New Zain KSA partnership to localize digital education

New Zain KSA partnership  to localize digital education
Code School Finland CEO Kaisu Pallaskallio, Zain KSA’s Chief Communication Officer Rayan bin Abdullah Al-Turki, and Aanaab CEO Mounira Jamjoom.
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Updated 03 October 2023
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New Zain KSA partnership to localize digital education

New Zain KSA partnership  to localize digital education

Zain KSA signed a memorandum of understanding with Aanaqeed Knowledge Company, also known as Aanaab, an Arabic e-learning platform, and Code School Finland, a global leader in coding, robotics, and AI education. This strategic partnership aims to bridge the digital literacy gap across the Kingdom and support the localization of digital education. The MoU is part of Zain KSA’s corporate sustainability strategy and its commitment to enhancing the digital capabilities of Saudi society by implementing training and educational programs, with a focus on developing technical skills. This will, in turn, contribute to Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to accelerate the Kingdom’s digital transformation and bolster Arabic technical content on the internet.
Zain KSA’s MoU with Aanaab and Code School Finland demonstrates the company’s significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion by extending educational opportunities to every corner of the Kingdom, including remote regions. The MoU also underscores Zain KSA’s unwavering commitment to empowering both female and male educators across Saudi Arabia, aspiring to nurture and graduate a new generation of digital trailblazers. This collaborative endeavor seamlessly aligns with Zain KSA’s overarching corporate sustainability strategy, based on three key pillars: operating responsibly, inclusion, and generation youth, inextricably linked to globally recognized environmental, social, and governance practices.
Rayan bin Abdullah Al-Turki, Zain KSA’s chief communication officer, said: “As part of our corporate sustainability strategy, we are dedicated to elevating the digital literacy of all segments of our society. Our primary focus is on empowering the community of educators, who play a pivotal role in shaping the present and future of the Kingdom across various fronts. This dedication contributes significantly to the Kingdom’s progress within the Human Development Index. Notably, in the 2022 Human Development Report released by the UN Development Program, Saudi Arabia secured the 35th rank out of 191 countries, a noteworthy ascent from the 40th position in the previous edition of the report.”
Al-Turki added: “This partnership will significantly contribute to our broader community engagement efforts in support of the digital transformation journey outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. It also aligns with our commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of delivering high-quality education, fostering inclusivity and equality, and guaranteeing the right to access knowledge and quality education for all residents of the Kingdom. We are delighted to collaborate with the leading e-learning platform Aanaab and the esteemed global digital skills education provider Code School Finland. In fact, our shared strategic approach revolves around nurturing innovation and leadership among our youth while fostering sustainability in building knowledge societies that leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance digital Arabic language content, ultimately benefiting humanity across the Arab world.”
Aanaab CEO Mounira Jamjoom said: “We are thrilled to join hands with Zain KSA and Code School Finland on this ambitious project to empower Saudi talent with digital literacy programs. Our specialized professional development courses are created by distinguished partners, academics, and educators from across the globe. With our distinctive approach and locally tailored content, we ensure that Saudi students have access to top-tier educational resources in their native language.”
Meanwhile, Code School Finland CEO Kaisu Pallaskallio said: “The collaboration reflects our joint dedication to fostering Saudi talent and empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders. We are delighted to leverage our pedagogical expertise, teaching resources, and professional development services for educators in coding, robotics, and AI to drive educational excellence in Saudi Arabia. Our strategic partnership heralds a sustainable digital transformation in Saudi Arabia’s educational sector, empowering the Saudi youth with fundamental digital literacy skills needed for a thriving future.”


COP28 launches charity anthem featuring 13 global artists

COP28 launches charity anthem featuring 13 global artists
Updated 08 December 2023
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COP28 launches charity anthem featuring 13 global artists

COP28 launches charity anthem featuring 13 global artists
  • Proceeds will support climate adaptation for crisis affected communities through UNHCR and IRC

