logo
Porsche, Shell partner to install 133 EV charging points across Oman by 2026

Porsche, Shell partner to install 133 EV charging points across Oman by 2026

Porsche Centre Oman has announced a partnership with Shell Oman Marketing Company to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the Sultanate.
This includes plans to install 133 charging points by the end of 2026.
The agreement includes the installation of at least eight co-branded Porsche and Shell DC high-performance charging stations and 125 AC Porsche Destination Chargers at locations throughout Oman.
Shell Oman and Porsche Centre announce electric vehicle charging infrastructure expansion
Porsche Centre Oman, operated by SATA L.L.C., will offer customers who purchase new electric vehicles from June 1, 2025 a two-year subscription package.
The package provides 2,250 kWh of charging at Porsche-branded DC high-performance charging sites at no cost, with additional charging available at preferential rates thereafter.
Customers will also have the option to purchase subscription packages separately. The AC Porsche Destination Chargers will remain free for Porsche owners.
'Today marks a significant step forward in our commitment to a more sustainable future. Through this collaboration with Shell Oman, we are proud to lead the charge – quite literally – in building the infrastructure needed to support electromobility in the Sultanate,' Samir Abdul Rasool Qassim Al Zadjali, Chief Executive Officer, Porsche Centre Oman said.
Al Zadjali said the introduction of both high-performance and destination chargers would meet the evolving needs of customers whilst supporting Oman's vision for electromobility and progress.
'Our collaboration with Shell marks a major milestone in accelerating EV adoption in Oman,' he added.
The high-performance DC chargers will be integrated into Shell Oman's service station network, providing EV drivers with charging solutions in urban centres and beyond.
'At Shell, we are committed to driving more sustainable mobility solutions. This partnership reinforces our dedication to providing a reliable EV charging infrastructure in Oman. This partnership marks a significant milestone in expanding Oman's EV infrastructure at key destinations. It underscores our commitment to feasible, scalable, and more sustainable consumer-focused solutions, built through strong collaboration with key stakeholders and guided by a clear national roadmap,' Burair Al Lawati, General Manager – Strategy & Energy Transition, Shell Oman added.
Al Lawati expressed appreciation to Porsche's authorised importer in Oman, SATA LLC, and to Porsche teams regionally and globally for their support.
'Together, we are creating a EV ecosystem that empowers motorists with the infrastructure, reliability, and peace of mind they need to make the transition to electric vehicles,' he said.
The first chargers from the collaboration are already installed and available for use.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

AI-powered cyber security for the region is a must for smooth digital transformation
AI-powered cyber security for the region is a must for smooth digital transformation

Khaleej Times

timean hour ago

  • Khaleej Times

AI-powered cyber security for the region is a must for smooth digital transformation

