Beyond the Horizon: Lynk & Co 09 Conquers the Edge of the World

A Desert Dream Meets Modern Engineering

As the golden sun dipped behind Saudi Arabia’s legendary cliffs, the **2025 Riyadh Season** staged one of its most mesmerizing events — the *Edge of the World – Sunset Expedition*. Here, the spotlight shone on the **Lynk & Co 09**, a flagship premium SUV that blended Scandinavian elegance with rugged Middle Eastern adventure.  

Officially arriving in the Middle East in 2023, the Lynk & Co 09 has rapidly entered the premium SUV segment with authority. Built on Volvo’s SPA architecture and powered by a 2.-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 4WD, it brings together power, intelligence, and luxury. On this expedition, celebrities and professional drivers put it to the test—guiding it up steep escarpments, navigating sandy ridges, and watching the sun ignite the horizon. Every moment reinforced its image as a confident off-road performer with poised, composed handling.  

Where Luxury Holds Its Ground

Inside, the Lynk & Co 09 feels every bit like a private retreat. NAPPA leather seats cradle passengers in comfort, while Flowing Coral ambient lighting bathes the cabin in a serene glow. Etched aluminum panels add sophisticated detailing, and a flexible three-row layout ensures every traveler rides in first-class style. Even with desert winds whispering across the rocky ridges, the exceptional NVH performance kept the cabin blissfully quiet—turning an extreme drive into an oasis of calm.  

This marriage of high-end materials and advanced engineering proved essential during the long journey from bustling Riyadh streets to the cliff edges of the desert. The 09’s **Snapdragon digital cockpit** and wide **HUD display** provided clear, real-time information, while the Lynk Co-Pilot system offered 360-degree panoramic visuals that reassured drivers on every sharp turn. Transitioning from smooth highways to treacherous gravel was seamless — a testament to the SUV’s intelligent design and responsive technology.  

Strength in Every Terrain

The true test came when tackling raw off-road challenges. The Drive-E 2.TD engine, enhanced by a 48V mild-hybrid system, delivered smooth and steady power without hesitation. The SPA-based chassis and aluminum double-wishbone suspension absorbed rugged bumps while gripping confidently through shifting sands and steep inclines. Thanks to the FYRA 4WD system and four terrain modes, the 09 adapted instantly to each surface—maintaining stability where lesser vehicles might struggle.  

This expedition wasn't just a demonstration of capability — it was a reaffirmation of Lynk & Co’s vision. From “Born Global” to “Globally Recognized,” the brand continues to blur the lines between luxury, technology, and adventure. The Edge of the World journey proved that the Lynk & Co 09 is more than a premium SUV—it is a companion built to explore, connect, and inspire.  

Powering the Future: Saudi Arabia's Giant Leap in Renewable Energy

The Dawn of a New Energy Era in the Middle East  

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially completed grid connection of its landmark energy storage system (ESS) project with a nameplate capacity of **7.8 GWh** — an achievement that sends ripples across the global renewable energy sector. Once fully energized, this groundbreaking initiative will become the **world's largest operational battery energy storage system (BESS)**. This monumental milestone is more than just a technical triumph; it’s a symbol of the Middle East’s accelerating journey toward clean, sustainable power.  

Stretching across three strategic sites — Najran, Khamis Mushait, and Madaya — the project's sheer scale reflects the vision behind **Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030**. With the capacity to charge and discharge up to **2.2 billion kWh annually**, it is capable of meeting the electricity needs of around **400,000 households**, ensuring that clean energy flows into homes, businesses, and industries.  

Sungrow’s Precision Engineering and PowerTitan 2. Innovation  

Behind this record-breaking achievement lies Sungrow’s remarkable engineering prowess. Remarkably, the company completed manufacturing of over **1,500 PowerTitan 2. systems** in just **58 days**, delivering the project within a timeline that many would consider impossible. The dedication to excellence is reflected in the **all-in-one AC-DC block design**, seamlessly integrating embedded power conversion systems, pre-assembled battery containers, medium voltage transformers, and RMU units. This streamlined configuration dramatically reduces on-site installation time, making large-scale deployment feasible.  

To ensure operational success, Sungrow stationed a local service team in Saudi Arabia, ready to provide hands-on support for installation, commissioning, and grid connection. This commitment not only guarantees technical precision but also nurtures long-term collaboration with the Kingdom, paving the way for further renewable energy developments in the region.  

As the **7.8 GWh project** becomes fully energized, its influence will extend beyond national borders, positioning Saudi Arabia as a renewable energy leader in the Middle East. The Kingdom’s determination to embrace clean energy solutions aligns perfectly with global efforts to combat climate change. This is more than an infrastructure achievement — it is a testament to human ingenuity, strategic vision, and a future powered by sustainability.  

Galloping Toward Glory: A Night of Champions at the UAE President Cup

Under the shimmering lights of **Abu Dhabi, UAE**, history unfolded as the majestic Arabian Purebred Horses took center stage in the highly anticipated **33rd UAE President Cup**. This grand event was held **under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan**, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Adding to the grandeur, **His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan** graced the occasion, attending the breathtaking finale that would determine the champion of champions.  

With passion and precision, His Excellency crowned **HM Alchahine**, owned by The National Stables, as the hero of the night. Masterfully trained by Hilal and Tahnoon Al Alawi and guided to victory by Italian jockey **Cristian Demuro**, the magnificent steed stormed the 2,200-metre track in **2:23.55 minutes**, securing the prestigious **HH The President Cup for Arabian Purebred Horses (Group 1)**. With a staggering **AED 8 million** prize purse, this race was not only the richest of the evening but also a celebration of heritage, skill, and unyielding spirit.  

More Than Racing: A Spectacle of Culture and Heritage

As the races thundered on, it became clear that the UAE President Cup was about more than competition—it was about preserving the UAE’s **rich equine heritage** and showcasing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for Arabian horse racing. His Excellency emphasized that the event acts as a living testament to the leadership's commitment to authenticity and sustainability, drawing elite competitors and admirers from around the world.  

Throughout the evening, spectators were enchanted by not only world-class races but also dazzling **drone displays** and the captivating operetta, *"Zayed's Dream, An Everlasting Dream"*, which celebrated the nation’s values and history. The crowd, a mix of passionate racing fans and distinguished dignitaries, watched with awe as champions like **Dark Trooper**, **Rasasi**, and **Samaa Al Ezz** claimed their victories. Notably, Rasasi broke the track record in the Yas Sprint for Arabian Purebreds, electrifying the crowd with a performance worth remembering.  

From the opening strides of the first race to the final champion's coronation, the **total prize money of AED 10.8 million** underscored the scale and prestige of the evening. Beyond the numbers, however, the true value lay in the unity, tradition, and pride that galloped through every heartbeat of the event.