Amazon brings color to with new Kindle Colorsoft devices

People stand in the lobby for Amazon offices Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in New York. (AP)
People stand in the lobby for Amazon offices Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in New York. (AP)
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Updated 6 min 8 sec ago

Amazon brings color to with new Kindle Colorsoft devices

People stand in the lobby for Amazon offices Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in New York. (AP)
  • Kindle Colorsoft features Amazon’s 7-inch Colorsoft display technology, offering 300 ppi for black and white content and 150 ppi for color

Kindle customers globally are reading more than ever — so far this year, they have read more than 129 billion pages, which is already billions more pages than this time last year. To support Kindle customers’ love of reading, and to make their reading experience even better, Amazon has launched Kindle Colorsoft in and the UAE.
Kindle Colorsoft has everything customers love about Kindle in color — a high contrast Colorsoft display, fast page turns, an adjustable warm light, weeks of battery life, and access to the Kindle bookstore.
Kindle Colorsoft features Amazon’s 7-inch Colorsoft display technology, offering 300 ppi for black and white content and 150 ppi for color. It includes a built-in light and optimized font technology, with a 16-level grayscale. The device weighs 215 grams and comes with 16 GB of on-device storage for thousands of books, complemented by free cloud storage for all Amazon content. Meanwhile, its battery life extends for up to 8 weeks on a single charge under typical usage conditions, reaching a full charge in under 2.5 hours.
Users can browse covers in color in the Kindle Library or store, experience a graphic novel come to life in color, see book photos and images in color, or add highlights in yellow, orange, blue, and pink which they can easily filter through later. Plus, for customers who prefer to read on pages with a dark background, the Page Color feature inverts the black text and white backgrounds of the pages inside books.
Kindle Colorsoft with 16 GB of storage is available starting at SR1,069 ($285), while Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is available at SR1,199 and adds an auto-adjusting front light, wireless charging, and 32 GB of storage.


Jotun Saudi celebrates 40 years of innovation and growth

Jotun Saudi celebrates 40 years of innovation and growth
Updated 28 July 2025

Jotun Saudi celebrates 40 years of innovation and growth

Jotun Saudi celebrates 40 years of innovation and growth

Jotun, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of paints and coatings, is celebrating 40 years of successful operations in , marking four decades of contribution to the Kingdom’s most iconic landmarks and infrastructure development. Since establishing its first Saudi operations in 1985, Jotun has become deeply embedded in the nation’s architectural heritage, protecting and beautifying structures that define the Saudi skyline.

Since the inception of the Kingdom’s modern infrastructure development through to today’s ambitious mega-projects, Jotun’s protective and decorative coatings have preserved majority of iconic landmarks that symbolize ’s progress. 

“Our success over the past 40 years is built on a strong team, deep-rooted values, and a stable long-term strategy that has enabled us to contribute to national infrastructure and support sustainable development,” said Morten Fon, president and CEO of Jotun Paints. “As we look to the future, we remain committed to offering innovative, high-performance solutions that meet the needs of a transforming nation.” 

Over the past four decades, the company has delivered approximately 2 billion liters of paint, coating more than 300 million square meters across . The company’s presence has grown to include 500 Multicolor Centers throughout the Kingdom, creating a network that provides a curated, personalized experience for professional and homeowners alike. 

Looking to the future, Jotun has announced plans to double its production capacity through significant investments in Jotun’s manufacturing facilities in Yanbu. The expansion will incorporate advanced technologies that enhance both production efficiency and sustainability.

“As continues its remarkable transformation, we are expanding our capabilities to meet growing demand,” said Martin Chew, vice president Middle East and Africa. “This investment reflects our commitment to local manufacturing excellence and our confidence in the Kingdom’s continued development.”

“This 40-year milestone is not only a celebration of our past, but a commitment to the future,” Fon added. “Our legacy is defined by our values, long-standing partnerships, premium products, and great people. We will continue to deliver reliable paint solutions for protection, performance, and beauty to the Kingdom for generations to come.”

To mark this important milestone, Jotun Saudi has planned a year-long series of celebratory events to honor its employees, partners, and legacy — reinforcing its deep-rooted connection with the Kingdom and its people.


Savvy Group to train KAU students in games and esports

Savvy Group to train KAU students in games and esports
Updated 26 July 2025

Savvy Group to train KAU students in games and esports

Savvy Group to train KAU students in games and esports
  • Prof. Mohammed Balubaid, dean of the Applied College, added: “This partnership with Savvy underscores our commitment to equipping students for careers in rapidly growing industries aligned with Vision 2030

Savvy Games Group, a Public Investment Fund company driving the growth of games and esports in , and King Abdulaziz University have signed a memorandum of understanding to offer specialized diplomas in games production and esports management to students. The collaboration will equip Saudi students with high-impact skills to help them pursue careers in the fast-growing games and esports industries.
This MoU lays the groundwork for a strategic partnership between Savvy and KAU, with a shared vision to develop national talent and empower the next generation of professionals in ’s games and esports industry.

