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Kia eyeing broader EV, PBV expansion, says Ahmed Soudodi

The VP of Product & Marketing for Kia’s Regional HQ MEA explains how the brand is targeting younger, tech-savvy buyers, embracing off-road culture, and laying the foundation for growth in electric and modular mobility with its new EV3, EV4, and PV5 platforms

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

21 July, 2025

Kia eyeing broader EV, PBV expansion, says Ahmed Soudodi
Image: Supplied

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With the launch of the K4 compact sedan and Tasman pickup, Kia is positioning itself for deeper relevance in the Middle East’s fast-shifting auto market — from design-led sedans challenging SUV dominance to rugged pickups blending utility with comfort.

In an interview, Ahmed Soudodi, VP of Product & Marketing for Kia’s Regional HQ in the Middle East & Africa, explains how the brand is targeting younger, tech-savvy buyers, embracing off-road culture, and laying the foundation for growth in electric and modular mobility with its new EV3, EV4, and PV5 platforms.

You’ve launched the new K4 globally and in the US. Can we expect it in the region?

Yes, absolutely. We’re still finalisng the market rollout timeline, but our intention is to bring the K4 to the region.

The K4 offers something refreshing in a world dominated by SUVs. Not every consumer wants an SUV. The K4 appeals to buyers who value sleek design, tech features, and practicality in a compact sedan format. We see strong potential for it among young professionals and families in the Middle East.

What makes the K4 a compelling proposition for this region?

It’s bold and dynamic in design, loaded with advanced connectivity, and offers great value. The cabin experience and tech stack are really where it shines — large curved displays, OTA updates, and a refined layout. These are features Middle East customers now expect even in non-premium segments. The K4 answers that demand.

What about the new Tasman pickup — will it come to the Middle East?

Yes. We’re very excited about the Tasman and can confirm it will be part of our offering in the region. The pickup segment in the Middle East is evolving, especially with more urban users seeking trucks for both work and leisure. The Tasman isn’t just rugged, it’s versatile. It combines the practicality of a utility truck with comfort and features for everyday driving.

Image courtesy: kia.com

Do you see off-road and desert culture influencing your strategy?

Without question. Off-roading is embedded in the lifestyle here, and that’s shaping how we approach product development and positioning. Whether it’s SUVs or trucks, we’re factoring in durability, terrain capability, and visual presence. But customers also want tech, safety, and refinement. That’s the sweet spot we’re targeting.

How is Kia building its electric vehicle lineup in the region?

Our EV strategy is rapidly evolving. We’ve already introduced the EV6 and EV9, and next up are the EV3 and EV5. These models will cater to broader price segments and market needs. The EV3, in particular, is a compact electric SUV with a lot of appeal for urban buyers. We’re also focused on ecosystem partnerships, from charging infrastructure to service, so that adoption becomes seamless.

Kia’s also been talking about PBVs. What’s the plan there?

PBVs, or purpose-built vehicles, are central to our long-term mobility vision. The Middle East is very relevant for this because of smart city developments and logistics growth.

Our PV5, the first dedicated PBV, will cater to fleet operators, ride-hailing, and delivery services. What makes it unique is its modular interior and flexibility — it’s a tech-enabled workhorse. And because we’re building it on a scalable architecture, we can quickly adapt based on market needs.

Read: The Middle East EV market – A $54bn opportunity by 2035, shows report

Dubai Police arrest cybercrime gang behind fake online investment schemes

The operation was part of the ongoing national awareness campaign, launched to educate the public about rising cyber threats

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

21 July, 2025

Dubai Police arrest cybercrime gang behind fake online investment schemes
Image: Dubai Media Office

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Dubai Police have arrested a cybercrime gang accused of running fraudulent online trading and investment schemes through social media platforms, the force said on Sunday.

The arrests were carried out by the Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, following extensive monitoring and investigation efforts, according to a report published by the Dubai Media Office.

