Public expectations of localisation are pivotal for businesses to succeed in Saudi Arabia, SEC Newgate’s 2025 Impact Monitor reveals

Manal Saleh

Basic features like camera performance or battery durability are no longer enough to stand out in the flagship smartphones category. It’s how brands apply innovation in everyday use that sets them apart.   

HONOR Magic8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra both offer exceptional experiences. But they approach innovation differently. HONOR focuses on building a next-generation AI ecosystem, while Samsung refines a proven flagship design centered on consistency and ecosystem integration.

This comparison examines how this philosophy translates into real-world scenarios, helping you make informed decisions based on performance, practicality, and future-ready features.

Rear camera: Detail, Night Photography and Zoom              

Both devices deliver flagship-level imaging, but they take different approaches to versatility and precision.

The HONOR Magic8 Pro emphasizes low-light performance and shooting versatility through an advanced triple‑camera system. At its core is a 200MP Ultra Night Telephoto Camera with a large 1/1.4‑inch sensor, paired with an f/2.6 aperture, 3.7x optical zoom, and 16 in 1 pixel output, allowing it to capture significantly more light while delivering sharp, detailed images even in challenging night scenes. This is complemented by a 50MP Ultra Night Main Camera, designed to produce rich colors, strong dynamic range, and reliable performance across a wide range of lighting conditions. Completing the setup is a 50MP Ultra‑Wide Camera with a 122° field of view, which also doubles as a 2.5cm macro shooter, enabling expansive landscapes as well as intricate close‑up photography. Together, the system delivers exceptional clarity, flexibility, and creative freedom in both low‑light and everyday shooting scenarios.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra on the other hand, features a 200MP main sensor, supported by an f/1.7 main aperture for excellent light intake, Laser AF for fast and accurate focusing, and an f/1.9 ultrawide aperture with macro capability for close-up shots. Its dual telephoto setup—a 10MP lens with 3x optical zoom and a 50MP periscope lens with 5x optical zoom, ensures outstanding clarity across the entire zoom range, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects without sacrificing detail.

Both devices include Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), but HONOR takes stabilization further with CIPA 5.5‑rated support on its main and telephoto cameras. This advanced system significantly reduces motion blur and, when paired with the large 1/1.4‑inch sensor on the telephoto camera, enables sharper, more vibrant low‑light images. The result is improved light capture and image stability, making the HONOR setup particularly well‑suited for indoor photography and nightscapes.

AI is transforming the way we interact with our smartphones, from writing messages to editing photos.

The HONOR Magic8 Pro treats AI as something that quietly supports you throughout the day rather than a set of features you have to actively look for. By blending Google Gemini with HONOR’s own on‑device AI, the phone understands what’s on your screen and responds in a way that feels intuitive and timely. AI Screen Suggestions play a key role here, offering helpful actions or shortcuts based on what you’re viewing, so simple tasks take fewer steps and feel more natural. Instead of interrupting your flow, the AI works in the background to make everyday interactions smoother. This is reinforced by the AI Settings Agent, which intelligently adjusts system settings without requiring constant manual input. Alongside this, tools like Magic Sidebar for quick multitasking, AI Subtitles for real‑time translation, and AI Memories for organizing content help make productivity feel effortless and fluid, focused on real‑world convenience rather than feature overload.

For image enhancement, the HONOR Magic8 Pro features AI Photos Agent, delivering intelligent photo optimization for clearer, more polished results. Reinforcing AI as an always‑available experience, the device introduces a dedicated AI Button, designed as a highly user‑friendly shortcut that allows users to access the camera or AI features instantly with a single click, making everyday interactions faster and more intuitive. HONOR also addresses trust and safety with AI Deepfake Detection, underscoring its commitment to responsible and ethical AI use.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra provides a broad AI suite under Galaxy AI, featuring tools such as Live Translate, Note Assist, Transcript Assist, Generative Edit, and Sketch to Image, designed to enhance productivity and streamline creative workflows.

When it comes to AI interaction, the Circle to Search with Google feature allows users to identify queries from any screen, while Chat Assist offers contextual communication.

Both phones have prioritized AI as a tech layer needed to enhance user interaction, but their functionality varies. Samsung offers AI as a broad toolkit where users can call upon capabilities when needed. HONOR has built an AI ecosystem that is always working in the background to assist the user.

Performance and software experience

HONOR Magic8 Pro is built on the latest Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, which runs on the brand’s own MagicOS 10, optimized for fluid multitasking, paired with updated Android 16. This combination prioritizes sustained performance and efficiency, ensuring smoother multitasking and responsiveness.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra features Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and is combined with One UI 7 on Android 15. It emphasises stability, consistency, and ecosystem integration.

When it comes to gaming, HONOR Magic8 Pro distinguishes itself with features like AI super-resolution and frame-generation technology, along with better cooling system, making extended gameplay smoother with fewer performance drops.