“Lasting Legacy,” the official charity anthem of COP28, the United Nations Climate Conference hosted in the UAE, was launched and performed live for the first time during the closing session of the World Climate Action Summit in Dubai on Dec. 2.
The performance, which featured various talents and renowned artists from around the world, served as a one-of-a-kind call to action to accelerate the global response to climate change and environmental degradation.
The diverse voices and musical cultures included in the song, produced by Moroccan multi-Grammy Award winner RedOne, serve as a reminder of the strength of unity and international cooperation in the face of the climate crisis.
Underscoring an inclusive spirit, the anthem embraces the six official languages of the United Nations: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish. Other languages on the anthem include Hindi, Bahasa, Vietnamese, and Portuguese. This linguistic diversity symbolizes a commitment to universal communication and understanding, essential in fostering global cooperation and unity in the fight against climate change.
Badr Jafar, COP28 special representative for business and philanthropy, and executive producer of the anthem said: “UAE’s hosting of COP28 has been an important milestone in the global effort to rally decisive action in support of our climate and nature goals. The release of this charity anthem, ‘Lasting Legacy,’ is intended to deliver a message of hope and unity in this mission, raise much-needed funds for climate adaptation for crisis-affected communities, and inspire wider engagement in the climate action agenda from people of all ages and cultures.”
RedOne added: “Music has the power to transcend boundaries, and this anthem is a beacon of hope and a reminder that together, in harmony, we can make a significant impact in the fight against climate change.”
The anthem features a great roster of musicians, each of whom has infused the song with elements from their respective languages and cultures, including: Saudi Arabia’s Dalia Mubarak; Balqees from the UAE; Gims from the Congo and France; Mo Agnez from Indonesia; India’s Anushka Sen; Arrow Bwoy from Kenya; Inna Modja from Mali; Boy Story from China; Valeriya from Russia; Van Mai Huong from Vietnam; AY Young from the US; Barbara Doza from Venezuela; Carolina Doche from the US and Brazil.
Producer Taymoor Marmarchi said: “As the global community converged for COP28, ‘Lasting Legacy’ emerged as a profound musical embodiment of this pivotal summit. The anthem reflects the UAE’s deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship and stands as a powerful reminder that together, we can forge a path toward a more sustainable and resilient future.”
Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR senior adviser and GCC representative, emphasized the pressing need to address the climate crisis and added: “I am grateful to the organizers and participating artists for their invaluable contributions to this initiative. I sincerely hope their work will not only spread awareness but also inspire individuals everywhere to believe in their capacity to effect positive change in the world.”
Karl Shuker, director of international philanthropy and partnerships for the MENA region at the International Rescue Committee, said: “Communities where the IRC works, those living at the sharp end of the climate crisis, need our support more than ever before. We are proud to dedicate the proceeds raised to the tangible, innovative climate adaptation solutions that the international community must rally around today to support those in need.”
‘Lasting Legacy’ is available on all streaming platforms. All proceeds from the record will support climate adaptation for vulnerable communities around the world through the work of the IRC and the UNHCR.
For further details on the COP28 charity anthem, its artists, and the initiatives it supports, please visit anthem.cop28.com


MG Motor takes center stage at Riyadh Motor Show

The British-born brand MG Motor unveiled the new MG Whale for the 1st time globally and the new MG7 regionally
The British-born brand MG Motor unveiled the new MG Whale for the 1st time globally and the new MG7 regionally
Updated 07 December 2023
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MG Motor takes center stage at Riyadh Motor Show

The British-born brand MG Motor unveiled the new MG Whale for the 1st time globally and the new MG7 regionally

MG Motor, the British-born brand, took center stage at the Riyadh Motor Show as they unveiled the new MG Whale for the first time globally, and unveiled the new MG7 regionally. Both launches showcased MG’s dedication to providing cutting-edge vehicles that resonate with the discerning tastes of customers in the Middle East and Saudi markets.

The Riyadh Motor Show, a prominent event in the automotive calendar, provided MG Motor with a strategic platform for launching the MG Whale, a revolutionary SUV-coupe that embraces daring design elements. Featuring a distinctive whale-inspired grille and a rear adorned with oval-shaped vertical lights, the MG Whale is sure to capture attention on the road with its bold aesthetics. The interior boasts a dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic screen, Nappa leather-clad seats, and a clean, button-free design that enhances the overall driving experience. With its striking appearance, the MG Whale is a petrol-powered marvel that combines style, performance, and innovation. This SUV will be available for sale from the end of December.

With its sporty look, triangle-shaped headlights, and a continuous tail light unit, the region-first MG7 is bound to make a powerful statement on the road in March 2024. The interior features a 12.3-inch main screen, a 10.25-inch instrument panel, and a stylish three-spoke steering wheel. Offering a harmonious blend of performance and aesthetics, the MG7 stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering diverse options for its customers.

