Call Center Company in Mobile, AL

A proposed $60 million water park in Mobile encountered some early pushback on Monday, but its chief advocate says she remains confident in the project, and a city councilman representing the area voiced strong support.

Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson and City Councilman Ben Reynolds made their comments after a 2-1 commission vote to advance a non-binding letter of intent for a public-private partnership with the Louisiana-based Leisure Sports and Recreation Group (LSAR). The plan would bring a 90-acre water park and recreation center, dubbed “Jubilee Park,” to Halls Mill Road.

Voting “No” was Commissioner Randall Dueitt, who said he did not have enough time to review the letter. The county had previously declined to release the letter of intent to the public. On Thursday, the document was released.

The project was publicly revealed on Thursday.

“I couldn’t, in clear conscience, vote on a document I haven’t had an opportunity to read,” Dueitt said, adding that he had hoped the commission would wait a few more weeks before voting on it. Dueitt said he received the documentation on Saturday, which wasn’t enough time for him to consider voting on it.

Project advances

Hudson, who is pushing for the project, and Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, both voted to advance the letter.

“It’s a one-page letter with four to five different points on it,” Hudson said during the meeting on Monday. “Both our attorneys and the county administrator have seen no issues whatsoever.”

Ludgood said the letter was “non-binding,” and simply advances the discussions of a development partnership to its next stage.

Hudson, after the meeting, said she wasn’t surprised there was initial opposition. She said she has no concerns about the project going forward, and the prospective votes needed to make it a reality.

The project’s main feature is an outdoor water park with several different features, such as a large waterslide, wave pool, and lazy river. Other features include a multi-use center, recreational vehicle and bungalow sites, an indoor water park and the “Jubilee Square and Boardwalk” featuring restaurants and retail shops.

Leisure Sports and Recreation Group operates the 18-acre Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport, Miss.

Hudson said there were no plans for a large tax incentive package to make the water park a reality. She described the requests as the standard land lease agreements, and other public infrastructure that officials may need to approve to make the project happen.

“There is no split nor a discussion of (sharing) in the costs of construction or anything like that,” Hudson said. “(LSAR) is interested in tax credits and things. Anything you’d normally see in an incentive agreement.”

Infrastructure needs

One major public element of the project includes a possible reconfiguration of Interstate 10 near Halls Mill Road.

Hudson said she has had discussions with Alabama Department of Transportation officials about a possible future interchange to accommodate the water park, an adjacent and evolving 10-field soccer complex and a forthcoming $24.2 million aquatic center.

“I’ve been as proactive as I can be on this,” she said. “We got to do something. But we have time to work on it.”

The goal is to open portions of the development by 2027, with the outdoor water park opening in 2029. The water park is projected to draw 400,000 to 500,000 visitors annually.

James Gordon, spokesperson for the Transportation Department’s Southwest Region, confirmed that engineers have had conversations with Hudson, but said that discussions of adding an interstate interchange to accommodate the project are in a “preliminary stage.” He said the addition of an interchange would require approval from the Federal Highway Administration.

Mobile City Councilman Ben Reynolds, whose district would include the water park, said he is initially supportive of the project but also acknowledged that additional infrastructure will likely be needed.

“I think residents in the general area would like to see Halls Mill Road expanded to three lanes,” he said. “It would alleviate stress with traffic in that area. I’m all in favor of that but during construction, progress is painful and disruptive.”

Optimism

Reynolds said the overall project has the potential to enliven the area southeast of downtown Mobile.

“For this community, I think it would mean people are paying attention to our area as an attractive place,” he said. “Our area is becoming more and more attractive and if Commissioner Hudson’s vision is seen all the way through, we are talking about something big.”

He said there could be a potential to develop nearby Heron Lakes as a resort featuring golf and other amenities.

“If that happens, it’s a net positive,” Reynolds said. “I’m in favor of putting these pieces together. It’s not easy to get these projects across the finish line.”

This story was updated at 9:14 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, to indicate that the letter of intent has since been released by Mobile County.

Muslim communities around the world consider Eid al-Adha, “the Festival of Sacrifice,” to be a major religious and social occasion. As well as being important spiritually, it now greatly affects consumer habits, shapes trends in retail and influences how families spend their money. Growing economic pressure, new technologies and updated cultural preferences are altering the way people buy goods and services ahead of Eid al-Adha 2025.

