Zain KSA empowers people with disabilities in ICT sector

Zain KSA empowers people with disabilities in ICT sector
Loluwah Saad Alnowaiser, Zain KSA’s executive vice president of human resources, and Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Hadithia, MHRSD’s assistant undersecretary for rehabilitation and social guidance.
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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.


Monsha’at report spotlights notable progress in Saudi publishing industry

Monsha’at report spotlights notable progress in Saudi publishing industry
Updated 2 min 21 sec ago
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Monsha’at report spotlights notable progress in Saudi publishing industry

Monsha’at report spotlights notable progress in Saudi publishing industry

Monsha’at, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises, has released its latest quarterly SME Monitor, which highlights recent developments in the Kingdom’s dynamic SME ecosystem, from an increase in commercial registrations to a special chapter on its burgeoning publishing industry, which now has over 500 local publishing houses bringing Saudi and other Arabic-language authors to new audiences. 

The report shows that since the launch of the Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission in 2020, the Kingdom’s publishing industry has seen growth across a number of key metrics, from the number of publishing houses to the 2.2 million visitors that attended Saudi book fairs in 2023. Notably, the Riyadh Book Fair, the commission’s flagship event, featured works from 30+ countries and 2,000 publishing houses, helping attract over a million visitors and delivering $7.5 million in book sales. 

The chapter also highlights key initiatives by the commission to empower Saudi SMEs and entrepreneurs become better literary agents, forge literary partnerships with civil society and local cafés, learn and adopt best practices from international publishing houses, and develop better professional print and digital-facing publishing skills.

As a key enabler of the local publishing sector, efforts by Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission have been key to this progress, the report shows. “The commission has launched five business accelerators that have benefitted over a hundred SME projects whose average revenues increased by 20 percent and created 115 new permanent jobs,” said its CEO Dr. Mohammed Hasan Alwan. “Thanks to 54 public and private partnerships, the Kingdom has been able to attract regional and global publishing houses to the Saudi market to enrich local production, enable diverse experiences, and enhance the local market’s professionalism and competitiveness.”

In addition to its coverage of Saudi publishing trends, the latest SME Monitor also has a special section on global developments in the SME publishing space. These include new business models serving the more than 1 billion ebook consumers around the world, from the huge growth in digital, audiobooks, and direct-to-consumer subscription models to self-publishing and do-it-yourself models that SMEs stand to benefit from. 

In its survey of broader SME developments across Saudi Arabia, the report also reveals a notable uptick in commercial registrations in Q3 2024, a key indicator of the country’s robust entrepreneurial landscape. In addition to a quarter-over-quarter growth, the 135,909 new registrations marked a significant year-over-year increase. Almost half of these registrations came from female entrepreneurs, and nearly 40 percent were from young business owners, highlighting the extensive impact of the Kingdom’s diversification efforts.

Thanks to the variety of enablement, financing, franchising, innovation, and business development programs offered by Monsha’at, more than 25,000 Saudi SMEs also benefitted from the Kingdom’s chief SME enabler in Q3 2024, the report shows. Saudi Arabia’s VC funding ecosystem continued to lead MENA through the first three quarters of 2024, with $509 million deployed to Saudi-based startups over 104 deals in the first nine months of the year. 


New Murabba partners with NCVC for sustainable development

New Murabba partners with NCVC for sustainable development
Updated 17 December 2024
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New Murabba partners with NCVC for sustainable development

New Murabba partners with NCVC for sustainable development

New Murabba Development Company signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification in a landmark agreement for sustainable urban development. This strategic partnership underscores New Murabba’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national objective.

The collaboration will implement innovative solutions for vegetation cover development, desertification control, and biodiversity enhancement throughout New Murabba.

This initiative will create a greener and more sustainable urban environment and serve as a model for future developments across the Kingdom. The MoU was formally signed by Michael Dyke, chief executive of New Murabba Development Company, and Dr. Khaled bin Abdullah Alabdulqadir, chief executive of the NCVC.

