Orange Business to offer subscription-based Smart City services in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Digital system integrator Orange Business is set to roll out 'Smart City-as-a-Service' in Saudi Arabia, aiming to drive significant financial and time savings, a senior company official said.
Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, Mohammed Al-Jeraisy, managing director for Saudi Arabia and Africa, said the service will develop Smart City applications for cloud deployment, capitalizing on the sector's rapid growth.
The Saudi Smart Cities market is projected to expand considerably, with revenue expected to hit $560 million by 2025, according to data firm Statista. Globally, the US is forecasted to generate the highest revenue in the segment at $27.06 billion in the same year.
'This is something that is known — it's a challenge. When you implement a Smart City solution, deployment is costly and time-consuming. These projects typically take years to develop and build. What a Smart City-as-a-Service solution does today is help customers adopt the solution quickly, saving both time and costs,' Al-Jeraisy said.
He added that the new model could cut costs by 40 to 60 percent and reduce adoption time by up to 80 percent.
Al-Jeraisy also highlighted the flexibility of the subscription-based model, which allows customers to choose specific Smart City services as needed.
'When it comes to Smart City services, there are many — plenty of them. You can think of major services like a city's command and control center, which is essential. You also need solutions for the environment and applications for traffic management. Today, you can start using these services immediately and access them through the platform,' Al-Jeraisy said.
The model enables customers to opt in and out of services as required. 'You can subscribe to the service today, use it for as long as you need, and stop whenever you decide. You can then go for another service. I think that's one of the key benefits we offer to customers,' he added.
Despite the name, Smart City-as-a-Service is not limited to cities, Al-Jeraisy said. 'It can be used for campuses, stadiums, events, and even universities because what truly matters are the applications and use cases we build on the platform,' Al-Jeraisy said, noting that both small and large cities, as well as airports and schools, can benefit from these services.
Saudi Arabia is emerging as a leader in Smart City and AI adoption, he noted, adding that the global adoption rate for Smart City-as-a-Service currently stands at 33 percent and is expected to rise as more customers recognize its benefits.
Orange Business has been involved in large-scale Smart City projects in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East for more than a decade. It is engaged in major regional developments, including projects in Egypt and the Arabian Gulf states, and contributes to the SMART Africa initiative to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development across the continent.
The company signed a deal in September 2023 with the King Abdullah Financial District Development & Management Company to design, build, and operate a Smart City platform integrating existing digital technologies at Saudi Arabia's prime business district, KAFD.
The platform leverages AI and data analytics while providing Digital Master Systems Integration services. Orange Business is also orchestrating a partner ecosystem to drive new use cases and seamless integration.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
23 minutes ago
- Saudi Gazette
Charting a value-driven healthcare future: BD Saudi Arabia's GM on local impact, innovation, and Vision 2030
In a candid conversation with Saudi Gazette, Omar Malabarey, newly appointed Country General Manager for Becton Dickinson in Saudi Arabia, shares his vision for the company's role in the Kingdom's fast-evolving healthcare sector. With decades of experience across public and private healthcare, Malabarey discusses BD's commitment to local talent development, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships aligned with Vision 2030. Q: Congratulations on your appointment as General Manager of BD in Saudi Arabia. Can you share your journey leading to this role and what it means to you? A: My journey in healthcare has been both dynamic and fulfilling. I graduated in Radiological Sciences from the University of Wales (UK)and began my career as a radiology technologist at a Military hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Following a decade in public healthcare, I transitioned to the corporate sector, where I held several senior leadership roles in digital health services. My journey then took me to the Ministry of Investment (formerly SAGIA), where I was the managing director for healthcare investment and promotion efforts responsible of medical devices , medical services , digital health and pharmaceutical investments . Before joining BD, I held the role of Chief commercial officer (CCO)at the National Unified Procurement Company) NUPCO. Stepping into this role at BD is a natural continuation of my mission to enhance the healthcare ecosystem system in KSA. BD has a legacy of innovation in medical technology, and I am honoured to lead its efforts in Saudi Arabia to drive impactful healthcare transformation. A: My priorities span both internal and external objectives. Internally, I am focused on fostering a strong, collaborative workplace culture. A key priority is to establish BD as an employer of choice in Saudi Arabia, attracting and retaining top local talent while ensuring alignment with the Kingdom's Saudization my goal is to strengthen BD's presence and visibility in the Saudi market. While BD products are widely recognized, our corporate brand needs greater prominence among healthcare stakeholders. I want to position BD as not just a provider of high-quality medical technology but also as a key partner in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. Our focus is on value-driven healthcare—delivering not just products but comprehensive solutions, education, and best practices that enhance patient outcomes.A strong part of my role will be pursue rolling out our Signature Programmes™ in Saudi Arabia, which focus on three critical areas: Patient