du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Versa Networks, the global leader in AI/ML-powered Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), to enhance and expand du’s integrated network-security portfolio.Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du said: "Through our strategic partnership with Versa Networks, du is reinforcing its commitment to empowering enterprises in the UAE to embark on successful digital transformations. By delivering Unified SASE services, we aim to provide businesses with secure, reliable, and simplified network access while ensuring consistent and uniform security policies. Together, du and Versa Networks are poised to address the complex network and access challenges faced by enterprises and the public sector, contributing to their digital transformation journey."du and Versa Networks will embark on building a powerful partnership to deliver Unified SASE services to help accelerate the digital transformation of enterprise customers across the UAE. Versa Unified SASE securely and reliably connects home workers, branch workers and users to applications with consistent and uniform security policies across the entire network, while decreasing latency, reducing complexity, and enhancing visibility with a single pane of glass.“du is a leader in the UAE's telecommunications landscape with a proven track record of delivering high-quality managed services to customers across the region, and Versa Networks is thrilled to develop this strategic alliance with them,” said Hector Avalos, EMEA MSP VP. “du’s technical and business expertise, commitment to innovation and service excellence make them an ideal partner to expand our global footprint.”Both du and Versa Networks aspire to be active contributors to the digital transformation journey of enterprises and public sector in the UAE. Our combined strengths in managed services, networking, security, and cloud solutions will provide mutual customers with more comprehensive and powerful ways to address and resolve even their most complex secure network and access challenges.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: On the sidelines of COP28 UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first graduate research AI university, and e&, the global technology group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU aims to cement the UAE’s position as a hub of AI innovation through exploring collaboration in areas including AI human capacity building, developing industry-specific projects with tangible applications, including sustainability solutions, and venture capital funding for AI startups.Signed by MBZUAI’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations, Sultan Al Hajji, and Harrison Lung, Group Chief Strategy Officer of e&, the MoU will support e&’s advancement in AI talent sourcing and training via MBZUAI’s Executive Program (MEP), upskilling its in-house AI capacity. The two organizations will collaborate on research projects and co-develop use cases and joint go-to-market solutions to accelerate AI adoption for real-world applications.Sultan Al Hajji said: “Our partnership with e& combines a wealth of unique skill sets and strengths to develop cutting-edge AI solutions with the potential to overcome societal challenges and strengthen the UAE’s position as a hub for AI innovation. Together, we will enable e& to enhance its AI skills and capabilities while affording valuable research, employment, and internship opportunities to MBZUAI’s graduates and students, in addition to supporting a new generation of AI startups to build a more robust AI ecosystem in the UAE and wider region.”In addition, MBZUAI will work with e& to foster a startup ecosystem in the UAE by unlocking venture capital investment for AI innovation with a focus on sustainable solutions while providing access to the university’s startups.Harrison Lung commented: “We are thrilled to join forces with MBZUAI, demonstrating our firm commitment beyond just developing AI and sustainable solutions, but also through empowering individuals, promoting knowledge exchange, and raising awareness. This collaboration will elevate institutions at the forefront of this technology both in the UAE and worldwide.”MBZUAI’s stand at COP28 UAE is in the Green Zone at Expo City Dubai, until Dec. 12 – under The Greening Education Hub, organized by the UAE’s Ministry of Education, highlighting its research on how AI can address climate change, health, and education.