The Middle East is undergoing one of the most ambitious digital transformations the world has seen. National strategies such as Saudi Vision 2030, the UAE's Digital Economy Strategy, and Qatar's Smart Nation framework are setting bold targets for a connected, intelligent future. These plans are already reshaping key sectors including energy, transport, healthcare, and manufacturing. Technologies like 5G, AI, and IoT are central to this shift, but their rapid adoption is bringing a critical challenge to the surface. With every new layer of connectivity comes a growing cybersecurity risk. The region now finds itself at a decisive moment: how can it scale digital innovation while ensuring the security and resilience of the networks that support it? Hyperconnectivity brings new levels of risk By the end of the decade, over one billion IoT devices are expected to be deployed across the GCC. While this will unlock new efficiencies and services, it will also multiply the points of vulnerability. Already, 15% of organisations in the region have experienced data breaches costing over $100,000. The threat landscape itself is evolving. Cybercriminals are using AI to generate new malware, automate large-scale attacks, and even create convincing deepfake phishing campaigns. These tactics can easily bypass legacy security systems. Despite this, the region is demonstrating encouraging levels of cloud readiness. Only 24% of regional businesses feel unprepared for cloud-related threats, compared to 34% globally. This reflects a growing understanding of the importance of building resilience into cloud-native systems. But as risks evolve, so must the defenses. Predictive threat detection and real-time response will be key to navigating what comes next. Intelligent networks and cyber resilience To secure the future, Middle Eastern enterprises must embrace networks capable of defending themselves. This means embedding intelligence, automation, and continuous verification directly into the fabric of network infrastructure. AI is already proving its value in 5G security. A strong example is the generative AI assistant within NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome, built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI GPT, which demonstrates how large language models can enhance threat detection and accelerate informed decision-making during cyber incidents. Yet identifying threats is only the first step. True cyber resilience demands more. It requires a shift to Zero Trust models, where every user, device, and application interaction is continuously authenticated to eliminate assumptions of trust. It also calls for automated incident response systems that can take decisive action in real time, dramatically reducing human error and accelerating resolution. Just as importantly, networks must harness real-time analytics to detect and mitigate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. These intelligent capabilities are no longer theoretical, they are being deployed across the region today. With the right tools in place, telecom operators and enterprises are beginning to move from reactive defense to proactive protection, where threats are anticipated and neutralized before they cause harm. A commitment to secure transformation Governments across the GCC are taking serious steps to strengthen national cybersecurity posture. The UAE's Cybersecurity Strategy is embedding AI into the country's digital infrastructure. Saudi Arabia's National Cybersecurity Authority is developing frameworks for critical infrastructure protection. Qatar is fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to strengthen cloud resilience. Together, these efforts signal that the region is ready not just to adapt to cyber threats, but to lead in shaping global standards. To do so, the next phase of investment must focus on scalable cloud-native security, AI-powered threat detection, and unified threat response platforms. Building a secure hyperconnected future As digital transformation accelerates, Nokia continues to support the region's cybersecurity goals through innovations that are specifically designed for telecom and enterprise environments. Our AI-driven threat detection platforms are significantly reducing the time it takes to identify and neutralise threats. Advanced solutions such as NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome use generative AI to proactively hunt threats, while our endpoint detection tools monitor the telecom infrastructure in real time. Our collaboration with hyperscalers and cloud providers, such as Microsoft, is enabling integrated, real-time threat visibility across multi-cloud and telecom ecosystems. Trust through autonomous security The Middle East's digital ambitions are bold and achievable, but they rest on a single foundational requirement: trust. As digital economies depend on interconnected networks, intelligent, autonomous security is not a luxury. It is essential. At Nokia, security forms the foundation of our Sense, Think, and Act framework. Built into every network layer, from physical infrastructure to cloud-based applications, our solutions shift from reactive defense to proactive protection. Advanced threat detection, robust encryption, and rigorous authentication at each network layer enable secure, autonomous operations. By embedding AI-driven resilience directly into networks, communication service providers can move towards proactive, self-healing systems that are secure by design. For the GCC, this presents an opportunity to lead the way in establishing secure, scalable, and sustainable digital infrastructure.

Can the US use its Ukraine tactics to get Middle East minerals?
Can the US use its Ukraine tactics to get Middle East minerals?

The National

time3 hours ago

  • The National

Can the US use its Ukraine tactics to get Middle East minerals?

