Committed to play key role to support and reale the potential in Mobility’s energy transition pathway in the years to come, Shell Oman Marketing Company (Shell Oman) sponsored the Green Mobility Event organed by Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT). This strategic partnership reflects Shell Oman’s dedication to the Sultanate’s energy transition journey and supporting key stakeholders in their decarbonation efforts, thereby helping us to fulfil our ambition to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050 or sooner which is aligned with Shell’s overarching Powering Progress strategy, the event was held under the auspices of, H.E Salim Al Aufi – Minister of Energy & Minerals.
As a sponsor of the event, Shell Oman has solidified its commitment to creating In-Country-Value (ICV) in the energy transition journey by signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT), as well as two Omani Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). These MoUs underscore Shell Oman’s dedication to supporting local SMEs as well actively contributing to the decarbonation and net-zero emissions target in line with Oman 2040 vision whilst advancing the energy transition and expanding the electric vehicle (EV) network throughout Oman.
Dr. Mohammed Al Balushi, CEO of Shell Oman, said, “Shell Oman is leveraging its global expertise to play a lead role in the Sultanate’s progress towards a greener mobility future. Electric mobility is on the way to mass adoption which is unlocking new opportunities to Shell to offer commercially viable solutions to EV drivers. This requires a joint approach via strong collaboration with government and other stakeholders within a well-articulated framework and coherent structure of governance to support the long-term EV transition roadmaps across the whole EV ecosystem. We are glad to be partnering with MTCIT to develop a robust network development strategy for EV charging. Moreover, by capitaling on such strategic partnerships, we continue to focus on our ICV agenda to empower Omani SMEs and nurture their growth through knowledge transfer to strongly position them competitively in the local market.”
Under the first MoU, Shell Oman joins forces with Amlaak Energy LLC, for the supply and installation of EV chargers for Shell Oman. The second MoU between Shell Oman and HTC (Hussam Technology Company) to develop a fully integrated charging point operator (CPOs) capabilities for the first time in Oman. Through this agreement, the SME will assume responsibilities such as software and application development, customer service, technical and non-technical maintenance, payment gateways, and facilities management for the EV charging infrastructure. Additionally, HTC will collaborate with Shell Oman provide consultancy services Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Management (EPCM) services for various energy transition related projects by Shell Oman, including solar.
By investing in the development of EV charging infrastructure and supporting local SMEs, Shell Oman is driving the growth of renewable energy and promoting a greener mobility future for the Sultanate through its Powering Progress strategy which is aligned with the countrys’ orderly transition towards net zero emissions by 2050.
July 2023
Ehfaaz Recycling receives prestigious nomination for the 2023 Go Global Awards
Ehfaaz is proud to announce its nomination for the esteemed 2023 Go Global Awards, hosted by the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. This nomination places Ehfaaz amongst the top business leaders in the world, highlighting its innovation, growth, and global impact.
The Go Global Awards are a prominent international event, judged by government officials from over 28 countries alongside influential industry leaders across a spectrum of industries. The Awards attract companies from around the globe, celebrating their accomplishments and fostering global business connections. The shortlisting process will take place on the 15th of July 2023, and the finalist rounds are scheduled from the 6th to the 8th of November 2023 in Providence, Rhode Island.
The event will be hosted by the Secretary of Commerce of Rhode Island, Elizabeth M. Tanner, who will preside over a series of events, including in-person judging, panel discussions, B2B meetings, and a gala dinner to honor the participants.
EHFAAZ’s nomination for the Go Global Awards underscores its commitment to excellence, innovation, and fostering international collaboration. As a contender for this prestigious award, EHFAAZ looks forward to further expanding its global footprint and showcasing its exceptional products and services to a worldwide audience.
As a small SUV that does big Volvo things, our new fully electric Volvo EX30 is designed to be as safe as you’d expect from us. It is designed to have the smallest CO2 footprint of any Volvo car to date, and to make people’s lives safer, more convenient and more enjoyable through cutting-edge technology and Scandinavian design.