This thorough study examines recent trends, important statistics and insights on how consumers behave during Eid al-Adha in 2025, covering online purchases, festive spending, fashion, gifts and the economy.

Significance of Eid al-Adha in consumer culture

Eid al-Adha is not only a period of spiritual reflection and communal worship but also a peak season for consumer spending. The holiday is marked by traditions that involve purchasing new clothes, exchanging gifts, decorating homes, and preparing elaborate meals for family and guests. These customs drive a surge in retail activity, both online and in physical stores, as families seek to celebrate generously and uphold cultural values.

The spirit of giving and sharing is central to Eid al-Adha, reinforcing social bonds and fostering a sense of community. Retailers and brands recognize this, timing their biggest promotions and exclusive collections to coincide with the holiday season.

Digital transformation: Rise of e-commerce

Online shopping growth

In 2025, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is witnessing a remarkable shift towards online shopping during Eid al-Adha. E-commerce is projected to grow by 30 percent, reflecting a broader trend of consumers embracing digital platforms for their festive purchases. This surge is driven by:

Mobile-first shopping

Most people looking for Eid products now use their smartphones to explore and make their purchases. You can easily use apps from Namshi, Noon and Amazon, thanks to their smooth navigation, tailored product suggestions and instant way to buy. A mobile first website helps busy families and tech users with their Christmas shopping by making it both easier and more convenient.

Key shopping categories and spending patterns

A favorite Eid custom is to put on new outfits. Shops put together dedicated Eid collections just for men, women and children, offering good deals on them. Namshi, H&M, Max Fashion and Noon lead the way, giving customers various holiday outfits and special deals.

The demand for gifts during Eid al-Adha is expected to increase by over 150 percent compared to previous years. Popular gift choices include:

Preparing your home for guests is a major part of Eid traditions. Home owners purchase new table, home decor and other appliances, typically during times when stores are offering them for discounts.

While the focus remains on traditional meals and the sacrificial feast, consumers are increasingly seeking gourmet treats, ready-to-eat options, and premium ingredients, often sourced online or through specialty retailers.

Read more | Eid al-Adha 2025: Your ultimate guide to festive fashion, gifts, and smart shopping deals

Shopping tips

Gifting: Surging demand and new preferences

150 percent increase in gift demand

The tradition of exchanging gifts is experiencing unprecedented growth, with demand expected to skyrocket by over 150 percent in 2025. This surge is attributed to:

Popular gift categories

Exclusive online deals

Today, many companies save their best promotions for those who shop on the web or through their apps such as short-lived flash sales and coupons that customers can only use in the app. As a result, both website visitors and loyal customers are rewarded.

Economic pressures and budget-conscious consumers

Selective spending amid economic challenges

While there is a lot of holiday cheer, money concerns are guiding how people shop in 2025. When goods rise in price, VAT grows and there is worry about jobs, families are becoming choosier about how they spend their money. Researchers found certain observations significant:

Household budgeting

More than half of consumers plan to be cautious with their budgets, even for essential items like food and beverages. Spending on non-essential categories is expected to decline as families prioritize savings and financial security, according to a new research.

Mobile-first shopping and role of apps

App-driven deals and user experience

Mobile apps are leading the way for shoppers looking for Eid goods. Merchants are making deals available only through apps, sending custom messages and smoothing out the payment system to attract more shoppers on their phones.

Key mobile shopping trends

Brand strategies and marketing innovations

Adapting to changing consumer preferences

Brands and retailers are adopting adaptive strategies to cater to more selective and budget-conscious consumers. Key approaches include:

Sustainability and social responsibility

There is a growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical consumerism, with brands highlighting eco-friendly packaging, charitable initiatives, and local sourcing as part of their Eid campaigns.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the biggest trends in Eid al-Adha shopping for 2025?

The biggest trends include a 30 percent surge in online shopping, a 150 percent increase in gift demand, and a strong shift towards mobile-first shopping experiences. Consumers are also prioritizing affordability and practicality in their purchases.

Which categories see the highest spending during Eid al-Adha?

Fashion and apparel, gifts (especially fragrances and accessories), home décor, and food and beverages are the top spending categories during Eid al-Adha.

How are economic conditions affecting Eid shopping in 2025?

Rising prices and economic uncertainty are prompting consumers to be more selective, focusing on essential purchases and seeking out the best deals through discounts and promo codes.

