GIB sponsors Saudi golfer Faisal Salhab

Updated 29 April 2025

Arab News

April 29, 2025 22:36

Gulf International Bank has announced its official sponsorship of Saudi professional golfer Faisal Salhab, underscoring the bank’s commitment to supporting professional sports both locally and internationally.

Commenting on the partnership, Abdulaziz Al-Helaissi, group CEO of GIB, said: “We are proud to sponsor one of ��Ƶ’s most prominent golfing talents. Faisal is a dedicated athlete and a role model for many young Saudi golfers who look up to him. Our partnership with Faisal is part of GIB’s ongoing support to the development of sports in the Kingdom, one of ��Ƶ’s Vision 2030 goals, and assisting Faisal succeed in his path to becoming a leading professional in golf.”

Khaled Abbas, CEO of GIB ��Ƶ, highlighted the importance of the sponsorship, describing it as “a genuine boost for Saudi sports and the professionalization efforts supported by the Kingdom as part of its ambitious plans to enhance and grow sports participation at all levels.” He added: “We are excited to undertake this sponsorship, which alongside similar initiatives, will contribute to advancing the three pillars of Saudi Vision 2030: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.”

Salhab expressed his pride in the collaboration, saying: “I am honored to become a member of the GIB family. I look forward to representing the bank, both within the Kingdom and internationally, and to contributing to elevating ��Ƶ’s presence on the global stage.”

The partnership will also feature Salhab’s participation in a range of community events, to be organized by GIB, further enhancing the bank’s ongoing efforts in community involvement and corporate social responsibility, in addition to promotional engagements involving GIB’s customers and employees.

stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims

Updated 14 June 2025

Arab News

June 14, 2025 22:21

stc uses AI to ensure smarter, safer Hajj for 1.6m pilgrims

Updated 14 June 2025

Arab News

June 14, 2025 22:21

stc group, a leading digital enabler, supported more than 1.6 million Hajj pilgrims with a robust digital ecosystem, ensuring seamless connectivity, secure communications, and an exceptional spiritual experience.

The group managed the holy season with outstanding readiness and reliability, elevating pilgrims’ experience through advanced telecommunications infrastructure and dedicated onsite maintenance teams. stc utilized its integrated operations center to monitor all performance indicators in real time, while leveraging cutting-edge analysis and network operation technologies to make swift, precise decisions, ensuring uninterrupted service, even during peak network traffic.

stc’s network reached record-breaking data and call volumes on the day of Arafah and the first day of Eid Al-Adha, surpassing previous Hajj seasons. The deployment of an advanced technical system powered by generative AI and cognitive SON enabled more than 14,000 technical actions per hour, a 30 percent increase from last year. This system also improved upload speed by 20 percent and achieved a self-recovery rate of more than 95 percent during peak times. stc’s 5G network recorded its highest-ever utilization rate of 90 percent during Arafah, successfully meeting the unprecedented demand and ensuring a seamless customer experience.

Data usage peaked at Muzdalifah on the first day of Eid, with a 64 percent increase in traffic, a 129 percent surge in 5G usage, and a 25 percent improvement in user experience. In Mina, AI-based predictive analytics optimized load distribution, boosting data traffic by more than 30 percent and enhancing 5G performance by 39 percent compared to last season.

In response to the heightened demand throughout this season, stc set up 436 fixed towers and 78 mobile towers to serve the Haram area and the holy sites, along with 259 5G sites, 83 upgraded 4G sites, and 21 additional coverage sites. Moreover, 998 Wi-Fi access points and 179 dedicated indoor data network sites ensured optimal coverage.

stc dedicated 144 critical communications network sites to deliver immediate support to security and service sectors, backed by a robust team of on-ground maintenance professionals ensuring uninterrupted services in all conditions. The group also played a key role in supporting government and private entities serving pilgrims, demonstrating its commitment to fostering national collaboration during the Hajj season.

stc contributed to the delivery of more than 203 million text messages on the day of Arafah, providing pilgrims with multilingual guidance to perform rituals with ease.

stc subsidiaries played a vital role in enhancing the Hajj experience.

“sirar by stc” delivered cyber protection solutions to safeguard data and ensure the continuity of digital systems, while “specialized by stc” provided critical communication services via TETRA and LTE networks through its Miqat and Manasik solutions. Additionally, its Event Management Platform seamlessly connected operations rooms with field teams in real time, facilitating the safe and efficient movement of pilgrims.

“solutions by stc” contributed with advanced services such as SD-WAN, router management, and high-performance Wi-Fi to ensure continuous connectivity. “iot squared” introduced smart tents equipped with sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and smoke, enabling early emergency detection and faster response through command centers.

“The success of this year’s Hajj underscores the group’s commitment to serving pilgrims as a trusted digital partner,” the group said. “Operating behind the scenes, stc connected hearts and networks by delivering advanced telecommunications services that respected the sanctity of the occasion. stc group is proud to support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by driving digital transformation and enhancing the experience of pilgrims during Hajj.”

