Ericsson showcases 5G robotic dog ‘Rocky’ at LEAP 2025

Ericsson showcases 5G robotic dog ‘Rocky’ at LEAP 2025
Rocky is equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and private 5G connectivity, enabling tasks such as factory inspections, remote monitoring, and safety assessments.
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Updated 10 February 2025

Ericsson showcases 5G robotic dog ‘Rocky’ at LEAP 2025

Ericsson showcases 5G robotic dog ‘Rocky’ at LEAP 2025

Ericsson is featuring its 5G-powered robotic dog, Rocky, as part of its technology demonstrations at LEAP 2025. The showcase highlights how robotics, combined with 5G, is enabling advancements in industrial automation and operational efficiency.

Rocky is equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and private 5G connectivity, enabling tasks such as factory inspections, remote monitoring, and safety assessments. The integration of real-time data transmission and artificial intelligence enhances operational accuracy in challenging environments.

By leveraging the Ericsson Private 5G network, Rocky can also assist authorities with efficient emergency response and quality inspections of factories, airports, and other critical infrastructure. Ericsson Private 5G sets a new standard for network performance, enabling secure, reliable, high-speed 4G and 5G connectivity, powered by its robust dual-mode core and industry-leading radio portfolio. Ante Mihovilovic, vice president and head of networks at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, said: “Rocky demonstrates how private 5G networks can support advanced robotics to optimize industrial processes. By leveraging the high-speed, low-latency, and secure connectivity of Ericsson Private 5G, industries can adopt innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and enable real-time decision-making. Our participation at LEAP 2025 underscores Ericsson’s commitment to providing technology that meets the evolving demands of industrial automation and digital transformation.”

Ericsson’s presence at LEAP 2025 highlights its innovation leadership and commitment to Saudi Vision 2030. Under the theme “Step Forward: Discover the Unfolding Future,” Ericsson is showcasing advanced solutions, live demonstrations, and insights into the future of connectivity. 

With more than four decades of partnership in , Ericsson continues to collaborate with communication service providers, enterprises, and government entities to localize advanced technologies, nurture local talent, and support the Kingdom’s position in the global technology landscape.

Now in its fourth year, LEAP 2025 is bringing together more than 600 startups, 1,000 speakers, and over 1,800 exhibitors from around the world to explore the future of global digital advancement and innovation under the theme “Into New Worlds.”


Juthor breaks ground on $92m tissue factory at KAEC

Juthor breaks ground on $92m tissue factory at KAEC
Updated 30 June 2025

Juthor breaks ground on $92m tissue factory at KAEC

Juthor breaks ground on $92m tissue factory at KAEC

Juthor Paper Manufacturing Co., a subsidiary of Middle East Paper Co., one of the largest paper manufacturers in the Middle East and North Africa region, has broken ground on TM6, its second high-capacity production line for tissue manufacturing at King Abdullah Economic City, near Jeddah.

The groundbreaking ceremony welcomed distinguished representatives from different government and private entities including MODON and Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority along with the Juthor and MEPCO senior leadership teams. With a total investment of SR345 million ($92 million), TM6 will significantly expand Juthor’s manufacturing output, increasing annual capacity to 120,000 tonnes and operating at a speed of 2,100 meters per minute.

TM6 supports ’s Vision 2030 by advancing local manufacturing, reducing reliance on imports, creating skilled jobs, and adhering to world-class environmental standards.

Andritz AG, an Austria-based international technology group that provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions, will manufacture, supply, and install the facility, over a 24-month period.

Commenting on the launch, Musab Al-Muhaidib, chairman of the board at MEPCO Group, said: “The launch of TM6 is a testament to our unwavering belief in ’s industrial future. As we align with Vision 2030, this expansion strengthens our role in enabling local manufacturing and advancing the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency in the tissue sector.”

