Latest news with #smartinfrastructure
Globe and Mail
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
AEye to Participate in J.P. Morgan Auto Conference
AEye, Inc. (Nasdaq: LIDR), a pioneer in high-performance lidar technology and creator of the Apollo lidar sensor, today announced that its CEO, Matt Fisch, will participate in the following conference: J.P. Morgan Auto Conference Location: New York, NY Date: August 12-13, 2025 Format: One-on-one meetings: August 12-13 Company presentation: August 13 at 2:05pm ET A live webcast of the company's presentation will be available at Webcast Link. A replay and related investor materials will also be available in the Investor Relations section of AEye's website at To request a meeting with AEye at the conference, please contact aeye@ About AEye AEye offers unique software-defined lidar solutions that enable advanced driver-assistance, vehicle autonomy, smart infrastructure, security, and logistics applications that save lives and propel the future of transportation and mobility. AEye's flagship product, Apollo, has been widely recognized for its small form factor and its ability to detect objects at up to one kilometer. In addition to Apollo as a stand-alone sensor, AEye also offers a full-stack solution through its OPTIS™ platform. OPTIS™ provides a complete system that captures a high-resolution 3D image of the world, interprets it, and provides direction to act upon what it sees in real-time.
Arab News
04-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Ensuring water security through robust regulation
Saudi Arabia is rapidly advancing its water infrastructure in alignment with Vision 2030, taking bold steps to ensure the long-term sustainability, resilience, and efficiency of its water distribution networks. With water scarcity looming as a global crisis, the Kingdom is making water security a national priority — modernizing networks, investing in smart infrastructure, and tightening regulatory frameworks to set a new standard for sustainable water management. In recent years, these regulations have become more stringent, reinforcing the need for standardized, high-quality solutions that reduce inefficiencies and enhance system resilience. Yet, despite the progress, challenges persist. Aging infrastructure, high rates of non-revenue water, and inconsistent implementation of standards continue to undermine these efforts. Bridging the gap between regulation and real-world execution requires more than meeting minimum requirements. Industry players must take a proactive stance — going beyond compliance to integrate best practices and durable components that protect the integrity of Saudi Arabia's water networks for decades to come. Unified standards ensure that water network components — such as valves, hydrants, and pipeline fittings — are designed to withstand the Kingdom's demanding conditions, from high temperatures to corrosive soil environments. Adherence to internationally recognized standards, like International Organization for Standardization and American Water Works Association, guarantees that these components are built for performance, even under pressure. Material compliance is especially critical. Poor material choices can lead to corrosion, leaks, and premature failure — issues that significantly increase long-term maintenance costs. According to the World Economic Forum's 2023 Global Risks Report, failure of critical infrastructure — including water systems — is one of the top risks facing governments in the coming decade due to inadequate investment and poor resilience strategies. By strengthening material specifications and standardizing design requirements across the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia can reinforce the backbone of its water infrastructure and reduce lifecycle costs over time. Globally, utilities lose an average of 25-30 percent of their water as non-revenue water — lost through leakage, theft, or metering inaccuracies. In some developing regions, that figure can exceed 40 percent. Non-compliant or substandard components are a major contributor to non-revenue water. When pipes, valves, and fittings are not installed or maintained properly — or are made from inferior materials — leakages occur more frequently, reducing pressure and disrupting supply. Enforcing compliance with best practices, particularly pressure management and valve quality can significantly reduce these losses. According to a 2022 study by the International Water Association, utilities that adopted pressure regulation and high-quality components saw non-revenue water reductions of up to 15 percent within the first year of implementation. Additionally, digital monitoring systems paired with compliant infrastructure can detect leaks in real time, allowing operators to respond proactively rather than reactively conserving water, energy, and money. Regulation isn't a burden — it's a catalyst. It presents an opportunity to raise the bar for what's possible in water sustainability. Mads Helge Saudi Arabia is undertaking large-scale water infrastructure projects as part of its Vision 2030 agenda, including smart water grids, desalination plant expansions, and wastewater reuse networks. The Saline Water Conversion Corporation, for instance, has become the largest producer of desalinated water globally, with plans to increase daily capacity to 