Omoda and Jaecoo held a grand launch in Riyadh

Omoda and Jaecoo held a grand launch in Riyadh
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Omoda and Jaecoo held a grand launch in Riyadh
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Updated 30 July 2024
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Omoda and Jaecoo held a grand launch in Riyadh

Omoda and Jaecoo held a grand launch in Riyadh

Omoda and Jaecoo held a grand brand launch event on July 29 at the Fairmont Hotel in Riyadh. 

The event attracted over 250 renowned local media and industry key opinion leaders (KOL) and received significant attention from the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Energy. 

Several high ranking government officials were also present to witness the launch.

The event commenced with a dazzling light show, and digital hologram host made a surprise appearance to host the live event. 

This innovative approach not only provided a stunning visual and auditory experience for the audience but also showcased Omoda and Jaecoo’s commitment to future technology and fashion trends.

Omoda and Jaecoo target new generation lifestyle enthusiasts and urban elites, respectively. The former aims to explore new avenues in the smart and electric vehicle era, while the latter, with its fearless spirit of exploration, strives to break boundaries in the global off-road vehicle market.

In the Omoda series, the C5, with its "Art in Motion" design philosophy, embodies a unique and stylish crossover SUV style. 

Its exterior design combines a diamond-cut geometric matrix grille, dynamic and powerful waistline, 18-inch dual-color blade wheels, and the signature coupe SUV fastback silhouette, exuding a futuristic technological feel. 

In terms of safety, the C5's body is made of 78 percent ultra-high-strength steel and comes standard with advanced intelligent driving assistance systems, providing world-class safety and comfort for passengers.

At the event, the Omoda C5, as one of the star models in the OMODA series, showcased its distinctive and stylish crossover SUV style with its "Art in Motion" design philosophy. 

Its exterior design features a diamond-cut geometric matrix grille, dynamic and powerful waistline, 18-inch dual-color blade wheels, and a couple of SUV fastback silhouette, highlighting its futuristic technological feel. 

This model, with world-class safety capabilities, has a body made of 78 percent ultra-high-strength steel and is equipped with advanced intelligent driving assistance systems to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.

The Jaecoo J7, equipped with the ARDIS all-terrain intelligent system, exemplifies the Jaecoo series' "From Classic to Beyond Classic" concept. 

This system endows the J7 with excellent passability on various complex terrains such as sand, mud, and off-road, ensuring Saudi users can enjoy an ultimate driving experience in any travel scenario. 

In terms of power, the J7 is equipped with a 1.6TGDI engine with a peak torque of 290N·m, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, providing an excellent driving experience. All J7 models are built to extremely high safety standards, featuring an innovative energy-absorbing cage body design, over 80 percent high-strength steel, and leading ADAS systems, collectively constructing a "Beyond Classic" safety system and intelligent protection.

Omoda and Jaecoo CEO Shawn Xu delivered a strategic speech at the launch event, sharing the brand's remarkable achievements in the global market. 

In just over a year since its establishment, Omoda and Jaecoo has achieved cumulative global sales exceeding 260,000 units, with export sales in the first half of 2024 seeing a 54 percent year-on-year increase. 

This achievement not only confirms the brand's status as one of the fastest-growing automotive brands globally but also demonstrates its strong competitiveness in the global automotive market.

Behind these achievements is Omoda and Jaecoo's relentless pursuit of deep market penetration and product innovation.

In the future, Omoda and Jaecoo will continue to deepen their presence in the Saudi market, positioning it as a crucial hub for rapid advancement in the Middle East and the global market. 

As a personalized new energy vehicle brand, Omoda and Jaecoo will focus on the new energy field, offering models with various power options, including BEV, PHEV, and ICE, to meet diverse consumer needs.

Omoda and Jaecoo's global strategy extends beyond the Middle East. In Europe, the brand is expanding rapidly. 

From the launch event in Spain this February, the establishment of the first factory in Barcelona, to the market layout in Poland and Italy, Omoda and Jaecoo are not only expanding their sales and service network and supply chain system rapidly but also demonstrating their service capabilities and system construction ability in the global automotive industry. 

Additionally, the "Go Paris" tour event held during the centennial sports event in Paris further highlighted the brand's charm and determination to expand in the European market.

Looking globally, Omoda and Jaecoo view the European market as a testing ground for the survival of technology and products and as a key area for building an international brand. 

According to the "2030 Strategy" plan, the brand aims to enter over 60 countries and regions worldwide, establish more than 3,000 global sales and service networks, and lead the automotive industry trend through continuous technological innovation and product upgrades, providing global consumers with safer, greener, and smarter travel experiences.


