Latest news with #Giza
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Giza Systems reinforces regional leadership with strategic investments and expansion plans
Cairo – Giza Systems, a subsidiary of solutions by stc and a leading digital transformation enabler and systems integrator in the MEA, continues to strengthen its position as a prominent regional powerhouse in the technology field. The company is officially unveiling its new strategy following the appointment of Ahmad Elharany, Giza Systems Group CEO. This announcement was made during a roundtable held by the company at its headquarters in New Cairo, in the attendance of several senior specialized journalists. During the event, the company's CEO addressed the ambitious strategic plan that GS Group is working on to establish its position as global leader in innovation technology and to continue to drive digital transformation. With a plan to expand its geographical footprint, Giza Systems announced the launch of its global service delivery center to cater to its clients from the different industries in various countries around the world. Through global delivery infrastructure and innovation, Giza Systems global service delivery center is designed to deliver faster, better, and more cost-effective services to boost operational efficiency, expand service capacity, and enable scalability and global resource management. In addition, the company plans to focus on high-growth sectors such as FinTech, smart sports, smart cities, AI-powered video analytics, cloud services, cybersecurity, and Oracle solutions. The new strategy reflects GS Group's evolving role as a global solutions architect: offering industry-leading innovation, rapid solution development, and seamless integration across OT and IT domains to cover the full end-to-end spectrum. With continued strongholds in Egypt, KSA, GCC, and East Africa, the company also plans to expand its footprint globally by 2027. Elharany confirmed that Giza Systems Group achieved significant milestones throughout the last two years, backed by solutions by stc, which holds an 88.19% stake in the group. Now with the newly announced Group's vision and ambitious targets, GS Group reaffirms its commitment to customer-centricity, operational excellence, and employee experience. 'We are aligning our brand with our strategy to stand for purpose-built innovation, delivery at scale, and a culture that embraces continuous change,' said Elharany during the media roundtable. He added, 'We're not just delivering technology, we are designing smarter, scalable, and more agile digital ecosystems. Our new strategy focuses on innovation, scale, and human-centric growth - all while staying true to our purpose. GS Group is evolving to meet the complex, rapidly shifting needs of our global customers by integrating deeper innovation, advanced delivery capabilities, and a future-focused mindset.' GS Group has strategically invested over the past three years in key areas, including the acquisition of LABS, a prominent SAP partner in the region, marking its entry into the ERP sector, and establishing an internal Oracle implementation business unit. This is in addition to its prominent implementations in several smart cities, such as the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the New Administrative Capital, and the Command and Control Center in Alamein. Meanwhile, the company plans to expand in the GCC, particularly in Oman, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi, through collaborations with local partners and direct sales initiatives, as well as through strengthening global tech partnerships to enhance customer experience and service offerings. Additionally, Giza Systems maintains its full commitment to sustainability, as evidenced by its first Sustainability Report (ESG/GRI 2023) with a -AA- rating from IdealRatings. The Giza Systems Foundation (GSF), which serves as Giza Systems' CSR arm and was founded in 2013, works on empowering underserved communities through technology-driven initiatives to support society's members via a wide range of activities. Over the years, the Foundation has provided a variety of services and programs. Most recently, GSF launched an Impact Venture Accelerator program, called BridgeZ, to support startups by creating indirect impact, and helping entrepreneurs build financially sustainable and investible enterprises. Most recently in 2024, through the social impact project acceleration program, GSF worked with 15 startups in 8 governorates, to achieve 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). GSF aims to become a system aggregator and central hub for impact investment in Egypt, connecting startups with investors, donors, universities, service providers, and the private sector. About solutions by stc: solutions by stc is the Kingdom's leading enabler of digital transformation and the number one IT service provider in the Kingdom, enabling the public and private sectors to transform, reach and scale into a new digital age. solutions by stc provides clients integrated technology solutions through a broad portfolio that enhances their day-to-day operations. Its core ICT services are designed to enable, manage and scale businesses. For more information, please visit: About Giza Systems: Giza Systems, a leading digital transformation enabler and systems integrator in the MEA region, designs and deploys industry-specific technology solutions for asset-intensive industries such as Telecoms, Utilities, Oil & Gas, Smart Mobility, and other market sectors. Giza Systems' team of 3000+ professionals are spread throughout the region with anchor offices in Cairo, Riyadh, Dubai, Doha, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Kampala, and New Jersey, allowing the company to service an ever-increasing client base in over 25 countries. Giza Systems is a subsidiary of solutions by stc group. For more information, visit:
