Splunk Report: Agentic AI Takes Center Stage in CISOs’ Path to Digital Resilience

Manal Saleh

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Mar 05, 2026 – United Pharmaceutical Company announced that it has entered a formal agreement with Global Healthcare Company to acquire "Kunooz Pharmacies," a pivotal step reflecting the company's ambition and ongoing expansion within the Kingdom. This acquisition will solidify United Pharmacy's position as one of the leading providers of pharmaceutical services, as the company seeks to enhance its presence in Riyadh and expand access to high-quality healthcare products and services across the region.

“We are pleased to take this step forward through our agreement to acquire Kunooz Pharmacies,” said Khalid Yassin, CEO of United Pharmaceutical Company. “This move supports our continued expansion strategy, particularly in Riyadh, and reinforces our commitment to bringing high-quality and accessible healthcare solutions and become much closer to our customers.”

Customers of Kunooz Pharmacies will continue to receive uninterrupted service, with integration plans focused on maintaining continuity while introducing enhanced product ranges, improved systems, and expanded healthcare offerings following completion.

This transaction remains subject to approval by the General Authority for Competition and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Manal Saleh

 Valmore Holding (VLMR.CA and VLMRA.CA on the Egyptian Exchange and VALMORE.KW on Boursa Kuwait), one of the MENA region’s leading investment companies, reported today its consolidated results for the quarter and year ended 31 December 2025.

Revenues grew 24% year-on-year (y-o-y) to reach USD 685 million for 2025, driven by strong top-line growth across the majority of the portfolio, improved operating conditions, and continued execution on portfolio optimisation initiatives. Consolidated EBITDA grew by 26% y-o-y in FY25 to USD 322 million, with growth further supported by the Group’s diversified segment, which benefited from significant gains realised from ongoing optimisation initiatives. Net profit was broadly stable y-o-y at USD 186 million, of which USD 161 million is attributable to equity holders, driven by solid operating growth and portfolio optimisation gains, noting that FY24 net profit was boosted by sizeable one-off FX gains of USD 54.5 million.  On a quarterly basis, revenues rose 15% y-o-y to USD 166 million in 4Q25, underpinned by robust performance on improved operating conditions and resilient export pricing, while net profit increased 7% y-o-y to USD 49.4 million, coming from a higher base in 4Q24 which was boosted by FX gains and non-recurring items.

Commenting on the Group’s performance and outlook, Valmore Chairman, Loay Jassim Al-Kharafi: “2025 marked a significant step in Valmore Holding’s ongoing transformation, as we entered a new phase in our evolution as a regionally anchored and globally oriented investment platform. The rebrand to Valmore Holding reflects this broader strategic shift, one aimed at strengthening the Group’s resilience, broadening its international footprint, and supporting sustainable long-term value creation within an evolving global environment.

For nearly three decades, we operated successfully as Egypt Kuwait Holding, building a diversified portfolio of market-leading businesses, primarily in Egypt. This foundation provided the Group with scale, operational depth, expertise, and deep market insight. That legacy remains a core source of strength for the Group. At the same time, global capital flows, currency volatility, and evolving investor expectations have reinforced the importance of greater geographic diversification, resilience, and a stronger hard-currency earnings profile.

In response, the Board undertook a strategic repositioning, recalibrating the Group’s direction, strengthening governance, and aligning the Group on a clearer long-term vision for growth and value creation. The rebrand to Valmore Holding forms part of this broader transformation, reflecting our commitment to disciplined capital allocation, institutional strength, and the pursuit of high-quality investment opportunities across a wider set of markets.

Where Egypt Kuwait Holding reflected our legacy, Valmore represents our future ambition as a more balanced and resilient investment platform with broader geographic exposure, a stronger hard-currency earnings mix, and multiple avenues for long-term growth.

Valmore enters this next phase on a stronger foundation, supported by clearer strategic priorities, enhanced institutional capabilities, and a shared commitment to disciplined execution. In line with the Group’s disciplined capital allocation framework and its commitment to sustainable shareholder returns, the Board has proposed a cash dividend of USD 4.5 cents per share for FY25, subject to general assembly approval.”

