KSA professionals embrace AI as their ‘invisible teammate’: LinkedIn

KSA professionals embrace AI as their ‘invisible teammate’: LinkedIn
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Updated 27 September 2023
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KSA professionals embrace AI as their ‘invisible teammate’: LinkedIn

KSA professionals embrace AI as their ‘invisible teammate’: LinkedIn

According to new research from LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, employees are gearing up for a new way of working thanks to new advances in artificial intelligence such as generative AI. 

Amid AI’s growing prominence in the workplace, the new data has revealed that a vast majority of professionals in Saudi Arabia (79 percent) believe that AI will bring significant change to their work within the next year, while 85 percent believe AI will bring significant change to their work within the next five years. Even more employees (86 percent) think AI will be an invisible teammate to help them with their work. 

AI has been an area of focus in the Kingdom for some time, especially since the announcement of its Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2020. This was further cemented by the establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority as the central authority responsible for regulating and overseeing all AI-related matters.

Data shows that 70 percent of professionals want to learn about the different ways they can use AI in their work and 79 percent expressed confidence in their ability to leverage AI tools in carrying out their jobs. 

It is clear that professionals in the Kingdom are looking forward to the potential AI can bring to their careers, with an overwhelming majority (97 percent) saying they believe it will help their career progression in some way. 

In terms of specific benefits the use of AI will bring to their work, 72 percent of employees said it would enable them to spend more time to focus on the aspects of work they enjoy the most.

Meanwhile, 61 percent of Gen-Z employees surveyed are concerned about their level of knowledge about AI and worried that they should know more about it. 

Ali Matar, EMEA growth markets leader and head of LinkedIn MENA, said: “In Saudi Arabia, we’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response to the adoption of AI, with a vast majority of professionals taking steps to embrace AI at work.

“Getting up to speed can feel overwhelming and there is more to be done to educate and train professionals to ensure they feel knowledgeable and ready to fully embrace AI. This is particularly true for the younger age group, who are showing more signs of hesitation in adopting AI, albeit eager to learn as they also recognize the many benefits AI can bring to their working lives, including supporting them with career progression and enabling a better work-life balance. 

“With this in mind it is even more important for us at LinkedIn to ensure we facilitate learning by offering the workforce the resources they need to feel equipped.” 

LinkedIn’s career expert Najat Abdelhadi said having the language to talk about and understand AI will put professionals ahead of the curve. She said: “Study up on popular AI skills with resources like LinkedIn Learning, where you can find the most popular AI courses unlocked for free until the end of the year. A good place to start is with ‘How to Research and Write Using Generative AI,’ and ‘What is Generative AI.”


LuLu celebrates 14 years in Saudi Arabia with gifts, deals

LuLu celebrates 14 years in Saudi Arabia with gifts, deals
Updated 28 November 2023
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LuLu celebrates 14 years in Saudi Arabia with gifts, deals

LuLu celebrates 14 years in Saudi Arabia with gifts, deals

The number 14 will be celebrated by LuLu Hypermarket across Saudi Arabia for 36 days as the retail giant welcomes shoppers for its 14th anniversary. The official announcement of the big celebration was made at a press conference at Riyadh Boulevard and flashed on giant video screens at the venue.

To mark the occasion, one of Saudi Arabia’s favorite shopping destinations, LuLu Hypermarket has announced a bonanza of 1,400 valuable gifts worth SR2 million ($533,300) for its customers.

The gifts include VVIP tickets to much-anticipated football matches, Apple phones and tablets, TV sets, AirPods, Sony PS5, laptops, and other electronic goods like refrigerators, microwave ovens and washing machines, in addition to grocery hampers.
LuLu will select surprise winners across its hypermarkets in the Kingdom from Nov. 26 to Dec. 31.

As a mark of respect to all the staff of LuLu Saudi Arabia, the oldest Saudi national employed by the group for 17 years, Basher Al-Bish, and his son Yusuff, named after LuLu Group Chairman Yusuffali M.A., were invited to cut the 14th anniversary cake during the press conference. Al-Bish spoke emotionally about how he has been a LuLu employee since the start and even before the first LuLu Hypermarket opened doors in Saudi Arabia.

