Geidea, a leading fintech company in Saudi Arabia, has entered into a strategic partnership with Nayifat, one of the pioneers in the Kingdom’s financing space.
As part of the collaboration, Geidea will provide Nayifat’s customers with its full suite of point-of-sale solutions. This will empower merchants with the ability to accept payments via numerous methods, including contactless cards and wearable devices through Geidea’s PoS terminals and tap-on-phone solutions.
Additionally, merchants will benefit from a simplified repayments solution through Geidea’s PoS terminals. They will also be able to allocate payments toward utilities such as the rent or maintenance of their offices, through PoS terminals by automatically setting aside a percentage or amount of monthly revenue toward their payment obligations. The solution thus automates the entire process — making it seamless and secure.
Abdullah Alshowaier, chief business officer at Geidea, said: “As one of the most respected names in the financing sector, Nayifat has a longstanding reputation for providing innovative financing solutions to customers across the Kingdom. This partnership will enable us to bring our payment and e-commerce solutions to several people that use their services, and help their borrowers and SME customers take advantage of some of the latest technologies aimed at providing a seamless and convenient payment experience.”
Abdulmohsen Alsowailem, managing director and CEO at Nayifat, said: “We are delighted to team up with Geidea, a market leader in payment solutions. This partnership will enable us to offer our SME customers a best-in-class experience whenever they make payments. The PoS financing product is definitely set to satisfy business needs allowing companies to streamline cash flows and finances, which is the key driver for Nayifat as we go an extra mile to raise the bar for structured finance product offering, to continuously support SMEs in line with Vision 2030.”
European ultra-low-cost airline Wizz Air has announced new routes between Dammam and Rome, Vienna and Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi route will be operated by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Wizz Air’s joint venture airline with ADQ. Launching in September, the new destinations are the first step toward the airline’s growing presence in the Kingdom, which will provide affordable, hassle-free, point-to-point travel for tourists and residents in the Kingdom, Europe and the UAE, strengthening global connectivity.
Tickets for all routes are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, with fares starting from 24.99 euros ($26).
Last month, Wizz Air signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Ministry of Investment, supported by the Saudi National Air Connectivity Programme (a Ministry of Tourism initiative), to support the development of the Saudi tourism sector. The MoU reflects a shared vision between the parties on the potential Wizz Air could bring to the Kingdom to stimulate tourist demand, thereby making a significant contribution to Saudi Arabia’s planned growth.
The new destinations support the growing Saudi tourism sector, aligning with Vision 2030, a strategic and ambitious vision to triple passenger traffic in the Kingdom by 2030.
Robert Carey, president of Wizz Air, said: “Saudi Arabia is a very exciting market and our expansion will bring ultra-low cost travel to the Kingdom. Our regular flights to Dammam will provide year-round sun for tourists, and provide a mix of destinations for residents of the Kingdom. We want to thank our partners for their support during the expansion, especially the Air Travel Connectivity Program, the Ministry of Investment, GACA, the Dammam Airport, and the government of Saudi Arabia. The recently signed MoU demonstrates our commitment to supporting travelers to and from Saudi by bringing in a new era of air travel with our ultra-low fares, point-to-point network, and high-quality onboard service.”
Khalil Lamrabet, CEO of the Air Connectivity Programme, said: “We are delighted to have been able to work with both Wizz Air and Dammam Airport to grow traffic, in particular inbound tourism, from key European markets into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
Fahd bin Sulaiman Al-Harbi, CEO of Dammam Airports Company, said: “We are very happy to welcome Wizz Air flights at King Fahd International Airport. Strengthening the global connectivity of the Kingdom is very important and Dammam Airport Company continues to develop new destinations to serve the citizens and residents of the Eastern Province. We are ready to welcome tourists and impress them with the beauty of Dammam ”
Um Al-Qura Development and Construction Company, owner and developer of the multibillion megaproject “Masar” in Makkah, signed a strategic partnership agreement with Fakeeh Care Group, to establish a hospital in the upcoming urban destination, with investments amounting to SR1 billion ($266 million).
The signing ceremony took place between CEO of Um Al-Qura Development and Construction Company Yasser Abuateek and Dr. Mazen Soliman Fakeeh, CEO of Fakeeh Care Group, in the presence of Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, minister of Hajj and Umrah and acting chief executive of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. The ceremony was also attended by Abdullah Saleh Kamel, chairman of Um Al-Qura Development and Construction Company, in addition to a group of businessmen and high-level officials.
