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Gulf Air expands European network with SKY express

(Twitter @GulfAir)
(Twitter @GulfAir)
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Updated 15 September 2024

Gulf Air expands European network with SKY express

(Twitter @GulfAir)

Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, announced a new special prorate agreement with SKY express, the multi-awarded Greek airline. This one-way SPA allows Gulf Air passengers to seamlessly connect onto SKY express flights, opening up new travel opportunities to Greece and beyond.
Specifically, Gulf Air passengers can fly and connect through Athens to 32 destinations across Greece. Under this agreement, passengers traveling from Europe — via key hubs like Rome, Milan, Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, and London — can enjoy seamless connections with a single ticket from their city of departure through Athens to Bahrain, and onward to Gulf Air’s extensive network.
This partnership significantly expands Gulf Air’s network and strengthens its presence in Greece and Europe, providing passengers with even more travel options and convenience.
A Gulf Air spokesperson said: “This partnership with SKY express signifies a key step in Gulf Air’s network expansion strategy, broadening our reach and strengthening our market presence in Europe. By connecting our network to SKY express, we’re offering our passengers enhanced travel experiences to Greek destinations with seamless connectivity, and more travel options to choose from.”
Gerasimos Skaltsas, chief commercial officer of SKY express, said: “Our partnership with Gulf Air marks a significant milestone in SKY express’s international expansion, enhancing connectivity for passengers across Greece and global destinations via Bahrain. By offering seamless travel with a single ticket, we are providing a more convenient and comprehensive travel experience. This collaboration brings mutual benefits to both airlines and our passengers.”
This agreement marks another milestone in Gulf Air’s commitment to expanding its network and offering passengers greater flexibility and convenience.

By streamlining connections through the Greek airports included in the SPA, Gulf Air enhances operational efficiency while providing passengers with a wider array of destination choices for passengers.


Savvy Group to train KAU students in games and esports

Savvy Group to train KAU students in games and esports
Updated 26 July 2025

Savvy Group to train KAU students in games and esports

Savvy Group to train KAU students in games and esports
  • Prof. Mohammed Balubaid, dean of the Applied College, added: “This partnership with Savvy underscores our commitment to equipping students for careers in rapidly growing industries aligned with Vision 2030

Savvy Games Group, a Public Investment Fund company driving the growth of games and esports in Ƶ, and King Abdulaziz University have signed a memorandum of understanding to offer specialized diplomas in games production and esports management to students. The collaboration will equip Saudi students with high-impact skills to help them pursue careers in the fast-growing games and esports industries.
This MoU lays the groundwork for a strategic partnership between Savvy and KAU, with a shared vision to develop national talent and empower the next generation of professionals in Ƶ’s games and esports industry.

FASTFACT

The two diplomas — Games Production and Esports Management — will launch in the upcoming academic year.

Launching in the upcoming academic year, the two diplomas — Games Production and Esports Management — will provide high-quality learning to students, blending academic education with practical, industry-driven expertise. By enrolling into these programs, students will gain core competencies in managing game development projects and organizing professional esports events — two vital fields that are shaping the future of entertainment, technology, and digital experiences.

This partnership with King Abdulaziz University is a key step in building local capabilities in game development and esports operations, says Majed Al-Muhanna, Chief HR Officer at Savvy Games Group

“This partnership with King Abdulaziz University is a key step in building local capabilities in game development and esports operations,” said Majed Al-Muhanna, chief human resources officer at Savvy. “This is part of our Savvy Academy initiative, through which we are enabling new pathways for the next generation of Saudi professionals to gain the skills and experience required to succeed and be a leader in this industry. Our work directly supports the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and Vision 2030’s ambition of establishing Ƶ as a global hub for games and esports.”
Prof. Mohammed Balubaid, dean of the Applied College, added: “This partnership with Savvy underscores our commitment to equipping students for careers in rapidly growing industries aligned with Vision 2030. As gaming and esports expand at an unprecedented pace, there’s a rising demand for talent that combines creative insight with operational excellence. Through this collaboration, students are expected to be exposed to real-world opportunities such as potentially supporting major international events like the Esports World Cup hosted in Ƶ. We’re proud to offer our students these pathways and contribute to shaping the Kingdom’s digital future.”
The MoU is part of Savvy Academy’s Level-Up program that is designed to provide vocational training in games and esports to university students in Ƶ by partnering with renowned educational institutions.

