GSMA M360 MENA 2024: Unlocking the future of MENA’s digital transformation

Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer of GSMA.

Updated 12 November 2024

Arab News

November 12, 2024 18:11

This Nov. 18-19, international and regional leaders from the mobile, technology and policy sectors will convene at the first-ever Doha edition of M360 MENA, opening a transformative chapter in the digital evolution of the Middle East and North Africa. The region’s digital economy is projected to grow from $180 billion today to $780 billion by 2030, and with Qatar’s leadership in digital innovation and ambitious vision for a thriving, global economy, we are honored to hold M360 MENA with host sponsor Ooredoo, in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Technology.

Innovation and digital progress

M360 MENA will commence with the event’s official opening ceremony led by Mohammed bin Ali Al-Mannai, minister of communications and information technology of Qatar, with Aziz Aluthman Fakhroo, group CEO of Ooredoo, and Jawad Abbassi, head of MENA at GSMA.

With a focus on AI and 5G, M360 MENA is shaping up to be an unmissable event for networking and debate, fostering innovation and collaboration and helping to advance the digital economy’s growth potential across MENA. A diverse group of C-suite executives, government officials and technology innovators will gather to share knowledge and discuss the partnerships, tech and policies that promise to unlock the power of connectivity and drive the region forward.

Also set for M360 MENA is the publication of the GSMA’s annual Mobile Economy MENA report, which we will publish in full on the first day of the event. This comprehensive report is a deep dive into the state of the mobile industry in the MENA region in 2024, providing evidence that in the digital age, connectivity is more than a convenience — it is a necessity. The report finds that the role of mobile infrastructure and services will become even more vital to the way society functions, as governments increasingly use digital technologies to tackle some of the most pressing social and economic challenges.

A curated platform for strategic dialogue and action

With these challenges in mind, from bridging the digital divide to navigating complex regulatory landscapes, discussions at M360 MENA will address barriers such as these with a focus on the mobile sector’s essential role in advancing digital transformation in the region through 5G rollout and the rise of AI applications. Mobile technology and connectivity is a powerful enabler, helping people and societies to have access to education, health care and economic opportunities, which is essential with rapid urbanization alongside vast, underserved areas. It is the connective tissue that binds societies together in our digital, online world.

With the region on track to become a global digital economy hub, advancements in machine learning, cloud computing, and IoT are redefining industries and unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurship and workforce development. M360 MENA will shine a light on these trends and bring stakeholders together to create an enabling environment for digital growth. This growth, however, cannot reach its full potential without addressing regulatory and social barriers, expanding digital literacy, and making digital access more affordable.

According to GSMA’s State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report, although 96 percent of the MENA population has access to mobile broadband, only 49 percent are currently online. This mobile broadband usage gap — impacting nearly half of the region’s population — is caused by challenges including affordability, device accessibility, and digital skills. Addressing these barriers will unlock substantial socioeconomic benefits and drive GDP growth across MENA.

On Day 2, I will join senior leaders from Ooredoo Fintech, the Digital Cooperation Organization, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies, and stc in Keynote 2. Together, we will explore how collaboration is vital for driving innovation, accelerating digital transformation across industries, and shaping a resilient digital future for the MENA region.

The path forward requires a concerted effort to support mobile operators in building infrastructure, navigating complex regulatory frameworks, and creating an environment conducive to sustainable investment. Governments have a key role to play, particularly in optimizing sector-specific taxation, universal service funds, and fair share regulation to bolster digital development.

Our M360 and MWC global series has long convened policymakers and industry leaders with a focus on digital-first societies, and our MENA event will play host to exclusive roundtable discussions on 5G and spectrum initiatives. With our long-earned reputation as a facilitating force outside the UN to enable influential regulatory conversations, this invite-only format will help drive impactful dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders for robust, digital ecosystems.

Join the conversation at M360 MENA 2024

As well as key discussions, cross-industry partnerships are critical in driving regional progress. This year’s event will feature exhibitors and sponsors such as China Mobile, Comarch, iHorizons and Google Cloud, showcasing the innovative technologies that continue to push the boundaries of connectivity and digital inclusion. To secure their place at M360 MENA and engage with the region’s thought leaders and visionaries who are shaping the future of digital transformation in MENA, attendees should register on the official website. By working collaboratively, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous digital future in the MENA region.

- The writer is Lara Dewar, chief marketing officer of GSMA.

