Ƶ

At Henkel, Saudi female leaders drive business transformation

Simon Ulmann, vice president of operations and supply chain for Henkel Adhesive Technologies IMEA
1 / 5
Simon Ulmann, vice president of operations and supply chain for Henkel Adhesive Technologies IMEA
Marwa Mohamed, head of human resources for Henkel GCC and senior HR business partner for HR IMEA
2 / 5
Marwa Mohamed, head of human resources for Henkel GCC and senior HR business partner for HR IMEA
At Henkel, Saudi female leaders drive business transformation
3 / 5
At Henkel, Saudi female leaders drive business transformation
4 / 5
At Henkel, Saudi female leaders drive business transformation
5 / 5
Short Url
Updated 3 min 47 sec ago

At Henkel, Saudi female leaders drive business transformation

At Henkel, Saudi female leaders drive business transformation

The story of women in the workplace has long been told through the language of barriers: glass ceilings, thresholds and invisible walls. But in the Gulf today, national agendas centered on human capital development, diversification and women’s empowerment have opened a different path. Vision 2030 in Ƶ has created both the mandate and momentum to fundamentally transform women’s career trajectories, not just their presence, but their power to shape business outcomes. 

As a long-term contributor to the region, Henkel sees today’s mission distinctly: acceleration is not just about having women in the workforce; it’s about positioning them where their leadership carries real weight in strategic decisions that shape innovation, drive competitive advantage, and determine business success. The shift from participation to strategic influence marks the difference between inclusion metrics and sustainable business growth. 

For Henkel, this represents a fundamental business imperative. Innovation relies on different perspectives wielding actual decision-making power, and competitiveness relies on placing the best talent where it matters most. At Henkel, gender diversity in employment has never been a challenge — the company is continuously advancing its leadership pathways for female talent, recognizing that companies dominating the decade ahead are those that embed women’s leadership as a core organizational value and business strategy for sustainable growth. 

Strategic leadership as a competitive advantage 

“Diversity without decision-making authority is a missed opportunity. In Ƶ, where Vision 2030 has created momentum to place women as strategic decision-makers in industries that define the future, we see this as both a responsibility and a critical business driver,” said Simon Ulmann, vice president operations and supply chain, Henkel Adhesive Technologies IMEA. “At Henkel, we’ve maintained strong gender representation across all levels for years. Our commitment lies in continuously furthering our leadership pathways for female talent, ensuring we provide evolving opportunities for growth and strategic impact.” 

This conviction underpins the implementation of Henkel’s global programs in the region. The CHAiNGERS program, Henkel’s global initiative launched across the UAE and Ƶ, is an intensive 18-month-long leadership accelerator that transcends traditional training. Through technical training, mentorship, rotations and stretch assignments, we prepare female engineers for roles where their decisions directly impact operational excellence and financial outcomes. 

“The sophistication of CHAiNGERS lies in its focus on developing decision-making capability alongside technical mastery, as well as an emphasis on cultivating positive leadership characteristics,” said Marwa Mohamed, Henkel head of HR GCC and senior HRBP HR IMEA. “We’re developing talent which understands that their role isn’t just to support strategy but to shape it. With our next cohort in Dammam targeting early-career professionals at our Henkel Industrial Company and Polybit sites, we’re building a pipeline of Saudi female leaders ready to drive business transformation.” 

From presence to power: measurable business impact 

The results validate Henkel’s approach. One CHAiNGERS participant who began in plant operations now leads safety and risk management, where her strategic decisions directly influence operational efficiency. Another has stepped into sustainability leadership, where her initiatives strengthen the company’s competitive position while furthering its sustainability agenda. 

These outcomes reflect how Henkel transforms potential into business impact through structured mentorship and leadership tracks that prepare women for positions where their decisions shape company direction. 

Building strategic decision-makers 

Henkel’s commitment to creating equal opportunities for all extends through the NextGen Leaders program, which is another 18-month long talent development track for young Saudi STEM professionals. By rotating across various Henkel adhesive technologies divisions, participants of the program influence business decisions that support the Kingdom’s manufacturing sector while shaping Henkel’s regional strategy. 