Both phones deliver flagship-level performance. Samsung focuses on refinement and reliability, while HONOR Magic8 Pro maximizes sustained performance and gaming efficiency.

Battery and charging ease

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra features a standard capacity 5000mAh lithium-based battery with its 45W wired charging solution. It also supports 15W wireless charging and 4.5W Wireless PowerShare for reverse charging accessories like earbuds and smartwatches.

Durability  

Smartphones today are more than communication tools, they’re companions in every setting, from daily commutes to rugged adventures. Both HONOR Magic8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra deliver the industry-standard IP68 rating, ensuring resilience against water and dust in everyday scenarios. Samsung adds Corning Gorilla Glass glass for solid front protection, reducing the risk of cracks from accidental drops.

Where HONOR Magic8 Pro truly stands out is in its enhanced durability credentials. With IP69 and IP69K ratings, it’s engineered to withstand high-pressure water jets, extreme dust intrusion, and conditions far beyond typical use. Coupled with SGS 5-Star glass drop resistance certification, it offers peace of mind for those who demand reliability in challenging environments, whether outdoors, on the move, or in unpredictable weather.

Final Thoughts  

Samsung, a legacy flagship brand, continues to refine its proven, reliable offerings through ecosystem integration, versatile camera, and an evolved AI toolkit. HONOR focuses on a new-age approach through gaming experience, intelligent AI assistance and everyday resilience. Depending on what you are looking for, each has something unique to offer.

Manal Saleh

Residents of Saudi Arabia are prioritising localisation and expecting businesses to be transparent when it comes to ESG issues, according to the SEC Newgate 2025 Impact Monitor: Managing Reputational Risk and Opportunity in a Fragmented World.

The fifth annual global study by SEC Newgate - the global strategic communications, advocacy and research group with offices in Dubai and Riyadh - surveyed more than 20,000 people across 20 countries and territories and included residents of Saudi Arabia for the first time. The report revealed communities are judging organisations on their real-world impacts. This year’s survey also marks the evolution from the group’s previous annual ‘ESG Monitor’ to the ‘Impact Monitor’, a shift driven by the realities of a world where global narratives are giving way to local priorities and pressures, and the public is increasingly looking for positive impacts and outcomes.  

Of those asked, 90% of Saudi participants gave an importance rating of 7 or more out of 10 for large businesses to conduct themselves in a responsible way, and 82% for small to medium businesses. This reinforces that larger companies are held to a higher standard from residents, with greater expectations for transparency. 

Participants in the Kingdom went on to identify the top performing industries that act responsibly as technology & telecommunications, and healthcare with 89% of those asked scoring them between 7-10 out of 10 for performance.

The report also showed the way businesses in Saudi Arabia prioritise localisation over globalisation has a significant bearing on how the community feels towards them. Of those asked, 83% respond more positively towards a business when they manufacture products locally, and 81% when a business also sources components or raw materials locally.   

Some of the additional key findings from the Kingdom include: 

• An overwhelming majority in Saudi Arabia – 88% – feel positive towards the energy transition in the country, with around half believing that businesses are placing the right level of emphasis on environmental actions.

• ESG remains of interest across the Kingdom with 82% of those asked interested in knowing more about the associated issues. 

• Looking at the perceived direction countries are going in, from the 20 countries surveyed, optimism is the highest in Saudi Arabia and the UAE (along with Singapore and India) where at least 9 in 10 think their country is heading on the right track (compared with the global average of 48%).

This year’s global report, released ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos next week, reflects a world in which ESG frameworks are being defined locally, with communities assessing organisations through the lens of local jobs, local investment and local values, and their responsiveness to local priorities and pressures including outcomes for staff and the environment. The research underscores a defining challenge for global businesses: communities want companies to engage, but the issues that matter — and the stances considered credible — differ widely by market. Navigating these local expectations is now central to managing global reputation.

Commenting on the survey results from Saudi Arabia, Elena Gramatica, Founder and CEO, SEC Newgate Middle East, said, “We are living in a time of great change. Humanity has made significant breakthroughs with technology in recent years, and the world has become more accessible than ever before. With this brings a deeper knowledge and understanding about our impact on the planet. As a result, communities are holding businesses more accountable and those that are transparent, prioritise localisation, and act with intention are being recognised. Saudi Arabia is taking an active role in setting global benchmarks for climate awareness and it is encouraging to see that residents are equally motivated to hold businesses accountable. It is a timely reminder to organisations that consumers no longer see ESG as optional but that it impacts the choices they make.”

Speaking on the global findings, Fiorenzo Tagliabue, Group CEO of SEC Newgate, said: “Corporate reputation has shifted markedly over the past year. As political scrutiny and social expectations evolve, our Impact Monitor shows a clear pattern across markets: people judge companies by the real impact they deliver — particularly in the communities closest to their operations. This shift is redefining how organisations earn credibility and permission to operate.

