Stealth in the Skies: Why Discretion is Becoming the Ultimate First-Class Amenity for MENA’s Global Travelers

Manal Saleh

The partnership aims to design, build, and operate sovereign AI infrastructure, platforms, and workforce capabilities across Pakistan's government, enterprise, and academic sectors.

April 09, 2026, Riyadh, KSA: Magna AI, Inc., the global integrated‑value‑chain sovereign AI transformation leader established through a partnership between Trend Micro and Wistron Digital Technology Holding Company (WDH) in strategic collaboration with NVIDIA, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Corvit Networks (Pvt.) Ltd., a leading technology training and digital services organization in Pakistan. The agreement establishes a strategic collaboration framework to advance sovereign AI infrastructure, platforms, and workforce capabilities aimed at accelerating Pakistan’s national AI transformation.

The partnership combines Magna’s expertise in AI engineering, infrastructure, and governance, with Corvit’s extensive nationwide reach across Pakistan’s government, enterprise, and academic ecosystems. Together, the organizations aim to support the development of scalable and secure AI capabilities designed to enable organizations across Pakistan to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) at national and enterprise scale.

This strategic initiative comes at a time when artificial intelligence is emerging as a critical driver of economic growth. According to a PwC report cited by the Saudi Data and AI Authority, AI could contribute up to 5.6% of GDP in economies comparable to Pakistan, potentially generating an AI-driven economic impact of $10–20 billion within Pakistan's projected $60 billion digital economy by 2030. Globally, annual investment in AI-dedicated infrastructure is projected to reach $400 billion by 2030, underscoring the growing strategic importance of national AI infrastructure for economic competitiveness.

The collaboration will focus on developing the foundational building blocks required to support Pakistan’s AI ecosystem. This includes the joint development of sovereign AI data centers and AI factories designed to support government, public-sector, and enterprise workloads while meeting national data residency and regulatory requirements. Building on this foundation, the partnership will support the creation of next-generation AI applications tailored to priority sectors, including predictive intelligence, agentic AI systems, digital twins, and advanced operational analytics. Security and governance will remain central to the initiative, with enterprise-grade capabilities such as model protection, threat analytics, and AI-driven security operations aligned with national cybersecurity frameworks. Both organizations will also provide end-to-end AI transformation services to help institutions transition from readiness assessments to full-scale AI deployment, while investing in workforce development through AI academies, professional certification programs, and executive education initiatives designed to prepare Pakistan’s talent ecosystem for the AI economy.

“Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming foundational to economic competitiveness and national innovation” said, Dr. Moataz BinAli, CEO, Magna AI. Pakistan stands at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey. Through this partnership with Corvit Networks, Magna aims to support the development of sovereign AI infrastructure, platforms, and talent capabilities that can help organizations across the country unlock the full potential of AI.”

“Corvit Networks has spent decades building trusted relationships across Pakistan’s technology ecosystem,” said Kashif Ul Haq, CEO, Corvit Networks (Pvt.) Ltd. “Combining our nationwide reach in enterprise enablement and technology education with Magna AI’s global expertise in AI infrastructure and transformation, we are committed to helping strengthen Pakistan’s digital capabilities and prepare the next generation of AI-ready talent.”

Manal Saleh

Marking a significant milestone in the brand’s global expansion, the development introduces a refined island retreat and an exclusive collection of private residences

Dubai, United Arab Emirates- April 8, 2026 – Chedi Hospitality, a leader in luxury lifestyle and design-led hospitality, has announced a strategic partnership with JIH Global Investments LLC to enter the Maldives. The collaboration will see the development of a boutique hotel alongside a limited collection of branded residences, marking a significant step in the brand’s continued expansion into some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Rooted in Chedi’s philosophy of understated luxury and cultural authenticity, the project will offer a distinctive interpretation of island living, thoughtfully designed to balance privacy, architecture and a deep sense of place. Conceived as both a sanctuary and a statement, the development will bring together refined hospitality experiences with residential living, catering to travellers and homeowners seeking meaningful, design-led escapes.

