Huawei unveils new range of ‘Super Device’ products in Saudi Arabia

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Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia unveiled a new range of “Super Device” products including Huawei Watch 3|3 Pro, the new 12.6-inch Huawei MatePad Pro, Huawei FreeBuds 4 and Huawei MateView, at a recent media gathering held in Riyadh. (Supplied)
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Updated 07 June 2021
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Huawei unveils new range of ‘Super Device’ products in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia unveiled a new range of “Super Device” products including Huawei Watch 3|3 Pro, the new 12.6-inch Huawei MatePad Pro, Huawei FreeBuds 4 and Huawei MateView, at a recent media gathering held in Riyadh.

The event was attended by top-tier media and technology influencers, who were all given an exclusive look at the new range of products.

While there are more smart devices in our lives than ever, the experience they provide often isn’t smart. Siloed systems tend to complicate interconnectivity and operations, which have ultimately led to a fragmented user experience.

The Super Device experience is designed to address this problem. It provides a common language for different kinds of devices to connect and collaborate, providing users with a more convenient, smooth and secure experience. It uses distributed technology to meet the varied needs of all types of different devices with a single system, enabling flexible deployment as needed. It also combines previously independent devices into a cohesive and holistic Super Device that integrates all hardware and resources to freely leverage the capabilities of its component devices based on the user’s real-time needs.

Bill Yu, vice president of Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia, said: “Today marks the most important launch event for us during this year as we are about to kick off the launch of a new range of ‘Super Device’ experience products in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

He added: “Through this new range of Super Device products, Huawei is giving consumers in KSA access to a seamless and truly intelligent experience across multiple devices in all different types of scenarios. The unveiling of this range of Super Device new products is just another step in our efforts to deliver the best possible future-oriented user experience with a forward-looking approach.”

Huawei Vision S

The Huawei Vision S comes with 1080p MeeTime Full HD Video Call, which enables users to make and take video calls on the big screen, in full HD quality. Additionally, users can transfer the video call from their phone to the big screen with ease, giving them the freedom and opportunity to enjoy immersive audio-visual communications at any time.

The video call experience is complete with a 13 MP magnetic camera supporting 1,920 x 1,080 resolution for video calls and photography, making it remarkably convenient to install and adjust.

Huawei Vision S is capable of connecting with phones to offer the best of both worlds. Huawei phones can quickly project audio and video content to the large screen for sharing, with just a tap with the OneHop Projection. Phones can be mirrored on the larger screen of the Huawei Vision S with nimble smartphone functionality such as touchscreen attributes to reproduce the smartphone experience on the TV.

Huawei Vision S distributed gaming offers clearer graphics and ultra-low lag with low-latency. With Huawei Share, the Huawei Vision S and smartphones can share videos, pictures and apps with newfound ease, providing users with an endless source of convenience and comfort.

It comes with a 120 Hz display, which offers a new level of viewing immersion and comes armored with TÜV Rheinland-certified low blue light and flicker-free technologies, to provide real-time viewing, while also protecting the user’s vision. Thanks also to Huawei’s smart MEMC, the Huawei Vision S is capable of inserting 24/30 fps video into 120 frames on an intelligent basis, regardless of what is being played, from fight scenes in movies, to fast-paced action in games, to shots on goal — everything is displayed smoothly and with optimal stability.

The Huawei Vision S features four 10W speakers, including two 10 full-frequency speakers, and two 10W high-frequency speakers giving audio a gentler edge, while ramping up the authority of bass sounds.

The Huawei Vision S is now available for pre-order through online Huawei Store, eXtra Stores and across selected retailers. It is available in two different sizes — the 55-inch model priced at SR3,499 ($933) and the 65-inch model priced at SR4,499 — with gifts worth SR2,042 that include Huawei MatePad, three-month Huawei Video subscription, three-months Starzplay subscription, three-year warranty and a special entertainment gift.

