Batelco to deploy Bahrain's first private 5G network at Alba
Batelco, a part of Bahrain's leading digital solutions provider Beyon Group, has partnered with Nokia, a global leader in network technologies, up to deploy the kingdom's first private 5G network for industrial use at Aluminum Bahrain (Alba).
As the world's largest aluminum smelter on one site, Alba will leverage this advanced network to support its digital transformation, ushering in a new era of operational efficiency, innovation, and safety within Bahrain's manufacturing sector.
Batelco by Beyon today (April 16) signed an agreement with Alba at Alba's headquarters in Askar.
As per the deal, Batelco's private 5G network will provide key benefits to enhance Alba's operations. Its ultra-low latency connectivity enables real-time decision-making and precise control and monitoring.
Its built-in security features protect sensitive data in high-risk environments, and IoT-enabled safety devices allow for real-time tracking of hazardous conditions, improving worker safety.
Additionally, the integration of Industrial IoT and smart machinery optimizes workflows, reduces downtime, and maximizes productivity, it stated.
The agreement was signed by Batelco CEO Maitham Abdulla and Alba CEO Ali Al Baqali in the presence of senior executives from both companies.
In partnership with Nokia, Batelco is set to deploy a private 5G network aimed at enhancing Alba's operational efficiency. This advanced network will enable AI-powered predictive maintenance, autonomous systems, and real-time monitoring.
These technologies will support Alba in improving their complex industrial processes and achieve operational excellence.
On the partnership, Abdulla said: "This deployment at Alba is transformative for Bahrain's industrial sector. Our partnership with Nokia enables us to bring private 5G capabilities to Alba, providing them with the technology needed to boost efficiency, enhance safety, and drive innovation," he stated.
"In fact, it's more than just connectivity - it's a strategic foundation for Alba's continued growth and digital transformation," he noted.
Mahmoud El Banna, the Head of Enterprise Campus Edge Sales, MEA at Nokia, said: "We are excited to collaborate with Batelco by Beyon on Bahrain's first industrial private 5G network, with Alba as our launch partner."
"This deployment will allow Alba to fully embrace Industry 4.0 applications, helping them unlock the benefits of digitalization and automation," he stated.
Al Baqali said this private 5G network deployment marks a significant milestone in Alba's digital transformation journey.
"By leveraging cutting-edge connectivity, we aim to revolutionise our operations, enhance safety protocols, and drive sustainable growth," he noted.
"This technology will empower us to optimise our processes, improve decision-making through real-time data analytics, and maintain our position as a leader in the global aluminum industry. We're excited to partner with Batelco and Nokia in our effort to set new standards for innovation and efficiency in Bahrain's manufacturing sector," he added. -TradeArabia News Service
Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Zawya
Three economic shifts shaping the global economy
The global economy is transforming and is driven by technological innovations and financial systems. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), three influential key trends are artificial intelligence (AI) in wage increases, the role of fintech in empowering and enabling MSMEs, and the rising importance of interoperability in digital finance. Understanding and adapting to these shifts will allow stakeholders to harness innovation, drive inclusion, and build a more robust and equitable global economy. AI is transforming businesses and recalibrating the labour market. Employees working in industries with more AI exposure are experiencing wage increases at twice the rate compared to those in less exposed sectors. Today, AI skills command a wage premium of 56% for similar positions without AI. Over the years, individuals feared and professionals predicted that the rise of Industry 4.0 would profoundly impact work and life. The skills employers seek in AI-exposed jobs are evolving 66% faster than in other occupations. Workers who adapt and acquire AI competencies are rewarded with higher salaries and better job prospects. Contrary to the fears of mass job losses, employment is also rising in automated roles. This surge in productivity translates into higher revenue per employee, which allows companies to pay higher wages. Both automated and augmented jobs are expanding faster. All industries have experienced a quadruple jump in productivity. Industries leveraging AI have also reported that revenue per employee has increased three times faster than those in AI-exposed industries. Another trend that is catching up fast is fintech, which can empower small and medium enterprises to participate in global commerce. Adopting fintech solutions enables MSMEs to conduct their financial transactions faster and at a lower cost. MSMEs can build trust with international partners as these platforms offer real-time exchange rates, transaction fees, and up-front pricing, making the process transparent and accessible. The fintech platforms can reduce settlement time and regulatory hurdles, thus freeing up working capital for MSMEs. Now, banks are participating in fintech to offer alignment to customer-centered innovative solutions. Blockchain-based solutions streamline cross-border transactions, improve security, and enable small businesses to access sophisticated financial tools previously reserved only for large corporations. Today, global trade is democratised and has empowered small businesses to compete globally by ensuring safety and making cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and more transparent. Interoperability is the foundation of modern commerce, scalable and intrusive digital financial systems that are no longer optional but have become essential for global growth and stability. Another shift witnessed in the digital finance field, which has now shifted from a nice-to-have to a must-have, is interoperability in digital