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Google Cloud summit showcases growth & AI innovation

Google Cloud summit showcases growth & AI innovation
Underscoring Google Cloud’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the summit featured two sessions focused on empowering women in technology.
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Updated 20 November 2024
Arab News
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Google Cloud summit showcases growth & AI innovation

Google Cloud summit showcases growth & AI innovation
Updated 20 November 2024
Arab News
Follow

Google Cloud marked the first anniversary of the Dammam Cloud Region launch in Saudi Arabia with the inaugural Google Cloud Saudi Arabia Summit. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel Kingdom Tower in Riyadh, the event brought together more than 1,500 attendees, including Google Cloud partners, customers, government officials, and industry leaders, to celebrate the achievements of the past year and explore the future of cloud computing and AI in the Kingdom.

The summit underscored Google Cloud’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey and highlighted the significant growth and potential witnessed in the Kingdom’s technology landscape.

In his keynote speech, Bader Almadi, country manager for Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia, said: “This summit marks a significant milestone in Google Cloud’s journey in Saudi Arabia. We are deeply committed to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives by empowering businesses, government entities, and individuals with the transformative power of cloud technology and AI. We are confident that together, we can drive sustainable economic growth, create new opportunities, and establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for digital innovation.”

Abdul Rahman Al-Thehaiban, managing director, Turkiye, Middle East and Africa, Google Cloud, said: “Building on the momentum of our recent announcement with the Public Investment Fund to establish a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia, Google Cloud is dedicated to advancing the Kingdom’s position as a leader in technological innovation. We will continue to invest in infrastructure, introduce cutting-edge services and features, and foster a thriving ecosystem of partners and developers to unlock the full potential of Saudi Arabia’s dynamic digital landscape.”

The summit featured an engaging agenda with keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and interactive demos showcasing Google Cloud’s latest innovations in AI and data analytics. Prominent businesses like Saudia, ROSHN, and Almarai shared how they are innovating with cloud technologies and AI.

Recognizing the vital role of startups and developers in the Kingdom’s digital ecosystem, the summit offered dedicated programs to support their growth and innovation. The Founders Lunch provided a targeted gathering specifically for operators of early-stage startups. A dynamic group of speakers, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and Google Cloud experts, shared insights on key topics such as fundraising, product development, marketing, and scaling a business. The Founders Lunch also offered a valuable opportunity for attendees to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and discover how Google Cloud can empower their startup journey. Notable speakers at the Innovators Hive included Omar Shabaan, CEO and founder of The Space; Baraa Koshak, CEO and founder of Abwab.ai; and Naif Al-Obaidallah, co-founder and managing director of SDM.sa.

For developers and practitioners, the Innovators Hive offered a half-day program of in-person, interactive hands-on labs. With more than 630 registered participants, the program featured six sessions, spotlight labs, mini-courses, and a two-hour hands-on labs competition focused on “AI with BigQuery” and “MultiModality with Gemini.”

Underscoring Google Cloud’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the summit featured two dedicated sessions focused on empowering women in the technology sector. The “She Leads: Navigate the Path to Leadership for Women in Tech” session tackled invisible barriers and equipped attendees with actionable strategies to overcome them. Inspiring speakers such as Reem Al-Adeeb, the first Saudi racer to drive Formula E Gen 2, Gen3, and GenBETA (an all-electric GEN3 race car powered by Google Cloud); Rasha Al-Khamis, the Kingdom’s first certified female boxer and accomplished mountaineer; and Lisa Martinez Gomis, sales manager at Google Cloud, shared their personal journeys and insights on championing women’s leadership in tech.

Abdul Latif Jameel promotes Saudi talents on global stage

Abdul Latif Jameel promotes Saudi talents on global stage
Updated 20 November 2024
Arab News
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Abdul Latif Jameel promotes Saudi talents on global stage

Abdul Latif Jameel promotes Saudi talents on global stage
Updated 20 November 2024
Arab News

Abdul Latif Jameel collaborated with the Saudi Music Commission as a strategic partner to organize the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert in Tokyo, Japan. This concert comes as part of an initiative to elevate cultural exchange between the Kingdom and Japan while highlighting Saudi talents on an international platform.

This strategic collaboration reflects Abdul Latif Jameel’s commitment to promoting arts and music, and its continued support for globally-renowned Saudi cultural and creative initiatives. Boosting the Kingdom’s international presence, the collaboration falls under Saudi Vision 2030 and aligns with the objectives of the National Culture Strategy, aimed at highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural identity and enriching international cultural exchange.

