EVIQ, a leading force in Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle infrastructure sector, has inaugurated its first highway charging station at SASCO Aljazeera, its located on the vital Riyadh-Qassim highway.
This launch marked a significant step in the wider regional effort to promote sustainable transportation.
It aims to overcome the challenges of long-distance travel for EV users and is expected to significantly boost the adoption of electric vehicles in the country, embracing the sustainable energy solutions.
EVIQ’s initiative for the future
This milestone is the beginning of EVIQ’s extensive highway charging network across Saudi Arabia. They are committed to delivering advanced charging solutions, with over 5,000 fast chargers by 2030, to facilitate the Kingdom’s sustainability vision through reliable, accessible, and high-performing charging solutions.
Commenting on this milestone,Mohammed Bakr Gazzaz, CEO of EVIQ, said: “The inauguration of our first highway EV charging hub at SASCO Aljazeera on RYD-QSM highway represents a pivotal moment in the development of a robust and interconnected charging network across Saudi Arabia.”
Gazzaz said this initiative is key to supporting the Kingdom’s transition towards sustainable transportation by ensuring EV drivers have access to efficient charging infrastructure along crucial highways.
“It also reflects EVIQ’s commitment to fostering a greener, more energy-efficient future in line with national sustainability goals. Our ongoing expansion for this year will include another two upcoming highway routes, which are: Riyadh-Dammam, and Mecca-Madinah, in addition to our plans for further expansion on the Riyadh-Qassim route,” said Gazzaz.
Key collaboration
SASCO’s strategic partnership in this EV charging initiative marks a significant advancement for Saudi Arabia’s roadside infrastructure.
By incorporating EVIQ’s charging solutions into their extensive service station network, SASCO is actively shaping the future of travel.
This collaboration reflects as a dedication to modernising travel experiences and promoting eco-friendly transportation choices.
To further elaborate this point, Riyadh Almalik, CEO of SASCO, added: “At SASCO, we are committed to evolving our services to meet the changing needs of travelers in Saudi Arabia. The introduction of EV charging stations at our locations is a significant step in supporting the Kingdom’s sustainability goals and providing innovative solutions for motorists.”
He went further to explain the importance of the partnership.
“Our partnership with EVIQ enables us to offer seamless and convenient charging options, ensuring that EV drivers have access to reliable infrastructure as they travel across the country. We look forward to expanding this initiative to more SASCO locations, reinforcing our role as a key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s transition to electric mobility,” he said.
Travel time reduced: Dubai’s new 3 lane bridge to handle 4,800 cars per hour
The bridge not only expedites the flow of traffic but also facilitates movement right from the Infinity Bridge via Al Mina Street to Sheikh Rashid Road
The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai opened a new and major three-lane bridge on Sunday, March 23. The bridge is designed to enhance traffic movement from Infinity Bridge through Al Mina Street to the intersection of Sheikh Rashid Road and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street.
The bridge not only expedites the flow of traffic but also facilitates movement right from the Infinity Bridge via Al Mina Street to Sheikh Rashid Road, extending to its intersection with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street. It will also ease commutes for drivers in Dubai by improving connectivity to key residential and commercial areas, including Al Hudaiba, Al Raffa, Al Jafiliya, Al Mankhool, Al Kifaf, and Al Karama.
Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project
The opening of the bridge is part of Phase 4 of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, which spans 4.8 km along Sheikh Rashid Road, from its intersection with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street to the Falcon Intersection on Al Mina Street.
Phase 4 includes the construction of five bridges, totalling 3.1 kilometres, with a combined capacity of 19,400 vehicles per hour across all lanes.
This project also involves the development of a 4.8 kilometre road, improvements to surface intersections on Jumeirah Street, Al Mina Street, and Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street, as well as the construction of two pedestrian bridges—one on Sheikh Rashid Road and the other on Al Mina Street.
The Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project is one of RTA’s largest ongoing projects and has already achieved remarkable progress.