Turkish Airlines (TK) and Riyadh Air (RX) have agreed a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding to offer a comprehensive range of benefits for guests traveling between the Kingdom, Türkiye and points beyond their Riyadh and Istanbul hubs, as well as lay the ground for deeper future collaborations. Guest of both airlines will be able to take full advantage of each carrier’s worldwide network through a comprehensive interline and codeshare agreement that will allow customers to seamlessly connect between and combine sectors operated by either Riyadh Air or Turkish Airlines.Turkish Airlines Chief Investment & Technology Officer Levent Konukcu and Riyadh Air CEO, Tony Douglas, signed the agreement at a ceremony on the sidelines of the ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2023) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The intention of both carriers is that benefits will be made available to guests as soon as possible after Riyadh Air launches operations in mid-2025 and is subject to regulatory approvals by relevant authorities.The close cooperation will allow members of each carrier’s loyalty program to earn points or credits when traveling on codeshare services operated by the other, with both airlines also exploring opportunities to develop a broader loyalty agreement covering both global networks. In addition to offering a comprehensive range of guest benefits, the MoU also commits Riyadh Air and Turkish Airlines to work together to explore and implement broader synergies and efficiencies across the value chain, touching areas such as aviation related services, cargo and digital development.Turkish Airlines Chief Investment & Technology Officer, Levent Konukcu stated: “We are happy to start our relationship with Riyadh Air, a promising new player in the aviation industry. This Memorandum of Understanding is more than a collaboration; it’s a bridge between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, further strengthening our ties. It's also an opportunity to expand our reach and offer our guests more choices and convenience. We believe this partnership will not only benefit our customers but also contribute significantly to the tourism and business sectors of both countries.”Riyadh Air CEO, Tony Douglas said: “This agreement is another very significant step in the evolution of Riyadh Air as we partner with the world’s largest global airline by destinations served. Our close relationship will open up seamless connectivity via the global-leading hub at Istanbul Airport to some 130 destinations worldwide, especially within Türkiye, Europe and the Americas and accelerate our network footprint through the market-leading, guest-centric, digitally focused and like-minded global airline brand that is Turkish Airlines.”Douglas added, “Bilateral agreements with established network airlines are extremely important to Riyadh Air and there are significant benefits to this partnership, our passengers can enjoy greater connectivity to the world and deeper access to Türkiye, while an increased flow in volumes of tourism, religious and business travel into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is anticipated. Turkish Airlines is a world class aviation brand, and we are proud that they wish to play a part in the Riyadh Air story.”The establishment of Riyadh Air is in line with PIF’s mandate to unlock the capabilities of key sectors locally to drive the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s economy. The airline will also support the Saudi Aviation Strategy's broader vision, and enable the National Tourism Strategy, unlocking Saudi Arabia's cultural and natural attractions to international tourists and creating new jobs.

Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Ottu, a prominent fintech player in the Middle East region. This pioneering partnership is primarily focused on Ottu's integration of Mastercard Gateway, enabling a range of local payment methods in Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.Mastercard Gateway offers advanced payment processing and fraud prevention technology to acquiring banks, merchants, micro-merchants, and technology partners. It provides its partners with the reach, security, and innovation to compete in the world of digital payments.Ottu provides an Online Payments Management Solution (OPMS) designed to streamline online payments, crafted to optimize online payment processes for enterprises across a wide spectrum of industries. Ottu’s solution also seamlessly connects various online sales channels and payment methods, harnessing Ottu's expertise in building an efficient ecosystem.Through this partnership, Ottu merchants can tap into these local payment methods through a streamlined integration, thereby bridging the gap between international payment networks.Talal AlAwadhi, CEO of Ottu, stated, "Our partnership with Mastercard Gateway is more than a strategic alliance. It's a vision for integrating global technological might with regional transactional traditions, ensuring the Gulf's payment ecosystem is robust and resonant with its users."Maria Parpou, Executive Vice President, Mastercard Gateway, said: “At Mastercard, we are committed to partnering with innovative fintech companies such as Ottu to bring advanced payment solutions to the region with the aim of fueling the growth of the digital economy. Mastercard Gateway offers a single connection to help local merchants accept payments globally, facilitating secure and seamless transactions that surpass customer expectations.”

