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FedEx taps WhatsApp for e-commerce delivery

FedEx taps WhatsApp for e-commerce delivery
Customers get more peace of mind through the traceability of their package on their mobile devices.
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Updated 26 August 2024
Arab News
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FedEx taps WhatsApp for e-commerce delivery

FedEx taps WhatsApp for e-commerce delivery
Updated 26 August 2024
Arab News
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Federal Express Corporation, the world’s largest express transportation company, has enhanced its FedEx Delivery Manager International e-commerce solution with delivery notifications on WhatsApp, available in both English and Arabic, for package recipients in Saudi Arabia.

FDMi is an interactive e-commerce delivery solution that provides customizable delivery options and alerts. E-tailers using the solution can offer their customers the ability to choose the timing and location of their deliveries to fit their schedule — and change the delivery address when the shipment is in transit — giving them extra flexibility at no extra cost.

“The FDMi service enhancement facilitates interactive communication for package recipients, providing them with updates from pickup to delivery. This enhancement underscores our continuous efforts to streamline and simplify the last-mile delivery process, ensuring convenience for consumers,” said Abdulrahman Al-Mubarak, managing director of FedEx Middle East operations.”

Recipients expecting inbound deliveries receive a WhatsApp notification from FedEx upon shipment pickup. FedEx uses a META-verified WhatsApp business account that helps recipients mitigate online risks, such as WhatsApp scams perpetrated using the FedEx brand. Recipients can message and chat with FedEx directly in the language of their choice, as well as access tracking status and re-direct options with the click of a button directly in the WhatsApp chat window.

The integration of WhatsApp into FDMi offers considerable benefits to all participants in the e-commerce ecosystem. In an increasingly competitive online marketplace, FDMi helps e-tailers, especially SMEs, provide a differentiated service offer. Customers get more peace of mind through the traceability of their package on their mobile devices, as well as an enhanced online shopping experience. It also helps FedEx minimize delivery attempts to recipients who may not be present at the registered delivery address.

The WhatsApp instant messaging social media platform has more than 2 billion active monthly users globally, with over 22 million users in the Kingdom, making it one of the most popular communication apps in the country. 

Two young Saudis awarded Rhodes Scholarships to study at Oxford

Two young Saudis awarded Rhodes Scholarships to study at Oxford
Updated 03 November 2024
Arab News
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Two young Saudis awarded Rhodes Scholarships to study at Oxford

Two young Saudis awarded Rhodes Scholarships to study at Oxford
Updated 03 November 2024
Arab News

Lana Alabbasi and Mohammed Alharthi have won the prestigious Rhodes Scholarships for Saudi Arabia this year. 

They will be heading to the University of Oxford in October 2025 to join a cohort of more than a 100 scholars from around the world to undertake fully funded postgraduate studies and become part of a strong community of young people determined to make a positive difference in the world. 

The Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s preeminent and oldest graduate fellowship, based at the University of Oxford since 1903. The first Saudi Arabia scholarship was established in 2018 with a gift from Muhammad Alagil, and a second was added in 2020 with a gift from Abdulrahman Alagil Sons. The donors are co-founders of Jarir Bookstores and made their gifts in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Education. 

Education is one of the core elements of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious blueprint for the future. The Rhodes Scholarships enable outstanding students from across the Kingdom to fully develop their skills and knowledge in the fields that will help Saudi Arabia achieve its goals under Vision 2030. This year, exceptional circumstances enabled the award of a third Rhodes Scholarship for Saudi Arabia. 

Students from anywhere in the world can apply for a Rhodes Scholarship and many find that taking part in the rigorous selection process is a profoundly positive experience, which leaves them well placed to go on to a Rhodes Scholarship or other opportunities worldwide. 

The Rhodes selection process aims to choose young people with proven academic excellence who also show exceptional character, leadership, the energy to use their talents to the full and a commitment to solving humanity’s challenges. The selection process includes a rigorous review process before the finalists interview with a selection committee composed of renowned experts and leaders in diverse fields. 