“The NextGen program ensures that the voices of our talent are heard in strategic meetings where business direction is determined,” said Mohamed. “We’re creating leaders who set the agenda, not just have a seat at the table.” 

What distinguishes Henkel’s approach is measuring success by decision-making authority and business impact, not participation rates. The company’s strategies explicitly target moving women into positions where their leadership shapes innovation priorities and drives sustainable growth. 

“Women in our organization are architects of competitive advantage because they’re positioned where decisions matter most,” Ulmann said. Henkel has long been recognized as a leader in fostering a culture that values women in strategic roles, demonstrating the importance of their presence in shaping business outcomes. “Companies that overlook the inclusion of women in key leadership positions are essentially operating at only half their potential,” he added. 

Defining the future through strategic leadership 

The Gulf stands at a moment of profound transformation, with Ƶ as a decisive driver. Vision 2030 recognizes that sustainable economic growth requires women’s strategic leadership, not just participation. For industrial companies like Henkel, further accelerating women into decision-making roles is strategic business planning for competitive advantage. 

“The true test of leadership isn’t presence but impact. The talented women in our CHAiNGERS cohort and across Henkel in the GCC are an invaluable asset, defining our future through strategic decisions that shape our business trajectory,” said Ulmann. “We’ve built, and are furthering an ecosystem where women’s leadership directly determines business outcomes and creates competitive advantages that will define regional success.” 

The question is not whether women will define the future of work in the GCC but whether companies are positioning them in roles where their leadership can deliver the strategic impact that sustainable growth demands. 

  • Simon Ulmann, vice president of operations and supply chain for Henkel Adhesive Technologies IMEA, and Marwa Mohamed, head of human resources for Henkel GCC and senior HR business partner for HR IMEA, co-wrote this piece. 

Cisco Ƶ takes new approach to safeguarding digital ecosystem, top official

Cisco Ƶ takes new approach to safeguarding digital ecosystem, top official
Updated 35 min 49 sec ago

Cisco Ƶ takes new approach to safeguarding digital ecosystem, top official

Cisco Ƶ takes new approach to safeguarding digital ecosystem, top official

The most encouraging advancement is the growth of Ƶ’s information and communication technology sector, according to Salman Faqeeh, managing director, Cisco Ƶ.  

Last year, ICT spending in the Kingdom exceeded $10 billion, consolidating its position as the largest tech market in the MENA region, he said.  

"Another promising trend is a heightened focus on cybersecurity. Ƶ’s cybersecurity market is expected to reach a compound annual growth rate of 18.33% by 2029. The Kingdom is also rapidly advancing its vision for smart cities. The government has allocated $500 billion for its flagship smart city project Neom, which aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things, and renewable energy.  

"Ƶ is well on its way to becoming a global leader in innovation and technology adoption. At Cisco, we are at the forefront of supporting this journey by revolutionizing how infrastructure and data connect and protect organizations in the AI era," Faqeeh added.  

Amidst mounting complexity and expanding attack surfaces, cybersecurity is the bedrock of a prosperous digital economy. "At Cisco, we are taking a fundamental new approach to safeguarding the digital ecosystem, where security meets the network," he said.  

"Cisco AI Defense, our end-to-end AI security solution, protects every stage of AI development and deployment with unmatched visibility and control over networks," Faqeeh explained.  

Meanwhile, Cisco Hypershield, our groundbreaking security architecture, powers and protects the engine of the AI revolution – AI-scale data centers and clouds.    

Faqeeh said: "We are helping organizations across Ƶ strengthen their cybersecurity posture with platform-based solutions like Security Cloud and Extended Detection and Response. A prime example is our work with stc to upgrade its Cyber Defense Center, which has resulted in increasing security cover by up to 95% and reducing incident response time from eight hours to one hour. 

