Samsung launches Galaxy Note10 series in KSA

Y.J. Kim, president of Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia, unveiled the new Galaxy Note10 series at an event in Jeddah Hilton.
Updated 09 September 2019
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Samsung launches Galaxy Note10 series in KSA

Samsung Electronics has launched its new lineup of smartphones in the Galaxy Note series, namely the Galaxy Note10 and Note10+ for the first time in the Kingdom. 

“This year’s models celebrate 10 years of innovation, unparalleled quality and performance, designed with the latest technology to enhance Saudi consumers’ smartphone experience,” the tech giant said.

The new Galaxy Note10 series was revealed at an event in Jeddah Hilton, in the presence of Y.J. Kim, president of Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia, as well as a number of Samsung representatives and local media figures.

“We are pleased to launch the all-encompassing Samsung Galaxy Note10 series in the Kingdom as these devices are the culmination of a decade of innovation and progress of our biggest flagship series. The Note series has been increasingly in demand in the Saudi market for its advanced features in display, camera and performance that keep pace with the lifestyle of our modern customers,” said Kim.

“This is in line with Samsung’s continuous efforts to deliver products that facilitate people’s lives and provide the latest technology, making sure that our Saudi customers are among the first users to enjoy the latest advanced smartphones by Samsung,” he added.

HIGHLIGHT

The Galaxy Note10+ features the biggest Note display ever with a 6.8-inch Cinematic Infinity Display on a device that is still easy to hold and easy to use.

Samsung provided visitors at the launch event with a chance to experience the state-of-the-art technology of the Galaxy Note series phones at a designated experience zone. The devices on display included the Galaxy Note10 and Note10+. Guests enjoyed the experiential element of the event, having discovered all the new features of these devices firsthand.

The Galaxy Note10 series boasts a sophisticated design. Every element of the phone is crafted to be sleek, slim and distraction-free, so users can devote their full attention to the ideas, projects and content that matter most.

For the first time, the Galaxy Note10 comes in two sizes, so consumers can find the Note that is best for them. The phone features a 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED Cinematic Infinity Display, providing an immersive HDR10+ viewing experience. The Galaxy Note10+ features the biggest Note display ever with a 6.8-inch Cinematic Infinity Display on a device that is still easy to hold and easy to use.

The Galaxy Note10 brings a new capability to the re-designed, uni-body S Pen. Now, users can jot down notes, instantly convert their handwriting to digital text in Samsung Notes, and export it to a variety of different formats, including Microsoft Word. Users can now customize notes by shrinking, enlarging, or changing the color of the text. In just a few taps, meeting minutes can be formatted and shared.


Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah launches ‘Signature Collection’

Updated 26 sec ago
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Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah launches ‘Signature Collection’

At Cityscape Global in Riyadh, Diriyah Company announced the launch of 59 new luxury apartments and villas for the Signature Collection of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, marking the latest release of its luxury branded residences. This launch follows the successful sell-out of the initial 106 Ritz Carlton Residences.

This exclusive new collection offers 59 fully furnished apartments and villas, with options ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom configurations, each meticulously crafted to meet the legendary standards of The Ritz-Carlton brand.

Residents will also enjoy exclusive access to amenities at the co-located hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, Diriyah, including a state-of-the-art gym, luxurious spa, and fine-dining restaurants. 

Announcing the new residences, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “We are delighted to announce these new world-class luxury homes from the Ritz-Carlton brand. Following the incredible success and sell-out of our initial release of 106 villas at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, we are anticipating significant demand for this exceptional new offering. This announcement underscores our dedication to delivering best-in-class offerings at every stage of our incredible development journey.”

Jaidev Menezes, regional vice president — mixed-use development, EMEA, Marriott International, said: “Following the overwhelming success and sold-out response to the initial release of villas at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Diriyah, we are excited about the launch of the new inventory of villas and apartments. We are once again expecting high levels of demand for the newly launched residences offering tranquility, privacy and luxury living in one of the most significant cultural and heritage destinations in the region.”

The development of these luxury hotel residences at Diriyah is part of a comprehensive residential strategy to create diverse living opportunities for more than 100,000 future residents. This wide-ranging plan underscores Diriyah’s vision to become a premier destination for luxury living and community development. 


