Toufic Kreidieh Celebrates Customers at Exclusive BFL Group Ramadan Event in Riyadh
Rashad Iskandrni
event at At the "Brands For Less" branch on Khurais Road in Riyadh celebrating its valued customers in appreciation of their loyalty and contribution to the brand’s success. The event featured Toufic Kreidieh, Executive Chairman & Co-Founder of BFL Group, who personally engaged with attendees, making the evening a truly memorable experience.
Set in a vibrant and interactive atmosphere, the event welcomed a large turnout of enthusiastic customers who participated in a variety of engaging activities, exciting challenges, and exclusive giveaways. Guests had the unique opportunity to connect with Kreidieh, adding a personal touch to the celebration and strengthening the bond between BFL Group and its loyal community.
Reflecting on the brand’s journey, Kreidieh shared BFL Group’s inspiring success story, from its inception to becoming a leading name in the retail industry. He emphasized the significance of such events in fostering customer relationships and expressing gratitude for their continued support. “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. They are our partners in success, and we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences. This event is a testament to our appreciation for their trust and loyalty,” Kreidieh stated.
Attendees captured and shared their special moments on Instagram Stories and Snapchat, inviting friends and followers to be part of the excitement. The event also featured exclusive gift distributions, further reinforcing BFL Group’s commitment to rewarding its customers and making the occasion an unforgettable experience.
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About Brands for Less (BFL Group)
BFL Group is a leading retail company offering the latest fashion trends and home products at unbeatable prices. Established in Lebanon in 1996, the company pioneered an innovative business model that brings globally renowned brands to customers at exceptional discounts. Expanding in 2000, BFL Group made the United Arab Emirates its headquarters, quickly becoming the preferred destination for smart shoppers across the region.
Today, BFL Group operates in over seven markets across the GCC and Southeast Asia, delivering a unique “Treasure Hunt” shopping experience—allowing customers to discover new products and surprises with every visit. With discounts of up to 80% off original prices, the company remains committed to providing exceptional value, innovative strategies, and superior customer service.
Continuing its ambitious growth, BFL Group aims to expand into new global markets, ensuring that more customers can enjoy its distinctive shopping experience.
مواضيع ذات صلة
Arabian Travel Market to gather global AI experts to explore new frontiers in travel
Rashad Iskandrni
·
Cassie
Kozyrkov, Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, who spearheaded the tech
giant’s AI-first transformation, will take to the stage on the opening day of
ATM to discuss how the travel industry can lead in AI adoption
·
Other speakers
providing their insights at the event include futurist John Duffield and Paul
Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates, 16 April 2025: The transformative
power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be under the spotlight at Arabian
Travel Market (ATM), which takes place from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai
World Trade Centre. The international travel event will gather experts and
thought leaders in AI from around the world to explore how AI is changing the
landscape of leisure and business travel, streamlining operations and improving
the customer journey.
According
to recent research by Statista, AI and machine learning have accounted for
approximately two-thirds of global technology investment deals by travel and
mobility companies since 2020. Across the travel industry, AI is being embraced
at every level, from customers using AI-powered tools to plan their journeys to
tourism providers leveraging AI to improve resource management and deliver more
personalised guest services.
Danielle
Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market,
said: “At ATM 2025, we are thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of visionary
speakers. Attendees can expect engaging discussions that delve into the latest
technological advancements, ethical considerations, and real-world
applications. In addition, we will showcase groundbreaking developments across
the exhibition, from sophisticated booking solutions to data analysis tools
that empower organisations to make informed decisions. This is an unparalleled
opportunity for travel industry professionals to be at the forefront of AI and
gain actionable insights that can drive business success.”
On the opening day of ATM, Cassie Kozyrkov, CEO of Kozyr and a globally renowned speaker in AI, will lead an insightful session on “AI adoption: From Buzzwords to Business Strategy”, where she will outline how companies in the travel industry can identify genuine opportunities to improve their businesses. Kozyrkov will delve into why organisations struggle, uncover the biggest threats in the field and discuss what AI means for the future.