BSF-AstroLabs program boosts Saudi fintech talent

BSF-AstroLabs program boosts Saudi fintech talent
Updated 10 September 2024
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BSF-AstroLabs program boosts Saudi fintech talent

BSF-AstroLabs program boosts Saudi fintech talent

Bank Saudi Fransi and AstroLabs, a business expansion platform in the Gulf, have announced the successful conclusion of the second cohort of their flagship “Banker Technologist” program, which seeks to expand Saudi Arabia’s fintech talent pool, thereby contributing to the advancement of the broader fintech sector.

As Saudi Arabia is rapidly evolving into a global financial technology and innovation hub, the program plays a pivotal role in generating employment in fintech. This is in line with Vision 2030’s objectives to increase the number of fintech companies to at least 525 by 2030, up from 200 in 2023 to create 18,000 job opportunities.

This six-month program is uniquely designed to shift the emphasis from theoretical concepts to practical skill acquisition through a learning environment created to simulate actual workplace scenarios.

During the initial stages, the 10 selected participants took part in group classes held at AstroLabs’ premises in Riyadh, covering core development topics such as web development, databases, security, cloud and digital services, integration and programming, along with soft skills and personal competencies.

Afterward, the participants got the opportunity to partake in mentorship sessions moderated by more than 10 subject matter experts including established bankers and CEOs as well as members from the AstroLabs’ network, among other stakeholders. This immersive experience has equipped participants with the necessary technological tools, personalized support and unrivaled networking opportunities, including a visit to the LEAP conference held in Riyadh last May.

Reema Siyam, head of learning and talent management at Banque Saudi Fransi Academy, said: “As BSF takes strides toward its mission to become the most modern, innovative, and experience-focused bank in the region, we continue to focus on attracting, developing, and retaining top talent in the Kingdom to achieve that mission. Our ‘Banker Technologist’ program focuses on the skills needed to accelerate digital transformation at the bank and on empowering our employees to take charge of their development.”

At the end of the program, the participants started to work within the bank’s verticals and were offered the opportunity to gather insights from senior leaders, industry experts and specialized mentors from AstroLabs’ wider network through weekly sessions.

Fouad Fattal, vice president of key accounts and programs at AstroLabs, said: “We are delighted to be completing the second cohort of the ‘Banker Technologist’ program, which represents a cornerstone of our commitment as a company to foster fintech talents amid a rapid uptake in digital banking as a key pillar of the fintech industry in Saudi Arabia.”


Carrier opens regional office in Saudi Arabia

Carrier opens regional office in Saudi Arabia
Updated 10 September 2024
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Carrier opens regional office in Saudi Arabia

Carrier opens regional office in Saudi Arabia

Carrier Global Corporation, a global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions, has announced the opening of its regional office in Riyadh. This strategic move underscores Carrier’s commitment to enhancing its operations in the Middle East, aligning with the region’s growth and development ambitions.

“Establishing our regional office in Riyadh is a strategic decision that aligns with our vision to be closer to our customers and partners in this rapidly growing region. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its focus on sustainability and innovation make Riyadh an ideal location for our regional headquarters.” said Didier Genois, vice president and general manager, Carrier CHVAC Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “This move will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers and accelerate the deployment of our cutting-edge intelligent climate and energy solutions across the region.”

Tony Jabbour, managing director of CHVAC Middle East, added: “The establishment of our regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia underscores our commitment to the region and reflects our confidence in its future growth. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities this move creates for both Carrier and our customers.”

Carrier is committed to creating solutions that matter for people and the planet for generations to come. The company leads in inventing new technologies and entirely new industries, boasting a world-class, diverse workforce that puts the customer at the center of everything it does.


Cyber resilience takes center stage as MENA ISC 2024 kicks off in Riyadh

Cyber resilience takes center stage as MENA ISC 2024 kicks off in Riyadh
Updated 10 September 2024
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Cyber resilience takes center stage as MENA ISC 2024 kicks off in Riyadh

Cyber resilience takes center stage as MENA ISC 2024 kicks off in Riyadh

As the highly anticipated 12th edition of the MENA Information Security Conference kicks off on Wednesday, cybersecurity experts from around the world are set to converge in Riyadh to discuss and define the future of cyber defense in the Kingdom. Hosted by VirtuPort, this year’s theme “Hyper-Resilient Cyber: Navigating the Evolving Threat Landscape of the Interconnected World of IT, OT, IoT, IIoT and Hybrid Cloud,” shines the event’s focus on the intersection of various critical technologies shaping the modern digital ecosystem in the Kingdom and beyond.

MENA ISC 2024 will be powered by the collaboration of leading local and international cybersecurity firms whose combined market capitalization is over SR375 billion ($100 billion), including Salam, CyberKnight, Cyber Polygon (BI.ZONE) and other sponsors such as Kaspersky, Arcon, Cloudflare and Google Cloud Security, as well as PwC in the role of a knowledge partner. These partners play a crucial role in delivering key industry insights, emerging technologies real-time demonstrations and collaborative opportunities to enhance the Kingdom’s digital resilience.

