Zain KSA and Ericsson sign charging agreement

Maha Al-Qernass, business and fulfillment VP, Zain KSA
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Updated 06 March 2022
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Zain KSA and Ericsson sign charging agreement

Zain KSA is extending its partnership with Ericsson to upgrade and modernize its charging systems. The scope of the partnership includes upgrades across hardware, software, and services.

Ericsson will modernize Zain KSA’s systems while upgrading Ericsson Charging, Ericsson Mediation, Ericsson Activation and Ericsson CSS, Ericsson’s strategic platform for next-generation intelligent-network applications.

As part of the agreement, Ericsson will also introduce its modular, scalable, open, and single convergent online charging system and Ericsson 5G standalone charging into Zain’s network. This will enable Zain KSA to efficiently secure revenues and accelerate the time-to-market speed of new services including 5G.

Maha Al-Qernass, business and fulfillment VP, Zain KSA, said: “Working with Ericsson to upgrade and modernize our legacy charging systems will not only help us manage and expand our network capabilities but will also help us deliver innovative services to our customers while responding to changing environment dynamics in real-time. Cellular connectivity is the foundation of digital transformation.”

Wojciech Bajda, vice president and head of GCC at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, said: “Our 5G standalone charging system will provide Zain KSA optimal levels of adaptability, speed, and efficiency to address their digital transformation challenges.”


Lean strengthens its global footprint with scientific achievements, strategic partnerships

Updated 05 June 2025
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Lean strengthens its global footprint with scientific achievements, strategic partnerships

Lean Business Services — the Kingdom’s foremost developer of digital-health solutions and a Public Investment Fund portfolio company— continues to consolidate its leadership in the digital-health sector at both national and international levels. 

At ISPOR 2025 in Montréal, Canada, the company’s research team presented three peer-reviewed studies grounded in advanced analytics and extensive national datasets before embarking on an official visit to South Korea to explore collaborations in health technology and research.

The first study introduced an integrated economic model that assesses the cost-effectiveness of Type 2 diabetes-prevention programs over a 10-year horizon, capturing both direct and indirect costs from the first-year diagnosis through long-term complications. 

A second paper provided a comprehensive assessment to date of Saudi Arabia’s chronic disease burden, leveraging records from more than 33 million individuals and sophisticated statistical models to inform resource allocation and healthcare planning. 

The third study delivered a five-year review of more than 2 million psychotropic prescriptions, pinpointing opportunities to refine prescribing practices, particularly for older adults, relative to other chronic-medication regimens.

To broaden its international collaboration, a Lean delegation traveled to South Korea, where it joined the Saudi–Korean Business & Investment Forum, met leading health-tech institutions, and examined best practices at Seoul National University Hospital. 

Discussions focused on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and population data analytics.

Engineer Mohannad Al-Rasheed, Lean’s chief executive officer, expressed pride in representing the Kingdom on these global stages. 

“Lean is committed to building knowledge partnerships that elevate Saudi Arabia as an advanced hub for digital health,” he said. “Our active participation in specialized international gatherings reflects the maturity of the Saudi health sector and its ability to export both expertise and solutions.”

Driven by the conviction that data-powered innovation is key to a more efficient and inclusive healthcare future, Lean will continue to invest in research and cross-border collaboration, supporting Vision 2030’s goal of a cutting-edge, sustainable digital-health ecosystem for the Kingdom.


Lulu opens new stores near holy sites to enhance pilgrim experience

Updated 05 June 2025
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Lulu opens new stores near holy sites to enhance pilgrim experience

Saudi Arabia is hosting millions of pilgrims for this year’s Hajj, which is taking place from June 4 to 9. The Kingdom continues to ensure an organized, safe, and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims.

As part of efforts to enhance pilgrim services, Lulu Group has partnered with Kidanh Development Company, under the supervision of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites, to open new retail stores near key pilgrimage locations, including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. These stores are already operational, providing easy access to essential items such as food, beverages, and personal care products.

The agreement was signed by Muhammed Al-Mejmaj, executive manager at Kidanh, and Bashar Naseer Al-Besher, executive administration manager of Lulu Group.

The project aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on improving quality of life and expanding private sector involvement in national development. This partnership marks a significant step toward enhancing the overall Hajj experience through effective public-private collaboration.

Kidanh’s development strategy includes modernizing traditional market areas near the holy sites to better serve the needs of pilgrims through modern infrastructure and organized retail services.

More than 122,000 Indian pilgrims, including over 16,000 from Kerala, are performing Hajj this year. The new Lulu outlets are designed to meet the needs of this diverse and growing pilgrim community by offering trusted products in strategically located stores. Retail outlets have already opened, and shopping is underway, making Lulu one of the first major retailers to begin operating in close proximity to the holy sites. This reinforces Lulu’s commitment to service excellence and community support.


3,500 products, 25 countries: Saudi Warehousing Expo concludes

Updated 04 June 2025
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3,500 products, 25 countries: Saudi Warehousing Expo concludes

The Saudi Warehousing and Logistics Expo was held last week in Riyadh under the patronage of the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services. The event, which took place at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from May 27-29, showcased more than 3,500 products, solutions, systems and services to improve supply chain efficiency across warehousing, transport and logistics.

The exhibition opened with a formal inauguration by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, graced by Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih.

A strong lineup of government entities participated under the ministry, including Saudi Arabia Railways, Roads General Authority, General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Post SPL, Transport General Authority and Saudi Ports Authority.

The exhibition featured exhibitors from more than 25 countries. Some of the top exhibiting brands included Swisslog, a global leader in intralogistics, warehouse automation and material handling; El-Ajou, a Saudi enterprise delivering integrated digital solutions and workspace services that enhance operational efficiency; SAL Logistics, a leading logistics and supply chain services provider in the Kingdom; and Savoye, a technology solutions provider in logistics and warehousing, among others.

