Latest from Makkah Newspaper
Makkah Newspaper
5 days ago
- Business
- Makkah Newspaper
AST SpaceMobile and Revolutionizing Global Connectivity from Space
Imagine, dear reader, being able to completely bypass traditional telecom companies and enjoy seamless global communication services, whether you're deep in the desert or sailing across the ocean, with unmatched internet speeds and no network interruptions. Over the recent years, satellite communication technology has undergone significant advancements, increasing the need for reliable connectivity in remote areas without traditional network coverage. Amidst this rapid technological evolution, AST SpaceMobile has emerged as one of the leading global companies offering innovative satellite communication solutions, designed to provide direct, high-quality connectivity to mobile phones worldwide without requiring any additional ground-based infrastructure. Founded in 2017 by American entrepreneur Abel Avellan, AST SpaceMobile aims to revolutionize global communication through an advanced satellite network. The unique capability of this network is its direct connectivity with standard smartphones, eliminating the need for specialized modifications or extra antennas. This makes AST SpaceMobile's services highly accessible and cost-effective compared to traditional communication methods. In 2023, AST SpaceMobile successfully launched its first satellite, BlueWalker 3, achieving a significant milestone by conducting successful trial communications directly with smartphones on the ground. This groundbreaking achievement marks an important advancement in satellite communication technology. According to the company's data, BlueWalker 3 has extensive coverage capabilities, enabling reliable connectivity in regions lacking conventional network infrastructure. Currently, AST SpaceMobile has an ambitious plan to deploy dozens to hundreds of satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), with full-scale operational capabilities expected soon. This strategic initiative underlines the company's vision to provide comprehensive and reliable communication services to approximately 5 billion people globally who currently face limited or no access to traditional network coverage. Financially, AST SpaceMobile has attracted significant attention from international investors. In 2021, the company completed a merger with New Providence Acquisition Corp., a deal valued at approximately $1.8 billion, which enabled it to enter the financial markets and secure funding for its ambitious growth plans. Additionally, in 2022, AST SpaceMobile successfully raised an additional $200 million through multiple investment rounds, including prominent investors like Vodafone and American Tower. This further strengthened the company's financial capabilities to expand its global network. Market analyses indicate that the satellite communication industry is expected to reach approximately $40 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 10%. AST SpaceMobile aims to capture a substantial portion of this market by leveraging its unique technology and ability to provide direct connectivity solutions without the need for expensive ground-based infrastructure. However, AST SpaceMobile faces specific challenges, notably obtaining regulatory approvals from key agencies such as the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and other regulatory authorities in targeted countries. Fortunately, AST SpaceMobile has already secured FCC approval in the United States and has established cooperative agreements with international telecommunications companies, streamlining its global market entry. Additionally, technical challenges related to ensuring continuous and high-quality service, especially as user numbers grow, pose another hurdle. Nonetheless, AST SpaceMobile addresses these challenges with confidence through substantial investments in research and development, alongside partnerships with leading technology firms. In conclusion, AST SpaceMobile is poised to revolutionize the satellite communication industry. With an increasing global demand for reliable connectivity in remote areas, the company continues to achieve remarkable milestones, solidifying its position as a key player that deserves close attention in the yearsto come.
