Saudi Arabia: The Emerging Peace Bridge Between U.S. and Russia

Saudi Arabia’s Track Record: Facilitating U.S.-Russia Dialogue

Byline: Global Diplomatic Correspondent | February 13, 2025

Saudi Arabia has increasingly positioned itself as a neutral mediator in global conflicts, particularly between the U.S. and Russia. Here’s a breakdown of its key interventions

2022 U.S.-Russia Prisoner Swap

In December 2022, Saudi Arabia, alongside the UAE, brokered a high-profile prisoner exchange between Washington and Moscow, securing the release of American basketball star Brittney Griner and Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. This marked the Kingdom’s first major success in U.S.-Russia diplomacy

2023 Jeddah Peace Summit for Ukraine

Saudi Arabia hosted a landmark peace summit in August 2023, bringing together 40+ nations, including U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Ukrainian officials, to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Though no agreement was reached, it showcased Riyadh’s credibility as a mediator

2025 Trump-Putin Talks in Riyadh

Following President Trump’s announcement, Saudi Arabia is set to host the first direct U.S.-Russia peace talks since the Ukraine war began in 2022. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) will mediate, leveraging his rapport with both leaders

Ongoing Backchannel Diplomacy

Beyond publicized events, Saudi Arabia has quietly facilitated intelligence-sharing and crisis management between Washington and Moscow, particularly during Middle East tensions involving Iran and Israel

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Fun Facts: The Trio’s Quirky Peacemaking Histories

Saudi Arabia

Holy Custodian: Hosts Mecca and Medina, making it a spiritual epicentre for 1.8 billion Muslims. Even Cold War rivals sought its moral authority

Visionary Mediator: Launched Vision 2030 to pivot from oil dependency, but also to rebrand as a global peace hub. Its 2022 interfaith forum included rabbis, priests, and imams

BRICS Newbie: Joined the BRICS bloc in 2024, aligning with Russia and China while maintaining strong U.S. ties—a diplomatic tightrope act 

United States

Oil & Ideals: In 1945, FDR met Saudi King Abdulaziz on the USS Quincy to secure oil access and discuss Palestine. The king warned that creating Israel would “split the heavens”—a prophecy echoing today

Trump’s Saudi Love Affair: Trump’s first overseas trip as president was to Riyadh in 2017. Now, post-2024 election, he’s returning to broker Ukraine peace

Russia

Putin’s Praise: Putin called Saudi Arabia a “sincere” mediator and praised MBS’s “friendly personal relations” with him, despite U.S.-Russia frostiness

Soviet Legacy: Russia’s support for Palestinian statehood dates 

to the USSR, a stance Putin reaffirmed at the 2024 BRICS summit

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Why Saudi Arabia?

Neutral Ground: Unlike Western or Chinese venues, Riyadh is perceived as impartial by both superpowers

Oil Clout: As the world’s second-largest oil producer, its stability impacts global energy markets—a lever for peace incentives

Religious Soft Power: Custodianship of Islam’s holiest sites grants Riyadh unique influence in Muslim-majority regions, critical for conflict resolution. 

Final Thought 🤔

From prisoner swaps to oil diplomacy, Saudi Arabia is rewriting the playbook on neutrality. As MBS quipped in 2023: “Peace isn’t about picking sides—it’s about building bridges.” Will Riyadh’s gamble pay off? The world watches.

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Elon Musk’s Son X Æ A-Xii: 5 Wildly Fun Facts About His Oval Office Adventure

Elon Musk’s 4-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii (aka “Lil X”), stole the spotlight at a high-stakes Oval Office press conference with Donald Trump. Here’s the quirky, chaotic, and unapologetically weird breakdown for your inner pop-culture detective!

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1. The Resolute Desk Got a “Booger Update”

While Musk and Trump debated government efficiency, X decided the historic Resolute Desk (gifted by Queen Victoria in 1880) needed a modern touch. Viral clips show him picking his nose and wiping it on the desk, prompting Twitter to dub the moment #BoogerGate 

Fun Fact: The desk has survived wars, treaties, and now… toddler snot.