FASTFACT

The two diplomas — Games Production and Esports Management — will launch in the upcoming academic year.

Launching in the upcoming academic year, the two diplomas — Games Production and Esports Management — will provide high-quality learning to students, blending academic education with practical, industry-driven expertise. By enrolling into these programs, students will gain core competencies in managing game development projects and organizing professional esports events — two vital fields that are shaping the future of entertainment, technology, and digital experiences.

This partnership with King Abdulaziz University is a key step in building local capabilities in game development and esports operations, says Majed Al-Muhanna, Chief HR Officer at Savvy Games Group

“This partnership with King Abdulaziz University is a key step in building local capabilities in game development and esports operations,” said Majed Al-Muhanna, chief human resources officer at Savvy. “This is part of our Savvy Academy initiative, through which we are enabling new pathways for the next generation of Saudi professionals to gain the skills and experience required to succeed and be a leader in this industry. Our work directly supports the National Gaming and Esports Strategy and Vision 2030’s ambition of establishing as a global hub for games and esports.”
Prof. Mohammed Balubaid, dean of the Applied College, added: “This partnership with Savvy underscores our commitment to equipping students for careers in rapidly growing industries aligned with Vision 2030. As gaming and esports expand at an unprecedented pace, there’s a rising demand for talent that combines creative insight with operational excellence. Through this collaboration, students are expected to be exposed to real-world opportunities such as potentially supporting major international events like the Esports World Cup hosted in . We’re proud to offer our students these pathways and contribute to shaping the Kingdom’s digital future.”
The MoU is part of Savvy Academy’s Level-Up program that is designed to provide vocational training in games and esports to university students in by partnering with renowned educational institutions.

 


Rajasthan Foundation announces Riyadh chapter

Vijay Soni is the president of the Rajasthan Foundation’s Riyadh chapter.
Vijay Soni is the president of the Rajasthan Foundation’s Riyadh chapter.
Updated 26 July 2025

Rajasthan Foundation announces Riyadh chapter

Vijay Soni is the president of the Rajasthan Foundation’s Riyadh chapter.
  • Rajasthan Foundation actively assists non-resident Rajasthanis in resolving any grievances or issues related to their home districts

In a significant move to connect with the global Rajasthani diaspora, the Rajasthan Foundation, an initiative of the government of Rajasthan under the chairmanship of the chief minister, has announced the establishment of its Riyadh- Chapter. This initiative will bring together non-resident Rajasthanis on a common platform to promote cultural, business, and educational cooperation and extend a helping hand in times of need.
To ensure smooth functioning and coordinated efforts, a 10-member executive committee was formed under the leadership of Vijay Soni. This committee comprises active and committed members of the Rajasthani community residing in .
Dr. Manisha Arora, director of Rajasthan Foundation, held a virtual meeting with the newly appointed chapter presidents. Soni briefed the team on the importance and contribution of the foundation to non-resident Rajasthanis, calling it a true gift to Rajasthanis living in from the government of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Foundation actively assists non-resident Rajasthanis in resolving any grievances or issues related to their home districts. Additional District Magistrates have been appointed as nodal officers in each district to ensure all necessary help and coordination.
Key highlights of the meeting
1.Business opportunities: 
Discussions were held on fostering trade, investment, and business partnerships between Rajasthan and .
2. Cultural exchange: 
A mutual commitment was made to promote initiatives in tourism, education, and the Rajasthani (Marwari) language.
3.Networking: 
Focus on building collaborative networks among professionals, entrepreneurs, and officials from both regions.

Future roadmap
•Joint implementation of mutually beneficial projects between Rajasthan and .
•Launch of a membership campaign to connect more non-resident Rajasthanis with the foundation.
•Establishment of a shared platform to promote Rajasthan’s heritage, language, and education globally.
Members of the executive committee of the Riyadh chapter include: Soni, Laxman Singh Parmar, Gauri Shankar Pareek, Anil Malpani, Rajeev Kumar, Gaurav Mehta, Prem Purushottam Purohit, Kshirod Kumar Kalyani, Rais Ahmed Syed, and Mohammad Ghulam Khan.
This initiative by the Rajasthan Foundation marks a vital step in uniting non-resident Rajasthanis and strengthening cultural, educational, and economic ties with . Through the Riyadh chapter, efforts have now begun to take Rajasthan’s rich culture, language, and entrepreneurial spirit to the global stage.