“I am proud to be the first employee of LuLu KSA — LuLu is a great place to work in and the group is so invested in Saudi Arabia’s progress that it inspires us all,” Al-Bish said. “Moreover, I am an admirer of our Chairman Yusuffali M.A., and I have even named my son Yusuff after him.”

The anniversary promotion comes packed with super deals — 14 promotions from 14 “Big Brands,” super-value deals on essentials such as rice, oil and sugar, in-store promotions, live demonstration, hourly offers and deals on “Products of the Day.” Shoppers can update their electronic devices with affordable prices on branded laptops, tablets, smart watches, mobile phones, high-end audio devices, printing consumables and accessories.

LuLu Group currently employs 4,500 Saudi nationals in its retail network of 33 stores across the Kingdom.

“The success of LuLu Hypermarket is our bond with our Saudi Arabian customer base — their trust and their recognition of our quality promise has enabled our amazing 14-year growth,” said Shehim Mohammed, director of LuLu Hypermarkets Saudi Arabia. “We have always put customers first and this anniversary celebration combines our promise of customer care, quality and affordability and is our way of saying thank you to all our customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
 


Budget Saudi listed among Fortune 500 Arabia

Budget Saudi listed among Fortune 500 Arabia
Updated 28 November 2023
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Budget Saudi listed among Fortune 500 Arabia

Budget Saudi listed among Fortune 500 Arabia

The largest car renting and leasing company in the Middle East, United International Transportation Co. known as Budget Saudi, has been listed among the top companies in the Arab world by the Fortune 500 Arabia magazine.

Fortune 500 Arabia launched its inaugural list in 2023, becoming part of the global Fortune 500 lists that have been published by the magazine in the US since 1955.

This year’s inaugural edition includes the top 500 Arab companies from 22 Arab countries. These companies have been ranked by their collective revenues, which hit about $1.6 trillion in 2022, yielding a net profit of $343 billion. Private companies not listed on financial markets made up nine percent of the list.

Saudi Arabia led the list with the highest number of companies, accounting for 153 out of the 500 companies, or 30 percent. The UAE followed with 17 percent, then Egypt, Kuwait, and Qatar. While Saudi Arabian companies recorded the highest percentage of revenue and profits among the Fortune 500 companies, the UAE had the largest proportion of the top 100 profitable companies on the list.

Fawaz Abdullah Danish, president and group CEO, Budget Saudi, said: “Listing Budget Saudi among the Fortune 500 Arabia companies in the Arab world is a great honor for the organization. It is a testament to the consistent performance of the company over the years and the firm foundations on which it is being built for growth and diversification. We are committed to creating value for all stakeholders, customers, and partners in this journey. It augurs well for our company in its drive and passion to perform beyond expectations and contribute effectively to the larger vision of Saudi Arabia.”

Budget Saudi is Saudi Arabia’s premier short and long-term vehicle rental and leasing company, serving both retail and corporate clients. The enterprise was incorporated in 1978 and over the years has developed a reputation for excellence and dependability in the transportation industry. It is the first publicly traded automobile rental firm in Saudi Arabia and has internal QMS, EVS, and OHAS accredited to ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 standards. The company has also been recognized as a “Great Place to Work” in Saudi Arabia.

With 33,000+ vehicles and a network of nearly 100 retail stations spread over 30 cities, Budget Saudi claims to have the largest rental and leasing network in the Middle East and North Africa. The company has received several accolades for its operations and management efficiency. It was awarded by the Global Economic Magazine in 2023 as the Best Vehicle Leasing Company and the Most Customer-Centric Car Rental Service Provider in Saudi Arabia, and the Best CEO of Logistics in Saudi Arabia in 2021.

Other accolades include the Global Leadership Award by Leaders International Magazine, and the 2023 Stevie Silver Award for the Sales Director of the Year. It has received five consecutive World Travel Awards, as well as the INSEAD Top 50 CEO award for publicly traded companies in the GCC.

