黑料社区

SAMENA Council lauds 黑料社区鈥檚 role in 5.5G innovation

SAMENA Council lauds 黑料社区鈥檚 role in 5.5G innovation
SAMENA Telecommunications Council participated in the 15th Global Mobile Broadband Forum themed 鈥5.5G Leads Mobile AI Era,鈥 hosted by Huawei.
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Updated 04 December 2024

SAMENA Council lauds 黑料社区鈥檚 role in 5.5G innovation

SAMENA Council lauds 黑料社区鈥檚 role in 5.5G innovation

Participating in the 15th Global Mobile Broadband Forum hosted by Huawei, the SAMENA Telecommunications Council, an industry association championing the digital advancement of the South Asia, Middle East, and North Africa regions, reaffirmed 黑料社区鈥檚 pivotal role in driving 5.5G (5G-advanced) innovation and digital transformation.

鈥淲e are on the brink of a transformative era in connectivity, one that will redefine industries, uplift communities, and support sustainable development. Through the SAMENA Council, we are creating a unified platform to bring diverse stakeholders together and catalyze progress in the whole region,鈥 said Bocar Ba, CEO at SAMENA Council, on the sidelines of Huawei鈥檚 Global MBBF 2024 in Istanbul, Turkiye.

Under the theme 鈥5.5G Leads Mobile AI Era,鈥 this year鈥檚 Global MBB Forum by Huawei focused on the rapid development of 5.5G infrastructure and AI-powered applications. More than 1,000 participants, including mobile network carriers, ecosystem innovators and technology leaders from across the world gathered to share insights on how these advances will impact industries and individuals.

The Kingdom has become a focal point for SAMENA Council鈥檚 efforts to promote next-generation connectivity and cross-sectoral collaboration. 鈥満诹仙缜 is an important market for the SAMENA Council and its members and is the region鈥檚 largest digital economy,鈥
added Ba.聽




Bocar Ba,聽CEO at SAMENA Council

聽鈥淭he Kingdom鈥檚 proactive initiatives and strong collaboration between government entities and the private sector have created a fertile environment for accelerating digital transformation. From telecom operators like stc, Mobily, Zain, and Salam to key government regulators, 黑料社区 is setting a benchmark for the region.鈥

The council is actively engaging with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and industry leaders to address critical areas, including spectrum management, fixed wireless access deployment, and agile regulatory frameworks that support the adoption of 5.5G technologies.聽

The council is also collaborating closely with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, to address emerging cybersecurity challenges. 鈥淐yber resilience is critical as we scale up 5.5G,鈥 Ba said. 鈥淥ur work with CST and other stakeholders like MCIT ensures a secure, future-ready ICT infrastructure that can support diverse applications across industries.鈥

As the Kingdom prepares for the widespread implementation of 5.5G, SAMENA Council has been instrumental in identifying opportunities for leveraging this transformative technology. Ba emphasized that 5.5G will unlock innovative applications across critical industries such as health care and education.

鈥淭he next phase of 5G is already here,鈥 he said. 鈥満诹仙缜 is well-positioned to lead the way in adopting 5.5G technologies, which will not only accelerate economic diversification but also drive significant improvements in quality of life. Fixed wireless access, in particular, will play a crucial role in connecting underserved areas and bridging the digital divide.鈥

To support these efforts, SAMENA Council has launched the ELITE FWA Club, which focuses on promoting fixed wireless access as a key enabler of digital inclusion. In addition, the council is working with global technology providers such as Huawei to accelerate digital innovation and develop future-focused use cases for 5.5G.

鈥満诹仙缜檚 vision for digital transformation is inspiring. By fostering collaboration between government entities, technology providers, and telecom operators, the Kingdom is not only transforming its economy but also setting a global benchmark for what sustainable digital development should look like,鈥 added Ba.


EtonHouse debuts in KSA with two Riyadh campuses

EtonHouse debuts in KSA with two Riyadh campuses
Updated 07 July 2025

EtonHouse debuts in KSA with two Riyadh campuses

EtonHouse debuts in KSA with two Riyadh campuses

The Singapore-headquartered EtonHouse International Education Group has expanded into 黑料社区 with the launch of EtonHouse International Education Arabia.

