LOCAL paint manufacturer Jotun Saudia celebrated Saudi National Day by joining in "A Nation's Journey", a celebratory bicycle tour organized by Jeddah Cyclist, a local organization dedicated to promoting biking in the city. Members of Jeddah Cyclist participated alongside riders from all the teams in the Western Region, as well as representatives from the Namaa Charity Organization and a number of Jotun employees. Wearing distinctive uniforms and riding bicycles decorated with the flag of Saudi Arabia, participants toured the roads of Jeddah as pedestrians and passengers in cars cheered and encouraged them. All in all, the event was a wonderfully exuberant and joyful expression of patriotism for both participants and spectators. When the cyclists reached the site of the world's tallest flagpole on Andalus Street's famous roundabout, they stopped for a group photo and joined in the singing of the national anthem before heading back to the tour's starting point. Dhaifallah Al-Otaibi, Jotun's human resources manager, hailed Saudi National Day as an important day that is close to everyone's heart and expressed pride and happiness at participating in "A Nation's Journey." "Jotun has developed a very respected profile in Saudi society," explained Al-Otaibi. "We want to continually enhance that profile and express our pride in Saudi National Day, which, by the way, coincides with more than 30 years of fruitful relations with our customers in the Kingdom." Al-Otaibi also explained that Jotun's presence at the event is a part of its annual program to engage with the community, as evidenced by the large number of Jotun employees who participated in the event. Ashraf Bamatraf, representative of the "Jeddah Cyclist" team, added that the team's participation was aimed not only at celebrating National Day, but also to promote cycling to members of the community. "Our partnership with Jotun is a strategic step that enables us to serve the community and create awareness of the biking culture," Bamatraf said. "Jeddah Cyclist members, who now number 800, all having joined since the launch of the team in 2012, are always keen to participate in such national and charitable forums and social activities." At the conclusion of "A Nation's Journey", Jotun announced its partnership with the Namaa Charity Organization to provide one year health insurance to 50 orphan children. Sadiq A. Alnour, general director of Namaa, commented on what is seen as an extremely positive approach to the development of Saudi society. "It is especially significant to announce the provision of health insurance on the occasion of celebrating National Day," Alnour said. "It is a sign of the level of progress and development in the Kingdom as it is the fruit of compassion and the charitable spirit that lives in the Saudi people. Namaa, by cooperating with Jotun, is dedicated to forming partnerships and alliances that will go far in easing the burden of the needy while maintaining their privacy and aiding them to escape the circle of poverty and attain self
