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Saudi Arabia Strengthens Its Global Presence in Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Logistics

Al Mani: “Our participation in MiPharma 2025 reflects Four Winds’ unwavering commitment to expanding our international network, exploring strategic partnerships, and reinforcing our role as a trusted provider of specialized logistics solutions for the healthcare sector.”

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, May 15, 2025: Four Winds Saudi Arabia Limited, a leader in comprehensive and integrated moving and logistics services since 1979, reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing the efficiency and compliance standards of pharmaceutical supply chains through its active participation at the MiPharma 2025 conference. The event took place in Singapore from May 13-16, 2025.


MiPharma 2025 serves as a prestigious global forum, uniting pharmaceutical supply chain professionals and industry leaders from around the world. The conference provides a platform to exchange expertise and discuss groundbreaking developments in pharmaceutical logistics. Key sessions included specialized training workshops such as “Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Supply Chains” and “Advanced Supply Chain Analytics,” complemented by panel discussions addressing regulatory challenges and the latest innovations in pharmaceutical distribution.


Nizar Al Mani, CEO of Four Winds Saudi Arabia Limited, said: “Our involvement in MiPharma underscores our strategic ambition to strengthen global partnerships and reinforces our credibility as a premier logistics provider within the healthcare industry. Additionally, this aligns perfectly with our ongoing commitment to continuous development for our teams.”

Al Mani added: ““Four Winds operates a dedicated healthcare logistics division offering comprehensive solutions, including storage, distribution, import & export services, thermal packaging, and advanced global GPS tracking. By engaging with international industry leaders at events like MiPharma, we ensure our services remain aligned with emerging technologies and evolving international regulations, significantly benefiting Saudi Arabia’s healthcare logistics sector.”
Since 2011, Four Winds has established strong international partnerships, excelling in the delivery of specialized logistics services for sensitive pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. The company’s notable expertise includes the global transportation of critical medical shipments, such as urgent organ transplants and rare medications, and pioneering logistics solutions for Gene Therapy treatments.

Memberships in globally recognized organizations such as IATA and FIATA affirm Four Winds’ adherence to the highest standards of industry excellence. The company prioritizes accuracy, reliability, and safety, recognizing that operational precision is critical in healthcare logistics. It ensures timely and secure deliveries, supported by teams rigorously trained to maintain cold chain integrity. Employees and drivers undergo regular specialized training in alignment with World Health Organization (WHO) standards for handling sensitive medical cargo.

With a dedicated regulatory compliance team, Four Winds rigorously follows both local and international healthcare regulations, ensuring smooth and reliable supply chain operations. Its integrated healthcare logistics solutions include an advanced pharmaceutical distribution network utilizing a modern fleet of specialized refrigerated vehicles. Additionally, comprehensive cold chain solutions guarantee stringent temperature controls throughout the storage and transportation processes. Advanced real-time tracking and monitoring systems provide continuous oversight of shipment conditions, including temperature, humidity, and security alerts.

Four Winds further enhances operational efficiencies for healthcare providers by prioritizing patient-centric services, optimizing supply chain transparency, reducing operational costs, and providing tailored logistical support for clinical trials and medical laboratory operations, including the efficient management of biological samples and pharmaceuticals.

Established in 1979, Four Winds Saudi Arabia Limited, a Saudi leader in comprehensive and integrated moving and logistics services, has become a cornerstone in the moving and logistics sector, offering comprehensive and integrated services. With over four decades of expertise, the company has earned a distinguished reputation as one of the most trusted providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Its partnerships and robust relations with leading international organizations—including IATA, FIATA, IAM, and FIDI—underscores its dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.

Another Inspiring Evening That Reaffirms the Growing Potential of Southeast Europe’s Innovation Ecosystem

In a vibrant atmosphere in Podgorica, the Science and Technology Park Montenegro played host to another edition of the Keiretsu Forum Southeast Europe (KFSEE) Investor Pitch Day, an event that continues to solidify the foundations of a dynamic, connected, and sustainable startup ecosystem in the region.