Honor debuts in Bahrain market with 400 Series launch

Updated 14 June 2025

Arab News

June 14, 2025 22:20

Honor debuts in Bahrain market with 400 Series launch

Updated 14 June 2025

Arab News

June 14, 2025 22:20

Global AI device ecosystem company Honor has officially announced its entry into the Bahrain market with the launch of its highly anticipated 400 Series. The launch event, held in collaboration with Future Communications Company, Honor’s exclusive distributor in Bahrain, welcomed more than 80 guests including leading retailers and telecom operators.

The event marked a significant milestone in Honor’s regional expansion strategy and introduced Bahrain to the brand’s latest innovation in AI-powered smartphones. During the event, Laurence Li, general manager Honor GCC, outlined the brand’s global achievements, rapid growth across the region, and its long-term investment strategy for the country.

Sayed Ali Kamel, senior business development manager at FCC, expressed strong confidence in the Honor brand and reaffirmed FCC’s commitment to working closely with all channel partners to ensure successful market penetration and growth.

The highlight of the event was the introduction of the Honor 400 and 400 Pro — both equipped with advanced AI capabilities including the industry-leading 200 MP AI camera and the new AI Creative Editor, designed to revolutionize mobile photography and visual storytelling.

The Honor 400 is available in two storage variants: 12 GB + 256 GB at 154.9 Bahraini dinars ($410), and 12 GB + 512 GB at 174.9 Bahraini dinars.

The 400 Pro, offering enhanced features and performance, is available in a 12 GB + 512 GB variant at 279.9 Bahraini dinars.

Both devices come equipped with MagicOS 9.0, Honor’s intelligent user interface based on Android 15, and feature a 6,000 mAh battery with ultra-fast charging. The Pro variant also boasts IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance for added durability.

With a strong focus on innovation, design, and user experience, Honor aims to offer Bahraini consumers premium, AI-powered smartphones that empower creativity, productivity, and seamless connectivity.

Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele

Updated 13 June 2025

Arab News

June 13, 2025 13:15

Design, sustainability, innovation: Hallmarks of German appliance manufacturer Miele

Updated 13 June 2025

Arab News

June 13, 2025 13:15

Miele, the 125-year-old German manufacturer of premium appliances, continues to set global benchmarks in design, sustainability, and technological innovation.

At the heart of this evolution is Dr. Reinhard Zinkann, co-proprietor and managing director of Miele, who embodies the brand’s founding ethos: Immer Besser—Forever Better.

For Dr. Zinkann, leading a fourth-generation family business is not about simply maintaining tradition—it’s about enhancing it.

“Being a family business allows us to make decisions with a long-term perspective,” he said. “It frees us from the pressures of short-term gains and allows us to focus on quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility.”

Miele’s dedication to excellence is best illustrated in the life expectancy of its products.

Designed and tested to last up to 20 years, their durability speaks not only to performance but also to a larger environmental ethic: fewer replacements and less waste.

In markets like the Middle East, where refinement and experiential luxury go hand in hand, Miele’s design philosophy plays a pivotal role.

The brand seamlessly integrates form and function to craft appliances that are both elegant and efficient.

“We collaborate with top architects and designers globally to ensure our appliances are not just built to perform, but also to complement evolving interior trends,” said Dr. Zinkann.

This approach is showcased in the new Miele Experience Center in Riyadh, where fully integrated kitchens and living spaces allow visitors to interact with the brand’s offerings in lifelike settings.

“We’ve significantly reduced our operational CO₂ emissions, and many of our appliances now use recycled materials,” Dr. Zinkann added. “Our products are also designed for disassembly, making them easier to repair and recycle.”

Such initiatives earned Miele the German Sustainability Award 2023, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible innovation across its supply chain and beyond.

Miele has embraced smart living through its Miele@home ecosystem. From AI-powered ovens that learn your favorite recipes to washing machines that optimize cycles based on fabric type, Miele’s tech solutions aim to simplify life without sacrificing performance.

“Technology should enhance convenience, not complicate it,” Dr. Zinkann said. “Our goal is intelligent simplicity, always paired with elegance.”

He said: “��Ƶ is transforming rapidly, and we see a strong synergy between our values and the Kingdom’s aspirations.”

The center offers more than appliances; it hosts live cooking events, sustainable living workshops, and collaborations with local chefs. It’s a space where innovation meets culture, a symbol of Miele’s long-term commitment to the region.

Miele’s alignment with Vision 2030 isn’t accidental. Its focus on sustainability, innovation, and education mirrors the Kingdom’s path forward.

Through partnerships with local entities like the Awad Badi Nahas Group, Miele is investing not just in market share, but in societal growth.