 


Rajasthan Foundation announces Riyadh chapter

Vijay Soni is the president of the Rajasthan Foundation’s Riyadh chapter.
Vijay Soni is the president of the Rajasthan Foundation’s Riyadh chapter.
Updated 26 July 2025

Rajasthan Foundation announces Riyadh chapter

Vijay Soni is the president of the Rajasthan Foundation’s Riyadh chapter.
  • Rajasthan Foundation actively assists non-resident Rajasthanis in resolving any grievances or issues related to their home districts

In a significant move to connect with the global Rajasthani diaspora, the Rajasthan Foundation, an initiative of the government of Rajasthan under the chairmanship of the chief minister, has announced the establishment of its Riyadh-Ƶ Chapter. This initiative will bring together non-resident Rajasthanis on a common platform to promote cultural, business, and educational cooperation and extend a helping hand in times of need.
To ensure smooth functioning and coordinated efforts, a 10-member executive committee was formed under the leadership of Vijay Soni. This committee comprises active and committed members of the Rajasthani community residing in Ƶ.
Dr. Manisha Arora, director of Rajasthan Foundation, held a virtual meeting with the newly appointed chapter presidents. Soni briefed the team on the importance and contribution of the foundation to non-resident Rajasthanis, calling it a true gift to Rajasthanis living in Ƶ from the government of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Foundation actively assists non-resident Rajasthanis in resolving any grievances or issues related to their home districts. Additional District Magistrates have been appointed as nodal officers in each district to ensure all necessary help and coordination.
Key highlights of the meeting
1.Business opportunities: 
Discussions were held on fostering trade, investment, and business partnerships between Rajasthan and Ƶ.
2. Cultural exchange: 
A mutual commitment was made to promote initiatives in tourism, education, and the Rajasthani (Marwari) language.
3.Networking: 
Focus on building collaborative networks among professionals, entrepreneurs, and officials from both regions.

Future roadmap
•Joint implementation of mutually beneficial projects between Rajasthan and Ƶ.
•Launch of a membership campaign to connect more non-resident Rajasthanis with the foundation.
•Establishment of a shared platform to promote Rajasthan’s heritage, language, and education globally.
Members of the executive committee of the Riyadh chapter include: Soni, Laxman Singh Parmar, Gauri Shankar Pareek, Anil Malpani, Rajeev Kumar, Gaurav Mehta, Prem Purushottam Purohit, Kshirod Kumar Kalyani, Rais Ahmed Syed, and Mohammad Ghulam Khan.
This initiative by the Rajasthan Foundation marks a vital step in uniting non-resident Rajasthanis and strengthening cultural, educational, and economic ties with Ƶ. Through the Riyadh chapter, efforts have now begun to take Rajasthan’s rich culture, language, and entrepreneurial spirit to the global stage.

 


Tamimi Markets and Yellow Door Energy sign solar lease

(X @tamimimarkets)
(X @tamimimarkets)
Updated 26 July 2025

Tamimi Markets and Yellow Door Energy sign solar lease

(X @tamimimarkets)
  • Bobby Rajendran, CEO of Tamimi Markets, said: “Sustainability is embedded in Tamimi Markets’ DNA, and today we are walking the talk on sustainability by signing this solar lease with Yellow Door Energy

Tamimi Markets, a prominent name in Ƶ’s retail sector, and Yellow Door Energy, a sustainable energy partner for businesses in the Middle East and Africa, have signed a solar lease agreement to provide clean electricity to Tamimi Markets’ distribution centers in Jeddah and Dammam.
The solar project has a combined capacity of 900 kWp, with 465 kWp allocated to the Jeddah fulfillment center and 435 kWp to two facilities in Dammam. More than 1,500 high-efficiency bifacial solar panels will be installed across approximately 7,200 square meters of rooftop space. The solar power plants are expected to generate 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy in their first year of operation, equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 586 metric tonnes. This initiative directly supports Ƶ’s “net-zero by 2060” commitment and aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030.
Bobby Rajendran, CEO of Tamimi Markets, said: “Sustainability is embedded in Tamimi Markets’ DNA, and today we are walking the talk on sustainability by signing this solar lease with Yellow Door Energy. Together with our solar partner, we will decarbonize our operations, enhance business resilience and support Ƶ’s ‘net-zero by 2060’ objective. Our shoppers, employees, and wider network can be proud of the fact that Tamimi Markets, the preferred grocery destination for Saudis, is leading the sustainability journey.”
Hisham Alhegelan, CEO Middle East at Yellow Door Energy, added: “We are honored to partner with Tamimi Markets on this important solar project. Through the solar lease, significant cost savings and carbon emission reduction will be realized. The Kingdom of Ƶ continues to lead the region in its sustainability stewardship, and this important solar project demonstrates this leadership.”
Khaled Chebaro, country Director for Ƶ at Yellow Door Energy, added: “We are delighted to support Tamimi Markets and contribute to Saudi Vision 2030. Yellow Door Energy continues to rapidly expand its project portfolio in the Kingdom, helping businesses reduce energy costs and lower carbon emissions. To-date, we have signed five solar leases in Ƶ and look forward to contributing to the Kingdom’s ‘net-zero by 2060’ target.”

Construction is already underway, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Under the solar lease agreement, Yellow Door Energy is responsible for financing, designing, constructing, commissioning, operating, and maintaining the solar power plants while Tamimi Supermarkets remains focused on providing the best retail experience for its shoppers. 

