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E& and 4iG Group partner to advance cross-regional digital infrastructure
E& and 4iG Group partner to advance cross-regional digital infrastructure

Zawya

time2 days ago

  • Business
  • Zawya

E& and 4iG Group partner to advance cross-regional digital infrastructure

Abu Dhabi – e& and 4iG Group, the leading provider of integrated telecommunications services in Hungary and the Western Balkans, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration across key areas of digital infrastructure. Hatem Dowidar, Group Chief Executive Officer, e&, said: 'Our strategic partnership with 4iG is an important step in strengthening cross-regional digital infrastructure that supports economic growth, resilience, and innovation. Rooted in purposeful innovation and a belief in the power of infrastructure to unlock human potential, we see this collaboration as a platform for long-term projects that bridge continents, empower communities, and accelerate inclusive digital transformation across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.' Gellért Jászai, Chairman, 4iG Group, said: 'Partnering with e& opens new avenues for collaboration across fast-growing digital corridors that link Europe with the Middle East and Africa. By combining our regional strength with e&'s global reach, we are building a strategic alliance focused on unlocking long-term value through innovation, infrastructure development, and shared investment opportunities.' The MoU sets the framework for future cooperation between e& and 4iG in the planning, development, and operation of advanced connectivity and data infrastructure. This includes potential joint initiatives in subsea and terrestrial networks, large-scale data centres, and other strategic projects that enhance digital interconnection between the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. The preliminary scope also includes a jointly developed data centre in Albania to support subsea data traffic, and the potential development of other digital infrastructure in Hungary via e& PPF Telecom. Furthermore, the partnership will aim to cooperate on planning, implementation and operation of Subsea cable projects connecting primarily Middle East, North Africa and Europe. This will support the digital needs of tens of millions in the region, supporting global trade and economic development. By combining e&'s global expertise in telecom infrastructure and network development with 4iG's regional leadership and decades of experience in transit networks across the Western Balkans, the partnership lays the groundwork for scalable digital infrastructure projects and increased cross-border collaboration. This agreement is part of a broader set of strategic MoUs signed by 4iG Group with leading UAE entities, including EDGE Group and Mubadala Investment Company. Together, these partnerships reflect a shared ambition to deepen economic ties between Hungary and the UAE, while advancing cooperation in priority sectors such as digital infrastructure, defence technologies, and strategic investments. This also sets the path for future trade alliances: flexible, strategic, and built on common pillars of sustainable development, innovation, and economic cooperation. About e& e& is a global technology group committed to advancing the digital future across markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. With the group's financial performance in 2024 showing a consolidated revenue of AED 59.2 billion and a net profit of AED 10.8 billion, e& continues to maintain its position as a financial powerhouse, reflected by its strong credit rating and solid balance sheet. Founded in Abu Dhabi over 48 years ago, e& has evolved from a telecom pioneer into a technology group. Its footprint now spans 38 countries, offering a comprehensive portfolio of innovative digital services ranging from advanced connectivity, entertainment, streaming and financial services to AI-powered solutions, cloud computing, ICT, cybersecurity and IoT platforms. The Group is structured around five core business pillars: e& UAE, e& international, e& life, e& enterprise and e& capital, each catering to distinct customer and market needs. These pillars empower e& to lead in various sectors, from telecom and digital lifestyle to enterprise services and venture investments. The ongoing strategic investments in AI, IoT, 5G and cloud services reinforce its leadership in the global technology landscape, driving the future of smart connectivity and innovation. Driven by innovation, sustainability and a commitment to digital empowerment, e& is set on creating a smarter, more connected future for individuals, businesses and communities. About 4iG Group 4iG Plc. is a Hungarian majority-owned company based in Budapest. It is a leading telecommunication, IT, aerospace and defence group in Hungary and the Western Balkans, and a key player in the knowledge-based digital economy. The Budapest Stock Exchange-listed company has a fresh and innovative approach, and its position as Hungary's leading IT systems integrator makes it a leading business service provider in the region's digital transformation. 4iG's dynamic expansion strategy has resulted in the company becoming a dominant player in the Hungarian and Western Balkan telecom markets. The Group is continuously expanding its services, expertise, and portfolio to meet the changing needs and demands of the telecom and IT markets. 4iG Group is a substantial employer, with a workforce of over 8,000 people.

