PepsiCo opens $10m regional R&D hub in Saudi Arabia
PepsiCo said the centre would bring several stages of its product development process into one location and serve as a permanent research and development base for the company in the Middle East
PepsiCo has opened a $10m regional research and development hub in Riyadh aimed at developing products, flavours and packaging for Middle Eastern consumers, the US food and beverage company said.
The facility, valued at SAR37.5m Saudi riyals ($10m), was inaugurated by Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salameh, Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs.
PepsiCo said the centre would bring several stages of its product development process into one location and serve as a permanent research and development base for the company in the Middle East.
The hub will focus on developing new flavours, food concepts and packaging tailored to regional preferences, including locally inspired seasonings and products that PepsiCo categorises as better-for-you options.
Saudi scientists and engineers will work alongside PepsiCo’s regional teams and its wider R&D network, which includes innovation centres in Brazil, China, Germany, Mexico and the US, the company said.
“PepsiCo has been in the Middle East for over seven decades,” said Ahmed El Sheikh, PepsiCo’s CEO for Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan Foods.
“We know how important it is to people that the brands they love resonate with the tastes and lifestyles they know, whether it’s homegrown flavors, more options, or more convenient formats. This center helps us innovate locally rather than adapt globally.”
The Riyadh facility includes a consumer immersion space equipped with 360-degree screens and climate controls designed to simulate environments including beaches, stadiums and cinemas.
It also includes a culinary kitchen and product development area, a focus group room, a 12-seat sensory panel and laboratories for quality testing, packaging development and seasonings.
PepsiCo said bringing those functions together was intended to shorten the time needed to develop, test and refine new products.
PepsiCo’s R&D agenda
Majed Oushi, PepsiCo’s R&D head for the Middle East, said the facility would allow development teams to respond more quickly to consumer feedback.
“PepsiCo’s R&D agenda has always been about creating the foods that speak to people’s tastes, cultures, and aspirations,” Oushi said. “This new R&D hub will help us to do that quicker than ever.”
The opening expands PepsiCo’s presence in Saudi Arabia, where the company has also established its Middle East regional headquarters in Riyadh and operates manufacturing and other facilities.
PepsiCo had previously announced plans for a regional R&D centre in Riyadh as part of a broader expansion of its operations in the kingdom.
The company said the new hub would support local recruitment and the localisation of parts of its research, product development and supply chain activities.
Karim-Christian Haririan on how the new BMW 7 Series is setting the standard for luxury
BMW’s new 7 Series brings Neue Klasse technology to its flagship luxury saloon in what the company calls its most extensive model update ever. Karim-Christian Haririan explains why this generation matters, and why the Middle East shapes BMW’s global luxury strategy
The new BMW 7 Series made its regional debut in Dubai this month. It is a car that says a good deal about where luxury is heading, and about the part the Middle East now plays in setting that direction.
The 7 Series has set the standard since 1977. That is 49 years of forward-thinking innovation, from safety breakthroughs to new ways of controlling a car to digital features that reset what buyers expect. Now in its seventh generation, the car carries that history forward. This time, though, something feels different.
BMW describes the new car as the most extensive model update the group has ever carried out, and for Karim-Christian Haririan, MD of BMW Group Middle East, that ambition is the whole point.
“The regional debut of the new BMW 7 Series represents an important moment for BMW Group Middle East and a powerful expression of what modern luxury means to our customers today,” he says.
“More than progressive design or advanced technology, true luxury is defined by the quality of the experience it creates,” he adds.
Karim-Christian Haririan, MD of BMW Group Middle East
This is not a facelift, in other words. It is a rethinking of what the car should be, and that rethinking says a great deal about where BMW believes luxury is heading.
What drives demand in the Middle East specifically is the balance the car strikes. Flagship comfort sits alongside advanced technology, and the pleasure of driving meets a wide scope for personalisation. “Customers are not simply looking for transportation,” Haririan says. “They are looking for an experience that reflects their lifestyle and personal taste.” That, he argues, is what the new 7 Series is built to deliver.