Revealed to the world in Milan, Italy and available in the UAE from Q1 2024 the EX30 is our first small premium SUV and expands our constantly growing, all-electric offering to four models. As the market is rapidly moving towards full electrification, the EX30 will help us capture growing demand for fully electric cars in a fast-growing segment.
“The fully electric EX30 might be our smallest ever SUV, but it’s a big deal for our customers and a big deal for us as a company,” said Jim Rowan, our chief executive. “We like to say the EX30 is small yet mighty, because it delivers on everything, you’d want from a Volvo but in a smaller package. Like any Volvo, it’s an outstanding product which is safe and designed around people and their needs.”
The EX30 embodies all of our design values in a smaller format. A long wheelbase, large wheels and equal overhangs bring balance and refinement to the exterior. It’s distinctly electric, with a confident face, closed shield and a digital rendition of the Thor’s Hammer headlights. Five vibrant exterior colours, from stylish Cloud Blue to bright and expressive Moss Yellow – the latter inspired by lichen growing on rocks along the Swedish west coast – give it character and personality.
Battery tech that suits your needs
So, let’s talk about our battery technology. First of all, there’s no such thing as simply ‘a battery’ when we discuss powertrains. Instead, we’re giving you the freedom to choose the battery technology that best suits your needs, offering the EX30 with three powertrain options and two different battery types, which also allows us to offer an attractive entry price point for the EX30.
If you spend most of your time in the city or tend to travel shorter distances between charges, we’re offering a single-motor option with an LFP battery. The LFP standard-range battery, which uses lithium iron phosphate chemistry, is more cost-effective and less resource-intensive to produce, meaning it is the best option if you don’t need maximum range.
If you prefer to maximise range, the Single Motor Extended Range variant with an NMC extended-range battery is your EX30 of choice. The NMC battery features lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt, and produces its energy more efficiently than the LFP variant. This single-motor, extended range option gives you a range of up to 480km between charges.
Finally, if performance is your priority, pick the Twin Motor Performance variant in which we pair the NMC battery with an additional second e-motor. This all-wheel drive variant of the EX30 provides 315kW (428hp) and takes you from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds – it’s officially our fastest-accelerating car ever!
Another thing the EX30 does fast is charging. The extended-range Twin Motor variant has a charging capacity of up to 153kW, while the standard-range car has a capacity of 134kW. That means you can charge your battery from 10 to 80 per cent in a little over 25 minutes. Through the car’s centre display and app, you can set the amperage, maximum charging level and when you want to start charging.
To support the best possible driving experience, we’ve tuned the chassis of the EX30 to make the most of the car’s compact dimensions. Its low centre of gravity, as well as its relatively low and evenly distributed weight are complemented by ease of driving and nimbleness in the city and beyond.
A smaller carbon footprint, yet a big safety impact
As we wrote in earlier blogposts, the EX30 is designed to have the lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo car to date and represents an important step forward for our sustainability ambitions. By tackling emissions across the entire production and lifecycle, as well as a considerate use of materials inside and out, we managed to reduce its total carbon footprint over 200,000 kms of driving to below 30 tonnes*.
The EX30 is also designed to be as safe as you’d expect from a Volvo and aims to look after both you and others in hectic urban environments. For example, it includes as standard a special safety feature for bikes that helps to prevent so-called ‘dooring’ accidents, by alerting you when you are about to open your door in front of a cyclist, scooter or runner.
Our protective safety technology further illustrates how we’ve applied our high safety standards to our new small SUV. It contains state-of-the-art restraint technology, as well as top-notch structural design that fulfills our ambitious in-house safety requirements – designed to prepare our cars for various real-world scenarios.
The EX30 also aims to make your life more convenient, more relaxing and more enjoyable inside the car through cutting-edge tech and considerate Scandinavian interior design. You can choose from four distinct interior rooms, each with their own expression, while there are smart storage options throughout the cabin.
Together with a contextual single-screen UX, with Google built-in and running the latest version of our infotainment system, these features all reflect the hallmarks of true Volvo design.
