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Najm is playing a pivotal role in bolstering traffic safety within the holy sites by ensuring prompt arrival at accident scenes, initiating necessary procedures and alleviating traffic congestion.

Najm’s operational plan for Hajj reinforces national efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of pilgrims. The plan facilitates the smooth and secure performance of rituals, safeguarding pilgrims from the moment of their arrival at the Kingdom’s border crossings until their safe return home. Najm has prepared a field fleet of approximately 120 vehicles, including 54 motorcycles, and a dedicated field team of more than 150 qualified specialists.

The operational plan incorporates a robust, integrated technical infrastructure designed to proactively manage the expected rise in pilgrim numbers and bolster traffic safety in the holy sites. A central operations room, outfitted with the latest smart systems and diverse digital communication channels, serves as the command hub. This network leverages tools such as the Najm application, IVR system, and the direction and control system. Complementing these are a full-service call center and WhatsApp service, all integrated to expedite response times and optimize the handling of any traffic incidents. 

Abdullah Al-Khalaf, acting CEO at Najm, said: “We at Najm are proud to be part of the integrated national system concerned with serving pilgrims, under the supervision of our leadership. We have worked to improve our operational readiness this year in a qualitative manner, harnessing all our human and technical capabilities to support the efforts made to enhance traffic safety during the Hajj season in cooperation with the General Traffic Department and all concerned parties.”

He added: “Najm’s operational plan for this year’s Hajj season reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to caring for pilgrims. It aligns with the ‘Pilgrims’ Experience Program’ — a key initiative of Saudi Vision 2030 — to enhance the Hajj journey and enable pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind.”

In addition, within the framework of its social responsibility program “Najm Al-Khair” and in continuation of the company’s efforts in the Hajj mission, Najm is sponsoring the “Aoun” initiative in cooperation with the National Center for Responsibility and Studies. 

Aoun is a community initiative helping pilgrims through a team of volunteers providing professional services to pilgrims that enable them to perform their rituals with ease.

Moreover, Manafeth, Najm’s subsidiary, is actively receiving pilgrims at the Kingdom’s border crossings. Manafeth facilitates their entry by issuing mandatory third-party liability insurance for foreign vehicles. This service, accessible through its border offices, website, and the Manafeth application, ensures pilgrims receive necessary insurance protection, safeguarding their rights and covering their liabilities in the event of traffic incidents during their Hajj.

Industrialization and Energy Services Company, known as TAQA, a global leader in energy and industrial services, announced that Khalid Nouh will step down from his role as chief executive, as part of the company’s ongoing evolution and long-term strategic growth agenda.

Since his appointment in 2019, Nouh has been instrumental in transforming TAQA into a unified global organization. Under his leadership, the company successfully integrated a series of value-driven acquisitions, including Tendeka, AZR, OPT Chemicals, Cougar Drilling Solutions, Oliden Technologies, and Al-Mansoori Petroleum Services. These integrations positioned TAQA as a fully integrated energy services provider with more than 12 service lines and 5,500 employees across global markets.

During his tenure, TAQA digitized its business operations under a single platform, launched centers of excellence in drilling, completions, and intervention, and established TAQA Geothermal, aligning the company with regional energy transition ambitions. Additionally, Nouh played a key role in positioning ARGAS to support mineral exploration initiatives. Under his guidance, the company achieved remarkable revenue growth, driven by strategic execution and operational excellence.

With this solid foundation in place, TAQA is now focused on accelerating its next phase — expanding market presence and driving innovation.

To lead this new chapter, the board of directors has appointed Adel Al-Ghadhban as interim chief executive officer.

Al-Ghadhban currently serves as executive vice president — ventures and chief investment officer and brings more than 30 years of experience in multiple energy sectors including portfolio management and finance across the energy and manufacturing sectors, including 20 years with TAQA. He was responsible for leading the company’s group legal, risk, and compliance functions, and guiding strategy for TAQA’s portfolio companies. He also serves on the boards of several TAQA subsidiaries, including ARGAS as vice chairman, Cougar Drilling Solutions, TAQA Drilling Solutions (Canada), and was in board leadership roles at ALAR and JESCO.

Outgoing CEO Nouh said: “It has been an extraordinary journey and a privilege to lead TAQA through a period of remarkable growth and transformation. I am proud of what we’ve built together — a global platform with strong capabilities and a focus on sustainable, profitable growth. I leave confident in the company’s direction and leadership, and excited to see it reach even greater heights.”

Ahmed Al-Zahrani, chairman of the board, said: “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Khalid Nouh for his exceptional vision and dedication. He played a pivotal role in shaping TAQA into the global leader it is today — delivering on strategy, strengthening our service offering, and transforming the organization into ONE TAQA. As we look to the future, we are confident that Adel Al-Ghadhban will build on this legacy with a sharp focus on performance, innovation, and growth.”

Al-Ghadhban added: “I am honored to take on this role at such a defining moment in TAQA’s evolution. We have a strong foundation, a clear vision, and exceptional teams around the world. I look forward to working closely with our people, partners, and clients to build on our achievements and accelerate our strategic growth.”