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Kaspersky receives regional HQs license in Saudi Arabia

Kaspersky receives regional HQs license in Saudi Arabia
Kaspersky opened a new office in Riyadh in 2022, adding Saudi Arabia to its ever-expanding worldwide network of offices.
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Updated 16 March 2024
Arab News
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Kaspersky receives regional HQs license in Saudi Arabia

Kaspersky receives regional HQs license in Saudi Arabia
Updated 16 March 2024
Arab News
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Kaspersky has announced receiving their regional headquarters license in Saudi Arabia from the Kingdom’s Ministry of Investment. This license reflects Kaspersky’s commitment toward elevating the cybersecurity competitiveness within the economic sectors of Saudi Arabia and is a step forward in strengthening the company’s footprint in the Kingdom.

The main goal of the regional headquarters is to provide comprehensive support for the operational activities of the Kaspersky group of companies in the Middle East and North Africa region. Kaspersky aims to ensure sustainable business development in the Kingdom and the region with a focus on strategic development, threat research and analysis, and the delivery of region-tailored services like managed detection and response, powered by Saudi-based SOC, and ICS CERT.

Operating in 200 countries and territories with 34 offices in more than 30 countries, Kaspersky achieved a milestone in 2022 by opening a new office in Riyadh and adding Saudi Arabia to its ever-expanding worldwide network of offices. This was followed in 2023 by Kaspersky’s first Transparency Center in Riyadh, to serve the entire Middle East region.

With several ongoing and planned initiatives to ensure future readiness with a digital-first approach, adoption of technologies like 5G, IoT and artificial intelligence by the Kingdom will potentially increase cybercriminal interest for targeted attacks and cyberthreats. Adding to the efforts of the Kingdom to build a strong cybersecurity infrastructure, Kaspersky launched the Cyber Generation training and internship program in Saudi Arabia in 2023. The educational program accommodates young talent both with and without a background in IT or cybersecurity and is aimed at increasing cybersecurity awareness, and enabling skills and knowledge sharing to defend against evolving cyberthreats.

Andrey Efremov, Kaspersky’s chief business development officer, said: “This is a significant milestone on our roadmap for growth in Saudi Arabia, as the Kingdom is swiftly transforming into an economic hub for the region. I’m very proud that we are a part of this transformation, and that our business in the Kingdom is developing successfully. This step will further enhance our abilities to better serve customers, partners, and organizations across the region, leveraging the unparalleled capabilities of our comprehensive portfolio of best-in-class, award-winning cybersecurity solutions to set higher industry benchmarks.”

Mastercard announces winners of mentorship program

Winners of the mentorship program from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Alkhobar.
Winners of the mentorship program from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Alkhobar.
Updated 4 min 28 sec ago
Arab News
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Mastercard announces winners of mentorship program

Winners of the mentorship program from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Alkhobar.
Updated 4 min 28 sec ago
Arab News

Mastercard partnered with Saudia and Blossom Accelerator for the third season of its “Her Voice” mentorship program, empowering female entrepreneurs to attain lasting success.
The entities hosted three workshops across Jeddah, Riyadh, and Alkhobar, with more than 100 participants across all the cities. Each workshop enabled the opportunity to foster connections among women from across the Kingdom, offering participants access to all-important learning and networking. A competition held at each workshop also provided the opportunity for one winner from each city to be granted the mentorship program.
Reima Sras, founder of Buthoor Tech; Munirah Alkadi, founder of Mawsim; and Sarah Albaiz, founder of Qantara Studio; were selected as the competition’s three winners, each being enrolled in the innovative “Her Voice” program facilitated by Blossom Accelerator.
Each participant was evaluated based on leadership, product viability in the market, business model strength, and other key criteria.
“As more Saudi women take the reins of leadership and drive the future of the Kingdom’s SME space, we must work to ensure that we continue pioneering innovative programs that bridge the entrepreneurship gender gap,” said Maria Medvedeva, country manager, Saudi Arabia, Mastercard. “At Mastercard, we believe collaboration is crucial to launching the effective platforms required to accomplish this goal, and we are pleased to have partnered with Saudia and Blossom Accelerator to empower even more women for Season 3 of ‘Her Voice.’ We look forward to seeing our mentees grow, flourish and thrive, realizing their considerable potential and serving as champions of Saudi female excellence.”
Essam Akhonbay, vice president of marketing at Saudia, said: “As Saudi Arabia’s national flag carrier, we are deeply invested in the nation’s future and believe women are central to its success.”
Through ‘Her Voice,’ we empower female entrepreneurs to thrive, inspiring future generations and creating pathways for small businesses to prosper. By showcasing their remarkable stories on our in-flight entertainment system, we not only highlight their achievements but also reinforce Saudia’s commitment to promoting local content that fuels economic growth and social progress.”
“At Blossom Accelerator, we are proud to be a global leader in driving inclusive innovation, recognizing that diverse perspectives are key to unlocking economic potential and maximizing investment returns. Our mission is to empower female-led startups across the globe, equipping them with the essential tools and resources to excel in the competitive digital economy,” said Emon Shakoor, CEO and founder.
This season focused on connecting people to their passions, with each episode exploring a different passion point, namely: gaming, tech, sustainability, culinary, and sport. Over the course of each interview, guests recounted their personal and professional journeys in their own voices in conversation with the host, renowned Saudi actress and broadcaster Danyah Shafei.

