https://arab.news/b98a7
Starbucks has collaborated with the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission — as its literary partner — to launch Books and Beans, a cultural initiative that brings together local literary Saudi talent with the community to encourage dialogue and exchange. The initiative hosted the first of its bimonthly events on June 28 in the Starbucks Reserve Boulevard Store in Riyadh.
Members of the literary community and cultural friends of Starbucks and the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission were treated to an evening with multi-award-winning Saudi author Dr. Badriyah Al-Bishr, among other columnists, novelists and writers. An audience of aspiring authors and book lovers discussed the challenges and rewards of becoming a writer in today’s competitive literary world.
The initiative forms part of Starbucks’s wider mission to support the Ministry of Culture in fostering talent and growth in the arts and culture sectors throughout the Kingdom.
Andy Holmes, president of Starbucks at Alshaya Group, said: “Coffee has always had a deep and meaningful connection to literature. At Starbucks, we bring people in the literary world together to discuss, debate, and exchange ideas. Our partnership with the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is something we’re incredibly proud of, and we look forward to bringing more Saudi authors and writers to our stores to help support such a worthwhile community.”
“We thank the ministry for its support and congratulate Dr. Badriyah Al-Bishr on opening our first event with such vigor and excitement,” he added.
Speaking at the event, special guest speaker Al-Bishr said: “The level of writing talent in the Arab world is something worth celebrating and discussing. Platforms such as Books and Beans allow that to happen. I am humbled to have been invited, to meet so many passionate readers and writers, and to be able to discuss such an important art form with such a rich history here in the Kingdom. I wish to thank Starbucks and the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission for inviting me and I look forward to seeing what comes next.”
Books and Beans will host its second event in September, where Starbucks hopes to further celebrate established and emerging literary talents and continue spotlighting the importance of artistic dialogue in the Kingdom.
Hyundai Motor Company announced the eagerly awaited Ioniq 6 “electrified streamliner” with a digital world premiere film. As the new model in the brand’s Ioniq all-electric lineup brand, the electrified streamliner’s array of advanced technologies, personalized space and features and extended range redefine the boundaries of electric mobility.
Ioniq 6 delivers an estimated all-electric range of more than 610 km, according to Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure standard, as well as ultra-fast 400-V/800-V multi-charging capability made possible by Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform. It also has what may be Hyundai’s most aerodynamic styling to date and an array of empowering features, such as dual color ambient lighting, speed sync lighting, EV performance tune-up and electric active sound design, enhancing the electric mobility experience.
“Ioniq 6 is the next ambitious step forward in Hyundai Motor’s strategy to accelerate its transition to electrification and into a position as a global leader in EVs,” said Jaehoon Chang, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. “The Ioniq 6 electrified streamliner will provide a unique and distinctive experience for drivers and passengers, optimized in every way to redefine electric mobility.”
The electrified streamliner takes advantage of E-GMP to provide an extremely long, 2,950-mm wheelbase, supported by a choice of 20-inch or 18-inch wheels. With an impressive overall length of 4,855 mm, Ioniq 6’s 1,880-mm width and 1,495-mm height give it a distinctively sleek and stylish appearance amidst a sea of lookalike EVs.
“Ioniq 6 is designed and engineered to seamlessly enhance our daily lives as space to awaken your potential,” said Thomas Schemera, executive vice president, global chief marketing officer and head of customer experience division, Hyundai Motor Company. “The innovative interior is meticulously thought out as a cocoon-like personal space, enhanced with the latest technologies to create a safe, fun, and stress-free driving experience. The spacious interior, with sustainability and usability at its heart, once again represents a step forward for electric vehicles, in line with the values of our customers.”
Ioniq 6 is available with a range of drive motors and battery packs to fit the needs of every customer. The long-range 77.4-kWh battery can be mated with two electric motor layouts, either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. The top-of-the-line dual motor setup is an AWD option producing a combined power output of 239 kW and 605 Nm of torque. This PE configuration can go from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds.
Ioniq 6 boasts an impressive energy consumption rate. The energy consumption of the 53-kWh standard battery with 18-inch tire and RWD motor option is estimated to be under 14 kWh/100 km, according to WLTP. This makes the Ioniq 6 one of the most energy-efficient vehicles in the market.
Ioniq 6’s modular touchscreen dashboard integrates a 12-inch full-touch infotainment display and 12-inch digital cluster that houses advanced technologies for an enhanced digital user experience that can be customized to meet their needs.
Ioniq 6 is available in a spectrum of 12 exterior colors, including Gravity Gold Matte, Abyss Black Pearl, Serenity White Pearl, Curated Silver Metallic, Nocturne Gray Metallic, Nocturne Gray Matte, Transmission Blue Pearl, Biophilic Blue Pearl, Ultimate Red Metallic, Digital Green Pearl, Digital Green Matte and Byte Blue.
The model is slated to begin production in the third quarter of 2022. The market launch schedule will be announced later.