The evening opened with welcoming remarks from Valentina Radulović, Executive Director of Science and Technology Park Montenegro, who underscored the vital role of strategic partnerships in accelerating startup growth. She noted:
“Science and Technology Park Montenegro is more than just a physical space, it’s a collaborative platform where bold ideas find real, lasting support. Strategic partnerships like the one with Keiretsu Forum SEE are essential in giving startups the visibility and network they need to grow meaningfully.”

Ilija Kaludjerović, CEO of Nest and a recognized figure in the regional innovation landscape, also spoke about the necessity of platforms like KFSEE:
“In a fragmented market like the Western Balkans, access to funding is limited. That’s why this platform isn’t just an opportunity, it’s a necessity. It connects ambition with capital and ideas with the resources they need to thrive.”

Ardian Hoxha, President of Keiretsu Forum SEE, delivered a heartfelt address, reminding the audience of the community-driven essence of the Forum:
“Some of the people here today, just like many of you in the room, came together to shape what Keiretsu Forum SEE is now: a space that belongs to the region’s most courageous talent. So feel empowered to see this platform as your own, one that exists to help you bring real, tangible change.”

The event showcased five innovative startups, each selected for their strong potential and bold vision. They pitched their ideas to a diverse panel of investors and stakeholders from across the regional innovation ecosystem:
-Workflow AI: A real-time, AI-powered assistant for field workers delivered through wearable technology. Workflow AI transforms how employees learn, onboard, and perform tasks by providing multilingual guidance, instant feedback, and hands-free support in any environment.

-Boccun: A digital platform that brings winemakers and wine enthusiasts closer than ever. With the help of AI, Boccun recommends wines tailored to users’ individual tastes, while also enabling wine tourism bookings and seamless e-commerce.

-MindForge: A cutting-edge learning management system designed to fully automate onboarding, training, and compliance for fast-growing teams. With powerful analytics and an AI assistant, MindForge saves time and boosts employee performance from day one.

-Lasken: A first-of-its-kind AI-powered feed for the healthcare industry, Lasken centralizes discovery, intelligence, and connections whether for mergers and acquisitions, vendor scouting, or strategic insights, helping healthcare organizations stay ahead of the curve.

-Ayita: A smart digital assistant built to enhance productivity and decision-making. Through intelligent scheduling, task prioritization, and adaptive learning, Ayita supports professionals working in fast-paced environments to stay organized and one step ahead.

Following the pitches, Ravik Mima, Executive Director of KFSEE, congratulated the founders on their outstanding presentations and highlighted the significance of such events in shaping the regional innovation landscape. He invited investors to take part in the final stage of the event, “Mind Sharing”—a closed-door session where investors express interest in co-investing and initiate the due diligence process, which will unfold in the weeks ahead.


The evening concluded with a networking session, where founders were eager to exchange ideas and receive feedback from investors. Attendees praised the event for its unique format—one that doesn’t just connect the ecosystem’s key players but helps turn the dreams of hard-working, dedicated founders into reality.

Keiretsu Forum SEE is rapidly becoming a pivotal force in the regional business scene, bringing together successful entrepreneurs and visionary investors who are ready to make a difference as business angels in Southeast Europe. It’s not just about being part of a forum, it’s about joining a community committed to driving real change.
The door remains open for prominent Albanian entrepreneurs and investors to join this journey. Their involvement is not only welcome but essential, for building a future where innovation is empowered by people, for people.

This project has been funded by the Western Balkans Fund and European Union, under the 7th Call for Regional Project Proposals, “Support to the Promotion of Civil Society regional activities in the Western Balkans”.

New Rubrik Identity Resilience Designed to Mitigate the Most Targeted Point of Cyber Attacks

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, April 28, 2025 – In a world of nonstop cyberattacks, Rubrik (NYSE: RBRK) today announced its newest upcoming solution, Identity Resilience, designed to secure the entire identity landscape alongside data. Identity Resilience aims to protect the most common entry points for attackers – human and non-human identities (NHIs) – to help organizations maintain operations with minimal downtime.

 

Identity Resilience aims to address a blindspot in enterprise security. A critical piece of infrastructure utilized by a vast majority of organizations, identity remains a consistent target for hackers. When compromised, these identity systems grant attackers access to critical data and credentials, and their disruption can prevent cyber recovery. Rubrik’s solution is designed to secure this vulnerable authentication infrastructure that powers virtually every major enterprise.