We're in deep water without more cable surgeons
We're in deep water without more cable surgeons

Times

time3 days ago

  • Times

We're in deep water without more cable surgeons

U ndersea cables are the spine of modern life. Imagine spending a day without being able to access anything digitally and you'll see why. These cables require a specialist workforce to install and repair them, and if you haven't heard of these workers it's because they do their jobs well. But this little known profession is struggling to replenish its ageing ranks. That should worry the rest of us. Nearly 600 (571, to be precise) data cables on the world's seabeds power 21st-century life, and another 81 are being planned. Power cables, too, line the seafloor. That's a lot of cable, and a whole lot more than when the internet was young. Three decades ago, Steven Jones followed his father into subsea cable-laying. 'It was a bit like a dead person's deal: you had to wait for someone to retire to get a job,' he told me. 'But then the field began expanding rapidly.' Rolling out cables (as thick as a thumb for data, or a forearm for power) on hundreds of miles of seabed along a detailed path is a precision job. Closer to shore, the cables have to be neatly buried. The job requires concentration and stamina, and it brings extraordinary rewards. 'You're involved in something physical and tangible,' Jones said. 'You're really making a mark.' Jones practically helped turn on some countries' digital switch. When he moved from laying to repairs, it was a lot busier than in his father's day. Back then, there were so few cables that weeks could go by without a call-up.

Unified platform for exchange of customs data among GCC countries to be developed
Unified platform for exchange of customs data among GCC countries to be developed

Zawya

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • Zawya

Unified platform for exchange of customs data among GCC countries to be developed

Riyadh: The GCC Customs Union Authority and Malomatia company signed a contract to build a unified central platform for the exchange of customs data among GCC countries. This strategic step aims to modernise and develop the digital infrastructure for customs procedures and enhance joint customs work, within a shared vision that reflects the aspirations of GCC countries toward a more interconnected and efficient Gulf economy. A statement issued by Malomatia company on Wednesday indicated that the platform project contract, which was signed yesterday at the headquarters of the Customs Union Authority in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, represents a qualitative shift in the path of Gulf customs cooperation, by enabling a secure and immediate exchange of customs data between customs authorities and administrations in the GCC countries. This will contribute to accelerating the flow of customs data, streamlining the movement of goods, improving risk analysis tools, raising compliance levels, and providing accurate data to support decision-making, in line with the best international standards and contributing to achieving the strategic objectives of the Customs Union Authority. Executive Director of the GCC Customs Union Authority H E Dr. Suleiman bin Masoud Al Ghafri emphasised that this project embodies the commitment of the GCC countries to building a unified and flexible customs system, within a comprehensive strategic vision led by the authority to support Gulf customs integration and consolidate the position of the GCC countries as an effective economic group in the fields of trade and logistics services at the regional and international levels. This vision is based on digital transformation and institutional integration, and enhances the region's ability to efficiently deal with the variables of global supply chains through electronic connectivity and effective coordination between customs authorities and administrations. For his part, CEO of Malomatia Khalid bin Mohamed Al Kubaisi said that the customs data exchange platform will provide integrated and secure technical solutions that connect relevant entities, expedite customs clearance processes, and ensure a smooth and accurate flow of data to support regional cooperation and foster economic growth. The platform will also work to achieve digital customs integration among GCC countries, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting regulatory compliance through a unified data exchange platform. The implementation of this unified platform represents a pivotal stage in the development of the Gulf customs system, as it will consolidate the establishment of a unified and secure digital infrastructure that enables customs agencies and administrations to access accurate and immediate information, contributing to increased performance efficiency, accelerating procedures, and enhancing digital integration among member states. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

Middle East Energy Boom defies global volatility with 68% growth surge, EIC reveals
Middle East Energy Boom defies global volatility with 68% growth surge, EIC reveals

Zawya

time6 days ago

  • Business
  • Zawya

Middle East Energy Boom defies global volatility with 68% growth surge, EIC reveals