 


New look, features in botim’s fintech-first transformation

New look, features in botim’s fintech-first transformation
Updated 23 July 2025

New look, features in botim’s fintech-first transformation

New look, features in botim’s fintech-first transformation

botim, Astra Tech’s flagship fintech-first platform in the MENA region, has launched a refreshed brand identity and an upgraded user interface. This update marks the next chapter in the Abu Dhabi-headquartered app’s evolution, serving a growing global user base of more than 150 million with an improved experience.
Built on a strong VoIP foundation that established seamless communication, botim has evolved into a fintech-first, AI-native platform by integrating advanced financial features designed to meet the changing needs of its users. From January to May 2025, Botim saw a 50 percent increase in monthly active wallet users, a strong indicator of its growing relevance in the digital finance space. The redesigned interface is faster, more intuitive, and purposefully structured to simplify how users interact with its core functions including payments, transfers, lending, and calling.
“botim has always been a trusted platform for meaningful connection but is much more. With this update, we’re reinforcing our position as a fintech-first platform, built on a foundation of secure VoIP, and designed with simplicity at its core,” said Dr. Tariq bin Hendi, board member at Astra Tech and CEO of botim. “We’ve streamlined the experience to meet the needs of a growing user base that expects more not just from communication, but from the way they interact and manage their financial services as well.”
As the UAE continues to experience significant population growth, reaching an all-time high of 11.22 million in 2025 according to Worldometer, botim stands as a trusted platform for this expanding community combining seamless communication and financial tools into one unified experience. botim’s evolution from a local service to a globally scalable solution reflects market demand, with its embedded financial services such as peer-to-peer transfers and lending designed to meet users’ everyday financial needs, no matter where they are.
botim’s AI-native foundation enhances accessibility through intelligent features such as real-time translation, smart call filters, and an interactive in-app chatbot, serving a diverse, multilingual audience.
These advancements have driven the platform’s latest interface update. Designed around real user behavior, the new UI makes it easier to perform everyday actions from payments and transfers to lending and calling. Services are now clearly segmented, navigation is more intuitive, and the overall experience is simplified to meet the demands of an increasingly digital, mobile-first audience.
The app adapts to user profiles, from first-time users to VIPs, surfacing the most relevant services. Financial tools are now directly accessible within chat with a single click, while improved call quality and AI-powered chatbot assistance further enhance the user experience.

The result is greater responsiveness, reduced clutter, and increased clarity all tailored to the needs of a growing, digitally active population. 


flyadeal receives milestone 40th aircraft in France

flyadeal receives milestone 40th aircraft in France
Updated 23 July 2025

flyadeal receives milestone 40th aircraft in France

flyadeal receives milestone 40th aircraft in France

flyadeal, Ƶ’s fast-growing low-cost airline, has taken delivery of its newest and milestone 40th aircraft in a ceremony attended by employees flown specially to France for the handover.
Thirteen staff, including crew and competition winners chosen in a lucky draw from across the company, were given a behind-the-scenes tour of Airbus’ aircraft assembly plant in Toulouse, southern France, before taking the delivery flight back to Ƶ.
The airline’s 29th A320neo, named Al-Faras (“The Horse“), is part of flyadeal’s 40-strong narrowbody fleet that also includes 11 of the A320ceo variant.
Captain Naif Almatrafi, director of operations, flyadeal, was handed over the keys to the airline’s latest flying asset by Airbus management before commanding the aircraft for the near six-hour flight to Jeddah. He was joined in the cockpit by co-pilot Lawrence Itani from Lebanon.
Steven Greenway, flyadeal CEO, said: “An incredibly proud moment for the flyadeal family to now operate a fleet of 40 aircraft in such a short time of less than eight years since our very first flight. It’s an amazing achievement, a great milestone, and one to build on as we continue to expand with vigor to meet our growth targets.
“What’s even more special is we flew a number of our employees to Toulouse for a memorable trip to see firsthand the hard work that goes into planning, building, assembling and delivering an aircraft. Boarding the aircraft as special passengers for the journey back to the Kingdom was a bonus dream flight to cherish. Thanks to our partners at Airbus for their hospitality in supporting the visit.”
Captain Abdulaziz Bahri, flyadeal chief operating officer, added: “Being the backbone of our fleet, the A320neos have demonstrated operational resilience, great performance efficiency and, importantly, contributed significantly to punctuality as reflected in our extremely consistent and above industry average on-time departure and arrival data, which only last month showed we were the world’s most punctual airline.”
flyadeal has rapidly developed into the Middle East’s fastest growing airline operating its young fleet from bases in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam to more than 30 year-round and seasonal destinations across Ƶ, and in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa and South Asia. By 2030, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, flyadeal expects to triple its network to over 100 destinations and more than 100 aircraft.
As part of future fleet requirements, flyadeal placed its largest-ever order last year for 51 Airbus A320 family aircraft, comprising 12 A320neos and 39 larger A321neos, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.