Step Forward with Ericsson and Discover the Future of Innovation at LEAP
Hakan Cervell, President of Ericsson Saudi Arabia, highlights that at LEAP Riyadh 2025, Ericsson will showcase groundbreaking innovations in 5G, AI, and network automation, advancing Saudi Vision 2030 through digital transformation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships to accelerate regional connectivity and economic growth.
What key innovations or solutions are you showcasing at LEAP Riyadh 2025, and how do they address the unique needs of the Saudi and broader Middle East markets?
At LEAP Riyadh 2025, Ericsson will showcase cutting-edge innovations under the theme 'Step Forward: Discover the Unfolding Future' at Stand H1.F30 in the Big Tech Hall. Our live demonstrations will highlight advancements in 5G, AI, and network automation, addressing the evolving needs of Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East. Attendees can explore immersive consumer and enterprise use cases, while our Tech Insights sessions will feature expert discussions on the future of connectivity. Through these innovations, Ericsson continues to support regional digital transformation, empowering industries, and communities with next-generation technology solutions.
How is your company leveraging Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives, particularly in areas like AI, digital transformation, and sustainability, to drive growth and impact?
Ericsson is actively supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by driving digital transformation, AI innovation, and sustainability through strategic partnerships with Saudi communications service providers and government entities. Our collaboration with Mobily achieved a world-first in 5G Advanced capabilities, while our partnership with stc Group focuses on building a sustainable network aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative. By leveraging 5G, AI, and automation, we are enhancing connectivity, optimizing networks, and contributing to the Kingdom's economic diversification. These efforts reinforce Saudi Arabia's position as a regional technology leader, accelerating its digital ambitions and fostering long-term growth.
What partnerships or collaborations are you seeking or have established to expand your footprint in the rapidly growing Middle East technology ecosystem?
Ericsson continues to expand its footprint in the Middle East through strategic partnerships that drive innovation, talent development, and digital transformation. Our collaboration with stc Group includes a skills development program and the Spark Tomorrow Tech Hackathon with King Saud University and Vonage, fostering the next generation of tech talent. We also achieved a world-first in 5G Advanced capabilities with stc and enhanced AI-driven network performance with Mobily . Additionally, our partnership with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) is establishing an advanced connectivity lab to accelerate gaming and immersive technologies in Saudi Arabia.
How do you see trends like AI, 5G, metaverse, and space tech reshaping the regional market, and how is your company positioning itself within these domains?
AI, 5G, the metaverse, and space tech are transforming industries across the Middle East, driving innovation in smart cities, healthcare, and financial services. AI-powered solutions optimize urban planning, energy distribution, and precision agriculture, enhancing sustainability. In healthcare, AI-driven diagnostics and telehealth expand access to quality care. 5G fuels metaverse applications, enabling immersive experiences and advanced enterprise solutions. With 5G subscriptions in MENA projected to reach 290 million by 2029, Ericsson is leveraging AI and 5G to optimize networks, enhance user experiences, and accelerate digital transformation, ensuring the region remains a leader in technological innovation and economic growth.
What role does your company play in addressing critical challenges, such as talent development, cybersecurity, and sustainability, in the Saudi and regional tech ecosystems?
Ericsson plays a pivotal role in addressing key challenges like talent development, cybersecurity, and sustainability in Saudi Arabia and the broader region. Our initiatives, including Ericsson Product Take-Back Program with stc , promotes responsible e-waste management, aligning with sustainability goals. Additionally, innovations like Radio 6646 reduce energy consumption across networks. Through initiatives like the Ericsson Fresh Graduates Program , we have employed over 160 young professionals in Saudi Arabia, fostering local expertise. Leveraging AI, 5G, and IoT, we optimize network efficiency and drive smart city solutions, we support Saudi Arabia's digital transformation and Vision 2030's goal of a sustainable, tech-driven economy.