The facility will utilize cutting-edge technology and sustainable manufacturing methods to align with MEPCO’s environmental goals, including efficient resource use and minimizing carbon emissions.

Faisal Haddawi, group president at MEPCO Group, said: “At MEPCO Group, we do not simply build capacity — we build value, resilience, and trust. TM6 will accelerate our strategy for sustainable growth while deepening our contribution to the Saudi economy and regional markets.”

Juthor remains committed to continuous investment in manufacturing innovation to meet the growing demand for high-quality tissue paper products in the Kingdom and the wider MENA region.

The Saudi-based tissue paper manufacturer was established to meet the Kingdom’s rising demand for hygiene and paper products.


Saudi coffee brand JAZEAN featured in upcoming Monopoly edition

Saudi coffee brand JAZEAN featured in upcoming Monopoly edition
Updated 30 June 2025

Saudi coffee brand JAZEAN featured in upcoming Monopoly edition

Saudi coffee brand JAZEAN featured in upcoming Monopoly edition

Saudi Coffee Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, has announced that JAZEAN, its flagship specialty coffee brand, is set to be featured in the Kingdom’s first Monopoly board game, Riyadh Edition. The Monopoly Riyadh Edition was officially launched on June 26, at King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh’s innovation hub.

JAZEAN’s presence in Monopoly, the world’s second most played board game after chess, showcases the brand’s deep cultural relevance. Its inclusion recognizes JAZEAN’s pivotal role in elevating ’s rich coffee heritage to the global stage through the brand’s storytelling and premium specialty coffee blends.

“We are honored that JAZEAN has been selected to represent Saudi culture in association with a global household name like Monopoly,” said Mohammed Zainy, chief marketing officer of SCC. “JAZEAN creates immersive experiences that connect people to the story, flavor, and hospitality of Saudi coffee, and this special edition of Monopoly offers a new platform to share that experience on a global scale.”

The launch event celebrated ’s most notable landmarks, with the introduction of culturally significant icons featured in the game. Cultural symbols such as the dallah, the traditional Saudi coffee pot, along with visuals of Saudi coffee farms adorn the game board, providing players around the world a chance to explore and celebrate ’s rich heritage through its iconic architecture, cultural landmarks, and traditions.

As Monopoly celebrates its 90th anniversary, this feature reflects the game’s enduring impact around the world. Monopoly’s different editions have seen more than 275 million copies sold in 37 languages in at least 103 countries. The board game’s resonance across the GCC is clear, with over 98 million minutes of engagement recorded across regional editions.

With the global board game market projected to exceed $22 billion by 2028, this collaboration with Monopoly provides JAZEAN and SCC with a powerful platform to reach new audiences and deepen cultural awareness.


DHL Express appoints Mansour AlHajjaj as country manager for

DHL Express appoints Mansour AlHajjaj as country manager for
Updated 30 June 2025

DHL Express appoints Mansour AlHajjaj as country manager for

DHL Express appoints Mansour AlHajjaj as country manager for

DHL Express has appointed Mansour AlHajjaj as the new country manager for its operations. The appointment marks a significant milestone in AlHajjaj’s career with DHL Express, which began in 2006.

With nearly two decades of experience within the organization, AlHajjaj has held several key roles across customer service functions, consistently driving performance excellence and nurturing strong client relationships. In 2020, he stepped into a senior leadership position where he successfully led the transformation of customer services into a high-performing function and steered the retail team toward achieving double-digit growth.

AlHajjaj is recognized for his forward-thinking leadership and commitment to innovation. Under his guidance, DHL Express has earned multiple external accolades for service excellence. He has also played a major role in enhancing employee engagement and people development, effectively improving team culture and significantly reducing turnover. Additionally, his efforts to foster greater collaboration with supervisory authorities and government entities have further strengthened DHL’s partnerships across the Kingdom.

“It is a great honor to lead DHL Express at a pivotal time in the Kingdom’s journey toward Vision 2030, a vision that continues to position the country as a global logistics hub and a vital engine of regional and international trade,” AlHajjaj said.

