Following the successful use of the Google Workspace for Education platform during the former academic year, the Ministry of Education in Oman has renewed its agreement to continue using the platform as the primary educational tool for learning and collaboration within Oman’s public schools network for the current academic year of 2021-2022.

The Google Workspace for Education platform has provided Oman’s educational community with a suite of productivity and collaboration solutions that can flex and adapt to their unique needs and mimic a physical classroom setting. Through the use of tools such as Google Classroom, Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, as well as Google Meet and Chat and other education support applications, teachers were able to integrate all the tools in their teaching methodologies.

More than 600,000 students and 40,000 teachers in Oman were able to benefit from the Google Workspace for Education platform since its deployment in early 2020.

Recent figures from 2021 reflecting the usage and interaction of students and teachers on the platform in Oman public schools revealed that more than 150,000 online classrooms were conducted for different school grades and subjects. In addition, more than 100 nationwide live streams were delivered to students in the span of one month during the lockdown period.

Dr. Abdullah bin Khamis Ambosaidi, education undersecretary at the Ministry of Education, said: “They say that experience is the best teacher, and we have experienced that in our daily lives during the pandemic. The rapid adoption of remote learning on different levels — schools and universities — by countries during the pandemic, was a testimonial of their capabilities of acquiring knowledge and encouraging teachers and students to be creative and innovative through applying effective strategies.”

Marc Sanz Lopez, head of education at Google Workspace for Education, South, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and North Africa, said: “The education sector was one of the key sectors that accelerated digital transformation when the pandemic hit, as it became essential to implement e-learning systems and enhance the digital infrastructure of schools to switch to distance learning. We are pleased that our collaboration with the ministry has been instrumental in ensuring the education of students across the country went uninterrupted over the last two years, and also helped deliver engaging and personalized content that enabled students and teachers to achieve better learning and educational outcomes.”

Saudi construction company Al-Sharif Group Holding and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group have announced a management agreement to rebrand the historic Shepheard’s Hotel in Cairo, Egypt. This is the second hotel in Egypt for Al-Sharif Group and will be Mandarin Oriental’s first.

In a signing ceremony at the Abdeen Palace, the agreement was announced and signed by Al-Sharif Group’s Chief Executive and President Nawaf bin Fayez Al-Sharif, and Paul Massot, chief development officer of Mandarin Oriental, under the auspices of Hisham Tawfik, minister of public business sector, Egypt. Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador in Cairo Osama Nugali and Dr. Khaled Al-Anani, minister of tourism and antiquities of Egypt, was also present.

The celebrated Shepheard’s Hotel first opened its doors in 1841 and remains a celebrated landmark in the city, respected by the local community and well-known internationally. A comprehensive renovation of the property is already underway and Paris-based interior designer Sybille de Margerie is tasked with preserving the building’s heritage design while enhancing the facilities and services. Upon completion, currently anticipated for 2024, the hotel will reopen as Mandarin Oriental Shepheard, Cairo.

The development and restoration of the hotel started in 2020 by Al-Sharif for Tourism and Hotels, an Egyptian closed joint stock company and a subsidiary of Al-Sharif Group Holding.

Al-Sharif Faiez Abdulhakim, chairman of Al-Sharif Group Holding, said: “For more than 40 years, Al-Sharif Group aspires to be an example in the market, delivering state-of-the-art works to its stakeholders and making a change in the region. Today, Al-Sharif Group ... is privileged to announce the signing of agreements with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, to preserve the history of the Shepheard’s Hotel in Cairo.”

Al-Sharif, Al-Sharif Group’s president, said: “At Al-Sharif Group, we believe in the future of the tourism sector in the region. With a vision for the future, and pride in the preservation of the Arab legacy, in 2020, Al-Sharif Group Holding signed a 35-year agreement with the Egyptian General Company for Tourism and Hotels for the financing, development, restoration, and operation of the Shepheard’s Hotel. We are proud to take over the development project of this historic edifice on Egyptian soil.”

The hotel will feature five restaurants and bars, including a rooftop restaurant, as well as an exclusive club lounge. It will also offer expansive function spaces, including a rooftop ballroom, making it the ideal destination for conferences and social gatherings of all sizes. An all-encompassing spa will provide eight treatment suites and offer tailored experiences and signature treatments. Further wellness facilities include an indoor lap pool, a rooftop swimming pool, a beauty salon, a fitness center, and a kid’s club.

James Riley, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental, said: “We are delighted to extend Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of hospitality to Egypt and to work with Al-Sharif Group Holding on bringing this iconic and historic hotel back to life. The project presents an ideal opportunity to further grow our brand in the Middle East and Africa, and we look forward to creating many unique experiences for our guests.”