UAE and Saudi Arabia surge ahead in AI, logistics, and digital infrastructure Fragmented localisation rules and freight capacity could strain regional momentum DUBAI: The Middle East is powering ahead of global energy markets. According to the Energy Industries Council's (EIC) latest Survive & Thrive report, 90% of energy companies operating in the region reported growth in 2024, with average revenues jumping at 68%, the highest across all regions surveyed. At a time when much of the world is grappling with policy uncertainty, inflation, and talent shortages, the Middle East appears to be charting its own, far more confident course, according to the energy supply chain association and provider of global project data and market insights. The region's standout performance is not a one-off. Companies are forecasting another strong year in 2025. Firms in the Americas reported 20% growth on average, followed by the UK and Ireland at 16%, Continental Europe at 13%, and Asia Pacific lagging behind at 8%. 'The Middle East isn't picking winners, it's investing in all energy technologies,' said Stuart Broadley, CEO of the EIC, the world's leading trade association for companies providing products and services to the energy industry. "That pragmatism is why it's now the global magnet for talent and capital. This is indeed the right approach to follow for energy security, industry growth, and supporting the energy transition." Instead of viewing the energy transition as a zero-sum game, governments in the region have taken a balanced and inclusive approach. Hydrocarbons remain vital, with more than 90% of EIC member companies in the region still focusing on oil and gas. But the growth of investment into renewables, hydrogen, and digital infrastructure reveals a willingness to embrace what's next, without abandoning what works now. The results speak for themselves. In a world where the average growth rate hovered between 8% and 20% in most regions, Middle Eastern firms more than tripled that figure. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, in particular, have made aggressive moves not just in oil and gas, but in AI-driven logistics, smart infrastructure, and clean technology. 'Encouraging tech adoption in logistics — like GPS tracking, automation, and AI — would increase efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness,' said one executive interviewed for the Survive & Thrive report, echoing a broader sentiment that the region is now outpacing even the US and Europe in practical tech adoption. Broadley agrees: 'The UAE and Saudi Arabia aren't just winning on oil and gas. They're out-innovating Europe and the US in tech adoption.' Yet this growth hasn't come without challenges. Over 27% of companies flagged local content schemes as a critical issue. While national in-country value (ICV) programmes are designed to boost domestic participation, the fragmentation across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries often complicates compliance for multinationals operating regionally. 'If we could move away from individual countries having their own in-country value programmes to a GCC-wide programme, this would help enormously,' said one executive. The push for harmonisation could reduce duplication and unlock even greater regional synergies. Labour localisation is another tricky area, the report shows. The will is there, but firms say more guidance is needed to support the private sector in attracting and retaining local talent. 'More engagement would support the private sector in sourcing and retaining local talent and skills,' another respondent said. There's also rising pressure on infrastructure. Around 18% of executives called for smarter logistics parks, dedicated freight corridors, and improved trade infrastructure. The ambition is huge — and so are the physical demands that come with it. Despite these obstacles, business confidence remains high. The region is increasingly seen as a high-performance zone for energy, buoyed by consistent government support, low business costs, and policies that actively reward private-sector growth. For many international firms, the equation is simple: go where the work is, and the Middle East has it in abundance. As the report notes, supply chains are mobile, and companies are increasingly relocating operations and skilled personnel to regions offering policy stability and better returns. In Broadley's words: 'Investors and company owners simply won't wait for a policy or pledge for jam tomorrow. They need the work now.' In an era of energy transition, the Middle East isn't waiting around. It's building fast, pragmatically, and with a confidence that's hard to ignore. Across the 140 global energy firms surveyed across five regions (Americas, UK, Europe, Middle East and APAC), 2024 was a record-breaking year for energy firms, with 77% of companies reporting growth and an average surge of 24% in revenue—matching last year's record. But that momentum came with blind spots. Only 6% of companies, across all regions, pursued new export markets, energy transition revenues dropped from 9% to 5%, and 91% of firms stayed focused on oil and gas. Even digital strategies fell short: 60% used AI, but just 9% linked it to growth. The Energy Industries Council brings together over 950 companies from the energy supply chain sector across all industries. Since 1943, we have evolved to provide up-to-date global market intelligence, unrivalled networking opportunities, and direct engagement with policymakers across regions. Our members — leading innovators, industry experts, and global thinkers — are at the forefront of the energy transition. Through our leading events, real-time project data, and policy expertise, we help members capitalise on opportunities and scale their operations globally. Together, we are working towards a more sustainable future.

Eni, Dubai-based Khazna team up to build data center campus in Italy
Eni, Dubai-based Khazna team up to build data center campus in Italy

Zawya

time11-07-2025

  • Business
  • Zawya

Eni, Dubai-based Khazna team up to build data center campus in Italy

Italian energy group Eni and Dubai-based Khazna have signed a preliminary agreement to jointly develop a 500-megawatt (MW) data centre campus in northern Italy, the two companies said on Friday. The campus, to be located near Milan, is part of a broader partnership between the Italy and the United Arab Emirates aimed at boosting digital infrastructure, with plans to install up to 1 gigawatt of IT capacity across Italy. The facility will be driven by so-called "blue power", meaning electricity from an Eni gas plant equipped with carbon capture technology to reduce CO2 emissions, the Italian energy group said. Investments in Italy's data centres will double to 10 billion euros ($11.7 billion) in the 2025-2026 period compared with the previous two years as technology heavyweights roll out spending plans, researchers at Milan's Polytechnic University estimated in January. ($1 = 0.8556 euros)

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