Zain KSA and Cisco to develop AI infrastructure

The MoU is part of Zain KSA’s strategy to actively align with ��’s Vision 2030 goals by driving digital transformation and positioning the Kingdom as a global digital innovation hub, particularly in the AI space

Updated 16 July 2025

Arab News

July 16, 2025 02:37

Zain KSA, a provider of telecommunications and digital services in ��, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Cisco, a global leader in networking and security, focusing on the development of cutting-edge AI infrastructure and GPU-as-a-service.
The agreement will leverage Cisco’s advanced, end-to-end infrastructure solutions for securely building and scaling AI workloads, supporting Zain KSA in delivering high-performance, resilient, and reliable GPU-powered services to the Saudi market.
The MoU is part of Zain KSA’s strategy to actively align with ��’s Vision 2030 goals by driving digital transformation and positioning the Kingdom as a global digital innovation hub, particularly in the AI space.

HIGHLIGHT

The MoU also includes exploring opportunities for training programs to upskil local talent, in line with Zain KSA’s commitment to ICT skills development.

As part of the collaboration, Zain KSA will leverage its deep market knowledge, cutting-edge digital capabilities, and targeted investments alongside Cisco’s global expertise in AI-ready infrastructure development. The initiative will create new solutions and commercial models to enable customers across various sectors to confidently and easily adopt AI solutions.
The MoU also includes exploring opportunities for training programs to upskil local talent, in line with Zain KSA’s commitment to ICT skills development to support long-term national AI capabilities.
Fahad Sahmi Al-Sahmah, vice president of B2B sales, Zain KSA, said: “At Zain KSA, we are mobilizing all our capabilities and investments to drive nationwide digital innovation, positioning the Kingdom as a global hub, a digital economy powered by future-looking GenAI solutions and applications. These efforts aim to empower all stakeholders, including government entities, businesses, and individuals, to harness the boundless potential of AI in support of national goals. This strategic collaboration with Cisco, positions us well to explore, develop, and innovate use cases, as we continue building a resilient, integrated and agile digital ecosystem that can embrace next-gen technologies and deploy them in the Kingdom.”
Zayan Sadek, managing director for service providers at Cisco Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, said: “Cisco is excited to collaborate with Zain KSA to pave the way for a transformative AI-powered future in ��. By combining Zain KSA’s digital expertise with Cisco’s cutting-edge AI infrastructure technologies, we aim to unlock new possibilities to empower businesses to thrive in the AI era and position �� as a global hub for advanced technologies.”

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Topics: Zain KSA

Al-Futtaim BYD KSA hosts first Super Hybrid Tech Day in ��

Updated 11 September 2025

September 11, 2025 18:59

Al-Futtaim BYD KSA hosts first Super Hybrid Tech Day in ��

Updated 11 September 2025

September 11, 2025 18:59

Al-Futtaim BYD KSA hosted its inaugural Super Hybrid Tech Day at BYD Showroom and Discovery Centre in ��.

The event offered media, influencers, customers, and sub-dealers an exclusive opportunity to explore BYD’s cutting-edge hybrid innovations for the first time in the Kingdom.

The Super Hybrid Tech Day highlighted BYD’s pioneering Dual Mode technology. This in-house developed plug-in hybrid system combines the convenience of fuel refilling with the efficiency of electric driving.

The event also featured live demonstrations, immersive interactive showcases, and expert presentations.

These sessions showcased how BYD’s innovative Dual Mode technology seamlessly blends efficiency, power, and environmental responsibility.

Attendees experienced firsthand BYD’s commitment to revolutionizing the automotive industry worldwide through advanced hybrid powertrains designed for urban, performance, and off-road capabilities.

Jerome Saigot, managing director of Al-Futtaim BYD in ��, said: “With distinguished pride, we unveil BYD’s revolutionary Plug-in Hybrid Dual technology to the Kingdom.