Environmental, social and governance imperatives can help accelerate the massive and fast transformation underway in the GCC. Through the region’s strategic role in energy transition, pioneering hydrogen, and circular economies, developing sustainable destinations, localizing supply chains, generating employment, expanding social inclusion and good governance, ESG can both drive transformation and create opportunities to develop world-leading, competitive advantage. This is according to a recent workshop titled “ESG: Reimagining our Region,” hosted by PwC in Dubai for regional media this month.
Globally, governments are shifting toward ESG, with huge implications, and it is no different in the Middle East. This is a complex topic with far-reaching consequences for businesses and society, in general. With the aim of cutting through some of this complexity and encouraging debates and discussions on this topic, PwC held an ESG media workshop hosted by its key regional and global ESG leaders.
The workshop provided insights on ESG challenges, economic opportunities, and competitive advantages from adopting the ESG agenda and outlined the core priorities for ESG in the Middle East that are specific to the region, such as decarbonization, climate change, diversity and inclusion, nationalization of workforce and water shortage, among others.
The session also aimed at building engagement on the crucial topic of ESG in the run-up to COP27 in Egypt and COP28 to be hosted by the UAE in November 2023. As sustainability and the environment will be high on the agenda for the coming 17 months, and further potential government initiatives are expected, there is a need to increase awareness and understanding of this critical topic.
Experts including Dr. Peter Gassmann, global strategy and leader, Strategy&; Stephen Anderson, PwC Middle East Strategy and Markets leader; Dr. Yahya Anouti, PwC Middle East ESG leader; Amanda Line, PwC partner and PwC Academy leader; and Azzah Fawzi, PwC Middle East ESG Reporting leader; offered insights into the current state of play, highlighting the burning platforms of ESG, with fact-based snapshots of both the tailwinds and the challenges that will drive change and competitive advantage.
Dr. Anouti said: “We are on a mission to make ESG the new competitive advantage for the region. We already have the most competitive sustainable energy in the world and that opens up unique opportunities for innovations such as green hydrogen. Similarly, giga-projects hold enormous potential if we can design them to have lower waste outputs and we build circularity into them.”
Anderson said: “At PwC, we believe that environmental, social and governance imperatives can accelerate the massive and fast transformation of our region and our role is to work with clients to help them embed ESG into their business. We have a unique set of capabilities within our organization to take clients from ESG strategy through transformation to reporting. We are committed to using our knowledge and expertise to help ensure our region realizes its ESG ambitions and sustains them for future generations.”
The Ascott Limited, an international lodging owner-operator, is celebrating the opening of its eighth property in the Kingdom with the launch of Citadines Abha, in partnership with Almutlaq Real Estate Investment Co. The 140-unit apart-hotel marks the sixth regional opening for the group this year, as it forges ahead with its tenacious expansion plans for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey. Citadines Abha takes Ascott’s operational footprint to 1,062 keys in Saudi Arabia, and 2,391 across the region.
Nestled 7,450 feet above sea level in the mountainous district of Abha, the property overlooks the majestic Asir Mountains and provides residents and visitors with a perfect refuge from the bustling city life. It offers easy access to Abha’s vibrant leisure excursions, including shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment hubs in close proximity, and is located just 6 km away from the Abha Regional Airport.
Aesthetically designed to optimize living spaces, Citadines Abha encapsulates the ideal adventurous and relaxing experience. With subtle hues of mustard yellow and inspiring modern Arabesque patterns, each apartment is equipped with spacious living spaces, stylish dining areas, sophisticated kitchenettes and scenic floor-to-ceiling windows.
Featuring a variety of elegant apartments that cater to the needs of every traveler, the property offers chic studio apartments for adventure seekers and solo explorers, while business travelers can book their stay in the premium one-bedroom apartments. Meanwhile, family and friends can relax and unwind during their stay in the lavish two-bedroom apartments. The urban property is also home to world-class amenities, including a swimming pool, gymnasium, resident’s lounge, restaurant, meeting rooms and a business center.
Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s managing director for the Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India, said: “Saudi Arabia continues to be a key source market for Ascott, considering the rising needs for global living standards by expats and international guests on business and leisure, as well as domestic travelers keen to explore the local gems and opportunities within the country. The government has in recent years invested significantly into the strategic expansion of the country’s tourism and hospitality sectors, to establish the Kingdom as a top tourist destination in the world ... We believe that our latest address — Citadines Abha — will bring a new dimension to leisure and business travel in the city, providing premium short- and long-term stay options.”
Tariq Almutlaq, chairman of Almutlaq Real Estate Investment Co., added: “AREIC is delighted to partner with Ascott on its journey in Saudi Arabia, offering the residents and visitors of Abha an experience of world-class serviced living with exclusive amenities. In collaboration with AREIC, Ascott’s growing portfolio in the Kingdom contributes to its robust development, which is an essential part of Saudi Vision 2030 led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, deputy prime minister and chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs. Ascott is an internationally awarded upscaled brand, and we look forward to a formidable partnership to provide more exclusive serviced hotel developments across Saudi Arabia in the near future.”
Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the UAE outside oil and gas, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., known as “K” Line Group, one of the world’s largest shipping groups, have signed an agreement to cooperate on research and pilot projects to decarbonize bulk cargo shipping.
The cooperation is expected to focus on the development and implementation of new marine decarbonization technologies suitable for EGA’s bulk cargo shipping routes in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean.
Solutions are likely to include kite systems, alternative fuels and CO2 capture technologies. All these technologies have technical and practical challenges to widespread adoption that remain to be overcome, ranging from technology immaturity to lack of support infrastructure.
“K” Line Group will lead research into decarbonization opportunities, and EGA will target pilot projects on its “K” Line shipping routes.
“K” Line Group transports some 5 million tons of EGA’s bauxite per annum from Guinea to the UAE and some 1.5 million tons of alumina each year from Australia to the UAE, under long-term contracts of affreightment.
The global shipping industry is responsible for almost 3 percent of world greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Maritime Organization. Shipping accounts for a proportion of the emissions generated in EGA’s supply chain, known as scope 3 emissions.
Abdulnasser bin Kalban, chief executive of EGA, said: “Economy-wide decarbonization will require cooperation between industries, and we are pleased to work with “K” Line Group on this important global challenge. Our long-term relationship with “K” Line Group provides an ideal platform to develop and test ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. For EGA, our goal is to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions not just from our own operations but also from activities in our supply chain. Improving the fuel efficiency of shipping could also reduce our shipping costs.”
Yukikazu Myochin, president and CEO of “K” Line, said: “Decarbonization is an essential challenge for the shipping industry to meet the expectations of our customers and global society. This cooperation with EGA, which has been one of our most important customers for decades, will enable us to jointly make progress toward net-zero for both our companies. It will also enable us to pioneer new approaches for the shipping industry as a whole.”
Located in the heart of the UAE capital by the Abu Dhabi Corniche, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi has unveiled a program of thoughtfully imagined events and experiences that are perfect for the summer season. Guests are encouraged to escape the heat within the elegant ambience of the hotel, with a selection of the finest flavors from across the Middle East. Offering plenty to delight every member of the family, regal afternoon teas, bespoke menus, refreshing pool days and more are all available to enjoy throughout July.
‘Sagra dello Scoglio’ at Villa Toscana
Bringing the bounty of the Mediterranean ocean to the bright lights of Abu Dhabi, the luxurious and elegant Villa Toscana restaurant is dedicating July to “Sagra dello Scoglio.” Celebrating the harvest season for Italian fresh clams and shells, diners are invited to traverse the Italian coastline and savor a sumptuous array of unique and delectable seafood delights. The “Sagra dello Scoglio” menu is priced à la carte and available to enjoy from July 22 to July 31.
Espresso Business Lunch at Villa Toscana
Busy professionals and Italian food connoisseurs are welcome to take a break from their busy schedule to enjoy a sumptuous spread of traditional home-cooked dishes. Villa Toscana’s famous “Espresso Business Lunch” is a delightful culinary experience designed to satisfy the palate and showcase the best flavors of Italy. Expertly crafted by a team of passionate chefs, the voyage begins with a spread of flavorsome antipasti, starring European cheeses, home-baked breads, fresh salads, charcuterie and more.
Afternoon tea at Crystal Lounge
Providing a truly blissful way of spending a summer afternoon in the UAE capital, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the timeless St. Regis ritual of afternoon tea at Crystal Lounge. The palatial tea lounge is the perfect place for catching up with dear friends and bonding over an array of delicate light sandwiches, pastries and artistic homemade cakes and scones. Guests are invited to choose between the “Classic Afternoon Tea,” featuring an array of traditional British recipes such as smoked salmon and crème fraiche sandwiches and lemon meringue tarts, or the Arabic-style of “The St. Regis Abu Dhabi,” starring delectable dishes like sumac scented chicken with harissa mayonnaise sandwiches, saffron and cardamom scones and more dainty bites inspired by the UAE’s authentic tastes and flavors.
A citrus summer at Crystal Lounge
As the weather heats up in the UAE capital, Chef Hajar Fassal, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s pastry sous chef, is introducing the exotic flavors of citrus fruits to the UAE capital through a new selection of summer-themed desserts. Dedicated exclusively to the most uplifting, delicious, and zesty seasonal citrus fruits, the new collection of artistic sweets showcases the vibrant tastes of lemon, lime, orange and passion fruit with spectacular style and imaginative flair.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is welcoming guests into the bright and stylish ambiance of the Terrace on the Corniche, serving up a sumptuous breakfast spread created by Executive Chef Joseph Murphy. The “Social Sunday Breakfast” offers an extensive selection of hearty recipes that are guaranteed to uplift every diner’s mood and energy levels before the working week begins again. Egg creations such as smoked salmon omelettes, Eggs Benedict and shakshuka are cooked to order and delivered directly to the table, whilst further comforting highlights include chicken waffle sandwiches, classic English toad in the hole, Yorkshire pudding, traditional pies such as shepherd, beef and chicken, fish and chips, whole rotisserie chicken, roasted prime rib or striploin beef with roasted root vegetables.