Huawei debuts flagship smartphones — P50 Pro and P50 Pocket — in the region 

1 / 4
Pablo Ning, president of Huawei Consumer Business Group — Middle East and Africa. (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 07 February 2022
Follow

Huawei debuts flagship smartphones — P50 Pro and P50 Pocket — in the region 

  • The Huawei P50 Pro is now available for pre-order at a price of SR4,299 ($1,145) in two beautiful, premium finishes

RIYADH: Huawei Consumer Business Group launched the new P50 Pro, the ultimate camera phone with aesthetic design, and P50 Pocket, its latest foldable phone that takes fashion, beauty and technological innovations to the next level, during a recent event that took place in Riyadh. 

Pablo Ning, president of Huawei Consumer Business Group — Middle East and Africa, said: “We are glad to bring the new Huawei P50 Pro and Huawei P50 Pocket to our users in the region as we remain committed to the pursuit of the best quality, aesthetics and photography experiences. The new Huawei P50 Pro returns to the philosophies that sit at the heart of flagship phones with a True-Form Dual-Matrix Camera and exquisite design while the Huawei P50 Pocket brings fashion, beauty and tech innovations into the fold with Huawei Image, whilst its all-new hinge design enables the smartphone to fold seamlessly into a slim and pocketable form.”

The Huawei P50 Pro is now available for pre-order at a price of SR4,299 ($1,145) in two beautiful, premium finishes — Cocoa Gold and Golden Black — while the Huawei P50 Pocket is available for pre-order at a price of SR5,299 in White and Premium Gold, from Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers in the Kingdom.

During the event, an MoU had been announced on stage between Huawei and Saudi Arabian Airlines by Capt. Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of Saudia, who said that the MOU — between the two parties — would strengthen their partnership. He said: “Saudia always prioritizes innovation in all of our products and services and our new partnership with Huawei will help us to deliver exciting experiences to our guests. Huawei is a giant tech company and has built a trusted reputation among consumers and enterprises for creating unique experiences that deliver on business outcomes. The partnership with AppGallery will allow more guests in the international markets, such as China and APAC to experience the benefits of our industry-leading digital application. This is a step in our efforts to keep pace with the expansion of our flights and operations in China and APAC, which remain vitally important markets both for Saudia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Huawei P50 Pro: The ultimate camera phone with aesthetic design

The Huawei P50 Pro’s Dual-Matrix Camera system delivers true to life imagery with extreme clarity. The Huawei XD Optics allow consumers to capture amazing images and reproduce fine details. Huawei P50 Pro also launches with XD Fusion Pro, an improved solution that incorporates a new Super Color Filter System, True-Chroma Image Engine and Super HDR technology to significantly improve detail, color and dynamic range. It also supports an unprecedented 200 times zoom range, helping users capture any object regardless of distance. 

The True-Chroma Image Engine delivers the highest possible color accuracy, creating images that reflect what is seen by the human eye. The ambient light sensing system uses a 10-channel multi-spectrum sensor, which is coupled with color calibration of more than 2,000 colors across the P3 wide color gamut, to improve its ability to detect ambient light and average color hue accuracy by 50 percent and 20 percent respectively. In low-light scenarios, pictures come out brighter and more detailed. The Super HDR technology captures 28 percent more of the dynamic range for better backlit performance; while light and shadows are optimized. The Huawei P50 Pro supports 4K video recording across the full focal range. The all-new AIS Pro image stabilization solution helps users easily capture stable handheld videos, while AI cinemagraph is great for creative shots that showcase minor movements.

Pure and elegant design philosophy with the Dual-Matrix Camera design

Huawei P50 Pro introduces a new Dual-Matrix Camera design. Its double ring structure is an instant classic, symbolizing the infinite possibilities of the smartphone’s camera. It also comes with a bigger screen and battery, while remaining lighter and slimmer. The Huawei P50 Pro has a 3D True-Chroma 6.6-inch curved glass display with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and a single, unobtrusive punch hole camera in the middle of the display ensuring an immersive experience. The Huawei P50 Pro is IP68 certified for dust and water resistance, and both phones have dual stereo speakers. 

Performance Reborn

The Huawei P50 Pro achieves a perfect balance of battery life, fast-charging speed and thickness. It incorporates a 4,360 mAh battery into its slim body that only measures 8.5 mm, while also supporting 66W Huawei SuperCharge and 50W Wireless Huawei SuperCharge. 