“The Super Hybrid Tech Day is more than an event; it is a landmark chapter in our journey of innovation, sustainability, and vision.

“This occasion reflects our unwavering dedication to excellence, where world-class technology meets timeless refinement, and where every innovation is crafted to inspire progress and elevate the driving experience for our esteemed customers in the Kingdom.”

BYD continues to redefine the standard for New Energy Vehicles, driven by an unyielding pursuit of innovation and technological mastery.

At the vanguard of this global movement, BYD embodies the spirit of a true technology company, with over 12 percent of its people devoted to research and development across 11 world-class institutes.

Each day, nearly 45 patent applications are filed and around 20 secured, including the highly coveted Golden Patents, an enduring testament to BYD’s vision, craftsmanship, and relentless commitment to pioneering excellence.

José Miranda, marketing and communications director at BYD Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “At BYD, we share the same vision as ��’s Vision 2030 – building a sustainable future through technology, innovation, and better quality of life. With our expertise in electromobility, energy storage, and solar solutions, we see ourselves as a strong partner in supporting the Kingdom’s transformation journey.”

He added: “�� is ready for this technology. At BYD, innovation is in our DNA, and our mission goes beyond selling cars; we aim to showcase our super hybrid solutions, making advanced technologies accessible.

“Through events like this Technology Day, we engage with customers and partners to demonstrate how our vehicles provide the benefits of electric driving while ensuring long-range capability, offering confidence, convenience, and an exciting driving experience”.

BYD’s technology has evolved over four generations and currently includes three specialized versions: DM-i (intelligent, energy-efficient urban use), DM-p (powerful, performance-focused), and DMO (off-road optimized).

The DMO platform combines a high-performance longitudinal engine, dual-motor four-wheel drive, advanced suspension, and BYD’s cutting-edge Blade Battery technology.

It redefines NEV safety standards with top-tier nail penetration resistance and has been granted over 1,100 patents related to its design and manufacturing.

This industry-leading battery innovation delivers unparalleled power, efficiency, and safety across all vehicle categories.

The DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform represents a breakthrough in automotive engineering.

It combines BYD’s non-load-bearing frame, high-performance longitudinal engine, Cell-to-Chassis technology, dual-motor electric four-wheel drive, and independent suspension.

This platform delivers nearly 480 horsepower—comparable to a 4.0L V8—an extended range of over 800 km, and a remarkably smooth, quiet, and comfortable driving experience, all while maintaining exceptional energy efficiency and robust off-road performance.

Looking ahead, BYD KSA is preparing to unveil more models, expanding its portfolio of innovative electric vehicles tailored to meet the evolving needs of the Kingdom’s market.

This commitment to innovation is part of BYD’s larger vision to revolutionize the automotive industry worldwide through advanced new energy solutions.

Beyond its global leadership in electric mobility, BYD stands as a pioneer in battery technology and energy storage solutions.

Today, its vision extends into ��, where strategic partnerships and landmark battery storage projects are shaping the foundation of a cleaner, more sustainable future.

In harmony with the Kingdom’s energy ambitions, BYD’s presence is not merely an expansion—it is a commitment to empowering progress and illuminating the path toward tomorrow’s infrastructure.

Future Projects Forum showcases 21,000 projects worth $800bn

Updated 10 September 2025

September 10, 2025 14:56

Future Projects Forum showcases 21,000 projects worth $800bn

Updated 10 September 2025

September 10, 2025 14:56

The seventh edition of the Future Projects Forum 2025, organized by the Saudi Contractors Authority under the theme “Future of the Future,” concluded in Riyadh after three days of activities, workshops, and on-ground events. The forum showcased more than 21,000 projects with an estimated total value exceeding SR3 trillion ($800 billion), covering housing, energy, water, industry, and infrastructure.

The forum was inaugurated In the presence of Deputy Minister of Municipalities and Housing Ihab Al-Hashani, along with senior officials and representatives from government entities and the private sector.