Safety, Healthcare Worker Safety, and Healthcare Efficiency. These initiatives are designed to enhance infection control, improve hospital workflows, and to help ensure the safety of both patients and medical professionals. Through these programmes, BD is helping hospitals and healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia implement best practices that drive meaningful improvements in patient outcomes and operational efficiencies.A: Saudi Arabia is undergoing a rapid and ambitious healthcare transformation under the leadership of the custodian of the two holy mosques King Salman and HRH the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Vision 2030's Health Sector Transformation Program aims to create a world-class healthcare system that is efficient, patient-centric, and digitally is fully aligned with this vision. We are not just a medical technology provider but a healthcare solutions partner, committed to driving innovation, education, and collaboration. Our focus is on automation, digital health solutions, and value-based procurement, all of which contribute to making healthcare more efficient and Arabia's commitment to digitalization is unmatched. It is the leading nation in digitization, and we see this reflected in healthcare. BD is supporting this shift by introducing smart medication management systems and robotics to enhance pharmacy automation, reduce human error, and improve patient care.A: Certainly. BD has evolved from a scientific office to a full commercial entity in Saudi Arabia, employing approximately 170 professionals and working alongside seven strategic distributors. Our commitment to Saudization is strong, and we continue to develop local talent in line with national workforce of our most exciting developments is the BD Training Center in Riyadh, which officially launched in April this year. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for healthcare professionals, providing hands-on training on BD's medical technologies, best practices, and clinical applications. It will also support technical training for engineers, ensuring seamless device maintenance and we also hosted our inaugural BD Healthcare Summit in Riyadh under the theme 'Embracing a Value Driven Future,' bringing together healthcare leaders to explore how AI, automation, and workforce empowerment can drive better outcomes in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision BD has established a Regional Headquarters (RHQ) in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing our commitment to regional operations and market the collaboration front, we have signed an MoU with STC to explore digital health solutions and are in discussions with multiplekey players to drive healthcare innovation. We also have an ongoing partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association, focusing on enhancing nursing education and clinical competency.A: Saudi Arabia is embracing cutting-edge healthcare solutions, and BD is at the forefront of this transformation. One of our key areas of focus is medication management systems and robotics, which optimize pharmacy automation, helping to ensure precise and efficient medication dispensing. These technologies not only enhance patient safety but also improve workflow efficiency in hospitals and are also expanding our digital health solutions, aligning with Saudi Arabia's drive for smart healthcare systems. Our goal is to integrate automation, data-driven healthcare, and AI-supported medical technologies that elevate patient care standards.A: Yes, partnerships are a key pillar of BD's strategy in Saudi Arabia. We have collaborated with Al Mujtamaa Pharmacy, making it the first digitally enabled pharmacy in Saudi Arabia using BD's advanced technology solutions. Additionally, BD has signed an MoU with STC, with further partnerships in discussion with Mobily and others toadvance digital healthcare and supply chain efficiency.A notable collaboration is our partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association, which focuses on continuous education and professional development for nurses across the Kingdom. This initiative underscores BD's commitment to capacity-building in the healthcare workforce.A: The Saudi healthcare sector is moving toward value-based healthcare and value-based procurement models, where hospitals and institutions prioritize quality outcomes over mere cost efficiency. BD is actively engaging in this transition, particularly in laboratory solutions and major trend is digital transformation, where automation and data analytics are playing a pivotal role in improving healthcare services. BD is driving innovation in pharmacy automation, digital medication management, and clinical diagnostics to support this we see a strong push toward local manufacturing and public-private partnerships, and BD is keen to explore opportunities that align with these national priorities.A: My vision is clear: BD is here to stay and to lead. We are not just another healthcare technology provider; we are a long-term partner in Saudi Arabia's healthcare role extends beyond revenue growth—we are committed to delivering value to patients, healthcare professionals, and the government. BD will continue to support innovation, drive medical education, and contribute to the national healthcare transformation through strategic partnerships and advanced solutions.A major part of this commitment is our focus on our Signature Programmes™, which align with the Kingdom's healthcare objectives. Through our investments, workforce development, and collaborations, BD is reinforcing its position as a trusted healthcare enabler in the Kingdom.A: I want to emphasize that BD's mission in Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in improving patient care and healthcare efficiency. We are here not just to provide medical devices but to transform the healthcare experience, ensuring better outcomes for patients and healthcare professionals is at the heart of BD, and we will continue to introduce cutting-edge technologies and best practices that align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Our training center, our partnerships, and our digital health initiatives all reflect BD's dedication to making a meaningful impact in Saudi Arabia's healthcare landscape.