Diriyah Company, Raffles announce luxury residences

Updated 3 min 42 sec ago
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Diriyah Company, Raffles announce luxury residences

Diriyah Company and Raffles Hotels and Resorts have announced the launch of Raffles Residences Diriyah, marking their first residential partnership. The announcement shows the two companies’ shared commitment to offering world-class luxury living in the “City of Earth.”

Launched during Cityscape Global 2024 in Riyadh, Raffles Residences Diriyah will offer 90 apartments and townhouses primarily featuring one-, two- or three-bedroom residences and seven spacious duplex accommodations. Residents will have full access to the world-class luxury facilities and amenities at the upcoming Raffles Diriyah hotel.

Raffles Residences Diriyah will bring together the elegance and spirit of enchanted glamor for which Raffles is known alongside Najdi architectural influences. This unique collection of residential homes is located in Diriyah South, close to the 3 km escarpment walk overlooking Wadi Hanifah, blending cultural legacy with modern luxury.

Announcing the release of the residences, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “We are thrilled to unveil these exceptional luxury residences from a top-tier, esteemed hotel brand. Introducing these stunning Raffles Residences to Diriyah reinforces our commitment to world-class standards of excellence and quality that we are delivering at every step of our accelerating development journey.”

Omer Acar, CEO for Raffles Hotels and Resorts, added: “Raffles hotels and residences worldwide are located in destinations rich in history and heritage. With Raffles Residences Diriyah, we are offering residents an unparalleled living experience steps away from the 300-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif and overlooking the breathtaking natural landscape of Wadi Hanifah, putting homeowners in one of Saudi Arabia’s cultural centers. We look forward to welcoming residents from the Kingdom and wider region to enjoy these exceptional homes where they can experience the inspirational and glamorous lifestyle of Raffles while benefiting from the outstanding service and amenities at the forthcoming Raffles Diriyah hotel.”

Raffles Residences Diriyah is part of a comprehensive residential strategy by the Diriyah Company, which will create diverse living opportunities for more than 100,000 future residents. This wide-ranging plan underscores Diriyah’s vision to become a highly sought-after place for luxury living and community development.
 


Honor launches laptop for professionals

Updated 20 min 11 sec ago
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Honor launches laptop for professionals

The Honor MagicBook Art 14 is a well-equipped laptop that can tackle the stressful schedule of any business professional and comes with unique tools that help to streamline workloads and boost productivity.

Portability is an important factor for any business laptop, and the MagicBook Art 14 takes this further than any other laptop in the market. With a weight of 1 kg and a thickness of just 1 cm, the MagicBook Art 14 is light enough to carry around all day in a bag or briefcase and is always ready for the next meeting.

For business professionals, privacy is a high priority, and the MagicBook Art 14 offers an industry-first measure to protect users' privacy through the industry’s first modular camera design.
The laptop is available for purchase in Emerald Green at a price of SR5,999 ((1,600). 


GSMA M360 MENA 2024: Unlocking the future of MENA’s digital transformation

Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer of GSMA.
Updated 12 November 2024
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GSMA M360 MENA 2024: Unlocking the future of MENA’s digital transformation

This Nov. 18-19, international and regional leaders from the mobile, technology and policy sectors will convene at the first-ever Doha edition of M360 MENA, opening a transformative chapter in the digital evolution of the Middle East and North Africa. The region’s digital economy is projected to grow from $180 billion today to $780 billion by 2030, and with Qatar’s leadership in digital innovation and ambitious vision for a thriving, global economy, we are honored to hold M360 MENA with host sponsor Ooredoo, in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Technology. 

Innovation and digital progress

M360 MENA will commence with the event’s official opening ceremony led by Mohammed bin Ali Al-Mannai, minister of communications and information technology of Qatar, with Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, group CEO of Ooredoo, and Jawad Abbassi, head of MENA at GSMA. 

With a focus on AI and 5G, M360 MENA is shaping up to be an unmissable event for networking and debate, fostering innovation and collaboration and helping to advance the digital economy’s growth potential across MENA. A diverse group of C-suite executives, government officials and technology innovators will gather to share knowledge and discuss the partnerships, tech and policies that promise to unlock the power of connectivity and drive the region forward. 