 

“Identity systems are not only complex and hard to manage, but they have also become the primary gateway for attackers aiming to access an organization’s valuable data,” said Mike Tornincasa, Chief Business Officer at Rubrik. “Today, we signal our commitment to identity protection, to address our customers’ needs by detecting threats that target identities and proactively reduce identity risks, just as we have successfully done with data security.”

 

Why this matters: Identity is how hackers get inside

 

Rubrik’s identity business safeguards millions of identities globally. It’s easy to see why: A recent CISA report found that 90% of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure begin with an identity compromise, often leading to privilege escalations and lateral movement into valuable corporate data. These threats usually  unfold gradually, making it essential to understand not just the “who” and “what” but also the “when” – how privilege or access patterns shift over time. By leveraging time-series data, Rubrik’s solution is designed to provide continuous visibility into identity changes, enabling earlier detection of suspicious activity.

 

Similar to how Rubrik monitors and sustains data, the company’s anticipated capabilities are designed to identify, monitor, and safeguard critical, sensitive, and active identities, including non-human identities (NHIs) such as machines using service accounts and access tokens.

 

NHIs, which outnumber their human counterparts, are complex to manage and introduce vulnerabilities that are increasingly targeted by attackers who compromise and escalate privileges. Current identity security approaches fail to provide enterprises the capability to assess NHI risk, view data access, and track suspicious activity over time.

 

A holistic approach drives cyber resiliency

 

Too often, identity management, identity protection, and data security are siloed as different products run by different teams in an organization. In contrast, Rubrik uniquely aims to combine these capabilities to provide new capabilities, and a holistic view of identity and data.

 

Identity Recovery & Identity Resilience – Accelerating Recovery. Advancing Resilience

 

Rubrik offers extensive coverage for identities across hybrid environments. New capabilities aim to empower organizations to thwart attacks earlier and restore systems more quickly to ensure cyber resilience:

 

  • Hybrid Protection for Active Directory (AD) and Entra ID: With automated and orchestrated recovery workflows, organizations can restore complex hybrid identity environments – like Active Directory forests and full Entra ID tenants – faster and with greater confidence than before. Active Directory recovery can involve up to 22 manual steps. Rubrik reduces that with an easy-to-use wizard, dramatically cutting complexity and time to recovery. As a result, these capabilities are among the fastest-growing in Rubrik’s history, safeguarding millions of identities and the sensitive data they access.
  • Comprehensive Risk Analysis for Human and Non-Human Identities: With a unified view across identity providers showing human and non-human identities who have access to sensitive data, organizations can identify dormant or orphaned accounts, detect risky privilege escalations, and expose problematic combinations of access that traditional tools often miss. Beyond visibility, organizations can track the risk associated with identities and target remediation by revoking identity access, data access, or both. This approach enforces the least privilege, shrinks their attack surface, and proactively shuts down potential identity-based threats.
  • Complete Identity and Data Context: Instead of working with limited context from identity providers, organizations can tie identity-based information with sensitive data (e.g., healthcare, financial) context, privilege, and activity. This critical context can reduce remediation work while strengthening risk posture before a cyber attack, thereby speeding up threat hunting and remediation during and after an attack.

 

Get a briefing on Rubrik’s Identity Recovery and Identity Resilience at the 2025 RSA Conference April 28-May 1, 2025, in San Francisco. Register here.

 

Rubrik Brings Cybersecurity Capabilities to Saudi Arabia

As digital transformation continues to accelerate growth and change in the region, the cybersecurity threat landscape also continues to evolve at an alarming pace. To help anticipate and be ready for ‘when’ not ‘if’ an attack may happen, Rubrik announces today the expansion of Rubrik Security Cloud, to enable businesses to expand their cyber resiliency capabilities and monitor and anticipate attacks, fast.

Part of Saudi Arabia’s acceleration to digital transformation—Vision 2030—and the popularity of hyper-scalers moving to the region, will see a larger volume of data being used across critical industries. These organizations, including healthcare, financial services, and public sector organizations, means that businesses need to safeguard themselves and their customers at all times.