Budget Saudi looks forward to focusing more on environment-friendly initiatives in the upcoming years. The business has already started taking action to conserve energy by introducing hybrid vehicles to its fleet. The company is also discussing the introduction of electric vehicles into its fleet, to achieve lower CO2 emissions.

 


Opensignal: stc dominates speed, Mobily excels in video

Opensignal: stc dominates speed, Mobily excels in video
Updated 27 November 2023
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Opensignal: stc dominates speed, Mobily excels in video

Opensignal: stc dominates speed, Mobily excels in video

Opensignal, a global provider of independent insights and data on mobile network experiences, has released a report analyzing the performance of Saudi Arabia’s mobile networks from July 1 to Sept. 28. This in-depth examination delves into the capabilities of the Kingdom’s primary mobile network operators — stc, Mobily and Zain.

The report paints a nuanced picture of achievements, prominently featuring stc as the undisputed leader in speed across all categories, solidifying its position for the eighth consecutive time. A groundbreaking achievement for stc is its triumph in the 5G Coverage Experience category, underscoring its dedication to providing widespread high-speed connectivity. Meanwhile, Mobily takes centerstage in the realm of video experience, securing accolades for both Video Experience and Live Video Experience. The report meticulously details stc’s expansive 5G coverage and sustained leadership in gaming experiences, and Mobily’s overall availability dominance.

Within this competitive landscape, the report also provides market insights, spotlighting stc’s commanding presence with 10 out of 15 outright wins, Mobily’s increased prominence with three wins, and Zain’s absence from the winner’s circle. Beyond the network performance assessment, the report illuminates crucial developments in Saudi Arabia’s telecom industry, such as the stc Group’s ambitious 5G network expansion and the groundbreaking zero-carbon 5G network by Zain and Red Sea Global in the Red Sea Project.

Speed Leadership

stc maintained its unrivaled speed supremacy, securing the top position across all four speed categories — Download Speed Experience, Upload Speed Experience, 5G Download Speed, and 5G Upload Speed. This marked the eighth consecutive report where stc has dominated these speed categories. Notably, stc also became the inaugural winner of the 5G Coverage Experience award, underscoring its commitment to delivering high-speed connectivity across Saudi Arabia.

Video Excellence

Mobily emerged as the leader in video experience, claiming both the Video Experience award and Live Video Experience award. Mobily, the first Saudi operator to win Opensignal’s Live Video Experience award, boasted a score of 56.5 points on a 100-point scale. Mobily shared the two awards with stc, showcasing its prowess in delivering exceptional video streaming experiences.

Extensive 5G Coverage

stc witnessed substantial improvement in 5G availability, winning the award and securing the first-ever 5G coverage experience award. This signifies that stc’s 5G users spend the most time with an active 5G connection, coupled with the widest geographic coverage of populated areas across various network technologies.

Overall Availability

Mobily users enjoy the best overall availability, with the telecom giant winning the award with a score of 97.8 percent, surpassing stc’s 96.5 percent. Meanwhile, stc claimed the New Coverage Experience award, showcasing its superior geographic coverage of populated areas.

Gaming Leadership

stc retained its leadership in the gaming experience, securing both the Games Experience and 5G Games Experience awards. Although stc maintained its lead, slight declines in scores reflect the competitive landscape in online multiplayer mobile gaming experiences over cellular connections.


With 1,500 attendees, CIPS hosts ‘biggest’ conference in Riyadh

With 1,500 attendees, CIPS hosts ‘biggest’ conference in Riyadh
Updated 27 November 2023
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With 1,500 attendees, CIPS hosts ‘biggest’ conference in Riyadh

With 1,500 attendees, CIPS hosts ‘biggest’ conference in Riyadh

More than 1,500 industry professionals recently joined the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply’s conference in Riyadh, making it the biggest conference in the organization’s 90-year history. Key procurement trends and supply chain initiatives, as well as innovative practices of the future, were discussed at the CIPS Saudi Arabia Procurement and Supply Chain Conference and Awards 2023, under this year’s theme of “procurement excellence.”