What are your company's long-term goals for the Middle East, and how does participation in LEAP Riyadh contribute to achieving those ambitions?
Ericsson's long-term goal in the Middle East is to drive digital transformation through advanced connectivity, with a strong focus on 5G deployment and innovation. The region's commitment to digitalization, particularly in markets like Saudi Arabia, presents significant opportunities for growth. With a young, tech-savvy population and increasing demand for enhanced connectivity, Ericsson aims to develop and implement innovative solutions that support economic progress. Our participation at events like LEAP also allows to showcase its 5G leadership, collaborate with key industry players, and accelerate the adoption of transformative technologies that contribute to the region's long-term digital ambitions. +1 0
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
6 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Saudi CDF celebrates KSA handicrafts through showcase in Selfridges, London
The Saudi Cultural Development Fund (CDF) is showcasing a curated collection by Saudi artisans at Selfridges London, one of the world's leading luxury retail destinations, June 3-22. The initiative highlights the cultural and economic value and salience of Saudi handicrafts, providing an international platform for local artisans and cultural entrepreneurs to introduce their work to a global audience, as part of CDF's ongoing efforts to amplify the impact of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 in KSA. In collaboration with Turquoise Mountain, a global non-profit dedicated to reviving traditional arts and empowering craftspeople, the showcase offers visitors a curated selection of handcrafted pieces in a dedicated space within Selfridges. Themed with references to Saudi Arabia's natural and architectural heritage, the activation highlights work crafted from locally sourced, sustainable materials, reimagined through a contemporary creative lens. The collection features handicraft pieces in palm handicrafts, jewellery and accessories and leather crafts created by artisans from across the Kingdom, together representing the diverse and rich landscape of Saudi artisanship. Examining a product. The programme runs in parallel with a Saudi fashion showcase at Selfridges, also enabled by CDF in collaboration with the Saudi Fashion Commission. It features a curated lineup of Saudi fashion brands — beneficiaries of CDF and the Saudi 100 Brands initiative — presenting their collections alongside Selfridges' leading international labels, highlighting the dynamism and rapid growth of Saudi Arabia's cultural sector. Through the multifaceted show, CDF aims to empower artisans and cultural entrepreneurs to showcase their work on a global stage, stimulate investment in the handicrafts and fashion sectors, and reinforce the international visibility of Saudi heritage during the Year of Handicrafts 2025 in Saudi Arabia. The showcase builds on CDF's ongoing Year of Handicrafts initiatives to empower the Saudi cultural sector, maximise economic and social contributions of traditional crafts, and broaden their reach, both locally and internationally. A key milestone in the efforts is the recent launch of the Nama' Accelerators: Handicrafts Track — a dedicated enablement solution that supports cultural businesses through specialised training, mentorship, and financial incentives. By developing scalable, sustainable enterprises, Nama' drives community growth, enhances innovation, enriches national identity, and reinforces heritage crafts as dynamic contributors to Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification. Through Nama' and other empowerment solutions, CDF strives to strengthen the creative entrepreneurial ecosystem and ensure that traditional crafts thrive as both cultural treasures and engines of economic growth. Founded in 2021, CDF seeks to enrich Saudi Arabia's cultural landscape. It is organisationally linked to the Saudi National Development Fund and aims to foster the development of a self-reliant cultural sector. By supporting cultural activities and projects, empowering those involved in them and facilitating investment in the sector, CDF works to improve the cultural sector's profitability, in alignment with the National Culture Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030. Selfridges is a London icon. Aligned with the Ministry of Culture's ambitious goals, the Saudi Fashion Commission was established to empower and support the fashion sector in Saudi Arabia. The Commission's strategy focuses on supporting the fashion community throughout the total value chain, from the design process through production, development, and product lifecycle management. The Commission recognises the fashion industry as a pillar of local culture, reflecting Saudi Arabia's rich heritage. It