"AI brings immense opportunities to healthcare, promising faster and more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatments, and predictive care that could transform patient outcomes. While AI boosts productivity, workers can focus on tasks better suited for human expertise, like patient care. In education, AI serves as a complementary tool that enhances the educational experience while preserving vital human elements of teaching and learning. And finally, smart cities would not exist without AI, as AI powers IoT, on which smart cities run, using smart devices to deliver a connected living experience." 

He added: "At Cisco, we are a trusted partner that helps organizations across diverse sectors accelerate their AI journeys within a responsible AI framework. Our collaborations with public and private sector entities are instrumental in building AI-ready infrastructure and fostering local innovation. We will continue to support Ƶ’s giga-projects by deploying smart building technologies and IoT solutions to create sustainable, connected urban environments.  

"In today's rapidly evolving threat landscape, relying solely on human-scale defense is no longer enough. We need AI to combat threats because we need to protect the ecosystem at machine scale, not just human scale. But the best defense won’t be artificial or human – it will be a collaboration between the two."   

According to our 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index, Faqeeh said, only 1% of organizations in Ƶ have achieved the "mature" level of readiness required to effectively withstand today’s cybersecurity threats. "To tackle today’s cybersecurity challenges, enterprises must invest in AI-driven solutions, simplify security infrastructures, and enhance AI threat awareness. Prioritizing AI for threat detection, response, and recovery is essential, as is addressing talent shortages and mitigating risks from unmanaged devices and unregulated AI deployments, also known as shadow AI." 

Faqeeh further said: "Security leaders have the responsibility to contribute their expertise to developing homegrown talent in the markets where they operate. At Cisco, we are committed to fostering a diverse and digitally skilled workforce in Ƶ.  

"Since its inception in the Kingdom in partnership with King Abdulaziz University, the Cisco Networking Academy has trained over 479,000 learners in cybersecurity and other digital technology fields for free. Notably, 36% of the participants have been women – one of the highest percentages globally. We are on track to achieve our target of upskilling 500,000 learners in five years. 

"We have also joined forces with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to establish the Cisco AI Institute that will train future AI leaders while driving AI innovation. In addition, we are providing Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certifications in collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology." 

 


Burjeel Holdings to showcase next-gen healthcare innovation at Global Health Exhibition 2025

Burjeel Holdings to showcase next-gen healthcare innovation at Global Health Exhibition 2025
Updated 23 October 2025

Burjeel Holdings to showcase next-gen healthcare innovation at Global Health Exhibition 2025

Burjeel Holdings to showcase next-gen healthcare innovation at Global Health Exhibition 2025

Burjeel Holdings, a leading super-specialty healthcare services provider in the MENA region, is set to highlight the future of intelligent, compassionate healthcare at the Global Health Exhibition 2025, taking place from Oct. 27 to 30 at the Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center, Malham. Under the theme “Care meets Intelligence — World-Class Healthcare for the Kingdom,” Burjeel Holdings will showcase how innovation, advanced technology, and patient-centered care are converging to shape world-class healthcare in Ƶ. Artificial intelligence will feature prominently among the group’s key pillars, reflecting its focus on enhancing patient outcomes, improving clinical efficiency, and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation goals.

Spotlight on innovation

At Booth No. H2 S10, Burjeel Holdings will showcase how human intelligence and technological advancements are merging to deliver better patient outcomes and experiences. The booth will feature a connected ecosystem of intelligent healthcare solutions that demonstrate how clinical expertise and advanced systems come together to enhance the quality, accessibility, and personalization of care.

Among the highlights is the “AI for Life” pavilion, where visitors can explore how AI-powered solutions are transforming patient engagement, clinical decision-making, and operational efficiency across Burjeel Holdings’ network. Developed in collaboration with global technology partners, these innovations reflect the group’s broader vision of uniting data, compassion, and precision to make healthcare smarter, more efficient, and deeply personal.