 “For global companies, the challenge is bringing differing local expectations together in a coherent global direction and, in turn, implementing that direction in ways that are meaningful in each market. Meeting this challenge requires a deep understanding of the communities, regulators, markets and media they operate among, as well as the ability to balance varied expectations while maintaining credibility worldwide.’’

Over the past twelve months, perceived performance ratings have edged upwards, suggesting that many organisations across the world are listening more closely to community concerns, responding more effectively to expectations and communicating their impact with greater clarity and credibility.

Crucially, the report highlights the importance of framing impact efforts through a local lens. There is a growing global preference for businesses to manufacture locally, hire locally and source materials locally, even if it means higher costs for consumers. Communities increasingly link these localised benefits and outcomes to improved perceptions of organisations, reinforcing the need for companies to adapt their strategies to the realities of the markets in which they operate.

As world leaders gather in Davos, the 2025 SEC Newgate Impact Monitor provides timely intelligence for organisations seeking to manage reputational risk and seize opportunity in an era defined by fragmentation, localisation, and rising stakeholder expectations.

Manal Saleh

This comes at a time when knowledge workers around the world are facing increasing challenges in their relationship with work. Data shows that only about 20% enjoy a healthy balance. According to the HP Work Relationship Index 2025, employees in Saudi Arabia reported better results than the global average, with about one-third describing their relationship with work as positive — compared to lower rates globally.

Despite this relative advantage, the challenges of modern workplaces persist. Since around 85% of fulfillment drivers are influenced by organizational decisions, smart investment in intelligent technologies and personalized work experiences becomes critical to closing the fulfillment gap. In an era defined by rapid change, HP reaffirms its commitment to helping organizations turn these challenges into new opportunities for innovation and adaptability.

Innovations Designed for the Future of Work

In the face of unprecedented workplace challenges, HP continues to lead in developing solutions that foster fulfillment and accelerate growth, ensuring that the future of work remains balanced between human and technological dimensions.

Key new products and solutions include:

• Designing for the future of work means creating technology that moves, connects, and adapts to any workspace. The HP EliteBoard G1a, an innovative design, represents the world’s first AI-integrated PC built into a keyboard and was recognized as a CES 2026 Innovation Award Honoree.
• Built for future leaders, HP unveiled the HP EliteBook X G2 Series, the next generation of premium business laptops designed for the AI era and a CES 2026 Innovation Award Honoree.
• Empowering experiences that enable users to work smarter, look professional, and lead confidently — HP announced updates across its entire HP OmniBook consumer portfolio, including HP OmniBook Ultra 14 and HP OmniStudioX.
• AI-enhanced productivity directly connected to printers, through the first integration of Microsoft Copilot into HP Office Print devices with HP for Microsoft 365 Copilot, providing intelligent document summarization, translation, and organization to help companies work faster, smarter, and more securely.
• Ensuring hybrid work continuity and strengthening IT’s ability to manage distributed environments with enhanced employee device management features on the Workforce Experience Platform (WXP).
• Smart, ergonomic, and sustainable accessories designed for diverse workspaces, including a stylish pink edition of the HP Tilt Ergonomic Mouse 720M, a compact HP 65W GaN USB-C Wall Charger, and lightweight yet durable sleeves from the HP Protective Series, among others.
• Redefining gaming experiences by uniting the OMEN and HyperX brands under one master gaming identity, HyperX, and unveiling the world’s most powerful fully internally cooled gaming laptop, the HyperX OMEN MAX 16.
• Understanding your device’s full story, HP introduced the HP Digital Passport, a CES 2026 Innovation Award Honoree, offering a unified platform for users to access all essential information — from setup and feature discovery to sustainability insights and ongoing support options.

Future of Work Accelerator 2026: Applications Opening Soon

Manal Saleh

Sommet Education, the world-leading network of hospitality management and culinary arts institutions including École Ducasse, Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches, Indian School of Hospitality and Invictus Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Spencer Coles as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 16th 2026.

Mr. Coles brings over 25 years of senior leadership experience in private international higher education, with a focus on local and international markets, strong record of driving institutional growth, developing academic portfolios, leading large-scale operations and overseeing major strategic initiatives. 

Prior to joining Sommet Education, Mr. Coles served as the CEO of the Mander Portman Woodward (MPW) group of colleges, UK's leading provider of A Level and high-quality university preparation since 2013. He transformed international growth, four-fold in five years, established high-profile university partnerships, including one with Top 2 world university in Arts and Design in London (UAL), spearheaded major infrastructure investments, and oversaw merger integration following the Kaplan International acquisition.

At Regent’s University London, one of the UK’s largest private universities, he held the revenue responsibility for all seven schools that form the group including The European Business School, The Regent’s American College, Webster Graduate School. He achieved significant growth in student numbers over a ten-year period from 2002 to July 2013 while holding successive roles including Chief Operating Officer. Leading the development and launch of Masters in Luxury Brand Management, Global Banking and Finance and Entrepreneurial Management, Spencer also played a pivotal role in securing UK degree awarding status.