Best
known for founding the field of ‘Decision Intelligence’ and serving as Google’s
first Chief Decision Scientist, where she spearheaded the tech giant’s AI-first
transformation, Kozyrkov is a sought-after AI advisor and speaker who has
transformed how organisations such as Gucci, NASA, Spotify, Meta and GSK
approach AI strategy. She has presented on some of the world’s most prestigious
stages, including the United Nations (UN), and the World Economic Forum and is
set to inspire and empower audiences at ATM on how to navigate the future with
confidence and innovation.
Speaking
ahead of the event, Kozyrkov said: “I am delighted to be attending
Arabian Travel Market 2025. There is a lot of hype around AI, but it can
sometimes be difficult to separate the fact from the fiction. My session will help
attendees see the opportunities to apply AI to their business, while also improving
their lives and the lives of those around them.
“AI
has so much potential to unlock a better world. I hope I will be able to
inspire attendees and show practical ways to harness the power and the beauty
of data for automation.”
Elsewhere
at ATM, Futurist and travel expert John Duffield will share fascinating
insights on how AI
and smart systems are reshaping the industry by enabling
hyper-personalised experiences, seamless connectivity and innovations. During
his presentation, Duffield will also discuss how travel providers can act now
to prepare for these technologies, while addressing challenges such as data
privacy and resistance to change.
As technology continues to evolve, travel companies are identifying innovative ways to use human-centric technologies to connect with their customers. On 30 April, a panel of thought leaders, including Robin Lawther, VP Expedia TAAP, Expedia Group, will examine how the travel industry can use human-centric technology, addressing the ethical considerations surrounding AI, privacy and the importance of maintaining the human touch in an increasingly automated world.
Dorothee
Anjos, General Manager, Middle East at Multilem, will also touch on the
importance of the human element in a thought-provoking discussion
on the relationship between human connection and AI in the events industry.
During this session, she will explore how integrating both is revolutionising
the planning, execution, and experience of events, as well as addressing the
challenges posed by the rise of AI.
On 30 April, Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports will provide a comprehensive overview of what's next for aviation in the age of transformation and global disruption, touching on how AI, among several other factors, is reshaping the future of flight. The session will discuss the role of artificial intelligence in optimising operations, predictive maintenance and passenger experience.
Finally,
Graham Pope, Vice President, Sales Supplier and Venue Solutions at Cvent will host
a session titled Future-proofing
2025: Trends, AI and shifts in business and MICE travel,
exploring how business event organisers can measure the impact of their events
using a blend of strategic planning, effective data collection and robust
analysis, of which AI plays a key role.
Held
in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners
include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner;
Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel
Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.
The latest ATM news stories are available at https://hub.wtm.com/category/press/atm-press-releases/.
-Ends-
For more information, log on to wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html.
Now in its 32nd
year, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is the leading
international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and
outbound tourism professionals. Held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre,
ATM 2024 spanned 12 halls, making it the largest edition to date. With over
48,000 attendees and more than 35,000 visitors, including over 2,550 exhibitors
and representatives from over 161 countries during last year's show, ATM
remains a pivotal gathering for the global travel and tourism industry. Arabian
Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai
ATM takes place
from 28 April to 1 May 2025, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai
https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html
Arabian
Travel Week is a week-long festival
of events from 28 April to 4 May, alongside Arabian Travel Market 2025.
Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it
includes the all-New Business Events @ATM focusing on MICE, Start-Up
Competition, influencers’ events, GBTA Business Travel Forums, and ATM Travel
Tech. It also features ATM Buyer Networking and a series of country forums.
https://www.wtm.com/arabian-travel-week/en-gb.html
About RX
RX
is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise,
data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and
organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX
hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an
inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive
by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a
global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for
professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.