With over 6,000 customers globally, Rubrik Security Cloud offers a centralized platform for managing all aspects of Rubrik’s data protection and recovery solutions. Whether data is hosted on-premises, in the cloud or a hybrid environment, data management is made simple through monitoring all backup, recovery and search data in one location, ensuring swifter response times, minimal downtime and operational continuity should an attack take place.

Rob Standing, Regional Vice President Middle East, Turkey & Africa, comments, “As Saudi Arabia cements its position as a technology leader, Rubrik continues to innovate to support the Kingdom’s journey toward a more secure and innovative digital future. Our introduction into the region marks a significant step in Rubrik’s ongoing investment in the Middle East, reinforcing our dedication to enabling cyber resilience and safeguarding the region’s most valuable digital assets.”

For those interested in hearing more, Rubrik will be hosting the Cyber Resilience Summit, taking place at the Four Seasons, Riyadh on the 30th April. Registration for the event can be found here

Omdia ranks Infobip as a Leader in the CPaaS Universe report for the third time

Omdia ranks Infobip as a Leader in the CPaaS Universe report for the third time

Global communications platform Infobip has been ranked as a leader in the Omdia CPaaS Universe report 2025. Infobip has been recognized as a leader for the third time, improving its overall ranking in 2025 compared to the previous report in 2023. Infobip’s robust Communication Platform-as-a-Service (CPaaS) services, RCS Business Messaging (RBM) campaigns, connection to the emerging Network API ecosystem, and innovation through AI and Gen AI are key factors highlighted in the Omdia report.

The Omdia CPaaS Universe report is a comprehensive analysis of the CPaaS market, drawing on the firm’s forecasting and enterprise insights survey data. The report provides a forward-looking matrix of capabilities, attributes, and features that are important within the market.

Omdia recognizes Infobip as a leading CPaaS provider, delivering exceptional communication services to enterprises, developers, hyperscalers, partners, and telcos.

Pamela Clark-Dickson, Principal Analyst at Omdia, said: “Infobip provides an extensive range of communication channels and APIs. One of its key differentiators from other vendors in this Universe is that it is also at the forefront of adding emerging channels for business messaging, such as RCS Business Messaging and communications, which are crucial growth drivers for the industry and the company. Infobip enhances the developing Network API ecosystem and assists customers in achieving their business objectives through innovative AI and Gen AI features.”

Silvio Kutić, CEO at Infobip, said: “We are driving innovation within the communications platform ecosystem. With more than 9,700 connections to telco companies, our CPaaS platform is a leading option for various communication and customer engagement solutions. Omdia emphasizes our incorporation of AI and Gen AI features in the CPaaS solution, which promotes innovation, develops new use cases, and enhances existing ones. Combined, this has enabled us to strengthen our leadership position in the market this year.”

See Omdia CPaaS Universe report 2025 here: https://www.infobip.com/analyst-reports/omdia-ranks-infobip-as-a-leader

Multi-Billion Dollar Investments… Can Microsoft Turn Artificial Intelligence into Profit?

Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro

After a challenging performance in 2024, all eyes are on Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) as the tech giant prepares to announce its fiscal Q3 earnings results later today. Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro, says investor attention is firmly fixed on the company’s ability to turn its AI ambitions into meaningful revenue, along with its cloud growth and capital expenditure plans. Following strong results from Alphabet earlier this week, expectations are riding high.

A key focus for the market will be Microsoft’s capital expenditure (CapEx) and data center investment strategy. The company previously announced plans to invest up to USD $80 billion through the fiscal year, with a focus on AI development and cloud infrastructure. However, recent reports of Microsoft backing away from some new data center projects have raised questions about underlying demand. Commentary from Microsoft on how demand is holding up will be critical for shares.

“Microsoft is spending big, but it’s what’s needed to stay ahead,” Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro, commented. “It’s also worth remembering that the company has the balance sheet to support these investments, with its cash pile expected to hit USD $78 billion this quarter.”

