Saudi Arabia’s logistics and delivery sectors show increase in precision navigation, says what3words CEO

Based in London, What3words is a global address system designed to identify any location with a resolution of about 3 meters. Supplied/What3words
Short Url
Updated 01 October 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia’s logistics and delivery sectors show increase in precision navigation, says what3words CEO

  • What3words began operating in the Kingdom in 2018 and has since been implemented in several sectors
  • The UK-based company has signed agreements in the last year to partner with more Gulf-based companies

LONDON: Saudi Arabia is experiencing increased demand for precision navigation in the logistics sector as it becomes “an ultra-competitive area” where consumer service expectations are very high, according to an expert.

“Precision navigation is becoming a priority, especially for the logistics sector in the region, and if you want to divulge into Saudi Arabia, particularly, as logistics is a very important part of any kind of business at the moment ... what we’re seeing is this trend where precision navigation is becoming a really key theme,” Chris Sheldrick, co-founder and CEO of what3words, told Arab News.

“It’s an ultra-competitive area and service expectations are becoming very high among consumers, people want to reduce calls they’re getting from delivery drivers, and they want to have a really good experience when they order online, and so, I think, especially now in Saudi Arabia, we’re just seeing a huge trend toward how can I become far more precise about that location,” he said.




What3words has been implemented in several sectors in Saudi Arabia, including emergency services, logistics, ride-sharing apps, delivery services, and giga projects. Supplied

What3words, a global address system designed to identify any location with a resolution of about 3 meters, began operating in the Kingdom in 2018.

It has since been implemented in several sectors, including by the Red Crescent for emergency services, along with logistics companies, ride-sharing apps and delivery services, in addition to being used by real estate developer ROSHN, who are rapidly developing and using it for their newly built properties in their communities and filtering out into private companies as well.

“We’re very proud to be part of that change which is happening in Saudi, around precision for navigation for all of these key industries of the on-demand economy and really hoping to thrive over the next few months toward the end of the year and with regards to the rest of the Middle East with the same (approach),” he said.

The UK-based company which was set up in 2013, has recently signed agreements in the last year to partner with more Gulf-based companies, while also enhancing existing cooperation deals and being more used by consumers, who are “getting what3words more ingrained in their daily lives,” Sheldrick added.

As part of the new partnerships, Saudi supermarket chain Tamimi Markets has adopted what3words for precise home delivery of groceries.

UAE-based ZAJEL Courier Services now also accepts what3words in the Emirates and Saudi Arabia to help improve delivery efficiency and enable retailers to offer more precise deliveries to their customers, making it the 23rd logistics company in the region to adopt what3words.

Last week, Kaafmeem, a Saudi fashion retailer specializing in women’s clothing, also partnered with what3words and the option has been added to the checkout page, so that customers can make sure they receive their goods to the correct 3 sq. meter entrance of their house, Sheldrick said.

“It’s a relatively small world around e-commerce, and we’re finding that the logistics companies themselves are recommending to retailers to add what3words on to the checkout page because they know that for themselves as delivery companies, it saves them time and money when they get that 3-meter precision, so I think we’re pretty cemented into the mobility, e-commerce and ecosystems there,” he added.




Chris Sheldrick, co-founder and CEO of what3words, said Saudi Arabia is seeing a trend where precision navigation is becoming a really key theme. Supplied

Sheldrick said the Gulf and Middle East have historically struggled with accurate addresses, but “it feels like now the whole region is uniting around this movement,” from the on-demand economy, ride-hailing, e-commerce, to grocery delivery, and being able to get to the entrances of people’s homes “first time every time,” and he feels that this is being supported by governments, industry and by consumers themselves.

“With some of our existing customers, let’s say (Emirati multinational logistics, courier and package delivery company) Aramex, who are the first delivery company in the Gulf to adopt what3words, there’s always more and more touch points as these companies grow the ways they need to integrate and what3words grows as well.

“At the moment, we are really focused on replicating the household name status that what3words now enjoys in the UK, into the Gulf region and especially in Saudi Arabia.”




What3words is looking to incorporate technologies so the pinpoint addresses are valid on the ground and become part of the aerial life and aspect as well. Supplied

With the Kingdom looking to lead the way in building smart and futuristic cities, developing electric vehicles, self-driving vehicles and drone deliveries, Sheldrick said that what3words is looking to incorporate those technologies so the pinpoint addresses are not only valid on the ground but become part of the aerial life and aspect as well.

“With a lot of the technologies which are coming into the region, there’s now approval for vertical takeoff and landing, let’s say taxis, there’s drone delivery, autonomous cars — now, in each of these cases, the precise location where you’re going to is incredibly important and (it is) incredibly important to be precise and not vague on those locations.