 


Tamimi Markets and Yellow Door Energy sign solar lease

(X @tamimimarkets)
(X @tamimimarkets)
Updated 26 July 2025

Tamimi Markets and Yellow Door Energy sign solar lease

(X @tamimimarkets)
  • Bobby Rajendran, CEO of Tamimi Markets, said: “Sustainability is embedded in Tamimi Markets’ DNA, and today we are walking the talk on sustainability by signing this solar lease with Yellow Door Energy

Tamimi Markets, a prominent name in ’s retail sector, and Yellow Door Energy, a sustainable energy partner for businesses in the Middle East and Africa, have signed a solar lease agreement to provide clean electricity to Tamimi Markets’ distribution centers in Jeddah and Dammam.
The solar project has a combined capacity of 900 kWp, with 465 kWp allocated to the Jeddah fulfillment center and 435 kWp to two facilities in Dammam. More than 1,500 high-efficiency bifacial solar panels will be installed across approximately 7,200 square meters of rooftop space. The solar power plants are expected to generate 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy in their first year of operation, equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by 586 metric tonnes. This initiative directly supports ’s “net-zero by 2060” commitment and aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030.
Bobby Rajendran, CEO of Tamimi Markets, said: “Sustainability is embedded in Tamimi Markets’ DNA, and today we are walking the talk on sustainability by signing this solar lease with Yellow Door Energy. Together with our solar partner, we will decarbonize our operations, enhance business resilience and support ’s ‘net-zero by 2060’ objective. Our shoppers, employees, and wider network can be proud of the fact that Tamimi Markets, the preferred grocery destination for Saudis, is leading the sustainability journey.”
Hisham Alhegelan, CEO Middle East at Yellow Door Energy, added: “We are honored to partner with Tamimi Markets on this important solar project. Through the solar lease, significant cost savings and carbon emission reduction will be realized. The Kingdom of continues to lead the region in its sustainability stewardship, and this important solar project demonstrates this leadership.”
Khaled Chebaro, country Director for at Yellow Door Energy, added: “We are delighted to support Tamimi Markets and contribute to Saudi Vision 2030. Yellow Door Energy continues to rapidly expand its project portfolio in the Kingdom, helping businesses reduce energy costs and lower carbon emissions. To-date, we have signed five solar leases in and look forward to contributing to the Kingdom’s ‘net-zero by 2060’ target.”

Construction is already underway, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. Under the solar lease agreement, Yellow Door Energy is responsible for financing, designing, constructing, commissioning, operating, and maintaining the solar power plants while Tamimi Supermarkets remains focused on providing the best retail experience for its shoppers. 

 


New look, features in botim’s fintech-first transformation

New look, features in botim’s fintech-first transformation
Updated 23 July 2025

New look, features in botim’s fintech-first transformation

New look, features in botim’s fintech-first transformation

botim, Astra Tech’s flagship fintech-first platform in the MENA region, has launched a refreshed brand identity and an upgraded user interface. This update marks the next chapter in the Abu Dhabi-headquartered app’s evolution, serving a growing global user base of more than 150 million with an improved experience.
Built on a strong VoIP foundation that established seamless communication, botim has evolved into a fintech-first, AI-native platform by integrating advanced financial features designed to meet the changing needs of its users. From January to May 2025, Botim saw a 50 percent increase in monthly active wallet users, a strong indicator of its growing relevance in the digital finance space. The redesigned interface is faster, more intuitive, and purposefully structured to simplify how users interact with its core functions including payments, transfers, lending, and calling.
“botim has always been a trusted platform for meaningful connection but is much more. With this update, we’re reinforcing our position as a fintech-first platform, built on a foundation of secure VoIP, and designed with simplicity at its core,” said Dr. Tariq bin Hendi, board member at Astra Tech and CEO of botim. “We’ve streamlined the experience to meet the needs of a growing user base that expects more not just from communication, but from the way they interact and manage their financial services as well.”
As the UAE continues to experience significant population growth, reaching an all-time high of 11.22 million in 2025 according to Worldometer, botim stands as a trusted platform for this expanding community combining seamless communication and financial tools into one unified experience. botim’s evolution from a local service to a globally scalable solution reflects market demand, with its embedded financial services such as peer-to-peer transfers and lending designed to meet users’ everyday financial needs, no matter where they are.
botim’s AI-native foundation enhances accessibility through intelligent features such as real-time translation, smart call filters, and an interactive in-app chatbot, serving a diverse, multilingual audience.
These advancements have driven the platform’s latest interface update. Designed around real user behavior, the new UI makes it easier to perform everyday actions from payments and transfers to lending and calling. Services are now clearly segmented, navigation is more intuitive, and the overall experience is simplified to meet the demands of an increasingly digital, mobile-first audience.
The app adapts to user profiles, from first-time users to VIPs, surfacing the most relevant services. Financial tools are now directly accessible within chat with a single click, while improved call quality and AI-powered chatbot assistance further enhance the user experience.

The result is greater responsiveness, reduced clutter, and increased clarity all tailored to the needs of a growing, digitally active population.