Honor’s ‘thinnest and lightest AI foldable smartphone’ to launch in KSA

Honor’s ‘thinnest and lightest AI foldable smartphone’  to launch in KSA
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Updated 25 August 2024
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Honor’s ‘thinnest and lightest AI foldable smartphone’ to launch in KSA

Honor’s ‘thinnest and lightest AI foldable smartphone’  to launch in KSA

Global technology brand Honor has announced the upcoming launch of its next-generation flagship foldable smartphone — the Magic V3 — in Saudi Arabia. Being the “thinnest and lightest AI foldable smartphone” on the market, the new foldable sets the stage for a future of innovation and design. Succeeding the Magic V2, the Magic V3 sets a new industry benchmark with its slim 9.2 mm folded thickness, as thin as a regular flagship bar phone.

When unfolded, it achieves an astonishing 4.35 mm thickness, defying expectations of what a foldable device can accomplish. Weighing just 226 g, it even outshines some of the flagship bar phones available in the market, demonstrating an ultra-lightweight nature. The combination of its ultra-slim profile and lightweight design provides users with a comfortable grip, elevating their overall smartphone experience.

Featuring the industry’s slimmest Honor Super Steel Hinge, the Magic V3 offers exceptional resilience and reliability to withstand the rigors of daily use.

The Magic V3 sets a new standard in durability with its use of a highly resilient fiber as the body material, replacing conventional fiberglass to elevate overall resilience. As the first smartphone brand that leverages the remarkable properties of this fiber, the Magic V3 achieves an impressive 40 times impact resistance compared to other flagship models and 40 percent thinner profile, ensuring unparalleled protection and slimness for the device.

Packed with the Honor Anti-scratch NanoCrystal Shield, the 6.43-inch external display of the Magic V3 showcases outstanding durability and stability. With advanced materials that have 50 percent higher crystal density, the display offers up to 10 times enhanced shock absorption capabilities compared to regular glasses, ensuring outstanding durability against accidental drops.

The Magic V3 features the ultra-large 5,150 mAh third-generation Honor silicon-carbon battery, delivering exceptional performance while simultaneously achieving a significant reduction in battery size.

Honor Magic V3 comes in three nature-inspired colorways, namely Reddish Brown, Green, and Black.

The new foldable will soon be available for pre-order in the Kingdom, with an exciting price and special offers.


BSF-AstroLabs program boosts Saudi fintech talent

BSF-AstroLabs program boosts Saudi fintech talent
Updated 10 September 2024
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BSF-AstroLabs program boosts Saudi fintech talent

BSF-AstroLabs program boosts Saudi fintech talent

Bank Saudi Fransi and AstroLabs, a business expansion platform in the Gulf, have announced the successful conclusion of the second cohort of their flagship “Banker Technologist” program, which seeks to expand Saudi Arabia’s fintech talent pool, thereby contributing to the advancement of the broader fintech sector.

As Saudi Arabia is rapidly evolving into a global financial technology and innovation hub, the program plays a pivotal role in generating employment in fintech. This is in line with Vision 2030’s objectives to increase the number of fintech companies to at least 525 by 2030, up from 200 in 2023 to create 18,000 job opportunities.

This six-month program is uniquely designed to shift the emphasis from theoretical concepts to practical skill acquisition through a learning environment created to simulate actual workplace scenarios.

During the initial stages, the 10 selected participants took part in group classes held at AstroLabs’ premises in Riyadh, covering core development topics such as web development, databases, security, cloud and digital services, integration and programming, along with soft skills and personal competencies.

Afterward, the participants got the opportunity to partake in mentorship sessions moderated by more than 10 subject matter experts including established bankers and CEOs as well as members from the AstroLabs’ network, among other stakeholders. This immersive experience has equipped participants with the necessary technological tools, personalized support and unrivaled networking opportunities, including a visit to the LEAP conference held in Riyadh last May.

