Matarat Holding and Thales to boost digital transformation in Saudi Arabia's airport sector
Matarat and Thales will explore applications of smart technologies to modernize airport operations and management, driving digital transformation across Matarat's network.
The partnership will also enable the implementation of advanced digital platforms and next-generation infrastructures in Matarat Airports.
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Matarat Holding has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies. This strategic partnership, signed at Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid, Spain, seeks to drive innovation, operational efficiency, and improved passenger experience through digital solutions and collaborative technological advancements.
Matarat Holding leads manage the operations of 27 airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its subsidiaries (Riyadh Airports, Jeddah Airports, Dammam Airports, and Cluster 2), and the MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation across multiple strategic areas of aviation development. Through this partnership, Thales will implement its expertise in smart technologies to modernize airport operations and management, driving digital transformation across Matarat's subsidiaries. The collaboration will focus on sharing innovation and best practices to enhance service quality, streamline operational processes, and adopt future-ready solutions that set new industry standards.
A key priority of the agreement is enhancing the traveler experience by leveraging Thales's advanced capabilities in AI, biometrics, automation, and data-driven systems to create seamless andsecure passenger journeys. The partnership will also enable the implementation of advanced digital platforms and next-generation infrastructure in Matarat Airports.
Bernard Roux, CEO of Thales in Saudi Arabia and Central Asia, emphasized the partnership's significance: "This collaboration with Matarat Holding represents a transformative step in reshaping the future of Saudi aviation. By combining Thales's expertise in digital transformation with Matarat's operational excellence, we are not just implementing technologies - we are co-creating a smart and safe aviation ecosystem. Our joint solutions in AI, cybersecurity and connected systems will set new benchmarks for operational efficiency, enhanced passenger experience, and national security, directly contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 ambitions to become a global aviation leader."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
How puzzle video games can improve brain health and focus
There's a reason Sherlock Holmes and his escapades haven't gone out of style since he made his debut in A Study in Scarlet back in 1887. That's the enduring popularity of a good puzzle. And who doesn't love to pit their wits and flex their powers of deduction against a powerful video game? Puzzles are having a major moment. This includes books, such as the popular Murdle series of mysteries; escape rooms where groups must solve the clues together to unlock the door; and even Wordle, which has maintained its pandemic-era popularity. Released this year, video game Blue Prince has proved wildly popular thanks to its mix of storytelling and puzzle-solving. Gamers play as Simon P Jones, a young man who is set to inherit the Mt Holly Estate from his grandfather, Herbert S Sinclair, but only if he can find the manor's hidden 46th room. Players need to build the interior of the estate to create a maze-like layout that leads to the hidden room. 'I'm at that age where a wild Friday night involves staying in and playing video games with my better half,' says Nathan Irvine, radio and podcast producer at Dubai Eye. ' Blue Prince is our current favourite. We play it together – one uses the controller to wander around the mansion, and the other takes notes on clues. Before Blue Prince, our evening's entertainment revolved around other multiplayer puzzle games, such as Tetris Effect, PixelJunk Monsters 2 and Lumines Remastered.' Are puzzle games good for the brain? While parents often lament the amount of time their children spend on their computers, not all video games are created equal. Puzzle-focused games can have an array of benefits. 'I've seen first-hand the cognitive and behavioural benefits of puzzle and logic games,' says Gayatri Govind Gajjam a clinical psychologist at Aster DYU Child Development Centre. 'These games offer far more than entertainment, they can be powerful tools for cognitive development and mental well-being. Puzzle and logic games are more than just a form of entertainment; they provide meaningful cognitive stimulation, and enhance critical thinking, working memory and mental flexibility.' Mental stimulation is a key component when choosing video games that aid growth. Structured challenges such as puzzle and clue-solving strengthen executive functioning and encourage sustained focus. Key brain health benefits can include improved problem-solving skills, enhanced working memory, improved cognitive flexibility and, interestingly for those with ADHD or other inattention disorders, increased attention and concentration. 'These games activate multiple regions of the brain,' says Gajjam. 