What role do mobile apps play in Eid shopping?

Mobile apps are central to the Eid shopping experience, offering exclusive deals, flash sales, and a seamless user experience that caters to busy and tech-savvy consumers.

Are there any new trends in Eid gifting?

Yes, curated gift sets, personalized gifts, and tech gadgets are increasingly popular. The convenience of online gifting platforms and social media influence are also driving new gifting behaviors.

How can brands succeed during Eid al-Adha 2025?

Brands should focus on launching exclusive collections, offering app-only deals, leveraging social media marketing, and providing flexible payment and delivery options. Emphasizing sustainability and community engagement can also enhance brand reputation.

Eid al-Adha 2025 marks a period of dynamic change in consumer behavior, shaped by digital transformation, economic realities, and evolving cultural values. The shift towards online and mobile-first shopping, coupled with a surge in gifting and an emphasis on affordability, is redefining the festive retail landscape. Retailers and brands that adapt to these trends—offering convenience, value, and meaningful engagement—are poised to thrive during this important holiday season. As consumers continue to seek ways to celebrate generously while spending smart, the future of Eid al-Adha shopping promises both innovation and tradition in equal measure.

The U.S. Navy vessel known as CVN 65 has already ceased to be the USS Enterprise. On Mobile’s waterfront it will cease to be a ship, or even a hull.

That’s the outlook since late Friday, when the U.S. Department of Defense posted a brief notice that a contract worth more than half a billion dollars had been awarded to NorthStar Marine Dismantlement, a company planning to break down the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in Mobile.

The announcement, made without fanfare, was a big step forward for a project that has been in the works for a decade. And in some respects it was a surprising decision: Last November, the Mobile Chamber took a position opposed to the project, saying it wasn’t a good fit for Mobile.

On Monday, a Chamber representative said the organization is waiting to meet with the companies involved and learn more details of the plan, but “has no comment at this time.”

Assuming the contract is carried out as planned, the Mobile waterfront will get a huge new temporary landmark sometime in the not-too-distant future. What’s left of the Enterprise will be dismantled at the Modern American Recycling Service (MARS) yard on the west bank of the Mobile River, south of the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, north of the APM container terminal.

There’s a handy precedent for the kind of impression this might make. Since early March, the yard has been home to the SS United States, an ocean liner being prepped to be sunk as a fishing reef off the Florida coast. Docked alongside the yard, the United States is big enough to be seen from miles off on the Bayway and from closer at hand along Interstate 10. It has generated considerable interest and tourist traffic.

The Enterprise will occupy much the same stretch of skyline: NorthStar CEO Scott State said Monday that the ship will be docked south of where the S.S. United States now sits. But it’s bigger in every way. The SS United States is just under 1,000 feet long and barely over 100 feet wide, with a draft of 31 feet, a height above the waterline of around 145 feet and a designed displacement of 45,000 tons. The Enterprise has a length of 1,123 feet. Her beam is 132 feet at the waterline, more than 250 feet on the flight deck. When active she had a draft of 39 feet, a height above waterline of around 210 feet and a displacement of almost 95,000 tons.

According to one naval technology site, construction materials included 60,923 tons of steel, 1,507 tons of aluminum, 230 miles of pipe and tubing and 1,700 tons of quarter-inch welding rod. Launched in 1960, the ship completed her last official voyage and was deactivated in 2012. After nuclear defueling was completed at the end of 2016, she was officially decommissioned in early 2017.

Since then, the Department of Defense has been mapping out how to dispose of the hull. It determined that outsourcing the job would be more economical than handling the task at a Navy yard, and by late 2024 a field of three parties had emerged. One would have done the work in Virginia. Another, APTIM Federal Services, had previously dismantled a nuclear refueling barge in Mobile but said it would do this job in Brownsville, Texas.

When NorthStar announced its plans to bring the job to Mobile, in partnership with MARS and its subsidiary MARRS (Modern American Recycling and Radiological Services), the Mobile Chamber soon issued a statement saying its board was opposed. It said that downtown Mobile had many positive developments on the table, including the start of construction of a new Civic Center and a new I-10 River Bridge and Bayway, and that “Bringing a large-scale nuclear dismantlement operation to our downtown waterfront risks undermining these efforts and creating a public perception issue, which could harm our city’s reputation as a vibrant, growing community.”

Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne added at the time that the Chamber saw the Enterprise project as being very different from the teardown of the refueling barge: “Everything we have known up until this point was that there was a potential for there to be an aircraft carrier brought in on the east side of the river, lifted completely out of the water, and all the dismantlement would occur on land,” Byrne said. “Now this, this is different. This is on the west side of the river right next to our downtown and they’re not able to take the ship completely out of the water. They have to dismantle it while it’s at least partially still in the water, which means we have a greater likelihood for there to be a mistake.”

NorthStar CEO State responded that “Because the ex-Enterprise aircraft carrier has been completely defueled, the surgical work of dismantlement that the NorthStar/MARS team proposes to take on is consistent with the shipbreaking projects that Mobile’s maritime workforce have safely completed with distinction for decades.”

The Navy has specified that even though the ship’s nuclear fuel has been removed, the hull still contains “legacy radiological and hazardous wastes.” Among other points, State said that “All potential environmental contaminants will be carefully removed from the ship in a fully contained area to eliminate any risk of release to the public or the environment.”

It was November when the Chamber announced its opposition. In January, the Chamber announced that it had welcomed NorthStar and MARRS as members.

On Monday, State said the company was collecting information from the Navy and would release more details in the near future. In the meantime, State said the team “is proud to support the Navy in fulfilling its mission to dismantle the Ex-Enterprise safely, efficiently, cost-effectively, and in an environmentally responsible manner.”

One significant new fact was revealed on Monday: State said that “Actual dismantlement of the ship will not occur in the water, but rather will occur on a concrete ramp at the M.A.R.R.S. Mobile facility.”

(Note: Information from NorthStar initially used the term “drydock” instead of “ramp.” The company later clarified the description, and this story has been updated to reflect the change.)

“Through all of the conversations we had about this project with local leaders in the City of Mobile and Mobile County, it was clear that the community has a long tradition of supporting our armed forces and hosts a highly skilled maritime workforce,” State said. “We look forward to close cooperation with the Navy and local stakeholders to ensure the community is informed and engaged with our team during this project.

“The Navy’s decision recognizes that the NorthStar/M.A.R.R.S. team possesses the right combination of decades’-long experience in nuclear decommissioning and maritime recycling needed for the ex-Enterprise project,” said State. “We stand ready to replicate the exceptional safety and environmental stewardship record we have attained through successful work on other complex nuclear decommissioning and maritime recycling projects.”

Military news site Breaking Defense quoted Naval Sea Systems Command, the entity that issued the contract, as saying: “By leveraging private-sector expertise in commercial nuclear power plant decommissioning, the Navy is achieving an estimated $1 billion in cost savings compared to conducting the effort in public shipyards. This approach enables the Navy to prioritize public yard resources toward fleet readiness and modernization — while upholding its longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and nuclear safety.”

According to State, a date has not yet been set for the ship’s arrival in Mobile. Work on the project is to be completed by the end of 2029.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Gross merchandise volume (GMV) orders are projected to increase by 15 percent, according to new e-commerce research conducted ahead of Eid al-Adha 2025.

The research, in collaboration with marketing platform Admitad, analyzed over 150,000 customer orders during the Eid al-Adha period of 2024–2025, revealing a surge in consumer demand for seasonal gifts and emotionally driven purchasing behaviors. The analytics predict a shift toward higher-value purchases and significant growth in mobile commerce, trends expected to persist into 2025 with a projected 10 percent order growth and mobile sales surpassing 45 percent across the MENA region.

Eid al-Adha is among the largest shopping seasons of the year in the MENA region, fueled by traditions of generosity, gifting, and festive preparation. Looking ahead to Eid al-Adha 2025, the report anticipates an increase of 10 percent in e-commerce orders within the region, with GMV expected to grow by 14–15 percent during the holiday, bolstered by rising average household incomes and a growing preference for digital shopping. Mobile commerce has been a key driver of this growth, with 47 percent of online orders in the UAE and over 50 percent in Saudi Arabia made via mobile devices. Across MENA, mobile purchases rose to 41.5 percent, up from 38 percent last year, reflecting the ongoing transition to mobile-first shopping.

During the five-day holiday period in 2024, online orders in the MENA region rose by 5 percent compared to non-holiday periods, while GMV increased by 14 percent. The average order value (AOV) rose from $37 to $40, marking an 8 percent increase and indicating a shift toward higher-value purchases. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, along with Kuwait, Qatar, and Jordan, emerged as some of the top-performing markets, with Saudi consumers reporting an AOV of $62 and UAE shoppers closely following at $61.

