Page 18 - SAMENA Trends - January 2022

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Formula E and Mobily Announce Partnership with The Diriyah E-Prix

reducing air pollution and fighting against climate change. Prince
Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi
Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), Ministry of Sport,
said: "We are very pleased to welcome Mobily as a new partner
of the Diriyah E – Prix, one of our flagship international events
in the Kingdom. This partnership aligns perfectly with our future
vision for motorsport with a partner that is equally committed
to driving forward new technologies. As a sport Formula-E is
at the pinnacle of pioneering innovation so Mobily's support of
the race in Diriyah is the perfect combination." Muhannad Kadi,
SVP Corporate Branding and Communication, Mobily, said:
“We are thrilled to partner with the ABB FIA Formula E World
Championship’s eighth season at the historic city of Diriyah, to
present one of the largest global sporting events committed to
Formula E and Etihad Etisalat Co (Mobily) have today announced sustainability, which is at the heart of everything we do at Mobily.
a new partnership with the Diriyah E-Prix races of the ABB FIA We strive to nurture a community that is environmentally aware
Formula E World Championship, beginning with the upcoming and embeds sustainability at every aspect of life. “From its first
double-header race, in support of sustainability in sports. running, the Diriyah E-Prix has been a game-changer for Saudi
The partnership reflects Mobily’s commitment to support and Arabia in delivering thrilling motorsport action. With the emphasis
encourage sustainability as part of the company’s wider strategy of Formula E being on sustainability and diversification in energy, it
to enable an environmentally aware society across every aspect is the perfect fit with Mobily’s commitment to support and enable
of life, and the Diriyah E-Prix is the best example of how sports Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s commitment to reach net zero
can follow sustainability measures and deliver experiences like no emissions by 2060, all while bringing new levels of connectivity
other. Formula E fans in Saudi Arabia will be able to access original to Saudi Arabia.” Carlo Boutagy, founder of CBX, promoter of
Formula E mobile content throughout the season on Mobily’s the Diriyah E-Prix, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mobily to
fast and secure network, unlocking opportunities to engage with the family of partners at the very heart of our race and feel great
the motorsport community around the world. In addition, Mobily excitement about the working together. The opportunity to come
will engage fans during the race weekend with online and offline together with a partner such as Mobily brings with it exciting
gaming and ticket promotions, elevating their experience at the opportunities to bring the experience of Formula E and the year-
event. The Diriyah street circuit around the historic town walls round content that it provides to Saudi fans instantaneously as
of the UNESCO World Heritage site will host the opening rounds well as forming a significant and valuable presence when we
of Season 8 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship with host the series each year.” Alberto Longo, Co-Founder and Chief
the only night races on the 16-race calendar, illuminated by low- Championship Officer, Formula E, said: “We are excited to welcome
power LED technology. Formula E is a platform for change across Mobily as a partner for the Diriyah E-Prix. Mobily will bring fans in
society and supports the Vision 2030 project, with the first Diriyah Saudi Arabia closer to the Championship than ever before with
E-Prix in 2018 making history as the first-ever international original content and new ways to interact as the 16-race season
motorsport event to be held in Saudi Arabia. As the only all-electric unfolds around the world. We look forward to returning to Saudi
motorsport World Championship, Formula E actively promotes Arabia in just a few weeks and working with a new and committed
electric mobility and renewable energy solutions to contribute to partner to continue to grow the Formula E fanbase.”

Omantel Leads the Innovation Scene in Oman

Omantel, the leading and first telecommunications company in presence of representatives from various ministries and local
Oman and a key role-player in MENA, officially launched its path- start-up support entities and partners. The Omantel Innovation
breaking Innovation Labs on January 10. Along with the Labs, the Labs have been launched to leverage Omantel’s expertise,
Company also inaugurated its 5G experience center, the Omantel partnerships, reach and access to technology to contribute to
Innovation Oasis, and E-Dukkan, Middle East’s first unmanned Oman’s Vision 2040 and promote innovation and entrepreneurship
convenience store. The launch event was presided over by Guest in new and emerging technologies namely 5G, Internet of Things,
of Honor His Highness Sayyid Dr Fahad bin Al Julanda Al Said, Cybersecurity, Customer Experience technology and Big Data.
Vice Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University and witnessed the Omantel Innovation Labs initiative is based on three broad goals

18 JANUARY 2022