Speaking of cutting-edge tech: the Volvo EX30 is our first car to include a new generation of our popular Park Pilot Assist feature. It can handle all types of parking spaces, including parallel, curved, perpendicular and diagonal fishbone-style, making parking in tight spaces a breeze.
The new Park Pilot Assist will identify any available parking spots around you. Then, once you’ve tapped the one you want in the new 3D user interface, the feature will operate the throttle and brake as well as the steering. While you supervise the parking process, the screen shows the distance to objects such as cars, walls and bollards in metric or imperial figures.
As with any Volvo car, for the EX30 we’ve worked closely with tech partners such as Google, Apple and Qualcomm to deliver the best possible user experience. We’ve also worked closely with ECARX through our jointly owned HaleyTek software joint venture to deliver the best possible infotainment platform for our customers.
A sense of calm
Of course, the EX30 will also come with a digital key functionality which is both convenient for you and makes it easy to share the car with others. Built on the advanced UWB and CCC industry standards, our technology will be compatible with a wide range of phone brands and models.
The car’s dedicated app contains all relevant services related to the car, from charging to finding your car on a busy parking lot, locking it and heating it on a cold winter day. The EX30 is also prepared to receive software updates over the air that will make it better over time.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Volvo EX30 also comes with a choice of five different ambient lighting themes. Each is inspired by a different Scandinavian landscape and subtly shifting in colour, adding a sense of calm to the interior.
Whether you prefer the warm sunlight falling through the leaves of a Scandinavian Forest, a sunset on the Swedish west coast, the world-famous northern lights, the golden summer skies of Swedish midsummer or the bright mood of an urban sunset, your EX30 will be filled with the colours of your choice. For extra immersion, you can pair each lighting theme with an ambient soundscape.
Zooming across the country in style
Finally, we’ve got a surprise for you. Starting next year, our EX30 will also become available as a Cross Country variant. Order books for this special version of our small electric SUV will open in 2024, with production expected to start later that year.
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country will build on our long Cross Country heritage, our celebrated line-up of models for customers who want a bit more adventure from their car. It’ll come with a range of bespoke features, such as more ground clearance, 19-inch black wheels and the option of 18-inch wheels with bespoke tyres.
When you take your EX30 Cross Country off the beaten path, it will be recognisable by its skidplates on the front, rear and side, special black panels on the front bumper and bootlid, and stylish Cross Country branding – the small, hood-mounted Swedish flag is the cherry on top.
The small print
- The Volvo EX30 is available for order as of today across Europe and other selected markets. In the United States, customers can place pre-orders, while orderbooks will open in other markets at a later stage that will be communicated in due course.
- The carbon footprint calculation of below 30 tonnes over 200,000 kms of driving is based on usage of charging electricity from the EU27 electricity mix. The lowest carbon footprint of any Volvo car to date statement relates to globally available products over 200,000 kms of driving.
- Charging times are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, current battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition and car condition.
- Range according to the realistic WLTP driving cycle under controlled conditions for a new car. Real-world range may vary. Figures are based on preliminary target.
- Digital key functionality subject to phone compatibility. UWB-based technology is scheduled to be rolled out next year via an over-the-air software update.
- Features and services may not be available in all markets and will not be standard in all markets or for all models.
Investcorp invests in SEC Newgate, an Italy-based global strategic communications and advocacy group
Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to invest c.$100 million for a majority stake in SEC Newgate (“the Company”), a global strategic communications and advocacy group. The transaction values SEC Newgate in excess of $250 million. SEC Newgate’s other shareholders will roll over c.100% of their equity investment as part of the transaction. The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory and other closing conditions.
SEC Newgate is an insights and research-driven global communications and advocacy group, headquartered in Milan, Italy. The SEC Newgate team, of around 1,200 employees, operates seamlessly through 50 offices located in 22 countries around the world and advises more than 1,500 companies.
Investcorp’s investment will help SEC Newgate accelerate its development strategy, with a focus on expansion in EMEA and the APAC region through both organic growth and M&A. Since its delisting from the London Stock Exchange in March 2022, SEC Newgate has grown rapidly and expanded in the U.S. and Central and South America through transformational acquisitions. As part of this transaction, Nicola Ferraris, Investcorp Managing Director, will join the Board of SEC Newgate.