Rhodes Scholars form a lifelong community of people in many fields and careers, united by a commitment to having a positive impact on the world. This year’s winners continue this legacy of excellence. They include:

  • Lana Alabbasi is a senior at King Abdulaziz University majoring in physics with a focus on astrophysics. She recently completed a research fellowship at the California Institute of Technology, where she studied neutron star collisions. In addition, she was an Astrophysics Cambridge Future Scholar at the Cambridge Center for International Research, researching black holes, and worked as a research assistant at King Abdulaziz University on a published study in particle physics. Alabbasi is the founder and director of the Falak Research Program, Saudi Arabia’s first mentorship initiative in space science, which connects students with experts from around the world. She plans to apply for the DPhil in astrophysics at Oxford.
  • Mohammed Alharthi is a senior at University of California Los Angeles majoring in mathematics/ economics and in political science with a specialization in international relations. He interned with McKinsey and Company and at the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. He is also the co-founder and chief strategy officer of Furas, a startup dedicated to expanding internship opportunities for young Saudis. In his free time, he enjoys playing padel, competing in the card game Baloot, and public speaking. At Oxford, he plans to apply for the MSc in global governance and diplomacy.

Dr. Elizabeth Kiss, CEO of the Rhodes Trust, said: “We are excited to see the tremendous talents of this year’s Rhodes Scholars Elect, who come from countries all around the world. We know from 120 years of bringing exceptional people to Oxford to study and build a dynamic global community, that when unlikeminded but likehearted people come together, we can forge brighter futures for individuals and the world.”

Professor Christian Sahner, national secretary of the Rhodes Scholarships for Saudi Arabia, said they are “all exceptional young people and richly deserving of this fantastic opportunity. The selection committee was very impressed by their past achievements and confident of the positive impact they will have on Saudi Arabia and the world going forward.” 

The Rhodes Trust is committed to ensuring that the world’s diversity of background and thought is reflected at Rhodes House, which has expanded the scholarship to include Global Scholarships and new constituencies in recent years. 

Applications for the 2026 Rhodes Scholarships will open in June 2025. More information about the scholarship application can be found at: www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/apply.

Resorts World Cruises sails maiden voyage from Dubai

Resorts World Cruises sails maiden voyage from Dubai
Updated 03 November 2024
Rashid Hassan
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Resorts World Cruises sails maiden voyage from Dubai

Resorts World Cruises sails maiden voyage from Dubai
Updated 03 November 2024
Rashid Hassan

DUBAI: Resorts World Cruises, a world-class cruise line, has arrived in Dubai, with the Resorts World One commencing her first sailing on Nov. 1. 

The arrival of the magnificent RW1 at Port Rashid underscores Dubai’s position as a premier destination for international cruising, ushering in a new era for the emirate’s maritime and tourism sectors.

The 1,800-passenger cruise ship departs from Port Rashid Cruise Terminal 2 in Dubai three times a week to several Gulf destinations.

A special celebratory event was held on the ship on Thursday, with close to 600 invitees in attendance, to commemorate this milestone event. 

Resorts World Cruises President Michael Goh and its senior management welcomed onboard regional dignitaries, authorities, members of the press and key influencers. The event included a series of memento presentations, with invitees 

having the chance to experience the onboard live performances, the wide array of cuisines and a guided tour of the ship’s accommodations, facilities, and offerings.

As part of the inaugural sailing celebration, guests can look forward to special added-value promotions. This includes complimentary food and beverage onboard credits valued at 700 dirhams ($190) per cabin for sailings in November for both the three-night Oman Cruise and two-night Qatar Cruise. 

The RW1 provides exciting new vacation options from Dubai for the weekend with the two-night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise departing Fridays.

Guests can also look forward to the two-night (Doha) Qatar Cruise departing Wednesdays and the three-night Muscat-Khasab (Oman) Cruise departing Sundays. 

For longer cruises, guests may combine the itineraries to enjoy a four-, five- and seven-night cruise.

“We have been counting down the days and we are delighted that the Resorts World One has arrived in Dubai and is ready to sail. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the local and regional governments, authorities, travel business partners, media, and our guests for the support. We are looking forward to bringing unique experiences to the Gulf region and we are excited to launch our first cruise with a special onboard Diwali celebration for the entire week,” said Michael Goh, president, Resorts World Cruises. 

Saud Hareb Almheiri, cruise tourism and yachting lead at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “Dubai extends its warmest congratulations to Resorts World Cruises on the successful launch of its new services, which it is proud to be the homeport for. This significant development underscores Dubai’s ongoing growth as a premier cruise destination, attracting world-class operators, and providing exceptional experiences for global travelers seeking to explore the region, as envisioned by our leadership, and in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. As we embark on an exciting new season, we would like to extend our gratitude to our partners and stakeholders, whose unwavering support has made this possible. Together, we look forward to further reinforcing Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region.”