The key innovations on display include advanced patient engagement and clinical support platforms that bring empathy and intelligence to doctor–patient interactions. Other solutions, such as the Clinical AI Agent, demonstrate how intelligent systems can streamline workflows, enhance clinical decision-making, and improve continuity of care.

The group will launch a suite of wellness and disease management platforms at the exhibition, designed to extend personalization and precision across broader aspects of care. These upcoming solutions leverage biomarker insights, remote monitoring, and guided virtual therapy to support lifestyle optimization, chronic disease management, and mental well-being, empowering individuals to take proactive control of their health.

Through PhysioTherabia, the largest physiotherapy and wellness network in the Kingdom, Burjeel Holdings will also unveil a new AI-powered digital health platform focused on musculoskeletal care, pain management, and well-being.

In line with Ƶ’s Vision 2030, Burjeel Holdings continues to strengthen its presence in the Kingdom through collaborations that advance local capabilities and accessibility. The group is expected to announce new partnerships with public and private entities aimed at expanding insurance coverage, enhancing clinical expertise, and accelerating the delivery of advanced care.

The group’s growing presence in Ƶ highlights its role as an active contributor to the Kingdom’s evolving healthcare landscape. “Our continued expansion in Ƶ underscores Burjeel Holdings’ long-term commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s healthcare transformation. As a trusted partner, we are focused on building capacity, advancing innovation, and enhancing access to world-class care. The Global Health Exhibition provides an opportunity to demonstrate how intelligence and compassion converge to shape a smarter, more sustainable healthcare future in line with Vision 2030,” said Safeer Ahamed, Co-CEO of Burjeel Holdings.

Since starting operations in the Kingdom, the group’s brands, including PhysioTherabia, PhysioTrio, the Specialist Physiotherapy Center in Makkah and Al-Kalma, have established a growing network of 31 wellness and mental health centers serving communities across Ƶ. The group will soon open two new day surgery centers in Riyadh and Alkhobar, offering world-class outpatient and same-day surgical care closer to home.

Beyond its expanding presence in Ƶ, Burjeel Holdings will also spotlight its advanced complex care programs and capabilities, spanning oncology, transplant surgery, fetal medicine, and robotic-assisted procedures.


LuLu opens new store, promotes local pomegranates

LuLu opens new store, promotes local pomegranates
Updated 23 October 2025

LuLu opens new store, promotes local pomegranates

LuLu opens new store, promotes local pomegranates

LuLu Retail has expanded its footprint in Ƶ by opening a new hypermarket in Asal Center Tuwaiq, Riyadh. This move aligns with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, aimed at boosting the economy and creating more job opportunities.

The new store was inaugurated by Mohammed A. Al-Ahamri, assistant deputy of integrated investors services at the Ministry of Investment, in the presence of Turki Al-Ajlan, board member of Riyadh Chamber; Matar Salem Ali Marran Al-Dhaheri, ambassador of the UAE to Ƶ; Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, ambassador of India to Ƶ; Yusuffali M.A., chairman of LuLu Group; and other guests.

“We’re proud to continue our expansion in Ƶ. This hypermarket reflects our commitment to Vision 2030 by creating jobs, enhancing retail infrastructure, and offering a top-class shopping experience,” said Yusuffali.

The store spans 65,000 square feet and features an extensive range of products, including groceries, fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy, bakery items, home essentials, electronics, beauty products, and more. It also includes self-checkout counters for hassle-free shopping and a dedicated dining area within the fresh food section.

“With ample parking space and exclusive launch promotions, LuLu ensures a convenient and value-driven shopping experience,” a statement said.

Saudi Pomegranate Season
As part of its commitment to supporting local agriculture, LuLu Retail officially launched the Saudi Pomegranate Season. This initiative promotes the rich quality and freshness of locally grown pomegranates, encouraging customers to choose homegrown produce and support Saudi farmers, reinforcing LuLu’s dedication to celebrating Ƶ’s agricultural heritage while enhancing the shopping experience.