“This partnership represents a meaningful step in our global growth journey, as we bring the Chedi brand to one of the world’s most exceptional destinations,” said Stephan Schupbach, President & Group CEO of Chedi Hospitality. “Together with JIH Global Investments, we are creating a project that reflects our commitment to thoughtful design, cultural authenticity and a more considered approach to luxury living. The Maldives offers a natural canvas for our philosophy, where simplicity, space and connection to the environment define the experience.”

“We are proud to partner with Chedi Hospitality on this landmark development in the Maldives,” said Mohamed Ali Janah, Group Chairman of JIH Global Investments LLC. “With over four decades of experience in delivering complex, high-value projects across global markets, our approach has always been rooted in long-term vision and executional excellence. This collaboration brings together 

our deep expertise in luxury hospitality and real estate with Chedi’s distinctive brand ethos, creating a destination that will set a new benchmark for boutique hospitality and branded living in the region.”

“We are also honoured to contribute to the remarkable progress of the Maldives’ tourism sector under the leadership of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and to express our sincere appreciation to the leadership of both the UAE and the Maldives for fostering an environment that enables partnerships of this scale and ambition. This project reflects not only a shared vision for the excellence, but also the strength of the longstanding relationship between two nations.”

With a legacy spanning more than 40 years and over 50 completed developments, JIH Global Investments brings extensive expertise in luxury hospitality, real estate and strategic investment. Known for its turnkey capabilities and ability to deliver complex projects across international markets, the group continues to play a pivotal role in shaping high-value developments across the Indian Ocean and beyond. 

This partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter for Chedi Hospitality, as it continues to shape a global portfolio of destinations defined by purpose, place and enduring design.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – 7^th April 2026: Cruise Saudi, the Public Investment Fund-owned cruise development entity of Saudi Arabia, has achieved Travelife Partner Status, a globally recognized sustainability certification for tourism organizations.

The certification follows an independent assessment covering key sustainability areas, including environmental management, community engagement, and responsible business practices. It reflects Cruise Saudi’s efforts to integrate sustainability across its operations and shore experience programs, in line with international standards and Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

“Achieving Travelife Partner Status is an important milestone for Cruise Saudi and reaffirms our commitment to developing a responsible and sustainable cruise sector in the Kingdom. As we continue to welcome international cruise lines and guests, sustainability remains central to how we design and grow our destinations in partnership with local communities,” said Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi.

Naut Kusters, Founder and Manager of Travelife for Tour Operators, said: “I am delighted to see sustainability gaining momentum within the tour operator sector. Cruise Saudi’s Partner award will inspire other companies in Saudi Arabia to follow the same path.”

Cruise Saudi’s initiatives include the use of electric and hybrid vehicles for shore transfers, environmentally responsible excursion programs in Red Sea destinations, engagement of local guides and businesses, inclusive tour design, responsible sourcing practices, and sustainability training for staff.

As Saudi Arabia’s cruise industry expands, Cruise Saudi aims to deliver high-quality guest experiences while safeguarding cultural heritage, supporting local economies, and minimizing environmental impact. The Travelife Partner Status strengthens its position as a partner for international cruise lines and global tourism stakeholders.

-ENDS

Cruise Saudi

Cruise Saudi, a wholly owned company of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), was established in 2021 to develop and operate a world-class cruise ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The company is responsible for the full onshore and offshore value chain required to position Saudi Arabia as a premier global cruise destination – from planning, developing and operating cruise berths and terminals, to curating destination experiences, coordinating shore excursions, and supporting vessel operations.

Since launch, Cruise Saudi has activated five cruise ports and gateways across the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf; introduced AROYA Cruises, the first-ever Arabian cruise line; and announced its Joint Venture in partnership with AMAN Group, Aman at Sea, an ultra-luxury yacht scheduled to set sail in 2027. To date, the company has welcomed over 620,000 passengers from more than 120 nationalities on board 30 cruise ships from 15 international cruise lines, working closely with ministries, regulatory authorities, and global cruise partners to open up Saudi Arabia’s cultural, historical and natural assets to the world.

In line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, Cruise Saudi aims to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035, enable the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs, and support the diversification and long-term growth of the national economy and tourism goals.

 About Travelife

Travelife is an internationally recognized sustainability certification for tourism organizations, promoting responsible business practices, environmental protection, and social responsibility across the travel and tourism sector.