On this occasion, the Board of Directors of Sommet Education shared: “We are delighted to welcome Spencer Coles as the new Chief Executive Officer of Sommet Education. His outstanding experience in international education and strategic leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future leaders in hospitality.”

Commenting on his appointment, Spencer Coles said: “I am honoured to join Sommet Education and look forward to working with the team to drive further innovation, growth, and exceptional student experiences across the group.”

Manal Saleh

Property leased to a leader in sovereign AI and cloud inferencing solutions 

Planned 10 MW expansion to enhance operating income and investment value

 Arcapita Group Holdings Limited (“Arcapita”), the global alternative investment firm, announces a joint venture partnership with Cloud Capital to acquire a 21-megawatt data center located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with plans to expand its capacity to 31 MW. Cloud Capital is a leading global data center investment management firm with a diversified portfolio of 26 high-quality data center assets totaling over USD 5.5 billion in assets under management, with longstanding relationships with top-tier tenants in the sector.

The data center is primarily leased on a long-term basis to a leading provider of sovereign AI and cloud inferencing solutions and is strategically positioned to benefit from surging demand for high-density digital infrastructure driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and enterprise digital transformation. The planned 10 MW expansion is expected to significantly increase operating income and enhance the overall value of the investment.

Minneapolis represents a growing data center hub underpinned by robust power infrastructure, low natural disaster risk, and a diversified economic base spanning Fortune 500 and 1000 companies, healthcare leaders, and technology innovators. The region continues to experience record-low data center vacancy rates amid accelerating AI adoption and heightened enterprise cloud demand. 

Martin Tan, Chief Investment Officer at Arcapita, said: “Artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure are forming an increasingly important part of Arcapita’s long-term strategy, aligned with our focus on resilient, income-generating assets. Our partnership with Cloud Capital, a specialized data center investment management firm with top-tier tenant relationships, represents a key milestone for Arcapita in this segment and provides us with a strong foundation to scale across key markets.”

Shariar Mohajer, President and Chief Investment Officer at Cloud Capital, said: “Our investment in this Minneapolis data center reflects our commitment to identifying strategic assets that offer both immediate income and significant upside. With 21MW of stabilized capacity and an additional 10MW of expansion potential, we are delivering a highly attractive investment that provides a downside-protected return profile.  Further, we are thrilled to partner with Arcapita and broaden our universe of strategic relationships.”

Brian Hebb, Managing Director and Head of US Real Estate at Arcapita, said: “Data centers are a cornerstone of the digital economy and a key focus area within Arcapita’s U.S. real estate strategy. This investment provides exposure to a mission-critical asset leased to a leading AI and cloud computing firm, with substantial growth potential through expansion. Arcapita will continue to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market through investments in essential real estate and infrastructure assets that combine stable cashflows with disciplined, value-enhancing growth.”

Artificial intelligence continues to form a long-term structural investment theme for Arcapita, building on its private equity exposure to the sector. The firm’s expansion into AI-enabled digital infrastructure offers investors high-quality, defensive and income-generating real estate assets with a compelling growth potential. This acquisition is expected to be the first of multiple investments in this segment planned by Arcapita over the near to medium term.

Manal Saleh

flynas will connect Abha with 11 international and domestic destinations in the first phase.

The leading LCC is to be the first Saudi airline to operate from five hubs in the Kingdom.

flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, announced the establishment of a new operations base at Abha International Airport in cooperation with the leading airports operator, Cluster2 company, and the Aseer Development Authority, adding to its existing operations bases in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah, and becoming the first Saudi airline to operate flights from five different hubs across the Kingdom.

Beginning March 29, flynas will launch the first phase of this expansion, offering direct flights to 11 domestic and international destinations. The international network from Abha will include six permanent routes to Dubai, Cairo, Istanbul, and Addis Ababa, as well as seasonal service to Kuwait and Trabzon. These new routes complement the five domestic cities already served from Abha: Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, and Tabuk. The leading LCC plans to gradually double the number of destinations linked to this new hub.

Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas, said: “The launch of our new operations base in Abha represents a strategic investment designed to build an integrated national operating network. Beyond operational growth, the hub aims to stimulate economic and tourism development in the Aseer region, supporting the goal of transforming it into a year-round global tourist destination. This initiative directly aligns with the National Civil Aviation Strategy and the overarching objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”

flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, and the first airline listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) operates 156 routes to more than 80 domestic and international destinations in 38 countries with more than 2000 weekly flights and has flown more than 80 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim to reach 165 domestic and international destinations within its growth and expansion plan, and in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.

Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: www.flynas.com, the flynas app, the call centre (920001234), or travel agents.