Makkah Newspaper
6 days ago
- Business
- Makkah Newspaper
Phishing evolves with AI and stealth: Kaspersky highlights biometric and signature risks with attempts increasing by 22.5% in KSA
Kaspersky has detected and blocked over 142 million phishing link clicks globally Q2 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia saw a 22.5% increase from Q1 in phishing attempts. Currently phishing is going through a shift driven by sophisticated AI-powered deception techniques and innovative evasion methods. Cybercriminals are exploiting deepfakes, voice cloning and trusted platforms like Telegram and Google Translate to steal sensitive data, including biometrics, electronic signatures and handwritten signatures, posing unprecedented risks to individuals and businesses. AI-powered tactics transforming phishing attacks AI has elevated phishing into a highly personalized threat. Large language models enable attackers to craft convincing emails, messages and websites that mimic legitimate sources, eliminating grammatical errors that once exposed scams. AI-driven bots on social media and messaging apps impersonate real users, engaging victims in prolonged conversations to build trust. These bots often fuel romantic or investment scams, luring victims into fake opportunities with AI-generated audio messages or deepfake videos. An example of a phishing email created with DeepSeek (left) and an example of a phishing website created with AI (right) Attackers also create realistic audio and video deepfake impersonations of trusted figures — colleagues, celebrities or even bank officials — to promote fake giveaways or extract sensitive information. For instance, automated calls mimicking bank security teams use AI-generated voices to trick users into sharing two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, enabling account access or fraudulent transactions. Additionally, AI-powered tools analyze public data from social media or corporate websites to launch targeted attacks, such as HR-themed emails or fake calls referencing personal details. Employing new tactics to bypass detection Phishers are deploying sophisticated methods to gain trust, exploiting legitimate services to prolong their campaigns. For instance, Telegram's Telegraph platform, a tool to publish long texts, is used to host phishing content. Google Translate's page translation feature generates links that look like and are used by attackers to bypass security solutions' filters. A phishing page mimicking an Office document hosted on Telegraph (left) and an example of a phishing page hidden behind a URL provided by Google Translate (right) Attackers now also integrate CAPTCHA, a common anti-bot mechanism, into phishing sites before directing users to the malicious page itself. By using CAPTCHA, these fraudulent pages deflect anti-phishing algorithms, as the presence of CAPTCHA is often associated with trusted platforms, lowering the likelihood of detection. A switch in hunting: from logins and passwords to biometrics and signatures The focus has shifted from passwords to immutable data. Attackers target biometric data through fraudulent sites that request smartphone camera access under pretexts like account verification, capturing facial or other biometric identifiers that cannot be changed. These are used for unauthorized access to sensitive accounts or sold on the dark web. Similarly, electronic and handwritten signatures, critical for legal and financial transactions, are stolen via phishing campaigns impersonating platforms like DocuSign or prompting users to upload signatures to fraudulent sites, posing significant reputational and financial risks to businesses. 'The convergence of AI and evasive tactics has turned phishing into a near-native mimic of legitimate communication, challenging even the most vigilant users. Attackers are no longer satisfied with stealing passwords — they're targeting biometric data, electronic and handwritten signatures, potentially creating devastating, long-term consequences. By exploiting trusted platforms like Telegram and Google Translate, and co-opting tools like CAPTCHA, attackers are outpacing traditional defenses. Users must stay increasingly skeptical and proactive to avoid falling victim,' said Olga Altukhova, security expert at Kaspersky. Detailed information is available in a report on Earlier in 2025 Kaspersky detected a sophisticated targeted phishing campaign which was dubbed Operation ForumTroll, as attackers sent personalized phishing emails inviting recipients to the 'Primakov Readings' forum. These lures targeted media outlets, educational institutions and government organizations in Russia. After clicking on the link in the email, no additional action was needed to compromise their systems: the exploit leveraged a previously unknown vulnerability in the latest version of Google Chrome. The malicious links were extremely short-lived to evade detection and in most cases ultimately redirected to the legitimate website for 'Primakov Readings' once the exploit was taken down. To be protected from phishing, Kaspersky recommends: • Verify unsolicited messages, calls, or links, even if they appear legitimate. Never share 2FA codes. • Scrutinize videos for unnatural movements or overly generous offers, which may indicate deepfakes. • Deny camera access requests from unverified sites and avoid uploading signatures to unknown platforms. • Limit sharing sensitive details online, such as document photos or sensitive work information. • Use Kaspersky Next (in corporate environments) or Kaspersky Premium (for individual use) to block phishing attempts.
