
EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 Showcases Global Innovation with ROX Motors and Laith Al Obaidi Group - Middle East Business News and Information
General Manager – ROX Motor
General Manager at Laith Alobaidi Group Iraq & KSA
Ammar Aljabari is an accomplished automotive industry leader with over 12 years of experience across hybrid, electric, and traditional vehicle sectors. He has successfully introduced and expanded major international brands like BYD, MG, and Dongfeng in competitive Middle Eastern markets, achieving record-breaking sales growth. Currently serving as General Manager at Laith Al-Obaidi Group in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Ammar oversees strategic operations, brand development, and market expansion for multiple global brands. His leadership is characterized by a strong focus on innovation, strategic marketing, and business growth. Ammar holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Applied Science Private University and a Mini MBA from Isra University.
EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 is the Kingdom's leading platform dedicated to electric vehicles, smart mobility, and sustainable transportation. Held from May 4–6, 2025 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, the event gathers top global brands, innovators, and decision-makers to showcase cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of mobility.
Laith Al Obaidi Group, a prominent automotive distributor in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, is showcasing its new electric vehicle brand, ROX Motors, at EVS Saudi 2025. ROX combines bold design, advanced features, and smart performance to meet the growing demand for innovative and sustainable driving experiences in the region.
The Future Is Electric: EVS Saudi 2025 Welcomes ROX Motors to the Region's Leading Mobility Platform
Q&A with Ammar Aljabari
Q :What inspired your involvement in EVS Saudi Arabia 2025, and why is this event important now?
A : Our participation in EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 stems from our strong belief that the Kingdom is taking bold steps toward a clean and sustainable future in transportation. We see this event as the ideal platform to showcase the Rox 01 – a luxurious electric SUV with REx (Range Extended EV) technology that combines high performance, elegant design, and long-term reliability. Amid current challenges in charging infrastructure, the Rox 01 offers an advanced and practical solution by integrating electric power with a range extender system, making it perfectly suited to the Saudi environment.
Q : How do you see Saudi Arabia positioning itself in the global electric and sustainable mobility movement?
A : Saudi Arabia is leading a strategic transformation as part of Vision 2030, with a strong focus on sustainability and the adoption of modern mobility technologies. With the expansion of charging stations and government initiatives, the Kingdom provides an ideal environment to introduce vehicles like the Rox 01, which not only rely on electricity but also offer true driving freedom thanks to its range extender system — making it a smart choice aligned with the Kingdom's ambitions.
Q : What can exhibitors and attendees expect from this year's edition that sets it apart from other mobility events?
A : What sets this year's edition of EVS apart is its emphasis on practical solutions tailored to the local environment, not just advanced technology. The Rox 01 is a prime example — delivering an electric driving experience without the anxiety of limited charging infrastructure, making it ideal for users in Saudi Arabia, whether for urban commuting, desert driving, or long-distance travel.
Q : What long-term impact do you hope EVS Saudi Arabia will have on the region's EV and mobility eco system?
A : We hope that EVS Saudi Arabia will contribute to building societal and cultural awareness around electric vehicles, while also driving policies and infrastructure forward to support this transition. We aspire to see the Kingdom become a regional hub for innovation in sustainable mobility, with events like this serving as incubators for long-term ideas and partnerships.
Arabic Version :
What inspired your involvement in EVS Saudi Arabia 2025, and why is this event important now?
مشاركتنا في EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 تنبع من إيماننا العميق بأن المملكة تخطو خطوات جريئة نحو مستقبل مستدام ونظيف في مجال النقل. ونرى أن هذا الحدث يمثل المنصة الأمثل لعرض روكس 01 – سيارة SUV فاخرة كهربائية بتقنية REx (Range Extended EV)، والتي تجمع بين الأداء العالي والتصميم الأنيق والاعتمادية الطويلة. في ظل التحديات الحالية في البنية التحتية للشحن، تقدم روكس 01 حلًا عمليًا ومتطورًا، حيث تدمج بين الطاقة الكهربائية ونظام تمديد المدى، مما يجعلها مناسبة تمامًا للبيئة السعودية. How do you see Saudi Arabia positioning itself in the global electric and sustainable mobility movement?