Khaled A. Refaat, senior vice president for investments and business, Al-Sharif Group, added: “The restored Shepheard’s Hotel will be a momentous hotel preserving its historic features.”

A total of 32,621 hotel rooms are currently under construction in Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom prepares to meet pent-up demand from pilgrims returning to the holy cities. This is according to the latest research from STR, commissioned by Arabian Travel Market 2022, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 9-12.

The analysts found that the country’s revenue per available room recovery index stands at 52 percent, noting that the absence of millions of Muslim pilgrims has significantly impacted hotel performance in Saudi Arabia. Madinah and Makkah witnessed RevPAR rates of just 33 percent and 24 percent, respectively, in 2021.

Although significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, Saudi Arabia’s hotel performance registered year-on-year gains in 2021 and the sector’s recovery is expected to persist throughout the coming year, with pent-up demand driving further improvements as COVID-19-related restrictions continue to ease.

Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME — Arabian Travel Market, said: “As was the case for markets the world over, the global pandemic had a major impact on Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector. Even so, STR’s findings clearly point to an ongoing and sustained recovery, and we are looking forward to exploring the vast untapped potential of the Kingdom’s burgeoning tourism sector at ATM 2022.”

Hotels in Alkhobar are currently outperforming those in Saudi Arabia’s other major cities, with RevPAR surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2021. Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah, meanwhile, recorded recovery index rates of 88 percent, 85 percent and 56 percent, respectively, last year.

In terms of outbound travel, research conducted by Colliers International shows that overseas journeys from the Kingdom are set to grow to 6,075,000 in 2022, compared to an estimated 3,793,000 in 2021 and 4,839,000 in 2020. In the longer term, outbound tourist trips are expected to rise to 9,262,000 in 2025, although this figure would still be significantly lower than the peak of 19,751,000 recorded in 2019.

Outbound tourist expenditure is set to grow to SR32.656 billion ($8.7 billion) this year, compared to an estimated SR19.734 billion in 2021 and SR21.969 billion in 2020. The total expenditure is expected to increase to SrR54.624 billion.

With two sessions dedicated exclusively to the Kingdom, attendees, exhibitors and delegates will have ample opportunity to take a deep dive into Saudi Arabia’s tourism, travel and hospitality industry at ATM 2022.

The first, “From strategy to reality: Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision comes of age,” part of the ATM Saudi Forum, will focus on infrastructure progress, niche markets and fresh opportunities, as the country works to attract 100 million annual visitors by 2030. The second, “Saudi Arabia’s blueprint for responsible tourism development,” will explore how sustainability, community inclusion, education and training, and the legacy impact of the Kingdom’s broad-ranging tourism vision can offer a best-practice model for other global destinations.

The ATM Saudi Forum will feature high-level experts including Mahmoud Abdulhadi, deputy minister for investment attraction at the Saudi Ministry of Tourism; Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia; Amr Al-Madani, CEO, the Royal Commission for AlUla; Majed bin Ayed Al-Nefaie, CEO, Seera Group Holding; Fawaz Farooqui, managing director, Cruise Saudi; John Pagano, CEO, Red Sea Development Company and AMAALA; and Jerry Inzerillo, CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

ATM 2022 will welcome a range of high-profile exhibitors from the Kingdom, including the Saudi Tourism Authority, which has expanded its exhibition area by 40 percent compared to 2021 — as well as Saudia Airlines, Flynas, Seera, Red Sea Project, NEOM, Dur Hospitality, and first-time participant Al-Hokair Group.

In recognition of the most outstanding PR campaigns and talent contribution to the industry, the sixth edition of the PRCA MENA Awards feted the best of teams, campaigns, and individuals with 28 awards.

The ceremony was held at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR and sponsored by 3Gem.

Being the industry’s top benchmarking event that showcases PR influence, the evening witnessed leading practitioners and campaigners from across the Middle East and North Africa region represent innovation and quality work. The awards were a huge success with more than 100 entries than last year.

The jury comprised 38 industry leaders from across the world and members of the Public Relations and Communications Association, the world’s largest professional PR body.

In addition to the 28 winners’ awards, the judges recognized a total of 32 highly commended entries for their excellence of work in different categories.

The top-line winners for the evening were Weber Shandwick MENAT, which bagged the Large Consultancy of the Year award.

The PR Leader of the Year award was conferred upon Natasha Hatherall-Shawe from TishTash Marketing and Public Relations while Ziad Ashkar from Gambit Communications was celebrated as Rising Star of the Year, encouraging fresh talent in the industry.