Dyke said: “Through this collaboration, we anticipate the opportunity to exchange valuable experiences regarding the implementation of mutually agreed-upon joint programs and projects focused on afforestation and the enhancement of green spaces in designated areas within Saudi Arabia. Additionally, we aspire to strengthen our partnership with the center to facilitate a coordinated approach in operationalizing the necessary procedures and measures to preserve the ecosystem and natural vegetation.”

This collaboration, a key component of New Murabba’s comprehensive ESG strategy, will extend over three years and focus on pioneering research, innovative green vegetation strategies, and community engagement. As the future of downtown living, New Murabba is dedicated to setting a global benchmark for sustainable urban development by integrating leading-edge environmental practices into the core of its design and operations. The partnership exemplifies this commitment and will contribute significantly to creating a vibrant, sustainable, and carbon-neutral urban ecosystem.

The MoU also signifies New Murabba’s commitment to pioneering innovative solutions for sustainable urban development. By integrating green infrastructure and prioritizing environmental stewardship, New Murabba is contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11 (sustainable cities and communities) and Goal 13 (climate action), while setting a new global standard for future cities.


Saudi-based content creators explore the best of Indonesia

Saudi-based content creators explore the best of Indonesia
Updated 17 December 2024
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Saudi-based content creators explore the best of Indonesia

Saudi-based content creators explore the best of Indonesia

Six Saudi Arabia-based content creators recently embarked on a week-long journey to Indonesia, immersing themselves in the country’s vibrant cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Organized by the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah, the trip took place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6, and spotlighted the diverse attractions of Jakarta, Bogor, and Bali.

The group featured social media content creators, including Muath Alamri, Abdalhadi Alkhodari, Hussein Huraibi, Ibrahim Hakami, Yaser Taher and Jawad Mohammed. Their participation was part of a cultural and tourism initiative aimed at leveraging social media to strengthen ties between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia while also promoting Indonesia’s rich traditions and diverse attractions to audiences in the Kingdom.

The journey began in Jakarta, where the content creators participated in the city’s lively Car Free Day. This weekly event transforms the bustling streets of Jakarta into vibrant hubs for jogging, cycling, and various sports activities on Sunday morning.

The group then delved into Indonesia’s UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage. They attended a jamu workshop, where they learned to craft the traditional herbal drink celebrated for its health benefits. Additionally, they experienced the intricate artistry of batik, Indonesia’s iconic fabric, and wayang, the traditional art of shadow puppetry, and also toured the historic Batavia Old Town.

Their journey continued in Bogor, where the lush greenery of Taman Safari Indonesia offered a thrilling wildlife adventure. There, the group enjoyed a safari tour and interacted closely with exotic animals. This experience showcased Indonesia’s commitment to wildlife conservation and ecotourism.

The content creators concluded the journey in Bali, Indonesia’s most famous destination. The group visited the picturesque landscapes of Nusa Penida, a one-day trip destination from Bali’s mainland known for its pristine beach and dramatic cliffs. They also enjoyed adrenaline-fueled activities such as ATV riding and river rafting in Ubud. The combination of serene natural beauty and exhilarating adventures provided a memorable end to their journey.

This initiative underscores Indonesia’s innovative approach to promoting its cultural and tourism sector by leveraging the power of social media content creators to share the country’s diverse attractions and beauty with their audiences, inspiring more people to explore its captivating landscapes and vibrant culture.

The collaboration between the Indonesian Consulate in Jeddah and these Saudi Arabia-based content creators showcased Indonesia as a must-visit destination, further strengthening cultural and tourism ties between the two nations.


Mobily named ‘best wholesale company in Middle East’

Mobily named ‘best wholesale company in Middle East’
Updated 17 December 2024
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Mobily named ‘best wholesale company in Middle East’

Mobily named ‘best wholesale company in Middle East’

Etihad Etisalat, better known as Mobily, Saudi Arabia’s leading telecommunications, media, and technology company, has won the “Best Wholesale Company in the Middle East Award for 2024” during the 18th Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, held in Dubai on Dec. 10-11.

This award recognizes Mobily’s pivotal role as a key player in the region’s wholesale and carrier landscape and its unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge digital solutions across local, regional, and international markets.

