Airalo and Gulf Air Unite, Showcasing Sustainability and Customer Value in the GCC - Middle East Business News and Information
● The number of eSIMs installed in connected devices was forecasted to reach 3.4 billion in 2025 to reflect a growth of 180% from 2021
● eSIMs display a 46% reduction in carbon emissions when compared to traditional SIM cards
● Gulf Air Falconflyer members earn 20 Falconflyer points for every USD 1 spent on Airalo eSIMs
Bahrain, GCC : Airalo , the world's leading eSIM marketplace, and Gulf Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain's flag carrier, today announced a strategic partnership to enhance the travel experience for Gulf Air passengers. This collaboration will enable Gulf Air customers to earn valuable rewards while staying connected abroad.
Under the agreement, Gulf Air Falconflyer members will earn 20 Falconflyer points for every USD 1 spent on Airalo eSIMs . This exciting offer provides travelers with a seamless and affordable way to access mobile data in over 200 countries and territories, all while accumulating points towards future flights and other rewards.
'We are thrilled to partner with Gulf Air to offer their passengers a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected while traveling,' said Tony Kaldas – Director of Partnerships Arabia & Africa . 'In today's interconnected world, access to mobile data is essential, and Airalo's eSIM solutions provide a hassle-free way to stay online without incurring roaming charges. We're confident that this partnership will add significant value to the Gulf Air customer experience.'
Hanadi AlAali, Gulf Air Chief Customer Experience Officer said, 'At Gulf Air, we are constantly looking for ways to elevate every journey for our valued passengers. Our partnership with Airalo is more than just a collaboration, it's a step toward a more seamless, connected and rewarding travel experience. . By integrating innovative digital solutions with our loyalty program, we are empowering our Falconflyer members with greater convenience and exclusive benefits. This partnership reinforces our promise to enhance every aspect of Gulf Air experience, giving our travelers even more reasons to choose us for their journeys'.
According to a study by Juniper Research, the number of eSIMs installed in connected devices was forecasted to reach 3.4 billion this year, reflecting a growth of 180% from 2021 . This is a welcome sign, especially in the GCC, as sustainability takes increasing precedence and eSIMs facilitate more efficient and sustainable infrastructure.
Mass adoption of eSIMs would not only play a role in supporting Bahrain's goal to reduce emissions by 30% by 2035 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 but also neighbouring countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE who are respectively working towards achieving Vision 2030 and Net Zero 2050. Research institute Fraunhofer IZM reinforces this notion, with a lifecycle assessment displaying a 46% reduction in emissions for the eSIM compared to traditional SIM cards .
eSIM s from Airalo offer a digital alternative to traditional SIM cards, empowering travelers to purchase and install data plans directly on their devices before or upon arrival at their destination. This eliminates the need for physical SIM cards and the hassle of searching for local mobile providers.
About Airalo:
Airalo is the world's first and largest eSIM marketplace. It offers eSIM packages for 200+ countries and regions, enabling travelers to connect to mobile networks instantly. With millions of users and a global team spanning 55 countries, Airalo is revolutionizing global connectivity and empowering travelers worldwide.
About Airalo Partners:
Airalo Partners is the B2B and B2B2C extension of Airalo, the world's largest eSIM platform. We provide tailored partnership solutions that empower businesses of all sizes to deliver unmatched connectivity experiences worldwide. From brands and eSIM resellers to corporates, airlines, and tech innovators, Airalo Partners collaborates with a diverse range of organizations to make staying connected easier than ever.