finance. Interoperability in digital finance significantly transforms global regulatory compliance by embedding compliance mechanisms directly into financial systems and creating standardised frameworks for cross-border oversight. It refers to the ability of different financial systems to seamlessly communicate and exchange data, which is now a strategic necessity for the digital economy. Promotes regulatory compliance and improves efficiency as it allows for identity checks and cross-border roads to be built directly into payment flows of digital assets, which helps reduce fragmentation and aligns with public policy. It supports global cooperation and coordination as it aims to standardise instant payment systems and regulatory frameworks, ensuring that international finance is more resilient and accessible. Interoperability also underpins open banking that allows customers to share financial data securely across providers, providing innovation, competition, and economic inclusion. Interoperability enables real-time compliance monitoring functionalities for central banks and regulators. The confluence of these three trends will redefine the global economic landscape to become the backbone of a genuinely international, digital financial ecosystem. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arabian Post
4 days ago
- Arabian Post
India's Manufacturing Sector Embraces AI and Machine Learning
The manufacturing landscape in India is undergoing a profound transformation as nearly all major players invest heavily in artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. This shift reflects a strategic focus on boosting operational efficiency, driving business impact, and advancing sustainability goals. An extensive survey by Rockwell Automation reveals that Indian manufacturers are rapidly adopting AI and ML to remain competitive in a global marketplace increasingly dominated by digital innovation. Manufacturers across India are leveraging AI and ML to optimise production processes, reduce costs, and enhance product quality. The integration of these technologies into factory operations enables predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and automation of complex tasks. This leads to minimising downtime, improving yield, and accelerating time-to-market. Industrial leaders cite AI and ML as essential tools for unlocking value amid rising raw material prices and supply chain uncertainties. The adoption rates in India closely mirror global trends but stand out for the intensity of focus on sustainability. AI-driven analytics allow manufacturers to significantly cut energy consumption and waste, contributing to environmental goals aligned with international standards and India's own climate commitments. Companies are deploying smart sensors and AI algorithms to monitor emissions and optimise resource use, which is crucial as regulatory pressures tighten and consumer expectations evolve. ADVERTISEMENT Executives in India report that their investment in AI and ML technologies is yielding measurable returns. Data from the Rockwell Automation survey indicates that over 90% of respondents observe improved operational performance attributable to these digital initiatives. Furthermore, nearly three-quarters affirm that their AI-driven strategies have enhanced decision-making speed and accuracy, facilitating quicker responses to market demands and disruptions. The Indian government's push to encourage digital adoption in manufacturing, through initiatives such as 'Make in India' and the National Strategy on AI, complements corporate efforts. Policy frameworks supporting Industry 4.0 advancements, including financial incentives and infrastructure development, have accelerated the uptake of AI and ML technologies. This alignment between public policy and private sector ambition has created a fertile environment for innovation in the manufacturing ecosystem. Several sectors within Indian manufacturing stand to benefit disproportionately from AI and ML integration. Automotive, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods producers are early adopters, capitalising on AI's ability to optimise supply chains, enhance product customisation, and improve quality control. For example, AI algorithms can predict demand patterns more accurately, enabling just-in-time inventory management that reduces excess stock and associated costs. While enthusiasm for AI and ML is high, manufacturers face challenges in implementation. Shortages of skilled personnel who can develop and maintain AI systems are common, necessitating investment in workforce training and collaboration with technology providers. Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, as increased digital connectivity opens potential vulnerabilities. Firms are therefore balancing rapid technology deployment with robust risk management strategies to safeguard intellectual property and operational integrity. The evolving role of AI and ML in manufacturing also raises questions about labour dynamics. Automation driven by these technologies has the potential to displace routine manual jobs but also creates opportunities for higher-skilled employment in areas such as data science, system maintenance, and process optimisation. Industry leaders emphasise the need for reskilling initiatives to ensure the workforce adapts to the demands of a more digitally integrated manufacturing sector. ADVERTISEMENT Investors and technology companies are taking notice of India's growing appetite for AI and ML in manufacturing. Partnerships between domestic manufacturers and global tech firms are expanding, bringing access to advanced AI platforms and expertise. Indian startups specialising in industrial AI solutions are gaining traction, offering innovative products tailored to the unique challenges of Indian factories, such as managing variable power supply and legacy equipment integration. The emphasis on sustainability powered by AI is gaining traction beyond regulatory compliance. Indian manufacturers recognise that eco-friendly operations can enhance brand value and meet the expectations of increasingly conscious consumers worldwide. Technologies that track carbon footprints, water usage, and waste generation help firms align with global environmental, social, and governance criteria, which are becoming decisive factors for international trade and investment. As AI and ML technologies mature, their influence on Indian manufacturing's competitive edge is expected to deepen. Automation of routine tasks frees human workers to focus on innovation and complex problem-solving, potentially accelerating product development cycles and enabling mass customisation. Real-time data analytics empower firms to respond nimbly to market fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, a critical advantage amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Zawya
