protected area for the management of sea turtle species. He emphasized the importance of these islands as habitats for endangered turtle species in the Red Sea, such as the green turtle and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. Protecting these nesting sites is crucial, as turtles return to them annually to lay their eggs. The Four Sisters Islands—comprising Marmar, Daharb, Malatu, and Jadeer—have been identified as vital nesting areas, with over 2,500 recorded turtle nests. Asfahani highlighted that conserving these habitats is a strategic priority, as the survival of these turtle species supports the broader Red Sea ecosystem, which is essential for maintaining biodiversity. #SeaTurtleConservation #RedSea #EnvironmentalProtection

New Zealand has secured a trade deal with the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Saudi Arabia and the UAE, promising significant opportunities for Kiwi exporters in the Middle East. According to New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay, the trade pact will eliminate tariffs on 51 percent of New Zealand’s exports to the region from day one and provide duty-free access for 99 percent of exports over a period of 10 years. McClay noted that successfully concluding this trade agreement with the GCC has been a long-standing goal for successive governments for nearly two decades. However, the statement did not specify when the trade pact will take effect. This agreement with the Gulf states follows New Zealand's trade deal with the UAE reached in September. Currently, trade between New Zealand and the GCC exceeds NZ$3 billion ($1.79 billion) annually, with New Zealand exporting NZ$2.6 billion to the Middle Eastern member countries in the year ending June 2024, including NZ$1.8 billion in dairy products, according to official data. #NewZealand #GulfCooperationCouncil #TradeDeal

Abu Dhabi-based investment holding company Alpha Dhabi reported an impressive 83% year-on-year increase in net profit for Q3 2024, reaching 7.5 billion dirhams ($2.04 billion). The company’s revenue across its business and accounting segments surged to AED 44.2 billion, reflecting a 36% year-on-year growth. Key contributions came from the industrial segment (AED 18.5 billion), real estate (AED 13.2 billion), and construction (AED 7.6 billion). For the nine-month period ending September 30, Alpha Dhabi's net profit stood at AED 11.1 billion, although this represented a 4% decrease year-on-year attributed to a one-time adjustment related to PureHealth. In July, PureHealth successfully completed the IPO of its subsidiary, Ardent Health Partners, on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). #AlphaDhabi #NetProfit #FinancialGrowth #PureHealth #IPO #AbuDhabiFinance

The Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024-2025 has officially begun in the Al Wathba region of Abu Dhabi, captivating audiences with its grand opening on November 1. The festival launched with a dazzling display of fireworks, breathtaking drone shows, and lively parades, setting the stage for an exciting season of cultural celebrations. This annual event honors the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of the nation. Visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of activities and entertainment options, as the festival is designed to appeal to all ages. Open daily from 4 PM to midnight on weekdays and extending until 1 AM on weekends and official holidays, attendees can enjoy cultural performances, local cuisine, and artistic exhibits. The festival provides a unique platform for community engagement and promotes the UAE's diverse cultural landscape. #SheikhZayedFestival #AbuDhabi #AlWathba #Festival2024 #CulturalHeritage #FamilyFun #UAETraditions

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, met with Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, to discuss enhancing their partnership. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai's commitment to integrating advanced digital technologies across various sectors, positioning the emirate as a hub for innovation and collaboration among tech leaders globally. He noted that initiatives like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are essential for achieving the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to generate AED100 billion annually through digital transformation. They also discussed Google's AI Opportunity Initiative, which plans to invest $15 million to equip half a million individuals with AI skills in the MENA region over the next two years. #Dubai #AI #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #TechPartnerships

The anniversary of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s death, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paid a heartfelt tribute, highlighting the profound impact of the UAE’s Founding Father. Emphasizing that true immortality lies in enriching the lives of others, Sheikh Mohammed reflected on Sheikh Zayed's legacy, which continues to inspire future generations. In a moving message shared on social media, he celebrated Sheikh Zayed as not just a leader but a guiding light for all Arabs, whose noble vision and benevolence shaped the nation. Sheikh Mohammed's poetic remembrance captured the essence of Sheikh Zayed’s spirit, urging all to carry forward his remarkable legacy. #SheikhZayed #UAE #Leadership #Legacy #SheikhMohammed #Inspiration

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has successfully completed a series of road enhancements in Oud Metha, aimed at reducing journey times and alleviating congestion in this bustling residential and commercial area. As part of the RTA's 2024 Quick Traffic Solutions Plan, these upgrades are designed to optimize the road network to support urban expansion and growing population needs. Key improvements include upgrades to entry and exit points from Umm Hurair Street to Oud Metha, with the addition of 317 meters of deceleration and acceleration lanes to better manage traffic flow. Furthermore, the service road exit on Umm Hurair Street has been expanded from two to three lanes over a 100-meter stretch, increasing road capacity by 50% and cutting journey times by 40%. #Dubai #RTA #TrafficSolutions #RoadImprovements #UrbanDevelopment #OudMetha

The Saudi Falcon Club's 2024 auction made headlines as four elite falcons were sold for a remarkable total of SR277,000 ($73,756) during its 13th night at the Malham headquarters near Riyadh. The highlight of the evening was the sale of a Shaheen fledgling named “Trah Amlaj Al-Hassi,” which fetched the highest bid of SR79,000. Following closely was another Shaheen, “Trah Farasan,” sold for SR77,000, showcasing the keen interest in these prized birds among falconers. The auction continues until November 15 and aims to bolster the falconry community in Saudi Arabia. Regional teams assist by offering accommodation and transportation for falcon owners, facilitating their participation. Each sale is streamed live on television and social media, allowing enthusiasts across the Kingdom to engage in the excitement of competitive bidding. This year’s auction reflects the rich cultural heritage of falconry in Saudi Arabia and its importance in the region. #SaudiFalconClub #Falconry #Auction #ShaheenFalcons #SaudiArabia

Dubai has witnessed a remarkable achievement with over 7 million bicycle trips recorded in the last four years, resulting in a significant reduction of more than 4 million kg of carbon emissions—equivalent to removing 1,200 cars from the roads. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Careem announced this milestone on Tuesday, highlighting the success of their bike-sharing service launched in 2020. Careem Bike has now become the largest pedal-assist bike-sharing network in the region, featuring 197 stations and approximately 1,800 bikes available for rent. In 2023 alone, users made over 2.3 million trips, reflecting a 66.3% increase from the previous year. This surge indicates a growing preference for cycling, particularly for first- and last-mile trips, which accounted for 76% of all rides. #Dubai #BikeSharing #Sustainability #CarbonReduction #RTA #Careem #GreenTransport

During a recent parents’ meeting at Al Ibda’a Model School-Cycle 1 in Dubai, all attention turned to six-year-old Rayyan Badr Mohammed. Unlike the typical focus on academic or extracurricular achievements, Rayyan captured everyone’s hearts for a special reason—he received a remarkable gift from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The gathering was filled with congratulations and pride for Rayyan, who became a local star after this honor. His accomplishment not only highlights his individuality but also reflects the supportive environment fostered by the school and the broader community. #RayyanBadr #UAE #SheikhMohammed #AlIbdaaModelSchool #ChildStar