Spanning over a distance of 13 kilometres, the corridor extends along Sheikh Rashid Road, Al Mina Street, Al Khaleej Street, and Cairo Street, involving the development of 15 intersections.
Due to its scale and complexity, the project has been divided into five phases.
How will the commuters benefit from the completion of the project?
This corridor improves connectivity between Deira and Bur Dubai while supporting major developments, including Dubai Islands, Deira Waterfront, Dubai Maritime City, and Port Rashid.
The Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project is expected to benefit one million residents upon completion, ensuring smoother traffic flow, increasing road capacity and efficiency, and significantly reducing travel time from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes by 2030.
Additionally, the project is designed to enhance road safety standards while delivering an estimated Dhs45bn in economic benefits over the next 20 years.
Two more bridges to open this year
As the RTA completes 90 per cent of Phase 4 of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, the two remaining bridges are scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2025.
The first bridge, spanning 780 metres, features three lanes and a capacity of 4,800 vehicles per hour, improving traffic flow from Infinity Bridge through Al Mina Street towards Al Wasl Street.
The second bridge, extending 985 metres, consists of two lanes with a capacity of 3,200 vehicles per hour, serving traffic from Jumeirah Street towards Al Mina Street and the Falcon intersection.
“Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project is being implemented under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, with the close follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The project is designed to support ongoing urban development along the corridor while meeting the demands of urban and population growth,” Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, stated.
The UAE has committed to a 10-year, $1.4tn investment framework in the United States after top UAE officials met President Donald Trump this week, the White House said on Friday.
The framework will “substantially increase the UAE’s existing investments in the US economy” in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, and manufacturing, the White House said in a statement.
The White House did not outline how UAE investments would reach $1.4tn, with some of the deals unveiled as part of the framework having already been announced.
The only fully new deal appeared to be an investment by Emirates Global Aluminium in what would be the first new aluminum smelter in the United States in 35 years, the White House said, adding the plant “would nearly double U.S. domestic aluminum production”.
“Developing a primary aluminium smelter in the U.S. has been part of EGA’s ambitions for several years,” a spokesperson for the firm said in a statement.
The UAE is looking to deepen investment ties with Washington and is emerging as a global leader in AI, one of the sectors it is betting on to diversify its economy away from energy.
In September, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met former US President Joe Biden, in the first visit of a UAE president to the White House, as the two leaders discussed deepening cooperation in areas such as AI, investments and space exploration.
Gulf sovereign wealth funds, including Abu Dhabi’s $330bn Mubadala, are already big U.S. investors, and Trump and his family have business ties to the region.
Oval Office Meeting
Trump in January asked Saudi Arabia to spend upwards of $1tn in the U.S. economy, over four years, including purchases of military equipment, and said this month he likely would make his first trip abroad to the Gulf country to seal an investment agreement.
The deal, which could happen between this month or the next, would come at a time when Saudi Arabia, the Arab world’s biggest economy, has been taking a more prominent role in US foreign policy. The Gulf country is set to host diplomatic talks around Ukraine involving the United States and Russia next week.
The White House said on Friday the UAE agreement resulted from a meeting that Trump held on Tuesday with national security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the Oval Office and a dinner that Vice President JD Vance and several cabinet members held with the UAE delegation, which included the heads of major UAE sovereign wealth funds and corporations.
Among the tie-ups highlighted on Friday was a partnership between UAE sovereign wealth fund ADQ, which is chaired by Sheikh Tahnoon, and US private equity firm Energy Capital Partners, for a $25bn US-focused initiative to invest in energy infrastructure and data centers. That had been previously announced two days ago.
A commitment by XRG, the international investment arm of UAE state oil company ADNOC launched in November, to support U.S. natural gas production and exports with an investment in the NextDecade liquefied natural gas export facility in Texas, had previously been made public last year by ADNOC, under Biden.
Temperatures are also expected to drop significantly, while winds will range from light to moderate, becoming active to strong at times — particularly over the sea — and may stir up dust and sand over land during the daytime.