The US deal granting it future revenue and access to Ukraine's mineral sector raises a broader question: is this the beginning of a model for American foreign policy, one that links strategic resource access to long-term diplomatic and financial commitments? Shaped by the exceptional circumstances of war, the Ukraine deal may appear to be a one-off. Yet US President Donald Trump's recent Middle East visit, in which the White House claimed more than a trillion dollars in investment deals were signed, points to a broader trend: Washington's increasing willingness to align foreign policy with long-term economic interests, particularly in critical minerals. It is tempting to imagine the US might apply the Ukraine model in the Middle East, particularly with countries like Saudi Arabia and Jordan, where mining has become a growing policy focus. Riyadh especially is pursuing large-scale development of critical minerals as part of its economic diversification strategy to lessen dependence on oil. Riyadh has also overhauled its mining laws to attract foreign investment and accelerate exploration. Its state-owned mining giant, Ma'aden, has already entered partnerships with global firms like Barrick Gold and Ivanhoe Electric, signalling serious intent to build a world-class mining sector. But unlike Ukraine, neither is in a position of acute geopolitical distress. Saudi Arabia is wealthy, and critically, not short on suitors. It boasts a huge sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, that finances domestic megaprojects. While Jordan's aid dependent economy is struggling, especially after the sudden suspension of US aid in February, it fairs better than Ukraine's dire straits of enduring a more than three-year war. Therefore, neither country is under pressure to pledge away its resources at a loss. That may not preclude Mr Trump from exploring similar proposals, however unlikely their acceptance. The American president has long preferred diplomacy with a balance sheet. His latest Gulf tour was no exception, with discussions focused on investment deals and economic co-operation, including energy sales. Administration officials have indicated a growing interest in financing structures that expand US access to critical minerals without increasing federal spending. Minerals race Minerals are no longer just commodities. Lithium, copper, and other rare earth metals are national security assets. From electric vehicles to semiconductors, the green transition is mineral-intensive, and China controls much of the supply chain. China processes more than 80 per cent of rare earths, dominates refining of lithium and cobalt, and plays a major role in battery and solar manufacturing. For Washington, ensuring access is becoming as vital as defending shipping lanes. Still, any notion of Saudi Arabia or Jordan signing over future profits or access to the US is, at best, aspirational. Riyadh has no intention of sharing control, or upside, of its mineral development. It might accept a US partner in a technical capacity, especially to access mining expertise or green tech. But anything more is unlikely. This does not mean deals will not be struck. Rather, the model would be likely to differ from used in Ukraine's. In Jordan's case, Washington might offer technology transfer or enhanced security guarantees, particularly in light of regional tensions with Iran, in exchange for priority access to minerals or a stake in local mining projects. Jordan, while more modest in scale, has significant reserves of phosphates and is exploring its potential in rare earth elements. The country's established mining infrastructure and close ties to Washington could make it a more flexible partner for future mineral agreements. With Saudi Arabia, it's harder. Saudi Arabia doesn't need a deal; the US does. That's leverage, and Riyadh knows it. Diplomatic capital Even if formal resource-sharing deals are unlikely, Washington's economic footprint in the Gulf is not insignificant. Access can take less visible forms. One route is through US companies that attract investment from Gulf sovereign wealth funds, like Abu Dhabi's ADQ, the Qatar Investment Authority and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Capital often travels with a diplomatic agenda. In 2021, for instance, Saudi Arabia's PIF gave $2 billion to Jared Kushner, Mr Trump's son-in-law and former senior adviser, for his newly launched private equity firm, Affinity Partners. Many in the region regard the move as a gesture aimed at maintaining ties with Mr Trump's inner circle. However, if the US is indeed pivoting to a resource-driven foreign policy, it is doing so late in the day. China has spent two decades building state-backed mineral partnerships across Africa, Latin America, and increasingly the Middle East, often under its flagship Belt and Road Initiative. The US, by contrast, is just now scrambling to catch up. In this context, resource-sharing arrangements, however opaque, may become a new diplomatic currency. But even within Washington, the path forward is uneven. The push to secure minerals is tied closely to the green transition, a central concern for US tech giants, who need stable supplies for electric vehicles, batteries and data infrastructure. Yet on Capitol Hill, the political will is fragmented. While some Republicans support domestic mining as part of a broader push for energy independence and competition with China, many in the Make America Great Again wing of the party remain sceptical of the green agenda itself. Still, lithium, cobalt, rare earths are vital to American interests. Electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced batteries all depend on them. But securing reliable access to these materials will take more than high-profile deals in Riyadh. It will require sustained investment in mining and processing capacity, long-term contracts with trusted partners, and clear policy signals that outlast election cycles. Ukraine's resource-for-support deal may remain an outlier: born of war, scarcity and political imbalance. The Middle East, by contrast, is rich and assertive. Mr Trump may hope to carve out a mineral foothold, but the region is unlikely to surrender its resources without extracting something far more valuable in return. And in the transactional world of today's geopolitics, the price of access is always going up.

How puzzle video games can improve brain health and focus
How puzzle video games can improve brain health and focus

The National

time4 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.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store