An invite-only gathering on May 27, Saudi Warehousing and Logistics Summit was headlined by more than 40 influential voices shaping the future of warehousing and logistics in the Kingdom. The CPD-accredited program explored key themes including AI integration, infrastructure transformation, ESG and future workforce development, all aligned with Vision 2030. 

Focused on strategy, collaboration and long-term value creation, the summit offered critical insight into the sector’s next phase of growth.

On May 28-29, Hala Chats presented fast-paced sessions tackling operational challenges through case studies, panels and success stories from Saudi Arabia’s logistics and warehousing ecosystem. With contributions from industry leaders at Swisslog Middle East, Smartlog MEA, Dematic, Kaden, Shipsy and more, the program offered visitors an opportunity to gain practical insights and learn how leading organizations are responding to real-world demands.

Showcasing Saudi Arabia’s $6.7 billion commercial vehicle market, Commercial Vehicles Zone highlighted manufacturers, fleet solutions, electric vehicles and alternative fuel technologies and more. Brands such as Toyota, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, Bin-Shihon and Petromin — Foton headlined the exhibition.

Sponsored by SADR Logistics Services, Demo Hub featured a live, intelligent shuttle system that handles real-time pallet and container movement with seamless integration into warehouse control and management systems, using RFID and barcode scanning. The setup includes high-density pallet shuttles and container shuttles for fast goods-to-person picking, offering a first-hand view of warehouse automation.

Powered by Rfufco, Pack n Stack Challenge encouraged visitors to test their speed, precision and stacking skills in a fast-paced logistics simulation.


HungerStation records milestone achievements in 2025, reinforcing leadership in quick commerce

Updated 04 June 2025
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HungerStation records milestone achievements in 2025, reinforcing leadership in quick commerce

Ali Al-Damanhouri, CEO of HungerStation, announced through his official accounts on X and LinkedIn that HungerStation — a leading Saudi tech and delivery company — has achieved a series of significant milestones in 2025, further strengthening its position as a key driver of quick commerce transformation across the Kingdom. 

Al-Damanhouri said that these accomplishments reflect the trust of customers, the strength of strategic partnerships, and the efficiency of the team leading the company’s journey toward broader horizons of innovation and sustainable growth in the delivery sector. 

In recent months, HungerStation has achieved remarkable results across various fronts, including: 

  • The number of subscribers to HungerStation Plus (HPlus) surpassed 10 million, with over 100 million orders completed to date. 
  • The company provided exclusive discounts to HPlus members exceeding SR1.5 billion ($400 million), reinforcing its commitment to delivering real value to its customers. 

The announcement concluded by affirming that these milestones mark the beginning of a new phase of smart growth and technological innovation, aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. These achievements further cement HungerStation’s role as a pioneering company shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s digital and logistics ecosystem — a future that is being written today, with HungerStation leading the transformation. 


Flying cars in Saudi Arabia? ALJ, Joby sign agreement

Updated 04 June 2025
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Flying cars in Saudi Arabia? ALJ, Joby sign agreement

Abdul Latif Jameel, an 80-year-old network of diversified businesses, and Joby Aviation, a company developing electric air taxis for commercial passenger service, have announced the signing of an MoU to explore opportunities to establish a distribution agreement in Saudi Arabia for Joby’s electric aircraft.

This announcement builds upon the renewed economic partnership between the US administration and the Saudi government toward shared innovation and transportation growth. Potential delivery of up to 200 Joby aircraft and related services valued at approximately $1 billion are expected by the businesses over the coming years. In the long-term, Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby also see potential revenue opportunities across the Middle East. 

Abdul Latif Jameel and Joby share complementary long-term visions to revolutionize the future of mobility through transportation services that are cleaner, safer, more efficient and more affordable, helping to improve passenger experiences while simultaneously protecting the planet. In addition, the Jameel family invested in Joby’s Series C funding round, led by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2020.

The direct sale of aircraft through businesses such as Abdul Latif Jameel form one pillar of Joby’s commercialization strategy. Additionally, Joby will directly own and operate its aircraft and services in certain markets, like the US, and partner for similar operations in other markets, such as Japan. 

“This collaboration is about bringing America’s leadership in electric air mobility to the world,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “Together with Abdul Latif Jameel, we’re not just imagining a cleaner, safer, more efficient future— we’re building it. And there is no better partner to help unlock the extraordinary opportunity for air travel in the region.”

Hassan Jameel, vice chairman, Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel, said: “Saudi Arabia is transitioning toward a new era of mobility — one that is on-demand, shared, connected, and sustainable. eVTOL is an exciting and important component of this. We are looking forward to collaborating with Joby to support the transformation of the Kingdom’s mobility sector. This collaboration also comes as Abdul Latif Jameel Motors marks 70 years of distributing Toyota in Saudi Arabia — a strategic investor in Joby.”

Joby’s collaboration with Abdul Latif Jameel will initially focus on Saudi Arabia, where Abdul Latif Jameel has an extensive presence, network and deep operational experience. The two businesses will work together to explore distribution and sales collaborations, the launch of local air taxi services, including the establishment of aftermarket services such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul, and pilot training.

Joby’s piloted, all-electric aircraft is designed to carry four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph, offering high-speed mobility with a fraction of the noise produced by helicopters and zero operating emissions. The business plans to carry its first passengers in Dubai in 2026.

Given the importance of mobility to Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation, the collaboration will drive socioeconomic growth in the Kingdom and create employment opportunities for Saudi nationals, in line with Vision 2030.