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Historian who Joe Rogan slammed as his 'worst ever guest' hits back about what REALLY happened behind scenes
The archaeologists Joe Rogan deemed his 'worst guest' has broken his silence on the backlash he faced, saying the podcaster was out to ruin his reputation. Archaeologist Dr Zahi Hawass joined Rogan on May 13 to discuss the mysteries of ancient Egypt, but the former Minister of Antiquities gave dismissive responses, continually interrupted and answered nearly every question with 'it's in my book.' The combative discussion led Rogan to saying Dr Hawass was 'the worst podcast he has ever done,' calling him 'closed-minded' and a gatekeeper of all the knowledge about Egypt. Dr Hawass has now hit back at the claims, saying Rogan had an agenda to undermine his credibility. Speaking on an Egyptian talkshow this week, Dr Hawass said Rogan skewed towards topics 'like Atlantis and aliens', ideas he has long dismissed as pseudoscience. 'I spent 25 years holding debates against people like Graham Hancock, Robert Bauval and John Anthony West, who argued that the pyramids and the Sphinx were built 15,000 years ago by people from Atlantis,' Dr Hawass said. 'Thank God I stood up against their ideas, not just in Egyptian newspapers but internationally as well. I told Rogan I have nothing to do with these matters.' The original podcast between Joe and Dr Hawass exploded when Rogan called a discovery beneath the Giza pyramids 'fascinating,' while Dr Hawass quickly dismissed it as 'bulls***.' In March, a team of Italian researchers released satellite images that appeared to reveal massive vertical shafts stretching more than 2,000 feet under the Khafre pyramid, one of the three ancient structures at Giza. During the podcast with Dr Hawass, Rogan asked about evidence for pyramid construction tools and other findings. But instead of answering directly, Dr Hawass repeatedly redirected him to his book and interrupted follow-up questions, frustrating many listeners. 'Are there photos of this online?' Rogan asked. 'Yes, in my book,' the archaeologist replied. 'How can this man, Joe Rogan, not read my book before I arrived?' Dr Hawass asked on Tuesday, saying his book is the only book in the world written about Giza with the utmost skill. How can he not have read it?' Dr Hawass also cut off Rogan repeatedly on the podcast, something many users on X pointed out as a recurring pattern. 'He literally couldn't let Joe finish one sentence,' one user posted. 'Why are they attacking me? Because I held my own against Joe Rogan? Because I was confident?' Dr Hawass said as reported on by The National. 'Why would my confidence offend him? Did they even understand what our conversation was about? Did they even understand what this man was really saying?' The podcast episode went viral on X, with many users criticizing Dr Hawass as 'a failure.' One Joe Rogan fan account posted: 'Zahi Hawass is full of it. Joe Rogan did a great job exposing him.' The controversy centers on claims by Corrado Malanga with the University of Pisa, Filippo Biondi from the University of Strathclyde, and Egyptologist Armando Mei, who shared satellite images allegedly showing vertical shafts beneath the Khafre pyramid. Their work has not yet been peer-reviewed or published in a scientific journal. Rogan, however, pointed to how the researchers used their technology to map the interior structures of the Tomb of Osiris. When Rogan mentioned the scans of the Tomb of Osiris, Dr Hawass interrupted, saying, 'I discovered it.' The Osiris Shaft, an ancient underground burial complex in Giza, is known for its three levels, including an entry chamber, a room with sarcophagi and a flooded subterranean chamber believed to be a symbolic tomb of Osiris. 'I know, I understand, you found it,' Rogan responded. 'But they also showed that it exists using the same technique.' Rogan tried once more to clarify that while Hawass discovered the tomb, the satellite imaging used by the scientists appeared to confirm and visualize known structures. Dr Hawass dismissed the team's findings as false, even as Rogan pointed out that their techniques appear to verify discoveries Hawass himself made. The archaeologist pushed back on the claims, arguing that the radar technology cannot penetrate beneath the pyramid to the extent the Italian researchers suggest. He stated that it only captured data about 50 feet below the Tomb of Osiris. 'Right, but it's showing that at least for 50 feet, the imaging is accurate,' Rogan responded. 'So what makes you believe those scientists over the team from Italy?' Dr Hawass replied that the scientists he consulted had told him the technology was unreliable. 'Well, these are scientists as well,' said Rogan. Dr Hawass added that he has not spoke with the Italian researchers, but Biondi told that he and his team sent an official inquiry to the Egyptian Ministry of Culture some time ago, but never received a response. Rogan pressed Dr Hawass on why he so firmly dismissed the satellite-based findings. 'So why are you dismissing it?' Rogan asked. 'I understand they published their findings, and you're saying scientists told you it's not true, but scientists are wrong all the time, especially biased ones.'