du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Splunk, the cybersecurity and observability leader, to enhance digital resilience in the UAE. This collaborative endeavour aims to support digital resilience in the country and usher in a new era of data security and operational excellence.As per the MoU, du will embark on an ambitious journey to introduce the first UAE-hosted digital resilience cloud offering, powered by Splunk's cutting-edge technology. The new platform will ensure the robust security and seamless operation of digital systems for du’s clients across the public sector, commercial and enterprise sectors in the UAE. The partnership will extend beyond infrastructure development. Both parties will delve into value-added managed digital resilience services tailored for the UAE market. This strategic alliance will encompass a wide array of activities, including joint marketing efforts, educational events all orchestrated by du and Splunk's dedicated channel teams."We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey alongside Splunk, as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower our customers," said Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO at du. "Through this strategic partnership and the pioneering development of the first-ever UAE-hosted digital resilience cloud offering, we are taking a monumental leap forward in safeguarding our digital landscape through the highest level of data security and operational excellence. We will establish a holistic approach to protect critical data, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure uninterrupted delivery of services in secure and robust digital ecosystems.”“du is a leader in the UAE's telecommunications landscape, and Splunk is thrilled to join hands with them,” said Gary Steele, CEO at Splunk. “Together, we are poised to empower organizations with the trust and security they need to navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape. This collaboration between Splunk and du exemplifies our shared commitment to pioneering innovation and safeguarding the digital future of the UAE.”Furthermore, the partnership will involve developing a comprehensive Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy. This strategy will serve du corporate, business, and social objectives in the UAE market, reinforcing their position as a pioneer in digital resilience. This strategic partnership between Splunk and du signifies a remarkable leap towards achieving digital resilience excellence in the UAE, propelling organizations towards a more secure and resilient digital future.Both du and Splunk aspire to be active contributors to the UAE’s digital agenda and digital transformation journey by serving as providers of unique digital resilience technologies to multiple public sector and leading enterprise tech customers in the UAE. This commitment reflects their dedication to fortifying the UAE's digital infrastructure and advancing its position on the global digital stage.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADDCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, part of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). The MoU aims to enhance cooperation and joint coordination between the two parties to consolidate the standing of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a global destination and a prestigious hub for hosting local, regional, and international business and investment events.The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Business Events Forum, which was held on 26-27 September. The MoU signing was held in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, and His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, the Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, along with a number of representatives from both sides.The MoU supports the two parties’ mutual strategic objectives for strengthening the leading position of Abu Dhabi as a preferred destination for hosting international events, and a key hub for supporting, developing, and growing businesses in vital sectors. Under the terms of the MoU, the two parties will also coordinate closely to highlight various events and conferences, and exchange knowledge and expertise to drive business events growth.His Excellency Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, said: “The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has been successful in establishing its leading position on the global business tourism landscape. The Emirate has attracted and hosted prominent business events, which culminated in its recognition as the Middle East’s leading destination for association meetings conferred by the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2022’s ranking.”“This success comes as the result of the efforts of various parties in the public and private sectors, particularly the efforts of our partners at the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, who aim to consolidate the Emirate’s position as a leading global destination that has the main assets for hosting prestigious business events.”Al Qubaisi added: “The signing of the MoU aligns with the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s efforts to partner with local and federal entities to foster strong investment and commercial relations. We are also committed to supporting various business events, forums, and conferences in the Emirate. This reflects the Chamber’s recognition of the importance of the business tourism sector and global events in enhancing networking opportunities between business communities and investors, building fruitful partnerships and cooperation agreements, and driving sustainable development.”His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi said “We take great pride in the signing of this MoU during the Abu Dhabi Business Events Forum, an integral part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Travel & Tourism Week. Showcasing the power of partnerships, the MoU reaffirms our commitment to fostering innovative and transformative business and investment events, taking the emirate to new heights as a prominent MICE destination.”He added: “MICE events play a pivotal role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation and igniting creativity. By fostering the spirit of collaboration, we are catalysing a rich, diverse and vibrant experience for visitors and residents alike.”The MoU also stipulates that the two parties strengthen their joint efforts to coordinate trade delegation visits, and find effective communication channels to achieve the desired outcomes.

