Month: September 2025

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Ministry of Culture and the Royal Commission for AlUla have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Riyadh during the Cultural Investment Conference to strengthen cooperation in culture, heritage and development. The agreement was signed by Vice Minister of Culture Hamed Fayez and RCU Chief Executive Officer Abeer AlAkel, marking a key step towards positioning AlUla as a global cultural destination.

His Excellency Vice Minister of Culture Hamed Fayez affirmed that this agreement drives forward the partnership between the Ministry of Culture and RCU, paving the way to significantly enhance the presence of Saudi cultural identity in AlUla. He noted that AlUla seamlessly blends diverse natural landscapes with authentic heritage and thousands of years of history. It stands as an open-air museum and a powerful reflection of the human civilizations that have flourished across the Kingdom’s land.

Abeer AlAkel, CEO of RCU, stated that the agreement significantly strengthens RCU’s partnership with MOC and builds upon previous successes in areas of shared cultural interest. She added that this agreement represents a fundamental step for cultural development in AlUla, aligning with the cultural ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, and will contribute to the integration of expertise and innovations at both national and global levels, empowering the cultural and knowledge-based economy.

The agreement outlines broad areas of cooperation, underscoring the joint development of cultural infrastructure in AlUla. This includes long-term planning, addressing development needs, and implementing initiatives to ensure the continuity and sustainability of cultural activities across the arts and heritage sectors.

It also supports the coordination of cultural events, festivals and initiatives across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including heritage, cinema, music, museums, culinary arts, visual arts, architecture, design and libraries. The agreement encourages closer cooperation between cultural institutions and RCU to facilitate the exchange of expertise and enhance the quality and diversity of cultural content in AlUla.

In addition, the MoC and RCU will support the development of community-focused, educational and professional programs aimed at nurturing talent and enabling broader participation in the cultural sector at local, national and international levels. The agreement also seeks to stimulate the cultural economy, attract investment into creative industries, and support cultural entrepreneurs in establishing ventures in AlUla, driving inclusive economic growth and generating high-value employment anchored in creativity and knowledge.

This agreement builds upon a strong record of collaboration between MOC and RCU, which has already produced a number of successful initiatives, including the Wadi AlFann Dialogue, the AlUla Future Culture Summit and the 2023 AlUla World Archaeology Summit. The two entities have also jointly supported the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historical Mosques and have worked together to expand cultural programming across AlUla. Furthermore, the scope extends to initiatives supporting the growth of public and private cultural schools in AlUla.

About the Cultural Investment Conference

The Cultural Investment Conference is an influential platform that highlights culture as both a pillar of national identity and a promising investment opportunity. The annual two-day event positions culture as a sustainable economic engine by supporting innovation, fostering entrepreneurship, while serving as a meeting point to exchange expertise, explore innovative financing tools, and build international partnerships that advance sustainable cultural investment and the growth of creative industries.

About the Ministry of Culture

Saudi Arabia has a vast history of arts and culture. The Ministry of Culture is developing the Kingdom’s cultural economy and enriching the daily lives of citizens, residents and visitors.
Overseeing 11 sector-specific commissions, the Ministry works to support and preserve a vibrant culture that is true to its past and looks to the future by cherishing heritage and fostering new and inspiring forms of expression for all.

Find the Ministry of Culture on social media: X @MOCSaudi Arabic; @MOCSaudi_En English | Instagram @mocsaudi

About the Royal Commission for AlUla

RCU, was established by royal decree in July 2017 to preserve and develop AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in north-west Saudi Arabia. RCU’s long-term plan outlines a responsible, sustainable and sensitive approach to urban and economic development that preserves the area’s natural and historic heritage while establishing AlUla as a desirable location to live, work and visit.

This encompasses a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education and the arts, reflecting a commitment to meeting the economic diversification, local community empowerment and heritage preservation priorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2784895/MoU.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2783820/5536625/Cultural_Investment_Conference.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kingdom-of-saudi-arabia-ministry-of-culture-and-royal-commission-for-alula-sign-partnership-to-advance-sustainable-development-through-culture-302570033.html

SOURCE Cultural Investment Conference

New scholarship initiative supports undergraduate students pursuing medical careers across the United States

HOUSTON, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A distinguished Houston physician has established a national scholarship program designed to support undergraduate students who are committed to pursuing careers in medicine.