“So, we think that those are ideal places for us to partner, as these new industries effectively are built, what3words wants to be there right at the beginning as the regulations are being signed off that these can now be happening in everyday life as addresses must be more precise, this is a great opportunity for us to be getting established alongside these new technologies taking hold in KSA and the wider region.”


Saudi Arabia condemns ‘unjustifiable’ Iran attack on Qatar, offers ‘full support’

Interceptor missiles are fired, after Iran’s armed forces say they targeted the Al-Udeid base in a missile attack.
Updated 7 min 8 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia condemns ‘unjustifiable’ Iran attack on Qatar, offers ‘full support’

  • The Kingdom affirmed its solidarity and full support for Qatar and is deploying all its capabilities to support the country in all measures it takes

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday condemned strikes launched by Iran on targets in Qatar, a foreign ministry statement said.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the aggression launched by Iran against the sisterly State of Qatar, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness,” the statement said. 

“It is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” it added.

The Kingdom affirmed its solidarity and full support for Qatar and is deploying all its capabilities to support the country in all measures it takes, the statement added. 

Iran launched missile attacks Monday on a US military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites in the early hours of Sunday morning.  

Qatar condemned the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base attack, but said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. It said its airspace is now safe.

UAE condemnation

The UAE described the attack as a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, and a clear contravention of international law and the UN Charter.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its categorical rejection of any attack that threatens Qatar’s security and safety and undermines the security and stability of the region.

The ministry expressed the UAE’s full solidarity with Qatar and its unwavering support for all measures aimed at protecting the security and safety of its citizens and residents.

It also stressed the need for an immediate halt to military escalation, warning that the continuation of such actions would undermine regional security and drag the region down dangerous paths with disastrous repercussions for international peace and security.

The statement further called for diplomatic solutions and the principle of good neighborliness, stressing that serious dialogue remains the only way to overcome current crises and safeguard the region’s security, stability, and the safety of its people.

French solidarity

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a return to negotiations after Iran’s attack. retaliatory strike on a US military base in Qatar.

“The spiral of chaos must end,” he wrote on X. “I call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, de-escalate and return to the negotiating table.” He expressed his solidarity with Qatar.

Speaking to broadcaster France 2, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: “This is a dangerous escalation in which Iran bears a heavy responsibility. It is a cycle of violence that puts the region at risk of a widespread conflagration, which would have very serious repercussions even here at home.”

Egypt concerned

Egypt also expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attacks, considering them a “violation of its sovereignty, a threat to its territorial integrity, and a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

Egypt also expressed its “deep concern over the rapidly escalating and dangerous situation in the region,” stressing its "complete rejection of all forms of military escalation or infringement on the sovereignty of states,” according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Bahrain urges international action

Bahrain affirmed its “full support for the sisterly State of Qatar following the Iranian attack on its territory."

Bahrain expressed its solidarity as “required by the bond of brotherhood and blood, and affirms the solidarity of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in these sensitive circumstances facing the region, to exert the necessary efforts to exercise self-restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve all disputes through peaceful means,” according to the Bahrain News Agency.

The kingdom called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibilities in condemning the attacks, and taking effective steps to deter Iran's irresponsible actions. It also urged cooperation to restore stability and prevent further escalation in the region, embracing dialogue and diplomacy to preserve the security of the region and the peace of its people.

Omani rejection

Oman condemned the ongoing escalation in the region. An official spokesperson for the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Iranian missile attack on Qatar as “a rejected and condemned act” that violated the sovereignty of a Gulf Cooperation Council state, contradicted the principles of good neighborliness, and risked expanding the conflict to devastating effect.

Kuwait

Kuwait also denounced the Iranian strike, calling it a “blatant violation” of Qatari sovereignty and airspace and “a dangerous escalation that threatens peace, security, and stability in the region.”

Iraq’s deep concern

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the “dangerous and accelerating escalation,” describing the attack on Qatar as a turning point that could expand the conflict and warned of the risks posed by the involvement of new actors in the confrontation.

Jordan

Jordan strongly condemned the missile strike, calling it a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed Jordan’s “absolute solidarity” with Qatar in confronting threats to its security and stability.

Wider Arab response

Morocco joined the chorus of condemnation, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing the attack as a “blatant missile strike” and reiterating the Kingdom’s full solidarity with Qatar.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi said the organization was “surprised” but strongly condemned the Iranian attack, calling it a direct threat not just to Qatar but to all GCC states. He reaffirmed the Council’s unity and expressed surprise that the strike came despite the GCC’s condemnation of Israeli actions and ongoing mediation efforts.