Commenting on the Group’s FY25 results, Valmore CEO, Jon Rokk: “2025 was a year of continued strategic progress and strong operational execution across our portfolio. Throughout the year, we remained focused on strengthening our core platforms, increasing hard-currency revenue streams, and advancing our portfolio optimisation agenda, positioning Valmore for its next phase of growth.

On a consolidated basis, Valmore delivered strong overall growth in FY25, demonstrating the strength and resilience of our high-quality portfolio and operating model. Revenues increased by 24% y-o-y to USD 685 million, supported by healthy EBITDA and net profit margins of 47% and 27%, respectively. This performance resulted in bottom-line profitability broadly in line with that of the prior year, reflecting strong underlying operating performance, despite the non-recurrence of one-off foreign exchange gains recognised in FY24. These results underscore Valmore’s ability to generate sustainable value across geographies and deliver consistent returns through market cycles.

In fertilisers, AlexFert delivered solid full-year performance, with revenues growing 18% y-o-y, supported by improved gas availability and resilient export urea pricing. Sprea sustained strong top-line growth during the year, with full-year revenues rising 33% y-o-y, driven by continued execution of its market share expansion strategy and growing export contribution. Within the utilities segment, NatEnergy recorded 20% y-o-y revenue growth in FY25, supported by higher installations and increased connections to margin-accretive households. Kahraba delivered 18% y-o-y revenue growth over the year, supported by resilient demand and higher distribution volumes across its concession footprint. On the upstream front, ONS maintained resilient performance, with net profit increasing 7% y-o-y, supported by stable production and a strong margin profile. 

2025 also marked a milestone year for Nilewood. Following successful commissioning, the plant has now transitioned into commercial ramp-up, with positive operating cash flows expected in 2026. In Saudi Arabia, our natural gas distribution operations continued to scale, with gas volumes rising in line with tenant demand, following the commencement of commercial supply earlier in 2025. We also reached financial close on our UK investment, Endolys, during the year, marking our first major expansion outside the MENA region. Capital deployment has commenced, and this project positions us to build a scalable, hard-currency-generating platform aligned with global sustainability trends.

As we enter 2026 as Valmore Holding, we do so with a streamlined portfolio, strengthened hard-currency exposure, and multiple embedded growth engines across our platforms. Our focus remains clear: disciplined execution, active capital recycling, and building scalable, high-return businesses that deliver sustainable value to our shareholders.”

Fertilisers | AlexFert

AlexFert recorded USD 251 million in revenues in FY25, up 18% y-o-y, driven by a 24% y-o-y increase in average export urea prices, which averaged USD423/ton in FY25. Gross profit rose 26% y-o-y to USD 97.6 million, with gross profit margin expanding by 3pp y-o-y to 39%, while EBITDA increased 12% y-o-y to USD 119 million, with EBITDA margin remaining robust at 47%. Net profit grew 6% y-o-y to USD 86.2 million, translating into a net profit margin of 34%.

The company’s outlook remains positive, supported by: i) proactive government measures to secure feedstock availability, ii) continued strength in export urea prices, underpinned by favourable global demand-supply dynamics and geopolitical developments in key export markets, as well as iii) regulatory tailwinds, including the expected favourable treatment of Egyptian fertilisers under the EU’s CBAM framework.

Petrochemicals | Sprea Misr

Sprea Misr reported revenues of USD 177 million in FY25, up 33% y-o-y in USD terms and 49% y-o-y in EGP terms, reflecting sustained volume momentum and market share growth throughout the year. FY25 gross profit and EBITDA margins landed at 19% and 20%, respectively. FY25 net profit recorded USD 33.7 million, with a net profit margin of 19%.

The company’s medium-term outlook remains positive, supported by stable operating conditions, management’s continued execution of its market share expansion strategy, as well as improved earnings visibility and industry pricing discipline following the extension of anti-dumping measures on SNF imports. Additional upside is expected in line with the recovery in local construction activity, rising export contribution, and gradual normalisation of raw material input costs, which should support a progressive recovery in margins going forward.