Reema Siyam, head of learning and talent management at Banque Saudi Fransi Academy, said: “As BSF takes strides toward its mission to become the most modern, innovative, and experience-focused bank in the region, we continue to focus on attracting, developing, and retaining top talent in the Kingdom to achieve that mission. Our ‘Banker Technologist’ program focuses on the skills needed to accelerate digital transformation at the bank and on empowering our employees to take charge of their development.”

At the end of the program, the participants started to work within the bank’s verticals and were offered the opportunity to gather insights from senior leaders, industry experts and specialized mentors from AstroLabs’ wider network through weekly sessions.

Fouad Fattal, vice president of key accounts and programs at AstroLabs, said: “We are delighted to be completing the second cohort of the ‘Banker Technologist’ program, which represents a cornerstone of our commitment as a company to foster fintech talents amid a rapid uptake in digital banking as a key pillar of the fintech industry in Saudi Arabia.”


Carrier opens regional office in Saudi Arabia

Carrier opens regional office in Saudi Arabia
Updated 10 September 2024
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Carrier opens regional office in Saudi Arabia

Carrier opens regional office in Saudi Arabia

Carrier Global Corporation, a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, has announced the opening of its regional office in Riyadh. This strategic move underscores Carrier’s commitment to enhancing its operations in the Middle East, aligning with the region’s growth and development ambitions.

“Establishing our regional office in Riyadh is a strategic decision that aligns with our vision to be closer to our customers and partners in this rapidly growing region. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its focus on sustainability and innovation make Riyadh an ideal location for our regional headquarters.” said Didier Genois, vice president and general manager, Carrier CHVAC Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “This move will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers and accelerate the deployment of our cutting-edge intelligent climate and energy solutions across the region.”

Tony Jabbour, managing director of CHVAC Middle East, added: “The establishment of our regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia underscores our commitment to the region and reflects our confidence in its future growth. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this move creates for both Carrier and our customers.”

Carrier is committed to creating solutions that matter for people and the planet for generations to come. The company leads in inventing new technologies and entirely new industries, boasting a world-class, diverse workforce that puts the customer at the center of everything it does.


Cyber resilience takes center stage as MENA ISC 2024 kicks off in Riyadh

Cyber resilience takes center stage as MENA ISC 2024 kicks off in Riyadh
Updated 10 September 2024
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Cyber resilience takes center stage as MENA ISC 2024 kicks off in Riyadh

Cyber resilience takes center stage as MENA ISC 2024 kicks off in Riyadh

As the highly anticipated 12th edition of the MENA Information Security Conference kicks off on Wednesday, cybersecurity experts from around the world are set to converge in Riyadh to discuss and define the future of cyber defense in the Kingdom. Hosted by VirtuPort, this year’s theme “Hyper-Resilient Cyber: Navigating the Evolving Threat Landscape of the Interconnected World of IT, OT, IoT, IIoT and Hybrid Cloud,” shines the event’s focus on the intersection of various critical technologies shaping the modern digital ecosystem in the Kingdom and beyond.

MENA ISC 2024 will be powered by the collaboration of leading local and international cybersecurity firms whose combined market capitalization is over SR375 billion ($100 billion), including Salam, CyberKnight, Cyber Polygon (BI.ZONE) and other sponsors such as Kaspersky, Arcon, Cloudflare and Google Cloud Security, as well as PwC in the role of a knowledge partner. These partners play a crucial role in delivering key industry insights, emerging technologies real-time demonstrations and collaborative opportunities to enhance the Kingdom’s digital resilience.

Also present to boost knowledge sharing at the conference are speakers from various backgrounds, such as the distinguished speaker Craig Jones, former director of cybercrime at INTERPOL, who will lead a plenary session exploring the AI-driven cyber future, focusing on how artificial intelligence is transforming both defensive and offensive cybersecurity strategies. Also delivering a keynote will be Asma Al-Yemeni, who serves as the chief information security officer at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, where she is instrumental in developing and implementing robust cybersecurity strategies. With a strong background in information security and risk management, Al-Yemeni focuses on protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of security awareness within the organization, empowering staff and students to recognize and mitigate potential threats and is known for her strategic vision and leadership. 