Dubai Internet City, the region’s leading technology hub and part of TECOM Group PJSC, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA), backed by the Government of South Korea, to foster innovation and entrepreneurship efforts that bolster the growth of the global technology sector.A high-level Korean delegation toured the vibrant technology district on the side lines of the MoU signing. Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President – Commercial at TECOM Group signed the memorandum on behalf of Dubai Internet City with Sung-Wook Hur, President of NIPA. The UAE and Korea are key trading partners with bilateral non-oil trade totalling $3 billion during the first half of 2023. The UAE is Korea’s second-largest Arab trade partner and recently concluded talks with Korea for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) deal. In January 2023, the UAE also announced plans to invest $30 billion in various South Korean sectors and industries to expand economic cooperation over the next few years.Under the terms of the MoU, NIPA will provide industry data and insights that enhance collaboration and facilitate the participation of Korean technology companies and professionals in Dubai Internet City’s ecosystem.Commenting on the partnership on behalf of Dubai Internet City, Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President – Commercial at TECOM Group, said: “We are delighted to embark on this strategic memorandum with NIPA that marks a significant step towards fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening the global technology landscape. The agreement underscores our ecosystem’s alignment with the goals of Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ to enable globally impactful innovation from Dubai. The strengths and resources offered by Dubai Internet City and TECOM Group will undoubtedly create lasting impact and drive growth for Korean technology companies not just in Dubai or the region, but around the world."The MoU with NIPA underscores Dubai Internet City’s commitment to advancing technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship through joint initiatives that have a positive impact on the global scale. The agreement was signed at GITEX Global 2023, the world’s largest technology event that Dubai Internet City is Innovation Partner for, which runs until 20 October at Dubai World Trade Centre.Dubai Internet City is the region’s largest tech hub and has led Dubai’s digital transformation strategy for over two decades, serving as a platform for global tech brands, start-ups, and innovators to work, connect, and innovate. The district is home to more than 3,000 customers, including Fortune 500s and SMEs such as Google, 3M, Microsoft, and Careem, in addition to over 29,000 professionals and entrepreneurs. Dubai Internet City is part of TECOM Group’s portfolio of business districts that includes Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai Science Park, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, and Dubai Industrial City.

Ericsson and etisalat by e& have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the ways in which Ericsson Cloud RAN solution can support the development of the 5G mobile broadband network of the Communication Service Provider (CSP). The signing ceremony took place during GITEX GLOBAL 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).Ericsson and etisalat by e& will test Ericsson Cloud RAN solution in the network and identify areas where its introduction would best complement the existing purpose-built radio access network (RAN) infrastructure. They will also examine the potential of the solution to address a variety of 5G deployments and use cases with increased flexibility, faster service delivery and greater scalability.As an initial step, the two partners will conduct a proof of concept (PoC) for the new technology in a lab environment in the UAE.Ericsson Cloud RAN is based on cloud-native principles and open architecture with standardized interfaces that are compatible with the deployed Ericsson Radio System products and solutions, enabling etisalat by e& to evolve its network to its architecture of choice.Marwan Bin Shakar, Senior Vice President Access Network Development, at etisalat by e&, says: “Our innovation-driven alliance with Ericsson aligns with our continued commitment towards leveraging the latest technologies in the telecommunications industry to meet the rapidly evolving needs and high-performance expectations of our customers and enterprises. We look forward to strengthening the capabilities of our 5G network with Ericsson Cloud RAN.”Ekow Nelson, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit for e& at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, says: “Today’s collaboration is another step in etisalat by e&’s 5G journey. Ericsson Cloud RAN will enable etisalat by e& to seamlessly evolve towards cloud-native technologies and open network architectures, with the vision that it can deploy cloud-native networks on any site, any cloud, and any server platform.”Ericsson Cloud RAN delivers network capabilities that enable service providers to pursue new business opportunities and diversify 5G use cases.