The suspects had contacted victims through phone calls, falsely presenting themselves as representatives of legitimate electronic trading and investment platforms.

They used these claims to gain victims’ trust and convince them to transfer funds with the promise of fast and high returns, police said.

The funds were then funneled into bank accounts located outside the UAE, authorities added.

Dubai Police made the arrest as part of larger efforts to raise awareness about cyber threats

The operation was part of the ongoing national awareness campaign, launched to educate the public about rising cyber threats.

Dubai Police said they acted swiftly after receiving several reports from victims and were able to identify the gang’s identities and locations before making the arrests.

Legal procedures have been initiated to refer the suspects to the appropriate judicial authorities.

Mubadala announces reinvestment in PCI Pharma Services

The new investment will support both organic and inorganic expansion, including growth in sterile fill-finish injectables, high-potency drug manufacturing, and specialised therapies

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

21 July, 2025

Mubadala announces reinvestment in PCI Pharma Services
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Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor, said on Monday it has entered into an agreement to make a significant reinvestment in PCI Pharma Services, a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) focused on biotherapies.

The deal is part of a strategic transaction co-led by Bain Capital and existing lead investor Kohlberg. Partners Group will also remain involved with a minority investment, Mubadala said in a statement.

Mubadala first invested in PCI alongside Kohlberg in 2020.

PCI has been expanding its presence in pharma

Over the past five years, PCI has delivered more than 450 product launches and continues to build on its 50-year history in pharmaceutical services.

“PCI Pharma Services has been one of our top-performing healthcare investments and is a testament to what can be achieved when long-term active investors partner with strong management teams,” said Camilla Languille, co-CEO of Private Equity at Mubadala.

“Our team will continue to focus on similar opportunities in the healthcare space as the sustained outsourcing of mission-critical but non-core activities by pharma companies aligns with our commitment to address global unmet clinical needs, reduce the cost of care to the system, and enable greater access,” she added.

Mubadala investment reflects PCI’s potential

Mina Hamoodi, head of Healthcare at Mubadala, said: “Our reinvestment in PCI reflects our deep conviction in the company’s mission, leadership, and long-term potential. At this important juncture, we are delighted to welcome Bain Capital, an industry-leading healthcare investor with deep expertise in growing pharma services businesses, as a partner.”

She added that Mubadala looks forward to partnering with Bain and Kohlberg and working closely with PCI’s management as the company enters its “next chapter of accelerated growth”.

The new investment will support both organic and inorganic expansion, including growth in sterile fill-finish injectables, high-potency drug manufacturing, and specialised therapies.

The company also plans continued investment in the United States to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain resilience.

Hub71 startup, Ovasave, raises $1.2m pre-seed round

The startup is now preparing to launch in Saudi Arabia later this summer, as part of a broader three-year regional growth strategy

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

21 July, 2025

Hub71 startup, Ovasave, raises $1.2m pre-seed round
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Ovasave, an Abu Dhabi-based digital health startup focused on fertility and hormonal care, has raised $1.2m in pre-seed funding, a sign of growing investor appetite for women’s health innovation across the Gulf.

The funding round was led by PlusVC, Annex Investments, and New York-based venture studio 25 Madison. It also drew support from strategic angel investors and family offices across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, reflecting a widening pool of capital being deployed into early-stage femtech ventures.

Backed by Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 ecosystem and registered with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Ovasave is positioning itself as a pioneer in a segment long underserved across the region.

The company plans to use the funding to accelerate its expansion across the GCC, build new corporate partnerships, and roll out the next phase of its mobile platform, which will offer menstrual cycle tracking, symptom monitoring, AI-guided treatment protocols, and access to care.

Ovasave aiming to fill gap when it comes women’s healthcare in the region

“There is a critical need for timely intervention in women’s health, particularly around fertility and hormonal health,” said Torkia Mahloul, co-founder and CEO of Ovasave. “This funding marks a crucial step in our mission to disrupt women’s health and expand access across the region.”