NCM, in its daily weather report had also stated that winds will be north-westerly, with speeds ranging from 15 to 25 kilometer per hour, reaching up to 45 kilometer per hour at times.
The GCC countries are set to enjoy long holidays during Eid Al Fitr this year.
The official Eid holidays in Saudi Arabia will begin on Sunday, March 30, and work will resume on Thursday, April 3. Employees will enjoy a long holiday, with Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, already off as weekend days.
According to a report by Al Arabiya News, students, on the other hand, will start their Eid Al Fitr break on March 20 and resume classes on April 6, in line with the education ministry’s academic calendar.
However, the actual date of the first day of Eid Al Fitr will be confirmed when the crescent moon is sighted.
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Kuwait has stated that the Eid Al Fitr holidays at all ministries, governmental bodies, and public institutions will be determined based on the first day of Eid.
The CSC announced that if the first day of Eid Al Fitr falls on Sunday (March 30), the official holidays will last for three days, from Sunday (March 30) to Tuesday (April 1), with work resuming on Wednesday, April 2.
A statement from the commission also conveyed that if the first day of Eid Al Fitr falls on Monday (March 31), the official holidays will extend to five days, from Sunday (March 30) to Thursday (April 3), with work resuming on Sunday, April 6.
State agencies will determine their Eid Al Fitr holiday schedules, taking public interest into consideration, according to the CSC, a report by the Kuwait News Agency said.
March 30 is expected to be the first day of Eid Al Fitr 1446 AH in Qatar.
The Qatar Calendar House statement, based on astronomical calculations conducted by its specialists, confirmed this date, as reported by Peninsula Qatar. The crescent moon for this year’s Shawwal (the 10th lunar month) will be born on the evening of Saturday, March 29, at 1:58 pm Doha local time (10:58 am GMT).
Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, had also issued a circular with regards to Eid Al Fitr holidays in the country.
The circular stipulates that the ministries and public institutions in Bahrain will close on the day of Eid Al-Fitr and the two days that follow, a report in Bahrain News Agency said.
Must attend event: AEON Clinic brings CME accredited masterclass in Dubai
The masterclass will serve as a global platform bridging the gap between cutting-edge scientific discoveries and their real-world application in patient care.
AEON Clinic brings its highly anticipated International Masterclass on Next-Generation Medicine (2025).
This CME-accredited three-day Masterclass and two-day workshop, to be hosted at the iconic Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, will unite world-renowned experts, pioneering researchers, and leading medical professionals to discuss the latest breakthroughs in longevity science, regenerative medicine, precision medicine, and neurodegenerative treatments.
Image credit: AEON Clinic/Supplied photo
The masterclass will serve as a global platform bridging the gap between cutting-edge scientific discoveries and their real-world application in patient care.
Masterclass highlights: What to expect from it
The AEON Masterclass will feature a comprehensive agenda that delves into the most progressive medical treatments and innovations.
Key themes and sessions:
Regenerative Medicine & Advanced Therapeutics – Exploring stem cell therapy, gene editing, and CRISPR technology.
Precision Medicine & Functional Medicine – AI-driven genomics, epigenetics, and predictive healthcare strategies.
Longevity Science & Age Management – Clinical advancements in biomarkers, metabolic rejuvenation, and cellular repair.
Neurodegenerative & Autoimmune Disorders – Emerging therapies for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and immune-related conditions.
Aesthetic & Regenerative Medicine – Bridging beauty and science through exosomes, peptides, and photo biomodulation.
Personalized Healthcare & Pharmacogenomics – Tailoring medical treatments based on individual genetic profiles and drug responses.
Top-tier specialists will lead each session, offering in-depth discussions, live demonstrations, hands-on training, and panel debates on the latest breakthroughs in next-generation medicine.
Exclusive opportunity: CME-accredited learning for medical professionals
This prestigious event is certified and endorsed internationally and by the Dubai Health Authority, offering participants CME-accredited hours, ensuring that attendees gain recognized professional development while expanding their knowledge in the most advanced medical disciplines.