This step also underscores Abdul Latif Jameel’s ongoing focus on further showcasing Saudi talents on the global stage. It celebrates the artistic skills and cultural diversity of the Saudi community, which holds high regards for creative arts. The “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert is a major event that contributes to introducing Saudi Arabia’s musical heritage and diversity to international audiences, featuring several international engagements led by talented Saudi artists.

Previously, the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concerts have dazzled audiences in Paris, New York, London and Mexico.

The Jameel family, through its philanthropic arm, boasts an impressive track record of major contributions to the arts and crafts industry, most notably through the Nafisa Shams Academy of Arts and Crafts. This program develops and refines the artistic talents of Saudi women. Managed by Art Jameel, Hayy Jameel in Jeddah is also a leading arts and creative hub in Saudi Arabia that supports art and culture and provides a platform for creativity and innovation. It also offers Saudi artists ample opportunities for self-expression and networking with the global art community.

Enjoy a timeless holiday season under the stars at Banyan Tree AlUla

Enjoy a timeless holiday season under the stars at Banyan Tree AlUla
Updated 20 November 2024
Arab News
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Enjoy a timeless holiday season under the stars at Banyan Tree AlUla

Enjoy a timeless holiday season under the stars at Banyan Tree AlUla
Updated 20 November 2024
Arab News

This festive season, Banyan Tree AlUla is inviting guests to celebrate the holidays amidst the tranquil beauty of Saudi Arabia’s Ashar Valley. Exquisite tented villas with private pools and sweeping desert views provide an idyllic setting for an unforgettable mix of adventure, fine dining, and relaxation. 

AlUla’s clear winter skies and refreshing temperatures provide the ideal conditions to explore the captivating landscape. After a day of discovery, guests can relax by the iconic Rock Pool, overlooking vast valley vistas and creating moments of deep connection with nature in this breathtaking desert sanctuary.

Guests can celebrate Thanksgiving in style with a family-style sharing menu at Harrat on Nov. 27, featuring a festive feast perfect for bringing loved ones together. Beginning with a refreshing butternut squash salad, followed by succulent roasted turkey with all the traditional trimmings, and a decadent Beef Wellington, ending the meal with a classic pumpkin pie to capture the spirit of the season. The experience is available for SR450++ ($120) per person.

For those who prefer to celebrate at home, Banyan Tree AlUla offers a Thanksgiving To-Go package including a delicious roasted turkey perfect for up to six people. Guests can enjoy all the festive trimmings, including cauliflower “mac” with bacon and gouda, and roasted brussels sprouts, ending on a sweet note with a pumpkin pie. This is priced at SR1,200++, available for pre-order until Dec. 25.

The season’s highlight is the highly anticipated New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, where guests can ring in the New Year under the stars. This exclusive celebration, starting from SR8,100++ per night, includes a stay in the a tented Dune One-Bedroom Villa, where guests can enjoy the privacy of their own swimming pool, inclusive of a memorable gala dinner for two, ensuring a luxurious and immersive holiday escape.

The experience promises a celebration of elegance and nature that combines live DJ entertainment, with a remarkable culinary feast, hosted at Saffron Restaurant. As the evening begins, guests are welcomed with sunset mocktails and canapés, followed by a curated five-course menu by Chef Gede Widyarsana. Drawing inspiration from both local ingredients and international flavors, the dinner highlights a blend of delicate and bold flavors, from Red Sea lobster with avocado and fig arugula, to the rich notes of Patagonian Toothfish accompanied by purple curry and tropical Asian slaw. For the main course, guests will savor full-blood wagyu, prepared with a zaatar crust and paired with truffle hummus — a true fusion of Arabian and global cuisine.

In addition to the New Year’s Gala, Banyan Tree AlUla offers a variety of experiences throughout the festive season. Guests can embark on stargazing tours under AlUla’s pristine night skies, explore the Ashar Valley’s scenic trails, or take in AlUla’s natural beauty from above with a thrilling hot air balloon ride. The resort’s luxurious Banyan Tree Spa provides the ideal setting to start the New Year feeling refreshed, with treatments designed to restore balance and well-being.

The celebrations continue into the New Year, with a special all-day New Year’s Day brunch, priced at SR450++ per person, at Harrat from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m., featuring an extensive selection of gourmet pastries, breakfast classics, and regional dishes. Highlights include a pastry and bakery corner with freshly made croissants, a variety of local and international sweets, a hot corner with crab cakes, polenta-crusted eggs, and Welsh rarebit. 

Turning insights into action: stc Group’s drive toward a sustainable future

Maha Alnuhait, general manager for sustainability at stc Group.
Maha Alnuhait, general manager for sustainability at stc Group.
Updated 20 November 2024
Arab News
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Turning insights into action: stc Group’s drive toward a sustainable future

Maha Alnuhait, general manager for sustainability at stc Group.
Updated 20 November 2024
Arab News

One of the most pressing challenges we face as a society today is how to balance economic development and innovation with sustainable and responsible practices, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come. The green economy, the modern driver for a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive future, has been the second-best performing industry since 2008, with a market capitalization of $7.2 trillion in the first half of 2024, trailing only the technology sector. This underscores the critical role sustainability now plays in global markets.

