ATM research reveals more must be done to meet UN tourism-related sustainability goals

Rashad Iskandrni

The newly inaugurated store is designed to provide Riyadh consumers with a state-of-the-art shopping experience

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Feb. 4, 2025 – Abdullatif Jameel Electronics (ALJE) proudly commemorates its 45th anniversary by unveiling its biggest store in the heart of Riyadh city. The grand opening ceremony drew significant attendance, including the company’s CEO Mr. Hisham Hamza, Managing Director Sandeep Saihgal, members of the management team, and employees, as well as partners, media representatives, influencers, and journalists.

The newly inaugurated store is designed to provide Riyadh consumers with a state-of-the-art shopping experience, offering an easy and convenient selection of products tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s customers. The store features dedicated built-in commercial areas that simplify the decision-making process for customers, showcasing a diverse range electronic product categories that start from TVs, Home appliances, Air conditions, smart phones, Monitors, and small digital appliances.

The launch event was enhanced by the participation of leading tech influencer Faisal Al Saif, who guided guests through the various sections of the store, highlighting the innovative layout and user-friendly features designed for an exceptional shopping experience.

Sandeep Saihgal stated, “We are excited to introduce a new enhanced shopping experience that differentiates the customer journey. Our focus is on making it simple for customers to navigate through easy categories that cater to different segments and preferences.”

As Abdullatif Jameel Electronics marks this significant milestone, the company reaffirms its commitment to providing high-quality products and outstanding service to its customers in Riyadh and beyond.

The new store is now open to the public, inviting everyone to explore its innovative offerings and experience firsthand the future of electronics retail.

Rashad Iskandrni

intimissimi, the iconic Italian brand synonymous with elegance and romance, announces the grand inauguration of its first store in Saudi Arabia at Panorama Mall in Riyadh. This highly anticipated premiere marks a milestone for the brand, introducing its world-renowned sophistication, classic Italian flair, and unsurpassed workmanship to the Kingdom for the first time.

The flagship store, located in the bustling Panorama Mall, is more than just a shopping destination—it is a celebration of femininity and style. Designed with intimissimi's standard attention to detail, the store aims to provide an immersive shopping experience in which consumers can browse luxurious products in a welcoming, easy-to-navigate setting. The store exudes the essence of Italian charm, giving women across the Kingdom a taste of the Italian elegance that has captured hearts all over the world.
"Our entry into Saudi Arabia marks an exciting milestone for intimissimi as we continue to expand our presence in the Middle East. This step reflects the Kingdom's increasing demand for luxury apparel and its dynamic, style-conscious community. We are thrilled to bring our elegant tradition to Saudi Arabia and look forward to becoming a cherished part of Riyadh's vibrant fashion scene," said Tamara Jaber, Brand Manager at intimissimi.

To celebrate the grand opening, intimissimi at Panorama Mall hosted an exclusive event, which drew a distinguished crowd, including some of Saudi Arabia’s top influencers and fashion enthusiasts. Guests were invited to explore the stunning new store and its captivating collections, enjoying an evening filled with glamour and sophistication. The event featured special promotions, and exclusive surprises, creating a truly unforgettable experience that marked the brand’s remarkable debut in the Kingdom.

intimissimi's exquisite collections, which include luxurious intimates, elevated knitwear, and comfy nightwear, will now be available for shoppers in Riyadh. Each piece exemplifies the brand's commitment to quality, innovation, and a thorough grasp of women's needs.

intimissimi's wardrobe combines Italian heritage with current designs to empower women with comfort and beauty, allowing them to feel confident and gorgeous at all times.

