Aqualia launches training program for Saudis

Aqualia launches training program for Saudis
The innovative customer services training program is designed to upskill Aqualia’s workforce.
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Updated 21 July 2024
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Aqualia launches training program for Saudis

Aqualia launches training program for Saudis

Aqualia, a water management company, has underlined its commitment to advancing the growth and development of the Saudi water sector by launching an innovative customer services training program designed to upskill its diverse workforce and empower Saudi talent to fulfill their potential.

The immersive training program has been rolled out across Aqualia’s Northern and Southern clusters, with detailed training sessions being conducted by experienced instructors specialized in acquainting learners with all-important tools such as customer care and billing system, business intelligence, automatic meter reading, mobile device management, and workforce management system. In total, 447 Aqualia employees will undergo 4,250 hours of training over a period of 10 months, with each staff member receiving at least 25 hours of training in each key area of the company’s customer services function.

Participants will spend eight of the 10 outlined months assigned to specialist trainers to gain greater insights into each distinct area of Aqualia’s customer services department. Qualified experts will also be on-hand to deliver training sessions focused on creating a better and more in-depth understanding of Aqualia’s Northern and Southern clusters’ business units.

Javier Díaz, country manager — Saudi Arabia, Aqualia, said: “As part of our ongoing efforts to drive the transformation of Saudi water management services, we are fully committed to investing in the training and development of our staff. We believe that empowering the industry leaders of tomorrow is crucial to safeguarding the future — of our industry and the nation as a whole. With just short of 400 staff employed across our Northern and Southern clusters — in four regions — providing a constant supply of water to a population of 5 million people, we are aware of how vital it is to ensure that each member of our team is supported to work to the best of their abilities. We have launched our customer services training program to do exactly that, with the unique offering enabling us to deliver an even higher standard of service.”


24 Fintech Day 2: barq signs additional agreements

24 Fintech Day 2: barq signs additional agreements
Updated 04 September 2024
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24 Fintech Day 2: barq signs additional agreements

24 Fintech Day 2: barq signs additional agreements

On the second day of 24 Fintech, barq signed several agreements with various technology and financial companies to achieve its goals of enhancing services and improving customer experience, as well as providing more innovative benefits and solutions that meet the aspirations of its customers.

Saad Al-Muhana, chief business officer of barq, signed a memorandum of understanding with Mahmoud Zou Al-Ghina, chief commercial officer of LikeCard, to improve customer experience. In alignment with this goal, Abdulrahman Al-Ageel, chief marketing and customer experience officer at barq, also signed an agreement with Abdullah Al-Dosari, chairman and managing director, T2 SMS provider. Additionally, to enhance service quality, Al-Muhana signed an MoU with Ahmed Hamdan, CEO and co-founder of Unifonic.

These agreements are part of barq’s participation at 24 Fintech, hosted in Saudi Arabia for the first time from Sept. 3-5, 2024, at Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. The event serves as a significant global platform for the fintech sector, characterized by a large turnout and participation from leading figures and decision-makers in technology and financial sectors worldwide.

barq has achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching 1 million customers within three weeks of the official launch of its application on app stores in the Kingdom. This accomplishment serves as a motivation for the company to exert further efforts to enhance its services in appreciation of its customers’ trust.

 


MBSC celebrates graduation of 23 leaders from MODON

MBSC celebrates graduation of 23 leaders from MODON
Updated 04 September 2024
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MBSC celebrates graduation of 23 leaders from MODON

MBSC celebrates graduation of 23 leaders from MODON

Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the Kingdom’s world-class business school, celebrated the graduation of 23 leaders from the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, known as MODON, who completed the Advanced Leadership Program.

MBSC’s Advanced Leadership Program provides a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to hone their leadership skills with an entrepreneurial mindset. The program is designed to help participants develop their strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. It also emphasizes the importance of team empowerment, innovation, and continuous learning in the modern workplace.

Dr. Zeger Degraeve, dean of MBSC, said: “The graduation of 23 leaders from MODON reflects MBSC’s growing impact and effectiveness in business education. MBSC has introduced a suite of new programs tailored to the evolving needs of professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage effectively in a dynamic and competitive business landscape.”

MBSC has been conditionally accredited by the National Center for Academic Accreditation and Evaluation, at Education and Training Evaluation Commission, from May 2024 to April 2026.

MODON signed a partnership with MBSC to develop national leaders capable of adopting innovative thinking patterns and enhancing their leadership skills, in alignment with the Human Capacity Development Program under Saudi Vision 2030.

