Latest news with #SAR3


Campaign ME
01-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
OceanQuest picks Impact BBDO Group as integrated communications partner
OceanQuest, the Saudi not-for-profit foundation dedicated to accelerating ocean discovery and advancing global ocean innovation, has appointed Impact BBDO Group as its integrated communications partner. The mandate spans creative, PR, media, and digital, led by Impact BBDO alongside Impact Porter Novelli, OMD, and Impact Proximity. 'As we embark on this journey, it's vital that our communications reflect the scale of our ambition and invite the world to be part of it,' said Salman F. Kattan, Chief of Staff at OceanQuest. The agency group is tasked with shaping OceanQuest's brand, building global visibility, and engaging diverse audiences through compelling storytelling and strategic campaigns. The group led the successful launch of OceanQuest, unveiling the foundation to the world through an integrated communications campaign that brought together narrative development, media engagement, creative assets, and digital amplification. 'The Impact BBDO Group brings together the creative strength and strategic insight needed to help us inspire global action, build credibility, and shape meaningful conversations about the future of our oceans. Further, we needed a partner truly able to bring all disciplines together — and Impact BBDO demonstrated that strength throughout both the pitch process and the launch.' The partnership aims to reflect OceanQuest's long-term ambition to communicate its mission with clarity, purpose, and impact. Ghassan Kassabji, Chief Executive Officer, Impact BBDO Group Dubai, said: 'OceanQuest represents the kind of purpose-driven initiative we're passionate about — one that demands the full power of integrated thinking across creativity, strategy, media, and engagement. We're proud to support this extraordinary mission and to bring together the right expertise from across our group to help OceanQuest tell its story and drive real-world impact.' OceanQuest, based at KAUST in Thuwal, is aligned with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and backed by an esteemed Board of Trustees including Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Aiman Al-Mudaifer, John Pagano, Prof. Edward Byrne, and Ray Dalio. The foundation will invest SAR3 billion into ocean research and development by 2050 and aims to support over 150 scientists annually.


Asharq Al-Awsat
27-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
stc Group Net Profit for First Quarter of 2025 Increases 11.05%
Saudi Arabia's stc announced on Sunday the company's preliminary financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, reporting revenues of SAR19,210 million, a 1.60% increase year-over-year. Gross profit rose by 5.01% to SAR9,098 million, operating profit increased by 2.02% to SAR3,584 million, and EBITDA grew by 5.25% to SAR6,120 million. Net profit for the quarter reached SAR3,649 million, representing an 11.05% increase compared to the same period last year. According to a statement issued by stc, the group distributed SAR0.55 per share for the first quarter of 2025, in accordance with the dividends distribution policy approved by the General Assembly. Commenting on the results, CEO of stc Group Eng. Olayan Alwetaid highlighted that the group's achievements were the result of its unwavering commitment to innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth, as well as its relentless pursuit of creating added value for shareholders, customers, and the digital economy as a whole. He further added that, early in 2025, stc Group achieved several strategic milestones that further solidified its position in the telecommunications and information technology sector. Among these achievements was a new global milestone, as the group successfully localized the software for eSIM technology in collaboration with Thales, making stc the first telecom operator in the world to obtain SAS-UP license certification from the GSMA. He emphasized that this accomplishment complements stc's ongoing efforts to support local content in the ICT sector through business localization and the transfer of manufacturing and technical expertise to the Kingdom. In continuation of the group's efforts to enhance the digital communication infrastructure in the region, stc signed a strategic agreement with Ooredoo to establish an international ground fiber network corridor between Saudi Arabia and Oman. This strategic partnership aims to enhance the digital communication infrastructure in the region through the project, which starts with the Saudi-Oman corridor. The project will also create an integrated ground fiber network with two backup routes, connecting submarine cable landing stations on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia to their counterparts on the Arabian Sea in Oman, passing through dedicated data centers in both countries. This agreement reaffirms the Group's commitment to delivering advanced communication solutions, enhancing intercontinental connectivity, and driving digital transformation to support the region's economic growth. The statement added that stc Group strengthened its position in cloud computing and artificial intelligence by signing an agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS). This partnership significantly boosts the Group's ability to deliver advanced technological solutions tailored to the diverse needs of various sectors, while reaffirming its commitment to driving the shift toward an integrated digital economy and leading the future of smart technology in the Kingdom and beyond. Furthermore, as part of its commitment to providing the highest quality of digital services, stc Group enhanced its telecommunications network in the Two Holy Mosques during the holy month of Ramadan by strengthening its infrastructure to meet the growing demand for services during peak times. This upgrade resulted in a 120% increase in connection speed, enabling the Group to ensure an exceptional communication experience for visitors to the holy sites during the peak visitor periods.


Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
OceanQuest launched in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: OceanQuest, a Saudi Arabian not-for-profit foundation, announced its official launch today in Jeddah. Aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, OceanQuest is poised to usher in a new era of deep-ocean discovery and collaboration. OceanQuest is on a mission to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation, and foster international cooperation while engaging the public. By cultivating partnerships that advance multidisciplinary ocean research, the foundation aims to benefit humanity, enhance ocean literacy, and elevate public awareness. OceanQuest Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan stated, "As a nation rooted in progress and innovation, we are committed to unlocking the mysteries of the deep ocean for the benefit of humanity. This initiative exemplifies our Kingdom's ambition to lead in science and discovery, foster global collaboration, and create opportunities for future generations. Through this collective effort, OceanQuest will drive solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time." OceanQuest will support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions by spearheading innovation in ocean exploration, nurturing global partnerships, and advancing sustainable development. The foundation is set to contribute to the Kingdom's national research, development, and innovation (RDI) targets by providing SAR3 billion in research and development funding by 2050 and supporting more than 150 scientists annually. In addition, OceanQuest will help achieve the Kingdom's goal of protecting 30% of its marine habitats by bolstering the biotech and pharmaceuticals strategy, identifying sensitive marine ecosystems, enabling sustainable projects along the Red Sea, and leveraging deep-sea corals as natural carbon sinks to support Saudi Arabia's decarbonization efforts. The Board of Trustees of the foundation consists of: Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan (Chairman of the Board), Advisor to the Royal Court Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi, Governor of the Public Investment Fund Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Advisor to the Royal Court Abdulaziz bin Ismail Tarabzoni, CEO of NEOM Aiman Al-Mudaifer, CEO of Red Sea Global John Pagano, President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Prof. Edward Byrne, and Raymond Thomas Dalio. Based at KAUST campus in Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, OceanQuest is committed to unveiling the wonders of the ocean and exploring its secrets for the benefit of humanity. Its mission is to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation in the field, support global cooperation, and engage the public. OceanQuest and its global partners will launch a new era of deep ocean exploration and knowledge sharing. To learn more, visit For more information, please reach out to Shifa Al Usman, Account Director,


Mid East Info
14-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
OceanQuest Launched in Saudi Arabia with a Mission to Accelerate Ocean Discovery, Drive Innovation in the Field, Support Global Cooperation, Engage the Public
Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 14 April 2025: OceanQuest, a Saudi Arabian not-for-profit foundation, announced its official launch today in Jeddah. Aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, OceanQuest is poised to usher in a new era of deep-ocean discovery and collaboration. OceanQuest is on a mission to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation, and foster international cooperation while engaging the public. By cultivating partnerships that advance multidisciplinary ocean research, the foundation aims to benefit humanity, enhance ocean literacy, and elevate public awareness. OceanQuest Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan stated, 'As a nation rooted in progress and innovation, we are committed to unlocking the mysteries of the deep ocean for the benefit of humanity. This initiative exemplifies our Kingdom's ambition to lead in science and discovery, foster global collaboration, and create opportunities for future generations. Through this collective effort, OceanQuest will drive solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.' OceanQuest will support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions by spearheading innovation in ocean exploration, nurturing global partnerships, and advancing sustainable development. The foundation is set to contribute to the Kingdom's national research, development, and innovation (RDI) targets by providing SAR3 billion in research and development funding by 2050 and supporting more than 150 scientists annually. In addition, OceanQuest will help achieve the Kingdom's goal of protecting 30% of its marine habitats by bolstering the biotech and pharmaceuticals strategy, identifying sensitive marine ecosystems, enabling sustainable projects along the Red Sea, and leveraging deep-sea corals as natural carbon sinks to support Saudi Arabia's decarbonization efforts. The Board of Trustees of the foundation consists of: Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan (Chairman of the Board), Advisor to the Royal Court Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi, Governor of the Public Investment Fund Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Advisor to the Royal Court Abdulaziz bin Ismail Tarabzoni, CEO of NEOM Aiman Al-Mudaifer, CEO of Red Sea Global John Pagano, President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Prof. Edward Byrne, and Raymond Thomas Dalio. Based at KAUST campus in Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, OceanQuest is committed to unveiling the wonders of the ocean and exploring its secrets for the benefit of humanity. Its mission is to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation in the field, support global cooperation, and engage the public. OceanQuest and its global partners will launch a new era of deep ocean exploration and knowledge sharing.


Asharq Al-Awsat
14-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
OceanQuest Launched in Saudi Arabia with a Mission to Accelerate Ocean Discovery
OceanQuest, a Saudi Arabian not-for-profit foundation, announced its official launch in Jeddah on Monday. Aligned with the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, OceanQuest is poised to usher in a new era of deep-ocean discovery and collaboration. OceanQuest is on a mission to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation, and foster international cooperation while engaging the public. By cultivating partnerships that advance multidisciplinary ocean research, the foundation aims to benefit humanity, enhance ocean literacy, and elevate public awareness. OceanQuest Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan stated: "As a nation rooted in progress and innovation, we are committed to unlocking the mysteries of the deep ocean for the benefit of humanity." "This initiative exemplifies our Kingdom's ambition to lead in science and discovery, foster global collaboration, and create opportunities for future generations. Through this collective effort, OceanQuest will drive solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time," he added. OceanQuest will support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions by spearheading innovation in ocean exploration, nurturing global partnerships, and advancing sustainable development. The foundation is set to contribute to the Kingdom's national research, development, and innovation (RDI) targets by providing SAR3 billion in research and development funding by 2050 and supporting more than 150 scientists annually. In addition, OceanQuest will help achieve the Kingdom's goal of protecting 30% of its marine habitats by bolstering the biotech and pharmaceuticals strategy, identifying sensitive marine ecosystems, enabling sustainable projects along the Red Sea, and leveraging deep-sea corals as natural carbon sinks to support Saudi Arabia's decarbonization efforts. The Board of Trustees of the foundation consists of Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan (Chairman of the Board), Advisor to the Royal Court Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi, Governor of the Public Investment Fund Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Advisor to the Royal Court Abdulaziz bin Ismail Tarabzoni, CEO of NEOM Aiman Al-Mudaifer, CEO of Red Sea Global John Pagano, President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Prof. Edward Byrne, and Raymond Thomas Dalio. Based at KAUST campus in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, OceanQuest is committed to unveiling the wonders of the ocean and exploring its secrets for the benefit of humanity. Its mission is to accelerate ocean discovery, drive innovation in the field, support global cooperation, and engage the public. OceanQuest and its global partners will launch a new era of deep ocean exploration and knowledge sharing.