“Aligned with this national ambition, we remain committed to strengthening our operational network, accelerating investments in infrastructure and innovation, and driving sustainable logistics solutions that deliver long-term impact. Above all, we will continue to invest in our people, the true driving force behind our success and the foundation of our continued leadership in the logistics sector.”


PIF establishes its first commercial paper program

PIF establishes its first commercial paper program
Updated 28 June 2025

PIF establishes its first commercial paper program

PIF establishes its first commercial paper program

’s Public Investment Fund has announced the establishment of its commercial paper program, adding a new source of funding to its existing instruments.

The program, which allows CP issuance through offshore special purpose vehicles, comprises two sub-programs, a US CP program and a Euro CP program. The program is rated P-1 by Moody’s and F1+ by Fitch, the highest possible ratings for such an initiative.

CP issuances enhance PIF’s short-term financing flexibility and complement its long-term capital raising efforts. CP is a common cash management tool in global financial markets, and the establishment of this program by PIF reflects its agile capital raising strategy.

Fahad AlSaif, PIF’s head of global capital finance and investment strategy and economic insights, said: “The establishment of our CP program reflects the continued strength and depth of PIF’s capital raising strategy, one that is dynamic, resilient, and fit for purpose, aligning funding solutions with our long-term investment priorities.”

PIF’s medium-term capital-raising strategy is built on diversified funding solutions that include a range of instruments, such as bonds, sukuk and loans. In October 2022, PIF became the first sovereign wealth fund globally to issue a green bond including the world’s first century green bond. This was later followed by PIF’s inaugural sukuk issuance priced at $3.5 billion. PIF is rated Aa3 by Moody’s with a stable outlook, and A+ by Fitch, also with a stable outlook.

PIF is one of the world’s most impactful investors, enabling the creation of key sectors and opportunities that help shape the global economy, while driving the economic transformation of .


Sony appoints Ruder Finn Atteline to lead regional PR

Sony appoints Ruder Finn Atteline to lead regional PR
Updated 28 June 2025

Sony appoints Ruder Finn Atteline to lead regional PR

Sony appoints Ruder Finn Atteline to lead regional PR

Sony Middle East and Africa has appointed Ruder Finn Atteline, a global integrated marketing and communications consultancy and the MENA arm of the Ruder Finn group, to manage its regional PR communications mandate across the Middle East. The agency will lead strategic PR communications for Sony’s consumer electronics division, covering , UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Egypt.

Ruder Finn Atteline’s appointment includes handling Sony’s BRAVIA televisions, home audio systems, advanced digital imaging products, audio solutions such as the newly expanded ULT Power Sound series, and the INZONE range.

The partnership follows Ruder Finn Atteline’s recent brand refresh and strategic senior appointments, strengthening the agency’s expertise in consumer and corporate communications.

Sophie Simpson, managing director of Ruder Finn Atteline — MENA, said: “Sony is a brand that resonates globally, but also connects deeply with audiences here in the region. This partnership reflects the kind of work we want to do more of — bold, meaningful, and built on shared ambition, while also fulfilling Sony’s purpose to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology. As we continue to expand our presence in the Middle East and North Africa, our focus remains on creating real impact for all our clients. Collaborating with iconic brands like Sony propels us closer to our goal of shaping the future of communications through culture and creativity.”

Jobin Joejoe, managing director, Sony Middle East and Africa, added: “At Sony, our ambition is fueled by a relentless drive to inspire and fulfill the curiosity of our audiences across the MENA region. We believe in creating meaningful experiences that go beyond technology. Experiences that connect with people on a deeper, more personal level. Our partnership with Ruder Finn Atteline is a natural extension of this vision.”

Last month, Ruder Finn announced the opening of its fully combined office and regional headquarters in Riyadh, following the successful acquisition of Atteline.