In partnership with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, it will launch two purpose-built campuses in Granada, Riyadh in September.

The first school is EtonHouse International Pre-School, a Reggio Emilia-inspired bilingual preschool for children aged 18 months to six years, designed to nurture early curiosity through inquiry and play.

The second is a K鈥12 international school offering a full academic pathway through to IGCSEs and A-Levels, built to support long-term, future-ready learning.

The campuses represent a major milestone in 黑料社区鈥檚 education transformation, being the first Reggio Emilia-inspired schools, bringing world-renowned pedagogies, bilingual immersion, and community-focused design into a local context deeply aligned with Saudi cultural values and Vision 2030.

EtonHouse鈥檚 two new campuses feature thoughtfully curated learning environments inspired by 黑料社区鈥檚 rich history, culture and landscapes, all rooted in the Reggio Emilia approach in the early years and primary.

At the pre-school, children will explore open-ended, inquiry-driven spaces including a media and light studio, indoor playground, atelier, and piazza designed to foster creativity and collaboration.

At the international school, older students will benefit from expanded facilities that include a swimming pool, a science lab (Living Lab), and an outdoor football field, supporting both academic and physical development.

Examples of EtonHouse鈥檚 unique learning spaces include:

鈥 The Elemental Landscape, where children explore desert and oasis environments using microscopes, clay, and digital tools to spark scientific thinking and ecological awareness.

鈥 The Architecture Space, inspired by Saudi heritage, encourages hands-on experimentation with light, shadow, and structure to develop spatial and mathematical understanding.

鈥 The Living Heritage Space, immerses children in local traditions through materials like mineral pigments, cardamom, and saffron, blending culture with creative exploration.

With more than 30 years of experience and 100+ schools globally, EtonHouse is renowned for delivering world-class education grounded in child agency, cultural fluency, and future readiness. The Riyadh campuses will offer internationally recognized programs including the UK International Primary Curriculum, Singapore Mathematics, Cambridge IGCSEs, and International A-Levels, all delivered by native-speaking educators in both English and Arabic. The school will also offer Mandarin as an additional language.

Ng Yi-Xian, group CEO of EtonHouse, said: 鈥淥ur launch in Riyadh is a natural evolution of EtonHouse鈥檚 mission to offer world-class, inquiry-based education rooted in local relevance. 黑料社区 is investing boldly in its youth, and we are proud to contribute by creating schools that combine global excellence with the cultural values and ambitions of the Kingdom.

These campuses will not just serve students, but inspire a generation of learners who are confident, multilingual, and future-ready.鈥

In line with EtonHouse鈥檚 commitment to whole-child development, both schools will place strong emphasis on emotional well-being, life skills, and personalized learning pathways.

Parents in Riyadh can book a school tour on the group鈥檚 website to experience Riyadh鈥檚 first EtonHouse campus and register for the 2025/2026 academic year.


STC Bank named Kingdom鈥檚 鈥榖est digital bank鈥

STC Bank named Kingdom鈥檚 鈥榖est digital bank鈥
Updated 07 July 2025

STC Bank named Kingdom鈥檚 鈥榖est digital bank鈥

STC Bank named Kingdom鈥檚 鈥榖est digital bank鈥

STC Bank has been awarded the title of the 鈥淏est Digital Bank in 黑料社区鈥 at the second edition of the Best in Business Awards, organized by Inc. Arabia Magazine in Riyadh.

STC Bank started off as a wallet in 2018 and serviced 14 million users before it launched as a full-fledged bank earlier this year. It saw 2 million users shift from its earlier wallet version to its banking version in just three months, witnessing unmatched customer loyalty.

STC Bank鈥檚 broader mission since its incorporation has been to build a banking experience that is not only digital and efficient, but also rooted in the behaviors, needs and expectations of Saudi society, and it is through such innovations that it continues to shape the future of financial interaction in 黑料社区 for a large number of the Kingdom鈥檚 tech-savvy and young population.

