Author: Business Dunes

Head of Procurement There are many routes to becoming a Procurement leader, but Mansour Al Blooshi may have taken one of the more unusual career paths to the profession. The world of procurement found Mansour almost by accident while he was working at Etihad Airways as a member of the airline’s renowned cabin crew. Before that, he was a professional football referee in the UAE league. “Being a referee taught me three valuable lessons that I bring to procurement,” says Mansour, now Head of Procurement at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). “Fairness, patience, and clear decision-making are…

Sustainable security expert Anna-Lisa Miller, Group CISO of Spectris is leading the way for women in a field that is growing exponentially and one which is becoming one of the top priorities for global organisations. When Miller started in the industry 20 years ago, she was one of few women specialising in IT security and claims the industry “chose me” but she is now working to ensure cybersecurity is ingrained into the core culture of every business as the cyber threat landscape widens. She is leading the charge against cyber attackers at UK-based Spectris, which works to make the “world…

Rayed Althukhais, Tells us about how AI and digital healthcare are transforming KSMC King Saud Medical City (previously known as Shemaisi Hospital) is one of the largest public district general hospitals. In 1956, it had a level one trauma centre in Riyadh and was one of the largest territory care centres in Saudi Arabia, with the capacity for 1,500 inpatients. The original building consisted of small segments. Now, it’s a complex that changed to a hospital in 2010. In 2020, KSMC opened the first digital operating theatre in Riyadh with a robotic surgery. In 2023, the hospital launched its first…

Advancements in computational modelling and experimental research are transforming how the oil and gas industry manages multiphase flow—the simultaneous movement of gas, liquids, and sometimes solids through pipelines. Sophisticated tools like AspenTech’s HYSYS® and the Tulsa Unified Model (TUM) are enhancing flow prediction accuracy, boosting efficiency, reducing costs, and improving safety and sustainability in pipeline operations. Understanding the Challenge In oil and gas transport, especially from offshore platforms to onshore facilities, fluids often move in unprocessed states. This mixture of gas, oil, and sometimes water or solids creates multiphase flow, which is complex to predict and manage due to varying…

In a world defined by disruption, digitization, and rapid transformation, the future of business belongs to those who are willing to adapt fast, innovate smart, and think long-term. Whether you’re a startup founder, an SME owner, or an established corporate leader, the message is clear: traditional models are being replaced by agile, tech-enabled strategies that prioritize customer experience, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making. 1. Digital Transformation Is No Longer Optional From automation and AI to cloud-based operations and e-commerce, digital tools are the backbone of modern businesses. Companies that embrace technology: In regions like the Middle East, digital adoption is accelerating…

As part of its ongoing growth strategy, ONE Communications and Marketing Group has expanded its portfolio by welcoming Hamah, a forward-thinking creative agency that specializes in AI-enhanced marketing strategies. This strategic move reflects ONE Group’s commitment to strengthening its position as a regional leader in advanced marketing and communication solutions — solutions that blend creativity, technology, and data-driven insights. The collaboration is designed to build a robust ecosystem of specialized services, focused on delivering intelligent, future-ready marketing approaches aligned with evolving digital trends and business needs. Hamah operates with the support of its dedicated innovation hub, Hi Lab, which focuses…

RIYADH: Middle East and North Africa countries are set to benefit from enhanced clean energy cooperation following an agreement between Saudi Arabia and the UN Environment Programme to accelerate emissions reduction. The memorandum of understanding, signed in Riyadh by Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, seeks to support MENA nations through the promotion of clean energy technologies, development of climate policy frameworks, and knowledge exchange to advance sustainable development, according to an official release. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Middle East Green Initiative, a regional platform launched to combat climate change and reduce…

PHILADELPHIA, July 22, 2025 – Hanwha Shipping, the US subsidiary of Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean, has ordered a new LNG carrier from group company Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. It is the first US order for an LNG vessel since the 1970s, according to the company. The vessel will have a capacity of 174,000 cubic metres and be fitted with a gas-injection engine and a GTT containment system. It will cost at least USD 250 million, with the total consideration depending on the final terms agreed between Hanwha Philly Shipyard and Hanwha Ocean. The order calls for one vessel,…

What factors influenced your entry into the Saudi market, and how is your Kuwait base supporting this expansion?We built our foundation in Kuwait fifty years ago, and today, we bring that legacy to Saudi Arabia with renewed purpose and unstoppable resolve. For five decades, we have been known for taking on the most challenging projects tendered by KNPC and KOC.Now, with our team already working in Saudi Arabia with co-ordination, logistics and HSE compliance support from Kuwait headquarters, we are laying the groundwork for our branch to be fully operational in early 2026 – anchored in the Eastern Province. We…

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s $500-billion giga-project NEOM has installed the Kingdom’s first fully automated, remote-controlled cranes at its Red Sea port as it moves ahead with plans to begin operations in 2026. The delivery of next-generation ship-to-shore and electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes marks a key milestone in the development of Terminal 1, which will accommodate the world’s largest container ships. NEOM is aiming to position the facility as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. The facility supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by contributing to economic diversification through enhanced trade, logistics, and industrial capabilities. As global supply chains shift toward…