Mobily has upgraded the level of security and reliability of cloud computing services, which led to enhance the confidence of public and private sectors. This comes in line with the vision and aspirations of the government about the importance of hosting websites and data inside the Kingdom.
The cloud computing services offered by Mobily are based on several axes, most notably the provision of a variety of packages to meet the needs of government, agencies and enterprises of all sizes whether giant, medium and small, in addition to providing high-quality service.
Mobily’s focus on cloud computing services is consistent with the government’s vision in respect of the necessity of relying on cloud computing services offered by national companies in light of the increasing threats to a lot of companies and important websites around the world, consequently it should prevent a lot of losses.
In this context, Engineer Ismail Al-Ghamdi, acting chief business officer at Mobily clarified that the research conducted recently in the Kingdom indicate that the most prominent obstacles faced by the governmental and private sector agencies to rely on the cloud computing are information security and how to control the infrastructure of the information technology.
From this perspective the cloud computing services have been designed by Mobily within special specifications of high security, flexible control of performance, which provides significant advantages in the traditional infrastructure of companies, asserted that all data is stored in the Kingdom and administered under the Kingdom’s sovereignty laws.
Mobily recently announced that it is the first major provider of approved cloud computing services, powered by Intel Cloud Technology, in the Middle East and Turkey.
Mobily entered into partnerships with the global largest providers of cloud computing services such as IBM and Virtustream with a view to bringing the latest experience and expertise into the Kingdom.
Mobily upgrades security, reliability of cloud computing services
Mobily upgrades security, reliability of cloud computing services
MWC Shanghai: Huawei embraces 5G-A for mobile AI era
Huawei, a global provider of telecommunications technology solutions, presented its cutting-edge 5G-Advanced and AI solutions at Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2024 under the theme “Advancing the Intelligent World.” The company showcased its latest products and solutions that support commercial 5G-A deployment and the AI devices required for the mobile AI era.
The year 2024 marks the start of a new era of mobile AI empowered by the commercial launch of 5G-A and rapid advances in AI. Leading operators in the Middle East and China have started to deploy 5G-A networks, with some of them already launching differentiated experience-based 5G-A packages.
Huawei’s Executive Director of the Board and Chairman of the ICT Infrastructure Managing Board David Wang delivered a keynote speech titled “Accelerating 5G-A and Shaping the Mobile AI Era.” He said that the mobile AI era will transform human-machine interaction, content production, and mobile devices, revitalizing society and creating opportunities for the mobile industry.
Wang said: “This month marks the fifth year since 5G’s commercial launch in China. Over the past five years, commercial 5G has achieved remarkable success and made an unprecedented impact on the global mobile industry.” He added that Huawei looks forward to working with all industry stakeholders to seize the enormous opportunities presented by the mobile AI era to shape the intelligent world.
Dr. Philip Song, chief marketing officer of Huawei Carrier Business Group, explained how Open Gateway will be essential for carriers to pursue experience-driven operations based on diverse 5G-A network capabilities. Open Gateway defines unified standards, billing modes, and a global ecosystem within an interoperable framework. It will become a new engine for 5G-A experience-oriented operations and spur the creation of new business models.
Yang Chaobin, Huawei’s board member and president of ICT products and solutions, discussed how AI technology, particularly generative AI, brings new opportunities and requirements to telecom networks. He introduced Huawei’s upgraded autonomous driving network solution, now powered by the company’s Telecom Foundation Model. This solution provides five role-based copilots and five scenario-based agents to enhance network value in service enablement, maintenance, and experience assurance.
Huawei has announced reaching six separate agreements with pioneering 5G-A operators worldwide and launched a joint initiative for high-quality mobile video development in the AI era. The company will continue to invest in the R&D of network APIs, exploring new services, accelerating the development of incumbent services like fixed wireless access, and improving O&M efficiency.
Leading operators around the world are already looking to capitalize on 5G-A. More than 30 operators have completed 5G-A technical verification, and nearly 20 mobile phone models currently support multi-carrier aggregation, with some supporting the feature by default. Around 10 operators have announced commercial 5G-A plans, including the launch of 5G-A packages and related services.
The number of global 5G users has exceeded 1.8 billion, and many operators have already seen the first wave of benefits from 5G.
MWC Shanghai 2024 was held from June 26-28 in Shanghai, China.
King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain goes digital
United Insurance Company, the provider responsible for mandatory insurance for vehicles crossing the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain, has announced that, effective July 1, short-term insurance policies (three, five, and 10 days) will be available exclusively through electronic channels.
The company said in a statement that the minimum insurance period available at physical insurance booths will be one month.
This initiative is designed to enhance the insurance services provided to vehicles using the King Fahd Causeway, streamline the process of obtaining insurance, and ensure a seamless crossing experience for travelers.
The new e-insurance service facilitates the issuance of insurance policies and the payment of fees online, allowing travelers to secure their insurance before reaching the King Fahd Causeway.
Maysa Al-Kooheji, CEO of United Insurance Company, said: “This measure is one of the initiatives we are implementing as part of our comprehensive digital transformation policy across all operations. This initiative continues the new phase of service development that began last January, marked by the launch of our new logo and visual identity.”
Hajj 2024: Najm ensures pilgrim safety on the road
CEO of Najm for Insurance Services Mohammed Yahya Al-Shehri expressed his gratitude and congratulations to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on the occasion of the conclusion of a successful Hajj season this year.