In his opening remarks, Mohammed Al-Ajlan, chairman of the Saudi Contractors Authority, said: “In this tunnel, there is a bright light for Saudi youth in this sector.”

The opening also featured the launch of two new digital platforms:

Ertiqa, an integrated system to assess contractors’ readiness, improve project quality, and enhance compliance across five major sectors through more than 20 readiness certificates.
Memar, a unified platform enabling homeowners to digitally manage their housing projects with clear steps covering contractor selection, electronic contracting, financing, insurance, and project monitoring until delivery.

Key activities

The forum hosted over 60 workshops and panel sessions spotlighting digital transformation, sustainability, modern construction technologies, and project management.

It also featured the Contractors Financing Conference, bringing together banks and financial institutions to explore financing solutions that support SMEs’ participation in major projects.

A highlight was the National Construction Festival, where Saudi students competed live in plumbing, welding, and reinforced concrete works, under the supervision of local and international judges. The event showcased the capabilities of the new generation of Saudi talent.

The forum recognized Saudi Aramco as the official partner, and the Saudi Electricity Company and Fal Arabia as strategic partners, alongside other sponsors who contributed to the success of the event.

Participants said that the forum has become a national platform that enhances transparency and connects project owners with contractors and investors, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

GC Coupons: A trusted ally of smart shoppers in ��

Updated 10 September 2025

September 10, 2025 12:03

GC Coupons: A trusted ally of smart shoppers in ��

Updated 10 September 2025

September 10, 2025 12:03

��’s transformation under Vision 2030 is often measured in terms of infrastructure, investment, and diversification. Yet perhaps the most powerful driver of this change is less visible: the Kingdom’s youth. With more than 60 percent of the population under the age of 35, �� is one of the youngest nations in the G20. This demographic is not only shaping cultural life but also powering the rise of the digital economy.

A generation born digital

��’s youth have grown up with smartphones in their hands, with social media shaping their worldviews and global e-commerce platforms just a click away. Unlike earlier generations, young Saudis are digital natives. They expect seamless mobile experiences, fast delivery, and personalized online services as a basic standard.

This has transformed how businesses approach the Saudi market. International brands that once viewed the Kingdom as a secondary retail destination are now launching localized apps, Arabic-language interfaces, and dedicated customer service to cater to this audience. Local startups, meanwhile, are finding fertile ground in fintech, logistics, and digital services — all areas where young Saudis are the first adopters.

Spending power meets innovation

��’s youth are not only digitally connected but also financially influential. Recent data shows that young professionals and students are key contributors to the Kingdom’s growing e-commerce sector, which has seen double-digit growth annually since 2020. Fashion, electronics, health and fitness, and online food delivery top the list of categories.

Platforms like Noon and Namshi have become household names, while global players such as Temu and H&M are expanding their Saudi footprint. At the same time, Saudi-founded ventures like Calo — which delivers personalized meal plans — are thriving, blending convenience with innovation.

What unites these brands is their ability to connect with younger audiences through digital-first strategies. Flash sales, mobile-exclusive discounts, influencer partnerships, and gamified shopping experiences all appeal to the Saudi youth’s appetite for immediacy and value.

Culture of smart shopping

While Saudi youth are enthusiastic consumers, they are also savvy. Rising awareness of financial planning and the impact of global inflation has created a culture of “smart shopping.” Young Saudis want quality and convenience, but they also look for savings.

This is where platforms like have carved out an important role in the digital economy. Founded in 2020, the platform provides exclusive coupons and promo codes for more than 1,300 leading online retailers across ��, the UAE, and other countries. Its partners include Noon, 6th Street, Temu, Max Fashion, Calo, Level Shoes, Riva Fashion, H&M, adidas, Crocs, Namshi, Whites, Carrefour, VogaCloset, and Sun and Sand Sports.