About Gulf Air:
Gulf Air is the flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain. With a rich history and a commitment to providing exceptional service, Gulf Air connects Bahrain to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Egypt Today
4 days ago
- Egypt Today
Vodafone Egypt Reinforces Market Leadership by Launching Egypt's Most Extensive 5G Network to Drive Digital Innovation
Today, Vodafone Egypt officially launched 5G technology for the first time in the Egyptian market, delivering an unprecedented array of advantages that extend far beyond individual consumers to encompass businesses and enterprises alike. This groundbreaking initiative solidifies Vodafone Egypt's position as an industry pioneer in innovation, cutting-edge communications, and digital empowerment for millions of Egyptians by providing state-of-the-art telecommunications services. The revolutionary 5G network delivers seamless, high-speed streaming experiences with ultra-low latency, satisfying the demanding requirements of advanced interactive applications and gaming enthusiasts. It also provides exceptional reliability, strengthening digital infrastructure across healthcare, industrial, and numerous other critical sectors. Furthermore, the network facilitates the advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) services across multiple vital industries, significantly enhancing quality of life while bolstering the national economy. Building on Vodafone's extensive global experience in deploying 5G technology across diverse international key markets, the company introduces this technology in Egypt, offering unparalleled coverage spanning over 2,000 sites from Cairo to Upper Egypt, across numerous governorates throughout the Republic. This comprehensive rollout ensures superior telecommunications services for users while supporting all economic sectors. Vodafone Egypt commits to substantially expanding its 5G coverage areas over the coming weeks, with ambitious plans to extend 5G technology nationwide, thereby reinforcing its role as a digital enabler by establishing a robust network equipped with cutting-edge services that will serve as the cornerstone of Egypt's future digital economy. Mohamed Abdallah, Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom International Markets and Vodafone Egypt commented: "Today marks a historic milestone in Egypt's telecommunications landscape with the launch of 5G technology, representing the culmination of our successful infrastructure development strategy and adoption of the world's most advanced technologies. We take immense pride in maintaining our position as Egypt's top-performing network for the second consecutive year, as validated by independent international organizations, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Through our 5G network launch, Vodafone Egypt harnesses the Vodafone Group's global expertise to provide our individual and corporate customers with the most comprehensive and reliable coverage in the Egyptian market, unlocking innovative possibilities across vital sectors including healthcare, industry, and education, while paving the path toward smart cities and contributing to Egypt's Vision 2030 digital transformation objectives." Vodafone extends access to 5G technology to all customers across every package, without additional charges, simply by activating the service through device settings adjustments for 5G-compatible devices, eliminating the need for SIM card replacement. Customers can verify device compatibility through the Vodafone application or via the dedicated link: The company delivers 5G technology with dependable connectivity and exceptional data transfer speeds, supported by substantial investments in developing robust infrastructure that provides users with reliable, high-speed connections and trustworthy services. This is made possible by the latest innovative technologies, including the groundbreaking 'Adaptive Interference Free (AIF)' system. This system, pioneered by Vodafone Egypt, is a world-first innovation that eliminates interference in the 5G network, ensuring consistently high performance. Mohamed Abdallah concluded: "Vodafone Egypt firmly believes technology should serve everyone universally. Through our 5G launch, we create new opportunities across all sectors while reaffirming our dedication to accelerating Egypt's digital transformation and establishing the foundation for tomorrow's digital economy. We consistently place our customers at the center of our operations, continuously striving to simplify their daily lives and elevate their digital experiences." To showcase the advantages of 5G within the Egyptian market, Vodafone Egypt participated in Insomnia Egypt, the country's largest gaming festival. The event, held from April 24 to 26, 2025, at the Cairo International Exhibition Center, provided a platform for Vodafone Egypt to demonstrate the capabilities of 5 G technology in enhancing gaming experiences. This initiative represents part of Vodafone Egypt's significant achievements series, confirming the company's extensive expertise in this domain, which was recently highlighted by securing first place in the latest network performance measurement reports from Umlaut, the independent benchmarking organization for both 2024 and 2025.
