Lean teams up with Plug and Play to advance health innovation in Kingdom

Updated 11 sec ago

Arab News

July 20, 2025 14:19

As part of its ongoing efforts to expand international collaboration and accelerate innovation in the healthcare sector, Lean Business Services, a leading national enabler of digital health solutions and a Public Investment Fund company, has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with global innovation platform Plug and Play, renowned for its startup acceleration programs. The agreement was signed during the official ministerial visit to the US led by Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, vice minister of health.

The partnership will establish a scalable and sustainable health innovation ecosystem in ��Ƶ by launching acceleration programs for startups specializing in digital health and artificial intelligence, as well as creating innovation hubs that empower the next generation of health technologies across the Kingdom and the wider region. The MoU was signed at Plug and Play’s headquarters in San Francisco by Mohanned Alrasheed, CEO of Lean, and Saeed Amidi, CEO of Plug and Play.

Commenting on the collaboration, Alrasheed said: “At Lean, we believe that true innovation begins with building strong international innovation networks. Our partnership with Plug and Play marks a strategic step toward creating a fertile environment for health entrepreneurship in the Kingdom and driving digital solutions that can meet the future needs of healthcare, both locally and globally.”

Amidi added: “We’re incredibly excited about our partnership with Lean and the opportunity to showcase our shared vision to the world. Our teams will be working closely together to build something truly impactful that blends innovation, investment, and global collaboration to shape the future of healthcare and AI.”

As part of the visit, the delegation from the Ministry of Health and Lean met with leaders from major technology companies, including Apple and Google, to explore the latest advancements in smart health devices, AI-driven solutions, and health data analytics. The discussions focused on potential integration opportunities with ��Ƶ’s national healthcare systems.

The tour also included visits to leading startups specialized in accelerating drug discovery and early disease detection using AI. The delegation also visited Stanford Biodesign Labs to explore innovation support models in medical device design and biomedical engineering.

This milestone reflects Lean’s strong commitment to its role as a digital enabler in the health sector. It aligns with ��Ƶ’s Vision 2030 goals to build an innovative, sustainable, and innovation-driven healthcare ecosystem. Through global partnerships, Lean continues to lead digital transformation efforts, leveraging technology to deliver more efficient, human-centered, and high-quality health experiences to communities across the Kingdom.

Savor ‘Summer with LuLu’ as retail giant kicks off campaign

The campaign brings a festive atmosphere to LuLu stores.

Updated 20 July 2025

Arab News

July 20, 2025 00:10

Savor ‘Summer with LuLu’ as retail giant kicks off campaign

The grand giveaway includes sparkling necklaces, dazzling pendants, and gift vouchers — all presented in partnership with Joy Alukkas

Updated 20 July 2025

Arab News

July 20, 2025 00:10

LuLu Hypermarket is hosting a summer campaign across all its stores in ��Ƶ, transforming the season into a vibrant celebration of rewards, entertainment, and unbeatable shopping deals. The “Summer with LuLu” campaign kicked off in collaboration with leading jewelry brand Joy Alukkas, setting the stage for a fun-filled retail experience for shoppers and families across the Kingdom.
Running from July 9 to Aug. 26, the campaign offers more than just summer savings — it brings a festive atmosphere to LuLu stores, complete with themed events, engaging activities, and opportunities to win prizes. From weekly in-store experiences to exclusive promotions, LuLu is making sure every visit feels like a celebration.
The highlight of this summer campaign is the SR1 million ($266,600) diamond giveaway, offering customers the chance to win exquisite jewelry and gift vouchers. Shoppers can participate by scanning the QR code displayed on in-store roll-up banners, which enters them into a digital raffle packed with prizes.
The grand giveaway includes sparkling necklaces, dazzling pendants, and gift vouchers — all presented in partnership with Joy Alukkas.
LuLu has reimagined the summer shopping experience with a lineup of themed in-store campaigns designed to cater to every interest and lifestyle. Whether you are chasing the season’s trends or seeking refreshing delights, LuLu’s summer activations have something for everyone.
“LuLu Summer Style” brings the latest in fashion with stunning summer outfits at unbeatable prices, perfect for customers looking to refresh their wardrobes with seasonal flair. Beauty enthusiasts can explore top skincare and personal care essentials under “LuLu Season to Glow,” offering incredible value on must-have beauty products.