Lulu expands in Saudi Arabia with 2 new stores

Updated 26 December 2024

Arab News

December 26, 2024 20:08

Lulu expands in Saudi Arabia with 2 new stores

Updated 26 December 2024

Arab News

December 26, 2024 20:08

Lulu continues its ambitious expansion in Saudi Arabia, marking another milestone with the opening of its latest store at Sahara Mall in Riyadh.

This state-of-the-art outlet is designed to provide a modern and efficient shopping experience, reflecting Lulu's commitment to offering high-quality products and exceptional service.

The grand opening was attended by Ziad Al Rugaib, managing director of Al Rugaib Holding, and Shehim Mohammed, director of Lulu Saudi Hypermarkets, along with Hatim Mustansir, regional director of Lulu Hypermarkets, and other key officials.

Spanning an area of approximately 25,000 square feet, the new Lulu Express store offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping environment.

The store is equipped with four checkout counters, including self-checkout options, to provide a smooth and hassle-free experience for customers.

The layout is designed to meet the evolving needs of shoppers, with 11 diverse sections offering a wide range of products including groceries, fresh produce, meat and fish, bakery items, health and beauty products, and mobile accessories.

In addition to the well-organized layout, the store features ample parking facilities with space for over 500 vehicles, ensuring convenience for shoppers and making it easy for customers to access the store.

Located within the popular Sahara Mall, Lulu Express is strategically positioned to serve both mall visitors and the surrounding community.

During the inauguration, Shehim Mohammed emphasized Lulu’s dedication to providing a seamless and high-quality shopping experience.

“The Lulu Express Sahara Mall represents our continued commitment to expanding our reach in Saudi Arabia and offering our customers a shopping experience that combines quality, convenience, and value. This store reflects our dedication to meeting the unique needs of the local community,” he said.

The store will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m., providing a world-class shopping experience for customers across the region.

Lulu is offering exclusive inaugural promotions, providing customers with exceptional savings on a variety of products.

The offers further highlight Lulu’s focus on delivering high-quality products at competitive prices.

Meanwhile, Lulu is set to open its first store in the holy city of Makkah on Saturday, located at Ibrahim Al-Khalil Street.

This highly anticipated opening marks a significant milestone, as it also represents Lulu’s 250th store globally, highlighting the retailer’s remarkable growth and expansion across the Middle East and beyond.

The new Makkah store is strategically positioned to serve both the local community and the millions of pilgrims who visit the holy city each year.

With its prime location near the Grand Mosque, the store aims to provide a top-quality shopping experience for pilgrims and residents alike, making it easier for them to access essential products and services.

LuLu signs MoU to serve Indonesian Hajj pilgrims

Updated 25 December 2024

Arab News

December 25, 2024 19:46

LuLu signs MoU to serve Indonesian Hajj pilgrims

Updated 25 December 2024

Arab News

December 25, 2024 19:46

LuLu Hypermarkets Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement with the Indonesian Hajj board to welcome Indonesian Hajj pilgrims with service and care. This landmark agreement highlights LuLu’s commitment to fostering international collaborations and delivering high-quality products and services to global audiences.

The MoU was signed by Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Hypermarkets, Saudi Arabia, and Harry Alexander, member of executive board, Hajj Fund Management Agency of Indonesia, known as BPKH. Other dignitaries present at the signing ceremony included Saleem V.I., chief operating and strategy officer/ executive director, LuLu Group International; Rafeek Mohammed Ali, regional director, LuLu Hypermarket, western region, Saudi Arabia; and Bagas Haryotejo, head of the Indonesian Trade Promotion Center in Jeddah.

“This new partnership will enable LuLu Hypermarkets to serve the needs of Indonesian pilgrims during their Hajj journey,” the retail giant said in a statement. “With its extensive network of hypermarkets across Saudi Arabia and its reputation for quality, affordability, and excellence, LuLu is well-positioned to provide tailored solutions that cater to the unique requirements of Hajj pilgrims.”

Saleem said: “We are honored to join hands with the Indonesian Hajj board to serve the needs of pilgrims during one of the most important journeys of their lives. This MoU reflects our commitment to excellence and underscores LuLu’s role as a trusted partner in the global retail industry. We look forward to supporting Indonesian Hajj pilgrims with the highest standards of service and care.”

Meanwhile, Alexander said: “Partnering with LuLu Hypermarkets, a brand synonymous with quality and reliability, is a significant step toward ensuring that Indonesian pilgrims have access to the best services during their pilgrimage. We are confident that this collaboration will set new benchmarks in meeting the needs of our pilgrims.”