DAMAC Hotels, a renowned luxury Hotels & Resorts brand, has announced a strategic partnership with HPE Aruba Networking. This collaboration aims to redefine guest satisfaction by introducing cutting-edge network technology across DAMAC's upscale Hotels.Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), DAMAC Hotels and HPE Aruba Networking are embarking on an innovative project to elevate guest experiences through advanced network solutions. HPE Aruba Networking will deploy its state-of-the-art Wi-Fi 6E and Switches to provide DAMAC Hotels' luxury portfolio guests with high-speed, dependable, and secure connectivity.A central aspect of this partnership is the implementation of Wi-Fi 6E, the latest breakthrough in wireless technology. Wi-Fi 6E offers unmatched network performance, guaranteeing guests lightning-fast internet speeds, reduced latency, and seamless connectivity. This advancement empowers DAMAC Hotels to enhance the digital experiences of its visitors, setting new benchmarks for guest satisfaction.In addition to Wi-Fi 6E, HPE Aruba Networking's Switches will play a pivotal role in optimizing network performance within DAMAC's Hotels. They are designed to deliver robust and efficient network switching, further enhancing the reliability and security of the network infrastructure."Guest satisfaction lies at the core of DAMAC Hotels' mission. We are thrilled to partner with HPE Aruba Networking to introduce cutting-edge network solutions to our luxury Hotels," stated Francis Arul, Group Chief Information Officer. "With Wi-Fi 6E and an industry leading switching solution, we are committed to providing a seamless and secure digital experience, ensuring that our residents and guests have the finest connectivity at their fingertips."Zeeshan Hadi, the Country Manager of UAE & Africa at HPE Aruba Networking, said: "This joint project with DAMAC Hotels is a great example of how to efficiently enhance guest satisfaction through top-tier network solutions. By utilizing technology that has established new standards for connectivity and security, DAMAC Hotels is reinforcing the luxurious experience the brand is known for."This collaboration marks a significant step in redefining luxury living in the real estate & Hospitality sector. Together, DAMAC Hotels and HPE Aruba Networking are elevating guest satisfaction by introducing state-of-the-art network solutions tailored to the digital needs of modern residents and visitors, setting new standards in the process.

du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft, aimed at transforming the digital landscape in the UAE by combining Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing capabilities du’s network capabilities. This collaboration, which was unveiled at GITEX Global 2023, will fuel innovation and drive digital transformation for businesses, while delivering cutting-edge solutions in AI, sustainability, and cybersecurity.Under the envisaged collaboration, du ICT will establish offerings, powered by Microsoft Azure, which will provide businesses with cutting-edge technologies to drive their digital transformation journey, fueling their growth and success.Commenting on the agreement, Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, said: "We are delighted to go on this journey with Microsoft. Through this collaboration, we aim to leverage Microsoft's technology leadership to position ourselves as a major digital transformation provider in the UAE. By creating a offering specialized, AI driven services, we will empower businesses to embrace sustainability, AI, and advanced analytics, helping them thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape."Naim Yazbeck, General Manager at Microsoft UAE, added: "We look forward to working with du in their digital transformation journey. Our joint efforts will enable businesses in the UAE to harness the power of the cloud and drive innovation in AI, sustainability, and cybersecurity. By leveraging Microsoft Azure, together, we will equip organizations with the tools they need to achieve their strategic objectives and stay ahead in the digital era."This collaboration create a strong foundation for du’s own digital transformation. Microsoft's platform technologies and partner ecosystem capabilities will help du delight customers, attract top talent, and deliver optimal value for shareholders through business excellence and innovation.

Amman, Jordan: Wasslz, an Internet of Things (IoT) startup dedicated to digitally transforming how people live and work, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Al Hussein Technical University (HTU). Through this partnership, the two parties will work together on the research and development of an AI-powered electronic device recognition system, which will ultimately aim to advance progress and innovation in the field of smart energy solutions.As an academic-industrial collaboration, the partnership between Wasslz and HTU will engage local youth in activities that will advance their education and their long-term career prospects in the ICT sector, allowing them to gain a high-quality, market-driven technical education. Both partners will contribute to the research and development efforts of this landmark project, which will work to integrate advancements in artificial intelligence with the development of IoT smart energy solutions.Commenting on the occasion, the President of Al Hussein Technical University, Professor Ismael Al-Hinti, said, “At HTU, we are always pursuing opportunities to provide our students with highly engaging, practical, and meaningful educational activities—activities that will ultimately add value to their long-term career prospects and drive the progress of Jordan’s ICT sector. We are delighted to partner with an innovative startup like Wasslz, and we look forward to seeing this partnership grow and flourish in the years to come.”Meanwhile, the President of Wasslz and Managing Partner of Globitel, Fadi Qutaishat, added, “It is our greatest pleasure to partner with an esteemed technical university like HTU. The work being done by Wasslz is revolutionizing the Internet of Things landscape, especially with the integration of artificial intelligence, and we are eager to engage the young, creative, ambitious minds at HTU in helping drive industry-wide progress and innovation, by giving them an opportunity to learn through the practical, hands-on application of the knowledge they are gaining in the classroom.”