The recognition also highlights Mobily’s success in executing strategic initiatives to build strong partnerships and develop innovative business models. These efforts align with the Kingdom’s digital transformation goals and Saudi Vision 2030, ensuring Mobily continues to meet the evolving needs of its customers and partners.

Thamer Al-Fadda, senior vice president, wholesale and carrier services at Mobily, said: “We are honored to receive this award, which highlights our dedication to investing in digital infrastructure and carrier solutions, delivering state-of-the-art services, and enhancing customer experiences both locally and globally. This achievement is a testament to our role in advancing the Kingdom’s position as a digital leader.”

Mobily’s contributions to the Middle East’s digital empowerment are evident through its comprehensive digital ecosystem, encompassing robust local and international connectivity, advanced data center solutions, and a neutral international internet exchange. 

These initiatives support local and global enterprises while bolstering Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a global digital hub connecting East and West.

The Telecom Review Summit brought together senior executives from more than 36 countries, fostering dialogue on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the ICT sector, with a particular focus on the Middle East region.


Vaccinating the future: Sanofi drives innovation and impact in Gulf region

Baptiste de Clarens, general manager of Sanofi
Baptiste de Clarens, general manager of Sanofi
Updated 17 December 2024
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Vaccinating the future: Sanofi drives innovation and impact in Gulf region

Baptiste de Clarens, general manager of Sanofi

When Baptiste de Clarens stepped into the role of general manager for vaccines in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region at Sanofi less than a year ago, he brought with him a wealth of experience, a track record of success, and a vision to transform the region. De Clarens, whose career has spanned continents — from Korea to France and now the Middle East — has embraced this new chapter with a clear mission: to redefine how Sanofi leverages its innovative vaccine pipeline while navigating the unique challenges and opportunities of the Gulf.

The Gulf region is no longer just a market that executes global strategies; it has emerged as a vital area shaping Sanofi’s global agenda. De Clarens sees this shift as a pivotal moment, a chance to “write a new growth story” for the region. And at the heart of this story lies Sanofi’s cutting-edge vaccine pipeline, which includes groundbreaking developments like high-dose flu vaccines and RSV monoclonal antibodies. These innovations, paired with ambitious plans for local vaccine manufacturing as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, position Sanofi as a key player in the Gulf’s healthcare transformation.

One standout milestone is the launch of Sanofi’s RSV monoclonal antibody in Kuwait, with plans to be introduced in Saudi Arabia and the UAE soon. This innovation has already proven its impact in markets like the US and Europe by reducing infant hospitalizations by up to 90 percent. For de Clarens, the introduction of RSV solutions in the Gulf is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in public health outcomes — redefining how infants are protected.

However, driving change in the Gulf comes with its share of challenges. Despite the region’s exceptional success in pediatric immunization — especially in Saudi Arabia, which boasts some of the highest global vaccination rates — adult immunization lags behind. Vaccine skepticism remains a hurdle, particularly for flu and COVID-19 vaccines among older populations. De Clarens recognizes this gap and is laser-focused on strengthening immunization infrastructure and public health awareness to address it.

Localization is another cornerstone of de Clarens’ strategy. Through Sanofi’s partnership with Arabio and other key stakeholders, the company is advancing vaccine manufacturing capabilities in Saudi Arabia. This effort aligns not only with Vision 2030’s goal of achieving healthcare autonomy but also underscores Sanofi’s long-term commitment to the region.

De Clarens views the Gulf as a region of immense potential. “The region has been successful in the past, but now we have access to tools and resources that were not fully utilized before,” he said. With more than 30 vaccine launches planned globally in the next five years, the Gulf stands poised to lead in adoption and innovation.

As the world’s eyes turn to the Middle East, driven by transformative visions like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, de Clarens is clear-eyed about Sanofi’s role in shaping the future of healthcare in the region. With a focus on innovation, public health, and local partnerships, his leadership promises to leave a lasting impact — not just for Sanofi, but for the millions of lives touched by vaccines in the Gulf and beyond.