“We want to empower communities through knowledge and responsible innovation. ��Ƶ is a key partner in that journey,” Dr. Zinkann said.

He added: “Today’s customers want appliances that reflect their values — efficiency, design, and sustainability.

“At Miele, we’re redefining what it means to be premium in a world that demands both beauty and responsibility.”

Baheej to open new wellness resort on Yanbu coastline

Updated 11 June 2025

Arab News

June 11, 2025 22:33

Baheej to open new wellness resort on Yanbu coastline

Updated 11 June 2025

Arab News

June 11, 2025 22:33

Baheej, ��Ƶ’s emerging destination developer and a joint venture between ASFAR, the Saudi Tourism Investment Company and a Public Investment Fund company with the Tamimi-AWN Alliance, has announced the fourth component of its transformative Yanbu Waterfront Project: a 34-room boutique wellness resort that brings together ancestral wellness wisdom and contemporary design inspired by the region’s seafaring heritage.

Nestled on the tranquil shores of Yanbu, this intimate sanctuary will feature private sea-view cabanas, immersive wellness programming, and a signature spa designed as an architectural homage to the pearl, once a precious treasure of Yanbu and a symbol of renewal and serenity.

Norah Al-Tamimi, CEO of Baheej, said: “This project is a reflection of Baheej’s vision to enrich Saudi destinations with meaning, not just infrastructure. Our wellness resort is more than a place to stay — it’s an experience crafted around the values of balance, beauty, and belonging. We believe it will become a new symbol of Yanbu’s evolving identity as a serene coastal escape.”

Envisioned as a journey and offering guests opportunities to reconnect with self and place, Baheej is developing the resort with curated experiences that include meditation at sunrise, movement rituals inspired by coastal rhythms, and wellness treatments rooted in Arabic healing traditions and native ingredients.

“The design, developed by Spectrum Architecture, draws deeply from the soul of Yanbu,” said Stefano Lopez, senior director at Baheej. “It reinterprets the poetry of seafaring traditions and the calm resilience of the sea into a space of reflection, comfort, and transformation.”

Lopez also noted that the official brand of the resort will be revealed later this year, hinting at its distinctive Saudi character. “We want to create a brand that resonates with our domestic travelers — one that brings generations of Saudi heritage and wellness practices to the forefront of contemporary hospitality,” he said.

This launch marks a further step in Baheej’s mission to transform Yanbu into the gateway to the Red Sea Riviera — a new destination narrative that fuses nature, culture, and community. The wellness resort joins a growing collection of destination-defining assets developed by Baheej in Yanbu, including Cloud 7 Lifestyle hotel by Kerten Hospitality, Kaynuna Beach Escape and the upcoming Jaba Tour Center and Diving Club.

Aldar announces region’s first King’s College School Wimbledon

Updated 11 June 2025

Arab News

June 11, 2025 22:32

Aldar announces region’s first King’s College School Wimbledon

Updated 11 June 2025

Arab News

June 11, 2025 22:32

Aldar has announced an exclusive partnership between Aldar Education and the internationally renowned King’s College School Wimbledon to establish its first regional campus on Abu Dhabi’s Fahid Island.

Scheduled to open in September 2028 — following ADEK and regulatory approvals — the new K-12 super-premium school will significantly enhance Abu Dhabi’s already world-class educational offering, providing students with an established pathway to the highest ranked universities globally.

Strategically located within Fahid Island’s master-planned community, the new King’s College School Wimbledon Abu Dhabi campus will span an expansive 50,000 square meters, accommodating up to 2,220 students. Designed to seamlessly blend cutting-edge educational resources, extensive sports facilities, and a focus on student well-being, the campus complements Fahid Island’s broader vision to foster balanced lifestyles within a vibrant natural setting.

King’s College School Wimbledon is renowned for its rich heritage and exceptional academic standards.

Talal Al-Dhiyebi, group chief executive at Aldar, said: “We are proud to announce the first King’s College School Wimbledon to Abu Dhabi, a milestone that reflects Aldar’s fast-growing education portfolio and commitment to educational excellence. With King’s longstanding legacy of academic distinction and its proven track record of preparing students for the world’s top universities, this new school at the heart of Fahid Island will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier destination for world-class education and a global center for talent development.”

Sahar Cooper, chief executive at Aldar Education, added: “King’s College School Wimbledon is globally recognized for its ability to nurture well-rounded individuals equipped with the confidence, compassion and critical thinking skills to thrive. The school’s holistic approach to education, anchored in strong values, rich co-curricular programs, and personalized pastoral care, will add a new dimension to Aldar Education’s offering and further support Abu Dhabi’s vision to become a regional hub for excellence in education.”

The establishment of King’s College School on Fahid Island marks the initial phase of Aldar’s comprehensive educational strategy for the island, designed to address growing demand for premium educational offerings. Future phases will introduce additional educational institutions as part of its masterplan.

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