Health-conscious shoppers are in for a treat with “Healthy Eats,” highlighting nutritious choices at exceptional prices. Gamers can dive into “Game On,” featuring cool gaming gear and accessories to make playtime even more fun.
Craving something sweet or refreshing? “Chill Out With Scoops” presents a tempting selection of summer ice creams, while “Chill Mode On” quenches your thirst with a wide variety of cool beverages. For fruit lovers, “Cool With Nature” showcases fresh, juicy fruits at remarkable price drops.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with “LuLu Sweet Symphony,” a delightful assortment of sweets. And for those embracing the sunny days in style, “Hello Summer” offers a wide collection of fashionable eyewear to complete your seasonal look.
Beyond the weekly themes, the campaign also features large-scale events such as summer carnivals, gaming competitions, and dedicated Family Fun Zones, ensuring that LuLu stores remain a hub of excitement for visitors of all ages throughout the season.

Topics: LuLu

flyadeal is world’s ‘most punctual’ airline

Updated 20 July 2025

Arab News

July 20, 2025 00:08

flyadeal is world’s ‘most punctual’ airline

Almost eight years old, flyadeal operates more than 200 scheduled flights a day from three bases in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam

Updated 20 July 2025

Arab News

July 20, 2025 00:08

flyadeal, ��Ƶ’s fast-growing low-cost airline, has been named the world’s most punctual airline with an on-time performance of 91.77 percent in June 2025.
According to Cirium, the independent aviation analytics company, flyadeal was No. 1 in the Middle East and Africa category. With sister airline Saudia topping the global airlines category at 91.33 percent — the top 10 percent of all passenger airlines by capacity — flyadeal emerged as the most punctual overall when considering all carriers published in Cirium’s June 2025 report. OTP measures flight punctuality within 15 minutes of scheduled arrivals.
Almost eight years old, flyadeal operates more than 200 scheduled flights a day from three bases in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

Topics: flyadeal

SDB supports students with new ‘Education Financing’ product

The Social Development Bank. (Supplied)

Updated 20 July 2025

Arab News

July 19, 2025 23:59

SDB supports students with new ‘Education Financing’ product

The maximum financing amount available through “Education Financing” is SR100,000 ($26,660), which can be disbursed either in installments or as a lump sum, depending on the nature of the academic program

Updated 20 July 2025

Arab News

July 19, 2025 23:59

The Social Development Bank has launched a new product to empower students to pursue their post-secondary education through digital financing solutions. The “Education Financing” product seeks to expand access to knowledge and provide financial support to ambitious students at the diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.
This initiative aligns with SDB’s efforts to enhance integration between educational and financial institutions via a unified digital platform. The platform enables students to submit applications and complete procedures quickly and easily through an integrated process that begins with academic and financial eligibility checks and ends with the direct disbursement of funds to accredited educational institutions.
The maximum financing amount available through “Education Financing” is SR100,000 ($26,660), which can be disbursed either in installments or as a lump sum, depending on the nature of the academic program. The entire financing process is managed electronically, ensuring the highest standards of governance and data integration.
SDB’s dedicated education portal provides a comprehensive digital platform that allows students to apply and enables educational institutions to review applications and verify eligibility. Funds are disbursed directly to these institutions, ensuring that support reaches eligible students and contributes to improving the quality of educational services in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
SDB has signed a strategic agreement with JeelPay — the first fintech company licensed by the Saudi Central Bank to provide education financing — to offer SR50 million in funding for students seeking to continue their academic journey. The agreement supports the “Education Financing” product indirectly through a dedicated financing portfolio aimed at supporting students at the diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s levels using advanced financial technologies.

Topics: The Social Development Bank

Lulu launches 3 value concept stores in ��Ƶ

Updated 17 July 2025

Arab News

July 17, 2025 19:58

Lulu launches 3 value concept stores in ��Ƶ

Updated 17 July 2025

Arab News

July 17, 2025 19:58

Lulu Group inaugurated three new value concept — LOT — stores in ��Ƶ in a single day — in Makkah, Saihat, Eastern Province, and Riyadh. The central launch event took place in Makkah and was attended by dignitaries and government officials.

The Makkah store was inaugurated by Dr. Waleed Basuliman, general manager of investment and partnerships at the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, alongside Lulu Group chairman Yusuff Ali M.A.

Nasser Huwaiden Thaiban Ali Alketbi, consul general of the UAE in Jeddah; Engineer Yaser Attar, director general of investment and deputy for planning and financial sustainability at Makkah Municipality; business figures from Makkah, Engineer Abdulaziz Al Sindi, and Sheikh Ibrahim Al Rifaei were also present.