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2. X’s Secret Talent: Presidential Mimicry

Mid-policy talk, X started mirroring Musk’s gestures like a tiny clone—complete with dramatic hand waves. Trump, unfazed, called him a “high-IQ individual” (despite X later interrupting with, “Mr. President, I need to pee!”) 

Bonus: Musk later shared a side-by-side photo of X and JFK Jr. under the same desk, captioning it: “History repeats… cuter” 

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3. Grimes Was Not Impressed

X’s mom, musician Grimes, fired off a tweetstorm after seeing the viral chaos:
“He should not be in public like this. Sigh. But glad he was polite.”
Fans roasted Musk for turning the Oval Office into a dad daycare while Grimes facepalmed from afar 

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4. Musk’s Pronatalism Flex

Musk, a self-proclaimed pronatalist (he wants to repopulate Earth with “exceptional” kids), brought X as a living prop for his ideology. Critics called it a nod to eugenics-lite rhetoric, given Trump’s praise of X’s “high IQ” 
FYI: Musk has 12 kids—X is the first with Grimes and the only one regularly paraded at political events

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5. The Kennedy Parallel That Broke the Internet

X’s Oval Office antics drew comparisons to JFK Jr. peeking from under the same desk in 1963. Musk leaned into it, reposting fan edits with heart-eyes emojis. Historians, however, side-eyed the stunt as a calculated nostalgia play

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BONUS DRAMA:

• Sibling Rivalry: Musk’s daughter Vivian (who cut ties with him after transitioning) once begged him not to post her pics online. X? He’s the golden child of Musk’s social media 

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• Future Dictator? Musk joked X could “run Mars someday.” Given his dad’s ego, we’re half-convinced

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Why This Matters 🤷♂️
X’s antics aren’t just cute—they’re a PR masterclass. Musk blends family chaos with political theater, making Trump’s austerity talks feel… relatable? Or at least meme-worthy.

Drop your hot takes below: Should toddlers be allowed in the Oval Office, or is this peak Musk chaos? 

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Karachi Ignites Bold Conversations: ACCA’s PLC 2025 Charts Pakistan’s Path to AI-Powered, Sustainable Prosperity

Karachi, 12 February 2025 – The future of Pakistan’s economy just got a lot brighter! The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) set the stage ablaze with its Pakistan Leadership Conversation (PLC) 2025 in Karachi, uniting visionaries, policymakers, and finance trailblazers for a dynamic dialogue on AI, sustainability, and talent. Under the electrifying theme “Being Bold: From Surviving to Thriving,” the event sparked actionable strategies to propel Pakistan into a new era of innovation and global leadership.

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Why PLC 2025 Mattered: Key Takeaways

🔹 AI Meets Sustainability: Forget either/or – Pakistan’s future hinges on merging AI-driven efficiency with climate-smart strategies.

🔹 Export Boom Ahead: Shared Services & Outsourcing (SSO) sectors are Pakistan’s golden ticket to IT/ITeS export growth.

🔹 Green Revolution 2.0: Businesses are ditching “brown” practices for ESG-led innovation, powered by cutting-edge tech.

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Highlights from the Spotlight

✨ Ayla Majid (ACCA President): “AI isn’t just a tool – it’s our ally in building climate-resilient businesses. Think smarter, act greener!”

✨ Syed Murad Ali Shah (CM Sindh): “By 2047, Pakistan will thrive on tech-driven financial leadership. Let’s turn Karachi into a hub for responsible innovation!”

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Panels That Packed a Punch

1. From Brown to Green: Innovating in Transition
Featuring: Lucky Motors, Meezan Bank, Dawlance & more!
💡 Hot Topic: How AI is turbocharging ESG reporting – and why Pakistan’s SMEs can’t afford to lag.