The RW1 is certified by the highly reputable Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Standards and Metrology Institute, with the ship offering certified Halal cuisines, including vegetarian/Jain cuisine, and Muslim-friendly onboard offerings, which will provide peace of mind for Muslim guests from across the region.

RWC is a brand extension of Resorts World, which operates more than 30 properties worldwide in Asia, Europe, North America and Africa, with annual visitation of about 40 million.

RWC made its homeport debut in Singapore in June 2022 with the flagship Genting Dream. Within less than a year, the RW1 joined the fleet in Hong Kong. It further expanded its homeport footprint to Kuala Lumpur, Kaohsiung, Keelung (Taipei), Jakarta and now Dubai. 

To date, RWC has sailed to more than 30 destinations across Southeast and East Asia, covering Okinawa and Kyushu in Japan, and the Gulf region.

Saudi aviation airshow announces exciting event lineup

Saudi aviation airshow announces exciting event lineup
Updated 02 November 2024
Arab News
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Saudi aviation airshow announces exciting event lineup

Saudi aviation airshow announces exciting event lineup
Updated 02 November 2024
Arab News

The highly anticipated Saudi General Aviation Airshow — Sand and Fun 2024 is set to take place from Nov. 19 to 23 at Al-Thumamah Airport, Riyadh. As the largest aviation event in the Middle East, Sand and Fun 2024 will gather industry leaders and aviation enthusiasts to celebrate aviation innovation and creativity, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Bringing together more than 100 exhibitors from across the globe and an expected 100,000 visitors, this year’s edition promises to be the biggest to date, showcasing the latest in general aviation technology and developments, as well as thrilling aerial displays and interactive exhibits.

At the heart of the airshow will be the SkyVentures Air Show, featuring more than 15 international airshow teams. Spectators can expect breathtaking performances by world-renowned teams such as the Saudi Hawks and the Phoenix Paramotors Display Team from Poland. These aerial spectacles will showcase precision flying and aerobatic artistry, captivating audiences of all ages, with a special surprise awaiting attendees.

The Static Display will offer visitors a chance to get up close to some of the most advanced military and civilian aircraft, featuring participation from the Ministry of Defense, National Guard, and the Presidency of State Security. The exhibition will delve into cutting-edge aviation technologies, from 3D printing, flight simulators, and drone displays, to RC planes and laser shows.

A key highlight will be the Hangar Talks, where aviation experts and industry leaders will discuss critical trends and innovations. Topics will include AI in aviation, urban air mobility, safety and security, and business aviation. 

This platform will provide a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in discussions shaping the future of the aviation industry, featuring inspiring stories including expeditions to the South Pole.

Families and aviation enthusiasts alike will enjoy the Avitainment Zone, where education meets entertainment. This interactive space will feature virtual reality experiences, rocket building workshops, and a real-life Iron Man suit, offering fun and engaging activities for visitors of all ages.

For younger attendees, the Kids Zone will provide a host of fun, educational activities, including aviation-themed workshops, interactive exhibits, and flight simulators designed specifically for children. The dedicated photo zone will ensure that all these memorable moments are captured.

Visitors can also indulge in a variety of food and beverage options, with an array of food stalls offering international cuisines, snacks, and refreshments.

The week-long event will culminate in a spectacular music concert, blending aviation excitement with live performances by leading regional artists.

In addition to Sand and Fun 2024, aviation professionals may also take note of the concurrent 118th FAI General Conference, being held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh Convention and Exhibition Center. The event brings together the global aviation and air sports community to discuss the future of flight.

stc forges new partnerships to revolutionize healthcare sector

stc forges new partnerships to revolutionize healthcare sector
Updated 02 November 2024
Arab News
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stc forges new partnerships to revolutionize healthcare sector

stc forges new partnerships to revolutionize healthcare sector
Updated 02 November 2024
Arab News

stc Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler, showcased its cutting-edge digital health solutions at the recent Global Health Exhibition. The group forged several notable partnerships poised to significantly advance and strengthen the Kingdom’s healthcare sector.