Manal Saleh

·        Thierry Sabbagh’s remit expands with the addition of Nissan India, while he continues to lead Middle East, KSA and CIS for Nissan and INFINITI

·        Marketing & Sales function reorganized to bring decision-making closer to customers and drive agility

·        Product Planning and Marketing functions combined at regional level to streamline concept-to-launch processes

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (12 January 2026): Nissan has announced a series of senior management changes in its Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO) region, designed to strengthen delivery of the Re:Nissan transformation plan and enhance operational efficiency, speed and customer focus.

Effective 1 January 2026, Thierry Sabbagh’s responsibilities have been expanded to include Nissan India, as he becomes Divisional Vice President and President, Middle East, KSA, CIS and India – Nissan and INFINITI. The expanded scope reflects Nissan’s focus on maintaining leadership continuity across established markets while strengthening governance, execution and growth momentum in India as a strategic priority within the AMIEO region.

India is central to Nissan’s ambitions in 2026, as the brand accelerates its resurgence in the market. Building on this momentum, Nissan India will introduce three new models over the next 14 to 16 months, including Gravite, Tekton and a 7-seater C-SUV, while continuing to expand its customer reach through a growing dealer network with 250 touchpoints across the country.

Commenting on the announcement, Massimiliano Messina, Nissan AMIEO Chairperson, said: “The Re:Nissan plan is about transformation and customer-centricity. By empowering regional leadership, we are creating a more agile organization that can respond quickly to market dynamics and deliver competitive, compelling products. I am confident these changes will strengthen our performance and supercharge our progress in 2026 and I wish Thierry every success in his new role.”

Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President and President, Middle East, KSA, CIS and India – Nissan and INFINITI, added: “I am honored to take on this expanded role at a pivotal time for Nissan. The Middle East and India are dynamic, fast-growing and continuously evolving markets, with significant opportunities ahead. I look forward to working closely with our talented teams and partners across the region to build on our strong foundations, accelerate growth and deliver meaningful value for our customers.”

Effective 1 January 2026, the new AMIEO Marketing & Sales structure will bring decision-making closer to customers while integrating key functions to drive agility and competitiveness.

Jordi Vila assumes the role of Divisional Vice President Nissan Europe and Africa, AMIEO Aftersales and Brand, expanding his responsibilities to include Marketing and Sales Europe, Aftersales and Brand.

At the regional level, Nissan will integrate Product Planning and Marketing into a single product-focused organization to streamline processes from concept to launch. Clíodhna Lyons will lead this new organization as Regional Vice President Product, Services and Marketing Strategy, overseeing advanced planning, product competitiveness and lifecycle management.

Additionally, Guillaume Barbet, Regional Vice President Sales Planning and Operations, will expand his remit to cover all planning activities, pricing, competitiveness and operational efficiency.

These changes reinforce Nissan’s commitment to delivering innovative products and services with greater speed and precision, ensuring alignment with evolving customer needs across the diverse markets within AMIEO.

Nissan also announced the departure of Leon Dorssers, Senior Vice President, Chief of Commercial Operations, Nissan AMIEO. Having joined Nissan as a trainee in Nissan Europe Amsterdam in 1992, Dorssers went on to hold a number of leadership roles in France, Spain, Belgium, America and Japan, before becoming AMIEO Senior Vice President Marketing and Sales in 2021.

Following a series of exciting product launches across AMIEO in 2025, Nissan has another strong year ahead in the region with more new products and technologies on the way. This includes the India launches of GRAVITE and TEKTON in early 2026, as well as the next-generation Nissan Navara arriving in showrooms in Oceania, and the new electric Nissan Juke launching in Europe.

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Manal Saleh

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Taif | 10 Jan 2026: The Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission (LPTC) launched the third edition of the Writers and Readers Festival in Al-Rudaf Park in Taif Governorate. Held under the slogan "Your Presence Matters", the festival will run for seven days until January 15, 2026, welcoming visitors daily from 4:00 PM to 12:00 midnight. This integrated cultural and entertainment experience is designed as a vibrant space that celebrates writers and readers of all ages in a contemporary style that blends the charm of history with the spirit of modern culture.

The CEO of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Wasel, affirmed that the commission is working to enhance the quality of life as one of the main pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. This is achieved by making culture a way of life, expanding the horizons of knowledge, and empowering individuals to contribute intellectually and culturally to the development of their society. Dr. Al-Wasel clarified that the third edition of the Writers and Readers Festival embodies this approach by offering a comprehensive cultural and entertainment experience in Taif Governorate, which holds a significant cultural standing and a rich literary heritage. It is also the first city in the Kingdom classified within UNESCO's Network of Creative Cities in the field of literature.

He added that the festival targets all segments of society through a diverse program that balances knowledge enrichment with recreational experiences, enabling visitors to gain distinctive cultural insights while enjoying leisure time suitable for all ages. He explained that these efforts are part of the Commission's commitment to anchoring culture in the public sphere, enhancing the role of literature in daily life, and fostering an interactive environment that brings together writers, readers, and thinkers.

He concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the festival aims to celebrate writers and readers as the cornerstone of the cultural production ecosystem, while also providing an interactive platform that enables creatives from within the Kingdom and abroad to engage in vibrant, creative exchange. This contributes to enriching the cultural scene and meeting the public’s aspirations for literature, culture, and arts, reflecting the dynamism of Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape.

The festival comprises four main sites: Aldarb area, Almatal, Alfanaa, and Alsarh. It hosts over 270 events, including 176 cultural activities, 84 theatrical performances, 7 musical and poetry evenings, in addition to the representation of 45 literary and artistic works.

The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission has allocated 20 artistic platforms, enabling artisans to showcase their products in a professional environment. There are also interactive platforms that allow visitors to listen to selected poems and musical performances, learn about the biographies and works of historical literary figures, and traverse diverse expressive worlds ranging from historical novels to the world of manga.

The commission has prepared an interactive pavilion to introduce visitors to its role in supporting the literature, publishing, and translation sectors, along with its prominent cultural initiatives, projects, and future plans. Additionally, a comprehensive children's area has been designed, featuring five main sections that offer hands on activities and innovative educational games to develop thinking skills and reinforce values. This area includes a storyteller's theater that presents meaningful stories for children in an entertaining environment aimed at building a conscious and cultured generation.

It is noteworthy that Taif is the first city in the Kingdom classified within UNESCO's Network of Creative Cities in the field of literature. This classification comes as part of the efforts of the commission to renew Taif's literary wealth, develop the publishing industry, revitalize professional translation, and host diverse and rich literary events in the city throughout the year. These efforts aim to enhance literary festivals in the Kingdom, create a nurturing environment for Saudi literature and writers to promote their literary output, discover literary talents, refine their experiences, improve their production, and market it locally, regionally, and globally.

Manal Saleh

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Taif | XX January 2026: The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission (LPTC) of Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch the third edition of its flagship "Writers and Readers Festival." The event will be held from January 9 to 15, 2026, at Al-Rudaf Park in the historic city of Taif, under the theme "Your Presence Matters." This week-long festival is designed as a major cultural gathering, integrating literature, knowledge, and entertainment for a broad public audience.

The selection of Taif as host city underscores the Commission's focus on promoting regional cultural heritage within the Kingdom. Recognized for its deep-rooted literary history and dynamic contemporary cultural scene, Taif is also distinguished as Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Literature. Hosting the festival highlights the city's established role on both national and international cultural maps and reinforces its growing identity as a hub for creative and intellectual events.

Through this festival, the Commission continues its work to advance the cultural sector amid Saudi Arabia’s rapid cultural development. The event will shine a spotlight on literary achievement, honoring both local and international authors. Its diverse program blends literary engagement with entertainment, offering poetry evenings, musical performances, live arts, exhibitions, and interactive installations. It also provides visitors with a rich, immersive experience that bridges learning and leisure.

The festival will be open daily from 4:00 PM to midnight, inviting visitors to explore a curated selection of cultural offerings in an engaging atmosphere. By creating a vibrant public space for literature and the arts, the festival aims to strengthen community participation in cultural life and solidify its position as a leading platform for literary celebration in Saudi Arabia.

About Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission (LPTC)

The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission (LPTC) is a governmental entity established in February 2020, based in Riyadh. Its primary purpose is to systemize the publishing industry, develop a creative environment, and create investment opportunities. The commission is responsible for regulating and managing the literature, publishing, and translation sectors in the Kingdom, aiming to promote Saudi culture as a way of life and contribute to economic growth. It supports content production, improves the legislative environment, and encourages investment and involvement of the non-profit sector. The commission also seeks to professionalize the translation sector in accordance with global standards, promoting international cultural exchange and enriching Arabic content.

Manal Saleh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Jan 07, 2026 -  The First Look 2026 by Samsung Electronics unveiled a forward-looking vision for AI under the theme “Your Companion to AI Living.” Held in Samsung’s dedicated space at Wynn Las Vegas, the exhibition guided visitors through how AI can enhance everyday enjoyment and convenience while supporting health and safety.

Samsung Newsroom explored the exhibition, highlighting the company’s evolving AI companion experiences across entertainment, home and care.

▲ ‘The First Look 2026’ highlight video

AI Gallery Zone: An Artistic Welcome to AI Living

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The AI Gallery zone welcomed visitors with iconic works from both Eastern and Western art, seamlessly integrated into the space. Featured pieces included Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night Over the Rhône,” along with selections from the Lee Kun-Hee Collection — donated to public institutions by the late Samsung chairman and available through Samsung Art Store — such as Jeong Seon’s “Clearing After Rain on Mount Inwang” and the Joseon Dynasty painting “Sun, Moon, and Five Peaks.”

