Ericsson extends its R&D collaboration with KAUST for two more years, focusing on next-gen telecom technologies, including 5G and 6G. The partnership, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, has produced significant advancements and will continue to explore new innovations, enhancing the kingdom’s ICT sector and talent development.
ADNOC has partnered with Etisalat to build the largest private 5G network in the energy sector, covering 11,000 square kilometers. The network will enhance IoT connectivity for over 12,000 wells and pipelines, using AI to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity. Expected completion is 2025, generating AED5.5 billion in the first five years.
Ericsson appoints Patrick Johansson as Head of Market Area Middle East and Africa, effective August 1. Johansson, replacing Fadi Pharaon, brings extensive experience from his role in Business Control & Operations and will be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Batelco and Grnata have partnered to implement advanced smart solutions at Bahrain’s Golden Gate Towers, enhancing connectivity, security, and remote control capabilities to provide a luxurious and modern living experience.
Egypt, Telecom Egypt, ITIDA, and Nokia have signed an MoU to create an IP Excellence Center, boosting Egypt’s digital infrastructure, innovation, and ICT exports. This partnership will enhance network automation, AI advancements, and software development, positioning Egypt as a global IT services hub.
Beyon has partnered with LigaData to develop a cutting-edge Data Lakehouse, integrating structured and unstructured data into a single platform. This initiative aims to enhance Beyon’s data infrastructure, drive innovation, and provide personalized services. The partnership will support Beyon’s data and AI plans, boosting agility and operational excellence across its companies.
Zain Bahrain has been named one of the Top 50 strongest companies in Bahrain by Albilad Press for the second consecutive year. This recognition highlights the company’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Zain Bahrain maintains a Bahrainization level of over 93%, supporting local workforce development and contributing to the kingdom’s sustainable future.
Opensignal’s report reveals that Saudi Arabia ranks third in 5G download speed among EMEA markets, with Qatar leading the group. Most GCC countries have average 5G speeds above 200Mbps. Download speeds in Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have improved significantly due to increased 5G adoption.
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Al-Sawaha met with AWS CEO Matt Garman in Seattle to discuss their strategic partnership and AWS’s investments in Saudi Arabia. The discussions focused on strengthening digital infrastructure and advancing the digital economy and innovation in the region.
Fortinet’s 2024 Cloud Security Report reveals key trends and challenges in cloud security, emphasizing the importance of protecting cloud environments as Saudi Arabia advances its digital transformation. The report highlights global adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud strategies and identifies security, compliance, and resource limitations as primary challenges.