SAB launches native plant conservation center in Qassim

Updated 24 December 2024

Arab News

December 24, 2024 17:13

SAB launches native plant conservation center in Qassim

Updated 24 December 2024

Arab News

December 24, 2024 17:13

Saudi Awwal Bank has inaugurated the Prince Faisal bin Mishaal Center for Native Plant Conservation and Propagation in the Kingdom’s Qassim region. The project was launched in collaboration with the Environmental Awareness Society as part of SAB’s contribution to the Saudi Green Initiative.

The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud, who reviewed the progress of the project during the event. The ceremony was attended by Yasser Al-Barrak, chief corporate and institutional banking officer at SAB, and Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Alsoqeer, chairman of the Environmental Awareness Society.

This center, the first-of-its-kind in the Kingdom, focuses on preserving and promoting native plant species while increasing awareness of the importance of natural vegetation. It is equipped with facilities such as a training hall, a seed bank, plant nurseries, an herbarium, and a botanical garden showcasing key native plants of the Kingdom.

The center also prioritizes research, supporting researchers and postgraduate students in areas like desertification control and native plant conservation. As part of the project, a forest of 10,000 native trees will be planted around the center, contributing to the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.

Al-Barrak said: “We are proud to be part of a ground-breaking national project, which reflects SAB’s dedication to its social and environmental responsibilities. Through this partnership, we aim to support Saudi Vision 2030 by contributing to environmental conservation and combating desertification. We are confident that this center will set a benchmark for preserving biodiversity in the Kingdom.”

Alsoqeer added: “The launch of this center marks a significant step toward achieving our environmental goals of preserving and enhancing the Kingdom’s natural vegetation cover. Through our collaboration with SAB, we aim to raise awareness about native plants, their importance, and efforts to propagate them.

“The project serves as an invaluable resource for researchers and postgraduate students. The patronage and support of Prince Faisal bin Mishaal highlight its significance and distinguished status on a national level.”

The facility will produce 200,000 native plant seedlings each year. It will also focus on collecting, preserving, and supplying high-viability seeds of native plants, especially those at risk of extinction, with the goal of boosting seed germination rates to more than 70 percent. Moreover, the project will support the propagation of endangered plant species using tissue culture techniques. It will also offer scientific and training support through workshops, research initiatives, and awareness programs, benefiting more than 10,000 participants annually.

The launch took place alongside the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, or COP16, held in Riyadh. This initiative highlights cooperation between the private sector, represented by SAB, the nonprofit sector, represented by Environmental Awareness Society, and the government sector, represented by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development. It seeks to contribute to the goals of Vision 2030 and support the Kingdom’s efforts in environmental protection and sustainable development.

AMUOBA Jeddah marks Sir Syed Day with enthusiasm

Updated 23 December 2024

Arab News

December 23, 2024 22:43

AMUOBA Jeddah marks Sir Syed Day with enthusiasm

Updated 23 December 2024

Arab News

December 23, 2024 22:43

The Aligarh Muslim University Old Boys Association — Jeddah Chapter commemorated the anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan’s birth at Crown Plaza, uniting 500 alumni and their families to honor his enduring legacy of education and community uplift.

Member of the Indian Parliament Zia ur Rehman Barq was the chief guest. He paid tribute to Sir Syed’s sacrifices, such as selling his house to establish Aligarh Muslim University. He described Sir Syed, founder of Aligarh Muslim University, as a transformative Muslim leader whose vision of education, literacy, and social uplift remains vital today and called for unity to advance this vision.

Guest of Honor Atif Hanif underscored the importance of continuing Sir Syed’s mission, describing it as a roadmap for progress. During his address, he presented the book “Shaikh Mohammed Abdullah: A Pioneer of Muslim Women Education,” commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of the trailblazer.

Popular Urdu poet and AMU alumnus Azhar Iqbal added to the event’s excitement with poetic reflections celebrating Aligarh’s timeless values and the transformative power of education.

AMUOBA President Aqeel Jamil reaffirmed the association’s dedication to Sir Syed’s vision of empowering generations through education and leadership. He outlined key initiatives, including the Youth Leadership Program, conducted in collaboration with Toastmasters International, which has trained 30 boys and girls in leadership and public speaking skills.

AMUOBA’s flagship initiative transforms the lives of underprivileged children in Aligarh by making quality education accessible. Through collaboration with Hamara School, the program offers direct opportunities for members to support a child’s education, creating lasting community uplift.

