Saudi Research and Media Group launches SRMG Media Solutions
SRMG has launched SRMG Media Solutions (SMS), a cutting-edge, data-driven advertising company aimed at delivering innovative, performance-focused media strategies. Building on the legacy of Al Khaleejiah, which has played a pivotal role in driving revenue and forming strategic brand partnerships for over three decades, SMS is set to transform how brands engage with global audiences across digital, social, TV, audio, and print platforms.
As the exclusive media sales representative for SRMG's expansive portfolio, SMS taps into the group's strength as the MENA region's leading integrated media entity. Advertisers will gain access to premier titles such as Asharq Al-Awsat, Asharq News, Asharq Business with Bloomberg, Al Eqtisadiah, Akhbaar24, Arab News, Hia, Sayidaty, Billboard Arabia, Manga Arabia, and Thmanyah. In addition to traditional platforms, SMS will offer immersive brand experiences through signature events like the Billboard Arabia Music Awards and Hia Hub.
Boasting a global reach of over 170m users, SMS empowers brands with the tools to execute high-impact campaigns through AI-powered audience segmentation, real-time analytics, first-party data, and the latest AdTech innovations. This enables highly personalised, results-oriented marketing with precise targeting across multiple channels.
Jomana R. Alrashid, CEO of SRMG, commented: 'The launch of SMS represents a pivotal moment for both SRMG and the media industry. I take great pride in the legacy built with Al Khaleejiah, and I'm excited to see how it will evolve with SMS to better meet the needs of modern digital audiences. In an era where data is reshaping how brands connect with audiences, SMS provides advertisers with the tools they need to navigate this dynamic landscape. Our strategic approach, combining SRMG's unrivalled reach with data-driven precision, ensures that SMS is not just another media sales house, but a game-changer in the advertising space. As the industry moves towards AI-driven marketing and targeted content strategies, SMS will play a crucial role in shaping the future of advertising in the MENA region and beyond.'
Ziad Moussa, Managing Director at SMS, added: 'SMS is transforming advertising through AI-driven audience segmentation, real-time analytics, and first-party data insights. By integrating digital, audio, TV, print, and experiential platforms, we empower brands to execute seamless, high-impact campaigns. As we innovate with advanced ad products and immersive storytelling, SMS is setting new benchmarks for targeted, performance-driven advertising in the MENA region.'
The launch of SMS comes at a time when the market is experiencing significant growth. According to IAB MENA, the MENA digital ad spend market saw a remarkable 13.6% increase, surpassing $6bn for the first time. This surge highlights MENA as one of the fastest-growing media markets, driven by a 15% rise in video consumption. Key factors fueling this growth include greater internet and mobile penetration, a large youth demographic, high social media engagement, a booming e-commerce sector, and increasing video content consumption. Leading the charge are Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the broader GCC region.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
14 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 10-year-old Emirati girl builds AI academy for kids, aims to bridge gender gap
A 10-year-old Emirati has launched an AI (artificial intelligence) academy designed entirely for children — a platform that could reshape how young learners approach technology education. AlDhabi AlMheiri 's AI Learning Academy targets children aged 7 to 13, aiming to boost global digital literacy. A study noted that while 44 per cent of children globally use AI tools, only 27 per cent understand how they work. Structured AI education is offered in less than 10 per cent of primary schools worldwide. AlDhabi, who is also a four-time Guinness World Record holder, created 20 video-based lessons covering AI fundamentals, ethics, and entrepreneurship. Each module includes printable worksheets and practical projects designed to turn abstract concepts into engaging learning experiences. 'I didn't want my lessons to sound too formal,' AlDhabi told Khaleej Times. 'So I used simple language, friendly cartoon characters, and examples that children actually relate to.' Peer-designed content Studies support her approach: Peer-designed content improves understanding and retention by up to 40%, especially for abstract subjects. Children are also three times more likely to ask questions when learning from materials created 'by kids for kids.' AlDhabi's platform directly addresses the 30 per cent gender gap in AI participation among middle school students in the MENA region, offering dedicated 'Girls in AI' workshops alongside modules on machine versus human intelligence and AI in daily life. Unusually for children's tech platforms, the academy also includes entrepreneurship content. Students are encouraged to think like builders and creators while learning core values such as privacy, fairness, and responsibility. 'I want kids to feel like creators, not just consumers,' she explained. 'They can build, they can lead, and they can start young.' The platform enforces strict child data protection, requires parental consent, and offers content in Arabic and English. It aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, gender equality, and reduced inequalities. AlDhabi's child-led model offers a grassroots solution that's both scalable and culturally grounded. Her publishing house, Rainbow Chimney, has already reached thousands of young readers, and the new academy could do the same for AI learning. 'Technology shouldn't belong only to adults,' she said. 'Children can understand it, shape it, and lead its future — if we just let them in.' The 10-year-old Emirati has an impressive set of relative credentials, including 163 hours of IBM-certified AI training, executive education at NYU Abu Dhabi, and a fellowship at Georgetown University's entrepreneurship programme. The free platform is now live at offering multilingual, child-safe access for families and schools worldwide.