Yusuffali M.A. said: “This expansion reflects our commitment to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and our goal to offer high-quality, affordable products to all.”

He added that with LOT, their aim is to redefine value retailing by making everyday essentials accessible to everyone without compromising on quality.

“Four more LOT stores are in the pipeline in the Kingdom,” the Lulu chairman added.

Located on Abdullah Areef Street in Al-Rusafyah District, the new Makkah LOT store spans 43,000 square feet and is designed to deliver an engaging, budget-friendly shopping experience.

It features a wide selection of household essentials, kitchenware, and fashion for men, women, and children, with a strong emphasis on quality and affordability.

The store also offers ample parking space, enhancing its convenience for residents and visitors alike.

These value concept stores offer a wide range of products at unbeatable prices, with many items priced below SR22.

This initiative aims to ensure that everyone can access high-quality goods, including household essentials, kitchenware, and fashion for men, women, and children.

The Eastern Province outlet, located in Saihat within the Lulu Hypermarket complex on Al-Musib Ibn Rafi Street, offers 24,000 square feet of smart retail space tailored to budget-friendly shoppers.

Meanwhile, the Riyadh location in Al-Malaz features 18772 square feet of retail space and comprehensive parking facilities, positioning it as a flagship destination for value shopping in the capital.

All three stores opened with exclusive collections and promotional offers, reinforcing LOT’s core mission of making good-quality products accessible at wallet-friendly prices, responding to growing consumer demand for affordable yet high-quality retail experiences.

With this strategic expansion, Lulu continues to strengthen its footprint in the Saudi market, energizing the local retail sector and reaffirming its commitment to delivering value-driven shopping across key cities in the region.

Jameel Motors to launch GAC electric vehicles in UK

Updated 17 July 2025

Arab News

July 17, 2025 15:32

Jameel Motors to launch GAC electric vehicles in UK

Updated 17 July 2025

Arab News

July 17, 2025 15:32

Jameel Motors, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands, has signed a joint venture agreement with Chinese automaker GAC to distribute the latter’s electric vehicles in the UK. In April, Jameel Motors announced it had won a distribution agreement for GAC in Poland through a competitive process involving both local and international companies.

This innovative joint venture will be one of the first of its kind in the UK with a Chinese automaker, a market with significant long-term potential and will be established after completion of relevant regulatory and antitrust approvals. With battery electric vehicle registrations up 25.8 percent year-on-year and accounting for 21.8 percent of new car sales, the UK is a strong and expanding hub for EV adoption.

The agreement expands Jameel Motors’ existing portfolio in the UK — where it already distributes the electric commercial vehicle brand Farizon Auto — and will be its first passenger vehicle brand in the market. The partnership will bring new EVs to the UK, driving market growth and offering customers a broader range of choices.

Initially, two all-electric models from GAC AION will be available: the AION V, a C-segment SUV, and the AION UT, a B-segment hatchback. AION showcases GAC’s core strengths of award-winning quality and pioneering technology — ideally suited to meet the rising demand for quality electric vehicles among UK drivers. They will be available through select retail partners across the UK, with first customer deliveries expected at the end of Q1 2026. Additional models will follow to expand the AION lineup.

Jasmmine Wong, chief executive — Jameel Motors, said: “The joint venture with GAC represents a shared vision, and an exciting opportunity to meet the UK’s growing demand for smarter, cleaner passenger vehicles. Led by customer preference and guided by our expertise, we’re committed to staying ahead of trends and delivering first-class solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.”

Wayne Wei, president — GAC International, added: “GAC’s entry into the UK marks a crucial step in its internationalization strategy. As we set foot in this dynamic market, GAC is committed to bringing industry-leading products and first-class services to UK consumers.”

GAC is one of China’s major car manufacturers, ranking No. 181 in the Fortune Global 500 and having gained international recognition for its high-quality vehicles, advanced technological solutions, and commitment to sustainability. GAC’s business spans seven major sectors: R&D, complete vehicles, auto parts, energy and ecosystem, international operations, trade and mobility, as well as investment and finance.

As of today, GAC has a market presence across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and America, in a total of 84 countries and regions worldwide. Driven by a strong commitment to innovation, GAC has reached major milestones in its international expansion, with overseas sales of its self-branded vehicles surpassing 100,000 units for the first time in 2024, a 92.3 percent year-on-year increase.

Jameel Motors represents some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands and has operations in more than 10 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia. This agreement marks another milestone as Jameel Motors continues to expand internationally and harness innovation for the future of mobility.

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