About RELX
RELX
is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for
professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180
countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000
people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the
parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock
exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New
York: RELX. *Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors
World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio comprises leading travel
events and online portals across four continents. The events are:
WTM London is the world’s most
influential travel & tourism event for the global travel community. The
show is the ultimate destination for those seeking a macro view of the travel
industry and a deeper understanding of the forces shaping it. WTM London is where
influential travel leaders, buyers and high-profile travel companies gather to
exchange ideas, drive innovation, and accelerate business outcomes.
Next event: 5 to 7 November 2024 at ExCel London.
WTM Latin America takes place annually in the
city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the
three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking
and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight
face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM
Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation, and achieved
the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers,
travel agents and exhibitors in 2022.
Next event: 14 to 16 April 2025 – Expo Center Norte, SP, Brazil.
WTM
Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town,
South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique
pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and
welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019.
Latest event: 9 to 11 April 2025 – Cape
Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town http://africa.wtm.com/
About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week’s digital arm, is a
virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and
insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in
our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the
travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and
outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel and the
MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.
WTM
Global Hub, is
the WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry
professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and
knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the
challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into
its global network of experts to create content for the hub. https://hub.wtm.com/
منذ 19 ساعة . News
Mediterranean Bank Selects Finastra’s core banking solution to transform customer experiences and drive sustainable growth in Libya
Rashad Iskandrni
With Finastra Essence, the bank will fast-track its digital transformation strategy and offer a comprehensive range of innovative retail and corporate banking services
Dubai,
United Arab Emirates – April 15, 2025 – Finastra, a global provider of financial software
applications, today announced that Mediterranean Bank, a provider of retail and
corporate banking services in Libya, has selected its core banking solution, Finastra
Essence, to deliver advanced digital banking services to its customers. The next-generation
solution, which comprehensively covers conventional and Islamic banking
requirements, will enable the bank to streamline core processes while offering
personalized services and robust customer support. Once the implementation is
complete, Mediterranean Bank will also benefit from increased agility to adapt
quickly to new demands, drive ongoing innovation and rapidly bring new products
to market.
EVO
Digital Solutions Co., a local fintech company and
partner of Finastra, is supporting the project by providing specialized
services to Mediterranean Bank under Finastra’s supervision, including hands-on
technical and operational support. With Evo’s local expertise and Finastra’s
global delivery framework, the collaboration aims to provide Mediterranean Bank
with a smooth transition to Essence.
“We
are currently on a digital transformation journey to ensure we continue to
deliver the best services to our customers through cutting-edge technology,”
said Emad Alaakili, Chairman at Mediterranean Bank. “By implementing Finastra’s
core banking solution, we are transforming our operations to drive greater
efficiencies and provide our customers with the personalized banking services
they expect. By increasing the robustness of our offering, this move also
aligns with our goal to drive sustainable growth by balancing both profitability
with social responsibility, and economic development with financial stability.”
Finastra
Essence is a cloud-first, next-generation core banking solution that combines
deep functionality and advanced technology to increase enterprise agility,
reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. Powered by an open,
microservices architecture, Essence's rich, broad and deep banking
functionality enables institutions to rapidly deploy market-leading products
and services. The solution will provide Mediterranean Bank with a comprehensive
suite of services, including core operations, teller, payments and signature verification.
“We are pleased to help Mediterranean
Bank achieve its objectives around customer-centricity and increasing its market
penetration in Libya,” said Siobhan Byron, EVP, Universal Banking at Finastra.
“Essence’s modular architecture and a microservices approach will enable the
bank to seamlessly innovate and scale as it grows. Ultimately, we’re empowering
Mediterranean Bank to reimagine banking and keep pace with change, as it seeks
to bring modern, digital financial services to customers.”