Super Device features with new inspirations 

Huawei P50 Pro is powered by EMUI 12 that produces an innovative UI with a clean and elegant look. 

Controlling multiple devices at once is as easy as controlling just one single device, thanks to the Super Device features. The Device+ tab in Control Panel enables users to easily control or set up multi-device collaboration with other devices, such as the Huawei Vision, FreeBuds, MatePad and MateBook. 

With the Distributed File System, Huawei P50 Pro can also function as a wirelessly connected external storage unit for the PC, meaning you can access the files you want more easily than ever before. 

Using the Huawei P50 Pro, users can also transfer MeeTime calls onto Huawei Vision smart TV and conduct the call by taking advantage of the larger display, camera and speakers. 

Huawei P50 Pocket: Bringing fashion, beauty and tech innovations into the fold

The Huawei P50 Pocket folds seamlessly into an ultra-slim, lightweight body that is a joy to hold. The new-generation Multi-Dimensional Hinge is a total upgrade from its predecessor, featuring an even shorter radius. Combined with the exclusive Multi-Dimensional Lifting design, it allows the device to be even slimmer and produce a smoother screen when unfolded. 

The back of the device captures the shadows and texture of the earth, which are brought to life through the advanced 3D micro-sculpture design on the white version of the device. Huawei joined forces with prominent haute couture designer, Iris Van Herpen, in a cross-industry collaboration to create the Huawei P50 Pocket Premium Edition. 

A new breakthrough for Huawei Image

The Huawei P50 Pocket fully supports the cutting-edge technology that debuted with Huawei P50 Pro, including the True-Chroma Image Engine and Huawei XD Optics. One of the main features is the selfie with rear camera: It uses selfie algorithms and the big camera sensor to boost low light performance, allowing users to take superior, more atmospheric selfies. The Huawei P50 Pocket’s Ultra Spectrum Camera combines powerful hardware and software, as well as the tweaking of over 2,000 colors across the full P3 color gamut, to let users accurately capture what they see. Using the Ultra Spectrum Fluorescence Photography feature, the phone can also capture content and details that are unseen by the human eye. It also introduces sunscreen detection for the first time. Accessible via the Mirror app, this handy feature visualizes the spread of sunscreen on skin to help users check for uncovered spots and avoid getting sunburnt. 

Innovative interactions with smart cover screen

The Huawei P50 Pocket’s cover screen supports the display of notifications, schedule, calendar, music, weather, and control of other features. A range of vibrant themes are available, so users can customize their cover screen interaction experience. Content and services seamlessly flow between both screens and users can even access the camera from the cover screen.

The trusted, innovative and secure AppGallery is available on the Huawei P50 Pro and Huawei P50 Pocket where users can download a wide range of high-quality apps. 

Petal One with Huawei P50 Pro and Huawei P50 Pocket

Petal One is an all-in-one subscription package to make your life better, including mobile cloud, video, music and more services to come. Petal One provides a multi-scenario membership service and can be supported on multiple devices including Huawei mobile phones, tablets smart wearables. 

With the purchase of Huawei P50 Pro or the Huawei P50 Pocket, consumers can now benefit from a Petal One free subscription and a VIP service. The free subscription includes the Huawei mobile cloud up to 200 GB on a 1-month trial, six months of free Huawei Music VIP subscription and six months of free Huawei Video VIP subscription. 

The VIP service also included with the purchases of the devices, includes a 12-month warranty on the device, door-to-door service, two times free film service and a one-time laser engraving service.