At stc Group, we have embedded sustainability into the very core of our business. It is a fundamental part of how we operate, guiding our efforts to drive digital innovation while positively impacting the environment, society, and economy. 

This year, stc Group celebrated its fifth annual Sustainability Report, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and progress, and driving meaningful change. This report not only chronicles our achievements and steadfast commitment over 2023 but also delineates our path forward in a world where digital transformation and sustainability are increasingly intertwined.

We also reinforced our position as a leader in sustainability by joining the first-ever “KSA Sustainability Champions” program, launched by the Ministry of Economy and Planning. This is something we are immensely proud of, and we look forward to working with our partners, supporting them to achieve their own sustainability goals.

Our progress toward net-zero

stc Group has made significant progress in advancing its sustainability commitments. In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the country’s ambition to achieve net-zero, we have successfully reduced our environmental footprint. This includes adopting green energy solutions, such as transitioning to solar-powered telecom towers in remote areas and optimizing energy consumption across our operations. For example, by utilizing an advanced technologies AI/ML Powered Energy Saving Management, stc has achieved a 13 percent reduction in energy consumption across 4G and 5G infrastructure. Additionally, our commitment to environmental conservation is evidenced by our pledge to plant 1 million trees by 2030, further showcasing our dedication to societal and ecological well-being. These are essential steps toward the group’s long-term goal of achieving carbon net-zero.

Digital solutions for sustainable development

Our role as Saudi Arabia’s leading digital enabler is about more than just advancing technology: it is also about creating and advocating for a future where digital innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. The technology sector is the largest within the green economy with a market capitalization of $2.3 trillion. We at stc Group, alongside our global peers, have a responsibility to uphold this and improve on it. We’re proud to see our innovative technologies having positive environmental and social impacts across industries. Many of the solutions stc Group provides, whether they are linked to the IoT or AI, are helping businesses optimize their resource usage, reduce waste, and operate more efficiently. For example, our smart city initiatives are enabling urban centers to manage traffic, energy, and water resources in ways that we could never have foreseen. 

As the Saudi ICT sector — the largest and fastest-growing in the MENA region — continues to expand, stc Group is poised to drive even greater change. Our cutting-edge tools are empowering businesses and governments to embrace digital transformation, making a significant contribution to building a more sustainable future.

Supporting communities and bridging the digital divide 

As we continue on our journey to transform the Kingdom, we must contribute positively to the world around us. One of the most significant contributions we can make is to bridge the digital divide. In today’s digital world, access is everything, and here at stc Group, we’re proud to have expanded our broadband and 5G networks to remote and underserved areas, ensuring that more people, regardless of their location, can access essential resources. This effort directly supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on reducing inequalities and promoting inclusive, sustainable economic growth. 

Additionally, our commitment to supporting communities is demonstrated through our many social investment programs. Through our Technical Enablement Program, which helps nonprofit organizations reduce costs and become more efficient, we have offered 1,055 technical services to 446 organizations, across 50 cities. In 2023, we launched the Smart Truck initiative in partnership with Huawei, to empower the elderly with digital skills. These Smart Trucks are improving the digital literacy of our older generations and enhancing their independence and quality of life in an increasingly digital world. For this particular initiative, we were awarded a Certificate of Excellence at the 2024 World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva, Switzerland, standing out from over 193 countries. 

These are only some of the ways stc Group is enriching lives and supporting communities through innovative technology, bridging the digital divide and providing opportunities for all. The goal is to ensure that no one is left behind in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly advancing digital economy.

A future built on actions

As we move forward, it is evident that achieving zero emissions, zero waste, and zero barriers to a sustainable future — has become central to our mission, driving every action and endeavor. It is more than an aspirational target; it is a necessity that requires innovative technology, and a dedication to environmental stewardship to drive real, impactful change.

At stc Group, we are committed to continuing our progress in reducing our carbon footprint. Achieving net zero is the ultimate goal and it is crucial if we want to ensure a brighter future for those who will follow in our footsteps. 

We are optimistic about the future and the role stc Group will continue to play in shaping it. Every effort will be made to ensure that our growth is aligned with the well-being of the environment and the people we serve. Real change requires meaningful actions, and we are committed to ensuring that our sustainability efforts continue to lead to tangible benefits for the environment and our communities. 