works to amplify Saudi heritage and identity within the industry, contributing to fulfilling global needs and achieving a positive impact on the national economy. The Commission's mission is to enable the development of a thriving Saudi fashion sector that is sustainable, inclusive, and fully integrated to support local talent. Handicrafts have long held a special place in Saudi Arabia's cultural fabric, representing a prosperous heritage passed down through generations. Rooted in the creativity and skill of Saudi artisans, traditional crafts symbolise the nation's ingenuity and resilience, while highlighting its diverse cultural identity. Throughout 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Culture is organising an array of events, exhibitions, educational programmes and competitions under the banner of the 'Year of Handicrafts'. The activities aim to emphasise the cultural and historical significance of handicrafts, while supporting their relevance in contemporary life. By highlighting artisanry across various sectors, the initiative seeks to foster appreciation for traditional arts and encourage their continued practice and preservation. Handicrafts, including palm weaving, metalwork and pottery, serve as enduring symbols of Saudi culture, blending tradition with modernity. They are not only artistic expression, but also a reflection of the Kingdom's history, values, and adaptability. By celebrating them, the Year of Handicrafts aims to inspire new generations to engage with their heritage and highlight the talent of Saudi artisans to local and global audiences. The initiative also seeks to empower artisans by enhancing opportunities for their crafts in contemporary markets and strengthening their connection with the global community. Through partnerships across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, the Year of Handicrafts cultivates sustainable practices, fosters innovation, and contributes to cultural dialogue. As a testament to the Ministry of Culture's commitment to safeguarding Saudi Arabia's heritage, the Year of Handicrafts also provides a platform to celebrate the stories, skills, and traditions that form the foundation of the Kingdom's cultural identity. Selfridges is an upscale department store, stocking designer and popular clothing brands plus housewares and gifts. The Oxford Street icon is a London landmark and a luxury shopping experience, home to both affordable and premium brands, offering fashion, beauty, time pieces and jewellery to home and technology and haute cuisine.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia pavilion commemorates 70th anniversary of Saudi Japanese diplomatic relations
Osaka, Japan — The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka celebrates the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Japan. On June 7, 1955, the two nations established formal diplomatic ties – a historic milestone that laid the foundation for a long-standing partnership. The relationship has evolved over the decades into a multifaceted alliance that promotes cultural exchange and diplomatic cooperation, with a significant economic impact for both countries. Most recently, in February 2025, the two nations signed a Memorandum for Establishing a Strategic Partnership Council, which would be chaired by the leaders of both nations. In the last decade, bilateral trade has grown significantly, from $33.4 billion to $41 billion, with trade volumes now surpassing $41 billion. At Expo 2025 in Osaka, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion is hosting hundreds of business events to foster trade and investment relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, featuring presentations led by the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Commerce, as well as events focused on the opportunities presented by Vision 2030. Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Japan and Commissioner General of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, said, 'The Saudi-Japanese relationship has grown from strength to strength over seven decades. It runs deeper than just economic partners. It is a testament to the depth of diversity in the relationship we have. Together, with the strength of our history behind us, and the momentum of our present, we are poised to define the future.' 