Utilities | NatEnergy

NatEnergy’s revenues rose 20% y-o-y in USD terms to USD 75.4 million in FY25, driven by higher installations and increased connections to margin-accretive households. Profitability improved materially, with EBITDA growing 32% y-o-y in USD terms and 45% y-o-y in EGP terms to USD 22.9 million and EBITDA margin expanding by 3pp y-o-y to 30%. Net profit reached USD 25.2 million in FY25, with net profit margin landing at 33%.

NatEnergy is expected to continue delivering growth, supported by management’s focus on expanding residential connections, while prioritizing high-value, margin-accretive household and industrial connections to sustain blended margins.

Utilities | Kahraba

Kahraba’s revenues grew 18% y-o-y in USD terms to USD 63.5 million, driven by continued strong performance within the electricity distribution business, underpinned by a 128% y-o-y and 75% q-o-q surge in distribution volumes. Gross and EBITDA margins landed at 19% and 21%, respectively, in FY25. Net profit recorded USD 8.47 million in FY25, with net profit margin landing at 13%.

Kahraba’s growth prospects remain solid, supported by planned expansions of its distribution business, including new and expanded concessions, as well as potential acquisitions in high-potential areas, altogether well-positioning Kahraba to capture rising demand amid accelerating industrial activity.

Oil and gas | ONS

ONS delivered revenues of USD 61.3 million, supported by stable production volumes. Gross profit increased 6% y-o-y to USD 37.2 million in FY25, with gross profit margin expanding by 4pp y-o-y to 61%, while EBITDA stood at USD 49.1 million in FY25, translating into a robust EBITDA margin of 80%, underscoring the robustness of ONS’ operating model. Net profit rose 7% y-o-y to USD 33.3 million in FY25, with net profit margin expanding by 4pp y-o-y to 54%.

ONS’ long-term operational continuity and growth prospects are supported by the ratification of a 10-year extension to its Concession Agreement, alongside the award of a new nearby concession within the Rummana onshore Central Processing Facility (CPF). Additionally, a new flat gas price, approved in November 2025, will apply to incremental gas coming from new projects, starting with Phase-4, which is expected to begin production in 2027.

NBFS & Diversified  

The NBFS and diversified segment delivered revenues of USD 57.2 million in FY25, more than doubling y-o-y (+112%), driven primarily by gains from the Group’s portfolio optimisation programme, including proceeds from selective asset monetisation and partial divestments, as well as the reversal of impairment charges. Attributable net profit from Mohandes Insurance recorded EGP 95.7 million in FY25, up 38% y-o-y, supported by strong underwriting performance and improved investment income, while Bedayti delivered attributable net profit of EGP 106 million in FY25, up 59% y-o-y, driven by continued portfolio expansion and disciplined risk management.

The segment’s outlook remains positive, supported by ongoing portfolio optimisation initiatives focused on capital recycling, selective asset monetisation, and disciplined capital allocation. In parallel, Nilewood’s MDF facility has successfully entered early-stage commercial operations, with ramp-up progressing steadily, and is expected to contribute meaningfully to revenue growth and operating cash generation in FY26, supported by rising domestic demand and benefiting from import substitution dynamics.

Manal Saleh

Nearly all CISOs Report They Are Now Responsible for AI Governance and Risk Management, Cite the Growing Sophistication of Threat Actor Capabilities as Their Greatest Risk Vast Majority Say AI Enables More Security Events to be Reviewed 

Al Riyadh, March 1, 2026 – Cisco announced the release of Splunk’s annual report, The CISO Report: From Risk to Resilience in the AI Era, surveying 650 global Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). The report highlights CISOs’ rapidly expanding role, their strategic approach to AI adoption, and a steadfast commitment to human talent as they confront an increasingly complex landscape. 

"CISOs operate in the eye of the storm, at the center of constant transformation. Role responsibilities expand, threats evolve, and AI accelerates everything," said Michael Fanning, CISO, Splunk. "This expanded mandate brings an exceptional level of pressure and personal accountability. We are not just managing technology. We are managing risk, talent, and the digital resilience that drives critical business outcomes."