There will be further action to reduce our carbon footprint. AI, IoT, and smart technologies will continue to be woven into our sustainability efforts. And we will continue to develop powerful social initiatives that improve and enrich people’s lives. 

Together, we can build a future that is not only more connected, but also more sustainable for generations to come.

  • The writer is Maha Alnuhait, general manager for sustainability at stc Group. 

UAE luxury retail fit-out leader Abra marks one year in KSA

UAE luxury retail fit-out leader Abra marks one year in KSA
Updated 19 November 2024
Arab News
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UAE luxury retail fit-out leader Abra marks one year in KSA

UAE luxury retail fit-out leader Abra marks one year in KSA
Updated 19 November 2024
Arab News

Abra, a leader in luxury retail fit-outs in the UAE and the MENA region, is celebrating one year of successful operations in Saudi Arabia. Since establishing its presence in Riyadh, Abra has transformed Saudi Arabia’s retail landscape, catering to the demands of a rapidly growing luxury market.

Abra’s expansion aligns with the booming luxury retail fit-out market in the Kingdom, currently valued at around $1.2 billion, with projections indicating steady growth at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6.85 percent, potentially reaching $1.8 billion by 2027. As Saudi Vision 2030 drives initiatives to elevate the Kingdom’s status as a global hub for luxury retail and tourism, Abra is well-positioned to meet the demand for immersive, high-end shopping environments across the Kingdom.

“Marking our first anniversary in Saudi Arabia reinforces our long-term commitment to this dynamic market,” said Anand Kumar, managing director of Abra. “The past year has shown us the potential for growth, as we have successfully delivered over 90 projects, including a complete turnkey boutique for a French luxury brand and a large-scale popup for an Italian luxury brand.

“We are excited to continue creating tailored solutions that align with Saudi Vision 2030’s transformative goals. With local production capabilities and independent operations, Abra is well-prepared to continue supporting the Kingdom’s evolving retail landscape through innovation and quality-driven solutions.”

Indu Govindan, director of Abra, added: “Our journey over the past year in Saudi Arabia reflects our dedication to delivering excellence and building strong relationships with our clients. We’re thrilled to deepen our partnerships and continue shaping the luxury retail experience in the Kingdom.”

With 150,000 square feet of purpose-built facilities in the UAE supporting everything from joinery and electrical work to painting and metalwork, Abra’s expansion in Saudi Arabia is anchored by robust infrastructure and a skilled team of more than 300 professionals. The company has consistently delivered bespoke fit-outs for prestigious brands, combining quality, precision, and craftsmanship that resonate with Saudi clients’ discerning tastes.

Looking ahead, Abra’s commitment to sustainability aligns with global and regional priorities, as the company integrates eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies into its luxury fit-outs. Abra’s sustainable approach reflects the growing importance of environmentally conscious design in the Kingdom’s high-end retail sector, ensuring a positive impact on both the market and the community.

Hyundai partners with Saudi Ministry and NetZero to plant 20,000 trees

Hyundai partners with Saudi Ministry and NetZero to plant 20,000 trees
Updated 19 November 2024
Arab News
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Hyundai partners with Saudi Ministry and NetZero to plant 20,000 trees

Hyundai partners with Saudi Ministry and NetZero to plant 20,000 trees
Updated 19 November 2024
Arab News

Hyundai Motor Company Middle East and Africa, in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Netzero, has announced a new initiative to plant 20,000 trees across the Kingdom. This project aligns with Vision 2030’s goals, emphasizing sustainability and environmental stewardship within the Kingdom.

The announcement was made during a signing ceremony held at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture office in Riyadh, with attendance from Hyundai, the Ministry’s Sedra Program, and Netzero.

The tree-planting campaign is designed to have a substantial impact on CO2 absorption, ecosystem restoration, and overall sustainability efforts in the Kingdom. By enhancing green spaces, this initiative contributes to a healthier environment, supports biodiversity, and bolsters climate resilience.

Tarek Mosaad, business strategies and planning group director for Hyundai Middle East and Africa, said: “Hyundai’s commitment to environmental responsibility goes beyond vehicle manufacturing and marketing. The company strives to enhance customer trust through impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives, demonstrating that sustainable practices are at the core of its operations. This tree-planting project reflects Hyundai’s dedication to fostering a greener future for Saudi Arabia and underscores its role as a leader in sustainability.”

The benefits of this initiative are both environmental and social. By engaging local communities in the planting process, Hyundai aims to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and inspire collective action toward a sustainable future. This initiative not only promotes a cleaner environment but also strengthens community bonds and encourages active participation in environmental stewardship.

As Hyundai continues to work hand-in-hand with the Saudi government and local distributors, this tree-planting initiative marks a key milestone in its ongoing journey to support Vision 2030. 

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