2. Unlocking SSO’s $10B Potential
Featuring: GSK, KPMG, TheBPO & industry giants!
💡 Big Idea: Pakistan’s shared services sector is primed to become Asia’s next outsourcing powerhouse.

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The Bold Visionaries Speak

Assad Hameed Khan (ACCA Pakistan Head): “Finance professionals aren’t just number-crunchers – they’re architects of Pakistan’s sustainable future. 

Nasir Vohra (EY Rapid Innovation): “AI isn’t coming – it’s already here. Adapt or get left behind.”

 

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Why This Matters for YOU

Whether you’re a startup founder, finance pro, or eco-conscious citizen, PLC 2025 revealed:

✅ AI is your new BFF: Automate smarter, not harder.
✅ Green = Growth: Sustainable practices attract global investors.
✅ Talent is King: Upskill now to ride the SSO wave.

Ready to Join the Conversation?
Pakistan’s transformation is underway – and you can be part of it. Share this post, tag a colleague, or drop your thoughts below! 💬

#PLC2025  #FutureReadyPakistan #AIMeetsSustainability

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HABIBMETRO Sponsored the Karachi Eat Food Festival 2025 as the Exclusive Banking Partner

Karachi, 14 January 2025 – HABIBMETRO brought an unforgettable experience to its customers through an exclusive banking partnership with one of the most anticipated events of the year — the Karachi Eat Food Festival.

As part of this partnership, HABIBMETRO introduced a range of exciting benefits for its customers as well as non-customers:

1.       Free Entry: HABIBMETRO Platinum and Ladies debit cardholders enjoyed free entry to the festival.

2.       Fast-Track Access: All HABIBMETRO debit card holders benefitted from fast-track access, skipping the long queues and getting straight into the festival without the wait.

3.       Exclusive Lounge: HABIBMETRO customers enjoyed complimentary refreshments and rewards with an exclusive lounge, while non-customers got a chance to win these rewards by participating in various engagement activities such as photo booth, spin-the-wheel and more.  

4.       Exciting Prizes: Non-customers had the opportunity to win exciting prizes by opening an account, with our relationship management team providing them assistance throughout the process.

5.       Seamless Transactions: The Bank ensured a hassle-free experience for visitors at the event, offering mobile ATM services for easy cash withdrawals.

This iteration of Karachi Eat brought a combination of local and global cuisines, with over 120 food stalls offering a wide range of mouth-watering flavours, alongside live music by some of the country's renowned musicians, including Asim Azhar, Ali Tariq and HAVI among others. This vibrant mix contributed to the lively atmosphere of the event, attracting a footfall of approximately 140,000 people.

 "At HABIBMETRO, our customers are our top priority, and we are committed to enhancing their banking journey. Through this partnership, we are offering a unique three-day event featuring live food, music and exclusive benefits for both our customers and non-customers. This event will be another outdoor activity for people of Karachi. With a focus on reaching untapped markets, particularly the younger generation, we are excited to be collaborating with Karachi Eat for the first time ever. This partnership not only strengthens our brand presence but also brings value-added digital banking services to a wider audience, enhancing convenience and accessibility for all", said Mr. Khurram Shahzad Khan, President & CEO of HABIBMETRO.

This partnership underscores HABIBMETRO's ongoing commitment to delivering a world-class experience that extends beyond banking. When customers choose HABIBMETRO, they do not merely choose a bank, they go for a life filled with amazing benefits and opportunities.

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Dubai Islamic Bank Partners with Nestlé Professional to Enhance its Customer Experience

 Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited has partnered with Nestlé Professional to offer customers a selection of hot beverages at its Wajaha- Priority Banking Lounge. This collaboration enables visitors to enjoy hot beverages of their choice, be it NESCAFÉ or traditional NESTEA Cardamom, Karak & Kashmiri chai creating a more pleasant and relaxing experience. Dubai Islamic Bank currently operates 12 Wajaha- Priority Banking Lounge across various cities, enhancing convenience and comfort for its valued clientele.