MG Motor also displayed a custom-made MG T60, adding a unique touch to its display at the motor show. Moreover, the brand highlighted its New Energy mobility models including the MG HS PHEV and the new MG ZS EV. The company’s stand also featured other top-tier models such as the RX5, MG GT, and the recently introduced MG One. These models, known for their exceptional performance, style, and innovative features, further enhance MG’s diverse lineup.

MG Motor Middle East Managing Director Tom Lee said: “Our presence at the Riyadh Motor Show this year is crucial as the brand brings to the region — and the capital of the Kingdom — a world premiere and a regional debut, both are momentous occasions for MG Motor. These groundbreaking launches not only emphasize the strategic significance of the Middle East in our global vision, but also allow us to pay homage to our rich history as we celebrate MG Motor’s 100 years and our newly signed partnership with Jiad Modern Motors, a Mohamed Yousuf Naghi company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The MG Whale and MG7 models are a testament to our commitment to delivering innovation and design excellence to our customers in the Middle East and beyond.”


Bab Rizq Jameel celebrates 20 years of positive impact

Bab Rizq Jameel celebrates 20 years of positive impact
Updated 07 December 2023
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Bab Rizq Jameel celebrates 20 years of positive impact

Bab Rizq Jameel celebrates 20 years of positive impact

Bab Rizq Jameel, a company that is part of Community Jameel Saudi, celebrated its 20th anniversary, and the profound impact it has achieved by providing income opportunities. A ceremony was held on Dec. 3 at Hussein Jameel Hall in Jeddah, celebrating major milestones and achievements, in addition to launching the new corporate identity.
For more than two decades, Bab Rizq Jameel has played a significant role in supporting and empowering the community and creating a positive impact in the Kingdom. Through a series of initiatives, Bab Rizq Jameel has helped in providing youths with income opportunities, reducing unemployment rates in line with the goals of Vision 2030. In addition, it has enabled job seekers to improve their professional skills to meet market requirements and delivered effective employment solutions for enterprises to enhance their growth and contribution to the national economy.

FASTFACT

1m

job opportunities have been provided by Bab Rizq Jameel over a span of 20 years.

Over the span of 20 years, the company has succeeded in providing more than a million job opportunities, offering microfinance of more than SR2.9 billion ($773 million), and supporting over 150 companies through a comprehensive range of cloud solutions.

Dr. May Taibah, Member of the Board of Trustees at Community Jameel Saudi

Hassan Jameel, deputy chairman of Community Jameel, said: “At the core of Bab Rizq Jameel, our vision is focused on supporting the development of the Saudi economy by providing employment and competencies development opportunities, and organizing innovative programs and initiatives for members of the community. This is a special occasion for all of Bab Rizq Jameel’s team as we are celebrating the progress and successes we have achieved. Notably, this milestone would not have been possible without the unlimited support received from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince, and all supporting government organizations.”

As we celebrate our achievements of the past 20 years, we must also look forward to the future to shape our plans and implement them with determination.

Dr. May Taibah, Member of the Board of Trustees at Community Jameel Saudi

Dr. May Taibah, member of the board of trustees at Community Jameel Saudi, said: “As we celebrate our achievements of the past 20 years, we must also look forward to the future to shape our plans and implement them with determination. Bab Rizq Jameel has been at the forefront of providing innovative employment solutions to enterprises in various sectors over the past two decades. We will continue delivering impact, activating our new strategy that ensures both quantitative and qualitative development of our services, keeping abreast of the landscape and changes in labor markets.”
During the celebration, Bab Rizq Jameel’s new strategy was announced. The newly announced services can be divided into two main categories: competency development, which includes training ending with employment, cooperative training, and a skills kit for fresh graduates; and the income opportunities services that allow job seekers to find opportunities ranging from full- to part-time and freelance work, through a dedicated platform connecting them with suitable organizations.
Bab Rizq Jameel also announced its updated corporate identity and several new initiatives that will be launched in the coming weeks and months, such as a virtual job fair, a freelance platform, a skills kit, and the Employment Superhub. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to continue working to develop the capabilities and skills of Saudi youth by providing innovative solutions to enhance the Saudi human capital and shape a better future for society in accordance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

 


GFH Joins World Economic Forum as associate partner

Salah Sharif, chief operating officer of GFH, and Joanna Lahham, regional manager — business engagement, Middle East and Africa
Salah Sharif, chief operating officer of GFH, and Joanna Lahham, regional manager — business engagement, Middle East and Africa
Updated 07 December 2023
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GFH Joins World Economic Forum as associate partner

Salah Sharif, chief operating officer of GFH, and Joanna Lahham, regional manager — business engagement, Middle East and Africa

GFH Financial Group has joined the World Economic Forum as an associate partner, in line with the group’s expanding global presence and commitment to fostering meaningful collaborations.
Through the partnership, senior leaders from the group will actively participate in and contribute to WEF’s annual meeting in Davos, a gathering that convenes more than 200 influential leaders shaping the global agenda. Additionally, GFH is eagerly anticipating its involvement in WEF’s “Shaping the Future of Financial and Monetary Systems” initiative, which brings together representatives from leading global companies and subject matter experts.