Entertainment Companion Zone: Every Moment of Sight and Sound

▲ View of the Entertainment Companion zone▲ Micro RGB 130”

The Entertainment Companion zone stood out as the exhibition’s largest area, featuring a variety of visual display and audio products. Excitement built as Samsung debuted the Micro RGB 130” TV, winner of the CES Innovation Awards 2026 Best of Innovation.

▲ Vision AI demonstration

Centered on the Micro RGB TV, the Vision AI showcase highlighted hands-free interaction. Through voice commands, visitors could look up match predictions, search for recipes or play music — demonstrating how the TV functions as an Entertainment Companion.

▲ Music Studio series▲ Sound Tower

Beyond innovation, this year’s lineup emphasized a refined design philosophy balancing simplicity and elegance. Highlights included the Music Studio 5 and Music Studio 7, Wi-Fi speakers developed in collaboration with French designer Erwan Bouroullec; the AI Beauty Mirror for personalized beauty care; the Sound Tower with lighting optimized for sports viewing; and the Transparent Micro LED, reimagining the nostalgic charm of vinyl records as a floating visual audio device.

▲ Crowds gather in the gaming area.▲ Odyssey 3D 32”▲ Transparent Micro LED▲ Spatial Signage

The zone concluded with Spatial Signage — an interactive display that animates visitors in real time — combining the clarity of 2D imagery with the depth of 3D expression.

Home Companion Zone: Less Housework, More Everyday Freedom

▲ View of the Home Companion zone

The Home Companion zone presented the evolution of Samsung’s home appliances — moving beyond reducing household chores toward eliminating them and pointing to a future with less housework.

▲ AI home appliance demonstration

At the entrance, three flagship Samsung AI home appliances — the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub 32”, Bespoke AI Laundry Combo washer-dryer and Bespoke AI Jet Bot Combo robot vacuum — demonstrated how cameras, screens and voice interaction work together to support daily life as an integrated Home Companion.

▲ Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub

The home appliances highlighted smarter food management through AI Vision and hands-free control through voice recognition, offering greater freedom in the kitchen.

▲ North America kitchen package

A North America kitchen package, unveiled publicly for the first time at the exhibition, also drew attention from visitors.

▲ Bespoke AI AirDresser and Bespoke AI Laundry Combo

The exhibition showed that a zero-housework home is within reach, highlighting stronger connectivity among washing machines, dryers and garment care systems, alongside advances in the AI capabilities of robot vacuums.

Care Companion Zone: A Safer, Healthier Everyday Life

▲ View of the Care Companion zone

In the Care Companion zone, visitors saw how the latest Galaxy form factors — including the new Galaxy Z TriFold — connect mobile and wearable devices with home appliances to serve as a central hub for AI-powered living.

▲ Galaxy Z TriFold

The area demonstrated how Samsung Health is continuing to improve sleep environments by controlling air conditioners, air purifiers, lighting and sensors. A brain health training program for users concerned with cognitive health was also showcased. Other features of the health platform include analyzing health metrics through connected devices to help identify potential signs of chronic conditions, as well as exercise and sleep coaching and recipe recommendations based on ingredients in connected refrigerators.

▲ Sleep environment demonstration

Samsung further highlighted its Care Companion approach through a Pet Care system that helps identify potential health issues in companion animals and Home Care services, such as SmartThings Safe, that can request emergency assistance in critical situations.

▲ The Family Care section▲ (From left) Jonathan Harvey and Maxence Fleury

“What impressed me was how everything is connected,” said Maxence Fleury, a digital content creator from Los Angeles. “The exhibition clearly showed how the ecosystem is expanding and the impact it is having.”

▲ Lucy Hedges

“Once again, Samsung didn’t disappoint,” said Lucy Hedges, host of The Travel Show on the BBC. “What I especially liked was how AI blends naturally into everyday life. These connected products ultimately make users’ lives easier and more comfortable.”

As a standalone exhibition, The First Look 2026 presented a more expansive and advanced range of AI products and experiences than ever before. Samsung’s vision of AI — as a trusted companion in everyday life — offers much to look forward to in the years ahead.

Manal Saleh

TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No. 1 Mini LED and ultra-large TV brand, today unveils a new generation of visual technology breakthroughs and AI-powered products at CES 2026. This year, TCL introduces a series of world-first display panels, display technologies, and products, along with a full portfolio of intelligent devices designed to elevate smart living, immersive entertainment, and productivity.

A Glimpse into the Future of Displays

TCL continues to push the boundaries of display technologies that span all screen sizes, from large to small. At its CES 2026 showcase, TCL marks the global debut of its SQD-Mini LED Technology, representing a revolutionary leap in Mini LED performance. By transforming the local dimming zone of conventional Mini LEDs into Precise Dimming Series, it enables precise light control across the entire screen and delivers exceptional performance in both highlights and shadows. It also incorporates TCL's industry-leading Super QLED technology and an Ultra Color Filter Panel, achieving a longer service life, better color performance, and higher peak brightness. Furthermore, it offers a more stable global high color gamut, more precise light control, and a more refined appearance.