What makes it stand out
The 7 Series looks different this time. Cleaner. A monolithic exterior, the new BMW kidney with Iconic Glow, and minimalist crystal headlights give it presence without anything decorative.
Step inside and the shift is immediate. The new BMW Panoramic iDrive dominates. The BMW Passenger Screen, making its debut, puts entertainment and information within easy reach of the front passenger. An upgraded BMW Theatre Screen handles 8K streaming, gaming and video calls, and intelligent voice control now integrates Amazon Alexa+ AI, so the car responds to natural language.
Over-the-air updates keep the software current, while a Bowers & Wilkins sound system with Dolby Atmos support, ambient lighting and four-zone automatic climate control round out the cabin. It is seamless, and none of it feels intrusive.
That restraint is deliberate. “The most significant change is not what customers see first, but how they experience the vehicle,” Haririan explains. Buyers will quickly notice the Panoramic iDrive, BMW Operating System X, the Passenger Screen and much-improved assistance systems, but, he says, “these technologies are designed to feel natural and effortless rather than overwhelming.”
That is the philosophy at work. For BMW, luxury is not about packing in the most technology. It is about technology that genuinely makes life better, an idea the company sums up as “innovation with purpose.” As Haririan puts it: “Technology only becomes luxurious when it genuinely improves comfort, confidence and enjoyment. The new 7 Series offers a more immersive digital experience while remaining unmistakably a BMW to drive.”
Personalisation stays key
The 7 Series story is not only about technology. It is also about personalisation. BMW Individual has offered bespoke customisation for 34 years, and the new car pushes that further still.
Buyers can choose from 12 upholstery variants and 130 paint colours, and the two-tone option alone unlocks more than 500 bespoke colour combinations. The real headline, though, is the BMW Individual Dual-Finish paintwork, a world first that took two and a half years to perfect and exists nowhere on earth but BMW’s Dingolfing plant.
The idea is deceptively simple. A matt finish on the lower body meets a hand-applied metallic finish above it, with no visible line where the two meet. Each car spends more than 75 hours in the paint shop, over three full days, and almost six times longer than a conventional finish. More than 20 specially trained staff tape, sand and apply it by hand.
That level of craft is not accidental, and it says something about how the region sees luxury. “In the Middle East, individuality is central to how many customers define luxury,” Haririan says. “Whether through exclusive paint finishes, carefully selected materials or highly tailored specifications, customers want vehicles that feel uniquely theirs.”
Those regional preferences, he adds, are increasingly shaping BMW’s global thinking. “Luxury today is becoming more personal and experience-led. The Middle East consistently demonstrates strong demand for craftsmanship, personalisation and memorable luxury experiences. The expectations of customers in this region often provide an early indication of where luxury trends are heading globally.”
Put plainly, what buyers in Dubai and Riyadh want today often becomes what the rest of the world wants tomorrow.
Electric options
On electrification, BMW takes a different line from much of the field. Where some rivals push all-electric futures with fixed deadlines, BMW’s message is to choose what suits you.
The new 7 Series comes in three forms: efficient combustion engines with 48V mild-hybrid technology, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric variants.
The electric models now travel beyond 720 kilometres on a charge (WLTP), a genuine step up thanks to sixth-generation BMW eDrive.
BMW is not steering anyone into that lane, though, because the region does not move at a single pace.
“Electrification is progressing across the region, but at different speeds depending on customer preferences, infrastructure maturity and market conditions,” Haririan says. “This is precisely why BMW remains committed to a technology-open strategy.” The UAE has been an early adopter, helped by infrastructure and strong consumer awareness, while Saudi Arabia is evolving quickly as investment in mobility and future technologies picks up. “Our role is not to push customers towards a specific technology, but to ensure we offer the right solution for every customer journey. This commitment to choice is one of the strengths of the BMW 7 Series portfolio.”
The new 7 Series brings a more capable, AI-assisted approach to driving. The Motorway Assistant allows hands-off driving up to 130 km/h, certified for now in a number of European countries.