Manal Saleh 

 LIPTON Teas and Infusions, the world’s leading tea company with operations in over 100 countries, has officially commissioned a solar power plant in collaboration with Yellow Door Energy, a premier sustainable energy partner in the Middle East and South Africa.

The newly operational 580 kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar plant, installed in Lipton Jebel Ali factory car park roof, is projected to generate 958,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity in its first year, covering 13% of the facility’s energy consumption, and enough to produce more than 1 billion teabags a year. To maintain optimal performance, the facility features four cleaning robots that efficiently remove dust while minimizing water usage.

Comprising nearly 1,000 solar panels, this solar plant not only provides renewable energy generation but also offers shade for 88 parking spaces. The project is set to reduce carbon emissions by 388,000 kilograms annually, directly supporting LIPTON Teas and Infusions global sustainability objectives and aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Clean Energy Strategy.

 “This solar installation in Lipton Jebel Ali factory enhances our share of renewable electricity at our Dubai operations, “Our commitment to achieving Net Zero across our value chain by 2040 is further strengthened by this project, raising the proportion of clean energy used in our manufacturing facilities. Additionally, our Khanewal factory in Pakistan is already utilizing solar power, and our Kaplan factory in Turkey is pursuing similar initiatives, reinforcing our global commitment to decarbonization.” Bruno Laine, Chief Supply Chain Officer at LIPTON Teas and Infusions, stated.

"Our commitment to environmental responsibility has always been a fundamental part of how we operate at the Lipton Jebel Ali factory. As the first factory in the United Arab Emirates to achieve zero waste to landfill, we are advancing further by taking decisive action to reduce our environmental impact at its source. The solar panels installation initiative aligns with the environmental pillar outlined in the Lipton Management System and supports the UAE's Net Zero objectives. Our partnership with Yellow Door Energy demonstrates our clear intent to turn our sustainability commitments into meaningful, measurable results” Philip Ayoub, Lipton Jebel Ali Factory Director, and Global Digital Lead, LIPTON Teas and Infusions, commented.

Jeremy Crane, Group CEO of Yellow Door Energy, remarked, “We are proud to partner with LIPTON Teas and Infusions to bring this solar plant to life in Lipton Jebel Ali factory. This project exemplifies how manufacturers can effectively reduce emissions and energy costs through solar leasing. With over 1.1 terawatt-hours of clean electricity generated across seven countries, Yellow Door Energy continues to gain the trust of global manufacturers as they work towards decarbonizing their operations.”

As the solar developer, Yellow Door Energy is responsible for financing, designing, constructing, commissioning, operating, and maintaining the solar plant throughout the lease term. Solar leasing allows businesses to cut energy costs without upfront investment or operational risks, enabling them to focus on their core operations while enjoying the benefits of clean energy.

This solar plant marks a step towards LIPTON Teas and Infusions’ goal of achieving net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040, with clear near-term targets aligned with a 1.5°C trajectory. Lipton Jebel Ali solar project exemplifies a tangible commitment to sustainability and setting a benchmark for the industry.

Manal Saleh 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, London, UK – April 7, 2026 – MOZN, a leading enterprise AI company, today announced that it has been named among Notable Vendors in Forrester’s Financial Crime Management Solutions Landscape Q1 2026 report. This inclusion marks a significant milestone for MOZN and reinforces its position among global innovators.

The Forrester report, which lists 42 vendors, provides financial institutions with an overview of notable vendors and the key market dynamics shaping the rapidly evolving financial crime management (FCM) market, including fraud and anti-money laundering (AML) solutions.

MOZN was listed in the report with a geographic focus on Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) regions, and an industry focus on financial services, government, and insurance. The recognition underscores the company’s sustained investment in AI-driven innovation and its focus on delivering scalable, future-ready financial crime solutions tailored to high-growth and complex regulatory markets.

At the center of this recognition is FOCAL, MOZN’s end-to-end financial crime management platform. Built on a unified FRAML (Fraud + AML) architecture, FOCAL leverages agentic AI to automate data integration, accelerate risk-scoring, and streamline alert triage, enhancing investigator productivity while preserving human judgment. The platform offers flexible deployment options, allowing organizations to modernize their operations in a way that aligns with their technical and regulatory needs.

