Tag: RIYADH

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) has announced Saudi Telecommunications Company (stc) as an official DCO observer, an historic moment as stc becomes the first telecommunications company to join the DCO…reports Asian Lite News

The announcement headlined the inaugural Mobile 360 Riyadh event, which also featured a ground-breaking MoU between global telecommunications body the GSM Association (GSMA) and the DCO.

The stc observer and GSMA Memorandum of Understanding signings come on World Telecommunications Day, celebrated globally on 17 May, and represent significant steps forward in the global movement to create digital prosperity for all. The partnerships will focus on expanding access to telecommunications technologies and upskilling youth, entrepreneurs and young people youth and entrepreneurs so they can prosper in the digital economy.

The DCO is a global multilateral organization established to enable digital prosperity for all, with a focus on digital economy initiatives supporting youth, entrepreneurs, and women. TThe DCO has rapidly expanded to now represent more than 600 million people across nine-member state countries.

stc, a leading digital champion across the region and key enabler of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, will support entrepreneurs, young people and women to connect the internet and digital economy through the partnership, including by providing insights across DCO member states.

Commenting on the stc observer announcement, DCO Secretary-General, Deemah AlYahya said: “Our telecommunications industry is a driving force of the global digital economy, providing the means for people to connect, learn and thrive online. The DCO is leading the way in connecting telecommunications organizations and leaders to forge the solutions of tomorrow for our youth, women, and entrepreneurs. On World Telecommunications Day it is fitting that we join forces with stc, a world-leading telecommunications organization, and with the global telecommunications association GSMA. We look forward to working with both organizations to create digital prosperity for all.”

Commenting on the partnership, stc Group CEO, Olayan Mohammed Alwetiad said: “At stc, we are always seeking to establish new ways to bridge the digital divide for all our users, and we are proud to be an official observer of the Digital Cooperation Organization. The DCO and its member states have made significant strides in raising awareness for the inclusive growth of the digital economy, and will provide a global platform for stc to connect further hearts and minds to the digital economy.”

The Memorandum of Understanding signed between the DCO and GSMA will provide DCO member states with access to GSMA’s Capacity Building online learning portal, providing high-quality training and resources to policymakers and regulators of the DCO.

ALSO READ: Stc Bahrain secures ‘Most Innovative use of 5G Technology’

GSMA Director General Mr. Mats Granryd commented on the Memorandum of Understanding signing and event, stating:

“GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our partnership with the DCO reflects the power of both organizations to enable and empower people through digital and telecommunications technologies. We look forward to creating a significant impact with the DCO and further supporting DCO member states.”

The inaugural Mobile 360 event held in Riyadh between 17-18 May features telecom pioneers and stakeholders to discuss the growth of the Middle East’s digital economy, as part of a global series of events hosted by GSMA.

Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser revealed that the kingdom will enhance its investments in the transport and logistics sector by more than 100 billion U.S. dollars.

Saudi Arabia’s authority of civil aviation announced Monday its initiative to prepare a framework that would make international traveling easier. The initiative aims to unify procedures to ease work associated with international travel through establishing one digital source that provides the latest information and developments, and identifies the entry requirements for all participating countries, according to the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia.

The initiative was highlighted during the opening of the three-day Future Aviation Forum, which is organized by GACA.

GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej noted that the pandemic has revealed the low level of coordination among countries.

At the forum, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser revealed that the kingdom will enhance its investments in the transport and logistics sector by more than 100 billion U.S. dollars.

It also seeks to transport over 300 million passengers and five million tons of goods and connect with 250 destinations around the world by 2030, he said.

A total of 60 countries with over 2,000 participants are participating in the forum.

New Airlines

Speaking in the event in Riyadh, minister Nasser Al-Jasser also talked of the Kingdom’s “great aviation reform” which is aimed at turning the nation into the Middle East’s hub for the sector, Arab News reported.

He added that the Saudi Arabian government has ambitious plans to launch a new national carrier which it hopes could emerge as one of the best in the world in the coming years.

“We will also launch an additional national carrier to be among the world’s best airlines and we will upgrade all our facilities, infrastructure, and airports led by our hubs namely Riyadh and Jeddah,” said Al-Jasser.

He went on to say that the Kingdom aims to host 300 million passengers, and five million tons of freight reaching 250 destinations by 2030.

Reflecting on the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, Al-Jasser described the aviation industry as being at a “crossroads”, with short term challenges including  energy prices, sustainably, growth, and competitiveness.

The pandemic also broke procedures that had been tested for many years, he argued.

Al-Jasser’s ambitions were echoed by Raid Ismael, co-head of Middle East and North Africa direct investment at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

ALSO READ: Pakistan renews ties with Riyadh

Ismael said aviation was a key sector that PIF is focused on as part of its strategy is to become an enabler to execute the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

 “From a commercial aviation perspective, there are lots of opportunities when it comes to the new carrier within Riyadh,” said Mr Ismael.  “The most important is the ecosystem that is around it. To have a solid ecosystem and a multiplier effect, to make sure we drive that into a leading hub within the region.”

Ismael added that the country has launched a helicopter company to enable tourism in the Giga projects — NEOM, The Red Sea Project and Amaala.

Talking about the vitality of the Future Aviation Forum, the minister added: “Through this forum, we can establish a strong global voice to contribute to the global wellbeing, sustainability and prosperity, and if we are successful, and I believe we will be, today will mark the start of a golden era for aviation.”