For young shoppers, GC Coupons has become a trusted ally, offering access to discounts that align with their lifestyle needs — whether that means upgrading to the latest sneakers from adidas, shopping fashion-forward looks at Max, or stocking up on essentials at Carrefour. For instance, those looking to stretch their riyals further during seasonal promotions can find dedicated deals on and through the platform.

Beyond shopping: Building a digital ecosystem

The reliance on coupon platforms reflects a larger truth: Saudi youth are shaping not just consumer trends but also the infrastructure of the digital economy. Their demand for efficiency has accelerated investment in payments, fintech, and last-mile logistics. Buy now, pay later services, for example, have grown rapidly in the Kingdom, fueled by younger users seeking flexibility.

The government, through Vision 2030 initiatives, has encouraged this environment. Programs supporting entrepreneurship and innovation hubs have given Saudi youth the confidence to not only consume digital services but also build them. In sectors ranging from gaming to health tech, young Saudis are increasingly at the forefront as founders and developers.

Global connection

��’s youth are not confined to local platforms; they are highly global in their outlook. They follow international fashion trends on TikTok, order beauty products from Europe, and stream content from the US and Korea. Yet their loyalty often lies with brands that adapt to their cultural expectations.

This has created a unique ecosystem in which global players compete with regional champions. The result is a market that is highly competitive, innovative, and customer-centric. For platforms like GC Coupons, which straddle both worlds by offering deals from global giants and regional favorites, the opportunity is vast.

Looking ahead

As �� accelerates its diversification, the role of youth in the digital economy will only deepen. Their choices today are shaping the trajectory of e-commerce, fintech, entertainment, and digital culture for decades to come.

Smart shopping, mobile-first experiences, and global connectivity are more than consumer habits — they are signals of how �� is integrating into the world economy on its own terms. In this transformation, platforms that empower youth — by saving them time, money, and effort — will remain at the heart of the Kingdom’s digital story.

Jewelry expo ‘SAJEX 2025’ to boost Saudi-India trade

Updated 10 September 2025

September 09, 2025 23:16

Jewelry expo ‘SAJEX 2025’ to boost Saudi-India trade

Updated 10 September 2025

September 09, 2025 23:16

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah, in collaboration with the Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council of India and the Embassy of India in Riyadh, is set to present the �� Jewelry Exposition 2025. The event is backed by the Ministry of Investment of ��, as well as the Jeddah and Makkah Chambers of Commerce. The landmark international B2B jewelry exhibition will take place from Sept. 11 to 13 at Jeddah Superdome.

As a lead-up to the main exposition, curtain raiser events were held in Jeddah on July 6 and Riyadh on July 8. Both programs witnessed an excellent turnout from the industry, generating strong interest and enthusiasm from stakeholders in India and ��. These engagements have set the stage for what promises to be a milestone event in the region’s jewelry sector.

The opening ceremony on Sept. 11 will be a glittering affair, graced by Ambassador of India to �� Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Consul General of India Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, senior dignitaries from �� and India, and other guests. The inaugural program will also feature a specially curated fashion show by a noted Indian designer, showcasing unique jewelry–apparel pairings, along with a cultural performance by an Indian musical ensemble.

The exhibition will bring together more than 200 leading exhibitors across 250+ booths, representing key jewelry markets including ��, India, the UAE, and others. More than 2,000 business visitors and international buyers are expected to attend. The showcase will feature the finest craftsmanship and designs — from diamond and colored gemstone jewelry to gold (18, 21 and 22 carat), lab-grown diamond creations, bridal collections, gifting ranges, and the latest innovations in jewelry technology.

Adding to the business dimension of the exposition, the Global Jewelry Investment Forum will follow the inauguration, featuring panel discussions and roundtables on key topics, including: Investment prospects for the gem and jewelry industry: facilitating seamless trade between India and ��; Retail and manufacturing: shaping the future of jewelry for the GCC consumer; and Labs and associations: driving consumer awareness and demand.