'With Expo 2025 underway in Osaka and the next Expo in Riyadh in 2030, our two nations are at the forefront of global exchange, showcasing the latest innovations, sustainable technologies, and helping shape tomorrow's multilateralism,' Dr. Ghazi concluded. As Saudi Arabia and Japan look to the future, the ongoing Expo 2025 Osaka aims to increase Japanese visitation to Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom aims to attract 30,000 Japanese visitors annually in the lead up to Expo 2030 Riyadh. This forms part of the broader Saudi Arabia–Japan Vision 2030 Strategy, which includes over 80 projects involved across nine sectors: food and agricultural security, media and entertainment, medical care, high-quality infrastructure, finance and investment, competitive industries, energy, SMEs, sport, education, and culture. Cultural exchange has also blossomed as Saudi Arabia emerges as the hub in the Middle East for Japanese culture through its home-grown Manga Studios, which are on display in August at the Saudi Arabia Pavilion. along with the enthusiastic support of over 700,000 visitors to the Saudi Arabia Pavilion since April 13th2025. The Saudi Arabia Pavilion hosts over 700 events across the Expo 2025 Osaka program, including daily performances and live shows. The site offers an exciting visitor journey through seven immersive rooms. Additionally, Saudi Arabia will host its National Day on September 23rd with a full array of events and presentations. Media Contact: Email: Media@ Website & Social Media Handles: Instagram: @ksaexpo2025 X: @KSAExpo2025_ YouTube: @KSAExpo2025 LinkedIn: Saudi Arabia at Expo Facebook: KSA Expo 2025 TikTok: @ksaexpo LINE: KSA 大阪万博2025 Website:
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Al Etihad
Fitch reaffirms TAQA's credit rating at ‘AA Stable'
7 June 2025 15:42 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed Abu Dhabi National Energy Company's (TAQA) long-term credit rating at 'AA' with a Stable Outlook, underscoring the company's robust financial profile and strategic importance to the Abu Dhabi rating reflects TAQA's classification as a government-related entity, with Fitch assuming 'virtually certain' support from the Abu Dhabi government in all financial continues to enjoy the same sovereign rating as the government of Abu Dhabi, based on the expectation that its obligations would be fully supported if needed. Alongside this, Fitch Ratings has maintained TAQA's standalone credit profile (SCP) at 'bbb+', recognising the company's solid operational fundamentals.'The standalone profile reflects TAQA's strong business fundamentals, which are supported by its dominant presence in Abu Dhabi and a substantial portion of regulated and quasi-regulated earnings. We expect higher capex in 2025-2028 to increase its funds from operations,' Fitch Ratings observed in its latest agency highlighted that regulated and quasi-regulated businesses contributed 51% and 34%, respectively, to TAQA's 2024 EBITDA, underlining the company's stable revenue base. 'It has a leading position in Abu Dhabi as a fully integrated utility,' the agency cited several factors that justify the continued strong rating for TAQA, a key player in the region's energy infrastructure. 'We see no effective substitutes for TAQA given its role in the energy system of Abu Dhabi. TAQA has a large share in power generation and water desalination, monopoly in the electricity and water transmission and distribution (T&D), and wastewater treatment,' the report strategic investments have further reinforced TAQA's position. The 2024 acquisition of Sustainable Water Solutions Holding Company (SWS) and an equity stake in Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) have bolstered the company's capabilities as a leading integrated utility. 'A TAQA default could also affect the cost of funding for the sovereign, given its large size and activity on capital markets,' Fitch expects the regulatory framework governing electricity and water T&D in Abu Dhabi to remain stable and transparent, with effective cost-recovery mechanisms that compare favourably to other emerging markets. It also anticipates continued and timely subsidy payments from the state, supporting TAQA's financial ahead, Fitch forecasts that TAQA will receive increased earnings contributions from its associate companies over 2025–2028, amounting to Dh1 billion annually, with half of that expected from ADNOC Gas, in which TAQA holds a 5% stake. 'We do not forecast any dividends from Masdar, given its ambitious growth plans and targets,' the agency remains committed to Vision 2030, particularly in transmission, distribution, water, and power generation. Fitch estimates that Dh8 billion will be injected over 2025–2026, reinforcing TAQA's long-term investment trajectory. 'TAQA also plays an important role in achieving Abu Dhabi's energy targets of 2050, through its commitment to invest around Dh75 billion in 2021–2030, of which Dh26.7 billion were invested in 2021–2024,' Fitch summary, TAQA's reaffirmed rating is anchored in its strong business profile, stable cash flows, supportive regulatory environment, and strategic position in Abu Dhabi's utilities sector, backed by the near-certain support of the government. ADQ, the sovereign wealth fund, holds over 90% stake in TAQA, which is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange with market cap of Dh370 billion. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