Image credit: AEON Clinic/Supplied photo
Event Details
MASTERCLASS
Location: Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Dates: 23rd – 25th April 2025
WORKSHOP
Location: Atlantis The Royal, Dubai Dates: 26th – 27th April 2025
Early Bird Registrations Open for a Limited Time: Register Here
Image credit: AEON Clinic/Supplied photos
Next-generation medicine: A convergence of global experts
The AEON Masterclass 2025 will feature a stellar lineup of internationally acclaimed speakers, each a leader in their respective fields, covering topics ranging from precision medicine and functional medicine to regenerative therapies and neurodegeneration treatments.
Featured speakers include:
Prof. David Barzilai
Founder and CEO, Barzilai Longevity Consulting (Healthspan Coaching LLC)
Faculty Member and Trustee at the Geneva College of Longevity Science
Diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine
Prof. Brian Kennedy
Distinguished Professor, Departments of Biochemistry and Physiology and Programme Director, Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
Director at Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University Health System, Singapore
Dr. Wissam Adada
Chairman of ProtoClinic
President of GRA MENA
American Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine
MBBS and MSc in Aesthetic Medicine (Plastic Surgery Dept.)
International Fellowship in Dermatology (Harvard University)
Fellowships in Hair Transplant Surgery & Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Evelyne Bischof
Healthy Longevity Medicine Society, Co-founder and President
Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology Specialist
Head of the Scientific Board of Longevity Science Foundation
Co-Founder and Leader Longevity Education Hub
Professor of Medicine at Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Medical Director Sheba Longevity Department, Sheba Medical Center
Prof. Zeynab Nayernia
Translational Neuroscientist
Scientist at UCLA and Roche
CEO of P7Swiss
Dr. Tomasz Chelmicki
Senior Scientist & Research Project Leader at Roche
Postdoctoral Researcher at Institute Curie
PhD in Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics
Dr. Giuseppe Mucci
Founder and CEO of Bioscience Institute (RSM), Bioscience Clinic (Middle East) and Bioscience Genomics (Italy)
Prof. Uwe Nixdorff
Founder of European Prevention Center (EPC)
Internist, Cardiologist, and Sports Medicine Specialist
Prof. Karim Nayernia
Director and Founder of the International Center for Personalized Medicine (P7 MEDICINE), Germany
European Cell Medicine Institute (ECMI)
European Center for Personalized Medicine (ECPM), Dusseldorf, Germany
P7 MEDICINE Gulf, Dubai, UAE
Dr. Jürgen Hescheler
Chairman and Director of the Institute of Neurophysiology at the University at Zu Koln Founding President of the German Society for Stem Cell Research
Shaikha Almazrouei
Head of UAE Stem Cell Group
Lead Researcher with the Biotechnology Research Centre at Abu Dhabi Technology Innovation Institute
Member of International Stem Cells Research Association (ISCCR)
Member of International Society of Cell and Gene Therapy
Member of the International Cryobiology Society
Prof. Sean Ng
Founder and Consultant, Ming Medical in Malaysia
Immunotherapy & Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Bishoy Sawiris
Global Director of Medical Affairs & Business Development, Fusion Apothecary
Dr. Nicole Sirotin
CEO at the Institute of Healthier Living Abu Dhabi
Primary Care Internal Medicine Specialist in California
Research Fellowship in Global Public Health
Council Secretary of the Healthy Longevity Medicine Society
Prof. Dominik Thor
President & Professor of Pharmacy Geneva College of Longevity Science
Visiting Professor at University of Medicine and Pharmacy” Carol Davila”
CEO of a Biotech Company
Dr. Michael Weber
Director of the Center of TCM, Mitochondrial and Preventive Medicine in Portugal President of European TCM Laser Academy
Expert in the field of Functional, Orthomolecular & Mitochondrial Medicine
Dr. Kamran Mansouri
Professor Molecular Medicine
Member of the Biotechnology and Regenerative Medicine group in Medical Biology Research Centre, Kermanshah, Iran
Dr. Mishkat Shehata
Clinical Director of Longevity of PureHealth
Regional Director of the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine in the Middle East
Board certified UK-trained consultant in Family Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine & Functional Medicine