The Arab Parliament echoed these concerns, labelling the attack “a flagrant and unacceptable violation of Qatari sovereignty” and warning of the dangers of further escalation.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a violation of a sister nation’s sovereignty, cautioning that it would heighten tensions and hamper de-escalation efforts.

Palestine also issued a statement of support for Qatar, describing the attack as a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty and affirming solidarity with the Qatari people.


New Arabic program aids healthcare workers

Updated 3 sec ago
Follow

New Arabic program aids healthcare workers

  • The initiative is part of a broader effort to offer profession-specific Arabic courses

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, in collaboration with the Riyadh Second Health Cluster, has launched the third edition of its Arabic for Health Purposes program, an educational initiative for non-Arabic-speaking healthcare professionals.

The program equips doctors and nurses with practical Arabic communication skills through an intensive two-month curriculum.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to offer profession-specific Arabic courses, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

It blends classical Arabic with the Saudi dialect and includes cultural activities to support integration into the local community.

Delivered through a flexible model accommodating various learning styles, it aims to enhance healthcare workers’ performance in real-world settings.

The first edition in 2024 involved four Riyadh-based healthcare facilities and benefited more than 150 practitioners.

The second edition, completed in April, served 52 participants in partnership with the Riyadh First Health Cluster.

 


GCC secretary general attends Gulf parliament speakers' meeting

Updated 53 sec ago
Follow

GCC secretary general attends Gulf parliament speakers' meeting

  • Al-Budaiwi emphasized the importance of establishing a stable mechanism to regulate the relationship between the Gulf parliaments and the European Parliament

RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi participated in a meeting of the speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils of the GCC states, alongside President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Al-Budaiwi emphasized the importance of establishing a stable mechanism to regulate the relationship between the Gulf parliaments and the European Parliament, an official report said.

“The importance of this meeting lies in its timing, which comes at a time when Gulf-European relations are witnessing a growing trend on most levels and a convergence of views on many regional and international issues,” he said in an official statement.

 


Iranian consul general commends Saudi Arabia for smooth pilgrim departure

Updated 23 June 2025
Follow

Iranian consul general commends Saudi Arabia for smooth pilgrim departure

  • Smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership
  • Services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations

RIYADH: Consul General of Iran in Jeddah Hassan Zarnegar praised the organization and facilities provided to Iranian pilgrims during their departure via Arar airport and the Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region.

He said the smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership, and demonstrate attention to pilgrims from all countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Zarnegar added: “The streamlined procedures — from disembarkation and swift passport processing to organized bus transfers — reflect efficient pilgrim management.”

He said that the services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations.

He added that Saudi-Iranian relations are rooted in religious and neighborly ties, and the care shown to Iranian pilgrims reflects this spirit of brotherhood.

On behalf of himself and the Iranian ambassador, Zarnegar expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their care and support, provided as part of an integrated system.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Border Guards Maj. Gen. Shaya Al-Wadaani inspected the work of personnel at the Jadidat Arar border crossing and monitored services supporting pilgrims’ departure after Hajj.

Al-Wadaani reviewed the procedures facilitating Iranian pilgrims’ exit, following directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensure proper services and support.

He confirmed that the Border Guard has mobilized all resources, in coordination with relevant authorities, to deliver the best services and ensure a smooth departure process.


Hazaa plant flourishes in Saudi Arabia’s northern deserts

Updated 23 June 2025
Follow

Hazaa plant flourishes in Saudi Arabia’s northern deserts

  • Due to its ability to handle high levels of drought and salinity, Hazaa has proved its ability to survive in difficult climatic conditions
  • Plant is known for its captivating aroma, and reaches a height of approximately 35 centimeters

RIYADH: Despite the harsh desert climate in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders province, native plants have found a way not only to survive but to thrive.

Among the local flora is the Hazaa plant, known scientifically as Ducrosia anethifolia.

The plant is native to the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and is part of the Apiaceae family of plants, which includes crops and medicinal plants, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Due to its ability to handle high levels of drought and salinity, Hazaa has proved its ability to survive in difficult climatic conditions.

The plant is known for its captivating aroma, and reaches a height of approximately 35 centimeters.

In addition, its unique appearance comes from its long, oval-shaped gray-green leaves that have sharp points, making the plant easily recognizable among other plants in the wild.

Along with its pleasant smell, the plant produces small, light yellow, umbrella-like flowers during the flowering season, with 12 to 18 flowers on each stem.

The Northern Borders region is also home to other plant species, including Reseda alba, Salsola tetrandra shrubs and lavender.