Huawei MateBook E: The ultra-slim 2-in-1 laptop

As the new Huawei 2-in-1 laptop, it features a new design and the first-ever OLED Real Color Huawei FullView Display. The new Huawei MateBook E is specifically designed for those who wish to stay productive on the go, empowering and allowing users to be more productive anytime anywhere. It boasts a versatile hybrid design, smart interaction features, pro-grade performance and outstanding Super Device features. It is a powerful productivity tool combining the advantages of traditional laptops and tablets to help users get work done faster and more efficiently. It is the perfect 3-screens-in-1 laptop because it depicts the complete experience of PC, tablet and smartphone in one device. Thanks to its innovative architecture design, the weight of Huawei MateBook E is as light as 709 grams and is as thin as 7.99 mm. The Huawei MateBook E is slim and easy to carry with three modes that can be switched accordingly (Laptop mode, Tablet mode, and Smartphone mode) to tackle numerous mobile office scenarios. The 12.6-inch OLED Real Color Huawei FullView Display has a screen-to-body ratio of 90 percent. It supports a peak brightness of 600 nits, P3 wide color gamut and has a pro-grade color accuracy of ∆ E < 1. The new laptop expands on the Huawei Super Device capabilities with innovative multi-device connectivity features and leverages the distributed capabilities of the Super Device to boost productivity and creativity. 

Pricing and availability 

The Huawei P50 Pro is available for purchase on pre-orders in Cocoa Gold and Black Gold at the price of SR4,299 with offers including the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro, gray (priced at SR899), the Huawei VIP service — six months free screen protection and 24 months warranty with multi-country support and access to Petal One.

The Huawei P50 Pocket is available to purchase on pre-orders in White (priced at SR5,299) and the premium version in gold (priced at SR6,499), with gifts worth SR1,772. When purchased during pre-orders, consumers can look forward to receiving the Huawei Watch GT 3 Gold (SR1,299) and Petal One free subscription and VIP service. 

Available in Nebula Grey, the 3-in-1 12.6-inch Huawei MateBook E is available in the Kingdom with pre-orders at a price of SR4,499, from Huawei’s online platforms as well as certified retailers.


Locals embrace short getaways while foreign pilgrims spend in KSA

Updated 02 July 2025
Follow

Locals embrace short getaways while foreign pilgrims spend in KSA

Travelers from Saudi Arabia took full advantage of this year’s extended Eid Al-Adha break, turning the six-day (June 5-10) holiday into an opportunity for cultural exploration, both at home and abroad. While many residents jetted off for short international getaways, the Kingdom also welcomed millions of foreign pilgrims during the Hajj season, driving a steady increase in travel to Saudi Arabia and spending.

According to Visa’s Travel Pulse: Eid Al-Adha Edition, international travel by Saudi residents rose by 25 percent compared to the same period in 2024. This growth was driven by a strong preference for shorter trips, with 69 percent of travelers from the Kingdom opting for brief weekend getaways. They also made 21 percent more purchases abroad and spent 13 percent more overall this Eid, reflecting a preference to maximize the holidays with quick trips abroad.

This Eid, international getaways became an opportunity for many Saudi travelers to indulge in retail experiences. Shopping led the way across all major destinations, influencing not just how people spent, but also where they chose to go.

•UAE led as the top international destination, welcoming 14 percent of Saudi travelers and accounting for 23 percent of total international spend. With an average spend of $635 per card, fashion took center stage — seven of the top 10 merchants were in the shopping and apparel category. Among the top brands were Dubai Duty Free Stores, Hermes, and Cartier, reflecting both a preference for convenient airport shopping and a strong appetite for luxury. Dining and entertainment were also high on the agenda.

•Nine percent of travelers went to Turkiye, making it the second most popular destination. It captured 15 percent of overall holiday spend with each visitor spending an average of $653 per card.

•While the UK attracted a smaller share of travelers from Saudi Arabia (6 percent) and overall spend (12 percent), it captured the highest spend per card at $839. This figure reflects the destination’s premium retail appeal, with shopping leading how Saudi visitors chose to spend.

Meanwhile, the Hajj season continued to play a meaningful role in Saudi Arabia’s economic landscape. Compared to the same period last year, the Kingdom saw a 7 percent increase in the number of foreign pilgrims, who made 16 percent more purchases during their stay. While overall spending grew by 4 percent, key shopping categories remained unchanged, including food, medicine, and other everyday needs, with smaller portions of spend going toward clothing and travel-related services.

“Whether it’s a short break or a meaningful pilgrimage, having a simple and secure way to pay matters at every step of the journey,” said Ali Bailoun, regional general manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman at Visa. 

“We are proud to support that through our unique data insights and seamless, reliable payment solutions, and to contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by helping create more connected, inclusive and seamless payment experiences across borders.”

For businesses and banks, Visa’s Travel Pulse offers unique insights to improve the payment experience for Saudi Visa cardholders traveling abroad or opting for local experiences.