Dubai: AIQ, a technology pioneer focused on driving the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered transformation of the energy sector, and BEEAH Group, the region’s sustainability pioneer, have announced their collaboration to propel the UAE’s sustainability agenda forward in alignment with the UAE government’s vision and COP28 goals.The MoU underscores AIQ and BEEAH Group’s unwavering commitment to boosting sustainability across sectors and industries by leveraging future technologies such as AI. The entities will collaborate on AI-driven opportunities in waste management, renewable energy, transportation and jointly explore new ways to drive value creation in the areas of sustainability and new energy.The collaboration was launched with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Climate Tech Forum, held in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Omar Al Marzooqi, CEO of AIQ, and Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO, of BEEAH.Omar Al Marzooqi, CEO of AIQ, said, “The UAE’s vision to become a global hub for climate action and impactful change is inspiring collective action, which AIQ is committed to, and now, we are incredibly excited to join forces with BEEAH Group and expand our offerings beyond the energy sector. Their commitment to sustainability aligns with our mission to leverage cutting-edge technologies to develop game-changing solutions, power the progress of energy and drive growth across industries. This partnership represents a significant step in our shared vision for a sustainable future, and we look forward to what we will accomplish together.” Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH Group, said, “Driven by the pillars of sustainability and digitalization, BEEAH Group is redefining industries to be future-ready. Our businesses have demonstrated that technologies not only enable us to drive towards sustainability targets, but also achieve commercial success. We are excited to partner with AIQ to further explore new avenues for AI-based technological development, create new business efficiencies, and achieve greater targets to support the UAE’s sustainability agenda.”BEEAH Group has achieved several firsts in the region with technology and AI, such as in its iconic BEEAH Headquarters, where predictive AI and a digital twin enable operations at LEED Platinum standards, to AI-enabled solutions to meet waste management demand, automatically segregate waste and more.Combining AIQ's leadership in artificial intelligence and BEEAH Group’s expertise in sustainability and digitalization, the two organisations aim to unlock new innovations for future-ready industries.

Dubai: The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council (ADBWC), a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flat6Labs, the leading early stage venture capital firm in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation between the two parties to support and enable women entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, fulfil their aspirations, and contribute to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s economy.The MoU was signed by Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, and Ryaan Sharif, General Manager of Flat6Labs, at the Chamber's building, in the presence of representatives from both parties.Under the terms of the MoU, the two parties will organise workshops to introduce the members of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council to Flat6Labs’ services and financing programs, and provide them with the required guidance by coaches and experts to advance their business. The MoU also aims to provide women entrepreneurs with a platform to participate in the Flat6Labs Ignite program and have a chance to get financial rewards, as well as organise competitions for entrepreneurs in the technology field, which brings about mutual benefits for both sides.Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, said: “The MoU with Flat6Labs affirms the Council's unwavering commitment to developing the capabilities of women entrepreneurs and enabling them to take their businesses to the next level, in accordance with the highest international standards. There are many women-led startups with creative ideas and untapped potential, which need our support. Our partnership with Flat6Labs plays a pivotal role in assisting these startups to improve their strategy and drive their business growth.”“The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council continues to expand its strategic partnerships with different entities to fulfil its objective of supporting entrepreneurs, uncovering promising opportunities for its members, and encouraging them to realise their potential, to propel the growth of business and generate benefits for the society,” Al Fahim added.Highlighting data from Wamda which showed that through 2021, female-founded startups in the MENA received just 1.2% of the region’s venture capital funding, Ryaan Sharif, General Manager at Flat6Labs UAE said, “There is a pressing need to bridge the gender divide. Doing so will benefit the entire startup ecosystem as diversification will enable new ideas to flourish. Of the over 2,000 startups supported by Flat6Labs over the last decade, over a third (36%) have been female led, so we are keenly aware of the passion, persistence, and unique perspective that women entrepreneurs bring to the table. We take pride in partnering with the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council to level the playing field and offer promising female founders the support and mentorship they need to achieve their full potential.”