Today, users across 黑料社区 are used to the ease that STC Bank has brought about with it and the solutions innovated by the bank continue to see its popularity rise among corporate and retail banking customers across various segments of Saudi society.

The Best in Business awards saw its inaugural edition last year in Dubai before it moved to Riyadh this year. Organized by Inc. Arabia Magazine, a platform that is highly regarded by more than 150 million of its readers who are founders and entrepreneurs across the GCC, the awards highlight and recognize the most successful companies in each field.


stc powers up upcoming Esports World Cup

stc powers up upcoming Esports World Cup
Updated 07 July 2025

stc powers up upcoming Esports World Cup

stc powers up upcoming Esports World Cup
  • Additionally, stc has equipped one of the largest operations centers in the region with ultra-high-resolution 168 MP displays, enabling real-time monitoring of network performance and service utilization across all EWC facilities

stc Group has announced its early readiness to support the upcoming 2025 edition of the Esports World Cup, running from July 8 to Aug. 24. As a founding partner of EWC, stc will deploy cutting-edge technology and robust infrastructure designed to deliver an exceptional, high-performance, and reliable gaming experience for participants and audiences alike.
Following its pivotal role in powering the inaugural EWC in 2024, stc is returning this year to support the world鈥檚 largest gaming event with even more advanced capabilities. Central to this year鈥檚 network infrastructure are intelligent monitoring systems featuring AI-driven traffic modeling, self-optimizing networks, and closed-loop automation, technologies that provide proactive insights and real-time network adjustments to ensure uninterrupted connectivity throughout the event.

HIGHLIGHT

As part of its comprehensive preparations, stc has deployed 27 advanced 5G towers across key tournament areas, including three towers dedicated exclusively to the event center.

As part of its comprehensive preparations, stc has deployed 27 advanced 5G towers across key tournament areas, including three towers dedicated exclusively to the event center. Within the venue buildings, an extensive indoor solutions network supported by more than 1,295 antennas will deliver high-speed 4G and 5G services, with internet speeds exceeding 2 Gbps ensuring smooth, responsive gameplay and seamless digital engagement.
Additionally, stc has equipped one of the largest operations centers in the region with ultra-high-resolution 168 MP displays, enabling real-time monitoring of network performance and service utilization across all EWC facilities. This state-of-the-art center ensures immediate incident response and optimal service quality for both participants and attendees.
To further enhance network efficiency, stc has implemented software-defined networking technologies, enabling agile, uninterrupted data flow throughout the tournament. The company has also expanded coverage across the venue by more than 20 percent compared to last year, ensuring stronger and more consistent connectivity.
Last year, stc鈥檚 integrated digital infrastructure played a crucial role in the tournament鈥檚 success, delivering 99.9 percent network availability and ultra-low latency. 
This allowed players to enjoy a world-class gaming experience aligned with the highest international standards.
These efforts earned stc the prestigious 鈥淧latinum Operator鈥 award from the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission for the eighth consecutive year, as highlighted in the annual GameMode report.
鈥淲ith its continued investment and innovation, stc reaffirms its position as a key enabler of digital transformation and a driving force in the growth of esports in the Kingdom,鈥 the group said. 鈥淭hrough strategic infrastructure expansion and smart technologies, stc ensures a secure, fully connected, and globally competitive digital experience at EWC 2025 and beyond.鈥

 


Oman Air joins oneworld, unlocking slew of benefits

Oman Air joins oneworld,  unlocking slew of benefits
Oman Air joins oneworld, unlocking slew of benefits
Updated 07 July 2025