Dr. Rodolfo Giraldi, a practicing physician with over four decades of medical experience, announced the launch of this scholarship initiative to recognize and support promising students who demonstrate dedication to becoming medical doctors.

The scholarship program targets undergraduate students who are actively pursuing pre-medical studies or other academic paths that lead to medical school admission. Eligible applicants must be currently enrolled at accredited institutions and demonstrate genuine commitment to obtaining either an MD or DO degree.

A key component of the application process involves submitting an original essay responding to a specific prompt about career motivation and vision for healthcare’s future. Applicants must address their personal journey toward medicine, sources of inspiration, and the core values that drive their commitment to the medical profession. Essays are limited to 1,000 words and must demonstrate a clear structure.

Dr. Rodolfo Giraldi brings extensive experience to this educational initiative. Born in Lima, Peru, and later becoming a United States citizen, Dr. Rodolfo Giraldi earned his medical degree from New York Medical College. He furthered his training through the Fifth Pathway program and gained valuable experience at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and through the Tulane University medical program.

Dr. Rodolfo Giraldi established this scholarship program as a direct result of his lifelong dedication to medicine and patient service. His four decades in healthcare have provided him with deep understanding of the challenges facing aspiring medical professionals, particularly the significant financial investment required for medical education.

The application deadline for the scholarship is May 15, 2026, with the scholarship recipient announcement scheduled for June 15, 2026. Students interested in applying can find complete application requirements and submission guidelines on the program’s official website.

This scholarship initiative represents Dr. Rodolfo Giraldi’s ongoing commitment to medical education and his belief in supporting the next generation of healthcare providers.

The Dr. Rodolfo Giraldi Scholarship for Future Doctors welcomes applications from qualified undergraduate students nationwide, regardless of their geographic location within the United States.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/houston-based-physician-dr-rodolfo-giraldi-launches-national-scholarship-program-for-aspiring-medical-students-302569989.html

SOURCE Dr. Rodolfo Giraldi

Supported by public and private partnerships, 35 new electric buses now in service supporting clean community transportation

METHUEN, Mass., Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Lawrence Public Schools, NRT Bus Inc., Zenobē, and partners today hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the deployment of 35 new electric school buses. Thanks to successful public and private partnerships, Lawrence Public Schools has deployed 25 new electric school buses, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and 10 minibuses, supported by an initiative led by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), as part of their regular home-to-school operations. The buses are based in Methuen and support clean transportation for Lawrence Public Schools.

“To give students a comfortable, quieter daily bus ride while benefitting public health, the environment and Lawrence taxpayers is a big win for our entire community,” said Lawrence Public Schools Superintendent Ralph Carrero. “This initiative is the power of public-private partnership at its best.”

“As part of our ongoing commitment to reduce emissions and promote cleaner air for our students and schools, we are thrilled to announce the launch of this charging site to support our new electric fleet for Lawrence Public Schools,” said Scott Sheridan, Senior Vice President of NRT Bus. “We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of all our partners from the public and private sector who made this project possible and are helping us power this new fleet for the 2025 school year.”

Undertaken as a partnership between the EPA, MassCEC, Beacon Mobility, Zenobē, Sargent & Lundy, National Grid, Liberty Utilities, and the school district, the charging site was completed last summer and is being used to charge and store the 35 new electric buses.

“This investment means healthier air for students, quieter neighborhoods, and cost savings for school districts over the long term,” said Rachel Ackerman, Senior Program Director for Clean Transportation at MassCEC. “Projects like this show how innovative partnerships can deliver immediate community benefits while accelerating the state’s transition to clean transportation. MassCEC is proud to support Lawrence Public Schools in putting these new electric minibuses on the road.”

“We’re drawing on our global fleet electrification experience to bring clean transportation and its many health and climate benefits to NRT Bus, Beacon Mobility and Lawrence Public Schools. This is an excellent example of public-private partnership in action, and we believe projects like this can be as financially sustainable as they are environmentally sustainable and beneficial,” commented Zenobē Executive Vice President of U.S. EV Sales and Marketing Maggie Clancy.