The Saudi Arabian Football Association (SAFF) has entered a new agreement with the Ecuadorian Football Federation (EFF) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Doha today.As the first agreement of its type to be signed between SAFF and a CONMEBOL Member Association, the MoU represents a new chapter for Saudi Arabia’s football ties with the South American region.The partnership aims to advance both federations’ shared goals and objectives to grow football on pitch and off in their respective countries. It addresses a wide variety of areas including, but not limited to, talent identification, refereeing, coaching, technical development, governance, women’s football and sports science.SAFF president Yasser Almisehal and EFF counterpart Francisco Egas signed the official agreement at a signing ceremony held at Saudi House, Saudi football’s dedicated home on Doha’s corniche.Ahead of both countries’ FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 campaigns, Saudi Arabia and Ecuador faced off in a friendly match in Murcia’s Estadio Nueva Condomina in June that ended in a 0-0 draw.In recent years, SAFF put pen to paper to over 20 similar agreements with other federations across the globe, including the likes of Croatia, India, Singapore and Ivory Coast, as the country progresses its footballing ambitions and strengthens partnerships across the world.“We are delighted to signal a new era of partnership between us and our good friends at the Ecuadorian Football Federation. Ecuadorian football resonates with fans across the globe as the country has produced numerous football stars in recent years and consistently qualified to the FIFA World Cup,” said Al Misehal.He added: “Today’s agreement forms as part of our strong efforts at SAFF to grow our positive influence and collaboration with all regions and members associations. We are confident this MoU will build on our existing relationship with the EFF and bring focus and structure to it moving forward. There are plenty of opportunities for us to learn from each other and collaborate on to benefit the beautiful game across our football-passionate countries.”Earlier last month, Al Misehal joined the opening ceremony of CONMEBOL's dedicated FIFA World Cup pavilion –Tree of Dreams – in Doha, representing another sign of the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and the South American governing body and its member associations.For more information about Saudi football, you can visit the SAFF website: SAFF.com.sa/en/index.php.

The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Arab Open University (AOU) in Riyadh to cooperate on implementing sports programs and promoting a sports culture with the common objective of building a healthy and active society. The MoU will further see the two entities work together to promote community sports and build a healthy lifestyle among university students.The MoU was signed in the presence of HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, President of the Saudi Sports for All Federation, and Dr.Ali bin Mohammed Al-Shahrani, Rector of the Arab Open University.Under the MoU, the Saudi Sports for All Federation will use AOU's sports facilities to launch initiatives, implement sports capacity development initiatives and sports groups, organize community sports events, and motivate students to participate in events organized by the SFA.Commenting on the collaboration, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, President of the Saudi Sports for All Federation, said: "The signing of the MoU forms part of our strategy to launch partnerships with several relevant entities, most notably the Arab Open University, where we will work together to promote a sports culture among students by organizing sports events and activities."He added: "Through this agreement, we will work together to organize community sports events and programs at the Arab Open University. We will also cooperate with the university in the fields of research, studies, data, and statistics to enhance our objective of attracting a large number of university students to participate in sports and physical activities. This will help achieve our strategic objectives."Dr. Ali Al-Shahrani, Rector of the Arab Open University in the Kingdom, said: "We are pleased to sign this MoU with the Saudi Sports for All Federation, through which we seek to provide an integrated educational environment for our male and female students by launching initiatives, sports events, and community programs within the university's facilities. This agreement will help promote a sports culture among our students."Al-Shahrani added: "Through this memorandum, we aim to provide multiple opportunities for people to participate in sports and physical activity in order to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent diseases."SFA is the main body responsible for promoting a healthy lifestyle in the Kingdom by providing opportunities for Saudi society members to participate in sports activities. The Federation will continue partnering with government entities, sports executives, sports federations, and the wider public and private sectors to achieve its objectives of promoting a healthy lifestyle.SFA focuses on four strategic priorities to increase physical activity rates: education, community, and volunteering, fitness and health, campaigns, and promotions. This strategy has been designed for women, men, youth, the elderly, and people with special needs across the Kingdom. The Federation also adopts a dynamic international networking program to introduce the brand to the sports community.The Arab Open University is a regional university located in nine Arab countries. It was founded in 1996 by HRH Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as a non-profit institution and a non-traditional education academic entity. The institution focused on scientific, social, and cultural fields. In 2002, the academic institution partnered with the Open University in the United Kingdom and transformed into an integrated university.