Makkah Newspaper
07-08-2025
- Health
- Makkah Newspaper
Saudi FDA Leading a Journey of Continuous Excellence and Development
Dear reader, according to recent reports and statistics from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), significant and remarkable developments have been achieved over the past few years across all regulated sectors. These developments have solidified the SFDA's standing as a leading regulatory body, not only in the region but also globally. This continuous advancement is part of broader efforts to improve and regulate pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food products, sectors that are critically important to public health. SFDA is notably one of only three national regulatory bodies worldwide, alongside those of Singapore and South Korea, to have attained maturity level four (ML4) in the regulation of medicines and vaccines, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Achieving this highest level of regulatory competency underscores the exceptional capabilities and efficiency of the SFDA. Furthermore, in 2023, the SFDA became the first Arab member of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), an achievement that highlightsinternational trust in Saudi Arabia's pharmaceutical oversight capabilities. Additionally, the SFDA collaborates closely with prominent global organizations such as the International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF), the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) of pharmaceuticals, and Codex Alimentarius, which ensures global food safety standards. These partnerships significantly contribute to harmonizing local and international regulatory systems and standards, enhancing the quality of healthcare and food products both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. The SFDA's regulatory role has notably expanded beyond its traditional functions of approving pharmaceuticals and medical devices. At the recent Global HealthSpan Summit held in Riyadh, Dr. Hisham Bin Saad Al-Jadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), emphasized that the role of regulatory authorities has become increasingly comprehensive and influential. He explained that SFDA's responsibilities now extend beyond ensuring safety and efficacy to actively supporting innovation, adopting advanced health technologies, and regulating health practices that impact all aspects of the healthcare system. A key component of these broader responsibilities is the growing emphasis on the role of nutrition in public health. Recognizing Saudi Arabia's high incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity, the SFDA has launched several practical initiatives aimed at reducing these health challenges. These include implementing clear labeling of calorie content, restricting salt content, and minimizing sugar and trans fats in food products. These initiatives are not limited to food alone but extend to incorporating modern health technologies into daily societal practices, significantly contributing to public health improvements and reducing hospital admissions related to chronic diseases. Moreover, the SFDA plays a crucial role in stimulating investment and growth within the regulated sectors by creating a safe and efficient regulatory environment that encourages innovation and product development. Balancing safety, efficiency, and innovation not only fosters growth in local healthcare industries but also enhances Saudi Arabia's global reputation as a leading investment and health destination. The importance of these developments is evident, as they significantly enhance Saudi Arabia's international standing and its attractiveness to global investors in the healthcare and food sectors. Furthermore, these advancements positively impact the national economy by creating new investment opportunities, generating high-quality jobs for citizens, and generally improving public health quality. Consequently, Saudi Arabia has become a global model in healthcare regulation and food and drug safety. In conclusion, dear reader, the continuous and significant achievements of the SFDA underscore the ambitious vision adopted by the Kingdom to establish an advanced healthcare system based on global best practices, fundamentally aimed at enhancing the quality of life and ensuring public health and safety. These ongoing efforts solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in healthcare at both regional and global levels.
Makkah Newspaper
24-07-2025
- Health
- Makkah Newspaper
Saudi Arabia's Pharma Leap to Global Leadership
Dear reader, over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has undertakenan ambitious overhaul of its healthcare and life sciences landscape. Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a knowledge‑driven economy with a robust, self‑reliant pharmaceutical sector. Recent data from IQVIA andEuromonitor highlight progress on several key fronts, including market expansion, manufacturing capacity, hospital infrastructure, and tender market dynamics. Here's a closer look at the numbers and why they matter. Across the broader Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, pharmaceutical sales increased from USD 24.2 billion in 2020 to USD 29.5 billion in 2023 and are projected to surpass USD 32.6 billion in 2024, representing a cumulative growth of approximately 35% over the four years. Saudi Arabia is the primary growth driver, with the Kingdom's share increasing from USD 8.7 billion to USD 11.6 billion, underscoring strong domestic demand and rising purchasing power. The UAE, SouthAfrica, and Algeria follow closely, while smaller markets, such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Kuwait, are expanding steadily from a lower base. Dear reader, Zooming in on Saudi Arabia's five largest therapy areas, combined sales rose from about USD 3.8 billion in 2019 to a forecasted USD 5.6 billion by 2026 (a 6.5 % compound annual growth rate). General medicines alone are expected to exceed USD 2.8 billion by 2026, followed by consumer health products at roughly USD 750 million, driven by trends in preventive care and wellness. Dermatology, digestive health, and ophthalmology remain smaller niches, but they are growing at 5–7% per year as urban lifestyles increase demand for allergy treatments and chronic disease medications. Government tenders remain the backbone of public procurement, valued at approximately USD 5.6 billion. Two multinationals, Hikma and Sanofi, lead with 9 % share each. Local champions SPIMACO (8%) and Tabuk Pharmaceuticals (7%) rank closely behind, while Pfizer, Novo Nordisk, and Novartis each hold 5–6%. At the other end of the scale, Jamejoom Pharma captures just 1 %, signaling headroom for domestic firms to ramp up portfolios tailored to tender specifications. Dear reader, domestic production is spreading across a broader base of players (over 2,100 registered items). Pharmaceutical Solution Industries (PSI) tops the chart with 21% of national output, followed by Tabuk (18%) and SPIMACO (15%).Jamejoom, Riyadh Pharma, and Jazeera Pharma each command roughly 8–9 %, while a long tail of other manufacturers together accounts for 20 %. The distribution highlights Ministry of Industry incentives to increase local content, promote innovation, and enhance exports, particularly following the launch of the National Biotechnology Strategy. Dear reader, several forces are converging: sweeping healthcarefinancing reforms, incentives for local manufacturing that deepen supply chain resilience, a welcoming stance toward foreign direct investment, and rapid digital adoption, from telemedicine to e-prescriptions. Although rising healthcare costs and chronic disease burdens pose challenges, current indicators suggest an ample runway for both local and international drugmakers, especially in biologics, targeted therapies, and self-care products. Saudi Arabia is charting a course to become the region's premier hub for pharmaceutical innovation and high‑quality healthcare services. With a sizable domestic market, expanding infrastructure, and policies favorable to private enterprise, the Kingdom could, by the end of the decade, rank among the most attractive healthcare markets in the broader Middle East and North Africa. In short, the 'Saudi pharma leap' is no longer aspirational rhetoric; it is unfolding on the ground. Continued execution will be vital, but the trajectory points to a future where Saudi Arabia not only meets local medical needs more efficiently but also exports health solutions to the world.