Tahawul Tech
2 days ago
- Tahawul Tech
World Fintech Day 2025: MENA region evolves into global fintech powerhouse
Dubai — Once labelled an emerging market, the MENA region has rapidly transformed into a thriving global Fintech hub. With trailblazing regulations, deep public-private collaboration, and a culture of innovation, the region is now setting benchmarks in digital finance. On this World Fintech Day, all eyes are on MENA—not just for participation, but for leadership in the Fintech revolution. Over the past five years, MENA has demonstrated exponential growth across digital payments, AI-powered financial services, open banking frameworks, and tokenised assets. According to a 2025 Finextra Insights report, Fintech investments in the region surpassed USD 6.1 billion in H1 alone—a 37% year-on-year rise—driven by funding rounds in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The study also highlights that 65% of consumers in the region now prefer digital-first financial services, a sharp increase from 44% in 2022. Driving this momentum is the MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), an organisation pivotal in connecting industry regulators, financial institutions, and Fintech innovators under a unified vision. Through its expanding regional chapters across Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Africa, MFTA has become the cornerstone of Fintech policy advocacy and ecosystem development. 'The MENA region has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set new benchmarks for financial innovation,' said Nameer Khan, Chairman, MFTA. 'By aligning regulation with innovation and fostering collaboration across borders, we at MFTA are shaping not just a regional success story, but a global one.' This year's spotlight also falls on the importance of robust cybersecurity amid growing digitalisation. Fintechs, while known for their cutting-edge tech stacks, face increasingly complex threats from AI-driven attacks. 'Fintechs are often seen as cybersecurity trailblazers,' noted Mohammed Al-Moneer, Sr. Regional Director, Middle East, Turkey & Africa at Infoblox. 'But perceived cybersecurity maturity does not equal immunity. Attackers are getting faster and smarter, often using AI to write malicious code or detect vulnerabilities more efficiently.' Al-Moneer emphasised the need to revisit foundational tools. 'DNS is more than just internet plumbing. It offers one of the most efficient early warning systems against cyber threats, providing deep visibility into malicious activity without operational overhead. For fintechs navigating high stakes and relentless attacks, DNS could be the edge that keeps them ahead of the game.' The 2025 Fintech Outlook by MEED echoes this sentiment, reporting that 73% of MENA Fintechs plan to increase investments in cyber resilience tools this year. Moreover, initiatives like the UAE's AI-Powered Compliance Sandbox and Saudi Arabia's Fintech Saudi accelerator are embedding security and innovation into the DNA of regional Fintechs. The convergence of bold regulation, technological innovation, and regional collaboration is now positioning MENA as an exportable model for global Fintech success. On this World Fintech Day, the region's message is clear: Fintech is not just an industry—it is a movement, and MENA is shaping its next frontier.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Alpha Dhabi records accelerated growth in H1 2025
The depth and diversity of Alpha Dhabi's future-focused portfolio supported the group's sustainable growth and value creation With a strong asset and firm equity base, the group is well positioned for growth in H2 2025 as strategic acquisitions and investments deliver shareholder value Key contributions to revenue included Industrial AED 13.4 billion, Real Estate AED 12.7 billion, Construction AED 6 billion, and Services & Others AED 3.7 billion Abu Dhabi, UAE: Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC ('Alpha Dhabi' or 'the Group'), one of the fastest-growing investment holding companies in the MENA region, listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: AlphaDhabi), delivered a strong financial performance in the first half of 2025, bolstered by adjusted EBITDA surging AED 8.7 billion with an increase of 34% year on year, respectively. Alpha Dhabi's sustained focus on capturing strategic