Rashad Iskandrni

Balad Beast festival wrapped up on Friday, January 31, with a spectacular celebration, immersing festivalgoers in a diverse musical and cultural experience. Set against the stunning backdrop of Al Balad, Jeddah's historical district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the festival delivered a mesmerizing fusion of sound, culture, and breathtaking light displays, creating an unparalleled artistic atmosphere. 
The two-day festival sold out early, attracting 30,000 music and culture enthusiasts. Balad Beast showcased an exceptional lineup of 70 international, regional, and local music artists, creating an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Ramadan Alharatani, CEO at MDLBEAST, reflected on the festival’s amazing success, stating, "Balad Beast has once again delivered an extraordinary blend of immersive experiences, captivating audiences with incredible performances. It’s a journey through time, where the history of Balad meets the sounds of today, with surprises awaiting at every corner. This seamless fusion of heritage and contemporary music makes Balad Beast truly one of a kind."
On the final day, the "Bab" stage came alive with ethereal performances, including the charming voice and dreamy pop melodies of Canadian artist Ghostly Kisses, and the boundary-pushing beats of hip-hop producer Metro Boomin. Hip-hop icon Wiz Khalifa ignited the crowd with his signature energy, while the dynamic Tiwa Savage and the electrifying Lost Frequencies kept the momentum soaring. Adding a powerful local presence, Saudi Arabia’s all-female rock band Seera made a memorable mark on the stage.

Over at "Omda" stage, high-energy sets from Manda Moor, DJ Hannah, Jamie Jones, Maceo Plex, and Moontalk had the crowd dancing non-stop. The "Roshan" stage delivered a mix of performances by Tamer, Hats & Klaps, and Tarab Electro, further enriching the festival’s diverse sonic landscape. Meanwhile, the "Souq" stage kept the excitement alive with unforgettable performances by Sugary, Baloo, Vinyl Mode, DUL, Varoo, and Omar Fayyad.
As the festival ends this unforgettable edition, Balad Beast once again solidified its place as a trailblazer in the region’s cultural and music scene. With each passing year, it continues to grow in scale and creativity, uniting people from around the world in celebration of music, heritage, and innovation.

Rashad Iskandrni

Manal Saleh, Operational Systems Manager in one of the government sectors, was honored to attend the 22nd of International Conference on Asset, Facilities and Maintenance Management OMAINTEC FM 2025: and took an in-depth look at sustainable operational excellence.
The OMAINTEC FM 2025 conference, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah from January 26-28, was an enriching experience focused on "Sustainable Operational Excellence for Digitalization of Assets, Facility, and Maintenance". The conference brought together professionals, experts, researchers, and practitioners from various fields, including asset management, facility maintenance, and engineering. As an attendee, I was impressed by the comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge advancements and pressing challenges in the industry.

Technical Advisor Manal Saleh stressed that the conference is one of the important events, as it represents an ideal platform to showcase the latest technologies and innovative solutions that enhance, develop and enable digital transformation in the Kingdom and the region. It also contributes to achieving sustainable operational excellence through digitizing assets, facilities and maintenance, which drives the digital transformation towards a more advanced and efficient future.

During the conference, the industry focused on sustainable operational excellence for digitizing assets, facilities and maintenance. The event witnessed the attendance of an elite group of professionals, experts, researchers and practitioners from various fields, including asset management, facilities maintenance and engineering.

As an attendee, I was impressed by the comprehensive exploration of the latest developments and pressing challenges in the industry. My experience was rich and enjoyable, as the conference provided me with a unique opportunity to learn and communicate with industry leaders.


Engaging with Key Industry Professionals
The conference was designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing. I had the opportunity to network with facility managers, asset managers, maintenance managers, engineers, technology providers, academics, researchers, government officials, and consultants. It was a fantastic chance to connect with peers, industry experts, and representatives through networking sessions and social events, fostering valuable connections.