The City Assistant supports navigation-guided, address-to-address journeys in urban areas, and BMW Symbiotic Drive balances what the driver wants with what the car can offer.
These are more than conveniences. They offer a glimpse of how luxury is evolving, with SAE Level 2 assistance that keeps the driver involved rather than sidelined.
On safety, the car adds digital tyre-conditioning monitoring with AI, an integrated braking system and near-actuator wheel-slip limitation.
For customers who want maximum protection, the BMW 7 Series Protection provides armouring with VR9 certification, and VPAM 10, the highest level, is available as an option.
Why the Middle East matters
The thinking behind BMW’s strategy comes down to this: the Middle East does not just follow luxury trends, it helps create them.
“The Middle East is one of the world’s most sophisticated luxury markets,” Haririan says. “Customers here are highly knowledgeable, globally connected and have exceptionally high expectations when it comes to design, craftsmanship, innovation and personalisation.” More to the point, they help shape what the wider world eventually wants. “In many ways, the region does not simply follow the future of luxury; it helps shape it.”
That is why the regional debut took place in Dubai, and why BMW pays close attention to what this market asks for. Expectations here do not trail the rest of the world. In BMW’s view, they lead it.
Competition in the premium segment is fierce, with new players arriving, pushing technology and cutting prices. Haririan does not treat it as a threat. “Competition is accelerating across the industry, and we welcome that. More choice benefits customers and encourages all manufacturers to innovate faster.” Even so, he says, “luxury has never been defined solely by technology specifications or pricing. True premium value is measured across the complete ownership experience, including design, engineering excellence, craftsmanship, customer service, aftersales support and long-term trust.”
BMW, then, is not chasing a spec sheet. It is backing the whole of the ownership experience. “BMW’s focus remains firmly on creating meaningful innovation rather than technology for its own sake,” Haririan says. “We respect every competitor, but our benchmark has always been ourselves, to continue delivering products and experiences worthy of the BMW badge, supported by over a century of engineering excellence and generations of flagship innovation.”
What comes next
Over the next two to three years, Haririan points to three forces driving BMW Middle East: digitalisation, electrification and customer experience. “We will continue bringing more Neue Klasse thinking, digital innovation and premium ownership experiences into the region while maintaining a technology-open approach that gives customers freedom of choice,” he says. “Customers are increasingly looking for personalisation, seamless digital experiences, high levels of service and long-term trust in the brands they choose.”
Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia matter commercially. The UAE remains an important centre for innovation and luxury, while Saudi Arabia is one of the most dynamic growth markets, given its scale, ambition and continuing transformation. “The Middle East remains strategically significant because customers here value quality, individuality, innovation and premium experiences at a very sophisticated level,” Haririan says.
That is the real story of the new 7 Series. It is not just a new car, but a commitment: to a region that helps set the direction of luxury rather than follow it, and to the idea that luxury, at its heart, is about experiences that fit the way people actually want to live.
Sharjah and Dubai are stepping up their wildlife and eco-tourism offerings as two of the UAE’s leading safari attractions prepare to welcome visitors for new seasons, with expanded experiences, conservation programmes and stronger international tourism initiatives on the agenda.
Sharjah Safari will open its fifth season on Monday, September 21, introducing new wildlife experiences, educational programmes and behind-the-scenes tours that give visitors a closer look at animal care and conservation.
Meanwhile, Dubai Safari Park is preparing to reopen for its eighth season on October 12, building on strong growth in travel-trade business and unveiling a new brand platform, premium visitor experiences and an expanded international market strategy.
Sharjah Safari expands conservation and visitor experiences
Sharjah Safari’s new season comes as the attraction continues to expand its role as a conservation, education and eco-tourism destination.
The safari’s breeding and animal care programmes recorded 186 births during the second quarter of 2026, including South African giraffes, elephants, lions, oryx, blue wildebeest, impala, nyala and zebra, a WAM report said.
The attraction also recently welcomed six critically endangered radiated tortoise hatchlings, adding to its species conservation and biodiversity efforts.
Aisha Rashid Deemas, chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA), said the fifth season represents another step in developing Sharjah Safari’s role in wildlife conservation while providing visitors with an educational and engaging experience.