Yusef Al Yusef, Head of Investcorp Private Wealth stated: “SEC Newgate aligns with our investment approach to back strong, committed management teams operating differentiated businesses in growing sectors. We will use our resources to support SEC Newgate’s geographic expansion, growth through acquisitions and greenfield developments. We are excited to back SEC Newgate in the next phase of its growth journey and look forward to working with SEC Newgate CEO Fiorenzo Tagliabue and his team to bring to fruition many of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”
Fiorenzo Tagliabue, who will remain CEO of SEC Newgate, stated: “We are thrilled to partner with Investcorp on this next chapter of growth given their significant expertise and track record of helping professional services businesses grow and expand internationally. Investcorp’s investment will accelerate our transformation and fuel our development strategy to achieve global leadership in corporate communications and public affairs.”
Investcorp has a long history of investing in and supporting people-based professional services and communications businesses, with notable investments including management consultants AlixPartners, strategic communications advisor ICR, workforce management pioneer PRO Unlimited (now Magnit), technology consulting firm Resultant, talent and entertainment company United Talent Agency, and business advisory firm CrossCountry.
Since 2012, Investcorp has invested more than €1.8 billion in companies across Europe. The investment in SEC Newgate follows successful previous investments in other Italian headquartered companies, such as Gucci, Riva and Dainese. Investcorp’s current portfolio of Italy-based companies includes CloudCare, Vivaticket, Corneliani and HWG / Sababa Security.
The transaction is expected to close between the third and fourth quarter of 2023.
H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, and Ahmad Alkhallafi, Managing Director for UAE & Africa at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch GovTech, an initiative to develop innovative digital solutions tailored to the needs of government entities.
The initiatives aims to improve government operations, and address emerging technological challenges quickly and efficiently, while involving start-ups and business incubators in the development of innovative solutions for government projects.
Under the MoU, HPE Digital Life Garage and its partners will support the UAE government and federal entities by examining their technology requirements and challenges and providing them with innovative solutions. The initiative will tap into the capabilities, resources and expertise of tech start-ups and business incubators contributing to the development of digital solutions for government services and operations.
H.E. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, confirmed that GovTech offers a new platform for cooperation between the UAE government, HPE and some of the region’s top start-ups to build new tech-powered government experiences. The initiative provides federal entities with a fast track to ground-breaking locally-developed tech solutions, resulting in leading technological products capable of improving the efficiency and performance of government entities, elevating their digital competitiveness, and enhancing their readiness for the future.
H.E. Al Roumi further noted that the partnership supports government endeavours by designing reliable and tested digital products and services in the UAE, and developing flexible government work models that reflect government aspirations and “align with our goals to drive government performance and provide the world’s best government services.”
Ahmad Alkhallafi, Managing Director UAE & Africa at HPE, said: “I am delighted to partner with the UAE Government to support them in their efforts to advance government development. From the beginning it has been one of our top priorities to help government organisations accelerate their digital transformation and tech innovation across the region. Within the framework of GovTech together we will leverage the capabilities of HPE’s Digital Life Garage and create solutions that are crucial for government organisations to address technological challenges, enhance efficiency, and accelerate their digital transformation journey.”
The HPE Digital Life Garage in Dubai is the first of its kind worldwide. It focuses on four key elements: Digital Innovation Exhibition, which is an accelerator incubator for the culture of innovation across various technologies, Digital Life Lab, which incubates workshops to come up with innovative concepts and transform them to pre-production presentations, and Digital Knowledge Centre, which translates ideas into tangible outcomes that enrich people’s lives and professional experiences. The fourth element is the HPE Global Network, which provides access to international programmes and communities, while also bringing together a wide range of institutional ecosystems, researchers, inventors, entrepreneurs, firms, government entities, universities, and service providers, including companies focusing on systems integration.