He also announced the success of Najm’s operational plan for Hajj, which involved deploying dedicated human and technical logistical capabilities as well as vehicles and other transportation means to enhance traffic safety, promptly address traffic accidents in the holy sites, and ensure the safety and security of pilgrims according to the highest standards.
“At Najm, we are honored to have been part of the Hajj’s success by efficiently implementing our operational plan. Najm succeeded in providing support for traffic plans on the roads leading to the holy sites and within the central region, ensuring the safety of pilgrims and enhancing the efforts of all relevant parties, including the General Traffic Department and the Special Forces for Road Security,” said Al-Shehri.
Najm’s operational plan for this year’s Hajj season, complements the Kingdom’s efforts in caring for the pilgrims, providing the best services, and creating conditions that allow them to perform the Hajj rituals with ease and tranquility. Najm’s plan relied on interactive maps, advanced digital tools to respond to traffic accident reports, and the enhanced capabilities of its operations room equipped with a network of technical systems that contributed to faster response times and handling of accident reports. Smart applications and systems were also deployed to serve pilgrims and to reach traffic accident sites in the shortest possible time.
Najm participated in this year’s Hajj mission with a field operations team consisting of approximately 120 members, including liability determination specialists and supervisors overseeing the mission. It also allocated a fleet of more than 80 motor vehicles and motorcycles. Technical and support teams from the Command and Control Center and the IT sector also contributed, with Najm’s teams assisting in easing traffic congestion and surveying traffic accidents in the holy sites of Makkah, Madinah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Najm’s teams also provided insurance services to pilgrims coming through all border crossings.
Najm is a closed and unlisted Saudi joint stock company established in 2007, to promote the vehicle insurance sector in the Kingdom. It provides an integrated system of insurance solutions and services to citizens, residents, and visitors in 44 Saudi cities through a skilled Saudi workforce.
Emirates NBD inks deal with Jarir Bookstore
Emirates NBD Bank, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye region, has signed a cooperation agreement with Jarir Bookstore, to enhance the customer experience by offering exclusive services and benefits to their clients.
This significant step embodies the vision of both companies to foster innovation and expand the range of services offered to customers, in alignment with market needs and customer aspirations.
Marwan Hadi, group head of retail banking and wealth management at Emirates NBD, said: “We are delighted with our partnership with Jarir Bookstore, the leading retail company in the region. This partnership reflects our joint commitment to providing the best services to our customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to enhancing the status of both Jarir and Emirates NBD Bank as leaders in their fields.”
Meanwhile, Abdulkarim Al-Aqeel, CEO of Jarir Bookstore, emphasized the importance of the partnership, saying: “We are pleased to collaborate with Emirates NBD Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in the region, to provide greater value to our customers. This strategic partnership allows us to offer distinctive benefits and enhances the shopping experience in our branches, aligning with our commitment to providing the best services to our customers.”
The signing of the cooperation memorandum took place in the presence of key executives from both organizations. Attendees from Emirates NBD included Hadi; Naser Yousef, CEO of Emirates NBD Saudi Arabia; and Ghassan Najmeddin, head of retail banking and wealth management — Emirates NBD Saudi Arabia. Representing Jarir Bookstore were Al-Aqeel, and Safi Alsafi, COO.
Strategic expansion: Budget Saudi acquires AutoWorld
United International Transportation Company, or Budget Saudi, a comprehensive mobility solutions provider in the Kingdom, has announced the acquisition of Al-Jazira Equipment Company, known as AutoWorld, a SEDCO Holding owned vehicle leasing company.
Budget Saudi’s shareholders voted in favor of the acquisition at the Extraordinary General Assembly held on June 24. This landmark decision marks a significant milestone in Budget Saudi’s history and paves the way for strategic expansion in a dynamic market poised for healthy growth.
Following the approval of the shareholders at the EGM, 7 million ordinary shares paid in full will be issued by Budget Saudi to SEDCO Holding and are expected to start trading on the Saudi Exchange upon completion of the necessary procedures with the exchange and Securities Depository Center Company. The new shares represent 8.96 percent of Budget Saudi’s share capital after the capital increase. Once the new shares are issued in favor of SEDCO Holding, a Saudi Shariah institutional investor with deep experience and a strong track record of investing in national champions, it will directly and indirectly own 8.96 percent of Budget Saudi. AutoWorld’s shares will be transferred from SEDCO Holding to Aljozoor Alrasekha, a Budget Saudi wholly owned subsidiary.
Fawaz Danish, president and group CEO, Budget Saudi, said: “The strategic acquisition of AutoWorld provides a robust platform for future growth opportunities, bolstered by the strong Saudi real economy, structural changes in the transportation sector, and the flourishing tourism industry. This deal, the first-of-its-kind in Budget Saudi’s history, enables us to lay the groundwork for strategic initiatives that drive sustainable growth, enhance competitiveness, and create shareholder value.”
With this acquisition, Budget Saudi will solidify its position as a market leader in the long-term vehicle rental and leasing market in the Kingdom. According to a credible third-party market report, the acquisition will increase the company’s market share from 12 to 18 percent approximately. AutoWorld’s fleet size of 14,000 vehicles brings Budget Saudi’s total car leasing fleet to 49,300 (based on FY 2023 figures), representing a strategic move to consolidate Saudi Arabia’s auto leasing market and enhance service quality in the evolving transportation sector.