السعودية تقود تحولًا استراتيجيًا ضمن رؤية 2030، مع تركيز كبير على الاستدامة وتبنّي تقنيات التنقل الحديثة. ومع التوسع في محطات الشحن والمبادرات الحكومية، تُعد المملكة بيئة مثالية لتقديم سيارات مثل روكس 01، التي لا تكتفي فقط بالكهرباء، بل توفر حرية قيادة حقيقية بفضل نظام تمديد المدى، ما يجعلها خيارًا ذكيًا يتماشى مع طموحات المملكة. What can exhibitors and attendees expect from this year's edition that sets it apart from other mobility events?
ما يميز نسخة هذا العام من EVS هو التركيز على الحلول الواقعية والمناسبة للبيئة المحلية، وليس فقط التقنية المتقدمة. سيارة روكس 01 مثال حي على ذلك، حيث تقدم تجربة قيادة كهربائية دون القلق من نقص محطات الشحن، مما يجعلها مثالية للمستخدم في السعودية، وللبر، والرحلات الطويلة. What long-term impact do you hope EVS Saudi Arabia will have on the region's EV and mobility ecosystem?
نأمل أن يُسهم EVS Saudi Arabia في بناء وعي مجتمعي وثقافي حول السيارات الكهربائية، بالإضافة إلى دفع السياسات والبنية التحتية نحو دعم هذا التحول. نطمح لرؤية المملكة مركزًا إقليميًا للابتكار في التنقل المستدام، حيث تكون مثل هذه الفعاليات حاضنة للأفكار والشراكات طويلة الأمد.
EVS Saudi Arabia 2025 continues to lead the conversation around sustainable mobility, offering a powerful platform for innovation, dialogue, and progress. The participation of pioneers like ROX Motors and the Laith Al Obaidi Group, under the visionary leadership of Ammar Aljabari, underscores the event's role in redefining the electric vehicle landscape across the Middle East. As Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 goals, EVS Saudi serves not just as a showcase of technology, but as a launchpad for strategic partnerships, forward-thinking policies, and a future-ready automotive ecosystem.
Join us at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center from May 4–6, 2025, and be part of the movement driving the Kingdom and the region towards a smarter, cleaner, and more connected future of mobility.
About EVS Saudi Arabia 2025
EVS Saudi Arabia is the Kingdom's leading platform dedicated to electric vehicles, smart mobility, and sustainable transportation. Taking place from May 4–6, 2025 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, the event brings together global OEMs, government stakeholders, technology leaders, and mobility innovators to shape the future of transportation in line with Vision 2030.
About MIE Events DMCC
MIE Events is a premier organizer of B2B trade shows and strategic conferences across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. With over 20 years of experience, MIE is committed to delivering impactful platforms that support industrial development, international trade, and government transformation agendas.
🌐 www.evs-saudi.com
🌐 www.miegroupdmcc.com
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Mid East Info
4 days ago
- Mid East Info
Arthur D. Little Appoints Goetz Kuras as Partner in Financial Services Practice - Middle East Business News and Information
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Egypt Independent
5 days ago
- Egypt Independent
A prominent venture capitalist's Islamophobic posts stir outrage among Middle Eastern and Muslim tech founders
New York — Some Muslim and Middle Eastern tech founders and leaders are among people protesting a Some Muslim and Middle Eastern tech founders and leaders are among people protesting a prominent venture capitalist's recent comments blasting New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. They say when Sequoia Capital partner Shaun Maguire called Mamdani an 'Islamist' who 'comes from a culture that lies about everything' earlier this month, it shined a light on what they say is pervasive Islamophobia in their industry. Maguire earlier this month made those statements – which had 5.6 million views on X, as of July 23 – in reaction to a New York Times report that Mamdani marked his ethnicity as both 'Asian' and 'Black or African American' on his 2009 application to Columbia University. Maguire has since continued to double down on social media, posting that Mamdani defends terrorists, raising inflammatory claims about his father, and claiming that both of them are 'so excited' for a third Intifada. CNN has reached out to Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran Mamdani's father. Maguire's initial remarks on July 4 immediately drew backlash from the tech community as well as supporters of Mamdani. More than 1,100 people have signed an open letter to Sequoia on July 9 condemning Maguire's comments and demanding the venture capital firm apologize and take disciplinary action against him. The signatories list includes the names of startup founders and other business figures across the world, although