Judy Bakieh and Sarah Alsalem, account managers at Gambit Communications in Dubai, are the winners of this year’s prestigious Cannes Young PR Lions competition, making them the first individuals from their region to achieve this remarkable prize.
This year’s Young Lions PR competition brief was supplied by EcoTree, an NGO that sustainably manages forests and ecosystems, in which it asked competitors to create a PR strategy that effectively communicates their offering of carbon credits. At the global final, Judy and Sarah competed against 28 national winners, with their campaign #BestBadInvestment, to be crowned the world’s best young PR creatives.
Expressing her delight at their achievement, Monika Fourneaux, Head of PRCA EMEA, stated, “Congratulations to Judy and Sarah on their remarkable success. PRCA MENA annually organises the regional Young Lions PR competition, which acts as a stepping stone to the Cannes competition. This year, Gambit Communications from Dubai showcased their prowess and stood out among numerous participating agencies to secure the victory.”
Commenting on their win, Judy Bakieh said, “We are proud and privileged to bring home the first ever Young PR Lions Gold to the MENA region, and even prouder to do it as part of an independent agency from Dubai. We knew that the Cannes PR Young Lions would be an opportunity for us to break some of the global stereotypes around Middle Eastern women, and showcase the talent, passion and potential that exists across the diverse countries that make up our region. I hope this win encourages the young talents in our region to get here and show what they can do.”
Sarah Alsalem added, “We came to Cannes with one objective – bring home a Gold, and we did just that! We knew that with just 24 hours to put together a global campaign, competing against the best young minds from around the world, we needed to be brave enough to take risks and decisive in our creative decisions. That decisiveness saved us crucial time which allowed us to give the campaign an important touch of finesse in the final hours. Thank you to PRCA and the Cannes Festival of Creativity for the experience of a lifetime!”
Khaled Al Shehhi, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at UAE Government Media Office, welcomed the winners and expressed his pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “Judy and Sarah have proven themselves to be exceptional talents in the field of PR. Their victory at the Cannes Young PR Lions competition is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and dedication. This incredible accomplishment reflects the nurturing environment we have in the UAE, where talent can flourish and dreams can be realised. It showcases our robust ecosystem that supports, encourages, and propels young creatives to unleash their full potential.”
The Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development and the Middle East Institute (MEI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore avenues of cooperation on projects related to energy and sustainability initiatives in the Middle East.
His Excellency, Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada, a Member of the Board of Trustees at the Al-Attiyah Foundation, and Mr. Paul Salem, President, and CEO of the MEI, ratified the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations at the Foundation’s premises in Doha and the MEI’s headquarters in Washington D.C.
His Excellency Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Al-Attiyah Foundation, expressed his pride at the burgeoning relationship between both institutions: “Since its inception, the Al-Attiyah Foundation has sought to create and strengthen bonds with prestigious institutions in the State of Qatar and worldwide.”
“This MoU establishes a strategic partnership between the two parties and seeks to enhance means of cooperation in a number of areas, the most prominent of which is the exchange of experiences in the academic and research fields, and the shared use of experts in various aspects of common interest such as sustainable development,” His Excellency concluded.
The MoU is “an ideal opportunity for the Institute to collaborate with regional partners on the challenges and opportunities related to the energy transition,” said Mr. Paul Salem.
Ministry of Finance announces the annual report for the year 2022 titled Under the Title “Remarkable Achievements Shaping Promising Financial Prospects”
Under the Title “Remarkable Achievements Shaping Promising Financial Prospects”, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced its annual report for the year 2022. It observes the Ministry’s performance in initiatives, national projects, and international participations. Additionally, the report included the Ministry’s most prominent achievements, leadership councils and committees, and strategic objectives.
His Excellency Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, stated that the Ministry of Finance, since the establishment of the Union, has been keen on becoming a pioneering model and global reference for best practices and international standards in government financial work. It also continuously works to achieve excellence and leadership in all areas of its work by adopting an innovative approach in developing and implementing its policies and goals towards achieving sustainable financial and economic growth.