Oman Air joins oneworld, unlocking slew of benefits

Oman Air joins oneworld,  unlocking slew of benefits
  • As a full oneworld member airline, Oman Air will provide oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers with benefits including earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding and lounge access

oneworld has welcomed Oman Air as its 15th member airline. As the flag carrier of Oman, Oman Air strengthens the alliance鈥檚 presence across the Middle East and unlocks new opportunities for global travel.
鈥淲e are proud to welcome Oman Air to the oneworld family,鈥 said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. 鈥淥man Air brings valuable strategic reach and award-winning product and service to the alliance. This partnership opens up exciting new connections for our customers, particularly across the Gulf and South Asia, and reinforces oneworld鈥檚 position as the premium alliance for international travelers.鈥
oneworld customers can now access an extended network of destinations across Oman Air鈥檚 growing global schedule 鈥 including the launch of a new non-stop Muscat-Amsterdam service.
As a full oneworld member airline, Oman Air will provide oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby customers with benefits including earning and redeeming miles, earning status points, priority check-in and boarding and lounge access. Likewise, Oman Air鈥檚 top-tier customers will gain access to oneworld priority benefits including a network of nearly 700 premium airport lounges globally, as well as newly opened oneworld branded lounges in Amsterdam鈥檚 Schiphol and Seoul鈥檚 Incheon Airports.
鈥淥man Air is honored to be joining the oneworld alliance, whose members and global footprint represent the best of what international travelers want to experience,鈥 said Con Korfiatis, CEO of Oman Air. 鈥淲e are thrilled to be able to welcome oneworld customers to Oman to experience our unique culture, stunning mountain excursions, beautiful beaches, and, above all, the warm hospitality of the Omani people.鈥
Oman Air, with its hub at Muscat International Airport, serves 42 destinations across 22 countries and territories globally, including key oneworld hubs around the world. 

 


Zain KSA appoints Saad Al-Sadhan as chief executive

Saad bin Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan
Saad bin Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan
Updated 07 July 2025

Zain KSA appoints Saad Al-Sadhan as chief executive

Saad bin Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan
  • Additionally, Al-Sadhan played a key role in the launch of Zain Cloud, supporting the digital transformation of 黑料社区鈥檚 public and private sectors in line with Saudi Vision 2030鈥檚 goal of building a fully integrated digital economy

Telecom and digital services provider Zain KSA announced that its board of directors has appointed Acting CEO Saad bin Abdulrahman Al-Sadhan, as the chief executive of the company, effective from July 1.
Al-Sadhan has held the position of the acting CEO of Zain KSA since August 2024. He brings more than 22 years of expertise in telecommunications and information technology. Prior to this role, he served as the chief business and wholesale officer of Zain KSA and led B2B sector growth across the company, positioning its portfolio of business solutions and services as a key enabler of the Kingdom鈥檚 digital business transformation. He also led Zain KSA鈥檚 strategic partnerships and stakeholder relations while driving the development of cutting-edge digital products and solutions.
Additionally, Al-Sadhan played a key role in the launch of Zain Cloud, supporting the digital transformation of 黑料社区鈥檚 public and private sectors in line with Saudi Vision 2030鈥檚 goal of building a fully integrated digital economy. He was also instrumental in developing a comprehensive digital ecosystem that brings together innovative telecom services and cloud solutions, underpinned by advanced 5G technologies. Additionally, he strengthened Zain KSA鈥檚 business and wholesale operations, enhancing network capabilities through strategic investments aimed at meeting the full range of market demands in these segments.
Al-Sadhan also played a key role in advancing the enterprise sector by building Zain KSA鈥檚 integrated business services and solutions ecosystem. His efforts aligned with the company鈥檚 strategic objectives to support government entities in achieving their digital goals and to empower companies across various industries to grow, enhance their competitiveness locally and regionally, and stay ahead of the evolving business landscape.
Since joining Zain KSA in April 2016, Al-Sadhan has placed strategic partnerships at the heart of his approach. 

 He contributed to developing a forward-looking strategy for long-term partnerships with government entities and leading global tech companies. This has enabled the swift introduction of cutting-edge technologies into the Kingdom, while also driving knowledge transfer and localization.
Before joining Zain KSA, Al-Sadhan held various leadership roles at prominent local and international telecom companies. He holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in electrical engineering from King Fahad University of Petroleum and Minerals, in addition to several professional certifications in leadership and information technology, as well as a General Management Program certificate from Institut Europ茅en d鈥橝dministration des Affaires.