Electrified by National Grid and Liberty Utilities, the charging station site provides a sustainable hub for recharging the electric batteries that power the new fleet to shuttle Merrimack Valley students and community members to and from school and other local activities.

“At National Grid, we believe fleet electrification is a key component of building a sustainable and diversified energy future,” said Jake Navarro, Director of Clean Transportation, National Grid. “We’re proud to collaborate with a range of stakeholders to invest in and modernize our energy infrastructure to support the customers and communities we serve.”

Lawrence Public Schools deployed the 25 new electric buses as part of the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program in 2022. The school district serves 13,000 K-12 students. The 25 electric school buses alone are projected to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 1.35 million pounds per year, equivalent to removing 136 gas-powered passenger cars off the road for one year. In addition, the district was awarded $1,670,000 under MassCEC’s ACT School Bus Deployment Program in 2023 which was used to fund the 10 minibuses.

All vehicles were placed in service for the current 2025 school year.

About Zenobē Energy Ltd. (Zenobē):

Zenobē is an EV fleet and grid-scale battery storage specialist, headquartered in the U.K. The company began operations in 2017 and now employs >380 FTEs with a wide range of leading skills including electrical engineering, software development, computer sciences and financing. Zenobē has around a 25% market share of the U.K. EV bus sector and supports over 3,400 electric vehicles across 120 depots globally. The company is the largest owner and operator of EV buses in the U.K., Australia and New Zealand. Zenobē is also the leading owner and operator of grid-scale batteries on the Great Britain transmission network with >1GW of battery storage assets in operation or under construction. Zenobē’s North American headquarters are in Chicago with a subsidiary office in New York and it is actively hiring in Canada and the U.S. For more information visit zenobe.com or LinkedIn.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lawrence-public-schools-nrt-bus-zenob-and-partners-host-ribbon-cutting-for-new-electric-bus-fleet-302569940.html

SOURCE Zenobē North America

LANCASTER, Calif., Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Parris Law Firm is honored to sponsor the 15th Annual Ride to End Violence, a community-driven event featuring a poker run and car show aimed at raising awareness and support for victims of domestic violence. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, October 11, bringing together poker fans, motorcyclists, car enthusiasts, families and community members in a united stand against domestic violence.

The day will begin with the Poker Run and Car Show Roll-In. Attendees can stay afterward for fun festivities, including live music, vendors, raffles, food and beer.

All proceeds will benefit Valley Oasis, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing shelter, support, and resources for victims of domestic violence.

“We are proud to support this event, which not only brings our community together but also raises critical funds to help those impacted by domestic violence,” said Rex Parris, Lancaster Mayor and Founder of Parris Law Firm. “We stand with Valley Oasis in their mission to provide hope, healing, and resources for survivors.”

Invite your family and friends to this exciting event and show your support against domestic violence. Together, we can make a difference.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
• Poker Run: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at Crazy Otto’s, located at 43528 20th St. West, Lancaster, CA 93534
• Car Show Roll-In: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., located at A.V. Harley Davidson, 401 Auto Vista Drive, Palmdale, CA 93551.
• Fun Activities (live music, vendors, raffles, food and beer): 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. located at A.V. Harley Davidson, 401 Auto Vista Drive, Palmdale, CA 93551.
• Registration: $25 (covers poker run and car show)
• Proceeds Benefit: Valley Oasis, an organization dedicated to helping those affected by domestic violence

Media outlets are encouraged to share this community celebration with their audiences and join the fun at the event.

About PARRIS Law Firm

Founded in 1985, PARRIS Law Firm is one of California’s most respected personal injury and employment law firms. With a reputation for groundbreaking verdicts and fierce client advocacy, PARRIS has recovered over $1.9 billion for its clients. To learn more, go to https://parris.com/.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/parris-law-firm-proudly-sponsors-15th-annual-ride-to-end-violence-302569883.html

SOURCE PARRIS Law Firm

ATLANTA, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Eagle Merchant Partners, (“Eagle”) an Atlanta-based private equity firm, has made a strategic investment in ES Integrated (“ESI”), a leading provider of industrial cleaning, environmental, and waste services across the Southeastern United States.