- ENDS -
For further
information please contact:
Sofia Romano
Head of PR, EMEA
T: 07552865009
About Finastra
Finastra is a global provider of
financial services software applications across Lending, Payments, Treasury and
Capital Markets, and Universal (retail and digital) Banking. Committed to
unlocking the potential of people, businesses and communities everywhere, its
vision is to accelerate the future of finance through technology and
collaboration, and its pioneering approach is why it is trusted by ~8,100
financial institutions, including 45 of the world’s top 50 banks. For more
information, visit finastra.com
منذ 19 ساعة . News
PeopleStrong accelerates GCC expansion following majority stake investment from Goldman Sachs alternatives
Rashad Iskandrni
Today, PeopleStrong, a leading regional human capital management (“HCM”) SaaS provider, announced that the Private Equity business within Goldman Sachs Alternatives has acquired a majority stake in the company. This acquisition underscores the company’s ambitious growth strategy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (‘GCC”) region, with a particular focus on key markets such as UAE and Saudi Arabia. The expansion aligns closely with national priorities around Emiratisation, Saudization and the broader push for workforce digital transformation across the region.
PeopleStrong is uniquely positioned at the intersection of three transformative shifts: the digitization of enterprise HR, the adoption of AI, and the rise of SaaS innovation. The company offers a comprehensive, AI-powered HCM platform with robust capabilities across applicant tracking systems (ATS), payroll, employee experience and talent management. It serves leading organizations across key industry verticals, including Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BSFI), Retail, Aviation, Healthcare and Manufacturing. With multi-country payroll capabilities and over 1.5 million paychecks processed monthly, PeopleStrong is recognized as one of the largest and most trusted cloud payroll providers in the region.
PeopleStrong’s clientele includes many of the Middle East and South Asia’s most respected enterprises, including Flydubai, Azizi, Tamkeen, Sobha, Transom Catering, Alamar, Omantel, Life Pharmacy, Oman Air, Axiom, Aditya Birla Group, L&T, TATA, Mahindra Rise, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Ergo, Paytm and Air India.
Currently, the company serves over two million individual users and aims to significantly expand its scale and geographic footprint, targeting 10 million users globally over the next five years.
“We have remained focussed on balanced, sustainable growth and are proud to stand out today as one of the few EBITDA-positive SaaS companies with a leading market position,” said Sandeep Chaudhary, CEO of PeopleStrong. “We are excited to join forces with Goldman Sachs. With their global expertise in SaaS and AI, we look forward to driving the next phase of our growth together through continued innovation and operational excellence.”
Rajat Sood, a Managing Director in Growth and Corporate Equity Investing at Goldman Sachs, said, “PeopleStrong stands at the intersection of talent and technology —delivering real, measurable value to its customers at scale through its technology-led human capital management solutions. We look forward to supporting this management team and company’s next stage of growth by leveraging the global resources and network of Goldman Sachs.”
“We’ve seen tremendous momentum in HR tech adoption across the Middle East, which has been a core part of our regional strategy,” said Mrigank Tripathi, President – Growth, PeopleStrong. “To support our long-term expansion, we’re investing in R&D to tailor solutions for the Middle East’s evolving regulatory and operational landscape. PeopleStrong is also actively pursuing strategic partnerships to deepen our footprint across the GCC and broader MENA region. To support this growth, we will continue to strengthen our on-the-ground team across sales, support and key functional areas.”
PeopleStrong maintains operational teams in Dubai with strategic engagements across key Emirates and major cities in Saudi Arabia. This presence uniquely positions the company to support regional enterprises in achieving their ambitious HR digitalization and workforce transformation goals.
PeopleStrong’s is the highest-rated HR mobile app globally, with a 4.8 out of 5 rating across iOS and Android platforms. It has consistently been featured in Gartner’s ‘Voice of the Customer’ report and has been voted the Customers' Choice for Cloud HCM Suites for enterprises with over 1,000 employees from 2022 to 2024.