“MOZN’s inclusion in Forrester’s report reflects the progress we have made in building technology that truly transforms how institutions combat financial crime,” said Dr. Mohammed Alhussein, Founder and CEO of MOZN. “As Saudi Arabia designates 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, it reinforces the Kingdom’s ambition to lead in shaping the future of AI globally. At MOZN, we are proud to contribute to this vision by engineering AI-native platforms that make financial crime prevention more proactive, precise, and effective. This milestone reflects both the momentum of our mission and the growing global relevance of technology built in the region.”

By combining deep regional expertise with global technology standards, MOZN continues to advance its purpose of empowering organizations with intelligence that matters. The company remains committed to delivering AI-native solutions purpose-built for the world’s most regulated and knowledge-intensive sectors, enabling institutions to operate with greater clarity, confidence, and control. As demand for advanced AI-driven capabilities accelerates worldwide, MOZN is expanding its global footprint, supporting organizations as they navigate an increasingly complex financial crime landscape.

Manal Saleh

For the region’s businessmen individuals and frequent flyers, the business of the world doesn't stop at 30,000 feet. However, the proximity of the " first class " can often feel a little too close when reviewing sensitive contracts or private investments. Privacy has traditionally been a matter of curtains and partitions; now, it’s a matter of pixels.

The Privacy Display on the Galaxy S26 Ultra is being hailed as the "Invisible Shield" for the global elite. Unlike bulky, stick-on filters that degrade the premium aesthetic of a flagship device, this pixel-level innovation is integrated directly into the hardware. It allows travelers to work on confidential documents in airport lounges or mid-flight with total peace of mind—blocking views from all side angles while maintaining the vivid, high-resolution experience the user expects. In an era where information is the most valuable cargo, the Galaxy S26 Ultra ensures that your most sensitive data never leaves your sight.

Manal Saleh

Arcapita, a global alternative investment firm, today announced the promotions of Isa Al Khalifa and Michael Riccomini to Managing Director, and 20 employees at different levels across its global offices.

These promotions reflect the firm’s continued growth and its focus on strengthening leadership across key business lines and geographies.

Isa Al Khalifa, who also serves as Arcapita’s Head of MENA Real Estate and CEO of Lintara Properties, has played a central role in expanding the firm’s real estate platform across the GCC. He has led a focused strategy targeting industrial and logistics assets aligned with region’s economic transformation. 

Michael Riccomini, Head of UK Real Estate, has led the expansion of Arcapita’s industrial real estate platform in the UK, including the launch of dedicated investment vehicles and the deployment of capital into logistics and industrial assets supported by strong underlying demand.

The broader group of 20 promotions spans multiple functions and regions, highlighting the depth of talent across the organization and Arcapita’s continued investment in its people.

Hisham Al Raee, Group Chief Executive Officer of Arcapita, said: “These promotions reflect the strength of our investment platform, and depth of talent across the firm. We have continued to grow our business in a disciplined manner, successfully expanding across key markets while maintaining a consistent focus on delivering value to our investors.”

Fiona Anderson, Head of Human Capital & Business Administration at Arcapita, added: “Our people are at the core of Arcapita’s success. These promotions recognize individual performance, and demonstrate our long-term commitment to developing talent.”

Arcapita continues to execute a disciplined investment strategy focused on private equity and real estate, targeting sectors supported by long-term structural demand. The firm’s private equity platform focuses on essential business services, while its real estate strategy is centered on high-quality logistics and industrial assets, as well as digital infrastructure. Across its platforms, the firm remains focused on markets with strong fundamentals, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the GCC.

With a track record of over 30 years and a global presence across key international markets, Arcapita continues to scale its investment platforms while maintaining a selective and disciplined approach to capital deployment.