8.5 million cubic meters by 2030. As these investments scale, ensuring all components align with international and local standards will be crucial. Certified, regulation-compliant components not only reduce the risk of future disruptions but also deliver long-term operational savings. For example, ductile iron valves designed to ISO 2531 standards — such as those manufactured by AVK — can have a lifespan of over 50 years when correctly installed and maintained. However, quality doesn't end at certification. It's critical to consider the total cost of ownership, including durability, maintenance needs, and warranty coverage. Short-term savings often result in higher long-term costs if components degrade quickly or require frequent replacement. Not all suppliers offer extended warranties, and municipalities should prioritise those that provide long-term guarantees such as 10-year warranties as a marker of component reliability and supplier accountability. These standards help future-proof infrastructure, ensuring it can adapt to changing demand, pressure conditions, and sustainability requirements over the coming decades. Even the highest-quality components can underperform if installed incorrectly. Across the region, unskilled contracting, inconsistent commissioning, and lack of oversight continue to impact water network reliability. A 2023 McKinsey report on global water infrastructure identified poor installation and weak inspection protocols as key causes of early-stage failures and maintenance backlogs. To address this, regulatory bodies in the Kingdom should enforce mandatory training and certification programs for contractors. In countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, technician accreditation is mandatory for working on municipal water systems — ensuring consistent installation quality and safety standards. Third-party audits should also be a regulatory requirement. Independent inspections ensure accountability, catch flaws early, and verify that installation matches design intent. With improved oversight and qualified personnel on the ground, Saudi Arabia can maximize its return on infrastructure investments and extend the lifespan of critical assets. Water security is not just about increasing supply — it's about protecting what's already in circulation. Saudi Arabia's regulatory frameworks have laid the foundation for resilient, future-ready infrastructure. But their true impact depends on execution. By prioritizing best practices, embracing international standards, and enforcing robust compliance across every link in the value chain — from manufacturing to installation — the Kingdom can drastically reduce inefficiencies, cut down on water loss, and build networks that serve its growing population for decades to come. Regulation isn't a burden — it's a catalyst. It presents an opportunity to raise the bar for what's possible in water sustainability. At its core, this is not just about cost-efficiency or ticking boxes. It's about protecting the very foundation of life — for the Kingdom today and for generations to come. • Mads Helge is general manager at AVK Saudi Valves Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
Arabian Business
30-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Why e& believes Network as a Service (NaaS) is the foundation of Middle East digital transformation
Legacy networks are holding the Middle East back. NaaS could be the reset. Across the Middle East, government-led transformation agendas such as Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's Digital Government Strategy are fuelling large-scale investments in smart infrastructure – from cloud-native public services to AI-enabled mobility and energy systems. These strategies aim to diversify economic activity, modernise national industries, and establish regional leadership in sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, and advanced connectivity. But while these plans gain global attention, the technological foundations behind them often lag. Beneath the surface of digital progress lies a critical weak point: outdated, inflexible network infrastructure that struggles to meet today's connectivity, security, and performance requirements. This hidden vulnerability risks undermining the speed and success of regional transformation. In its latest B2B white paper, The Value of Network as a Service (NaaS), e& UAE, the flagship telecom arm of global technology group e& explains why traditional network models are reaching their limits. Businesses relying on fixed, hardware-heavy networks are encountering scalability issues, security gaps, and operational inefficiencies. Meanwhile, organisations moving to as-a-service models are seeing faster rollouts, leaner operations, and more resilient architectures. NaaS – Network as a Service – is a new approach to enterprise connectivity. It replaces physical ownership with service-based delivery, allowing organisations to consume networking on demand. This means predictable costs, scalable capacity, integrated security, and less time spent on maintenance. For Middle Eastern businesses navigating regulatory change, hybrid work, and AI adoption, this model is not just helpful. It's critical. Why traditional networks fall short e& highlights the most pressing challenges that legacy networks pose: Performance lag: Older networks were designed