Huawei Watch 3|3 Pro
Running on HarmonyOS, Huawei Watch 3|3 Pro comes with a polished stainless steel watch body adorned with a pane of ultra-curved 3D glass and a large display, culminating in an elegant design for the smart timepiece series.

Huawei Watch 3|3 Pro is the first Huawei smartwatch series to come with a 3D rotating crown that offers tactile feedback. The watch supports standalone connectivity and can receive and make calls. By activating the eSIM service on their smartphones, users can share the phone number, data and voice plans between their smartphone and smartwatch without having to worry about the battery. The watch supports a five-day battery life in smart mode and provides 21 days in ultra-long battery life mode.

12.6-inch Huawei MatePad Pro
Huawei MatePad Pro is equipped with the powerful Kirin 9000E that delivers an incredible level of performance. It is equipped with a 12.6-inch OLED FullView display and a 90 percent screen-to-body ratio, a million-to-one contrast ratio delivering a crisp color-accurate picture. The brilliant display on Huawei MatePad Pro is complemented by an eight-speaker sound system, which consists of large-amplitude tweeters and woofers, to provide immersive multimedia experiences for the consumers. The Huawei MatePad Pro also supports multi-screen collaboration with PCs.

Huawei FreeBuds 4
Huawei also unveiled its latest true wireless stereo (TWS) Bluetooth earbuds, the Huawei FreeBuds 4. This new addition to Huawei’s numeric series of TWS earbuds inherits the world’s first open-fit active noise cancelation (ANC) technology from the previous generation. With open-fit ANC 2.0 technology, lightweight comfort, high-resolution sound quality and intelligent audio connectivity, Huawei FreeBuds 4 delivers on not only audio quality but also takes the open-fit ANC listening experience to a whole new level.

Huawei MateView
Huawei MateView is a large 4K+ Ultra-HD pro-grade standalone monitor featuring a 28.2-inch 3:2 panel that supports a native resolution of 3,840 × 2,560. It offers a 94 percent screen-to-body ratio to provide users with a highly immersive viewing and premium viewing experience where even the most minute detail is faithfully reproduced on screen. In addition, it debuts with the first-ever integrated height-adjustable mount.

Huawei MateView not only supports cable connections, but also lets users declutter their tables by connecting their mobile phone, notebook, tablet to the monitor wirelessly. Users have access to a versatile range of ports for every office use case, including two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one Mini DisplayPort and one 3.5 mm audio jack. Huawei MateView introduces a cleverly hidden Huawei Smart Bar that offers a user-friendly touch interface for users to easily adjust various display settings, such as input source and volume.

Huawei MateView GT
Huawei also had a surprise for gamers with the launch of the Huawei MateView GT, displaying cutting-edge technology, great reliability and outstanding quality. Introduced as a brand-new product category, the Huawei MateView GT features a curved ultra-wide display that supports a refresh rate of 165 Hz, with an innovative integrated SoundBar. With the Huawei MateView GT, Huawei is dedicated to offering consumers an even more powerful and efficient monitor, taking the gaming and entertainment experience to a new level.


Diriyah Company woos UK investors with London center

Updated 22 June 2025
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Diriyah Company woos UK investors with London center

Diriyah Company is launching a new marketing initiative at one of London’s most prestigious locations to showcase the project.

The Diriyah House Experience Center will be hosted at One Hyde Park, a premier business address in Knightsbridge near Harrods. It will provide an immersive experience for those interested in opportunities in Diriyah, one of Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects located on the outskirts of Riyadh.

The Diriyah House Experience Center’s official opening is scheduled for the beginning of July. The center will operate as a co-branded hub operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, the UK company originally founded by Sotheby’s art dealers.

Sotheby’s International Realty has recently entered the Saudi market and chose Diriyah as a key launchpad, already marketing branded residences for prestigious hospitality names such as The Ritz-Carlton, Corinthia, and Baccarat — all part of the landmark developments taking shape in Diriyah.