'The prefrontal cortex is heavily engaged as players plan, strategise and solve problems. The hippocampus supports memory formation and recall, while the parietal lobes assist with spatial awareness and logical reasoning. Engaging these areas regularly promotes interconnectivity between brain regions, which enhances overall cognitive efficiency.' Benefits for young and old Video games are often considered the preserve of the young, but puzzle games are cross-generational, with benefits for younger and older brains alike. 'One of the most fascinating aspects of logic and puzzle gameplay is that their impact is age-specific, yet universally beneficial,' says Yasir Shafi, a homeopathy practitioner at Wellth. 'While the mechanisms of benefit may differ by age, the underlying principle remains the same: consistent, challenging mental activity is one of the most effective ways to support brain health across the lifespan.' Puzzle video games such as Blue Prince change on a daily basis, engaging you to constantly learn and take notes as you proceed, while the game Chants of Sennaar involves decoding fictional languages and writing to advance, enhancing critical thinking and improved cognitive processing speed. 'There have always been plenty of puzzle and logic games around,' says Irvine. ' Tetris is a great example that has stood the test of time. Originally released in 1984, its many iterations – but simple formula – make it one of the top-selling games of all time.' Four puzzle video games to download now The Case of the Golden Idol Available on: Nintendo Switch, MacOS, Xbox, Mobile, PlayStation and PC If murder puzzles are your thing, step into The Case of the Golden Idol in which you must find the murderer at each stage of the game. With clues and evidence all around, this is the ideal game to play with friends and family as you work to eliminate suspects and find connections between the deceased. Return of the Obra Dinn Available on: PlayStation, PC, MacOS, Xbox and Nintendo Switch Mystery fans will be in their element with this old-school game in which the merchant vessel Obra Dinn which disappeared in 1803 suddenly reappears off the coast of England five years later. Surprise, surprise, everyone on board is dead and it's up to you to discover how each person died using a pocket watch that allows you to see their final moments. Outer Wilds Available on: Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and PC In Outer Wilds you'll find yourself stuck in a 22-minute time loop in a dying solar system trying to discover what is happening and how you can save everyone. Working out why the system is degenerating is the key, and you must visit nearby planets to try to escape the loop, solving mysteries along the way. Gorogoa Available on: Mobile, PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch Simpler than many puzzle games on the market, Gorogoa 's gentle sketch-style scenes hold hidden meanings. It's reminiscent of hand-held sliding puzzles in which you move square tiles to complete the image. In this slow-paced game the screen is divided into four panels, each featuring a scene you can interact with and deconstruct to move the story along.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE residents seek cooler, cheaper Eid, summer destinations amid Schengen visa delays
UAE residents are increasingly opting for cooler, more affordable non-Schengen destinations amid visa difficulties and efforts to avoid overcrowded tourist hotspots ahead of Eid Al Adha and the summer break. Travel agencies in the UAE are seeing growing interest in alternative summer destinations, especially those that are visa-friendly and offer a cooler climate. Top choices include Salalah in Oman and Saudi Arabia's Aseer region, along with scenic destinations across Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe such as Bali, Japan, Zanzibar, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia. In the UAE, residents are set to enjoy up to a four-day break during Eid Al Adha next week, from June 5 to 8. Typically, during the school summer break from June to August, UAE citizens and expats flock to cooler European destinations like the UK, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy. However, this year, widespread visa delays are prompting a shift in travel plans. Appointments for the 29-country Schengen area remain unavailable until mid-August, and US visa slots are similarly backed up for the coming quarters. 'We've seen a noticeable increase in searches for non-Schengen, cooler destinations compared to the same period last year,' said Mamoun Hmidan, chief business officer at Wego. 'Delays in Schengen and US visa processing, combined with a preference for short-notice travel and less paperwork, are driving this shift. Travellers are also becoming more aware of beautiful, lesser-known alternatives.' Rashida Zahid, vice president of operations at confirmed the trend, particularly among last-minute travellers. 'There's a clear shift toward destinations that are easier to access and have pleasant weather, rather than traditional European hotspots,' she noted. Top visa-friendly summer escapes For GCC travellers, nearby cooler destinations such as Aseer and Abha in Saudi Arabia, particularly after Hajj, and Salalah in Oman during the Khareef season are becoming popular choices, thanks to their convenient e-visa options. Other popular options include Zanzibar, Bali, Japan, and Nepal, which also offer similarly straightforward entry procedures. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations including Georgia, Almaty (Kazakhstan), Armenia, Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Turkish cities like Trabzon and Antalya are gaining popularity. These places offer a mix of mountain retreats, coastal escapes, and lush landscapes — ideal for beating the UAE's intense summer heat without breaking the bank. Affordable getaway options Rashida Zahid shared that all-inclusive packages for cooler destinations start at just Dh2,200 for a 4-night, 5-day trip, covering flights, accommodation, transfers, and tours. Mamoun Hmidan added that Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, and its mountainous regions like Kazbegi are popular among UAE residents due to their cool temperatures, cultural richness, and visa-free entry. Average airfare is around $375 (Dh1,375). Armenia is another top choice, offering e-visa or visa-free access and average airfares of just $232 (Dh850), making it highly attractive for budget-conscious travellers. Azerbaijan's capital Baku is also gaining traction, combining a cosmopolitan vibe with cool Caspian breezes. 'There's a clear shift toward destinations that are affordable, easy to enter, and offer a break from the heat,' Hmidan noted. Discovering hidden gems UAE residents are increasingly opting for travel 'off the beaten path,' in line with the global post-pandemic trend of avoiding crowded tourist hubs and discovering hidden gems. 'Many travellers are adjusting their timelines due to visa appointment delays, booking more flexible and refundable trips, and selecting backup destinations with easier visa access,' said Hmidan. Rashida Zahid observed that travellers are becoming more proactive, planning trips four to six months in advance — especially for the busy summer season — due to limited visa appointment availability.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Teachers question salary cuts during Eid Al Adha holidays
As the UAE prepares for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holidays from June 5 to June 8, many schoolteachers are raising concern over what they say is an unfair and unlawful practice: having their entire absence — including public holidays and weekends — deducted from their salaries when they take a few days off to travel. Under Article 28 of Federal Decree Law No. (33) of 2021, employees are entitled to full pay on public holidays declared by the UAE Cabinet. If a public holiday falls within a period of annual leave, it must not be deducted from salary or leave balance. Yet, several teachers say that's exactly what's happening in many schools. 'I've taken just three days off before Eid to visit my family abroad,' said a teacher at a British curriculum school in Dubai. 'But HR has already told me my salary will be deducted for the entire week, including the Eid holidays and the weekend. When I tried to reason with them, they said this is how it's always done and that teachers already get enough time off in summer and winter.' She disagrees. 'These breaks are not a favour. They're part of the academic calendar. Public holidays are paid by law. It's time schools stop treating them as if they're optional or conditional.' According to teachers, even taking a single day off, like a Monday, can result in two days of salary being docked, as it's clubbed with Sunday. 'If you take Monday off, they count Sunday and Monday as leave and cut pay accordingly,' said another teacher at an Indian school. 'It makes you think twice before applying for even a day.' Several teachers told Khaleej Times they don't object to pay cuts for the days they actually take off. 'We understand that if we apply for leave from Monday to Wednesday, our salary will be deducted for those three days,' said a teacher in Sharjah. 'What we don't understand is why Eid holidays and weekends, which are paid days under UAE law, are also counted as unpaid.' One teacher, who has worked in four different schools over the past 20 years, said the practice is widespread. 'It doesn't matter if it's a British, or Indian curriculum, almost every school I've worked at does this. It's like an unwritten rule.' 'Entities should follow the law' In response to a Khaleej Times query, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which regulates private schools in Dubai, said matters related to employment contracts and salary deductions fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). A spokesperson at MoHRE reaffirmed the legal position saying there are clear guidelines stating that public holidays are separate from annual leave. 'Eid holidays are Eid holidays, and entities should follow the law,' he said. A major operator of a private school network in the UAE declined to comment when contacted by Khaleej Times. A principal of a private Asian school admitted that their policy does not allow teachers to club any breaks with personal leave. 'Hence,' she said, 'if leave is taken prior to Eid, deductions will apply for the entire period, including the Eid break." But teachers say longstanding practices shouldn't justify bad ones. 'Just because this has been happening for years doesn't make it right,' said a teacher. 'If this is about policy, then why don't other sectors do the same? How come hospitals, banks, and companies don't dock salaries like this? Are schools above the law?' With Eid Al Adha just days away, teachers are urging school managements to scrap unfair deductions and align with federal law. 'We're not asking for a favour,' said one. 'Just don't cut our pay for public holidays. That's it."