Saudi Gazette
8 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia and Netherlands sign agreements with investments exceeding SR428 million
Saudi Gazette Report AMSTERDAM — Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands have signed a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoU) with investments exceeding SR428 million in Amsterdam. The agreements were inked between a number of Saudi and Dutch companies with the aim to develop and localize modern technologies in the environmental, water, and agricultural fields. Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti attended the ceremony of signing 27 agreements and MoUs during his current visit to the Netherlands from June 10 to 12 in the presence of a number of the Dutch government officials as well as senior executives and business leaders from the public and private sectors. The signing included a MoU between the Saudi National Program for the Development of the Livestock and Fisheries Sector and the Dutch company VigGuard to establish cooperation to localize livestock disease control research. MoUs were also signed between the National Center for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development, the Dutch Greenhouse Alliance, the Dutch company Hoogendoorn, Hudson River Biotechnology, and Wageningen University, to launch initiatives in the fields of agricultural technology and research, and to establish capacity-building partnerships in the fields of agricultural innovation, greenhouse farming solutions, and green biotechnology. The partnerships also included the signing of a MoU between the National Agricultural Services Company and Delphi to support agricultural innovation. MoUs were also signed between the Makkah Region Development Authority, Van der Hoeven Projects for Protected Agriculture and Horticulture, and Horizon 11 to transfer and localize biotechnology. A MoU was signed between Al-Yasin Agricultural Company and the Cobret Experimental Center to establish a partnership worth up to one million euros to promote biotechnology in control and crop protection. Another MoU was signed between the Saudi Greenhouse Management and Agricultural Marketing Company and Plantae and Certhon with the aim of investing in localizing innovations in the agricultural sector. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Lehaa Group of Companies for Trade and Agricultural Investment, the Dutch Royal HZPC Group, and the Gal Sahara Potato Production Company, with investments exceeding SR76 million. This will enhance potato production in the Kingdom, in addition to establishing a French fries factory equipped with the latest processing technologies. Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti also witnessed the signing of six MoUs between Dafa Agricultural Company and a number of companies specialized in the fields of vegetables, fruits, fertilizers, greenhouses, and software project supply, with investments exceeding SR292 million. It is worth noting that this visit comes within the framework of the plans and vision of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to enhance the global capacity of the Saudi agricultural sector, expand the production and export of local agricultural products, contribute to increasing the volume of trade between the Kingdom and the Netherlands, and strengthen international partnerships, in order to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Saudi Gazette
10 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
BD Saudi Arabia charts a value-driven healthcare future under new leadership
Becton Dickinson (BD) in Saudi Arabia today announced its reinforced commitment to the Kingdom's ambitious healthcare transformation under the leadership of its newly appointed Country General Manager, Omar Malabarey. With a distinguished career spanning public and private healthcare sectors, Malabarey brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision to drive BD's impact on the local healthcare ecosystem. Malabarey's appointment marks a pivotal moment for BD Saudi Arabia, as he aims to leverage BD's global legacy of innovation in medical technology to foster value-based healthcare solutions, cultivate strategic partnerships, and champion local talent development, all in strong alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. "Joining BD is a natural continuation of my mission to elevate the healthcare ecosystem in the Kingdom," said Omar Malabarey. "My focus is on creating a long-lasting impact by delivering solutions that not only enhance patient care and safety but also contribute to the efficiency and modernization of the entire healthcare system." Internally, Malabarey is dedicated to cultivating a collaborative and empowering workplace culture, positioning BD as an employer of choice for Saudi talent. Externally, his priority is to elevate BD's corporate identity beyond its well-recognized products, establishing the company as a trusted partner in healthcare transformation. Central to BD's strategic approach are its Signature Programmes™️, which address three critical areas: Patient Safety, Healthcare Worker Safety, and Healthcare Efficiency. These initiatives are designed to empower hospitals across Saudi Arabia to implement best practices in infection control, optimize workflows, and ultimately improve outcomes for both patients and medical professionals. Highlighting Saudi Arabia as a strategic and pioneering market in digital healthcare, Malabarey emphasized the Kingdom's rapid progress towards a modern, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare model under Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. BD is actively contributing to this shift with smart medication management systems, pharmacy robotics, and digital health solutions designed to minimize human error and maximize care has significantly expanded its local presence, now employing approximately 170 professionals and operating through seven strategic distributors. Reinforcing its commitment to local development, BD recently launched the state-of-the-art BD Training Center in Riyadh in April, providing hands-on clinical and technical training for healthcare professionals and biomedical engineers. The company also hosted its inaugural BD Healthcare Summit, convening key stakeholders to discuss the future of AI, automation, and workforce development in collaborations underpin BD's commitment to the Kingdom. These include partnerships with STC and Mobily to explore digital health innovations, a pioneering collaboration with Al Mujtamaa Pharmacy, making it the first digitally enabled pharmacy in Saudi Arabia, and a partnership with the Saudi Nursing Association aimed at developing clinical competencies and supporting the healthcare ahead, Malabarey envisions BD as a long-term healthcare enabler in Saudi Arabia, deeply invested not just in growth but in meaningful impact. From supporting local workforce initiatives to driving best practices in clinical care, BD is poised to be a central player in the country's ongoing healthcare transformation.