 

Topics: Mastercard

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stc on global expansion spree with development of data centers and submarine cables
Corporate News
stc on global expansion spree with development of data centers and submarine cables

stc on global expansion spree with development of data centers and submarine cables

stc on global expansion spree with development of data centers and submarine cables
Updated 7 min 9 sec ago
Arab News
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stc on global expansion spree with development of data centers and submarine cables

stc on global expansion spree with development of data centers and submarine cables
Updated 7 min 9 sec ago
Arab News

Leading digital enabler stc Group is continuing to implement its expansion plans to develop data centers and submarine cables, strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a digital hub in the Middle East. Two strategic projects have catapulted this effort: stc Group’s subsidiaries stc Bahrain and center3 have built a state-of-the-art Data Center Park in Bahrain, as part of one of the world’s largest submarine cable systems connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This project, known as “Africa 2 Pearls,” will extend over 45,000 kilometers, totaling $300 million in investment.
These projects complement the group’s investments through its subsidiary — center3 — a leading provider of international data centers and communications services via submarine cables. center3 now operates 25 data centers and has expanded its submarine cable network to include 16 cables connecting three continents. The network includes the “Saudi Vision Cable,” wholly owned by stc via center3 and equipped with three landing stations that ensure continuous and reliable data transfer services. This represents a fundamental pillar in the group’s long-term strategy.
The “Africa 2 Pearls” cable is an important achievement in this context, as it connects 33 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe, which supports stc Group’s vision for global expansion, data flow and communications, and enhances its position as a major driver of digital transformation across various sectors at the international level.

 

Topics: STC

The Chefz brings Saudi flavor to the world with their TikTok strategy

The Chefz brings Saudi flavor to the world with their TikTok strategy
Updated 22 November 2024
Arab News
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The Chefz brings Saudi flavor to the world with their TikTok strategy

The Chefz brings Saudi flavor to the world with their TikTok strategy
Updated 22 November 2024
Arab News

Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape has rapidly evolved to fully embrace social media, with TikTok usage growing steadily in the country. 

In response, businesses across the Kingdom are increasingly recognizing the platform’s significance. 

What uniquely sets TikTok apart in Saudi Arabia is its sense of community, a value deeply embedded within the connected society. 

This collective spirit fuels a dynamic for shared experiences on the platform.

One example of this approach is The Chefz, a leading delivery app in Saudi Arabia that’s using digital marketing to promote Saudi culinary culture globally. 

By integrating local flavors, presentation styles, and cultural values into their campaigns, The Chefz has developed an authentic brand voice that resonates with the Saudi audience.

As a Saudi local business, The Chefz prioritizes content that reflects the nation’s rich cultural heritage. 

Through culturally attuned campaigns that align with Saudi values, they foster a strong emotional bond with their customers. 

By showcasing regional flavors and foods, The Chefz effectively builds a community grounded in culinary heritage. 

This creates a sense of belonging among users who identify with the traditions celebrated in their content, promoting their brand’s presence on TikTok with authenticity.