She said the safari aims to deepen visitors’ understanding of wildlife and the importance of conservation through programmes that combine observation, education and direct engagement.
A key addition this season will be exclusive behind-the-scenes tours offered during selected periods. The tours will provide visitors with insight into the daily care of animals and the specialised expertise required to manage and maintain the safari’s diverse wildlife population.
Educational and recreational activities will continue throughout the season, allowing visitors to observe animals across expansive environments designed to reflect their natural habitats.
Sharjah Safari will welcome visitors daily from 08:30 to 18:00 from Monday, September 21.
Image credit: Supplied
Dubai Safari Park targets international growth
Dubai Safari Park is entering its eighth season with a strong focus on travel-trade partnerships and international visitors, following significant growth during its seventh season.
The park reported a 16 per cent year-on-year increase in business-to-business ticket sales, while B2B revenue climbed 26 per cent. Travel-trade visitors accounted for 62% of total weekday footfall, highlighting the importance of international and trade audiences to the attraction’s business.
Safari experiences also remained a major part of the visitor offering, with 72 per cent of guests opting for the safari bundle during the previous season.
Building on that momentum, Dubai Safari Park will introduce the ‘Royal Safari Experience’, a premium product created exclusively for travel-trade partners. Designed for groups of up to 10 guests, the four-hour experience will include VIP treatment, reserved seating and private guided tours across the park.
The offering gives travel partners another premium experience to incorporate into bespoke Dubai itineraries, while strengthening the park’s positioning as a destination for more personalised and immersive tourism experiences.
The park is also expanding its reach in key international markets through the appointment of Buzz Marketing as its official sales and marketing representative in India, and Action Global as its official representative across Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) markets.
The appointments are part of a broader strategy to strengthen relationships with international travel-trade partners, expand reach across priority markets and support the continued growth of Dubai’s tourism ecosystem.
Image credit: WAM/Website
A new brand platform for Season Eight
Dubai Safari Park will reopen on October 12 with its new brand platform, ‘Live More Wild Life’, which aims to encourage visitors to develop a deeper connection with wildlife, nature and conservation.
The new platform follows a landmark seventh season during which Dubai Safari Park became an official member of both the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
Season seven also saw the arrival of 144 newborn animals, including Salam, a Southern White Rhino classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, and Zuri, a newborn giraffe.
Muna Al Hajeri, Park Director, Dubai Safari Park, said: “The strong growth we have seen from our travel trade partners this season gives us great confidence as we look ahead to Season eight. We are continuing to strengthen our international partnerships and introducing new experiences that give our trade partners even more ways to showcase Dubai Safari Park to their clients.”
She added: “Our new brand platform, ‘Live More Wild Life’, captures what we want every visitor to take away from their time with us – a greater sense of connection, curiosity and appreciation for wildlife and the natural world. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors from the UAE and around the world to experience the park in new ways.”
Together, the two attractions reflect the UAE’s growing emphasis on wildlife conservation, experiential tourism and nature-focused visitor experiences, with Sharjah Safari placing a strong emphasis on conservation and education while Dubai Safari Park combines those themes with international tourism partnerships and premium experiences.
Tawrid has signed binding agreements with Gulf International Bank, Saudi National Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, ROSHN Group and construction company Nesma & Partners
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched Tawrid Company for Financing Solutions, a digital platform designed to provide supply-chain financing products to companies operating in the kingdom, the sovereign wealth fund said on Sunday.
PIF said Tawrid had obtained a permit from the Saudi Central Bank, or SAMA, to operate within its regulatory Sandbox environment and had already started operations.
The platform will connect buyers, suppliers and funders and offer products including early settlement against approved invoices, which PIF said could help businesses improve working capital and manage liquidity more efficiently.
The fund said the platform was expected to support Saudi Arabia’s private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, while expanding access to supply-chain financing.
Local banks registered on the Tawrid network will be able to engage with registered suppliers through the platform, supporting the digitisation of trade and broader development of financial services in the kingdom, PIF said.