HIGHLIGHT

Through the partnership, senior leaders from the group will actively participate in and contribute to WEF’s annual meeting in Davos.

Salah Sharif, chief operating officer of GFH, said: “We are delighted to join WEF as an associate partner alongside other leading global companies that are dedicated to developing solutions to the world’s greatest challenges. The partnership reflects the group’s commitment to further expanding our business, global presence and networks, and provides us with the opportunity to do so by leveraging the unique access provided by WEF at the highest levels. We are excited to contribute to essential global economic conversations by sharing our expertise and insights relating to our core investment sectors and the multiple geographies in which we are active. By actively engaging with WEF’s platforms, we look forward to collaborating with other industry leaders to identify and create new opportunities for growth and development, and to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues.”
Joanna Lahham, regional manager — business engagement, Middle East and Africa at WEF, said: “The World Economic Forum is thrilled to broaden its presence in Bahrain, aiming to amplify its representation in shaping global agendas. The forum anticipates that a partnership with GFH, a key player in Bahrain’s financial landscape, will further deepen engagement and impact within the wider GCC region.”
GFH is a financial group with a growing global business. It has assets and funds under management exceeding $19 billion, and maintains a strong international footprint with offices and affiliates across the GCC, US, UK and Europe. The group’s investment strategy focuses on high-impact priority sectors. It has an expansive portfolio of assets across the education, healthcare, logistics, living, sustainable infrastructure and technology sectors that align with its commitment to sustainable development and innovation. The group is listed on four GCC stock exchanges.

 


Majid Al-Futtaim urges public-private sector collaboration to unlock sustainable finance in region

Photo: (Twitter @MajidAlFuttaim)
Photo: (Twitter @MajidAlFuttaim)
Updated 07 December 2023
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Majid Al-Futtaim urges public-private sector collaboration to unlock sustainable finance in region

Photo: (Twitter @MajidAlFuttaim)

Majid Al-Futtaim, a shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, has published a sustainable finance paper, which examines the significant increase in sustainable finance in the MENA region and the ways it can act as a catalyst for positive change.
Titled “Aligning Growth with Purpose,” the paper looks at the global and regional sustainable finance landscape and calls on a collaboration between the private and public sector to unlock the $30 trillion of new investment needed to achieve the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
Majid Al-Futtaim is recognized as a pioneer in sustainable financing for the region. The group is the first privately owned Dubai corporation to incorporate green Islamic financing into its funding structure, most recently raising $500 million through its fourth green capital markets issuance. Majid Al-Futtaim also introduced innovative sustainability-linked loan financing with a “penalty-only” loan structure.

FASTFACT

Majid Al-Futtaim is the first privately owned Dubai corporation to incorporate green Islamic financing into its funding structure.

Ahmed Galal Ismail, chief executive at Majid Al-Futtaim — Holding, said: “The Middle East and North Africa region is currently witnessing a surge in interest from investors actively seeking opportunities to allocate capital to projects with a strong environmental, social and governance focus. Finance is a critical enabler of climate action, and by doubling down on developing the right structure and mechanisms, the MENA region is positioned to become a thriving hub for sustainable finance, leading the way toward a low-carbon and resilient future.
“Sustainable finance will play a fundamental role as we transition to a net-zero carbon economy and collectively strive to meet the aims of the Paris Agreement and the SDGs. This progress, however, is only achievable if we work collectively to take action. We are advocating for collaboration between both the public and private sectors, with governments taking responsibility for enabling favorable conditions and incentives for investment, and private sector leadership and finance to drive transformation. This coordinated and determined commitment will build more resilient, equitable, and sustainable organizations, and has the capacity to future-proof the global economy.”
The whitepaper also highlights the crucial role of bodies such as the World Economic Forum, which is working to support this collaborative action by bringing together public and private actors to catalyze sustainable infrastructure investment.