“In a year where procurement professionals have seen no signs of the volatility and inflation of previous years abating, it’s more important than ever to network with peers and review current trends and best practices to stay resilient and face the toughest challenges,” said Sam Achampong, regional managing director of CIPS Middle East and North Africa.

“The record-breaking number of attendees at this event underscores the strategic importance of our profession across myriad sectors. In an increasingly globalized economy, businesses demand the skills and knowledge to navigate international procurement and supply chain management. The expertise encompassed by our organization has never been more crucial to the modern business environment. We continue to see rising prices and supply constraints and these are just some of the topics we discussed during the conference,” Achampong added.

“As part of the event, we also celebrated 30 ‘Procurement Pioneers’ who have made significant contributions to the profession and championed change and innovation,” said Achampong.

The “Procurement Pioneers” are a celebrated few from varied industries working within both the private and government sectors. Those gaining recognition include Abdullah Al-Osaimi, senior vice president of shared services at Ma’aden, one of the first Saudi nationals to achieve FCIPS — the highest grade of CIPS membership, as well as Muna bin Zoubaa, an adviser, who set up the MENA Women in Procurement initiative and has been a mentor and role model for many professionals in the region for many years. She is also the first Gulf national female to achieve FCIPS.

The event, which took place at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel and Residences on Nov. 13, included discussions on topics such as “How can procurement support Vision 2030,” “How to overcome supply chain disruption” and “How technology is influencing the workforce of the future.”


Dammam-based dermatologist receives award at Europe’s biggest dermatology conference

Dammam-based dermatologist receives award at Europe’s biggest dermatology conference
Updated 27 November 2023
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Dammam-based dermatologist receives award at Europe’s biggest dermatology conference

Dammam-based dermatologist receives award at Europe’s biggest dermatology conference

Dr. Tasleem Arif, a dermatologist working at Dar As Sihha Medical Center in Dammam, has been honored with the prestigious “Imrich Sarkany Non-European Memorial Scholarship” at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress-2023, held in Berlin, Germany.

The EADV Congress, the largest European dermatology conference and one of the world’s most prominent gatherings of dermatologists, attracted more than 15,000 dermatologists from over 50 countries. Dr. Arif’s recognition amidst a distinguished group of 12 young dermatologists from non-European countries is a testament to his exceptional contributions to the field of dermatology.

The award, bestowed solely based on scientific merit, acknowledges Dr. Arif’s achievements, including an impressive portfolio of more than 140 published research articles including several book chapters, and scientific presentations. His dedication to research has led to groundbreaking discoveries, including the “Tasleem’s water jet sign,” a simplified technique for administration of botox for axillary hyperhidrosis, and an innovative technique for measuring graft area in vitiligo surgeries.

Dr. Arif is one of the co-authors for Melasma Severity Index, a novel melasma scoring system that has received national recognition. His passion for scleroderma research has resulted in more than 25 dedicated publications. As a lead author, his and a colleague’s work on esophageal involvement in systemic sclerosis and morphea has been acknowledged by the New England Journal of Medicine in their Journal Watch.

Dr. Arif’s contributions to dermatology extend beyond his research endeavors. He actively serves as a reviewer for numerous top-impact dermatology journals and holds editorial positions on over 25 medical journals. He is the winner of the title World Champion-2019 in Dermatology (Scleroderma) recognized by the International Agency for Standards and Ratings. His commitment to knowledge-sharing is further exemplified by his role as editor-in-chief of the upcoming book “Morphea and Related Disorders” by Bentham Science Publishers.

Dr. Arif’s achievements have not only benefited the dermatology community in Saudi Arabia but have also brought international recognition to the country’s advancements in the field. His work has featured in several medical and dermatology journals. He is a member of several dermatology associations like EADV, IADVL, ISPD, PDS, ACSI, CDSI, HRSI, IASSTD and AIDS, NSI, CODFI.

“Receiving this prestigious award at the EADV Congress is an immense honor and a reflection of the dedication and passion I have for dermatology,” said Dr. Arif. “I am incredibly grateful for this recognition and will continue to strive for excellence in my research, clinical practice, and contributions to the field.”