The company raised its dividend by 10% last year—marking 15 consecutive years of dividend growth. While CapEx may impact margins in the short term, Microsoft’s ability to consistently generate high returns on capital and deliver robust revenue growth continues to underpin investor confidence.

For the quarter, analysts expect revenue of USD $68.5 billion (up 11% year-over-year) and earnings of USD $3.21 per share. Microsoft has a strong track record of beating expectations, having missed earnings only once since 2016. However, the spotlight will be on Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, which is forecast to grow 30% in constant currency. With commercial bookings strong and OpenAI likely contributing more this quarter, an upside surprise in Azure could propel the stock higher.

Although the focus is on AI and cloud, the market will also be listening closely for any commentary regarding broader economic concerns, including the impact of global tariffs and a potential slowdown in enterprise demand. Insights into PC sales, Office product performance, and the gaming segment will also be key.

Microsoft’s Q3 earnings will serve as a major checkpoint for investors assessing the trajectory of the tech sector’s AI transformation. For long-term investors, the company’s bold investments may take time to materialize—but the foundations for future growth remain strong.

From Clean Beauty to Smart Packaging: France Leads with Innovation at Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, 2025

From 21 to 23 April 2025, 36 leading French beauty brands will participate in the 5th edition of Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, taking place from April 21 to 23, 2025, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC). Organized by Business France, the public consultancy serving the internationalisation of the French economy, the French pavilion (Hall 1-Stand 1B29), will offer visitors with a unique opportunity to meet and connect with leading experts in cosmetics, fragrances, organic and wellness beauty and skincare products.  

French Beauty Powerhouse Returns to Riyadh with 36 Iconic and Innovative Brands

Renowned for its refined formulations, high performance, and pioneering innovation, the French beauty industry remains a global benchmark. In 2024, French cosmetics exports reached a record €22.5 billion, marking the second consecutive year above the €20 billion threshold. This makes cosmetics the second-largest contributor to France’s trade surplus, solidifying its leadership in the global beauty arena. The 36 French brands featured at Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2025 will present a diverse and innovative range of offerings: from premium skincare and haircare to fine perfumery, eco-conscious products, organic formulas, private-label services, and advanced packaging technologies. Each brand reflects the elegance, expertise, and sustainable commitment that define “Made in France” in the beauty sector.

Saudi Arabia: A Strategic Growth Market for French Beauty Brands

The Saudi beauty and personal care market is experiencing robust growth, with a forecast CAGR of 1.2% between 2022 and 2027. This expansion is driven by a consumer base increasingly attentive to product innovation, quality, and sustainability.

With rising demand for clean beauty, sustainable packaging, and locally relevant formulations, Saudi consumers are setting new standards in the region. French brands are uniquely positioned to meet these expectations, offering tailored solutions that combine global expertise with local sensibilities.

In 2024, French cosmetics exports to the Middle East rose by +12.3%, including a +0.9% growth in Saudi Arabia, marking a strong rebound from -19% the previous year. This performance underscores the agility of French brands in adapting to market shifts and consumer preferences, further strengthening their position in the Kingdom.

Business France Marketplace: Connecting B2B Buyers to French Excellence

As part of its mission to support French exporters, Business France operates the Business France Marketplace, a free digital platform connecting B2B buyers with verified French suppliers. The platform offers curated access to a wide array of premium French beauty and wellness products, enabling seamless connections and facilitating export-ready deals.

Buyers visiting Beautyworld Saudi Arabia can preview the featured selection on the platform : https://www.marketplace.businessfrance.fr/event/index/sellers/id/318/?at_medium=RS&at_campaign=BWKSA25

SaudiFood Manufacturing, the Kingdom’s largest F&B manufacturing event, gets underway

Under the patronage of the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, His Excellency Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef, the Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs, H.E Eng. Khalil bin Ibrahim Salamah, inaugurated the second edition of the Saudi Food Manufacturing 2025′ exhibition today (Sunday) at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Riyadh Front. He was accompanied by His Excellency Eng. Majed bin Rafid Al-Argoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON).

The exhibition, which runs until April 15, 2025, in strategic partnership with MODON, has brought together the global F&B community to make tangible business connections, as the Kingdom continues to enhance its position as a regional leader in the F&B industry.