CNN could not independently verify the signatures. Shaun Maguire, a partner at venture capital firm Sequoia Capital, has drawn backlash for his social media posts about New York mayoral candidate Zohran 137 Ventures/Fo Maguire's comments 'struck a chord with a lot of people, just because of the fact that he wasn't at some no-name shop. It was Sequoia,' said Hosam Arab, co-founder and CEO of Gulf fintech company Tabby, who signed the letter about Maguire. Arab's company raised money from Sequoia Capital's India business before Sequoia split off that arm of its business in 2024. Maguire is not the only one in the VC space to hold those views, but 'he was probably the loudest, most vocal, most consistent,' added Arab. When asked for comment, Maguire directed CNN to a 30-minute follow-up video in which he said that Islamists only made up a small fraction of Muslims and that he was 'very, very sorry' to any Indians or Muslims who aren't Islamists. 'This tweet did not land the way I thought it would. What I was trying to do is associate Zohran with an ideology that I think he has that is beyond just socialism,' he said. Sequoia has not responded to CNN's requests for comment. Mamdani, who would be the city's first Muslim mayor if elected, did not respond to requests for comment. Muslim and Middle East founders respond Sequoia Capital is one of the most esteemed venture capital firms in Silicon Valley, managing around $56 billion in assets as of January. Founded in 1972, it has a remarkable track record of early investments in globally successful companies including Apple, Google, Nvidia and many, many more. Sequoia Capital offices in Menlo Park, California. It is one of the most esteemed venture capital firms in Silicon Valley, Bloomberg/Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images Although New York is far from Silicon Valley and even farther from the Middle East, startup founders in the Middle East have condemned Maguire's comments. The Middle East has become more and more intertwined with the global investing stage, especially with the deep pockets of sovereign wealth funds and family offices. Many companies in the region received funding from Sequoia's India branch, which had its own fund, though that was spun off last year. For example, Sequoia India made a $33 million investment in Saudi fintech Lean Technologies in 2022, and Egyptian consumer money app Telda also received seed funding from the firm. By contacting Sequoia's limited partners, the letter's supporters may try to hit the venture firm where it hurts: its purse strings. In an update to the letter, the signatories said if Sequoia did not publicly condemn Maguire's remarks and launch an internal investigation into Maguire's conduct over the past two years, their next steps would be to contact Sequoia's limited partners – passive investors who provide capital to a fund but aren't involved in managing or decision-making. One Middle Eastern founder confirmed they are reaching out to wealthy family offices and sovereign wealth funds, though Sequoia has not shared exactly what percentage of its reserves come from these funds. 'As founders building the future of technology, we cannot accept leadership from a firm whose partners engage in hate speech and spread bigotry,' the original letter said. In theory, startup founders could also refuse to accept any money from Sequoia. But that may prove far-fetched, particularly for startups that typically need a wide variety of funding sources. So far there's been no public action from any partners, and it appears unlikely that any of the letter's signees will make a significant dent in Sequoia's bottom line. 'There are many idiots saying a lot of stupid things online. We don't care. We don't want to tell anybody what to say or not to say,' said one founder who signed the letter who didn't want to be named because of concerns about repercussions to their business and who doesn't receive money from Sequoia and instead receives funding from other international firms. 'We don't have a political horse in this, and we are not part of New York.' By saying nothing and not publicly responding to measures recommended in their letter, the founder said, it seems that Sequoia is essentially signing off on that rhetoric. 'Anything short of these measures signals tacit acceptance of anti-Muslim hate and racism,' the letter said. 'As the leading venture firm that shapes the future of technology and entrepreneurship globally, Sequoia's response will define whether you stand on the side of inclusion or on the side of complicity.' Islamophobia in the tech world Some of those Muslim and Middle East signees are criticizing Maguire's comments, and pointing out patterns in other major players in the finance and tech world who they say are Islamophobic and dehumanizing Palestinians, as Israel's war in Gaza has inflamed rhetoric toward Muslims and Arabs. 