Page 146 - SAMENA Trends - September 2019

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

than 2000 sites supporting 5G technologies, as well as equipping and cutting-edge digital architecture so that digital transformation
NEOM Airport as the first airport in the Middle East and Africa to accelerates and thus supports the orientations of the Vision 2030,
support 5G technologies. (September 10, 2019) spa.gov.sa which aims to promote the ICT sector’s role in order to build a
digital society, a digital government, a thriving digital economy,
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and an innovative future for the Kingdom. The memorandum
(MCIT) of Saudi Arabia has signed a memorandum of understanding will contribute to the development of local technology content
with Nokia, a leading global provider of telecommunications, through training and qualification of young Saudis, development
digital infrastructure and networking solutions. The memorandum of digital skills, localization of the software industry and
is aimed at launching a global center for software development supporting research and innovation efforts, by establishing two
and support in the Kingdom. With the attendance of Minister of software R&D units, supporting high-quality products endorsing
Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah quality products that are made in the Kingdom by Nokia, in
Al’Swaha and Nokia President and CEO Rajeev Suri in addition to addition to creating a smart technology industry environment
a number of MCIT’s senior officials, the memorandum has been that is attractive to local and international investments, in order
signed by Vice Minister of Communications and Information to enhance the localization and empowerment of the technology
Technology Eng. Haitham Al’Ohali and Head of Nokia MEA industry and transfer of knowledge. It will also contribute to job
Business Development Omar Al’Laithi The memorandum creation within the orientation toward diversifying sources of
provides for establishing a development unit, a Nokia Bell labs national income, in line with the Vision 2030. In recent years, the
research unit, and a Nokia repair center for Nokia base station HW Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT)
modules; the center is to service KSA initially and potentially the has entered into many partnerships to promote integration,
GCC at a later stage. It also includes development of programs cooperation and consolidate efforts to achieve the goals of the
(independent or in cooperation with SDA or other authorities and Vision 2030. (September 4, 2019) saudigazette.com.sa
customers) in order to provide opportunities for pre-graduates,
fresh graduates in COOPT trainings and internships. According The royal decree to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) center
to the memorandum, NOKIA shall cooperate with MCIT and CITC will enhance the drive toward innovation and digital transformation
(Communications and Information Technology) on initiatives in Saudi Arabia, according to Minister of Communications and
around 5G and IoT and their use cases as per Nokia standards, Information Technology Abdullah Al-Sawaha. King Salman issued
with a view to support the Kingdom to be a leader in 5G and the decree, to establish the National Center for Artificial Intelligence
IoT technology in the MENA region. Moreover, Nokia’s experts and an organization called the National Data Management Office,
shall furnish advice and engage with relevant MCIT and CITC which will be linked to the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence
stakeholders on current and future technology trends and their Authority. The establishment of the center came in line with the
economic impact, including but not limited to spectrum allocation, objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 program, and will help
technology updates, business case, monetization studies and develop performance efficiency through the applications of AI and
workshops. One of the memorandum’s key programs is WIELD big data, Al-Sawaha said. He added that the establishment of the
(Women in Energy and Leadership Development), geared toward center was a clear indication of the Kingdom’s determination to
investment in future woman leaders for the Energy sector and develop its digital capabilities and build a future based on AI and
focused around digitalization and ICT developments, with the aim innovation. Al-Sawaha said that AI would enhance productivity,
of driving the Energy industry segments, including a 10+ Weeks boost decision-making processes across all sectors, render
Program at 4 locations, KSA, USA, UK and Finland. The intended services provided to Saudi citizens more innovative, and open
collaboration is in line with the ICT Strategy 2023, emanating from new horizons to stimulate entrepreneurship and support young
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and which aims to establish a robust people. (September 1, 2019) arabnews.com

Turkey

A group of Turkish banks have hired Morgan Stanley as financial via special purpose vehicle (SPV) Levent Yapilandirma Yonetimi
adviser to sell a 55% stake in fixed and mobile operator Turk (Levent Configuration Management). Akbank, Garanti Bank and
Telekom (TT). Aa consortium of 29 banks led by Akbank, Turkiye Isbank own 35.6%, 22.1% and 11.6% of the SPV respectively, with
Garanti Bankasi (Garanti Bank) and Turkiye Is Bankasi (Isbank) the other 30.7% split between 26 other banks. In statements
acquired the TT stake from Ojer Telekomunikasyon AS (OTAS), to the BIST, the leading banks stated the intention to sell the
the local holding company of Dubai-based consortium Oger entirety of the SPV or the shares that it holds. Turkish brokerages
Telecom, in exchange for cancelling debts in December 2018, with Ak Investment, Garanti Securities and Is Investment are acting
the Turkish Treasury retaining a 25% TT stake plus special veto as local advisers. Having borrowed USD4.75 billion in 2013,
power via one ‘golden share’. 5% of the company is held by the TT’s previous majority owner OTAS – handicapped by Turkish
Turkish Wealth Fund and the remaining 15% is in free float on the currency depreciation – defaulted on payments from September
Borsa Istanbul (BIST). The creditor banks own the 55% TT share 2016 onwards. Upon completing the takeover deal in December

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