E& enterprise and Exeed Industries team up to fast-track UAE's Industry 4.0 shift
Abu Dhabi – e& enterprise, the digital transformation arm of e&, and Exeed Industries, a leading UAE industrial group and a subsidiary of National Holding, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partnership is a multi-year programme set to accelerate digital transformation across Exeed Industries' UAE-based factories. Together, both entities will develop a comprehensive Industry 4.0 roadmap – a strategic plan that guides manufacturers in adopting smart, connected technologies to boost efficiency and competitiveness – underpinned by AI and sustainability. The goal is to strengthen the resilience and global standing of UAE manufacturing. e& enterprise will lead the development of the Exeed Industries technology blueprint for Industry 4.0 strategy, working closely with each manufacturing unit and the Group. This roadmap will be key in enabling Exeed Industries to access funding opportunities from Abu Dhabi Investment Office through the Smart Manufacturing Accelerator Programme (SMAP), to implement transformative projects at scale. The scope covers conducting maturity assessments across five Exeed plants, developing tailored smart manufacturing roadmaps, and Deployment of Industrial IoT (IIoT) technologies integrated with AI and GenAI engines, digital twins (which use IIoT data to mirror the real-time performance and condition of physical assets), predictive maintenance and automation. It also includes deploying AI for functions like demand forecasting, quality control, and energy optimisation, as well as integrating ESG-driven platforms to monitor and reduce carbon impact. Majd Coussa, Acting Chief Revenue Officer, e& enterprise, said: 'This partnership represents a model for how we aim to work with forward-looking manufacturers. By combining Exeed's industrial leadership with our deep expertise in digital transformation, we will co-develop scalable solutions that align with the UAE's goals for innovation, sustainability and economic diversification.' Mohammed AlAmeer, Group CEO, Exeed Industries, added: 'At Exeed Industries, we are committed to evolving our manufacturing capabilities to meet the demands of a future-ready industrial sector. This MoU with e& enterprise allows us to reimagine our operations through the lens of digital innovation, contributing directly to national goals under Make it in the Emirates.' As part of the collaboration, e& enterprise will bring its wider climate commitment to the table. After setting ambitious environmental targets for 2030, e& launched its Climate Transition Plan, titled 'Ambition to Action', which sets out a clear roadmap to Net Zero. One of the first companies in the region to publish such a detailed approach, e& is working to decarbonise its operations and support partners like Exeed in embedding sustainable practices across value chains. Sustainability is embedded in e&'s transformation journey, aligned with national and global priorities such as the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, We The UAE 2031 Vision, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The partnership with Exeed will further strengthen ESG-led manufacturing, with the aim of building resilient, resource-efficient industrial models that are future-fit and climate-aligned. The collaboration supports the UAE's broader ambitions to become a global hub for advanced manufacturing, in line with its Industry 4.0 strategy and net zero goals. It will also serve as a replicable framework for other manufacturers in the UAE and the wider region, demonstrating how digital transformation can enhance industrial productivity, energy efficiency and competitiveness. Contact: e& Media Office Shilpa Villait: svillait@ Nancy Sudheer: nsudheer@ Amer Obaid: amerobaid@ Noha Serageldin: nserageldin@ Grace Eid: Eid: geid@ mediaoffice@ About e& enterprise e& enterprise is a digital transformation leader supporting governments and large-scale organisations in building and scaling their digital core. Through optimising operations, enhancing customer engagement, and data-driven decision-making, we enable seamless, sustainable, and secure transitions into the evolving digital world. Currently operating in the UAE, KSA, Egypt, Oman, Türkiye, Qatar, and South Africa, e& enterprise brings cutting-edge digital scalable solutions designed to deliver tangible business value and address the unique challenges faced by organisations and executives across industries. With a proven track record as a trusted digital transformation partner, technical expertise, and the ability to deploy and manage complex solutions, e& enterprise provides collaborative tailored solutions that empower customers to navigate their end-to-end digital transformation journey. To learn more about e& enterprise, please visit About Exeed Industries A subsidiary of National Holding and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Exeed Industries is a leading diversified manufacturing conglomerate playing a pivotal role in industrial manufacturing and directly contributing to the economic development of the UAE and the wider MENA region. Presently, its operations span six state-of-the-art manufacturing entities across the UAE and Jordan, specialising in building materials, construction, engineering, synthetic materials, and consumer goods. Each entity leads its respective sector with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability. To learn more about Exeed Industries, please visit