The AI Imperative 

AI is recognized as a powerful business imperative and productivity powerhouse for security teams, including agentic AI. The survey highlights:

95% of CISOs cite the growing sophistication of threat actor capabilities as their greatest risk. Ninety-two percent of CISOs say that improving threat detection and response capabilities is a top priority, followed by strengthening identity and access management (78%), and investing in AI cybersecurity capabilities (68%). 92% of CISOs say AI enables their teams to review more security events. 89% report improved data correlation with AI. 39% of CISOs who have partially or fully adopted agentic AI strongly agree it has increased their teams’ reporting speed by more than double the rate of those who are still exploring (18%). 82% of CISOs believe agentic AI will increase the amount of data reviewed and 82% say it will increase correlation and response speeds. 

While CISOs’ approach AI with cautious optimism, 86% fear agentic AI will increase the sophistication of social engineering attacks, and 82% worry it will increase deployment speed and complexity of persistence mechanisms. Ultimately, AI is seen as essential for combating advanced threats and delivering significant business advantages.

Expanded Mandate and Personal Stakes 

CISOs are operating at the leading edge of digital transformation, with nearly four out of five reporting their role has become significantly more complex. More than three quarters of CISOs are now worried about personal liability for security incidents, a sharp jump from last year, when just over half expressed similar fears, underscoring the high stakes involved. Nearly all respondents now report that CISOs responsibilities include AI governance and risk management, with more than four out of five also overseeing secure software development (DevSecOps).

Talent Over Tech in Closing Gaps 

Despite the rise of AI, CISOs are prioritizing human capital to address critical skills gaps. Their main strategies include upskilling current workforces, hiring new full-time employees, and engaging contractors. This reflects a belief that human intelligence and creativity remain security’s most powerful tools, especially for nuanced tasks like threat hunting. 

Security is a Team Sport

Shared ownership is proving critical for stronger cybersecurity outcomes. Joint accountability drives the most value for key security initiatives (62%), security budget and funding (55%), and access to security-relevant data (49%), indicating that collaboration across the C-suite is a force multiplier for resilience. 

Burnout and the Quest for Clarity 

The report reveals a significant challenge in workforce retention, with nearly two-thirds of security teams experiencing moderate to significant burnout. Leading stressors include:

High alert volumes (98%) False alerts (94%) Tool fatigue (79%) 

To address these issues, CISOs are consolidating security data into a single view and using data-driven narratives to translate technical nuances into clear business imperatives for non-technical leadership. However, challenges to improving cross-departmental data sharing persist, such as:

Data privacy concerns (91%) High storage costs (76%) Lack of shared data views (70%) 

Reframing Security as a Business Enabler

CISOs are increasingly focused on translating cybersecurity’s value into clear business outcomes. Incident reduction, improved Mean Time to Detect (MTTD), and Mean Time to Respond (MTTR) are the top metrics used to communicate ROI to leadership. Collaboration with C-suite peers, especially on budgeting and key initiatives, is crucial for success.  

The CISO Report highlights the transformation of the CISO role into a strategic leader. The report demonstrates how these executives are effectively navigating complex challenges by championing data-driven strategies, fostering human-centric leadership, and thoughtfully integrating AI. Through these approaches, CISOs are strengthening digital resilience and empowering their organizations to thrive in an ever-evolving threat landscape. 

To download the 2026 CISO Report, please visit the Splunk website. 

Methodology 

Oxford Economics researchers surveyed 650 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in July and August of 2025. Respondents resided in Australia, France, Germany, India, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. They represented nine industry groups: manufacturing, telecommunications, media and communications, financial services, public sector, energy and utilities, transportation and logistics, retail and consumer goods, healthcare and life sciences, and information services and technology. 

Manal Saleh

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – February 28, 2026 –  On February 25, Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy Buds4 series at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco, showcasing exceptional sound performance and advanced AI capabilities.

Reimagined as a personalized audio assistant, the Galaxy Buds4 series marks a significant evolution in wearable audio — combining intelligent sound with all-day comfort.

Samsung Newsroom got an early hands-on look at the Galaxy Buds4 series during Galaxy Unpacked 2026.

Design: Data-Driven Comfort for the Perfect Fit

The Galaxy Buds4 series embodies precision engineering. Developed using more than 100 million global ear-shape data points and 10,000 fit simulations, the earbuds feature a refined ergonomic design that delivers lasting comfort, even during extended wear.