MODON’s Advanced Leadership Program highlights the organization’s commitment to excellence by enhancing its current leaders’ skills for strategic roles. This initiative empowers leaders with the confidence, impact, and entrepreneurial mindset needed for high performance. Partnering with MBSC ensures its leaders receive top-tier training, reinforcing its dedication to fostering a culture of excellence.

MBSC is situated  in King Abdullah Economic City, a contemporary urban center that provides an unparalleled modern environment for both students and faculty. The college offers world-class education from Saudi Arabia for Saudi Arabia in both KAEC and Riyadh, delivering practical, pragmatic, hands-on experiential learning to develop a new generation of transformative leaders.

Since its establishment in 2001, MODON has been responsible for developing and overseeing industrial lands and infrastructure. It currently manages 36 industrial cities, both operational and under development, along with private industrial cities and complexes across the Kingdom. This includes 6,443 industrial facilities and more than 7,900 industrial, investment, and logistical contracts. The total area of developed land amounts to more than 209 million square meters. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, which positions industry as a strategic choice to strengthen the national economy and promote sustainable development, MODON has become a key entity in achieving these national aspirations.


CIP leader OPSWAT expands strategic footprint in KSA

CIP leader OPSWAT expands strategic footprint in KSA
Updated 04 September 2024
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CIP leader OPSWAT expands strategic footprint in KSA

CIP leader OPSWAT expands strategic footprint in KSA

OPSWAT, a global leader in critical infrastructure protection solutions, with headquarters in Florida, US, has seen a significant expansion of its presence in Saudi Arabia, marked by tremendous business and overall economic growth of the country over the past two years.

The Saudi cybersecurity market is surging forward, reaching a value of SR13.3 billion ($3.55 billion) at the start of 2024, making it a fertile ground for advancing the cybersecurity industry. This aligns perfectly with OPSWAT’s specialized CIP technologies and tailor-made solutions that integrate operational technology and information technology security seamlessly.

Vision 2030 focuses on enhancing the resilience and preparedness of critical national infrastructure and cybersecurity education and awareness in the Kingdom. OPSWAT’s expansion in Saudi Arabia is dedicated to protecting the Kingdom’s essential services against an evolving landscape of cyberthreats as well as addressing the need for improved educational and technical training.

Sertan Selcuk, vice president, METAP and CIS, OPSWAT, said: “Safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure against the rising tide of cyberthreats is essential to the nation’s security and economic stability. OPSWAT is dedicated to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by fortifying the Kingdom’s defenses through advanced cybersecurity training and innovative solutions. Our commitment is to ensure that Saudi Arabia’s vital assets remain resilient in the face of evolving cyber challenges.”

OPSWAT has been named the official educational partner for the MENA Information Security Conference 2024, which it is also a gold sponsor of. As part of this broader strategy, OPSWAT Academy, the educational arm of OPSWAT, will offer complimentary CIP certifications to all event attendees, tailored specifically to the needs of the region’s cybersecurity professionals.

“We are committed to equipping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals with the skills needed to safeguard critical infrastructure. Our partnership with MENA ISC 2024 opens new avenues for participants to access world-class CIP cybersecurity training,” said Irfan Shakeel, vice president of OPSWAT Academy. “This initiative is part of OPSWAT’s global SR37.5 million scholarship program, reinforcing our dedication to addressing the growing demand for certified CIP cybersecurity experts.”

Recent reports indicate a significant rise in state-sponsored cyberattacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s critical infrastructure, driven by the nation’s rapid digital transformation. With the average cost of a data breach in the Kingdom reaching approximately SR30 million, the need for robust cybersecurity measures and human resources has never been more urgent. OPSWAT’s initiatives directly address these challenges, ensuring that young aspiring Saudis receive world-class training and that the Kingdom’s essential services remain secure.


Wallan Trading launches Renault Arkana in KSA

Wallan Trading launches Renault Arkana in KSA
Updated 03 September 2024
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Wallan Trading launches Renault Arkana in KSA

Wallan Trading launches Renault Arkana in KSA

Wallan Trading Company, the official distributor of the French carmaker Renault in Saudi Arabia, unveiled the new 2025 Renault Arkana at an event held at Al-Ammariyah Hills in Riyadh. The event was attended by customers and members of the media.