'He's clearly targeting certain Muslim figures, spending 30 minutes attempting to explain what his definition of Islam is,' one letter signee said, referencing Maguire's follow-up video. 'Come on, that should not be the stance of the premiere venture capital firm of the world.' There are 'people out there that genuinely have hatred towards our people in our community… what they say should not be just simply accepted as a matter of fact and part of our political discourse,' Abed Ayoub, national executive director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, told CNN. One founder, who signed the letter and wants to remain unnamed because of Maguire's threats toward his perceived 'enemies' on X, recalled how Sequoia had a reputation for investing in companies founded by immigrants, like Google's Sergey Brin, who was born in Moscow, and companies by other Indian immigrants. 'That's what we all as founders were looking up to – the American way of investing – which is kind of colorblind. And I think therefore this episode is even more shocking,' they said. Maguire has called video that appeared to show a dead child in Gaza a 'doll' on X, called the United Nations a 'terrorist organization' and reposted content from Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist who once described herself as a 'proud Islamophobe.' The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the nation's largest Muslim advocacy group, said in a letter that Maguire's posting history on X, including ones before July 4, 'reflects a dangerous pattern of anti-Muslim hate speech.' Smoke billoweseast of Gaza City following Israeli strikes on July 13. Bashar Taleb/AFP/Getty Images The controversy comes in the shadow of Israel's war in Gaza, which people who signed the letter told CNN is the catalyst for a lot of Islamophobic rhetoric. Islamophobia has risen to 'alarming levels' across the world, including against Muslims, warned United Nations experts in March 2024. The Council on American-Islamic Relations said in its 2025 civil rights report that Islamophobia remains at record levels in the US. The group received 8,658 complaints in 2024 — the highest number ever recorded since its first civil rights report in 1996. The open letter to Sequoia also has signatures from non-Muslim Arabs and founders based in the United States. On July 9, Maguire posted to his 'enemies' that he is aware of their 'command structure' and that he is 'going to play nice for now, but am ready to embarrass any of you should you escalate.' Attacks on Mamdani Mamdani has come under fire from opponents for his stance on the Israel-Gaza war. Mamdani, for example, refused to condemn the phrase 'globalize the intifada,' during his primary campaign, saying although he would not use the phrase himself, he believes it's a rallying cry for Palestinian human rights. However, he recently told a group of New York City business leaders he would discourage use of the phrase, CNN reported Wednesday. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks in New York on July 10. Jeenah Moon/Reuters/File On the campaign trail, Mamdani has expressed the impact of Islamophobic attacks and has said frequently there is no room for anti-Semitism in New York. 'I get messages that say the only good Muslim is a dead Muslim,' Mamdani said in June, adding that he is characterized by rivals 'as being a monster' with 'language that describes almost a barbarian looking to dismantle a civilization.' Still, Maguire has received some public support. On July 10, less than a week after Maguire's initial post, another Sequoia partner posted a lengthy statement in support of Maguire. 'Shaun is one of the few people with the courage and mental acuity to wade into these incredibly complex waters and attempt to provide clarity, fully knowing that the slightest misstatement will cause the extremists to pounce,' Pat Grady said. However, he also reiterated that he does 'not agree with everything my partners say' and that he supports the Muslim community. At the same time, another letter signed by prominent tech leaders defends Maguire against the backlash, this one with more than 1,400 signees. 'Whether one agrees with his views or not, his words were not hate speech – they were the reflections of a principled thinker and a partner to countless founders who span geographies, faiths, and political beliefs,' the letter said, adding the undersigned 'stand against ideological bullying.'