The pinch control area — recessed where the fingers naturally rest — enhances tactility and enables intuitive control.

A semi-transparent charging case lets users easily check the earbuds and charging status. Beyond aesthetics, the device reflects thoughtful attention to everyday practicality.

Color: Modern Classics With a Signature Finish

The Galaxy Buds4 series stands out visually. Classic White and Black colors for both Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro feature a smooth, modern finish, while the online-exclusive Pink Gold for Galaxy Buds4 Pro adds a refined touch. With its subtle sheen and rosy hue, Pink Gold brings warmth and sophistication — doubling as a stylish accessory.

Sound: Immersive Audio That Fills the Senses

Galaxy Buds4 Pro reveals its true capability in a listening session. For the first time, Samsung has introduced a bezel-less woofer that expands the speaker’s vibrating surface area by about 20% compared with the previous model. The result is deeper, more resonant bass paired with clear, refined highs from the tweeter — all in ultra-high-resolution 24-bit/96kHz audio true to the original recording.

Noise canceling is also more advanced. Enhanced Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) creates an optimized algorithm tailored to each user’s fit and ear shape. Even in a loud exhibition hall, ANC delivers an immersive experience — as if stepping into a quiet, personal listening space. An expanded equalizer adjustment range further ensures consistent sound quality without tonal shifts, regardless of how the earbuds are worn.

Call quality has improved as well. Powered by machine learning, Super Clear Call delivers crisp audio in noisy environments. With 16kHz bandwidth support, voice comes through clearly, free from surrounding noises.

The Galaxy Ecosystem: Seamless, Hands-Free Control

The Galaxy Buds4 series reaches its full potential when paired with a Galaxy smartphone. Opening the charging case instantly triggers a connection pop-up for seamless pairing. Users can adjust noise canceling levels or change settings directly from the Quick Panel — even without the Galaxy Wearable app.

Another highlight is the newly introduced Head Gestures feature. A simple nod allows users to answer calls hands-free — ideal when exercising or carrying items.

Voice commands also launch AI agents such as Gemini and Perplexity, minimizing the need to take the smartphone out of a pocket.

Moving beyond hardware innovation, the Galaxy Buds4 series delivers a personalized audio experience tailored to individual lifestyles.

Manal Saleh

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors hosted an exclusive Defender Experience on Saturday, 14 February 2026, welcoming a select group of clients and media to discover the vehicle’s legendary capability, distinctive design, and advanced technology within a fully immersive desert setting in Jeddah.

➢ Guests gathered at the Land Rover Retailer MYNM facility on Hamza Al Barkani Street before departing in convoy to Moon Mountain, where Defender’s advanced off-road capability was demonstrated across rugged desert terrain under expert guidance.

➢ The experience combined immersive driving with a strong sense of community, reinforcing Defender’s heritage, engineering precision, and position as a luxury adventure brand.

➢ As The evening concluded at Moon Mountain Camp with curated cultural moments, live DJ entertainment, and a premier dining experience under the open sky, reflecting the refined yet adventurous spirit of Defender.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - February 24, 2026: Defender, the iconic automotive adventure brand, hosted an exclusive, invitation-only Defender Experience on Saturday, 14 February 2026, set against the striking desert landscapes surrounding Jeddah. Organised by Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors (MYNM), the exclusive and official retailer for JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) in Saudi Arabia, the event welcomed a select group of clients and media to immerse themselves in the true spirit of Defender, where capability, heritage, and modern luxury converge.

The experience was thoughtfully designed to go beyond a traditional drive, engaging guests in the Defender lifestyle through an authentic off-road journey complemented by curated cultural and entertainment moments. From the outset, the day reflected the brand’s adventurous DNA while maintaining the refinement and attention to detail synonymous with Defender.

The event commenced at the Land Rover Retailer Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors facility on Hamza Al Barkani Street, where attendees were welcomed with refreshments and a comprehensive briefing outlining the day’s activities. A dedicated safety induction and technical overview ensured that all participants were fully prepared before setting off. Shortly after, the convoy departed the city, heading towards the dramatic terrain of Moon Mountain, where the landscape provided the ideal setting to demonstrate Defender’s exceptional off-road performance.