Hankook Tire participates in ‘Mobility Live 2025’

Updated 02 July 2025
Follow

Hankook Tire participates in ‘Mobility Live 2025’

Global tire company Hankook Tire and Technology participated in Mobility Live Middle East 2025, the region’s premier mobility exhibition, held from June 24 to 25 at the Dubai World Trade Center.

Mobility Live Middle East 2025 is the region’s largest mobility exhibition, centered around the future of transportation — including electric vehicles, smart infrastructure, and sustainable public transit. This year’s event brought together more than 10,000 experts, 1,000 VIP buyers, and over 250 participating brands, offering insights into future market trends.

Making its second consecutive appearance at the event, Hankook Tire reinforced its leadership in world-class EV tire technology. At its booth, the company showcased its premium EV product lineup tailored for Middle Eastern driving environments. Featured products included the “iON” brand — the world’s first full lineup of EV-exclusive tires — comprising the high-performance “iON evo,” the summer tire “iON GT,” and the “e-SMART City AU56” for electric buses.

In particular, the iON evo was recognized for its outstanding braking and handling performance, earning the top ranking in a recent tire comparison test conducted by Auto Bild, an automotive magazine in Germany.

The e-SMART City AU56, a truck and bus radial tire, offers optimized mileage performance compared to previous models. 

It incorporates advanced tread block technology to deliver improved grip and extended tread life.

“Hankook Tire continues to strengthen its premium brand presence and expand its footprint in the Middle East EV tire market through a range of strategic initiatives,” said Jongwoo Kim, head of Hankook Tire’s Middle East and Asia division. “Mobility Live provided an exceptional platform to showcase the innovation behind our ‘iON’ brand, which leads the way in promoting sustainability in the future mobility sector through the use of advanced eco-friendly materials.” He added, “In line with the UAE’s vision to accelerate EV adoption and its broader sustainability goals under the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy, our participation in Mobility Live highlights our commitment to supporting the region’s clean mobility transformation. We are also reviewing Vision 2030 roadmaps set by each ESG steering committee to re-evaluate our current position and establish a refreshed mid- to long-term strategy for the decade ahead.”


St. Regis Riyadh’s GM wins Hotelier Middle East award

Updated 02 July 2025
Follow

St. Regis Riyadh’s GM wins Hotelier Middle East award

The St. Regis Riyadh has announced that their General Manager Marina Krasnobrizhaya has been awarded GM of the Year — Luxury Properties, Middle East by Hotelier Middle East, marking a defining moment in the hotel’s remarkable journey of excellence and recognition.

Since its grand opening, The St. Regis Riyadh has reimagined luxury hospitality in the Kingdom — seamlessly blending the storied legacy of the St. Regis brand with the cultural richness of Saudi Arabia. From its bespoke guest rituals to its refined design and exceptional dining venues, the hotel has become a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and modern prestige.

Under Krasnobrizhaya’s dynamic leadership, the hotel has emerged as one of the most celebrated properties in the region, earning multiple prestigious industry accolades, including: Best Luxury Hotel in Riyadh, Best New Business Hotel, Best Lounge in Riyadh for the iconic Stella Sky Lounge, and Best Afternoon Tea in the City, a tribute to The St. Regis signature ritual, elegantly reinterpreted in Riyadh.

“Each award reflects the hotel’s deep commitment to curating unforgettable experiences, blending international standards with local artistry and spirit,” a press statement said. “Whether it’s an elevated business stay, a sunset at Stella Sky Lounge, or the celebrated afternoon tea in The Drawing Room, every detail is thoughtfully designed to honor the brand’s heritage while resonating with today’s sophisticated traveler.”

“Krasnobrizhaya’s recognition by Hotelier Middle East is a testament to her visionary leadership and relentless drive to foster a culture of excellence. Her role has been instrumental in positioning The St. Regis Riyadh as a flagship of luxury in the Middle East and a benchmark for service innovation in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality landscape,” the hotel said.

“As The St. Regis Riyadh continues to shape the capital’s luxury narrative, this award marks not only an individual achievement but a collective triumph for the entire team that brings the brand’s legendary legacy to life each day.”