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
BASF Egypt launches commercial operations of Nunhems vegetable seed varieties
Egypt - BASF Agricultural Solutions Egypt, a division of the global chemical company BASF, has officially launched commercial operations for its specialized vegetable seed brand, BASF | Nunhems, in Egypt. The launch event, held at the iconic Pyramids of Giza, marks a major milestone in BASF's regional expansion and its commitment to supporting Egyptian farmers with innovation-led, tailored agricultural solutions. The rollout introduces a fully localized business model offering high-performance vegetable seed varieties designed to increase yields, enhance quality, and support sustainable agricultural practices. These seed solutions are backed by more than a century of breeding expertise and a global network of 46 R&D centers. BASF's entry into the Egyptian seed market is expected to create local job opportunities and align with Egypt's strategic goal of increasing agricultural exports by 20% in 2025. In 2024, the country's agricultural exports grew 11% year-on-year, reaching 8.6 million tonnes—a testament to the sector's resilience and growth potential. As Egypt intensifies its focus on sustainable agricultural development, BASF and Nunhems are uniquely positioned to contribute through a combination of global innovation, local insights, and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of farmers. 'We are excited to launch commercial operations in Egypt—a market with vast potential for high-value vegetable production,' said Silvia Cifre, Vice President of Marketing & Sales at BASF | Nunhems. 'With over 1,200 commercial seed varieties across 20 vegetable crops and nearly 80 new varieties introduced each year, we are well-equipped to support Egyptian growers with cutting-edge seed technology tailored to local conditions. This expansion is part of our broader regional vision to bring innovation closer to the field and help farmers grow 'vegetables people love.'' Echoing this commitment, Youssef Babouih, Country Manager for BASF Agricultural Solutions in Egypt and the Middle East, stated: 'Our aim is to deliver integrated solutions that address the unique challenges of Egyptian agriculture. With over 31% of BASF's global workforce dedicated to R&D and 20–25% of our investments directed toward innovation, we are well-positioned to make a lasting impact. Our efforts align directly with Egypt's Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy, which focuses on modernization and food security.' From a market access perspective, Amr Abouzeid, Country Sales Manager at BASF Egypt LLC, highlighted the company's local distribution strategy: 'By integrating BASF's vegetable seed operations into our Egyptian structure, we've developed a new distribution model built on local expertise and strong partnerships. This ensures high-quality seeds are delivered efficiently and effectively to farmers.' BASF's expansion into Egypt's vegetable seed market reflects its broader commitment to supporting agricultural transformation across the region. The company continues to foster strategic partnerships that deliver long-term value, drive innovation, and promote sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
The National
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
Renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass hits back at criticism over Joe Rogan interview
Renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass has hit back at criticism from Egyptians on social media over his controversial interview with Joe Rogan and accused the US media personality of focusing his questions on topics he had long dismissed as pseudoscience. The nearly two-hour interview, which was released on podcast platforms and on YouTube on May 14, touched on Mr Hawass's extensive career and his work at the pyramids and other pharaonic sites at the Giza Plateau on the outskirts of Cairo. However, the conversation quickly became contentious, leading many viewers to criticise Mr Hawass for his combative demeanour and refusal to engage in meaningful discussions about his research. A week after its release, Rogan described the episode as 'the worst podcast I have ever done" but also "maybe a good one, too', during an interview with NFL superstar Aaron Rodgers. Rogan's remarks, including his characterisation of Mr Hawass as 'a closed-minded fellow' who was 'gatekeeping all the knowledge', have caused a stir on Egyptian social media. Many online comments criticised Mr Hawass interrupting Rogan's questions and his dismissal of attempts to explore alternative theories about the pyramids and the Sphinx. According to one viewer who spoke to The National, Mr Hawass exhibited a 'severe and sometimes aggressive' unwillingness to entertain doubts or alternative perspectives about his work. "Throughout the interview, Mr Hawass repeatedly interrupted Rogan, deflected detailed questions about his work, and emphasised his authority and legacy rather than addressing the topics at hand," said one viewer, who asked to remain anonymous. Critics on YouTube and social media also accused Mr Hawass of arrogance. One commenter noted that rather than engaging with Rogan's questions, Mr Hawass repeatedly insisted his word as the 'foremost expert on ancient Egypt' should suffice. Mr Hawass, who is on a lecture tour in the US, was not immediately available for comment but his media liaison Ali Abou Dsheish told The National he was "very upset" by the criticism. The former Minister of Antiquities appeared on an Egyptian talk show on Tuesday night to defend himself. 'How can this man, Joe Rogan, not read my book before I arrived?' Mr Hawass asked angrily, referring to Giza and the Pyramids, a 1,000-page study co-written with American archaeologist Mark Lehner. 'The only book in the world written about Giza with the utmost skill. How can he not have read it?' Mr Hawass went on to question criticism of his interview. 