منذ 19 ساعة . News
Resilient Performance from Nissan Formula E Team at Miami E-Prix
Rashad Iskandrni
Nissan Formula E Team secures pole position and double points finish in Miami
Miami, Florida – 12th April 2025: Petromin Corporation, through its e-mobility subsidiary Electromin,
proudly celebrates its ongoing partnership with Nissan Formula E Team following
a thrilling Round 5 of the 2024/25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in
Miami. The weekend marked a significant milestone for the team, as driver
Norman Nato secured Nissan’s first pole position of the season and crossed the
finish line first, an impressive feat, despite a post-race penalty that
affected the final standings.
This collaboration
showcases Petromin’s commitment to advancing sustainable mobility and
pioneering electric vehicle innovation on a global stage. Nissan Formula E Team
put up a determined fight, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in one of
the most competitive races of the season. Despite missing a podium finish,
Norman Nato, Oliver Rowland and the team delivered a commendable performance,
gaining crucial points and valuable insights for the championship ahead.
In qualifying,
Norman Nato progressed through the duels and delivered an impressive
performance in the final, securing his first-ever Julius Baer Pole Position
trophy with a standout lap. Meanwhile, teammate Oliver Rowland narrowly missed
out on a top four spot in a highly competitive Group A session, placing him
16th on the starting grid.
As the race got
underway in the Sunshine State, Nato maintained his lead off the line and
consistently fought within the top five. Rowland, meanwhile, focused on energy
management while steadily making his way through the pack. A red flag on Lap 22
saw Nato in P6 and Rowland in P11, both with six minutes of Attack Mode
remaining. At the restart, they immediately deployed the extra 50kW, with Nato
crossing the line first and Rowland in fourth.
However, due to the
timing of the red flag, neither driver completed their Attack Mode, resulting
in post-race 10-second penalties. Nato was classified sixth, Rowland tenth —
still securing a valuable double points finish for the team.
“We were so
close to turning around a bad qualifying during the race as we crossed the line
in fourth,” said Rowland. “We got unlucky — sometimes these things happen in
motor racing. It’s now about getting ready for a busy upcoming period and
aiming to set the weekend up with a better qualifying performance in Monaco.”
Norman Nato
said, “It’s great to take my maiden Formula E pole position and a solid haul of
points. It could’ve been even better without the penalty, but finishing P6
despite it shows we were strong. I felt comfortable in the car and was pleased
to record the quickest time in qualifying. The ten-second penalty after the
race feels like it’s summed up my season, just being on the wrong side of key
moments. Taking pole and sixth is still a solid result to build on in Monaco.”
Tommaso Volpe,
Managing Director and Team Principal of Nissan Formula E Team, commented, “It
was a weekend filled with ups and downs, especially with Norman taking the win
on track but classifying in P6 due to the penalty. We leave Miami cautious but
confident, and more determined than ever to keep fighting for all three
championships until the end.”
With key
takeaways from Miami, the team is now focused on refining its approach and
maximizing its performance in the next leg of the championship.
Kalyana Sivagnanam, Group
CEO of Petromin Corporation, added, “Formula E
represents the future of motorsport, and our collaboration with Nissan Formula
E Team allows us to showcase our commitment to innovation, efficiency, and
sustainability.”
With Miami now
behind them, Nissan Formula E Team and Electromin look ahead to the next
challenge, determined to further cement their presence on the championship
stage. Formula E returns on May 3–4 with the first-ever double-header in
Monte-Carlo.
-ENDS-
LinkedIn:
Nissan Formula E Team delivers a thrilling performance at the Miami
E-Prix!
A major milestone as Norman Nato secures Nissan’s first pole position of the
season and crosses the line in P1—despite a post-race penalty relegating him to
P6 in the end. Teammate Oliver Rowland also clinches a points finish,
showcasing the team’s resilience and determination.
This success highlights our continued commitment to advancing sustainable
mobility and pushing the limits of electric vehicle innovation. On to Monaco!
#FormulaE
#NissanFormulaE #ElectricFuture #SustainableMobility #MiamiEPrix #PolePosition
#Teamwork #FormulaE2025
X
Nissan Formula E Team delivers a thrilling performance at the Miami
E-Prix!