opportunities and continued momentum in executing its strategy across key verticals is evident in the strong financial performance, with group revenue climbing to AED 35.9 billion with an increase of 23% year on year. The group's financial position remains robust, with total assets of AED 198.4 billion and equity of AED 98.1 billion, as it delivers on the group's vision for 2030 by focusing on innovation, strategic growth, and community impact. Group net profit of AED 6.6 billion was in line with 2024, despite a decrease in non-recurring accounting adjustments of AED 1.4 billion, which included fluctuations in the fair market value of some of the publicly listed companies in Alpha Dhabi's portfolio. The results demonstrate how Alpha Dhabi's sustained focus is delivering long-term shareholder value and accelerated business growth, as the group's core differentiator – investing in future-focused industries – strengthens its position as a leading global investment holding group based in Abu Dhabi. The progressive diversification and expansion of Alpha Dhabi's investment portfolio have played a pivotal role in enhancing revenue generation and contributing to the growth. Noteworthy revenue contributions originated from key sectors within the portfolio, including industrial (AED 13.4 billion), real estate (AED 12.8 billion), construction (AED 6 billion), as well as services and other segments (AED 3.7 billion). H.E. Mohamed Thani Murshed Ghannam Al Rumaithi, Chairman of Alpha Dhabi Holding, said: 'We remained focused on building scale, creating synergies, and enabling innovation in the first half of 2025 to offer investors access to a diverse range of premium assets that matter to Abu Dhabi's economy. Innovation and sustainable growth remain the cornerstones of our true foundation as we invest with purpose and help build a resilient, future-ready economy for the UAE's sustained growth and long-term prosperity.' Eng. Hamad Al Ameri, Managing Director and Group CEO of Alpha Dhabi Holding PJSC of Alpha Dhabi Holding, said: 'We have delivered another strong half-year, adding strategic investments in sectors we believe will support in shaping the future. Our fundamentals remain sound, our partnerships are growing, and the results speak for themselves, with a 34% rise in adjusted EBITDA, reaching AED 8.7 billion. We are well-positioned to keep building on this momentum, with growth remaining our top priority – in revenue, acquisitions, and profitability, as well as in capabilities, innovation, and impact – as we push the boundaries of what is possible throughout the rest of 2025 and beyond.' Alpha Dhabi's increasingly diversified portfolio—spanning multiple geographies and forward-looking sectors—continues to serve as a foundation for sustained growth. As the Group advances its strategic focus on sustainable business models, broadening revenue streams, and driving value creation through targeted investments, notable contributions include revenue of AED 4.6 billion generated from outside the UAE by ADH's portfolio companies. H1 2025 Key Highlights Excellence crosses the portfolio companies and shareholders This quarter, Alpha Dhabi Holding and four of its portfolio companies featured in the Forbes Top 100 Listed Companies in the Middle East 2025. Alpha Dhabi Holding has been ranked 14th place, ALDAR Properties (30th), PureHealth (44th), NMDC Group (48th), and NMDC Energy (82nd), demonstrating the growth and strategic importance of UAE companies in the region's economic landscape. This recognition reflects the strength of visionary leadership, operational excellence, and the collective drive to create long-term value across the region. Additionally, Alpha Dhabi Holding has been honoured to receive the Sharjah Excellence Award 2024, that is held under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The prestigious ceremony was organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. PureHealth was also recognized as the UAE's Most Valuable Healthcare Brand by Brand Finance. In addition, NMDC Energy has received The ICV Excellence Award in the category of Semi-Governmental Manufacturers at the Make it in Emirates forum in Abu Dhabi. Aldar & Modon Holding: pioneering real-estate sector Aldar has demonstrated continued strategic activity across its portfolio, including the acquisition of premium warehousing and