Also set for M360 MENA is the publication of the GSMA’s annual Mobile Economy MENA report, which we will publish in full on the first day of the event. This comprehensive report is a deep dive into the state of the mobile industry in the MENA region in 2024, providing evidence that in the digital age, connectivity is more than a convenience — it is a necessity. The report finds that the role of mobile infrastructure and services will become even more vital to the way society functions, as governments increasingly use digital technologies to tackle some of the most pressing social and economic challenges. 

A curated platform for strategic dialogue and action

With these challenges in mind, from bridging the digital divide to navigating complex regulatory landscapes, discussions at M360 MENA will address barriers such as these with a focus on the mobile sector’s essential role in advancing digital transformation in the region through 5G rollout and the rise of AI applications. Mobile technology and connectivity is a powerful enabler, helping people and societies to have access to education, health care and economic opportunities, which is essential with rapid urbanization alongside vast, underserved areas. It is the connective tissue that binds societies together in our digital, online world. 

With the region on track to become a global digital economy hub, advancements in machine learning, cloud computing, and IoT are redefining industries and unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurship and workforce development. M360 MENA will shine a light on these trends and bring stakeholders together to create an enabling environment for digital growth. This growth, however, cannot reach its full potential without addressing regulatory and social barriers, expanding digital literacy, and making digital access more affordable.

According to GSMA’s State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report, although 96 percent of the MENA population has access to mobile broadband, only 49 percent are currently online. This mobile broadband usage gap — impacting nearly half of the region’s population — is caused by challenges including affordability, device accessibility, and digital skills. Addressing these barriers will unlock substantial socioeconomic benefits and drive GDP growth across MENA. 

On Day 2, I will join senior leaders from Ooredoo Fintech, the Digital Cooperation Organization, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies, and stc in Keynote 2. Together, we will explore how collaboration is vital for driving innovation, accelerating digital transformation across industries, and shaping a resilient digital future for the MENA region.

The path forward requires a concerted effort to support mobile operators in building infrastructure, navigating complex regulatory frameworks, and creating an environment conducive to sustainable investment. Governments have a key role to play, particularly in optimizing sector-specific taxation, universal service funds, and fair share regulation to bolster digital development.

Our M360 and MWC global series has long convened policymakers and industry leaders with a focus on digital-first societies, and our MENA event will play host to exclusive roundtable discussions on 5G and spectrum initiatives. With our long-earned reputation as a facilitating force outside the UN to enable influential regulatory conversations, this invite-only format will help drive impactful dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders for robust, digital ecosystems.

Join the conversation at M360 MENA 2024

As well as key discussions, cross-industry partnerships are critical in driving regional progress. This year’s event will feature exhibitors and sponsors such as China Mobile, Comarch, iHorizons and Google Cloud, showcasing the innovative technologies that continue to push the boundaries of connectivity and digital inclusion. To secure their place at M360 MENA and engage with the region’s thought leaders and visionaries who are shaping the future of digital transformation in MENA, attendees should register on the official website. By working collaboratively, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous digital future in the MENA region.

- The writer is Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer of GSMA.


Paysky: Leading the future of digital payments in MEA

Dr. Waleed Sadek, Founder and CEO of Paysky
Updated 12 November 2024
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Paysky: Leading the future of digital payments in MEA

Since its establishment in 2017, Paysky has emerged as a pioneering force in the fintech landscape, particularly in Egypt and across Africa. With a mission to democratize access to digital financial services, Paysky has become synonymous with innovation, driving financial inclusion and reshaping the payment ecosystem in the Middle East and Africa. Operating in 18 countries, including pivotal African markets such as Egypt, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Ghana, Paysky has positioned itself as a strategic partner for financial institutions, businesses, and consumers seeking advanced, innovative digital payment solutions.

Revolutionizing payment infrastructure across Africa

Paysky’s commitment goes beyond providing digital payment solutions — it plays an instrumental role in building and enhancing payment infrastructure across the continent. The company powers national payment gateways in Egypt and Libya, as well as eight African countries under the GIM-UEMOA network. This extensive reach underscores Paysky’s dedication to fostering a seamless, cashless economy that promotes financial empowerment.

Paysky’s comprehensive approach to digital payments has enabled the company to serve over 500 million customers and support more than 2 million businesses, making transactions more secure and accessible. By tailoring solutions that meet the unique demands of each market, Paysky helps bridge the financial gap, addressing challenges faced by cash-centric economies in Africa.