Fahad Al-Wallan, chairman of Wallan Holding Company, said that the Renault Arkana represents a significant addition to Renault’s vehicle range in the Saudi market, with the vehicle being characterized by its modern, elegant design and innovative, practical features. He said that the new tech-powered model begins its journey in the GCC markets from Saudi Arabia — a market of tremendous growth potential and of strategic importance to the Renault Group. The Arkana has undergone field tests in harsh climatic conditions, demonstrating high durability and reliability, making it well-suited to the Kingdom’s terrains, environment and the preferences of Saudi consumers.

Al-Wallan added that Wallan Trading Company is committed to offering the best in automotive innovation to customers in the Kingdom, providing the latest products and advanced services to enthusiasts of the French brand in the Saudi market.

The Arkana is Renault’s star player in the C-segment of compact crossover vehicles, with more than 240,000 units sold since its European launch in October 2020 in markets across Europe, Australia, Japan, and beyond.

The new Arkana combines a fluid feel and imposing stance, featuring a sleek design and robust build. It boasts strong performance and fuel efficiency and includes Renault’s new identity with the new logo embedded in the grille at the center of the deep glossy black band that connects the front headlights, and on the rear trunk.

The smoothly curved surface adds a sporty touch to the vehicle and enhances the elegance of the exterior design. It is equipped with a panoramic sunroof, and both the front and rear lights are LED.

Inside, depending on the variant, the vehicle is equipped with heated front seats, keyless entry, push-button start, a 9.3-inch infotainment screen, an advanced six-speaker sound system, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, as well as cruise control, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and other driver assistance and safety features.

The new Arkana is available in three trims: Evolution, Techno, and Esprit Alpine, offering a broader choice for customers. The Techno and Esprit Alpine trims come standard with an advanced navigation system and Renault EASY LINK infotainment system, which also connects wirelessly to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Esprit Alpine trim features specifications that emphasize its sporty-chic character, such as the Satin Grey blade on the front bumper and the Shale Grey badge nestled in deep glossy black on the wing trim. It also includes 18-inch wheels and other features, with luxurious interior materials and distinctive colors that enhance its sporty-chic appeal.

The Renault Arkana measures 4,568 mm in length and 1,820 mm in width (2,034 mm with mirrors), with a wheelbase of 2,720 mm and an empty weight of 1,349 kg. It is built on the CMF-B platform developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, renowned for its efficiency, driving pleasure, versatility, high capabilities, and exceptional comfort.

The vehicle is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering up to 55 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 262 Nm at 2,250 rpm. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring an enjoyable driving experience on Saudi roads.

The Renault Arkana is available at Renault showrooms of Wallan at a price of SR94,749 ($25,250) for the Evolution trim, SR112,300 for the Techno trim, and SR116,900 for the top-of-the-line Esprit Alpine trim. ThEse prices include VAT and plates.


Centrepoint announces new store openings in Kingdom

Centrepoint announces new store openings in Kingdom
Updated 03 September 2024
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Centrepoint announces new store openings in Kingdom

Centrepoint announces new store openings in Kingdom

Centrepoint, the region’s premier shopping destination for fashion, footwear, beauty, and home essentials, has announced the opening of its newest store in Wadi Laban, Riyadh, and the relaunch of its fully renovated store in Al-Rashid Mall, Abha. These developments are designed to deliver an unmatched shopping experience for families and young customers.

According to a press release, the new Centrepoint stores are packed with features that set them apart as the “ultimate” customer-centric retail experience, seamlessly integrating the best of both online and in-store shopping. These enhancements are geared toward inspiring customers to “shop different” at the store through its use of smart technology, modern design aesthetics, and leisure offerings.

The new Centrepoint store in the vibrant Wadi Laban district of Riyadh offers customers in the area easy access to the latest collections and trends across a diverse range of brands and products. 

With a spacious, contemporary design, this store ensures a delightful shopping environment that is both inviting and easy to navigate.

Additionally, Centrepoint’s renovated store in Abha relaunched with a fresh look in a premier location on King Fahad Road. Situated on the ground floor near Gate 3 of Al-Rashid Mall, this store now offers a refreshed shopping environment with more space, improved navigation, and a bright, welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall customer experience.

Both stores provide a seamless and organized shopping journey, featuring an extensive selection of international brands and larger changing rooms for men’s and women’s fashion. To further elevate the shopping experience, customers can take advantage of convenient payment options, including Tamara and Tabby. The stores also offer click-and-collect services, fast checkout processes, self-checkout kiosks, easy return policies, and access to one of the region’s largest loyalty programs, Shukran.