Also present to boost knowledge sharing at the conference are speakers from various backgrounds, such as the distinguished speaker Craig Jones, former director of cybercrime at INTERPOL, who will lead a plenary session exploring the AI-driven cyber future, focusing on how artificial intelligence is transforming both defensive and offensive cybersecurity strategies. Also delivering a keynote will be Asma Al-Yemeni, who serves as the chief information security officer at the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, where she is instrumental in developing and implementing robust cybersecurity strategies. With a strong background in information security and risk management, Al-Yemeni focuses on protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of security awareness within the organization, empowering staff and students to recognize and mitigate potential threats and is known for her strategic vision and leadership. 

Additionally, another speaker, Reem Alzamil is the CEO of CyberX, where she leads the company in its mission to deliver in cybersecurity awareness solutions. With over a decade of experience in the technology sector, Alzamil has a proven track record of driving growth and fostering a culture of innovation. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, allowing diverse perspectives to shape the company’s strategic direction. A recognized thought leader in the Saudi cybersecurity community, she is committed to empowering organizations to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape while safeguarding their assets against evolving threats

Beyond the palette of leading cybersecurity players and insightful individual sessions, MENA ISC 2024 will offer panel discussions, live demonstrations of the latest cybersecurity technologies, and a series of interactive workshops aimed at equipping attendees with actionable insights and skills. This year’s agenda also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government bodies, private sectors and international institutions to build a unified, hyper-resilient cybersecurity framework for one and all.

With over 3,000 expected attendees, including prominent figures from both regional and international cybersecurity landscapes, the conference is set to be the cornerstone for shaping the future of digital resilience in Saudi Arabia and beyond.


Zain KSA empowers people with disabilities in ICT sector

Zain KSA empowers people with disabilities in ICT sector
Updated 09 September 2024
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Zain KSA empowers people with disabilities in ICT sector

Zain KSA empowers people with disabilities in ICT sector

Demonstrating its commitment to empowering people with disabilities, Zain KSA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Zain KSA will offer specialized training and development programs, along with job opportunities for individuals with disabilities as part of this agreement. Additionally, registered users on the MHRSD platform will receive exclusive offers tailored to their needs.

This collaboration seeks to empower individuals with disabilities and boost their presence in the ICT sector. This initiative demonstrates Zain KSA’s values of diversity, inclusion, and equality. By offering equal opportunities to all, Zain KSA is actively contributing to Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of enhancing social services, particularly for people with disabilities, through training, development, and integration into the workforce.

Commenting on the development, Loluwah Saad Alnowaiser, Zain KSA’s executive vice president of human resources, said: “At Zain KSA, our commitment goes beyond advancing telecommunications and digital services. We are dedicated to nurturing creativity and innovation among young talent throughout the Kingdom. Rooted in our belief that every individual possesses unique potential, we view it as our responsibility as Saudi leaders to cultivate and invest in this talent. This commitment aligns with our broader strategy to foster diversity and inclusivity within the workplace and society at large.

“Since 2018, we have actively pursued initiatives, such as the We Able initiative, to advance these goals. At Zain KSA, we are dedicated to attracting, training, and developing talented individuals with disabilities. We equip them with the scientific and professional skills needed to pursue fulfilling careers aligned with their abilities. Our goal is not just to retain this exceptional talent, but to nurture and empower them, enabling them to play an active role in community development.”

In his statement, MHRSD’s Assistant Undersecretary for Rehabilitation and Social Guidance Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Hadithia said: “We are committed to creating an inclusive society where individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to contribute to the nation’s social and economic progress. Our partnership with the private sector is instrumental in achieving seamless integration in this area, aligning with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

Zain KSA partners with various organizations to empower individuals with disabilities to contribute to Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Most recently, the company partnered with the Authority of People with Disabilities on the Purple Saturday initiative to provide tailored and exclusive benefits to this community.


Bentley to launch new Flying Spur today

Bentley to launch new Flying Spur today
Updated 09 September 2024
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Bentley to launch new Flying Spur today

Bentley to launch new Flying Spur today

Bentley Saudi Arabia announced that the latest Grand Touring sedan — the new Flying Spur — will be launched on Sept. 10.

Reborn with the company’s new “Ultra Performance Hybrid” powertrain with 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, Bentley’s four-door supercar demonstrates the power of the possible. The new Flying Spur is not only the most powerful and most dynamic, but also the most efficient four-door car in Bentley’s 105-year history, with CO2 below 40 g/km, an e-range more than 45 miles, and total range of more than 500 miles.

The Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain is Bentley’s future, delivering astonishing flexibility from incredibly accessible supercar performance to silent, effortless electric luxury. To launch the new Flying Spur, Bentley Motors will release a film showcasing the car’s newly-expanded dynamic capabilities — at the hands of racing stars old and new.