The Chefz seamlessly merges traditional Saudi elements with modern marketing techniques. 

Their strategy includes balancing iconic foods and aesthetics with interactive digital features, ensuring that their content is both relatable and engaging.

They also utilize humor, local music, and storytelling to captivate Saudi customers, highlighting food’s central role in the culture. 

Additionally, they aim to establish a globally appealing local identity. By incorporating international sounds and trends, The Chefz makes their content accessible and intriguing to tourists who may need delivery services during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

A key element of The Chefz’s strategy is adapting campaigns to align with special occasions and traditions. 

During important periods like Ramadan and Eid, demand peaks, as well as in the winter season when reservation requests surge. 

During these times, The Chefz maximizes demand by emphasizing timely promotions, such as suhoor deals, and highlighting seasonal offers and traditional dishes. 

This approach reinforces their connection with cultural values and ensures that each campaign resonates with the unique significance of each occasion.

The Chefz’s strategy emphasizes data-driven marketing with a cultural focus. 

Their decisions are grounded in a deep understanding of customer behavior, especially around Saudi culture. 

By leveraging TikTok’s visual tools, trending sounds, and features like Spark Ads, The Chefz combines cultural relevance with modern engagement strategies, creating an authentic and immersive experience that boosts both interaction and sales.

Their commitment to cultural authenticity and strategic use of TikTok has fueled their rapid growth, with a 150% sales increase between 2021 and 2022. 

Now serving 5 million customers and boasting 2 million active users, part of what makes The Chefz’s so successful is their strong TikTok presence, amassing over 187k followers and 3.3 million likes on the platform.

By blending innovation with cultural authenticity, The Chefz has built a loyal community that continues to expand. 

Their approach has positioned them well to further deepen connections with both local and international audiences in the future.

 

Budget Saudi bags four prestigious awards

Budget Saudi bags four prestigious awards
Updated 21 November 2024
Arab News
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Budget Saudi bags four prestigious awards

Budget Saudi bags four prestigious awards
Updated 21 November 2024
Arab News

Budget Saudi, the Kingdom’s leading car rental company, has been commended for its commitment to delivering world-class transportation and logistics services.

It bagged four honors at the 2024 World Business Outlook – Endorsing Excellence Awards, spotlighting the company’s ongoing efforts to transform the Saudi transportation sector.

Budget Saudi received the award for “Best Customer Experience Services in Transportation and Logistics in Saudi Arabia.”

Three members of the company’s leadership team were also recognized with individual leadership awards.

The honor highlights Budget Saudi’s ongoing work to curate memorable journeys and experiences for its customers and consumers around the Kingdom.

Leveraging a state-of-the-art fleet of over 38,000 vehicles and an extensive network of close to 100 retail stations across 30 cities, Budget Saudi is firmly established as the largest rental and leasing network in the Middle East and North Africa.

Held on Nov. 2 at Marriott Marquis, Queen’s Park in Bangkok, the ceremony brought industry leaders from around the world together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of exceptional leaders across a diversity of markets and sectors. 

The gathering also shone a light on the accomplishments of Budget Saudi leadership team.

Fawaz Danish, president and Group CEO, received the “Excellence in Transformational Business Leadership in Saudi Arabia” award.

Dr. Mohammed Ravish Tatli, Group CFO, was named the “Best CFO in Merger & Acquisition in Saudi Arabia.”

Anil Mathew Abraham, VP Operations, Sales & Marketing, was commended as the “Most Efficient Marcom Leader in Saudi Arabia.”

Fawaz Abdullah Danish, president & Group CEO, Budget Saudi, said: “With our history in Saudi Arabia tracing back nearly five decades — being the first publicly traded car rental company in the Kingdom — we are as deeply rooted in the country as we are deeply committed to empowering the people, communities and businesses we serve with world-class services.

“We are so pleased to have been recognized by the World Business Outlook – Endorsing Excellence Awards. Not ones to rest on our laurels, we look forward to raising our standards even more and contributing to the development of the Saudi transportation industry. We are honored, thankful and inspired to do even better — today, tomorrow and in the years to come.”

Budget Saudi said its success at the awards builds on the company’s recent acquisition of Auto World — one of the major car leasing companies in Saudi Arabia.