The exhibition, in its seventh year, took place at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center under the theme “Invest in Health.” It offered an opportunity for government officials, industry experts, and healthcare professionals to come together to discuss transformative investments in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector.

stc signed several significant agreements to revolutionize healthcare across Saudi Arabia. These partnerships align with the Vision 2030 goals and highlight the group’s pivotal role in driving digital transformation in the healthcare sector.

Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs

Guided by Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to improve the quality of services, increase healthcare access for all, and adopt advanced digital health solutions, stc Group announced a partnership with the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. This new partnership will support medical diagnoses with the latest AI solutions. It will enhance clinical decision-making through AI-driven data analysis, and foster collaboration between clinical and technical teams in both medical and non-medical AI fields.

Medication Dispensing Machines

stc Group announced an agreement to automate medication dispensing machines across hospitals, government centers and public places in the Kingdom. The service will also be available in remote areas, actively supporting the ongoing digital health transformation and enhancing the patient experience.

Ministry of Health

stc Group announced two contracts to deliver the national PACs Tele ICU project to transform the Ministry of Health’s technological capabilities, infrastructure, cloud services, and cybersecurity requirements. This digital health transformation, in line with Vision 2030, will revolutionize patient care across the ministry.

National Unified Procurement Company

A new partnership with the National Unified Procurement Company, which specializes in medical equipment supply and logistics for government entities, will integrate cutting-edge technologies into the healthcare supply chain, supporting the timely and effective delivery of medical supplies.

Dr. Mohammed Alfagih Hospital

Through a separate partnership with Dr. Mohamed Alfagih Hospital, stc Group will elevate the patient experience within hospital rooms, offering a more comfortable stay for patients. The in-room experience will be transformed through the integrated use of infotainment, stc tv and essential core services.

Almana Hospital

Almana Hospital has chosen stc Group as their cybersecurity operations partner in their recent managed SOC selection. Under this partnership, stc Group will provide advanced threat protection and mitigation while enabling comprehensive regulatory compliance, creating a secure ecosystem.

Hail Health Cluster

stc showcased a successful partnership with the Hail Health Cluster on population health management. This collaboration enabled the Hail Health Cluster to raise health awareness, and has provided the cluster with elevated digital health solutions in line with stc Group’s digital capabilities.

stc Group’s participation in the Global Health Exhibition 2024 underscores its unwavering commitment to transforming Saudi Arabia’s healthcare landscape through innovative digital solutions and strategic partnerships. 

By signing agreements with key organizations and government entities, stc Group is poised to drive significant advancements in patient care, healthcare access, and operational efficiency.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 debuts in MENA from the heart of Abu Dhabi

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 debuts in MENA from the heart of Abu Dhabi
Updated 01 November 2024
Arab News
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 debuts in MENA from the heart of Abu Dhabi

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 debuts in MENA from the heart of Abu Dhabi
Updated 01 November 2024
Arab News

Last week, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, witnessed the highly anticipated launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the latest installment of the world’s most popular first-person shooter series.

The celebratory event, hosted by Activision Blizzard in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Gaming, brought together regional influencers and content creators for a thrilling two-day experience. 

The launch included a unique opportunity for 14 of the biggest regional influencers to test their skills on Oct. 24 at Abu Dhabi’s iconic Yas Marina Circuit, where they drove Formula 3000 cars, capturing the adrenaline-fueled excitement of the game and winning limited edition Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 helmets. 

On Oct. 25, the event continued with a 6v6 showdown in Black Ops 6, complemented by a captivating drone show that illuminated the Abu Dhabi skyline with iconic elements from the game and Abu Dhabi Gaming logo, marking a memorable moment for the gaming community across the Middle East.

These events confirm Activision Blizzard’s commitment to the Middle East and Africa region, showcasing its strong support for content creators and delivering exciting, immersive experiences tailored to the local gamers through its globally renowned franchise.

Abu Dhabi Gaming, a government-led initiative, drives Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global gaming hub by fostering talent, innovation, and industry growth. Bringing together government bodies, commercial partners, and content creators, the initiative supports a thriving ecosystem poised to showcase regional content on the world stage. The launch of Black Ops 6 exemplifies Abu Dhabi Gaming’s commitment to elevating Abu Dhabi’s role in the gaming industry.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is now available on Xbox One/ Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4|5, Battle.net, Steam, Game Pass Console and Game Pass PC.

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