A Diverse and Enriching Program
The conference agenda was diverse and enriching, featuring scientific sessions, interactive workshops, specialized panel discussions, and an innovation exhibition.
* Interactive Workshops: I participated in practical workshops led by industry experts, exploring real-world applications of asset management, facility management, and maintenance strategies. These workshops offered case studies, best practices, and emerging technologies.
* Dynamic Panel Discussions: Thought-provoking panel discussions featured top experts and researchers, covering topics from the latest trends in asset improvement to sustainable facility management practices. I gained valuable insights by interacting with the speakers.
* Scientific Sessions & Presentations: I attended scientific sessions and presentations covering a range of topics, including asset lifecycle management, predictive maintenance techniques, energy efficiency, and facility management. Researchers and practitioners shared their experiences and innovative solutions.
* Innovation Exhibition (AFM EXPO): The AFM EXPO showcased the latest products, services, and technologies in asset and facility management. I gained direct insights into advanced solutions and industrial progress through interactive displays and product demonstrations.
* Poster Presentations: I explored poster presentations that highlighted research findings, case studies, and innovative projects.
* ThinkTank Sessions: Collaborative sessions led by industry experts explored innovative solutions and addressed challenges through discussions and problem-solving activities.
Focus on Key Topics
Her focus, research and exposure were on the following important topics: providing a comprehensive view of the industry's key areas:
* Electrical Systems: Discussions included net-zero carbon emission initiatives, the role of digitalization in decarbonization, and the applications of artificial intelligence in electrical grid system transformations.
* Roads and Transportation Systems: I learned about smart transportation infrastructure maintenance, autonomous transportation, sustainable roadway maintenance practices, and cybersecurity for digital road maintenance data.
* Maintenance Systems and Management: The conference highlighted key performance indicators, predictive maintenance, digital facility and maintenance management systems, data-driven decision-making, and the integration of the Internet of Things.
* Water Systems: Sessions focused on smart water management, asset integrity, water quality monitoring, and resilience planning for water supply systems.
* Buildings and Facilities Management: I gained insights into sustainable building maintenance, digitizing facility management, and integrating IoT devices for real-time monitoring.
* Communications Systems, Smart Maintenance, and Cybersecurity: Discussions included the integration of the Internet of Things, cybersecurity measures for smart infrastructure, and predictive maintenance strategies.
* Education and Training: The conference also covered interactive education systems, professional apprenticeship, and employee training programs to adapt to digital transformation.
​On the sidelines of the conference, and in order to train national cadres, I was also pleased and honored to participate in the Professional Facilities Management Program, presented by His Excellency Dr. Eng. Omar Kamal Younis. The Excellence in Asset Management Program was held with Eng. Hazem Mansour, Operations Manager at Al-Mokhtas Engineering Consulting Company, and Eng. Basem Sayel, Secretary General of the Arab Council for Asset, Facility and Maintenance Management.

Global Perspective and Industry Recognition
OMAINTEC offered a global platform to connect and collaborate with professionals, broadening my understanding of international industry standards. The conference also featured the Arab Award for Asset, Facilities, and Maintenance Management, recognizing outstanding achievements in the field.
Overall, my experience at the OMAINTEC FM 2025 conference was extremely valuable. The focus on sustainability, digitization, and operational excellence provided me with new perspectives and practical knowledge in asset, facility, and maintenance management. The conference not only offered a platform for professional development but also inspired innovation and collaboration, setting the stage for future advancements in the industry.
Acknowledgements
In order to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and to achieve the vision headed by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - may God protect him - which focuses on economic diversification and developing all non-oil sectors.

Technical Advisor Manal Alamri extends her sincere thanks and appreciation for this great work that contributes to achieving Vision 2030, and represents an important step in the development of asset, facility and maintenance management. She also expresses her deep gratitude for hosting her at this distinguished conference, which includes an elite group of the best national cadres from various sectors.
She extends her thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Dr. Zuhair Mohammed Al-Sarraj, Secretary-General of the International Conference on Asset, Facility and Maintenance Management, for his valuable efforts in organizing this pioneering event, and Dr. Mohammed Abdul Aziz Al-Fawzan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Council for Asset, Facility and Maintenance Management, for his continuous support and outstanding contributions in this field.

Eng. Manal Alamri's experience at the OMAINTEC FM 2025 conference was extremely valuable. The focus on sustainability, digitization and operational excellence provided her with new perspectives and practical knowledge in asset, facility and maintenance management. The conference was not only a platform for professional development, but also a source of inspiration for innovation and collaboration, paving the way for future progress and development in the industry, in addition to enabling digital transformation in the Kingdom and the region.
The conference also showcased the latest sustainability, digitization and operational excellence solutions designed to support various sectors on their journey towards digital transformation, within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance its position as a global leader in the digital economy.