His Excellency emphasised: “The Ministry of Finance harnesses all capabilities to support the UAE’s competitiveness, aligning with government visions and directions. The Ministry has set up a great financial system that helps manage and diversify financial resources, supporting sustainable economic and social development.”
His Excellency said: “The Ministry of Finance has played a pivotal and influential role at the national level in the field of strategic management of public finances. This contributed to strengthening the fiscal planning of the federal government and achieving financial and economic sustainability.”
His Excellency added: “We, in the Ministry of Finance, will continue to work to achieve our objectives and aspirations, and add further achievements and successes to our track record. We will continue to contribute to strengthening the country’s march towards the future and achieving the goals of the ’UAE Centennial Plan 2071‘, which aims to make the UAE the best country in the world by 2071.”
Strengthening the UAE’s Competitiveness
The Ministry of Finance achieved all its strategic goals during the strategic cycle (2017-2022), through launching and implementing cutting-edge and proactive projects, plans and initiatives at the level of UAE’s public and private sectors. The Ministry has also achieved outstanding performance in all aspects of strategic performance, which contributed to developing the financial system’s performance, improving the federal governments’ financial performance and enhancing the efficiency of government financial procedures. The Ministry had, and still has, an influential role in enhancing the UAE’s global competitiveness in the fiscal, economic, and investment fields.
A budget that supports sustainable development
The annual report for 2022 revealed that the Ministry of Finance has achieved several important achievements. These include the adoption of a federal budget for the fiscal year 2023 that supports sustainable development in various sectors, as well as the successful participation in international meetings such as the G20 meetings and the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is in addition to the Ministry’s work on establishing the Corporate Tax regime in the country, in addition to launching UAE Dirham-denominated Treasury Bonds.
An influential role at the international level
His Excellency Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, has been elected as Chairman of the Development Committee (DC) of the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in appreciation of the UAE’s efforts and valuable contributions to advancing sustainable development worldwide. The committee works on a wide range of global issues, including the role of the IMF and WBG in digitalisation initiatives, green economy and the environment, trade, industrial policies, confronting future crises, poverty and other issues related to development.
Enhancing the quality of services
The Ministry of Finance is committed to implementing the objectives of the UAE Strategy for Government Services as it is keen to provide individuals, businesses, and federal entities with proactive services, with a focus on customer centricity and enhancing government efficiency. This is in order to boost the UAE’s competitiveness in the services’ sector and position it as the best in the world in efficiency and rendering government services, by focusing on providing advanced digital services, enhancing their efficiency, effectiveness and complete automation to provide services to customers anywhere and around the clock.
Successful participation
The Ministry of Finance had a successful participation in the World Government Summit 2022, where His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, met with a number of international leaders and officials to consolidate cooperation and strategic partnerships. His Excellency Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, participated in a number of sessions and held a series of meetings with finance ministers and leaders of regional and international financial bodies. These sessions and meetings focused on important topics related to growth and the global economic situation. The Ministry of Finance, as a strategic partner of the World Government Summit, organised a series of dialogue sessions that highlighted the role of governments and the financial system in building a pioneering financial economic model that contributes to positively impacting societies worldwide through utilising the latest developments and future trends.
A record rise in government revenues
The Ministry of Finance also monitored, through its annual report for the year 2022, a record rise in government revenues, and the completion of a project where it studied service fee structures across all ministries and federal bodies with the aim of contributing to stimulating the business environment, boosting the economy, and supporting the UAE’s position as an attractive FDI hub.
Prioritising the satisfaction and happiness of citizens
In line with the objectives of the “UAE Centennial Plan 2071″ and within its commitment to achieve social welfare in the UAE, in 2022, the Ministry launched several initiatives, established financial laws and legislations, and adopted the latest systems and technology that meet the needs of the UAE citizens and residents and support the business sector in the UAE. These included the formation of the Consultative Council for the Financial Reorganization Committee, the launch of the Digital Procurement Platform, and the establishment of the Public Debt Management Office.