The Diriyah House Experience Center will include a state-of-the-art marketing suite featuring a masterplan model and flexible model display. It will bring the “City of Earth” to life for a wider global audience. Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “We are delighted to open this high-profile and prestigious experience center in the heart of London. This prestigious London address enables us to share Diriyah’s story on a global stage in a truly world-class setting, strengthening our international outreach as we build one of the world’s greatest gathering places, rooted in the history, heritage and culture of the Kingdom.”

George Azar, chairman and CEO of Sotheby International Realty, Dubai, the UK, and Saudi Arabia, added: “We are proud to collaborate with Diriyah Company on this landmark initiative and to support the launch of the Diriyah House Experience Center at One Hyde Park. As their partners, we are pleased to offer our experience and expertise in presenting ultra-prime real estate to a global audience. With a strong foothold in the UK’s super-prime market, this collaboration allows us to do what we do best — represent the world’s most exceptional properties while acting as local experts with global reach.”

Through this partnership, we look forward to connecting discerning investors and stakeholders in the UK with the extraordinary vision and opportunities emerging in Diriyah.”

The announcement of the center follows a successful month-long activation by Diriyah Company at Harrods in London in July 2024. The campaign featured a showcase of Diriyah’s master plan models and a supporting out-of-home marketing campaign across the city. 

This international engagement reflects the growing global appetite for investment in the City of Earth and reinforces Diriyah’s commitment to connecting with the international investment community.

Located on the outskirts of Riyadh and backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Diriyah is an integrated urban development project covering 14 square kilometers. It includes building homes for around 100,000 residents and is expected to create nearly 180,000 jobs. Its ambition is to attract approximately 50 million visits annually, contributing an estimated SR70 billion ($18.6 billion) to Saudi Arabia’s GDP. Diriyah Company does not have any permanent establishment or a place of business in the UK. The Diriyah House Experience Center is operated by Sotheby’s International Realty for the sole purpose of marketing Diriyah’ s projects.


New report reveals trends shaping future of halal travel

Updated 22 June 2025
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New report reveals trends shaping future of halal travel

As awareness of Muslim travelers’ needs grows, halal travel is increasingly shaping how destinations design and deliver experiences. According to the newly released 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index, international Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 — up 25 percent from 2023 — and are projected to grow to 245 million by 2030. By then, total travel spending is expected to reach $230 billion, highlighting the growing influence and economic potential of this vibrant market.

To stay competitive, travel and tourism stakeholders must adapt to the evolving needs of Muslim travelers, prioritizing purpose, inclusivity, and digital innovation.

Key consumer trends impacting halal travel

• Smart apps: Muslim travelers are embracing digital tools that offer seamless access to faith-aligned services and personalized experiences.

• The modern female Muslim traveler: Women are shaping the halal travel sector in powerful ways, driving demand for safer, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed spaces.

• Muslim-friendly facilities: Destinations that offer alcohol-free environments, halal-certified dining, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated pools and spas are becoming essential.

• Solo travel surge: Younger Muslim travelers are embracing solo adventures, favoring autonomy and personalized itineraries.

• Digital detox retreats: Inspired by Islamic values of mindfulness and balance, many travelers are seeking tech-free escapes rooted in nature and spirituality.

Among OIC destinations, Malaysia retains the top spot, recognized for its accessible halal-friendly services and infrastructure. Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE share the second spot, each offering a strong combination of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and dedicated efforts to enhance the Muslim travel experience. Indonesia also ranks highly, supported by its rich cultural appeal. 

Other notable destinations in the Gulf region include Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, all of which continue to strengthen their offerings for Muslim travelers.

Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore remains the leader — recognized for its emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Thailand and the Philippines are steadily emerging as rising Muslim-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. Thailand offers warm hospitality and a growing range of halal-certified services, while the Philippines is enhancing its capacity to serve Muslim travelers through better halal food access and Muslim-friendly features at key tourist sites.