for static workloads and on-premise environments. They lack the dynamic capacity and intelligent traffic routing needed for today's high-bandwidth workloads like 4K video conferencing, real-time collaboration tools, cloud analytics, and AI inference engines. The result is frequent latency spikes, service degradation, and unplanned downtime that impacts user productivity and customer experience. Cost overhead: Legacy infrastructure is not only outdated – it's expensive to maintain. IT departments spend disproportionate time and resources on managing obsolete switches, patching unsupported software, and manually troubleshooting disparate systems. Gartner reports that as much as 50% of enterprise IT budgets are tied up in this upkeep, diverting investment from strategic initiatives. Slow response times: When businesses need to open a new branch, scale operations, or onboard new applications, legacy systems become a roadblock. Provisioning delays, vendor lead times, and manual configuration processes can delay deployments by weeks or even months. This lack of agility puts businesses at a disadvantage in fast-moving markets. Security exposure: Traditional network security relied on perimeter defence – keeping threats out of a defined zone. But in a world of hybrid work, cloud services, and mobile access, that model is no longer viable. Legacy networks can't enforce user-specific policies, monitor east-west traffic, or support modern frameworks like Zero Trust or SASE. Lack of interoperability: Enterprises today rely on a blend of public and private cloud, SaaS platforms, and third-party integrations. Legacy networks, often built on proprietary systems, struggle to connect these components. This leads to fragmented data flows, siloed systems, and complex workarounds that drain IT bandwidth. Regulatory strain: Governments across the Middle East are tightening data governance rules, requiring more granular control over where data flows, how it's accessed, and who sees it. Legacy networks lack the visibility and programmability to meet these requirements, exposing organisations to compliance gaps and regulatory risk. Legacy networks may have once been enough. Today, they're a liability – delaying innovation, reducing competitiveness, and inflating operational costs. What NaaS delivers to modern enterprises Network as a Service allows businesses to subscribe to secure, software-defined connectivity. It eliminates the need to build and maintain infrastructure in-house. Core advantages include: Rapid deployment: Network changes that once required extensive planning, hardware procurement, and manual setup can now be rolled out in hours – sometimes minutes. This enables rapid site expansion, product launches, and real-time reconfiguration without business disruption. Simplified management: NaaS centralises control with intuitive dashboards and programmable APIs, giving IT teams visibility across the entire network. Real-time analytics, proactive alerts, and one-click policy enforcement reduce human error and increase responsiveness. Cost control: With a pay-as-you-go pricing model, NaaS allows businesses to align networking spend directly with usage. This eliminates the need for over-provisioning, reduces CapEx risk, and supports more agile budgeting cycles. Resilience and uptime: Built-in redundancies – such as dynamic routing, path optimisation, and failover protocols – enable consistent uptime. Many providers offer guaranteed SLAs to ensure reliability across multi-site or mission-critical environments. Security by design: Unlike bolt-on security solutions, NaaS integrates SASE, identity management, and threat detection into the network fabric itself. This allows secure access for distributed users while enforcing consistent policy across endpoints, devices, and clouds. Scalability on demand: Whether onboarding new branch locations, scaling cloud usage, or responding to a spike in application traffic, NaaS supports elastic growth. Capacity can be adjusted in real time – without physical infrastructure changes – making it ideal for enterprises in fast-moving or seasonal markets. By transferring infrastructure responsibilities to service providers, businesses can free up internal teams to focus on innovation, compliance, and customer experience. Why e& stands out in the region As one of the most established tech groups in the Middle East, e& UAE is helping governments, enterprises, and industries transition from legacy networks to future-ready platforms. The white paper lays out what makes its NaaS offering distinct: Standards-led design: Using the MEF NaaS Industry Blueprint ensures global interoperability and vendor-agnostic integration. This allows businesses to operate across multicloud environments, regional jurisdictions, and partner ecosystems without being locked into proprietary architectures. API orchestration: Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) integrates seamlessly with enterprise systems and DevOps pipelines, enabling real-time provisioning, dynamic policy updates, and automated fault recovery – cutting operational lead times by up to 80%. Sustainability-first approach: Deploying Ericsson AIR 3229 dual-band radios has not only reduced energy use by up to 20% but also lowered tower load by 25%, aligning with the region's rising ESG compliance benchmarks and national sustainability goals. AI-driven