light industrial real estate assets in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi from Waha, valued at AED 530 million. Aldar Education revealed an exclusive collaboration with the internationally acclaimed King's College School Wimbledon to establish its inaugural regional campus on Abu Dhabi's Fahid Island. Further advancing its development footprint on Fahid Island, Aldar unveiled the masterplan for what is set to be Abu Dhabi's next iconic island destination and a gross development value exceeding AED 40 billion. Aldar announced a landmark partnership with Hilton (NYSE: HLT) to introduce Abu Dhabi's first Waldorf Astoria Residences, which will also be the first branded residential offering on Yas Island. Trojan: Powering the UAE's AI Strategy Trojan General Contracting & Samsung C&T officially kick off site activities for state of the art open-cycle gas turbine (OCGT) power generation plant in the Al-Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. This project will have a generation capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW), supporting the growing energy demands of the UAE. The project aligns with the UAE government's forward-looking Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy, with EWEC partnering with both Taqa and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) on initiatives to integrate advanced energy technologies. PureHealth: elevating healthcare sector PureHealth announced the strategic expansion of its insurance arm, Daman, marking its transformation from a health-focused provider into a comprehensive, multi-line insurer with entry into the high-growth Property and Casualty (P&C) segment. On PureHealth's subsidiaries level, SEHA partnered with the number one USA children's hospital, Cincinnati Children's, through SEHA Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), to deliver world-class paediatric expertise to Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Industrial sector support national agenda NMDC Energy PJSC (ADX: NMDCENR has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Al Gharbia, a leading Abu Dhabi-based manufacturer of advanced pipelines, to jointly explore opportunities to expedite pipe production within the UAE in response to growing domestic and regional demand. In parallel, the company has executed an extension of its Long-Term Agreement with Aramco, marking a significant milestone in NMDC Energy's ongoing strategic expansion efforts across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The best technology startups in the energy sector by Enersol: Backed by Alpha Dhabi Holding and ADNOC Drilling, in collaboration with C3 - Companies Creating Change, this is the first of its kind search for the best energy technology startups using AI and digitalization, including operational efficiency, robotics, emissions reduction, measurement-while-drilling, next-generation resource optimization and more. Finalists have a real chance to break into the industry and gain access to potential investors, mentorship and visibility. Steady growth with luxury hospitality brands – ADMO lifestyle Red Sea Global (RSG), the PIF backed developer behind regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea, unveiled Nammos Resort AMAALA, setting a new standard for luxury in the Red Sea region. This partnership marks Nammos Hotels & Resorts' first hotel outside of Greece, bringing its iconic Cycladic elegance and world-renowned hospitality to Saudi Arabia and it set to open in Q4 2025. Additionally, ADMO Lifestyle Holding has become the controlling shareholder in the distinguished Lebanese fine dining brand Em Sherif. This transaction follows ADMO's initial investment in the renowned Lebanese Mediterranean cuisine brand in October 2023. About Alpha Dhabi Holding Alpha Dhabi Holding (ADH), a UAE listed group, was established in 2013 and is one of the fastest growing Abu Dhabi based investment holding companies, with more than 250 businesses spread across healthcare, renewable energy, petrochemicals and other industries such as real estate, construction and hospitality. With over 95,000 employees, ADH is a strategic contributor to the UAE economy and is committed to drive continuous growth for its stakeholders through investments in emerging businesses, supporting innovation and diversity. For more information, please visit