The announcement was made during an MOU signing ceremony, attended by representatives of both organizations. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to improving customer experience and fostering meaningful connections.

"Dubai Islamic Bank is proud to set a benchmark for customer service through its Wajaha- Priority Banking Lounges," said Mr. Junaid Ahmed, CEO, Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan. "By partnering with Nestlé Professional, we aim to elevate the experience we offer, providing not just financial solutions but also an atmosphere that reflects our commitment to customer well-being and satisfaction." He further added.

Jason Avanceña  Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé Pakistan stated, "We are pleased to collaborate with Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan in bringing Nestlé Professional's selection of warm drinks to their customers. This partnership aligns with our mission to enhance everyday moments for people."

This new offering is part of Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan's ongoing efforts to enrich the Wajaha Priority Lounge experience, combining leisure with premium banking services to better serve its valued clientele.

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P&G Pakistan, Imtiaz Group, and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance Join Forces to Empower Women Micropreneurs with Interest-Free Loans

P&G Pakistan, Imtiaz Group – Pakistan's largest retailer and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance, a leading not-for-profit organization, have joined forces by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to empower women micropreneurs through interest-free loans. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to nurturing local entrepreneurship and driving economic growth within communities. By offering these interest-free loans, the partnership aims to unleash the potential of women, enabling them to establish thriving businesses that not only enhance their own lives but also contribute positively to their families and society as a whole.

The collaboration will launch with in-store activations and a donation-match program for employees of both P&G Pakistan and Imtiaz Group, aiming to raise approximately ~Rs. 1 crore. This initiative seeks to transform the lives of over 500 women while creating employment opportunities for around 800 individuals, igniting a ripple effect of empowerment and economic growth that benefits families and communities across Pakistan. From December 27–29, 2024, consumers who purchase Ariel, Pampers, Always, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, or Safeguard will contribute to this cause with every purchase.

Ovais Ather Yousuf, Chief Executive Officer of P&G Pakistan, stated, "We are dedicated to advancing gender parity by expanding sustainable economic opportunities for women. Our collaboration with Imtiaz Group and Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance aims to empower women in marginalized communities and foster their financial independence as entrepreneurs."

Globally, women's financial inclusion is on the rise, with more women stepping into roles as entrepreneurs and business leaders. However, in Pakistan, women's contributions remain largely societal rather than economic, with their status ranking among the lowest worldwide. A World Bank report underscores the need for increased access to financial resources to help women initiate and grow their businesses. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #1 (eradicating poverty) and #5 (gender equality).

Speaking at the occasion, Umer Imtiaz, Chief Executive Officer of Imtiaz Group, added, "As a community-oriented retailer, we believe empowering women micropreneurs goes beyond supporting individual businesses—it's about creating a ripple effect that uplifts entire communities. By inviting our customers to join this transformative initiative, we aim to drive meaningful change, helping women unlock their potential and contribute to sustainable economic growth for everyone."
Danish Aman, Chairman Council of Patrons Sindh, Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance, emphasized, "Poverty is not just about lack of resources; it's about deprivation of social networks, justice and hope. Aiming to eradicate poverty in marginalized communities, these loans are designed to empower women entrepreneurs, enhancing their living standards and uplifting society as a whole".

P&G is committed to advancing its Equality & Inclusion mission in the country. It is leveraging the strengths of its business operations as well as its scale and advertising voice to address gender bias, enable education for girls and promote women's economic empowerment.

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Dr. Reckeweg Germany Celebrates 50 Years of Partnership with Dr. Salim Ahmed & Co. in Pakistan

Karachi, December 3, 2024: "Homeopathy is a natural form of treatment that is rapidly gaining popularity and has a very positive impact on patients' health due to its lack of side effects." These thoughts were shared by Dr. David Reckeweg at the Golden Jubilee event of Dr. Reckeweg Germany and Dr. Salim Ahmed & Co. He further emphasized that Dr. Reckeweg Germany believes in making treatment effective and affordable.