automation: AI-powered analytics and self-healing network capabilities enable proactive issue detection, traffic optimisation, and autonomous remediation. This leads to improved uptime, reduced operational overhead, and better user experiences. Investment in Aduna: As a founding partner in Aduna – a global network API initiative led by Ericsson – e& empowers developers to programmatically control network features like quality of service, slicing, and edge performance across carrier-grade infrastructure. Expert support: With regionally based network engineers and AI-enhanced support tools, e& delivers end-to-end service assurance – from solution design and deployment to 24/7 operations, dedicated SLAs, and continuous performance optimisation. This approach delivers more than technology – it delivers a partner with the resources, standards, and expertise to support real transformation. Why NaaS is resonating now Several intersecting trends are driving urgency around NaaS in the region: AI deployments are scaling up: Generative AI, machine learning, and edge inference workloads are becoming central to enterprise strategy across sectors including finance, healthcare, logistics, and public services. These systems require ultra-low latency, real-time data processing, and bandwidth-hungry infrastructure – all of which legacy networks struggle to support. NaaS enables AI-driven operations with dynamic provisioning, network segmentation, and workload-aware routing. New regulatory frameworks: Governments across the GCC are introducing more sophisticated laws around data protection, sovereignty, and digital identity. UAE's PDPL and Saudi Arabia's Cloud Computing Regulatory Framework are just two examples that demand fine-grained, policy-driven control. NaaS enables enterprises to embed compliance directly into network operations, reducing audit overhead and enhancing transparency. Cloud maturity: Enterprises are moving beyond basic cloud storage or SaaS adoption toward full cloud-native operations. According to IDC, by 2027, 70% of global enterprises will run containerised, multicloud networks spanning on-prem, edge, and public cloud. NaaS supports this evolution by integrating with orchestration tools and enabling unified visibility and control across fragmented environments. Environmental pressure: Network infrastructure is a major contributor to digital energy consumption, particularly in sectors scaling data centres, IoT, and AI workloads. Regulators and ESG-conscious investors are demanding greener operations. NaaS, with its virtualised model and vendor-managed optimisation, reduces the physical footprint and energy intensity of network infrastructure. Financial scrutiny: In an era of cautious capital spending, CIOs are under pressure to justify every investment. NaaS shifts spending from CapEx to OpEx, offers usage-based pricing, and speeds up time-to-value. It also reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) by eliminating hidden maintenance, upgrade, and staffing costs tied to legacy systems. For enterprises under pressure to innovate while managing risk, NaaS offers a way to do both. Five takeaways for Middle East enterprises Legacy networks are increasingly incompatible with national digital goals. As Middle Eastern governments pursue AI, smart city, and e-government ambitions, traditional network infrastructures are proving inadequate. Their inability to support real-time data flows, elastic compute, and secure cloud access directly contradicts the objectives of regional digital transformation programmes. NaaS enables secure, scalable connectivity without the capital drag. By shifting from hardware ownership to service consumption, enterprises gain access to state-of-the-art networking without the upfront investment. This unlocks faster time-to-value, reduces technical debt, and ensures flexibility in fast-changing business environments. Real-time compliance, governance, and analytics are built-in – not bolted on. NaaS integrates monitoring, policy enforcement, and data protection into the network's core. This allows IT teams to enforce compliance across multicloud environments and adapt quickly to regulations such as GDPR, UAE PDPL, and sector-specific mandates. e& is shaping the region's NaaS future with standards, automation, and AI. Leveraging MEF blueprints, AI-driven orchestration, and investments in API-based infrastructure through ventures like Aduna, e& is delivering a programmable, highly interoperable network architecture tailored for the region's unique regulatory and operational needs. Now is the moment to shift: delaying means risking competitiveness and compliance. Early adopters are already benefiting from lower costs, stronger security, and greater agility. Businesses that delay risk being constrained by legacy systems as peers move ahead with scalable, intelligent networks designed for the cloud and AI era. A smarter way to network In a digital-first economy, the network is not just a utility – it's a strategic asset. e&'s white paper makes a compelling case: NaaS is no longer optional. It's a business imperative. Enterprises that want to lead in AI, cloud, and smart city development need modern, flexible infrastructure. With regional understanding and global alignment, e& is positioned to help Middle East businesses rewire for resilience, scale, and sustainable growth.