Makkah Newspaper
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Makkah Newspaper
For the Second Year Running, Bigo Live Named Official Streaming Partner of the Esports World Cup 2025
Bigo Live, the global livestreaming platform, is proud to return as the official streaming partner of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, reaffirming its commitment to the MENA region's vibrant esports scene. For the first time, Bigo Live will also extend its reach to Uzbekistan, marking a key step in broadening its regional footprint. This milestone comes at a pivotal moment for the region, as Saudi Arabia ramps up investment in gaming and esports under its Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to generate over USD 13 billion in economic value and position the Kingdom as a global epicentre for interactive entertainment. Across MENA, the esports market is witnessing unprecedented growth, driven by a youthful population and rising smartphone penetration. Hosted in Riyadh from July 8 to August 24, the Esports World Cup features over 20 of the most popular competitive gaming titles worldwide. As the official streaming partner, Bigo Live is authorized to broadcast seven marquee titles, including Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Free Fire, EA Sports FC 25, and PUBG Mobile. The event kicked off last Thursday with a star-studded opening ceremony, featuring performances by global artists and a highly anticipated guest appearance by Post Malone during the invitational segment. Last year's tournament attracted more than 6.9 million peak viewers globally, with even larger audiences expected in 2025. With over 500 million users across the world, Bigo Live has emerged as a leading platform for interactive content and gaming communities. During past esports tournaments, the platform achieved a total of 260 million impressions across both in-app and external channels, underscoring its growing role in delivering large-scale live events to diverse audiences. Bigo Live has been a launchpad for countless creators, and Restart from Egypt is a shining example. His commentary during the EWC 2024 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang women's tournament watch party on Bigo Live not only energized the community but also drew over 1,000 hours of total viewer watch time in one session. What began as a passion for gaming has grown into a career, with Bigo Live playing a key role in that journey. Now the manager of Team Ultra Legends, Restart reflects: 'Over five years on Bigo Live, I've grown tremendously—both as a gamer and a commentator. The platform gave me the space to evolve, compete, and eventually lead a professional team at EWC.' This year, Bigo Live is rolling out a dedicated two-month in-app campaign, offering fans across MENA a central hub for livestream schedules, tournament highlights, and curated content. The platform's localized coverage delivered through livestream rooms like MENA Gaming Community, MENA Gaming Esport, and MLBBMENA Esports will bring the action closer to home for regional audiences. 'We're proud to continue our partnership with the Esports World Cup, a collaboration that goes beyond streaming and reflects our shared commitment to shaping the future of esports and interactive entertainment,' said Ian Goh, Director for the MENA Region at BIGO Technology. 'As gaming and livestreaming converge, we see enormous potential to empower creators, connect global audiences, and contribute to the region's emergence as a world-class hub for digital innovation. The momentum building in MENA and Central Asia is inspiring, and we're excited for Bigo Live to play a meaningful role in this transformation.' To further engage audiences, Bigo Live will launch EWC-themed giveaways, including custom avatar frames, online gifts, and entrance effects. A hand-picked lineup of top creators from across MENA will also bring the tournament to life through live content, showcasing the creativity and passion of regional gaming communities. With global esports viewership projected to surpass 700 million viewers by 2026, this collaboration underscores a shared belief in the transformative potential of gaming and livestreaming as catalysts for digital innovation. As esports solidifies its position as one of the fastest-growing sectors in global entertainment, the partnership between Bigo Live and the Esports World Cup extends beyond streaming. Together, they are redefining how fans engage with global tournaments, empowering creators, and advancing the gaming and livestreaming landscape across MENA, Central Asia, and beyond.