Across rugged tracks and open desert stretches, guests experienced first-hand the vehicle’s confidence, control, and engineering precision. Guided by expert instructors, participants navigated challenging surfaces and varying elevations, gaining a deeper appreciation for Defender’s uncompromising capability and advanced technology. The drive not only showcased the vehicle’s strength and versatility but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among attendees as they shared the adventure together.

Upon arrival at Moon Mountain Camp, the experience evolved into an evening celebration that embodied the essence of exploration and connection. The setting offered a refined desert retreat atmosphere, seamlessly blending adventure with hospitality. Guests participated in interactive activities and creative workshops, including an energetic drumming session that infused the desert surroundings with rhythm and vitality, reinforcing the spirit of unity and shared discovery.

As the sun set over the horizon, the evening transitioned into a premier dining experience under the open sky. Live music and DJ entertainment created a vibrant yet elegant ambiance, allowing guests to unwind while continuing to engage with the Defender community. The carefully curated programme ensured that every moment reflected the balance between rugged capability and contemporary luxury that defines the brand.

The Defender Experience concluded with exclusive gifts presented to attendees, marking the end of a memorable journey that seamlessly combined off-road exploration, cultural engagement, and refined hospitality. Through this immersive activation, Defender strengthened relationships with its clients and media partners in Jeddah, reinforcing its position as the ultimate luxury adventure brand. The event not only demonstrated the Defender’s outstanding performance across challenging terrains but also celebrated the brand’s enduring heritage, innovation, and commitment to creating extraordinary experiences on and beyond the road.

Manal Saleh

Supermicro, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI), a global leader in application optimized total IT solutions, and EHC Investment, a diversified Abu Dhabi based investment platform and a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), today announced a strategic relationship to jointly advance the development and deployment of Sovereign AI Modular Data Centers (MDCs) in the United Arab Emirates, leveraging Supermicro’s Data Center Building Block Solutions (DCBBS) architecture.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to accelerating the availability of high performance, energy efficient, and sovereign AI ready digital infrastructure. By combining Supermicro’s proven DCBBS framework with EHC Investment’s strong regional presence, infrastructure platforms, and execution capabilities, the partnership aims to deliver scalable, high density data center solutions capable of supporting artificial intelligence, high performance computing, and advanced cloud workloads with significantly reduced deployment timelines.

As global demand for AI infrastructure continues to expand rapidly, access to power dense, high performance computing capacity has emerged as a critical constraint. Modular Data Centers, delivered through Supermicro’s validated and productized DCBBS approach, provide a reliable and repeatable pathway to accelerate deployment while maintaining performance, efficiency, and operational consistency.

Supermicro’s DCBBS architecture integrates computer, networking, storage, power, cooling, rack level integration, and deployment services into a unified, end to end solution. This approach enables faster deployment cycles, typically within six to nine months, compared to traditional data center construction, while reducing execution risk and ensuring predictable performance. Supermicro brings industry leading capabilities in AI optimized servers, advanced liquid cooled systems, and modular infrastructure design.

EHC Investment contributes strong regional presence, infrastructure development expertise, and long term investment alignment within the UAE and broader region. Through this strategic relationship, the parties will collaborate on MDC reference architectures, deployment frameworks, and coordinated delivery models to accelerate the rollout of sovereign AI infrastructure across priority sectors.

The collaboration is also aligned with EHC Investment’s broader strategy of developing and investing in foundational digital infrastructure platforms that support long term economic growth, technological leadership, and global competitiveness. MDC solutions offer a capital efficient, scalable, and repeatable model to enable AI deployment across key sectors including energy, healthcare, financial services, and smart city ecosystems.

This announcement marks the beginning of a strategic working relationship between Supermicro and EHC Investment. As deployment initiatives progress, both organizations will continue to evaluate project opportunities, operational frameworks, and potential pathways for expanded collaboration, with the shared objective of enabling scalable, secure, and high performance AI infrastructure to support the UAE’s digital future.