Founded in 2001, ESI has grown into a comprehensive provider of mission-critical solutions serving customers in the chemicals, manufacturing, energy and power, pulp and paper, and government sectors. The company is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, and operates from eight locations across the Southeast.

As part of the investment, ESI’s current leadership team, including CEO Jamie Lynch, will remain in place. Eagle and ESI will work together to accelerate the company’s organic growth through geographic and service line expansion, while also pursuing strategic acquisitions to strengthen ESI’s position in the regional market.

“We are excited to partner with Eagle to accelerate the growth we have achieved over the past two decades,” said Jamie Lynch. “This partnership provides the resources and strategic support to expand our services, invest in our people, and continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and communities. Our model of integrated services and self-performance creates a seamless experience, giving customers cost-effective and dependable solutions aligned with their mission needs.”

“The Eagle team is thrilled to partner with Jamie and the talented team at ESI,” said Brady Sumner, principal at Eagle Merchant Partners. “Over the last two decades, ESI has earned a strong reputation for operational excellence in industrial, environmental, and waste services. We are excited to support the company’s next chapter of growth and success.”

The partnership marks Eagle’s third platform investment from its recently closed Fund II, a $415 million vehicle focused on founder-owned, lower middle-market companies in the Southeastern U.S. ESI also represents Eagle’s fifth investment in the commercial services sector.

Founders Advisors served as financial advisor and Butler Snow acted as legal counsel to ES Integrated. Piper Sandler served as financial advisor and King & Spalding acted as legal counsel to Eagle Merchant Partners. Debt financing for the transaction was provided by Private Credit at Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

Eagle Merchant Partners is a private equity firm focused on control investments in founder-owned companies in the Southeastern United States. The firm targets opportunities in the franchise, multi-unit, and commercial services sectors, and partners closely with management teams to drive scalable, long-term value creation. For more information visit eaglemerchantpartners.com.

Media contact
Thornton Kennedy
thornton@prsouth.net
C | 404 210 0363

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eagle-merchant-partners-invests-in-es-integrated-to-accelerate-growth-and-expand-market-presence-302569767.html

SOURCE Eagle Merchant Partners

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Under the patronage and attendance of His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Tanmiah Food Company (Tanmiah), one of the Kingdom’s leading vertically integrated poultry and food producers, today announced the launch of two new facilities in the central region of Saudi Arabia: a state-of-the-art poultry processing plant in Al Majmaa (Majmaa 2) and a cutting-edge feed mill in Dahna. These additions complement Tanmiah’s existing network of hatcheries, feed mills, and processing plants, reinforcing Tanmiah’s commitment to advancing food security, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting local communities with job creation and sustainable development initiatives.

The official inauguration ceremony was held at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) in Riyadh, in the presence of His Excellency Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, along with esteemed dignitaries and distinguished guests, and was attended by His Excellency Amr Al-Dabbagh, Chairman of Tanmiah, Mr. Zulfiqar Hamadani, Group CEO, and a number of Tanmiah’s Board Members and senior executives.

In pursuit of its vision to become the number one global halal sustainable healthy protein company by 2030, over the past two years, Tanmiah has invested over SAR 1.5 billion within the Kingdom, while also facilitating more than SAR 400 million in foreign direct investment into the agri-food sector, with the aim of increasing the pace of private investments in this sector through 2030. These efforts have strengthened Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional powerhouse in food production and a vibrant hub for innovation, research, and product development across the industry.

The new facilities represent a strategic investment in Saudi Arabia’s agri-food sector, enabling Tanmiah to optimize production and deliver higher-quality products at scale. With Saudi Arabia’s poultry projected to grow from USD 5.13 billion in 2025 to nearly USD 6.91 billion by 2030, Tanmiah’s capacity expansion is set to play a vital role in meeting rising demand and enabling Vision 2030’s food security objectives.

Majmaa 2 is one of Tanmiah’s most advanced sites. Built to international standards, it integrates the latest technology to optimize manufacturing and features advanced processing lines capable of handling large birds – a first of its kind in the Kingdom. It is equipped with a biological wastewater treatment system with a capacity of more than 6,000 cubic meters per day, recycling treated water for Tanmiah’s tree plantations. Quality systems and plans are in place to power the site with renewable energy solutions, including solar panels. Majmaa 2 reinforces Tanmiah’s competitive edge and strengthens partnerships with leading global QSR brands, including McDonald’s Saudi Arabia.