Following the inauguration, His Excellency Eng. Khalil bin Salamah toured the exhibition, visiting the pavilions of several national and international companies, as well as those of participating countries. Over 550 global players are participating in the exhibition, from across the processing, packaging and ingredients sectors.

The exhibition features the latest innovations and technologies in the food and beverage manufacturing sector, with the participation of international experts and specialists exploring best practices and opportunities for industry advancement.

In the presence of global and regional experts from the manufacturing sector, delegates and visitors, Abdulrahman A. Al-Romaizan, Investment Department Director of Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), delivered the first keynote speech where he highlighted the organisation’s role in shaping the future of the food sector.

The audience then heard from Prof. Henrik von Scheel, Industry 4.0 Originator, Strategist & Futurist. Speaking for the first time ever in Saudi Arabia, he looked at the megatrends revolutionising the next decade of F&B manufacturing.

He gave engaging insights to the audience saying, “Within the next two years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be the Gulf Region Food Trade Hub and by 2030 Financial Food Trade Hub of the SilkRoad. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a rare opportunity to lead the Bio Revolution. In all other seven evolutions, they were the consumer.”

On the show floor visitors had the opportunity to learn about industry trends, network, forge new connections, make strategic deals and see new innovations first hand.

The event also attracted a number of country ambassadors from around the world including Germany, France, Jordan, Switzerland, and many more. Their attendance demonstrating their full support in facilitating stronger trade ties with the Kingdom.

Among those to attend was the Swiss Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen, where she spoke about the Kingdom’s potential in becoming a leader in  food manufacturing.

She commented: “I think Saudi Arabia is playing an immensely important role in the Middle East and the wider region in the future in food security and food manufacturing. It is great to see Swiss companies playing an important role in this and partnering with companies and institutions who share the same mission and goal.”

Among the businesses exhibiting at the event include Kanoo Machinery. Ali Abdulla Kanoo, Deputy Chairman, Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo and President of Kanoo Industrial & Energy, believes the SaudiFood Manufacturing is an important platform to accelerate the F&B sector.

He explained: “Kanoo Machinery has long supported Saudi Arabia’s industrial evolution with dependable, high-performance machinery. Our presence at SaudiFood Manufacturing 2025 reaffirms our dedication to empowering the F&B sector with reliable equipment solutions that drive efficiency and growth. This is where our legacy of engineering excellence meets the future needs of a growing industry.”

The first day of SaudiFood Manufacturing also saw the winners of the SaudiFood Manufacturing Awards announced. Aimed at recognising innovative products and technologies that enhance productivity, offer greater convenience, and promote sustainability within the F&B manufacturing sector, the awards were organised in six categories.

Brenntag won the Sustainability Innovation of the Year Award for their ingredient-solution to produce soft spreadable plant-based cheese with Low C02 emission. UCIC won best Saudi Made Innovation for their sustainable brand ambassador (Boxy) to promote eco-friendly packaging.

Promtek won Digital Transformation Innovation of the Year for their Condor Manufacturing Execution System & Microman – an advanced manual weighment tracking system. Multivac won Best Processing Innovation of the year for their dough processing solution Impressa Bread. Allagro won Best Ingredient Innovation of the Year for their meal replacement drink.  ULMA won Best Packaging Innovation for their Tight-Bag, a sustainable air extraction technology for optimised packaging.

SaudiFood Manufacturing show timings are from 2pm – 10pm daily.  Tickets to the event are complimentary for trade professionals and available on www.saudifoodmanufacturing.com

Rubrik Annapurna and Agentspace Partner to Enable Secure and Intelligent AI on Google Cloud

Rubrik (NYSE: RBRK) today announced that Rubrik Annapurna and Agentspace will explore ways to enable enterprises to securely access and utilize their data for AI-driven applications. By acting as a secure data source for Agentspace, Rubrik can better ensure that enterprise AI models can retrieve, govern, and protect sensitive data with Zero Trust security on Google Cloud. This intuitive offering will be designed to help businesses securely build and scale AI-powered applications, making the implementation process simple. By joining forces, Annapurna and Agentspace can allow companies to confidently move AI projects from pilot to production in the cloud by providing easy, secure access to data across cloud, on-premises, and SaaS environments. 