Dr. Zargham Zia, co-founder of Hamara School, highlighted the school’s impact over the years in transforming lives.

Additionally, the “Teach One, Employ One” program connects young alumni with industry leaders, who offer career guidance and job opportunities.

As a gesture of appreciation, mementos, and gifts were presented to dignitaries and attendees by advisers Farzan Rizvi, Nooruddin Khan, Aziz ur Rub, Ateeq Siddiqui, sponsors, and other committee members.

Earlier, the program began with a Qur’anic recitation by Fahad Zinjani, followed by senior alumni Syed Nematullah and Anjum Iqbal presiding as special guests.

General Secretary Prince Mufti Ziaul Hasan anchored the program with eloquent Urdu couplets that added warmth and elegance, while Vice President Asim Zeeshan delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks.

The event concluded with a soulful rendition of the university anthem “Taraana,” performed by the team of Siddiqui, Zeeshan, Hasan, Mohammed Sirajuddin, Rabnawaz Khan, Athar Rasool, and Nayyer Abbas, followed by a sumptuous dinner.

Urban development under Vision 2030 sees smart living on the rise

Updated 22 December 2024

Arab News

December 22, 2024 22:50

Urban development under Vision 2030 sees smart living on the rise

Updated 22 December 2024

Arab News

December 22, 2024 22:50

As Saudi Arabia undergoes unprecedented urban development, Vision 2030 is transforming Saudi Arabia’s economy and reshaping the lifestyle and living standards of its residents. The Kingdom’s young, tech-savvy population and a growing number of expatriates are driving the demand for integrated, sustainable, and technologically advanced residential solutions.

“Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a remarkable evolution in its residential landscape. Smart living is becoming a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s urban development strategy,” said Evgenia Naimat, general manager at Al-Nakhla Investment.

“The shift from isolated housing units to integrated communities equipped with smart and vibrant living solutions signals a transformative era,” she added.

Globally, a Deloitte study highlights that more than 75 percent of tenants prioritize smart technologies, such as automated lighting, climate control and remote security systems, when selecting housing.

Evgenia Naimat, general manager at Al-Nakhla Investment

The adoption of such technologies in the Kingdom’s real estate market aligns with its ambitious goals to position itself as a global innovation hub.

According to a recent report by Knight Frank, 67 percent of Saudi nationals express interest in mixed-use developments, valuing convenience, amenities and a sense of community over traditional housing models.

“Additionally, sustainability is now a critical component of the housing sector. As a key player in driving green innovation in real estate, the Kingdom has delivered on its commitment to sustainable development through key initiatives such as the Mostadam and the Saaf Certification Program,” said Naimat.

A 2023 survey by PwC revealed that 80 percent of Saudi millennials, which make up one of the Kingdom’s largest demographics, prefer environmentally friendly residential solutions and developers are increasingly integrating green spaces, energy-efficient designs and eco-conscious initiatives into their projects.

Integrated communities, offering a blend of residential, retail and leisure spaces, are quickly becoming a preferred choice for residents in Saudi Arabia.

Research by JLL shows that residents in such communities are 35 percent more likely to renew their leases, driven by access to curated amenities and lifestyle benefits.

“We believe that redefining residential living goes beyond offering a place to stay. It’s about creating an ecosystem that combines convenience, community, and sustainability and our goal is to be a community where residents feel truly at home while experiencing the best of modern and smart living,” said Naimat. “Al-Nakhla has set a benchmark in delivering lifestyle-oriented solutions. Furthermore, its sustainability initiatives, including energy-efficient designs and green spaces, lead the way in community-building.”

Award-winning communities like Al-Nakhla Residential Resort and Al-Sharq Village, both by Al-Nakhla Investment, exemplify how integrated communities can meet the growing demands of a modern Saudi lifestyle. The projects feature state-of-the-art smart apps that enable residents to manage services seamlessly and pay rent to community-focused amenities like 6,000 square meters of green areas, which blend natural surroundings within the urban environment. Other amenities include 23 swimming pools, a bowling alley, cinema, and various sports courts that provide ample opportunities for leisure and recreation.

As the Kingdom rapidly advances and progresses, driven by a massive influx of people from across the globe, communities like Al-Nakhla Residential Resort and Al-Sharq Village play a pivotal role in elevating living standards, contributing to Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a vibrant, innovative and inclusive society.

GSMA M360 MENA 2024: Unlocking the future of MENA’s digital transformation