Also present on the occasion were Ashraf Ali M.A., executive director of LuLu; Salim M.A., global operations director of LuLu; Zulfiker Kadavath, director of LuLu fruits and vegetables; Mohamed Haris Puthiyaveettil, director of LuLu Ƶ; and other senior officials.


Abu Dhabi's ADIO Accelerates Chinese EV Maker ROX Motor's Global Push

Abu Dhabi's ADIO Accelerates Chinese EV Maker ROX Motor's Global Push
Updated 22 October 2025

Abu Dhabi's ADIO Accelerates Chinese EV Maker ROX Motor's Global Push

Abu Dhabi's ADIO Accelerates Chinese EV Maker ROX Motor's Global Push

Chinese luxury carmaker officially unveiled its new global flagship SUV, ROX ADAMAS, in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s international journey and the deepening of China–UAE collaboration in next-generation mobility.

The global launch is highlighted by the inauguration of the Borouge–ROX Motor Innovative Materials Joint Laboratory, established to accelerate innovation and jointly develop specialized materials for ROX Motor vehicles. The partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi’s vision to build a sustainable, innovation-driven hub for advanced mobility and human progress.

In just three years, ROX Motor launched its first model, the ROX 01, expanded into nearly 30 international markets, and forged strategic collaborations. The strategic partnership with the provides a strong platform for ROX Motor to accelerate localization and user-focused innovation in the region.

Mohammad Ali Al-Kamali, chief trade and industry officer at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said: “The launch of ROXADAMAS from Abu Dhabi represents more than a new vehicle, it is a strategic milestone that underscores Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for innovation and future industries. The partnership between ROX Motor and Borouge, under ADIO’s automotive program, is a tangible example of how global innovation can be channelled into building an integrated ecosystem for industrial and commercial advancement, supporting sustainable mobility, and unlocking new opportunities for investment and localization.

“At ADIO, we believe that the future is built through collaboration. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to empowering global innovators and forging strategic partnerships that advance Abu Dhabi’s vision of a knowledge- and technology-driven economy.”

Jarvis Yan, founder and CEO of ROX Motor, said: “ROX ADAMAS represents the next phase of our international strategy and our long-term commitment to Abu Dhabi as a partner in shaping the future of luxury mobility. Through close alignment with Abu Dhabi’s industrial vision and innovation agenda, we aim to redefine what a luxury new energy brand can represent globally.”

Guided by its product expression of “Gliding Luxury,” ROX Motor defines the ROX ADAMAS experience as the harmony between power, precision, and elegance, where advanced engineering meets refined comfort to deliver confidence, control, and long-distance resilience across every journey. Inspired by Abu Dhabi’s distinct aesthetics and forward-thinking design culture, ROX ADAMAS translates the flowing elegance of silk into a driving experience that feels composed on the highway, capable on the dunes, and effortless on all terrains.

Available in both six- and seven-seat configurations, ROX ADAMAS combines versatility and practicality to meet the needs of regional lifestyles, equally suited for family travel, long-distance adventure, or everyday comfort. Powered by ROX’s next-generation REEV system, it achieves a 235-km pure-electric and 1,226-km total range, with dual-motor AWD delivering 350 kW, 740 N·m, and 0–100 km/h in 5.5 secons. A closed air suspension with DCC adaptive damping comfort and control across all terrains, supported by optimized driving modes including road, mountain, mud, snow, wading, and sand, plus off-road cruise control (2–15 km/h) and hill descent control (2–35 km/h) to enhance stability, safety, and ease of operation. A dedicated desert thermal management system maintains consistent performance and reliability even under extreme conditions.

Inside, the ROX OS Intelligent Cockpit, powered by the Qualcomm 8155 chip, integrates Arabic voice control, multi-screen interaction, and a global app ecosystem. Features such as L2+ driver assistance, OTA updates, and a 2.2 kW inside/ 3.5 kW external V2L output enhance everyday convenience, while the tailgate kitchen 2.0 and roof-edge canopy transform ROXADAMAS into a refined space for outdoor living, bringing “Gliding Luxury” from urban roads to the world’s most open landscapes.