Saudi Arabia, InnoXera Global Summit Highlight Innovations in the Education and Training Technologies Industry
In partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the fifth edition of the InnoXera Global EdTech Summit, focusing on the future of education and training technologies, was held at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the organisation and main sponsorship by Classera, the largest education technology company in the region and emerging markets globally, and under the strategic sponsorship of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States along with elite international companies such as Microsoft, HP and Zoom.
The theme of the summit was in line with the path of digital transformation, especially in education, one of the most important sectors in the Kingdom, aligning with Vision 2030.
The Summit had been inaugurated by a speech of His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Haitham Al-Ohali, who focused on the ministry’s support for Artificial Intelligence technologies in all sectors, most importantly in the education sector. This year, the Summit also focused on artificial intelligence practices and its role in improving learning and raising the efficiency of education and training processes. Discussing also the latest educational technologies and innovations and their future.
Engineer Mohammad Al-Madani, CEO of Classera, said, “Today, there is no disagreement on the importance of integrating technology into education and training, but everyone is asking what are the best technologies, what is the latest technology in the field, and what are the priorities and best international practices. This Summit, InnoXera, comes to answer all of that and more, and we hope that InnoXera will be a platform that will inspire everyone who is passionate about education and training technologies to explore all new innovations.”
The first day of the annual summit, focused on smart learning in educational institutions, while the second day focused on the future of training and development for governments and corporations. Both days focused on highlighting the latest technologies and innovations in smart learning in the spectrum of the Summit’s theme of the year, ‘Learning in the AI Era’. The Summit included a side exhibition in which major international, regional and local companies participated to showcase their innovations in the EdTech industry. At the conclusion of the Summit, the sponsors and participants were honored. The Summit witnessed the signing of a number of important agreements in the education and training sectors with several companies and institutional entities interested in the smart education and training sector, practices related to its development and joint solutions that support it.
It is worth noting that the InnoXera Summit started from Saudi Arabia five years ago and is now present in three other countries, Egypt, Jordan and Pakistan, to become the largest Summit in the field of education and training technologies in the region. This is a testimonial of the leadership of Saudi Arabia as it sees this vision for itself in all technical fields, including educational technologies.
ENGIE achieves safety milestone of 15mln man-hours without lost-time accident at Yanbu 4
ENGIE, the global low-carbon energy company, announced today achieving a significant safety milestone of fifteen million working hours without any Lost-Time Accident (LTA) at the Yanbu 4 Independent Water Project (IWP), a 450,000m3/day desalination asset and the first reverse osmosis plant powered using solar energy in Saudi Arabia.
This milestone demonstrates ENGIE’s laser-like focus on safety and to adhering best safety practices.
Mohammed Alhajjaj, the CEO of ENGIE KSA, said: “This accomplishment is a testament to ENGIE’s commitment to putting employee health, safety, and wellbeing at the heart of its business, which underpins its ‘No Life at Risk’ policy.”
“Creating a safe and healthy environment at work is a top priority for ENGIE. We are extremely proud of our Yanbu team for upholding ENGIE’s safety standards and contributing to our strong record across the region. Putting the correct processes in place and empowering our employees to anticipate and mitigate risk ensures safety across the business and particularly during the construction phase,” Alhajjaj added.
Built at a cost of SAR 3.3 billion, Yanbu 4 IWP was awarded by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) to a consortium led by ENGIE and included the Saudi companies Nesma and Mowah, under a 25-year BOO (build/own/operate) contract. Upon completing its construction, ENGIE KSA will operate and maintain the plant.
Yanbu 4 IWP is scheduled to be operational by the end of this year, to supply potable water to Makkah and Madinah, with a total capacity of 450,000 m3/day and storage facilities for two operational days.
ENGIE KSA develops its business portfolio in the Kingdom with public and private partners in the fields of energy production, seawater desalination, district cooling, energy efficiency services, and value-added facilities management. With over 2000 employees and USD 8.7 billion of capital investment in the Kingdom, ENGIE generates 7.6 GW of power, equivalent to 10% of the installed capacity of Saudi Arabia, and produces 401 MIGD of desalinated water per day, equivalent to 11% of market production.