Majd Abu Zant, co-founder of Ovasave, added that Abu Dhabi’s regulatory support and proximity to decision-makers have been central to their early momentum. “It’s the right environment to build and scale high-impact ventures. From here, we are expanding into Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region,” he said.

The raise comes amid a push by Gulf governments to diversify healthcare offerings and advance gender equality through national policy. In the UAE, reforms in healthcare, technology, and women’s rights have created a fertile ground for emerging FemTech players to gain traction.

Femtech, once considered a niche sub-sector, is increasingly drawing investor interest. A recent report by FemTech Analytics projects the MENA femtech market will reach $3.8bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual rate of 15 percent.

Startups like Ovasave are hoping to ride that wave by addressing long-standing taboos and gaps in care, particularly in fertility and hormonal health.

The startup is now preparing to launch in Saudi Arabia later this summer, as part of a broader three-year regional growth strategy. By combining AI-powered tools with direct access to care, Ovasave aims to move women’s health from reactive to proactive – a shift that investors are starting to bet on.

Air Arabia-led consortium wins bid to launch new low-cost airline in Saudi Arabia

The carrier will be based in Dammam and aims to serve 10 million passengers annually by 2030

Neesha Salian
Neesha Salian

20 July, 2025

Air Arabia-led consortium wins bid to launch new low-cost airline in Saudi Arabia
Image courtesy: WAM

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A consortium comprising Air Arabia, Nesma Group, and KUN Holding has won a bid from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to establish and operate a new national low-cost airline headquartered in Dammam.

The carrier will be based at King Fahd International Airport and is intended to boost both domestic and international connectivity for the Eastern Province.

The win marks the result of a strategic partnership among the three firms, aimed at supporting the kingdom’s aviation goals and economic development objectives.

“We are proud to have been selected by GACA to launch a new national low-cost airline headquartered in Dammam,” said Adel Al Ali, group CEO of Air Arabia. “This achievement represents a key milestone that reaffirms our commitment to supporting the growth and development of the kingdom’s aviation sector.”

New airline inspired by Air Arabia’s model

The airline, which draws on Air Arabia’s regional low-cost operating model, aims to deliver reliable and value-driven travel for passengers while creating economic opportunities in the region. According to Al Ali, the project will contribute to job creation and the broader economic development of the Eastern Province.

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Faisal Bin Saleh Al-Turki, president of Nesma Group, and Mohamed Bin Nabil Hefni, CEO of KUN Holding, called the initiative a direct contribution to strengthening Saudi Arabia’s tourism infrastructure and local economy.

“Launching a new low-cost carrier from Dammam is not merely an air transport project,” they said in a joint statement, “but a contribution to creating high-quality jobs, empowering national talent, and supporting aviation-related commercial activity. We believe this project reflects the private sector’s role in supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

By 2030, the airline plans to operate 45 aircraft, covering 24 domestic and 57 international destinations, and serve around 10 million passengers annually.

The project is expected to generate over 2,400 direct jobs in the aviation sector and contribute significantly to tourism and economic growth in the Eastern Province.

Read: Air Arabia Abu Dhabi to increase operational capacity by 40% in 2025

Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud dies after 20 years in coma

The funeral prayer was held on following the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported

Gulf Business
Gulf Business

20 July, 2025

Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud dies after 20 years in coma
Image: X

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Saudi Arabia’s Royal Court issued a statement on Juy 19, announcing the death of Prince Alwaleed bin Khalid bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The funeral prayer was held on following the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Alwaleed — widely known as Saudi Arabia’s “Sleeping Prince” remained unconscious since a 2005 car accident, believed to have occurred in London, which left him with critical brain injuries.

His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, also posted about his passing in an emotional message on social media platform, X.

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Family‑shared videos showed him connected to life‑support machines, one image draped in a Saudi flag.

The Global Imams Council also shared a statement sharing its respects and condolences with the Saudi Royal family.

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