SEVEN invests in future of Saudi entertainment sector

Updated 21 June 2025
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SEVEN invests in future of Saudi entertainment sector

Saudi Entertainment Ventures, known as SEVEN, is investing heavily in the future of the Kingdom’s entertainment sector by creating a broad spectrum of job opportunities, said Abdulelah AlFawzan, chief projects officer at SEVEN.

AlFawzan told Arab News that SEVEN is developing a diverse range of technical, creative, operational, and managerial roles to unlock “new horizons of joy” while building a thriving and sustainable workforce that mirrors the energy and ambition of Saudi Arabia.

He said the company has already achieved 55 percent Saudization across its workforce, including 45 percent in leadership positions. “Through initiatives such as our Future Leadership Program in partnership with IMD, we are equipping Saudi talent with global best practices in entertainment management, ensuring they are prepared to lead this sector forward,” AlFawzan explained.

He said that delivering the best guest experiences depends on passionate, diverse teams who deeply understand and share the culture of the communities they serve. “We are committed to creating opportunities that empower Saudi youth to build meaningful careers in the entertainment industry,” he added.

The chief projects officer revealed that SEVEN is reshaping international entertainment experiences to resonate strongly with Saudi cultural values. 

Abdulelah AlFawzan, chief projects officer at SEVEN

AlFawzan stressed that guests remain at the core of every decision SEVEN makes. When collaborating with global brands like Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, and Hasbro, the company ensures a robust commitment to meaningful localization.

“It is never a matter of simply importing a concept,” he said. “We carefully reinterpret every experience to reflect Saudi traditions, family values, and community preferences.”

AlFawzan disclosed that more than 60 percent of SEVEN’s offerings are locally inspired, which guarantees that each destination feels authentic, familiar, and welcoming to Saudi audiences. “Our aim is for every visitor to feel a deep sense of cultural pride and connection upon entering a SEVEN venue because, for us, entertainment reflects identity — not just leisure,” he said.

Addressing concerns about whether large-scale projects like SEVEN overshadow local businesses in favor of international brands, AlFawzan reaffirmed the company’s dedication to nurturing both.

“We firmly believe that global and local players, alongside diverse creative talent, are all essential to the success of our destinations,” he said. While SEVEN partners with renowned names such as Warner Bros. Discovery, Mattel, Flow House, Play-Doh, Clip ‘n Climb, and Hasbro, it equally prioritizes celebrating Saudi creativity.

He said that the company is actively developing original attractions and homegrown concepts across its venues by working closely with Saudi artists and entrepreneurs to bring local content and ideas to life.

“Whether through Saudi-owned offerings or regionally inspired entertainment, we are establishing platforms where local innovation can thrive alongside international intellectual properties,” AlFawzan said. “Our guests deserve an entertainment landscape that honors global excellence while remaining deeply rooted in Saudi identity, originality, and values.”

AlFawzan also said that SEVEN places sustainability and cultural connection at the core of its nationwide entertainment developments, fully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

“Sustainability is not an afterthought at SEVEN; it is a guiding principle embedded in every stage of our development,” he said. He detailed how the company integrates environmental responsibility from design through construction and into long-term operations, with a clear focus on minimizing environmental impact.

He said that SEVEN is targeting LEED certification across its portfolio spanning 14 cities. “To date, we have recycled more than 75 percent of construction waste and sourced over 50 percent of materials from certified green suppliers,” AlFawzan noted. He highlighted that the incorporation of high-performance solutions has led to energy savings of up to 20 percent and water savings of up to 80 percent in key project locations.

Beyond environmental stewardship, SEVEN prioritizes broader social impact through community engagement and cultural preservation. “Entertainment is a powerful catalyst for community connection and cultural pride,” AlFawzan explained.

“With over SR50 billion ($13.3 billion) invested across 14 cities, our projects are accessible within minutes or a short drive for most Saudi communities,” he pointed out. “Accessibility is at the heart of our vision: making extraordinary experiences part of everyday life.”