Located in the heart of the capital, the hotel is a landmark of modern elegance and Arabian grandeur. With its signature butler service, immersive rituals, and a dedication to exceptional service, the hotel is redefining luxury for the Kingdom’s new era.


Petromin and Foton sign four-party MoU to establish commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia

Updated 02 July 2025
Follow

Petromin and Foton sign four-party MoU to establish commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia

Petromin Corporation, Foton, the Ministry of Investment, and the National Industrial Development Center signed a four-party memorandum of understanding to explore the establishment of an integrated commercial vehicle manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia.

The agreement is in line with Saudi Vision 2030 efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s industrial sector and localize high-value manufacturing.

The initiative will develop local capabilities in manufacturing and logistics, strengthen supply chains, and increase localization rates in the vehicle sector.

The scope of production will include heavy-duty trucks, light-duty trucks, and buses.

Amr Al-Dabbagh, chairman and CEO of Al-Dabbagh Group, owner of Petromin, said: “This step aligns with our ambitions to promote a diversified economy based on industry and technology. We take pride in this partnership with Foton, who are No. 1 in the Chinese commercial vehicle market. This partnership acts as a strong catalyst to deliver high-quality commercial vehicles that meet market expectations and support achieving Vision 2030 objectives.”

Chang Rui, chairman of BAIC Foton, added: “We are proud of our partnership with Petromin to localize commercial vehicle manufacturing. Through this collaboration, we aim to transfer advanced technology to the Saudi market and provide innovative and sustainable mobility solutions benefiting businesses and consumers alike.”

The project is backed by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Investment, the National Industrial Development Center, the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, and the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority.

It is expected to create job opportunities for national talent, support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, and contribute to the Kingdom’s shift toward a sustainable, advanced industrial economy.

With its rich history and expertise in the automotive industry, Petromin is a leading provider of comprehensive automotive solutions in the Middle East.

The company is committed to fostering innovation within the community and ensuring customer satisfaction through high-quality products and services.

Meanwhile, Foton, the No. 1 commercial vehicle manufacturer in China, has established a global presence in the industry.

It focuses on producing high-quality commercial vehicles through strategic partnerships with leading industry manufacturers such as Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), ZF Transmission, Cummins Engines, and others.

Its partnership with Petromin provides a unique opportunity to enhance its presence in the Saudi market, leveraging Petromin’s local expertise and market presence.


Saudi dermatologist first in region to receive ILDS honor

Updated 01 July 2025
Follow

Saudi dermatologist first in region to receive ILDS honor

In a significant international milestone for Saudi Arabia, Dr. Saad bin Sami Al-Sogair, a leading Saudi dermatologist, has been awarded the 2025 International Leadership Medal by the International League of Dermatological Societies — one of the highest honors globally in the field of dermatology.

This prestigious award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate exceptional international leadership, influence in public health policy, and who contribute meaningfully to global collaboration in skin health and medical education.

Dr. Al-Sogair is the first dermatologist from the GCC countries to receive this recognition. He was nominated by the Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery and was selected from a record number of distinguished candidates worldwide.

This achievement is widely seen as a testament not only to Dr. Al-Sogair’s personal dedication and leadership, but also to the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in global medical and scientific advancement. The announcement has been met with widespread praise in academic, clinical, and policy circles and is considered a source of national pride.

Professor Henry W. Lim, president of ILDS, congratulated the recipients, saying: “These annual awards celebrate exceptional contributions by dermatologists and related professionals in advancing skin health worldwide. Each of our worthy recipients have significantly improved the lives of people living with skin diseases, whether through international leadership or humanitarian efforts.

“Each of this year’s recipients is an inspiration. We extend our warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks for their exceptional service to the field of dermatology.”

Dr. Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al-Akeel, president of the Saudi Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, said: “We are extremely proud of Dr. Saad Al-Sogair for this historic recognition. His award not only reflects his tireless work and leadership but also highlights the Kingdom’s increasing global standing in dermatology. This comes at a significant moment, as Riyadh is currently bidding to host the 2031 World Congress of Dermatology, a global platform to showcase Saudi excellence in skin health.”

The ILDS International Leadership Medal honors individuals whose work has had a sustained global impact in areas such as medical education, innovation across borders, and international dermatologic collaboration.

This recognition aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance the Kingdom’s international presence in science, research, and healthcare innovation.