“For AI to deliver real business value, enterprises need secure, well-governed data foundations,” said Stephen Orban, VP of Migrations, ISVs, and Marketplace at Google Cloud. “With Rubrik Annapurna as a secure data source for Agentspace, organizations can seamlessly and securely access their data within Rubrik to power AI-driven insights while maintaining strong governance and compliance.”

Enterprises Struggling to Balance AI Innovation with Security

Organizations are rapidly adopting Google Cloud to build AI-powered applications. However, many are struggling to move beyond the testing phase due to security, compliance and scalability concerns, especially as evolving cyber risks threaten business-critical AI data. As a result, Gartner, Inc. predicts “at least 30% of generative AI (GenAI) projects will be abandoned after proof of concept by the end of 2025, due to poor data quality, inadequate risk controls, escalating costs or unclear business value.”

“AI is only as powerful as the data behind it, but without strong security and governance, enterprises risk compliance violations and data exposure,” shares Arvind Nithrakashyap, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Rubrik. “With Rubrik Annapurna and Agentspace, customers can now recognize the full potential of generative AI, while safely harnessing their enterprise data for AI and maintaining Zero Trust security.”

The combination will seek to provide Google Cloud customers with:

  • Fast, API-driven secure access to enterprise-wide data for AI training and retrieval
  • Anomaly detection and access monitoring to prevent AI data leaks and unauthorized use
  • Seamless AI data pipelines to integrate Google Cloud AI models with enterprise data
  • Automated compliance enforcement to protect sensitive AI training data

Understanding the Rubrik & Agentspace Integration:

  • Secure AI Retrieval: Customers will be able to leverage Rubrik Annapurna as a data source within Agentspace, helping ensure that AI models can securely retrieve enterprise-wide structured and unstructured data.
  • Zero Trust Authorization: Organizations will be able to control access via policy-based governance, helping ensure that only authorized AI models and users can query data within Agentspace.
  • Streamlined AI Workflows: With this integration, businesses will be able to build AI-powered applications faster, without compromising security or compliance.

Data Security – The Cornerstone of an Enterprise’s Journey From AI Pilot to Production

By bringing Zero Trust security to AI training workflows, Rubrik Annapurna helps organizations govern, classify, and mobilize their enterprise data with confidence. With built-in anomaly detection and policy-driven data pipelines, it provides real-time access to AI training data while enforcing security policies at scale, helping businesses meet regulatory requirements without slowing down development. This helps ensure that AI applications on Google Cloud are powered by high-quality, properly managed data that is essential for driving reliable, responsible AI innovation.

To see Rubrik Annapurna for Google Cloud in action, visit Rubrik’s booth #3140 and #1210 in the Expo Hall at Google Cloud NEXT 2025 or request a demo here.

Gartner disclaimer

Gartner Predicts 30% of Generative AI Projects Will Be Abandoned After Proof of Concept By End of 2025, Rita Sallam, et al, 29, July 2024

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Rubrik

Rubrik (NYSE: RBRK) is on a mission to secure the world’s data. With Zero Trust Data Security™, we help organizations achieve business resilience against cyberattacks, malicious insiders, and operational disruptions. Rubrik Security Cloud, powered by machine learning, secures data across enterprise, cloud, and SaaS applications. We help organizations uphold data integrity, deliver data availability that withstands adverse conditions, continuously monitor data risks and threats, and restore businesses with their data when infrastructure is attacked.

For more information, please visit www.rubrik.com and follow @rubrikInc on X (formerly Twitter) and Rubrik on LinkedIn.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT: Any unreleased services or features referenced in this document are not currently available and may not be made generally available on time or at all, as may be determined in our sole discretion. Any such referenced services or features do not represent promises to deliver, commitments, or obligations of Rubrik, Inc. and may not be incorporated into any contract. Customers should make their purchase decisions based upon services and features that are currently generally available.