Associated Press
27-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Affluence Corporation Subsidiary MTi Secures Over €3 Million in New Contracts Across Europe, Asia, and Central Africa
OAK BROOK, IL / ACCESS Newswire / June 27, 2025 / Affluence Corporation, (OTC Pink:AFFU), a global technology holding company specializing in smart infrastructure and edge computing solutions, announced today that its subsidiary Mingothings International (MTi) has successfully secured multiple new contracts in June 2025, further strengthening its growth trajectory. MTi has finalized commercial agreements exceeding a total value of €3 million, spanning projects across Europe, Asia, and Central Africa. These contracts reflect MTi's ongoing capacity to deliver advanced technology solutions in key verticals such as Smart Cities, Security, and Digital Transformation. Among these recent wins are projects involving key customers and partners, including major European defense integrators, leading global sports organizations, and Asian government security agencies. Formal client approvals are currently being finalized to allow for public disclosure of their names in upcoming announcements. 'This solid commercial momentum reflects our ability to position the Group in complex, high-value projects across multiple continents,' said Oscar Brito, President of Affluence Corporation. 'The strategic wins further validate our integrated approach, combining proprietary software platforms with expert systems integration capabilities through MTi and our partner network.' The new contracts are fully aligned with Affluence Corporation's strategic priorities for 2025, demonstrating its portfolio companies' capability to expand geographically while addressing critical infrastructure challenges in both public and private sectors. For any inquiries or media and investor contact, please reach out to - [email protected]. # # # About Affluence Corporation Affluence Corporation ( is a diversified technology company focused on smart city and industry software and innovative solutions that capitalize on IoT, AI, 5G and edge technologies. We are investing in mid-market businesses to create a cohesive unit which brings together technology for the next generation of internet. For more information go to About Mingothings SLU Mingothings SLU ('MTi') is a trusted specialist in integrated IoT solutions and data analytics for smart cities and connected industries. With expertise in real-time data processing, sensor integration, and adaptable IoT platforms, MTi provides innovative solutions designed to maximize efficiency, sustainability, and operational performance in diverse IoT applications. # # # This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words 'anticipate,' 'expect,' 'suggests,' 'plan,' 'believe,' 'intend,' 'estimates,' 'targets,' 'projects,' 'should,' 'could,' 'would,' 'may,' 'will,' 'forecast' and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including: general economic business conditions, competitive and technological factors, markets, services, products and prices, the failure to retain management and/or key employees of the target company, availability and the cost of capital, success of growth initiatives, limited operating history and other risks discussed in our filings with the OTCMarkets and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Affluence Corporation assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Media and investor contact - [email protected] SOURCE: Affluence Corp. press release
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai's RTA explores adoption of quantum technologies to advance smart mobility
DUBAI - Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is exploring the adoption of quantum technologies across three core domains: quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum cybersecurity. The initiative targets key sectors such as transportation, mobility systems, and smart infrastructure. It aims to enhance the performance of intelligent systems, accelerate the transition to smart mobility, and reinforce digital security, while also advancing data protection, fostering sustainability and innovation, and anticipating the future. RTA organised a specialised scientific workshop titled 'Quantum Communication and Its Applications in Smart Infrastructure', in collaboration with Cisco, the global leader in networking technologies and cybersecurity. The workshop featured expert speakers in the field of quantum communication and was attended by representatives from various technical and engineering departments within RTA, as well as participants from external entities. The workshop focused on the foundational principles of quantum communication, highlighting key research developments and real-world applications of this emerging technology. It addressed several core topics, including the objectives of quantum communication, an overview of quantum mechanics, quantum computing, quantum networks, and quantum cybersecurity, in addition to sharing insights from leading global research in the field. The findings of the workshop reaffirmed the strategic value of quantum communication as a forward-looking solution in the communications domain. The technology enables unparalleled levels of data security and transmission speed, supporting streamlined operations and greater system integration across key agencies. Through this initiative, RTA positions itself among the first government entities in the region to explore the application of quantum technologies within the transport sector. These cutting-edge technologies have the potential to deliver transformative impact across multiple industries by harnessing innovative solutions grounded in the principles of quantum physics, one of the most complex and exact fields of science. Quantum technologies stand out for their exceptional capabilities in security, data analysis, and high-speed processing. RTA's adoption of quantum technologies and its exploration of their potential in the transport sector align with the Government of Dubai's vision of future readiness. The approach reflects a commitment to embracing secure, efficient digital solutions, staying ahead of global advancements, and proactively deploying cutting-edge technologies in infrastructure management and transport systems. In collaboration with strategic partners and specialised research institutions in quantum communication, quantum computing, and quantum cybersecurity, a dedicated RTA team is actively examining the application of quantum technologies across various sectors and operational domains. The objective is to support the development of a more secure, resilient, and sustainable digital infrastructure that keeps pace with the accelerating trajectory of global technological advancement. One of the most prominent quantum technologies being considered for deployment across RTA's sectors is quantum communication, a next-generation data transmission system that relies on light particles (photons). This advanced technology guarantees information confidentiality and can detect any unauthorised access or suspicious activity. It holds strong potential for integration across various operational areas within the RTA. Quantum Computing is another key technology under exploration for potential implementation. It leverages a new generation of computers with unparalleled capabilities in processing vast datasets and analysing complex scenarios at high speed. Within the RTA, potential applications include analysing transport and traffic flow patterns, predicting congestion, directing autonomous vehicles, and optimising route planning and scheduling for public transport systems. Quantum technologies also extend to Quantum Cybersecurity, which employs advanced, intrusion-resistant algorithms to protect against emerging and future cyber threats. These solutions can be used to secure operational digital platforms, safeguard smart infrastructure and internal networks, and prevent unauthorised access and potential cyberattacks.