“Tawrid will make Saudi supply chains stronger and more resilient,” Sultan Alsheikh, PIF’s head of Financial Institutions in MENA Investments, said.
Tawrid has signed binding agreements with Gulf International Bank, Saudi National Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, ROSHN Group and construction company Nesma & Partners, according to PIF.
PIF reorganises its investments into three portfolios
The launch forms part of PIF’s effort to increase private-sector participation in its projects and portfolio companies and deepen domestic supply chains.
Under its 2026-2030 strategy, approved in April, PIF has reorganised its investments into three portfolios and is focusing its domestic Vision Portfolio around six ecosystems: tourism, travel and entertainment; urban development and livability; advanced manufacturing and innovation; industrials and logistics; clean energy, water and renewables infrastructure; and NEOM. PIF has described financial services as a strategic enabler across those ecosystems.
In other news, PIF earlier this month launched Gulf Coast Development Company to develop an integrated tourism and residential destination on the Al Khafji coast in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
The project, which will be developed with the private sector and local and regional investors, will cover about 20 square kilometres with a 10-kilometre waterfront.
Once completed, it is planned to include eight residential neighbourhoods with more than 16,000 housing units, around 1,400 hotel keys, commercial, tourism and educational facilities and dedicated boat marinas.
Development is planned in three phases, with the first, comprising three neighbourhoods, scheduled for completion in 2030.
Fujairah to Abu Dhabi by rail: Etihad Rail, AD Ports launch new cargo corridor
The integrated inland logistics solution links one of the UAE’s key East Coast maritime gateways on the Gulf of Oman with Abu Dhabi’s industrial heartland
Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, and AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, have launched a direct rail service connecting Fujairah Terminals with the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD).
The integrated inland logistics solution links one of the UAE’s key East Coast maritime gateways on the Gulf of Oman with Abu Dhabi’s industrial heartland. It combines a dedicated rail freight service with a customs-enabled inland cargo gateway designed to bring trade and logistics services closer to customers, a WAM report said.
Developed in partnership with AD Ports Group, the service extends the reach of Fujairah Terminals beyond the port gates, allowing cargo arriving in Fujairah to be transported directly by rail approximately 200 km to ICAD. At the inland destination, customers can access customs clearance, inspection and cargo release services.
ICAD gains international logistics designation
A key milestone supporting the launch is the designation of ICAD with its own UN LOCODE, “AECAD”, establishing it as a recognised international logistics location within global shipping and trade systems.
For the first time, shipping lines, freight forwarders and cargo owners can book cargo directly to ICAD as the destination and clearance point.
Combined with dedicated customs and inspection infrastructure, the arrangement allows containers arriving at Fujairah Terminals to move directly by rail to ICAD for inspection, clearance and release. The service is designed to simplify customs procedures, reduce handling requirements and accelerate the movement of goods across Abu Dhabi.
The solution is aimed at importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors and logistics providers operating across Abu Dhabi, enabling them to receive cargo closer to warehouses, production facilities and end markets.
Three weekly services target high-volume cargo
The new service is designed to provide reliable schedules, reduce road congestion, support the movement of high-volume cargo and lower carbon emissions compared with traditional long-haul trucking.
The dedicated Etihad Rail service will operate three times a week between Fujairah Terminals and ICAD, strengthening multimodal cargo flows along the corridor.
Omar Alsebeyi, CEO, Etihad Rail Freight, said, “The launch of our new Fujairah-ICAD rail service represents another important step in unlocking the full potential of the UAE National Rail Network for our customers. Through our partnership with AD Ports Group, we have created an innovative logistics solution that goes beyond transportation by bringing key port services closer to where cargo is ultimately needed. By combining rail connectivity with customs-enabled inland cargo handling and the ability to book cargo directly to ICAD, we are helping customers move goods more efficiently, simplify logistics processes, and reduce the time between vessel arrival and final delivery.”
Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO, Ports Cluster – AD Ports Group, said, “Strong trade corridors are built by connecting gateways with the industrial and commercial ecosystems they serve. The integrated service brings together Fujairah Terminals, the UAE National Rail Network and ICAD (AECAD) as part of a more connected system, extending the reach of our port infrastructure beyond the terminal and bringing essential services closer to customers. Through our partnership with Etihad Rail, we are enabling seamless, reliable and resilient cargo flows, while providing businesses with greater flexibility in how they access markets and manage their supply chains. This seamless approach strengthens connectivity across the trade ecosystem, supports long-term growth and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a gateway of choice for trade and industry.”
Wider logistics network
The launch reinforces the shared commitment of Etihad Rail and AD Ports Group to strengthening the UAE’s logistics and trade infrastructure through greater connectivity, innovation and customer-focused supply chain solutions.
By combining the capabilities of Fujairah Terminals with the reach of the UAE National Rail Network and an inland gateway offering customs and cargo handling services, the partnership aims to create a more efficient and resilient logistics ecosystem for businesses operating across the country.
As part of the wider AD Ports Group ecosystem, Fujairah Terminals plays a role in delivering integrated, end-to-end supply chain solutions, connecting ports, industrial and free zones, logistics platforms and digital services.
Through its service offering and strategic location, Fujairah Terminals supports the UAE’s position as a global logistics and trade hub, strengthening connectivity across the GCC, India, the Red Sea and East Africa.
Dubai has completed a major upgrade of Oud Maitha Road and Al Asayel Street that will cut journey times by 75 per cent and increase road capacity by as much as 50 per cent, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said on Sunday.
The project included upgrades to four major intersections, construction of four bridges and two tunnels spanning a combined 4,300 metres, and development of 14 kilometres of roads.
The improvements increase the capacity of Oud Maitha Street from 10,400 vehicles per hour to 15,600 in both directions, while reducing journey times along the corridor from 20 minutes to five minutes, according to RTA.
The project serves areas including Za’abeel, Al Jaddaf, Oud Maitha and Umm Hurair, as well as Latifa Hospital and Al Wasl Club. More than 420,000 people are expected to live in areas served by the development by 2030.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA, said the project would strengthen links between major traffic corridors and improve access to residential, development and service areas.
“The project represents an important addition to Dubai’s road network,” Al Tayer said.
At the intersection of Oud Maitha Road and Sheikh Rashid Road, RTA added a lane to the left-turn ramp towards Al Garhoud Bridge, lifting capacity to 1,800 vehicles per hour.
The number of right-turn lanes from Sheikh Rashid Road onto Oud Maitha Road towards Dubai-Al Ain Road was also increased from two to three, boosting capacity to 4,000 vehicles per hour.
A new tunnel connects the service road on Oud Maitha Road with the Sheikh Rashid Road intersection for traffic heading towards Bur Dubai.
RTA also built two bridges linking Al Asayel Street with Al Khail Road via Al Wasl Club Street. A two-lane bridge serving traffic towards Al Wasl Club Street can handle 2,400 vehicles per hour, while a three-lane bridge carrying traffic from Al Khail Road towards Al Asayel Street has capacity for 3,600 vehicles per hour.
Another two-lane bridge, with capacity for 2,400 vehicles per hour, serves left-turn traffic from Al Asayel Street towards Oud Maitha Road.
At Al Wasl Club Street and Al Khail Road, RTA constructed a two-lane bridge capable of handling 3,000 vehicles per hour towards Business Bay Crossing, while also widening an exit towards Al Khail Road and adding service roads and parking.
The project also upgraded the intersection of Za’abeel Palace Street with Al Khail Road and Oud Maitha Road, doubling capacity on a left-turn ramp towards Dubai-Al Ain Road to 1,800 vehicles per hour.
A new single-lane tunnel in the same area can handle 1,200 vehicles per hour. At the same time, an existing bridge carrying traffic from Al Khail Road towards Oud Maitha Road was widened from two lanes to three, increasing its capacity to 3,300 vehicles per hour.
The development is part of Dubai’s wider Sheikh Rashid Corridor improvement programme, which aims to expand road capacity as residential and commercial development increases across the city.