“ROX ADAMAS demonstrates how technology, craftsmanship, and partnership can advance together,” added Yan. “Born from Chinese innovation and refined through Abu Dhabi’s standards of excellence, it represents our shared belief that true luxury lies in collaboration and progress.”

The launch of ROX ADAMAS represents the first milestone in ROX Motor’s approach built on integration and collaboration, with further developments to follow. Through its partnership with Borouge and ADIO, ROX Motor is redefining innovation in motion, bringing together luxury, sustainability, and adventure to inspire the next generation of mobility and set a new benchmark for global industrial collaboration.


Almasar Alshamil Education signs agreement to open Heriot-Watt University Ƶ

Almasar Alshamil Education signs agreement to open Heriot-Watt University Ƶ
Updated 22 October 2025

Almasar Alshamil Education signs agreement to open Heriot-Watt University Ƶ

Almasar Alshamil Education signs agreement to open Heriot-Watt University Ƶ

Almasar Alshamil Education, a leading provider of specialist and private higher education in the GCC, has signed a non-binding heads of terms agreement with Heriot-Watt University for the establishment of Heriot-Watt University Ƶ.

Founded in 1821 and headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, Heriot-Watt University serves more than 25,000 students across five campuses, including two international locations. The university is consistently ranked among the world’s leading institutions in its core disciplines of engineering, technology, business, and finance. With a strong focus on graduate outcomes, Heriot-Watt ranks first in Scotland and second in the UK for employability, while earning international recognition for its pioneering research in areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence, energy, and health care technologies.

The university is also renowned for its extensive partnerships and community engagement, maintaining long-standing collaborations with over 200 institutions worldwide, and housing Scotland’s national sports performance center Oriam, as well as the National Robotarium, the UK’s national center for robotics and AI research.

Under the agreed terms, Almasar Alshamil Education will serve as the financial and strategic partner for the project, while Heriot-Watt University will provide academic and institutional leadership. The partnership aims to deliver world-class higher education, foster innovation and research, and actively contribute to the ambitions of Ƶ’s Vision 2030. Students enrolled at Heriot-Watt University Ƶ will also benefit from access to the institution’s “Go Global” initiative, which allows students to study across any of the university’s global campuses. The HoT is non-binding and is subject to entry into definitive agreements and obtaining the requisite regulatory approvals.

The signing ceremony took place in London in the presence of Bandar Salman B. Alsudairy, chargé d’affaires A.I. at the Royal Embassy of Ƶ in the UK, alongside senior delegations from both institutions and representatives of the Ƶn, British, and Scottish governments.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, chairman of Almasar Alshamil Education, said: “Our partnership with Heriot-Watt University represents a significant milestone in Almasar Alshamil Education’s ongoing mission to expand access to high-quality education across the GCC. As the region’s largest private provider of higher education — serving over 17,500 students through our leading institutions, Abu Dhabi University and Middlesex University Dubai — we are proud to deepen our impact through this strategic collaboration.

“In addition to our leadership in higher education, we are equally committed to inclusive learning across all stages of education. Through our business HDC, we are the leading provider of special education needs in the Kingdom of Ƶ, delivering vital support and tailored learning experiences to students with diverse needs.

“This partnership, alongside our broader portfolio, reflects our continued dedication to empowering learners of all backgrounds and creating inclusive, future-focused educational environments across the region.”

Bruce Pritchard, chair of court, Heriot-Watt University, added: “We are delighted to be working with Almasar Alshamil Education, a partner that shares our commitment to international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and academic excellence. This partnership will build on our many years of experience in trans-national education and is aligned to our newly developed strategy, Strategy 2035. Almasar’s scale, expertise, and leadership in higher education make them an ideal partner. Together, we plan to deliver high-quality education, to enhance research opportunities, and to equip students with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in a dynamic global landscape. This partnership underscores our shared dedication to shaping future-ready graduates who will contribute meaningfully to society both locally and globally.”