Masar will house residential towers, international hotels, government service departments, and many integrated cultural, recreational, social, and commercial facilities. The latest announcement of the hospital adds a novel dimension to healthcare for visitors and residents of the holy city alike.
The hospital, located in the western side of Masar, approximately 70 kilometers away from Jeddah, and only 100 meters away from the Haramain train station, is anticipated to be operational in 2027. It will comprise 200 beds, 60 outpatient clinics, 20 emergency units and six operation rooms. The facility will provide comprehensive healthcare services in the obstetrics and gynaecology, intensive care, dialysis, physiotherapy, oncology, radiology and laboratory departments.
Dr. Fakeeh said the strategic partnership will help raise the level of health services in Makkah and improve the quality of life. He said Fakeeh Care Group will work to attract the latest medical technologies and the best expertise to deliver a unique model and an added value to the medical services provided in the holy city.
Abuateek, meanwhile, acknowledged Masar’s delight in partnering with Fakeeh Care Group because of its stellar track record of accomplishments. Expressing confidence in the partnership and the substantial value it will add to the level of medical services provided to Makkah residents and visitors, he emphasized the strategic relevance of the hospital’s location in terms of accessibility, noting that several transportation lines converge at the site.
Aldar Properties has announced the launch of apartments at Grove District, a new project that seeks to bring inspirational living to the heart of Abu Dhabi’s cultural epicenter on Saadiyat Island.
Grove District sits within Aldar’s flagship Saadiyat Grove development, and its apartments boast partial views of the sea, as well as the island’s three iconic landmarks: Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The development, when completed, will comprise 612 units in five residential buildings across luxury, lifestyle, and urban themed districts.
Each building will be interconnected with a unique retail-focused experience associated with the district in which it is located, intertwining art, dining, and lifestyle to create a culture-focused retail oasis in the UAE like no other. In a first for Aldar, Grove District will also feature amenity-themed lobbies in each building, which will aim to inspire and facilitate creativity among residents in engaging and open spaces.
Available for buyers of all nationalities, Grove District will be launched in phases, with 102 studios, one- and two-bedroom units available in the first building (Grove Museum Views), which is located in the lifestyle-themed district. Sales will start on June 25, with units starting from 905,000 dirhams ($246,400) for a studio, 1,400,000 dirhams for a one-bedroom apartment, and 2,399,000 dirhams for a two-bedroom unit.
Saadiyat Grove, Aldar’s iconic 10-billion-dirham landmark destination, will feature 60,000 square meters of experiential retail, entertainment and leisure spaces designed to create a lively and inclusive community. Including Grove District, the mixed-use destination will feature approximately 3,000 residential units, two hotels and co-working spaces for new enterprises and startups.
Rashed Al-Omaira, chief commercial officer at Aldar Development, said: “Since its launch, Saadiyat Grove has become Abu Dhabi’s most anticipated lifestyle destination, due to the array of cultural, leisure, and entertainment experiences it will bring to residents and visitors of Abu Dhabi. Grove District is Aldar’s latest residential offering within Saadiyat Grove, closely following the successful launch of Louvre Residences Abu Dhabi, and is set to bring a new dimension of vibrancy and modern living to the Island. The new destination will attract residents seeking a lively community that celebrates art, culture, retail, and entertainment in all types and forms.”
Each of the three districts at the development have been carefully designed to create and deliver memorable experiences, in line with Aldar’s commitment to customer centricity. Residents will benefit from a wide range of high-quality amenities, including a residents’ lounge, art workshop spaces, swimming pools, gyms, luxury games room and more, as well as direct access to a jogging track and meditation lawns. The development will also offer access to a landscape deck with greenery to enhance physical and mental well-being within the community.
As with Saadiyat Grove, the entire Grove District development has been designed with sustainability at its heart. Units have been built to meet the highest sustainability standards, with residential buildings targeted to achieve an Estidama two-pearl rating and an international LEED silver certification. Construction of the development commenced earlier this year, with handovers expected to begin in Q2 2025.
Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the official importer of BMW Group in Saudi Arabia, has announced an exclusive summer offer on the BMW X5 40i M Sport Package, in partnership with Al-Rajhi Bank. Customers can now avail the 50/50 payment option when buying the model, for a limited period of time.
Valid from June 30 until July 13, MYNM customers are eligible to receive the exclusive payment offer, where new buyers can pay 50 percent upon purchase and 50 percent after two years of purchase, to drive away with the innovative BMW X5 40i M in a Sport Package design, while stocks last.
Moreover, new owners will also receive a BMW warranty package valid up to three years or 200,000 km, and a BMW service inclusive package, also valid for up to three years or 60,000 km, with their purchase of the X5 40i M Sport Package.
“These benefits, in addition to a zero percent profit rate and no administrative fees, represent the ultimate deal to kickstart the early summer celebrations in style,” a statement said.
Mark Notkin, BMW group managing director at MYNM, said: “Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors is delighted to officially announce this unique 50/50 purchasing offer on the thrilling BMW X5 40i M Sport Package this month, as we welcome the summer season in style this year.
“The BMW X5 40i M in its illustrious Sport Package is a smooth drive with innovative engineering at its core, and we are pleased to present this offer to the Kingdom this month with a host of benefits to new owners while stocks last. We hope to see many happy new BMW drivers leaving our showrooms this month and urge potential buyers to kick-start their summer today.”
Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 brands, has unveiled the Sheraton Jeddah Hotel. The newly renovated hotel exemplifies the brand’s worldwide elevation of the guest experience, showcasing signature key elements from the new concept that seek to create an environment where guests are truly at ease, whether working, meeting, or relaxing. Drawing on its roots as a community hub for locals and guests at flagship locations, the new approach for Sheraton creates an intuitive and holistic experience with places to connect and be productive.
“We are delighted to introduce Sheraton’s new design vision in Saudi Arabia and look forward to welcoming guests to discover the modernized look,” said Ahmed Hozaien, area vice president — Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt, Marriott International. “Sheraton Hotels and Resorts has a long-standing history in this market, and we are proud to build on this legacy showcasing the brand’s contemporary updates as part of its global transformation. The reimagining of Sheraton Jeddah Hotel reinforces our commitment to offering premium accommodation for leisure and business travelers who are seeking an elevated experience, while enjoying all the familiar comforts of the Sheraton brand.”
Following extensive renovations, Sheraton Jeddah offers 172 redesigned guestrooms and suites. Guests are welcomed into a natural light-filled space with warm, residential appeal, along with new tools for productivity including a height-adjustable work table with integrated power and charging stations, while still retaining some of the classic Sheraton signature amenities such as the iconic “Sheraton Sleep Experience” bed. Enhanced technology in the guestrooms include upgraded internet connectivity and 55-inch TVs with built-in Chromecast and live streaming. Flooded with natural light and featuring soft finishes and light wood tones, the guestrooms offer expansive views of the Red Sea.
Surrounded by local attractions, the hotel is located in a popular leisure destination for residents and travelers alike with direct access to explore the Red Sea’s coral reefs through either snorkeling or diving.
The new lobby serves as the heart of the guest experience featuring a refreshed and contemporary aesthetic. Reimagined as a holistic, open space, the elevated lobby features Sheraton’s signature design elements aimed to foster a sense of community and ignite productivity, including the brand’s signature “Community Tables,” tech-enabled Studios, and purpose-built workspaces. Thrive Café is the anchor of the public space, serving international and local flavors from morning to evening.
The Sheraton Club offers breathtaking views across the Red Sea. The exclusive space available to Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and guests who upgrade their stay, is welcoming, stylish, and purposefully designed for an engaging experience. Here guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, evening appetizers, and a selection of refreshments.
Three elevated dining venues offer international and local cuisine, all-day dining and outdoor BBQ grills overlooking the Red Sea. Surrounded by local attractions, the hotel is located in a popular leisure destination for residents and travelers alike with direct access to explore the Red Sea’s coral reefs through either snorkeling or diving. For guests seeking adventure, there is a vast range of entertainment facilities and cultural attractions nearby, including the Fakieh Aquarium, Red Sea Mall, the historic Al-Balad section of the city, and The Royal Greens Golf and Country Club — with an 18-hole championship golf course.
Additional facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Sheraton Fitness Center for men and women, tennis and squash courts, five meeting rooms, and a ballroom with private access.