Hayley Clements, general manager, PRCA MENA, said: “It has been an incredible year as the industry continues to deliver engaging campaigns in times that are still limping back to normalcy. Agencies, campaigns, and professionals who have delivered impactful messaging and engaging deliverables throughout the year enjoy the limelight today. Proving the value of your contribution is essential and winning a PRCA award is the testimony of your hard work and innovation.”

Weber Shandwick MENAT won the Best PR Campaign: B2B award for the Mastercard — Collaborate to Innovate campaign, while Gambit Communications won the Best PR Campaign: B2C award for The Pocket Rocket Takes Center Stage campaign.

The Best Integrated Campaign award was bagged by ASDA’A BCW for Arab Youth Survey, while the Best PR Campaign: Media Relations award was won by Gambit Communications for The Trust Equation.

Edelman won the Regional PR Campaign of the Year for THE LINE Launch (NEOM) Reinventing Urban Living campaign. Meanwhile, W7 Worldwide Marketing Communications Consultancy Agency scooped the Strategic Communications Campaign award for its Communications for a Changing World campaign.

Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, global hotel company IHG Hotels and Resorts has reaffirmed commitment to expanding its brand portfolio across various market segments within the Kingdom.

With a current pipeline of 28 hotels, IHG is adding more than 10,000 rooms to the Kingdom’s supply in the next two to three years, significantly boosting tourism infrastructure to cater to diverse audiences. With more high-profile signings expected in the coming months, this number is set to increase significantly.

Following Saudi Arabia’s drive toward investment and development in the tourism sector, IHG has strengthened its expansion plans in the market. Last year, IHG announced close to 10 hotel signings across brands such as Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo, which was a brand debut in the country. Additionally, the company is expected to open close to more than 10 hotels in Saudi Arabia this year. IHG will also be bringing more global brands to the Kingdom, including Regent and Kimpton, which are both global benchmarks in luxury hospitality.

The company is complementing its Saudi plans with a strong talent agenda, with a keen eye on hiring and developing Saudi talent, especially in secondary and tertiary cities. IHG is working with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development to develop the hospitality talent pool in the Kingdom and ensure they have the right talent to cater to the expected future demand.

Haitham Mattar, managing director, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG, said: “IHG has a longstanding history of operating in Saudi Arabia, and we have been a firm partner and contributor to Saudi ambitions in tourism and hospitality. Our growth over the last year is testament to our commitment to investing in the hospitality sector and developing local talent to showcase true Saudi hospitality to guests coming to the country from across the world. In line with the tourism development strategy, we will continue to bring our brands to various locations within the country, as we commit to introducing new hospitality experiences and further cementing our role as a member of the Saudi community.”

With Saudi Arabia moving at pace to achieve its Vision 2030 goals, developing its much anticipated giga- and megaprojects, IHG is working to roll out its full portfolio in destinations ranging from global metropolitan hubs such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Makkah, to emerging destinations such as Alkhobar, Abha and Dammam.

As a further mark of confidence in the Kingdom’s economic development, IHG opened its Saudi headquarters in 2020 in Riyadh and expanded its community of experts to manage its existing network of 36 operating hotels as well as a growing pipeline.

IHG currently operates 36 hotels across five brands in Saudi Arabia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and voco, with a further 28 hotels in the development pipeline due to open within the next three to five years.

Just in time for the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, Splash has launched a new collection to add shine to the festivities. Carefully curated and aesthetically pleasing, the collection is inspired by the rich and varied heritage and beauty of the Middle East.

Paying homage to the modest movement, the women’s collection is led by dresses that combine modest tailoring with contemporary details. Restrained yet elegant — with an air of minimalism — the most notable styles take inspiration from nature, endless white sands, and glistering dunes. With fresh green, pristine white, cobalt blue and peony pink contrasting against neutral hues of tan and sand — the edit celebrates femininity with sophisticated silhouettes that are versatile and easy to style.

Long-sleeved dresses, shimmering kaftans and chic, printed pant suits add a magnetic allure to the collection, which, thanks to its luxurious palette, works both as workwear as well as evening wear to attend iftars and social gatherings. Meticulous in details like flared sleeves, ruffled hems and skillful embroidery — the collection includes more than 1,000 styles to choose from.

Extending the strong Middle Eastern palette to its aesthetic, the collection for men is dominated with neutrals, whites and tans — reminiscent of peace and inner reflection. From hoodies to chinos, polos and shirts, the looks are modern yet carry an air of traditional charm and refinement. With minimal details and clean tailoring, the fits in the collection are designed to complement the spiritual milieu of the season.

The new collection is now available across the Middle East in Splash and Centrepoint stores, and online.