Majid Al Futtaim Expands Luxury Retail Footprint Across the Middle East

Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping malls, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, has announced an ambitious expansion of its luxury retail portfolio for 2025. Following a record-breaking 2024, which saw a 26% growth in its Lifestyle business, the expansion will be anchored by renowned Italian brands Eleventy, Corneliani, and Poltrona Frau, with a series of store openings planned across key locations in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 

As part of its strategic growth agenda, Majid Al Futtaim will launch over 30 new stores, spanning both luxury and High Street brands across the region. The expansion will include five standalone Eleventy stores, the regional debut of Corneliani, and the first Poltrona Frau store outside the UAE in Saudi Arabia, showcasing Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to strengthening its regional presence in the luxury retail segment.

Fahed Ghanim, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Lifestyle, said: “In a region where customers have an abundance of choice, our ambition is to curate a portfolio of luxury brands that offer something truly distinctive. By introducing brands like Eleventy, Corneliani, and Poltrona Frau, we are bringing new dimensions to the luxury market—combining timeless craftsmanship with modern sensibilities that resonate with the refined tastes of our customers.”

“At Majid Al Futtaim, our work with luxury brands has been deeply rooted in THAT Concept Store, which has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing brands with the potential to thrive in this market. Eleventy’s journey, from its initial shop-in-shop to standalone stores, is a testament to how we test, scale, and grow global luxury brands. This strategic approach allows us to continuously evolve the luxury retail experience, delivering fresh, distinctive offerings that resonate with our customers.”

The five standalone Eleventy stores are set to open in key locations in 2025, including, Solitaire Mall in Saudi Arabia, Mall of the Emirates, Marsa Al Arab, which all opened this month, with Dubai Mall and The Grove in the UAE to follow later in the year. Known for its commitment to sustainable practices and premium materials, Eleventy reflects the growing consumer demand for quality and subtle sophistication, all under the ‘Made in Italy’ banner.  This growth builds on Eleventy’s successful presence in the region, which includes a shop-in-shop at THAT Concept Store, a pop-up at Mall of the Emirates, and its first standalone location in Marina Mall Abu Dhabi opened with Majid Al Futtaim in November 2024.

Majid Al Futtaim is further strengthening its partnership with Poltrona Frau, the iconic Italian luxury furniture brand, by introducing its first store in the region outside the UAE at Centria Mall, Riyadh, in May. Poltrona Frau, a key brand within Majid Al Futtaim’s portfolio,  achieved remarkable success in 2024, with its revenue increasing fivefold following the launch of its second UAE store at Mall of the Emirates

Italian luxury menswear brand Corneliani also made its regional store debut in April at Solitaire Mall, Saudi Arabia. Founded in 1930, Corneliani is one of Italy’s oldest independent luxury brands, renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and presence in over 70 countries. With the launch of its first standalone store in the Middle East, Majid Al Futtaim brings Corneliani’s timeless suits and sophisticated casualwear to even more customers across the region.

Marco Baldassari, Co-Founder and Menswear Creative Director at Eleventy said: “Eleventy’s philosophy of understated elegance and commitment to sustainability resonates strongly with the sophisticated Middle Eastern consumer. We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, whose visionary approach to luxury retail is shaping a new vision with a growing focus on customer needs. Together, we aim to redefine luxury retail by offering timeless craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and innovative experiences.”

Nicola Coropulis, CEO of Poltrona Frau said: “Since partnering with Majid Al Futtaim more than two years ago, we have focused on strategic growth and elevating the customer experience across the region. The revitalisation of our flagship store in Jumeirah and our successful debut at Mall of the Emirates have been key milestones in our journey. We are now excited to bring this momentum to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with our first store in Riyadh, further solidifying our presence in the GCC and expanding our reach in this dynamic market.”

Majid Al Futtaim’s expansion in luxury retail builds on a record-breaking 2024, which saw a 26% increase in revenue across its portfolio and a 31% surge in digital sales. The year also marked the opening of 17 new stores across the region, bringing the total to 87 stores, including flagship locations for brands such as lululemon, Psycho Bunny, Shiseido, Crate & Barrel, and CB2, alongside 27 e-commerce platforms. Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be another milestone year for its Lifestyle business, with plans to open 30 new stores across the region, including seven in Saudi Arabia—a key priority market for the Group.