Manal Saleh

The Middle East reinforces its deep connection with the performance brand through the launch of the all-new Patrol NISMO and Z NISMO

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (26 February 2026) - Nissan is celebrating more than four decades of Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd. (NISMO). Since its founding in 1984, NISMO has served as the brand's dedicated motorsports and performance arm, bridging the gap between factory racing dominance and high-performance road vehicles. This legacy continues to expand today, with a specific focus on the Middle East following the regional launch of the all-new Patrol NISMO and Z NISMO in less than a year ago.

In September 1984, NISMO was founded in Omori, Tokyo, born from the merger of Nissan’s Advertising Division in Omori and the Special Car Testing Division in Oppama. The goal was to consolidate Nissan's racing capabilities. Yasuharu Namba, the brand's first president, established the philosophy that guides the division to this day: “The technology developed through motorsports needs to be fed back into production cars.”

In 1985, NISMO tuned Nissan's VG30 turbo engine into a powerful 3.0-liter V-6. This powerplant led to a historic victory at the WEC-JAPAN race - the first-ever win for a Japanese engine and driver (Kazuyoshi Hoshino) in the World Endurance Championship. By 1986, NISMO entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans, laying the groundwork for future endurance success. The early 1990s saw NISMO achieve victory at the Spa 24 Hours (1991) and the Bathurst 1000 with the R32 Skyline GT-R. In 1992, the R91 CP secured the overall title at the Daytona 24 Hours.

As the Group C era concluded, NISMO leveraged its expertise to create high-performance components for street cars like the S13 Silvia and R32 GT-R. This era birthed the NISMO 270R and the globally renowned NISMO 400R in 1996. The 400R featured a heavily modified 2.8-liter RB26DETT engine delivering 400 horsepower. NISMO’s first official volume road car arrived in 2007 with the Fairlady Z Version NISMO. This paved the way for a portfolio of performance vehicles including the GT-R NISMO and the JDM Fairlady Z Version NISMO Type 380RS.

On the track, NISMO entered the Formula E championship in 2018, becoming the first Japanese manufacturer in the series. The team secured six podiums and five pole positions in its debut season. In 2021, Nissan committed to Formula E through the end of the Gen3 era in 2026. Simultaneously, NISMO continued to dominate the Super GT series, piling up championships in 2003, 2004, 2008, 2014, and 2015.

As the global portfolio expanded, the Middle East played a pivotal role in NISMO's road car history. In 2015, the Middle East became the first region globally to receive a NISMO-exclusive model: the Patrol NISMO. Tuned specifically for GCC conditions and customer expectations, it marked the beginning of a deep performance connection between the region and the brand.

Today, the all-new Nissan Patrol NISMO leads the NISMO road car lineup with a potent 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that builds on the brand’s renowned GT-R engineering expertise. Launched in the Middle East in 2025 as the most powerful Patrol, it produces nearly 500hp of power and 700Nm of torque in Sport Mode, along with optimized aerodynamics and a dedicated NISMO tuned suspension. The all-new Patrol NISMO blends the strength of Nissan’s flagship SUV with precision tuned performance.

Doubling the NISMO excitement and presence in the Middle East, the all-new Nissan Z NISMO brings the same spirit to Nissan’s iconic sports car family. As the fastest and most powerful Z to date, it features a NISMO tuned 3.0 liter twin turbo V6 producing 420 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque, motorsport inspired aerodynamics, and a cockpit designed for focused and exhilarating driving.

Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President, President Middle East, KSA, CIS – Nissan, INFINITI, said: “For more than 40 years, NISMO has represented the pure expression of Nissan performance, and the Middle East has become one of the most important markets where that spirit truly comes to life. Our customers here have a deep appreciation for high performance, engineering excellence and motorsports DNA, which is why NISMO has such a strong emotional connection in the region. With the all-new Patrol NISMO and Z NISMO, we are proud to continue delivering performance vehicles that are not only inspired by the racetrack but engineered specifically for Middle Eastern roads and driving expectations.”

From its origins in Omori to its modern presence on Middle Eastern roads, NISMO continues to thrive in motorsports, competing in both the Super GT and Formula E as two main pillars and supporting customer racing programs with Nissan Z NISMO GT4 in the US and Japan. Beyond the track, NISMO remains dedicated to producing road cars, that deliver speed, confidence and exhilaration, such as the recently introduced Ariya NISMO, continuing its legacy of performance and innovation.

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