A major milestone as Norman Nato takes Nissan’s first pole of the season
& crosses the line P1—despite a post-race penalty relegating him to P6 in
the end. Oliver Rowland also finishes in the points, proving the team’s
resilience!
Committed to advancing sustainable mobility. On to Monaco!
#FormulaE
#NissanFormulaE #ElectricFuture #SustainableMobility #MiamiEPrix #PolePosition
#FormulaE2025
منذ 20 ساعة . News
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Jaipur Rugs Announces ‘Playing with Tradition’ Collection with Dutch Designer Richard Hutten
Rashad Iskandrni
The collection, merging heritage with humor and contemporary design, debuted at Salone del Mobile 2025 in Milan and will soon be available at Jaipur Rugs in Dubai
16th April 2025. Jaipur Rugs, one of the world’s most prestigious names in handcrafted carpets, is proud to unveil its latest designer collaboration with internationally acclaimed Dutch designer Richard Hutten. The exclusive collection titled "Playing with Tradition" debuted at the Salone del Mobile 2025 in Milan and will soon be available at the Jaipur Rugs store in Dubai.
Known for his imaginative, bold, and playful design sensibility, Richard Hutten has earned global recognition for blending function with humor and unconventional form. With “Playing with Tradition,” Hutten pays homage to the centuries-old tradition of hand-knotted rugs while infusing them with a fresh, contemporary twist to make them relevant for future generations.
“This collection is both a tribute and a transformation,” says Richard Hutten. “By adding playful elements to traditional motifs, I want to preserve the essence of craftsmanship while inspiring a new way of experiencing these heirlooms. The collection is about merging two worlds — the classic and the contemporary — into something unexpected and joyful.”
The "Playing with Tradition" collection features nine stunning rugs, each handcrafted in Rajasthan, India, by master artisans. The designs use traditional patterns as a base canvas, enlivened with imaginative "add-ons" that reflect Hutten’s distinct design philosophy. From whimsical motifs to bold architectural influences, every piece is a celebration of storytelling through design.
Among the standout pieces is Confetti 1 and Confetti 2, which capture the spirit of celebration. Inspired by the vibrant Holi festival of India, Hutten imagined colorful confetti scattered across a traditional rug — turning the pieces into joyful works of art. The rugs blend traditional floral and vine motifs with bursts of color, symbolizing optimism and happiness.
Squares offers a stunning juxtaposition of age-old craftsmanship and modern geometry. Traditional patterns form the foundation, while colorful square motifs interrupt the surface in a contemporary, eye-catching manner. The result is a dynamic fusion of heritage and modernity.
In Color Blocks and Blue Box, Hutten plays with architectural elements. The former features simple, 3D-inspired blocks set against a classic backdrop, creating an architonic contrast, while the latter draws inspiration from Dutch Delft Blue pottery. Crafted entirely in blue hues, Blue Box creates a serene yet bold dialogue between Dutch and Indian cultural aesthetics.
Perspective explores visual illusion, with a subtle color palette and a design that draws the viewer’s eye to the center of the rug, no matter the angle. This piece reinterprets how space and form interact, bringing depth and dimension to any interior.
With Connect 1 and Connect 2, Hutten ventures into the realm of AI-assisted creativity. Using artificial intelligence to select and combine elements from two traditional rugs, the designer stitches the pieces together with an exaggerated needle motif — symbolizing unity and contrast. These unique creations also double as art pieces, ideal for both floor and wall display.
Finally, Bananas injects humor and whimsy into the collection. Inspired by the slapstick comedy of legends like Charlie Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy, the traditional rug design is overlaid with playful banana motifs — a bold and unexpected twist that stays true to Hutten’s philosophy of joyful design.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Richard Hutten on this extraordinary collection,” said Yogesh Chaudhary, Managing Director, Jaipur Rugs. “His vision aligns beautifully with our mission of bringing art, design, and storytelling to life through handmade rugs. ‘Playing with Tradition’ is not just a collection — it's a bold celebration of heritage and innovation. We are proud to debut it on a global platform like Salone del Mobile before bringing it to our Dubai audience.”