Dr. Maryam Eslami
Dean of International Faculty, Tehran Medical Sciences, IAUTMS
President of Applied Biotechnology Research Center, IAUTMS
Fellowship of Regenerative Medicine from Harvard Medical School
Dr. Amirreza Boroumand
Specialist Neurologist and Spine Diseases
Fellowships in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, Germany, and Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy in Neurological Diseases, University of Münster, Germany
Clinical Director of Neurology, International Center for Personalized Medicine (ICPM), Germany and Parnia Stem Cell Institute’s Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Iran
Global Development Director for the American Board of Regenerative Medicine and the American Society of Regenerative Medicine
Martin Krupitza
Founder of Biocannovea Medical Longevity Clinics
Expert of Functional Medicine
Nutritionist/Food Scientist
Jaffer Khan
Chairman and Founder at AEON Clinic, NOVA Clinic & Aesthetics International
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, AEON
Saba Habibollah
Clinical Operations Director, AEON
Genetics & Longevity Specialist, AEON
Dr. Salman Gilani
Stem Cell Consultant
Diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine and the American Board of Regenerative Medicine
Medical Affairs Director, AEON
Dr. Alla Zaentc
Certified Functional Medicine Specialist, AEON
Infectious Disease Specialist
Diplomat of the American Board of Regenerative Medicine
Imane Farhat
Naturopathic Doctor, AEON
Member of American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Member of Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
Dr. Basanta Khatry-Chhetry
Longevity Specialist & General Practitioner, AEON
Diplomat of the American Board of Regenerative Medicine
Dr. Mazen Al Samarrare
Aesthetic Specialist & General Surgeon, AEON
Dr. Ecaterina Lica
Specialist Dermatologist, AEON
CEO aesthetic clinic “Doctor Lica” (Moldova), and International Lica. Doctor Beauty Academy,
Medical Director of Pressensa Professional Cosmetics Company (Spain)
Dr. Francisco De Melo
Senior Plastic Surgeon, AEON
Medical Director, AEON
These global pioneers will present groundbreaking research, clinical case studies, and the latest advancements shaping the future of medicine.
Hands-on scientific workshops: Master the future of aesthetic & regenerative medicine
Alongside the masterclass, AEON Clinic will host exclusive two-day scientific workshops (26th & 27th April 2025), offering live demonstrations and hands-on training in cutting-edge therapies. Limited to 60 participants, these workshops will provide deep insights into advanced techniques, including:
Facial Harmony Techniques by Dr Jaffer Khan
Precision Thread Lifting by Dr Ecaterina Lica
Photo biomodulation Therapy by Dr Michael Weber
Advanced Ozone Therapy by Dr Basanta Khatry-Chhetry
These workshops will combine theory with live demonstrations, allowing attendees to learn directly from leading global experts.
AEON Masterclass 2025: A collaboration of industry leaders
The AEON Masterclass 2025 is powered by world-class strategic partners, ensuring exceptional educational and clinical value:
Strategic partners:
P7 MEDICINE: International Center for Personalized Medicine Ltd
American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM)
Geneva College of Longevity Science (GCLS)
This masterclass is designed for clinicians, researchers, medical professionals, functional medicine and longevity specialists and enthusiasts, health-tech investors, biohackers, and innovators who are shaping the next era of healthcare — one focused on extending health span, reversing biological aging, and translating cutting-edge science into real-world impact and seeking to elevate their expertise and revolutionize patient care.
Secure your spot now
Early bird registrations are now open for a limited period. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a historic medical event in Dubai. Seats are limited, and early bird pricing is available for a short time only.
AEON Clinic, located at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, is the Middle East’s premier regenerative wellness center, offering cutting-edge treatments in longevity, anti-aging, and precision medicine. As the only clinic in the region affiliated with the American Board of Regenerative Medicine, AEON continues to lead the transformation of healthcare through education, innovation, and clinical excellence.