Mid East Info
4 days ago
- Mid East Info
KFSHRC Pioneering Clinical Trials and Gene Therapy Across the Region - Middle East Business News and Information
As part of Saudi Arabia's broader biotechnology transformation under Vision 2030, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) solidified its role as the Kingdom's leading Clinical Trials hub in 2024 — conducting 52.4% of all active Clinical Trials nationwide, according to the Saudi National Institute of Health. This milestone reflects the sustained success of KFSHRC's Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative, launched in 2021 to build an integrated, patient-centered research ecosystem. By the end of 2024, the hospital had recorded 701 active research proposals, representing an 8% increase over the previous year. In Riyadh alone, research approvals rose by 20%, demonstrating growing alignment between scientific discovery and clinical care delivery. KFSHRC's research growth was matched by key innovation milestones. In 2024, it became the first in Saudi Arabia to locally produce CAR-T cells — a major step toward national self-sufficiency in advanced therapies. It also delivered a breakthrough in hemophilia care, using one-time gene therapy to restore clotting function in eight patients, eliminating preventive treatment and significantly improving quality of life. These advancements align closely with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and National Biotechnology Strategy, which designate biotechnology as a national priority sector — aiming to localize therapeutic development, accelerate innovation, and establish global leadership by 2040. Complementing its scientific leadership, KFSHRC has also invested in public engagement, launching awareness campaigns in high-traffic public venues to promote Clinical Trials literacy and reduce misconceptions around participation. It is noteworthy that KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 15th globally among the world's top 250 Academic Medical Centres for the third consecutive year, and recognised as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East, according to the 2025 Brand Finance rankings. Additionally, it was included in the World's Best Smart Hospitals list for 2025 by Newsweek magazine.
Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Mid East Info
UAE startup makes waves with free mineral water for everyone - Middle East Business News and Information
Staying hydrated just got easier, and greener, thanks to Ourwatr, a homegrown UAE startup that's launching a nationwide free mineral water programme starting June 2025. It's a first in the region: clean, refreshing mineral water made freely available across the country, delivered through a unique model that blends sustainability, community care, and social impact. From metro stations and shopping malls to parks and government offices, thousands of chilled bottles of mineral water, sourced locally from Dibba, Fujairah, will soon be within everyone's reach, every day. Ourwatr's mission is simple: hydration is a right, not a privilege. 'At Ourwatr, we believe that drinking water should be accessible to all,' says Abhinav Murali, Co-founder. 'That's why we're giving away premium mineral water for free, and every bottle supports communities in need. It's hydration with heart, proudly made right here in the UAE.' Stamp of UAE quality All Ourwatr bottles carry the prestigious EQM (Emirates Quality Mark) certification, guaranteeing they meet strict UAE national and international quality standards. When you grab a bottle, you're assured of top-quality water, safe, pure, refreshing and approved by the country's standardisation authority. Mission in a bottle With temperatures rising across the UAE, especially during summer, access to clean drinking water is more important than ever, for workers, families, children, and the elderly alike. 'In our desert climate, hydration isn't just healthy; it's life-saving,' adds co-founder Bharath Mohan. 'Each bottle we provide is a small act of kindness toward our community.' Ourwatr is more than just a startup, it's a mission in a bottle. Launched by three young, UAE-based entrepreneurs, the idea was sparked by a simple but powerful observation: access to free, convenient hydration isn't always a given. Wanting to change that, the trio built a business with heart at its core. The team is also in talks with various UAE charitable organisations and government agencies to expand its reach and impact. For every bottle distributed, a portion will be donated to local charities, turning everyday hydration into a meaningful act of giving. A Model Built on Purpose and Sustainability Ourwatr isn't just about water, it's about doing good. Instead of selling to consumers, the company partners with brands and organisations who cover the production and distribution costs. In return, sponsors co-brand the bottles, using them as a platform to share positive messages and shared values, while making a real difference. 'Sustainability isn't just about less waste, it's about creating lasting, meaningful change,' explains Sharat Nair, Co-founder. The bottles are crafted from recyclable materials, aligning with the UAE's zero-waste goals and green agenda. Backing UAE Vision 2030 Ourwatr's initiative supports the UAE's Vision 2030 goals around health, sustainability, and quality of life. The startup is already collaborating with local authorities to expand water access and reach as many people as possible. More than just water, Ourwatr is delivering hope, equality, and care, one bottle at a time.