'Why are they attacking me? Because I held my own against Joe Rogan? Because I was confident? Why would my confidence offend him? Did they even understand what our conversation was about? Did they even understand what this man was really saying?' He reiterated that his decades of research had definitively proven how the pyramids were built, a subject that continues to baffle many archaeologists. During the Rogan interview, he repeatedly referred to his book as the definitive source on the topic. However, viewers noted he failed to provide detailed answers to some of Rogan's more technical questions, particularly about construction techniques. On the talk show, Mr Hawass suggested Rogan's line of questioning was influenced by an agenda to undermine his credibility. He claimed the interview, arranged a year ago by alternative historian Graham Hancock, with whom Mr Hawass recently resolved a 25-year dispute, was unfairly skewed towards topics "like Atlantis and aliens", subjects he has long dismissed as pseudoscience. 'I spent 25 years holding debates against people like Graham Hancock, Robert Bauval and John Anthony West, who argued that the pyramids and the Sphinx were built 15,000 years ago by people from Atlantis,' Mr Hawass said. 'Thank God I stood up against their ideas, not just in Egyptian newspapers but internationally as well. I told Rogan I have nothing to do with these matters.' One of the most heated moments during the Rogan interview occurred when he brought up a recent study by Italian researchers Filippo Biondi and Corrado Malanga. The study, which used tomography technology, suggested the existence of hidden shafts, tunnels and passages beneath the Giza Plateau. Mr Hawass told Rogan the study was 'completely false' and that, not being a radar expert himself, he had consulted with the best imaging experts he knew and they had categorically discredited it. While the Italian researchers have gained credibility in recent months, their work remains controversial and has yet to be widely accepted by the archaeological community.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
BASF Egypt announces the official launch of commercial business with Nunhems seed varieties in the Egyptian market
Cairo – BASF Agriculture Solutions Egypt, a business unit of the chemical company BASF, has officially rolled out its specialized vegetable seeds brand, BASF | Nunhems, in Egypt, during a landmark event at the Pyramids of Giza. This key milestone is part of BASF's business expansion in the region and its commitment to supporting Egyptian farmers with tailored, innovation-led full agricultural solutions. This operational launch of the fully localized model for vegetable seed solutions in Egypt focuses on introducing a new generation of high-performance varieties aimed at boosting yield, enhancing quality, and supporting sustainability. Backed by more than 100 years of breeding expertise and 46 global R&D stations, the new business model is set to drive local job creation and support Egypt's plan to increase agricultural exports by 20% in 2025. On the same front, Egypt's agricultural sector continues to show resilience and potential, with exports growing 11% year-on-year in 2024 to reach 8.6 million tons. As the government sharpens its focus on sustainable development, BASF and Nunhems are uniquely positioned to contribute through local insight, global innovation, and a deep understanding of farmer needs. In this context, Ms. Silvia Cifre, Vice President Marketing & Sales at BASF | Nunhems, added: 'We are excited to initiate commercial operations through BASF Egypt's unique business model, a market with enormous potential for high-value vegetable production. With a portfolio of over 1,200 commercial seed varieties across 20 vegetable crops and nearly 80 new varieties introduced each year, BASF | Nunhems is uniquely positioned to support Egyptian growers with innovative seed varieties and solutions tailored to local needs. Our business expansion here is part of a broader regional vision to bring innovation closer to the field—and help farmers grow 'vegetables people love.'' Echoing this vision, Eng. Youssef Babouih, Country Manager for BASF Agricultural Solutions in Egypt & the Middle East, stated: 'Our goal is to deliver integrated agricultural solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Egyptian farmers. With over 31% of BASF's global workforce in R&D and 20–25% of investment directed to innovation, we are well-positioned to drive sustainable impact. This approach directly supports Egypt's Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategy, focused on modernizing agriculture and promoting food security.' Adding from a route-to-market perspective, Mr. Amr Abouzeid, Country Sales Manager - Egypt, BASF Egypt LLC., emphasized the company's local distribution strategy: "Today, we proudly welcome the BASF's vegetable seeds business into our Egyptian operations. This marks a foundational step in developing a new distribution model—one that is rooted in BASF Egypt's proven local presence and strong partnerships across the country. This model is designed to bring high-quality seeds closer to farmers through a reliable and accessible network, ensuring we serve their needs with precision and consistency." Notably, BASF remains committed to building partnerships that deliver long-term value for the agricultural sector. This new step with the vegetable seed business is a continuation of its mission to support market transformation through integrated, future-ready solutions that empower agricultural growth and innovation across key regional markets. About BASF: Everything we do, we do for the love of farming. Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population, while reducing environmental impacts. That's why we are working with partners and experts to integrate sustainability criteria into all business decisions. With €919 million in 2024, we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, combining innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our solutions are purpose-designed for different crop systems. Connecting seeds and traits, crop protection products, digital tools and sustainability approaches, to help deliver the best possible outcomes for farmers, growers and our other stakeholders along the value chain. With teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we do everything in our power to build a sustainable future for agriculture. In 2024, our division generated sales of €9.8 billion. For more information, please visit or our social media channels.