The sessions will be led by senior dignitaries from ��, global industry leaders, and experts, and will include special presentations by GJEPC, MISA, and the Industries Department of the government of Maharashtra, India.

SAJEX 2025, envisaged to be a premier trade platform for the gems and jewelry sector, will bring together leading jewelers, designers, manufacturers and industry professionals from around the world. With its scale, international participation, and strong institutional backing, the exhibition is poised to become a cornerstone for strengthening bilateral trade, fostering new investments, and positioning �� as a vibrant hub in the global jewelry value chain.

The Indian Consulate is calling on exhibitors, buyers, investors, and visitors to be a part of SAJEX 2025 and witness “this celebration of design, craftsmanship, and collaboration in the heart of Jeddah.”

Registrations for business visitors are still open and can be completed through the following link: https://iijs.gjepc.org/r/67adb88b12a94c3291c3d953.

Interstitial lung disease: The breath we take for granted

Updated 09 September 2025

September 09, 2025 23:05

Interstitial lung disease: The breath we take for granted

Updated 09 September 2025

September 09, 2025 23:05

Most people do not think twice about breathing — until it becomes difficult. Even then, they find explanations: the weather, a lack of exercise, or maybe just getting older. A cough lingers, climbing stairs feels harder than it used to be, but life goes on. Until one day, it does not.

As a pulmonologist, I see this pattern all the time. Patients come in, months or even years after their first symptoms appeared, and by then, the signs of interstitial lung disease are clear. The scarring in their lungs has progressed, their breathlessness is no longer subtle, and the conversation we now have is a much harder one than if they had walked in sooner. The signs that one should look out for are a persistent dry cough, shortness of breath especially during physical activity, fatigue, and chest discomfort; any of these should prompt a visit to the specialist.

When breathlessness feels normal

The challenge with ILD is not that it is difficult to diagnose — it is that people do not suspect it. �� has some of the best specialists, imaging technology, and treatment options, but that only matters if people know when to seek help. Right now, they don’t.

Unlike conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, ILD is not widely talked about. There are no routine screenings, no public awareness campaigns urging people to check their lung health. And so, patients wait. They adapt. They assume their symptoms are part of life rather than signs of something that needs medical attention.

I have met patients who thought their breathlessness was just a sign of aging. Others assumed it was allergies or the result of living in a dusty city. By the time they realize it is something more, their lung function has already declined. And here is the reality — what is lost cannot be regained.

Slowing the clock on ILD

Interstitial lung disease refers to a collection of over 200 disorders that cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs. This scarring stiffens the lungs, making it harder to breathe and for oxygen to reach the bloodstream. As a result, patients often feel short of breath and may have a persistent dry cough.

The problem with ILD is that it does not announce itself with urgency — it slips in, quietly. And while it does not wait, it can be slowed down with a proper prescribed treatment regime from the specialist. More attention to this disease means more awareness and better understanding, which could result in earlier detection and diagnosis.

No one expects you to panic over every cough. But imagine how much smoother life would be if you could simply consult a professional about that nagging symptom. If more people understood that persistent breathlessness and a dry cough could signal something serious, they would seek help sooner. And earlier intervention means more options, better outcomes, and the chance to slow the disease’s progression before it robs patients of what many take for granted. Treatments exist that can slow the decline of lung function, transforming months of uncertainty into years of stability. While those treatments cannot reverse the lung function decline, seeking help can improve outcomes.

The tools and expertise to improve ILD care in �� are already in place. What is missing is awareness. The real question is: how many more will continue ignoring their breath until it is too late?

In case of any side effects of the medications, please contact the Saudi Food and Drug Authority at the unified number 19999.

The writer, Dr. Abdullah Sakkat, is a pulmonary medicine and interstitial lung disease consultant at King Abdulaziz University Hospital with Advanced Interstitial Lung Disease Fellowship at McMaster University Sep 2019 — Sep 2020.

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