The facility also features a dedicated product innovation section, where several of Tanmiah’s award-winning, value-added products will be produced. This includes the Taste Secrets line, which recently earned the prestigious 3-Star Superior Taste Award 2025 from the International Taste Institute in Brussels, Belgium.

Beyond its operational capacity, Majmaa 2 will be complemented by a large-scale tree plantation program targeting 150,000 trees in the surrounding area. These will be added to the existing more than 500,000 trees as part of Tanmiah’s “One Million Trees” initiative, which is expected to eliminate 243,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions on a cumulative basis. The initiative will also recycle three billion liters of wastewater and repurpose nearly half a billion kilograms of solid waste annually. This project is part of a broader series of long-term climate resilience initiatives led by Tanmiah, which recently received a BBB rating on the MSCI ESG Index, an improvement from last year’s BB rating, reflecting the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

In parallel, the Dahna Feed Mill further reinforces Tanmiah’s integrated business model by supporting its poultry operations with premium-quality feed. Currently in the production trial phase, the mill has a capacity of 40 metric tons per hour and is strategically located near Tanmiah’s core farming areas, optimising logistical and operational efficiency. Equipped with a fully automated production line, the facility incorporates strict quality controls and advanced biosecurity measures, ensuring the highest standards of feed production. It is designed to deliver high-quality feed tailored to Tanmiah’s operational ramp-up while aligning with the Company’s sustainability model, with solar integration currently under evaluation.

Together, the new facilities give Tanmiah the ability to optimize production efficiencies across its network, channeling resources into higher-margin operations and driving overall profitability. They also pave the way for improved product innovation, enhanced value-added offerings, and better services for local communities.

His Excellency Amr Al-Dabbagh, Chairman of Tanmiah Food Company, said: “By investing in advanced infrastructure, technology, and sustainable practices, Tanmiah is not only scaling its operations but also helping to build a stronger, more secure food ecosystem for the Kingdom, while also driving the transformation of the Saudi poultry industry into a global benchmark for excellence and innovation. We are proud to contribute to the journey of Vision 2030 through initiatives that empower local communities, safeguard our environment, and foster a healthier, more self-reliant future for Saudi Arabia.”

Zulfiqar Hamadani, CEO of Tanmiah Food Company, said: “The inauguration of Tanmiah’s new primary processing facility represents a significant milestone for both our company and the Kingdom. Designed as the largest and most advanced plant of its kind in the region, it demonstrates our commitment to deploying world-class technologies that elevate product quality, enhance consumer value, and reinforce national food security. As the only approved supplier of locally produced poultry to major international quick service restaurants, this investment will expand our capabilities, create skilled employment, and advance our sustainability agenda. We extend our sincere appreciation to the government for its continued support toward Vision 2030.”

About Tanmiah Food Company

Tanmiah Food Company, established in 1962, is one of the Middle East’s leading providers of fresh poultry, processed proteins, animal feed and health products, and a restaurants operator. It is a publicly listed Company on the Saudi stock market. It is worth noting that Al-Dabbagh Holding Group Company is a partner and founding shareholder of Tanmiah Food Company. Tanmiah’s fully integrated and highly efficient business model includes production, further processing, and distribution with products sold in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Kuwait.  Tanmiah operates 150 farms, seven hatcheries, four feed mills, and four primary processing plants, and, through its joint venture operations, it operates four further processing plants. Tanmiah distributes its products through a network of wholesalers, retailers, and food service outlets, as well as online directly to consumers. Sustainability is a core principle at Tanmiah, with initiatives including planting a million trees, using wastewater from its facilities, and turning waste products into fertilizer. For more information, visit www.tanmiah.com 

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2784593/Tanmiah_Food_Company_1.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2784595/Tanmiah_Food_Company_2.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tanmiah-inaugurates-new-primary-processing-plant-and-automated-feed-mill-to-boost-food-security-and-growth-in-saudi-arabia-302569741.html

SOURCE Tanmiah Food Company