Regional gift preferences

Consumer gifting preferences across the MENA region varied, reflecting both cultural nuances and national purchasing habits. In Saudi Arabia, electronics dominated the category chart, comprising 25.2 percent of total orders, followed by home goods at 15.5 percent and fashion at 14.6 percent. Automotive products, including spare parts and motorcycle gear, gained particular popularity in the Kingdom, accounting for 12.2 percent of purchases. In the UAE, home goods took the lead at 23.4 percent, closely followed by electronics at 21.7 percent, accessories such as bags and jewelry at 18.6 percent, and fashion at 17.5 percent.

“During Eid al-Adha, we saw strong consumer interest in electronics, home goods, and fashion across both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, making these key categories for seasonal campaigns. At the same time, gifting segments like accessories, toys, and beauty continue to perform well, reflecting how central the tradition of gift-giving is to the holiday experience,” said Anna Gidirim, CEO of Admitad.

Read more | Eid al-Adha 2025: Your ultimate guide to festive fashion, gifts, and smart shopping deals

Eid gifting trends

One of the main drivers of these on-occasion and non-occasion shopping trends, as well as gifting market growth, is the rise of emotional and social commerce. Emotion plays a significant role in shaping consumer behavior in the MENA region: a Google study indicates that shoppers frequently rely on emotional triggers to make purchase decisions, while another research found that marketing campaigns designed to foster emotional connections can lead to a 70 percent increase in product usage and sales.

In response, brands are shifting away from transactional “buy-now” messaging in favor of emotionally driven campaigns rooted in cultural values and storytelling. During Eid, influencer content and behind-the-scenes narratives on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat enhance the emotional impact of gifting. A TikTok and Ipsos study found that 61 percent of users find TikTok more entertaining during Eid, with many discovering and trying new products through storytelling content. This emotional connection drives a transition from generic presents toward meaningful, experience-based gifts, making social and emotional commerce a crucial driver of visibility and cultural relevance.

The growth in online orders, sales GMV, and average order value during Eid al-Adha underscores a digital shift from traditional mall retail to fast, tech-enabled online shopping. In the evolving e-commerce landscape, super apps and marketplaces compete to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of digital consumers. The region’s rich culture of gifting, combined with its multinational population and rising income levels, continues to support the rapid growth of online gifting in the GCC, positioning it as the fastest-growing $1.8 billion market in this space, projected to reach $6.38 billion by 2030.

Masjid Al-Haram has introduced a groundbreaking mobile stroke unit equipped with a CT scanner and state-of-the-art medical equipment to handle critical medical emergencies.

This unit represents the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the entire Middle East region.

The mobile unit was specifically designed to address the unique healthcare challenges faced during Hajj and Umrah seasons, when millions of pilgrims gather at the holy site from around the world.

With such massive crowds, immediate medical response becomes crucial for saving lives during stroke emergencies. Last year alone, over 2.4 million pilgrims performed Hajj, creating unprecedented demand for emergency medical services.

Medical experts say the mobile CT scanner allows doctors to quickly diagnose stroke cases on-site rather than transporting patients to distant hospitals.

This rapid response capability can make the difference between life and death, as stroke treatment becomes less effective with each passing minute. The golden hour principle applies here – every minute counts when dealing with brain injuries.

The unit comes equipped with advanced monitoring systems and emergency medical equipment that rival those found in major hospital emergency departments.

Healthcare professionals can now perform critical assessments and begin treatment immediately at the scene. The mobile unit also features specialized communication systems that connect directly with nearby hospitals for seamless patient transfers when needed.

Healthcare officials report that response times for stroke cases have improved by 65% since the unit became operational.

Beyond stroke care, the mobile unit can handle various neurological emergencies and cardiac events. The equipment includes portable ultrasound machines, advanced life support systems, and telemedicine capabilities that allow remote consultation with specialists worldwide.

Saudi authorities have invested heavily in pilgrim safety measures, and this mobile stroke unit represents another significant step in ensuring world-class medical care for visitors to the holy sites. Plans are underway to introduce similar units at other major pilgrimage locations across the Kingdom.

Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Google News, Facebook and Instagram.