Budget Saudi said that it “underlines the company’s commitment and leadership team’s drive and vision to achieve unprecedented growth, creating a legacy of innovation in the transportation industry.”

To learn more about Budget Saudi and its sustainability initiatives, visit: https://www.budgetsaudi.com

Diriyah Art Futures exhibition to showcase rare collection of world’s foremost computer art pioneers

Diriyah Art Futures exhibition to showcase rare collection of world’s foremost computer art pioneers
Updated 21 November 2024
Arab News
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Diriyah Art Futures exhibition to showcase rare collection of world’s foremost computer art pioneers

Diriyah Art Futures exhibition to showcase rare collection of world’s foremost computer art pioneers
Updated 21 November 2024
Arab News

Diriyah Art Futures, the first new media arts hub in the MENA region, has announced its inaugural exhibition titled “Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts.” Developed by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, DAF will host the exhibition from Nov. 26 to Feb. 15, 2025 in Diriyah, Riyadh, introducing the region to the power and potential of new media and digital art.

Curated by the renowned Jérôme Neutres, former director at the Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais in Paris, the exhibition brings together more than 30 global and regional artists to explore new forms of creative expression at a critical juncture of technological development. 

“Art Must Be Artificial” will present a sweeping history of computer art, from the 1960s to the present day, featuring works by iconic regional and international artists. The exhibition includes Saudi talents Lulwah Alhomoud, Muhannad Shono, Nasser Alshemimry (DesertFish), and Daniah Al-Saleh, their works spanning geometric abstraction, robotic and audiovisual art, and digital installations, showcasing the innovative spirit of the Kingdom. Notable MENA artists include VJ Um Amel (Laila Shereen Sakr, Egypt/US) and Haythem Zakaria (Tunisia), whose practices explore the intersections of media, culture, and technology.

Internationally acclaimed contributors include Refik Anadol (Turkiye), Ryoji Ikeda (Japan), Miguel Chevalier (Mexico/France), and Yang Yongliang (China), each known for their revolutionary use of AI, data, and digital landscapes. The exhibition also celebrates pioneers such as Frieder Nake (Germany), Vera Molnar (Hungary/France), Harold Cohen (UK), and Manfred Mohr (Germany), who laid the foundations of algorithmic and computational art. Other prominent names include Peter Kogler (Austria), Elias Crespin (Venezuela), Casey Reas (US), Daniel Rozin (US), John Gerrard (Ireland), Leonel Moura (Portugal), and Alan Rath (US), whose practices redefine creativity in the digital age.

Further enriching the exhibition are the collaborative works of Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau (Austria/France) and Edmond Couchot and Michel Bret (France), alongside experimental artists like aaajiao (Xu Wenkai, China), Anna Ridler (UK), Yining Fei and Chuck Kuan (China/US), Charles Sandison (UK), and Quayola (Italy). Together, these artists offer a comprehensive exploration of computational and robotic art, bridging history, innovation, and regional narratives.

The exhibition’s setting in Saudi Arabia, a country with a young, tech-savvy population, provides a fitting backdrop for this exploration of the evolving relationship between art and technology. With the word “algorithm” originating from the Islamic world, “Art Must Be Artificial” presents an intriguing regional connection, while bridging past, present, and future, to examine how algorithms and AI are transforming the nature of art creation.

Reflecting on his curatorial vision, Neutres said: “This exhibition seeks to explore a profound transformation, where artists are not just creators but architects of a new digital age. By embracing the power of AI and computational technology, contemporary artists are redefining the boundaries of art, opening infinite possibilities for the future. 

“At Diriyah Art Futures, we are presenting a dialogue between past pioneers and today’s visionaries, showcasing how the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is uniquely well-positioned to lead these critical conversations in the global art world,” Neutres added.

In addition to the exhibition, Diriyah Art Futures offers a robust programming schedule that includes panel discussions, masterclasses, hands-on workshops, performances, and guided tours, designed to engage audiences in the dynamic intersection of art and technology. The activities, which feature prominent artists and scholars, provide an immersive experience for those looking to deepen their understanding of new media art. Tickets for both the exhibition and public programs are available through the Diriyah Art Futures website, offering visitors the chance to participate in a range of unique experiences that push the boundaries of art. 

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