Dr. Najmus Saqib expressed his gratitude towards the German team for their unwavering support, stating, "This milestone reflects not only our shared past but also a commitment to continue innovating and expanding access to homeopathic healthcare in Pakistan."

Aziz A. Khan shed light on the global impact of homeopathy and its increasing popularity in Pakistan. He stated, "Homeopathy is a natural and effective treatment that is improving the lives of millions of people."

The event included heartfelt tributes and awards presented to key contributors of this success journey, including Dr. David Reckeweg, Dr. Najmus Saqib, and Aziz A. Khan for their leadership and tireless efforts. It also highlighted the future prospects of improved healthcare services through partnerships like Dr. Reckeweg Germany and Dr. Salim Ahmed & Co.

More than 500 distinguished guests attended this prestigious event, including homeopathic doctors, industry experts, and prominent figures from the public health sector.

Dr. Reckeweg Germany proudly celebrated its 50-year partnership with Dr. Salim Ahmed & Co., Pakistan. This Golden Jubilee marks 50 years of excellence, innovation, and collaboration, which stands as proof of providing high-quality homeopathic healthcare services across Pakistan.

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Dawlance Wins Gold Award at ‘Dragons of Asia’ 2024 Event

Pakistan's leading brand of Home-Appliances – Dawlance has been awarded the prestigious Gold Award at the Dragons of Asia 2024, for its impactful Father's Day campaign: "Dawlance ka SALAAM, ACHAY FATHERS ke naam." (Dawlance Salutes Good Fathers). Following its success at the Dragons of Pakistan, Dawlance achieved this significant milestone by competing against top campaigns from across the Asian region.

The Dawlance Father's Day campaign was designed to honor the pivotal role of fathers in nurturing healthy, progressive, and enlightened families. It reflects Dawlance's emotional connection with its consumers, inspiring respect and recognition for every father in their family. The campaign highlights the countless efforts, sacrifices, and contributions made by fathers to ensure the vitality and happiness of their families. By winning the Gold Award and raising the Pakistani flag at the Dragons of Asia and other international events, Dawlance is cementing its position as a trusted household name in the country.

Being a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arcelik – the 2nd largest manufacturer in Europe, Dawlance is following its 'Progress Today – Preserve Tomorrow' policy. It sponsors visionary initiatives for sustainable socio-economic growth. The company has invested over 240 million Dollars to achieve industrial leadership and operational excellence. It has a legacy of innovations to create revolutionary technologies and unmatched convenience, elevating the quality of life for its consumers.

The Chief Executive Officer of Dawlance, Umar Ahsan Khan, expressed his delight at winning this coveted award, stating: "I am grateful to the 'Dragons of Asia' forum for this honor & award, which is a testament to the creativity and dedication of the Dawlance team. Our brand remains committed to promoting family values, care, and affection for strengthening relationships across all segments of society."

Since 2000, the Dragons of Asia have recognized the best results-driven marketing communication campaigns, evaluating the marketing activities of leading enterprises and advertising agencies across Asia. Over the decades, this annual awards ceremony has evolved into the most prestigious forum, highlighting outstanding achievements in strategic marketing, smart communications, and developmental initiatives.

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Dawlance Converts its Factories to Solar Energy