Additionally, another speaker, Reem Alzamil is the CEO of CyberX, where she leads the company in its mission to deliver in cybersecurity awareness solutions. With over a decade of experience in the technology sector, Alzamil has a proven track record of driving growth and fostering a culture of innovation. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, allowing diverse perspectives to shape the company’s strategic direction. A recognized thought leader in the Saudi cybersecurity community, she is committed to empowering organizations to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape while safeguarding their assets against evolving threats

Beyond the palette of leading cybersecurity players and insightful individual sessions, MENA ISC 2024 will offer panel discussions, live demonstrations of the latest cybersecurity technologies, and a series of interactive workshops aimed at equipping attendees with actionable insights and skills. This year’s agenda also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government bodies, private sectors and international institutions to build a unified, hyper-resilient cybersecurity framework for one and all.

With over 3,000 expected attendees, including prominent figures from both regional and international cybersecurity landscapes, the conference is set to be the cornerstone for shaping the future of digital resilience in Saudi Arabia and beyond.


Zain KSA empowers people with disabilities in ICT sector

Zain KSA empowers people with disabilities in ICT sector
Updated 09 September 2024
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Zain KSA empowers people with disabilities in ICT sector

Zain KSA empowers people with disabilities in ICT sector

Demonstrating its commitment to empowering people with disabilities, Zain KSA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Zain KSA will offer specialized training and development programs, along with job opportunities for individuals with disabilities as part of this agreement. Additionally, registered users on the MHRSD platform will receive exclusive offers tailored to their needs.

This collaboration seeks to empower individuals with disabilities and boost their presence in the ICT sector. This initiative demonstrates Zain KSA’s values of diversity, inclusion, and equality. By offering equal opportunities to all, Zain KSA is actively contributing to Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of enhancing social services, particularly for people with disabilities, through training, development, and integration into the workforce.

Commenting on the development, Loluwah Saad Alnowaiser, Zain KSA’s executive vice president of human resources, said: “At Zain KSA, our commitment goes beyond advancing telecommunications and digital services. We are dedicated to nurturing creativity and innovation among young talent throughout the Kingdom. Rooted in our belief that every individual possesses unique potential, we view it as our responsibility as Saudi leaders to cultivate and invest in this talent. This commitment aligns with our broader strategy to foster diversity and inclusivity within the workplace and society at large.

“Since 2018, we have actively pursued initiatives, such as the We Able initiative, to advance these goals. At Zain KSA, we are dedicated to attracting, training, and developing talented individuals with disabilities. We equip them with the scientific and professional skills needed to pursue fulfilling careers aligned with their abilities. Our goal is not just to retain this exceptional talent, but to nurture and empower them, enabling them to play an active role in community development.”

In his statement, MHRSD’s Assistant Undersecretary for Rehabilitation and Social Guidance Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Hadithia said: “We are committed to creating an inclusive society where individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to contribute to the nation’s social and economic progress. Our partnership with the private sector is instrumental in achieving seamless integration in this area, aligning with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

Zain KSA partners with various organizations to empower individuals with disabilities to contribute to Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Most recently, the company partnered with the Authority of People with Disabilities on the Purple Saturday initiative to provide tailored and exclusive benefits to this community.


Bentley to launch new Flying Spur today

Bentley to launch new Flying Spur today
Updated 09 September 2024
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Bentley to launch new Flying Spur today

Bentley to launch new Flying Spur today

Bentley Saudi Arabia announced that the latest Grand Touring sedan — the new Flying Spur — will be launched on Sept. 10.

Reborn with the company’s new “Ultra Performance Hybrid” powertrain with 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, Bentley’s four-door supercar demonstrates the power of the possible. The new Flying Spur is not only the most powerful and most dynamic, but also the most efficient four-door car in Bentley’s 105-year history, with CO2 below 40 g/km, an e-range more than 45 miles, and total range of more than 500 miles.

The Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain is Bentley’s future, delivering astonishing flexibility from incredibly accessible supercar performance to silent, effortless electric luxury. To launch the new Flying Spur, Bentley Motors will release a film showcasing the car’s newly-expanded dynamic capabilities — at the hands of racing stars old and new.