Transformative solutions with Yalla Super App

One of Paysky’s standout achievements is the Yalla Super App, launched in 2021 in partnership with Visa. The app is a multi-functional platform that offers a wide range of services, including money transfers, electronic payments, shopping, insurance, investment, and “save now, pay later” options. It gained rapid traction, surpassing 800,000 downloads and facilitating over a million transactions worth over half a billion Egyptian pounds within its first 100 days. This success story illustrates Paysky’s innovative prowess in creating digital tools that simplify everyday financial interactions.

A major milestone in the journey of the Yalla Super App was winning the prestigious We Make The Future competition in Europe. Competing against over 3,000 startups, Yalla stood out as the victor, further cementing Paysky’s reputation as a leader in digital financial innovation. This achievement is a testament to the app’s innovative groundbreaking nature and its potential to set new benchmarks in the fintech world.

Financial sustainability for individuals

Beyond payments, Paysky promotes financial sustainability through advanced savings and investment solutions. A notable example is the gold-trading feature on the Yalla Super App, which enables users to invest in gold as a long-term savings tool. Additionally, users can access small-scale money market investments, further demonstrating Paysky’s commitment to offering flexible financial solutions that cater to a diverse range of individual needs. These features empower users to make informed, secure financial decisions, fostering greater financial independence and stability.

Leadership and vision

At the helm of Paysky is Dr. Waleed Sadek, a seasoned industry leader whose extensive background includes serving as head of strategy and innovation for central and eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Visa. His experience at Visa provided him with profound insights into global payment strategies and innovation, laying the groundwork for his vision to revolutionize the digital payment landscape through Paysky.

Reflecting on the company’s journey and its transformative impact on the region, Sadek said: “At Paysky, our mission goes beyond just creating payment solutions; we are building the financial infrastructure that will drive the digital economy forward in the MEA region. By empowering individuals and businesses with accessible, reliable, and innovative digital tools, we’re laying the foundation for a future where financial inclusion is not just an aspiration but a reality, that paves the way to economic prosperity and social welfare.”

Strengthening security and infrastructure

A vital part of Paysky’s success lies in its focus on security and reliability. The company’s Paysky 3DS 2.0 system exemplifies this by enhancing the security of digital transactions, giving users confidence in adopting cashless payments. Such innovations make it easier for businesses to integrate with digital platforms, boosting trust and expanding the reach of electronic financial services across Africa.

Awards and recognition

Paysky’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. It has received numerous prestigious awards, reflecting its leadership in the fintech sector. In 2018, it was recognized by DIFC FinTech Hive as the largest fintech accelerator in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Other accolades include “Egypt’s Fastest-Growing Multichannel Payment Solutions Provider” by The Global Economics and “Most Innovative Digital Financial Services Platform” by the MEA Business Awards in 2021. The company was also named the “Best Provider of Innovative Multichannel Payment Solutions” by Global Business Outlook in 2023 and featured on Forbes’ list of the top 50 fintech companies in the Middle East in 2024. The Yalla Super App won “Most Innovative Digital Banking Platform” in 2021 and “Fastest-Growing App” in 2023, in addition to its victory at WMF.

A vision for inclusive growth

Paysky’s strategy emphasizes sustainable innovation and strategic market entry, especially in regions with untapped potential. For example, with the substantial flow of remittances from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Paysky is expanding its presence in Pakistan, which, like many African markets, relies heavily on cash-based transactions. By harnessing these opportunities, Paysky aims to further integrate digital payment systems that benefit both individual users and businesses.

The path ahead

As Paysky looks to the future, its vision remains clear: to be the preferred financial ecosystem enabler across the Middle East and Africa. With its strong foundation in innovation, proven track record, and commitment to building partnerships that uplift local economies, Paysky is set to continue shaping the landscape of digital payments. The company’s efforts align with the broader goal of enabling financial sustainability and driving digital transformation throughout the region.

Paysky is more than a fintech solutions provider — it is a transformative force building the infrastructure for a robust, cashless economy across Africa and the MEA region. Through its bold initiatives and forward-thinking approach, Paysky stands at the forefront of digital payment evolution, making a significant impact that resonates across continents.