Mid East Info
22-07-2025
- Mid East Info
THE POWER OF GOLF CLUBS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Golf is not naturally a popular sport in Middle Eastern /Arabian culture nor is there a trace of it in its history or traditions, yet it is increasingly becoming a barometer of luxury living and urban lifestyles reflecting the state of development of recreation, sporting and tourism infrastructure of cities in these emerging economies. Many major cities in the region are developing their golfing infrastructure as a testimony to their desire to connect with annual global travel markets and golf tours. When asked to recommend the best way to fast track development of cities to kick start their stagnant economies, I simply reply to start with infrastructure to encourage real estate development in the private sector and lift up man's aspirations for better living standards and lifestyles. Build a good network of roads and highways with good service and petrol rest stations to facilitate national and local connectivity and mobility, and last but not least build a world class Golf club and Iconic clubhouse to boost the tourism industry. Golf can put cities and nations on the travel and tourism maps of the world with remarkable speed through mainstream and social media. When golf clubs are designed to international standards, validated by international regulators and professional bodies, then they become globally recognised particularly when the clubhouse architecture is sensitively designed with flair and style. In the Middle East, clubhouses are perceived differently than elsewhere and Dubai is no stranger to this trend. It is one city in the Middle East that demonstrated how golf, as a sport and driver of tourism, became a trend and a driver of socio- economic development of the society at a time when there was only a handful of local, national golfers. The renowned Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, with its famous tent-shaped clubhouse and pavilions designed by BSBG, was built in 1988 when Dubai was not exactly the thriving city or destination that it is today. I recall how a particular flythrough video, a few seconds long, of that majestic golf club managed to spread the image and the word of this iconic golf club throughout the world. Dubai's name became synonymous with Emirates Golf Club and its unique clubhouse architecture. This was followed by a few other famous clubs in Dubai including the Creek Golf Club with its elevated, iconic sail-shaped Clubhouse amongst others. Over the years these clubhouses did wonders to market the city of Dubai all over the world. They certainly helped Dubai let the world know about its imminent economic and social development and the growth that would follow. In time we all became aware of where Dubai was headed and the city it was destined to become, one of the most celebrated, progressive cities in the world not only in terms of golf and tourism but also economic development, prosperity and growth in multiple sectors. This would lift the living standards of millions of its inhabitants who aspired for luxury living and associated lifestyles. The rest of the Middle East can certainly learn a lot from that unique bold vision of Dubai and its impressive journey. It followed that the design of Clubhouses in the Middle East had to respond to calls of competition rivalry, progress, prominence and rankings. In the ME and certainly Arabia, design of Clubhouses acquires a slightly different significance and emphasis. They tend to attach a higher degree of prestige and social stature intertwined with the social structure and infrastructure of the Local societies. They become a social destination not necessarily for golfers alone but also for families and local communities looking to network in clubs and social centres and community since these facilities and outlets are not abundant in Arabian Gulf societies that typically have a high ratio of expatriate families from multiple backgrounds and cultures. They tend to take pride in their affiliation with iconically designed clubhouses and golf courses that have earned world class ranking and recognition. Diar Consult is one of the fortunate architects who had their fair share in responding to these calls for prominent clubhouses in the Arabian Gulf leaving its fingerprints on landmarks amongst top clubhouses of the world, like those in Abu Dhabi and Doha while working closely with top golf course Architects like Ernie Els and Peter Harradine. Developing cities in developing nations that recognised the significance and positive impact of renowned golf clubs went on to develop golf clubs and associated iconic clubhouses, competing to outdo each other. It worked in most cases given the growth of awareness and passion in this skill driven exciting sport that is cherished by all age groups. When Diar Consult won the international design award for the design of the celebrated majestic falcon clubhouse of Abu Dhabi Golf Club, it set a landmark and milestone in Arabia after the Emirates Golf Club Clubhouse linking local history, culture, tradition and memory to the art of Architecture and design. Subsequently, Doha in Qatar was hit by that very healthy virus of development and competition when Diar Consult won the International award for the design of the Doha championship Golf Club Clubhouse, establishing a remarkably striking but modest clubhouse rich in its historical context, resembling a traditional Qatari house in a village context and scale – a friendly house of joy for the local golfing community and the local community to cherish. The tide of golf clubs and clubhouses is ever growing, capturing the imaginations of developers, promotors and architects alike. Recently Diar Consult has been invited to put their imagination, flair and creativity in the design of a new generation of clubhouses in Tunis and Tashkent that are proudly joining the race for excellence. Golf is living and thriving in most cities of the region – a sport with infectious passion amongst the generations, and so clubhouses will remain to embrace the aspirations, dreams and expectations of those who enjoy it.