Also showcased is the world’s first TV powered by SQD-Mini LED technology – the TCL X11L. The TV achieves up to 100% BT.2020 All-Scene Wide Color Gamut and features CSOT’s WHVA 2.0 Ultra Panel for better color performance, higher native contrast and sharper picture quality. With up to 20,736 precise dimming zones and up to 10,000 nits, HDR content appear vivid and lifelike on this TV. The X11L also stands out with a sleek, nearly 2 cm-thinner and Virtually ZeroBorder design. For audio, it features Audio by Bang & Olufsen, offering a premium sound experience.

TCL’s collaborations with Gemini integration for Google TV and Dolby Vision 2 brings exciting upgrades to display experiences at CES 2026. Building on last year’s debut of the first “Always On” Google TV with Gemini, this year’s models will add even more intuitive ways to interact with your TV, including enhanced Google Photos search, new creative features with Nano Banana and Veo, and more. TCL also demonstrated Dolby Vision 2, the next generation of Dolby Vision, designed to deliver exceptional visual experiences through Content Intelligence, cinematic detail, and viewing environment awareness. Dolby Vision 2 is planned to be rolled out to TCL’s X and C TV lineups in 2026 via OTA updates.

Powering the Next Era of Intelligent Living

Beyond display technology, TCL presents a wide range of AI-powered smart home solutions designed to bring greater intelligence to everyday living. These include the TCL FreshIN 3.0 Air Conditioner, the GeniusFresh Refrigerator, the AmeraClassic washer and dryer series, and the TCL AI SuperDrum washer-dryer combo. In addition, TCL smart locks offer advanced biometric security, AI-driven access, and seamless smart home control, while TCL Smart Home Energy Solutions deliver an integrated and AI-driven energy ecosystem for modern households, offering end-to-end control of power conversion, battery, and energy management to reduce energy costs, enhance efficiency, and support a low-carbon lifestyle.

In entertainment, TCL leverages AI to elevate picture and sound quality, enable smarter interaction, and enhance content generation. The PlayCube Projector brings cinema-grade viewing to any environment, while TCL AiMe — the world’s first modular AI companion robot — introduces lifelike, adaptive interaction that brings a human touch to smart living.

Pioneering Partnerships that Are Shaping the Future Home

At CES 2026, TCL is also redefining the future of home design with TCL NXTHOMETM, which brings together smart home solutions, lifestyle appliances, and premium collaborations with brands including Bang & Olufsen, BMW Group Designworks Shanghai Studio and Alcantara. Also in the home, TCL ECORA™️, developed in collaboration with Chris Lefteri Design, is a new sustainable material made from recycled porcelain ceramics that combines high-performance technology with eco-conscious design.

TCL’s commitment to innovation in display technology, AI, and sustainability is shaping a smarter, more efficient future for all. As the company continues to break new ground, its technologies are not only transforming homes, but also enhancing the way people live, work, and connect – paving the way for a more intelligent tomorrow.

Manal Saleh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – January 6, 2026 – Elegance Cabinet Company (ECC) and LG Electronics have announced a strategic partnership to develop and manufacture smart home solutions for the Saudi Arabian and Middle Eastern markets. The collaboration combines LG's consumer technology expertise with ECC's advanced manufacturing capabilities to create integrated digital living products.

The partnership marks ECC's expansion into smart home technology, a sector aligned with Saudi Vision 2030's focus on advanced manufacturing and industrial localization. By bringing together international innovation with local production, the companies aim to meet growing regional demand for intelligent home solutions.

This partnership demonstrates the maturity of Saudi Arabia's manufacturing sector. We see tremendous opportunity in the convergence of smart technology and quality manufacturing. Saudi Arabia has the infrastructure, the talent, and the vision to become a major hub for smart home production in the region.

ECC operates one of Saudi Arabia's most modern manufacturing facilities, equipped with automated production lines and digital manufacturing systems. The company has built its reputation on precision manufacturing and quality standards that meet international benchmarks. The partnership with LG represents a natural evolution of ECC's capabilities into technology-driven products.

The collaboration will target several key markets, including residential developments, hospitality projects, and commercial real estate. Products developed through the partnership will integrate LG's smart home technology with ECC's design and manufacturing expertise, creating solutions tailored to regional preferences and requirements.

For LG, the partnership provides a strategic manufacturing base in Saudi Arabia, a country that has made significant investments in industrial infrastructure and workforce development. For ECC, it opens access to LG's global technology platform and positions the company at the forefront of the Kingdom's smart manufacturing sector.

The partnership reflects broader trends in Saudi Arabia's economy, where local manufacturers are increasingly becoming production partners for global brands. As the Kingdom works to diversify its industrial base and increase domestic value creation, collaborations like this one demonstrate the practical progress being made toward those goals.