Dawlance, Pakistan's leading home appliances manufacturer, has embraced solar power in its manufacturing plants in Karachi with an investment of more than 1,100,000 Euros.  The launch of the new solar panel installations was held with a ceremony in the presence of Mr. Umar Ahsan Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Dawlance, Mr. Can Dinçer, Chief Commercial Officer Türkiye and Southern Asia at Beko, Mr. Umut Nafiz Çelik, General Counsel at Beko, Ms. Sibel Kesler, Executive Director of Finance-South Asia at Beko and Ms. Handan Abdurrahmanoğlu, Director of South Asia Regional Marketing, Business Transformation & Growth at Beko along with other officials from Beko and Dawlance.
As another milestone towards implementing Dawlance's 'Progress Today – Preserve Tomorrow' policy, the installation of solar systems will enable the factories to produce approximately 3 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year, enough to meet 27% of their annual electricity needs with renewable energy. Dawlance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Beko, flagship of Türkiye's Koc Group – largest manufacturer in Europe, which is providing investments and technological expertise to create innovative technologies in Pakistan.
Commenting on Dawlance's solar power move in manufacturing, Mr. Can Dinçer, Chief Commercial Officer Türkiye and Southern Asia at Beko said, "In line with our vision, 'Respecting the World, Respected Worldwide,' we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The shift toward renewable energy plays a crucial role in this journey. In 2023, 64% of the electricity used across our operations came from green sources, and by 2030, we aim to power all our production facilities with 100% green energy. The installation of solar panels at Dawlance's manufacturing plants in Karachi marks a major milestone, advancing both our sustainability goals and Pakistan's energy transition while fostering greener production practices in the region."
The Chief Executive Officer of Dawlance – Mr. Umar Ahsan Khan stated: "As an industry leader, Dawlance is inspiring all the major enterprises in Pakistan, to generate renewable energy for reducing the environmental impact and saving energy costs during business operations. Our solar power initiative will ensure a reduction of approximately 1,223 tCO2 of carbon footprint of the factories annually. The installation of new solar panels will enable our manufacturing facilities to meet 27% of their annual electricity needs through green energy sources. We are also installing solar panels on the roof of our Hyderabad plant with the goal of completing the installations by November. Our objective is to become a model for the home appliances industry with our new practice in Pakistan."
Dawlance is committed to reducing harmful emissions from fossil fuels and conventional energy sources by investing in renewable energy. The installation of solar panels at their factories reflects their dedication to sustainable practices and their mission to generate clean energy at an economical cost, contributing to a greener future.

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Dawlance Wins Gold Award at ‘Dragons of Asia’ 2024 Event

Pakistan's leading brand of Home-Appliances - Dawlance has been awarded the prestigious Gold Award at the Dragons of Asia 2024, for its impactful Father's Day campaign: "Dawlance ka SALAAM, ACHAY FATHERS ke naam." (Dawlance Salutes Good Fathers). Following its success at the Dragons of Pakistan, Dawlance achieved this significant milestone by competing against top campaigns from across the Asian region.
The Dawlance Father's Day campaign was designed to honor the pivotal role of fathers in nurturing healthy, progressive, and enlightened families. It reflects Dawlance's emotional connection with its consumers, inspiring respect and recognition for every father in their family. The campaign highlights the countless efforts, sacrifices, and contributions made by fathers to ensure the vitality and happiness of their families. By winning the Gold Award and raising the Pakistani flag at the Dragons of Asia and other international events, Dawlance is cementing its position as a trusted household name in the country.
Being a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arcelik - the 2nd largest manufacturer in Europe, Dawlance is following its 'Progress Today – Preserve Tomorrow' policy. It sponsors visionary initiatives for sustainable socio-economic growth. The company has invested over 240 million Dollars to achieve industrial leadership and operational excellence. It has a legacy of innovations to create revolutionary technologies and unmatched convenience, elevating the quality of life for its consumers.
The Chief Executive Officer of Dawlance, Umar Ahsan Khan, expressed his delight at winning this coveted award, stating: "I am grateful to the 'Dragons of Asia' forum for this honor & award, which is a testament to the creativity and dedication of the Dawlance team. Our brand remains committed to promoting family values, care, and affection for strengthening relationships across all segments of society."
Since 2000, the Dragons of Asia have recognized the best results-driven marketing communication campaigns, evaluating the marketing activities of leading enterprises and advertising agencies across Asia. Over the decades, this annual awards ceremony has evolved into the most prestigious forum, highlighting outstanding achievements in strategic marketing, smart communications, and developmental initiatives.

Read More