He also revealed that SEVEN is introducing region-first and world-first concepts to the Kingdom, including the world’s first Hot Wheels electric go-karting experience and next-generation Family Entertainment Centers that seamlessly combine physical play with digital interaction.

“But more than the rides and attractions, what truly sets SEVEN apart is our focus on culture and community,” he added.


Nova Water signs MoU with Saudi NCVC to plant 200,000 trees

Updated 21 June 2025
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Nova Water signs MoU with Saudi NCVC to plant 200,000 trees

Nova Water, a bottled drinking water company, has signed an MoU with the Saudi National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification to plant 200,000 trees across the Kingdom by 2030.

This initiative underscores Nova’s ongoing environmental mission to reduce its ecological footprint and protect local ecosystems — while directly contributing to the overarching goals of the Saudi Green Initiative. It marks the latest step taken by the company to combat desertification, advance the development of a sustainable water ecosystem and safeguard the Kingdom’s future.

The agreement was officially signed by Dr. Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Abdulqader, CEO of NCVC, and Sulayman Serdar Seyhanli, CEO of Nova Water. The collaboration focuses on four core areas: identifying key locations for reforestation, prioritizing the use of native plant species, engaging Nova employees in afforestation activities, and supporting the rehabilitation of Saad National Park, located near the company’s facilities in Rumah, 120 km east of Riyadh.

Seyhanli said: “At Nova Water, we understand the importance of implementing innovative environmental solutions in the water sector. Our agreement with the NCVC is a testament to our unwavering support for national sustainability initiatives. Together, we are building a greener future while aligning with the ambitions of Vision 2030 and contributing to the protection and expansion of the Kingdom’s natural green cover.”

He added: “As a natural partner of the Saudi Green Initiative, this agreement represents a carefully planned execution strategy — covering irrigation, planting, and the ongoing care of seedlings across agreed-upon areas.” 

Our reforestation efforts will span the next six years, from 2025 through to 2030, and will culminate in the successful planting of 200,000 trees and shrubs across Saudi Arabia. We are fully committed to seeing this goal through.”

This ambitious program seeks to create long-term environmental and social impact, including restoring native wildlife habitats, rehabilitating decertified lands, and enhancing biodiversity. Ultimately, it will support rainfall regeneration, provide shelter and food for local fauna, and contribute to rebalancing fragile ecosystems — which are the very objectives the NCVC was established to fulfill since its inception in 2021.


John Fekete joins CBRE MENA as general manager for advisory business in KSA

Updated 21 June 2025
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John Fekete joins CBRE MENA as general manager for advisory business in KSA

CBRE Middle East, a global leader in commercial real estate services, has appointed John Fekete as the new general manager for its advisory operations in Saudi Arabia.

Fekete joins CBRE from Qiddiya, where he served as the executive director of real estate strategy, spearheading the office, retail and residential strategy of one of Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious projects as part of the Vision 2030 initiative. Prior to this, he held senior positions at JLL in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, where he played a crucial role in shaping real estate strategies across the Middle East and North Africa.

Commenting on his appointment, Fekete said: “I am honored to join CBRE, a company renowned for its commitment to excellence in the real estate sector. I look forward to working with this talented team to drive growth and deliver outstanding results for our clients in Saudi Arabia, contributing to the realization of Vision 2030.”

Throughout his career, Fekete has demonstrated expertise in urban planning, transactions, property management, investment management, and strategic planning. In his previous roles, he managed real estate strategies across multiple countries in the EMEA region including his role at Citigroup as EMEA head of real estate.

Michael Young, managing director for CBRE MENA region, said: “We are delighted to welcome John to our team; his extensive experience and deep knowledge of the real estate market will be invaluable as we continue to grow our operations in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Anshuman Magazine, chairman and CEO for India, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa, added: “We are thrilled to welcome John to our team.”

A highly respected leader in the real estate industry, John brings a wealth of experience and deep market insight. His exceptional track record and strategic vision will be instrumental in driving outstanding value to our clients. We look forward to the impact his leadership will have on our advisory operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”