Each rug in the collection has been meticulously hand-knotted, with the number of knots ranging up to 1.29 million, and crafted over 124 to 152 days by skilled artisans from villages across Rajasthan.
With its global debut at Salone del Mobile 2025, the launch of this collection further solidifies Jaipur Rugs' commitment to pushing the boundaries of design while preserving the integrity of Indian craftsmanship. The “Playing with Tradition” collection by Richard Hutten will be available soon at the Jaipur Rugs store in Dubai. For further information, visit www.jaipurrugs.com
منذ 20 ساعة . News
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Microsoft Strengthens Global Partnership with Databricks, Bringing Azure Databricks Capabilities to Saudi Arabia to Support Vision 2030 Goals
Rashad Iskandrni
Enhanced collaboration will empower Saudi businesses to leverage big data and AI for digital and AI transformation aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
16 April, 2025; Microsoft and Databricks have expanded their strategic partnership to make Azure Databricks capabilities more accessible to organizations across Saudi Arabia. This enhanced collaboration marks a significant step toward empowering local businesses to capitalize on the potential of big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), driving innovation and supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals.
By combining Databricks' sophisticated data analytics and AI capabilities with the reliable scalability and security of Microsoft Azure, organizations in Saudi Arabia will be equipped to improve operations, create data-driven applications, and derive actionable insights. This development underscores both companies' commitment to supporting the Kingdom's digital transformation and fostering a data-driven culture across sectors.
Aligned with Vision 2030, this collaboration aims to democratize access to analytics and AI applications, provide training and certification programs to equip Saudi professionals with expertise in AI and data engineering, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global technology hub.
Turki Badhris, President of Microsoft Arabia, highlighted the importance of enhancing global partnerships in the Kingdom, stating: “By strengthening our collaboration with Databricks, we are empowering Saudi organizations to achieve greater innovation and foster significant business and community impact. This partnership reflects our deep commitment to advancing the Kingdom’s data and AI capabilities in alignment with Vision 2030.”
For his part, Mohammad Alzaubi, General Manager, Saudi Arabia, of Databricks, added: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Microsoft and enhance access to Azure Databricks in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration enables Saudi organizations to unlock the true value of their data, accelerate AI initiatives, and gain a competitive edge in the global market. We remain committed to supporting the Kingdom's digital transformation with our pioneering Data Intelligence Platform and empowering the next generation of data professionals.”
Transformative Success Stories in Saudi Arabia
Several leading Saudi organizations are already realizing the transformative potential of Azure Databricks. Cenomi Group, the largest retail and mall operator in Saudi Arabia, successfully implemented one of the Middle East’s first Data Lakehouse Architectures. Leveraging Azure Databricks, the group now processes and analyzes vast amounts of data in real-time to optimize operations and enhance customer experiences.
“The integration of Azure Databricks into our operations has revolutionized the way we harness data,” said Binoo Joseph, Chief Digital Officer at Cenomi Centers. “Through Microsoft’s secure and scalable Azure platform, combined with Databricks' advanced analytics capabilities, we can now deliver exceptional customer experiences across the Kingdom. Whether that be through personalized shopping experiences, tailored promotions, or efficient service delivery, this data-drive approach allows us to anticipate customer needs and enhance overall satisfaction across our malls.”
Supporting Local Talent and Innovation
Microsoft and Databricks also plan to further expand the integration of Azure Databricks within Saudi Arabia. This includes adding Databricks into Microsoft’s Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI) and tailored programs to upskill local talent in data analytics and AI, as well as initiatives to support the Kingdom’s forward-thinking organizations in unlocking the full potential of their data.
As Saudi Arabia continues to accelerate its digital transformation journey, the enhanced collaboration between Microsoft and Databricks will significantly contribute to the Kingdom's economic diversification and innovation initiatives.
منذ 21 ساعة . News