Manal Saleh

There is nothing quite like the energy of a sold-out football match in Riyadh or Jeddah. It is a sea of passion, where fans sit shoulder-to-shoulder in the heat of the game. But in these moments of high-intensity social interaction, the smartphone is always out recording goals, checking live stats, and messaging friends. For many, the struggle is the lack of "digital personal space" in a stadium where your neighbor is only inches away.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is introducing a new standard of "Stadium Etiquette" with its Privacy Display. For the modern fan, this technology is a game-changer for social privacy. By utilizing hardware-integrated light directionality, the Galaxy S26 Ultra allows fans to message family or check private notifications without the fear of "screen-peeking" from the person in the next seat. It allows the user to be fully present in the stadium's electric atmosphere while keeping their digital life strictly personal. As the Kingdom continues to host global sporting spectacles, this innovation proves that being part of the crowd doesn't have to mean giving up your privacy.

Manal Saleh

_Offers valid until April 15_

Riyadh : Lulu Online has launched its massive ‘Digi Savers’ promotion, offering massive price drops across various digital categories. Exclusively for Lulu Online customers, these deals provide a double benefit by combining direct product discounts with additional savings of up to SAR 200 through special coupon codes. This promotion applies to a wide range of digital devices, electronics, IT equipment, gaming devices and home appliances purchased through Lulu Connect on the Lulu app or website. To further enhance the customer experience, Lulu is providing free delivery and a commitment to getting orders to shoppers within minutes of booking.

*Huge Savings on Top Tech and Home Appliances**

The Digi Savers campaign features incredible deals on the latest and most trending products in the market. Shoppers can find great discounts on gadgets like smartphones, laptops, tablets and smartwatches, as well as home entertainment systems including smart TVs and bluetooth speakers. The offer also extends to essential home and kitchen appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, gas stoves, mixers, air fryers and microwave ovens. This wide selection ensures that customers can upgrade their tech and home essentials at highly competitive prices.

*Exclusive Coupon Offers*

To maximize their savings, shoppers can utilize three distinct coupon codes based on their total purchase value. For those spending SAR 3,000 or more, the code *KSA200* provides an instant *discount of SAR 200*. Customers making a purchase of at least SAR 2,000 can use the code *AHLAN* to receive *SAR 150 off* their bill. Additionally, for purchases of SAR 1,000 or more, the code *WAFRA100* allows customers to claim a *SAR 100* discount. These codes make the online shopping experience even more rewarding for those looking for the best value.

By offering these exclusive online deals alongside rapid, free delivery, Lulu continues to lead the way in digital retail innovation. These special offers are available for a limited time only and will conclude on April 15, giving customers the perfect opportunity to grab their favorite electronics at a fraction of the cost.

Manal Saleh

In a moment when artificial intelligence is reshaping the foundations of global healthcare, one Arab scholar has emerged as a steady, articulate, and influential voice in the debate over how these technologies should be governed. Visiting Professor Dr. Ameed Khalid Abdulhamid has rapidly become one of the region’s most respected authorities on the ethics of medical AI — a field where scientific rigor, human sensitivity, and policy insight must coexist.

From his post at the University of East London (UEL), within the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, Dr. Ameed contributes to the evolving global conversation on AI governance. His work bridges the technical and the human: the algorithms that power intelligent systems, and the ethical frameworks that ensure they serve patients rather than overshadow them.

What distinguishes Dr. Ameed is not only his academic standing, but the rare combination of disciplines he brings together. His background in medicine, artificial intelligence, ethics, and scientific communication has positioned him as one of the few Arab experts capable of articulating a holistic vision for responsible AI in healthcare. This multidimensional expertise is reflected in his leadership of the Arab Organisation of AI in Healthcare, where he spearheads regional initiatives that champion innovation while safeguarding patient rights and data transparency.

His influence extends far beyond lecture halls and policy forums. With a strong presence across Arab and international media, Dr. Ameed has become a trusted commentator on the future of medical AI — its promises, its risks, and its profound implications for the quality of care. His analyses, often described as both accessible and incisive, have been featured in respected scientific and media outlets across the Gulf, Europe, and North America.

Observers increasingly describe him as a reference point in the Arab world for medical AI ethics — a scholar who can translate complex technological shifts into a clear, human‑centered narrative. In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, Dr. Ameed stands out for his ability to connect technology with humanity, and to articulate a scientific discourse that keeps pace with global change without losing sight of ethical responsibility.

As the world grapples with the accelerating integration of AI into healthcare systems, voices like his are not merely valuable — they are essential.