Page 24 - SAMENA Trends - October 2021

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Etisalat Chief Highlights the Importance of ‘Driving Sustainability Through
Smart Cities’

Smart and dynamic growth through collaboration between
government and private entities, academia and citizens are
most essential with a reliable infrastructure as the backbone
for major national transformation programmes stimulating
economic growth and gearing smart cities towards a sustainable
future, said Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Etisalat Group. He made these
comments during a panel discussion at the Forbes Sustainable
Innovation Summit 2021 held at the Expo 2020 site, an event that
gathered global leaders to discuss the various pillars required
for sustainable innovations that are at the forefront of smart
cities development agenda. Khuloud Al Omian, Editor-in-Chief
at Forbes Middle East and CEO of Arab Publisher, said: “Today’s
event gathered leaders from across industries to discuss their
sustainability agenda and their efforts in building smart cities
and ecosystems. With the telecom infrastructure playing such infrastructure which is a backbone for providing seamless, end-
a critical role in creating this transformation, Etisalat has made to-end connectivity, a key enabler for all aspects of smart cities.
immense efforts in closing this gap of digital readiness enabling This also requires ubiquitous broadband connectivity through
smart communities while achieving the fastest network in the a high-speed fiber optic and 5G networks acting as a platform
world today.” Dowidar’s session focused on unlocking the key to for advanced services built on IoT, AI and machine learning. He
an efficient and sustainable smart city model by integrating ICT applauded the efforts of the UAE leadership and pointed out
and Big Data in the right way to make cities more sustainable. how the country is a perfect model for others to emulate today
He was joined by global leaders from the technology industry. taking a lead globally with its cutting-edge infrastructure and the
Dowidar stressed on the increasing relevance of telecom sector deployment of smart technologies across essential services and
as a key pillar for building smart cities requiring a reliable sectors improving the quality of life of its residents.

Etisalat and G42 to Merge UAE Data Center Operations

Etisalat Group of the United Arab Emirates sites in the UAE. Salvador Anglada, Chief leader for the future to global hyperscalers.
has signed a binding agreement with Business Officer of Etisalat Group, said: We believe that this transaction will
Group42 (G42) to merge their data center ‘The combination of our data center further strengthen the UAE as a preferred
businesses. Etisalat Group will take a capabilities will deliver a unique portfolio destination for global technology
40% stake in the combined entity, Khazna of infrastructure services for current companies seeking world-class presence
Data Centers, which will operate at twelve customers, and will also create a market in the region.’

Mobily Signs Agreement with Ericsson to Recycle
Old Electronic Devices in the Kingdom

Mobily has announced an agreement in signing the agreement during GITEX cooperate with Ericsson’s Product Take-
with Ericsson to recycle expired and 2021, while Ericsson was represented by Back Program due to the importance
discarded electronic devices in ways Ekow Nelson, Vice President of Ericsson of preserving the environment and the
that contribute to preserving the Middle East and Africa. Mobily will join the convenience and ease it provides for
environment. The partnership forms Ericsson Product Take-Back Program in customers in terms of disposal procedures
part of Mobily’s wider pledge to act accordance with the agreement to improve for their electronic devices. The program
towards successfully achieving the customer convenience and recycle also has a proven track record of success
Saudi Vision 2030 sustainability goals discarded electronic devices for safe and in safe disposal of electronic waste and
to safeguard the environment for future responsible disposal. Commenting on the reducing the environmental impact of
generations. Eng. Alaa Malki, Chief agreement, Alaa Malki, Chief Technology expired electrical equipment.”
Technology Officer, represented Mobily Officer at Mobily, said: "Mobily decided to

24 OCTOBER 2021