logo
Powering Saudi Arabia's Digital Leap

Powering Saudi Arabia's Digital Leap

TECHx01-03-2025
Powering Saudi Arabia's Digital Leap: Interview with Håkan Cervell
Ericsson marked its fourth consecutive year at LEAP, underscoring its continued commitment to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its ambitious digital transformation journey. Håkan Cervell, Vice President and Head of CU Saudi Arabia at Ericsson, shared insights on the company's ongoing initiatives and the pivotal role of advanced technologies like 5G and AI in accelerating the Kingdom's technological landscape.
Ericsson's longstanding presence at LEAP is a testament to the company's dedication to Saudi Arabia's digital future. Cervell emphasized how Ericsson's collaborations with local telecom leaders are actively contributing to the Kingdom's evolving infrastructure.
'We're proud to have partnered with stc Group to achieve a world-first 5G Advanced capability, integrating Automated Radio Resource Partitioning on a 5G standalone network slice. Additionally, our work with Mobily on an AI-powered 5G uplink interference optimizer highlights our focus on enhancing network performance,' Cervell said.
These milestones are part of Ericsson's broader strategy to help build a robust digital infrastructure, enhance 5G connectivity, and elevate user experiences across Saudi Arabia.
At LEAP 2025, Ericsson unveiled a host of AI-powered automation and optimization tools designed to drive digital transformation across industries in Saudi Arabia. The theme 'Step Forward: Discover the Unfolding Future' guided the showcase, which featured live demonstrations of next-gen technologies in 5G, AI, and advanced network solutions.
'Through immersive use cases, we highlighted how AI-driven automation is reshaping connectivity and business in the Kingdom,' Cervell noted. 'Our Tech Insights sessions offered deep dives into the impact of AI on enterprises and consumers, positioning Ericsson as a key enabler of digital progress in the region.'
Ericsson views 5G as a critical driver of innovation, particularly in sectors like healthcare, energy, and entertainment. Cervell pointed to the increasing demand for differentiated connectivity in Saudi Arabia, as highlighted in Ericsson's ConsumerLab report, as a clear sign of 5G's transformative potential.
'In Saudi Arabia, 5G is revolutionizing industries by offering faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability. It's enabling real-time insights, improving efficiency, and unlocking new digital experiences,' Cervell explained.
Notable examples of Ericsson's success in the Kingdom include the implementation of a shared 5G indoor connectivity solution with ACES NH, which enhances network performance in high-traffic areas, and a partnership with Tawal to deliver a fully integrated neutral host provider ecosystem for indoor 5G networks.
Further innovations include a new MOU with Mobily to explore intent-driven autonomous networks, aimed at boosting operational efficiency, service quality, and user experience.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Ericsson's digital transformation efforts. In line with Saudi Arabia's sustainability objectives, Ericsson has integrated sustainable practices into its 5G and AI technologies.
Through initiatives like the Ericsson Product Take-Back Program with stc, the company promotes responsible e-waste management. Additionally, its energy-efficient solutions, such as the Radio 6646, help reduce network energy consumption while maintaining high performance. Collaboration with partners like IoT Squared and Alshaya Group also led to the launch of the Ericsson Connected Recycling Platform, leveraging AI and IoT to foster sustainable practices in the retail sector.
'Our sustainable innovations extend beyond technology,' Cervell said. 'We are nurturing local talent through the Ericsson Fresh Graduates Program, which has already employed over 160 young professionals in Saudi Arabia. This contributes to building local expertise and supports the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goal of creating a sustainable, tech-driven economy.'
Looking ahead, Cervell sees 5G playing a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia's digital ecosystem over the next 5-10 years. With the Kingdom investing heavily in emerging technologies and digital infrastructure, 5G will be at the heart of smart industries, public services, and economic diversification.
'Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leader in MENA's digital transformation,' Cervell said. 'By leveraging 5G, AI, and cloud technologies, the Kingdom will unlock new efficiencies across sectors, enhancing connectivity across both urban and remote areas. Ericsson is proud to support this vision, ensuring that 5G forms the foundation for a more connected, innovative, and sustainable digital economy.'
Ericsson's presence at LEAP 2025 not only highlights the company's commitment to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 but also reinforces its role as a key player in shaping the future of digital transformation in Saudi Arabia. With cutting-edge innovations in AI, 5G, and sustainable technologies, Ericsson is paving the way for a brighter, more connected future for the Kingdom.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

What foreigners need to know about buying property in Saudi Arabia
What foreigners need to know about buying property in Saudi Arabia

The National

time35 minutes ago

  • The National

What foreigners need to know about buying property in Saudi Arabia

Foreigners will be able to buy real estate in designated areas in Saudi Arabia from January 2026. Housing Minister Majed Al Hogail told the Saudi Gazette on Wednesday that 'ownership will be permitted within specific geographic areas − particularly in the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah − with special requirements for ownership in Makkah and Madinah'. In January, the kingdom allowed foreigners to invest in publicly listed local companies that own real estate in Makkah and Madinah. Saudi Arabia has taken several measures to boost its attractiveness as a global investment destination as part of its Vision 2030 plan to wean the economy off its dependency on oil revenues. Here's what you need to know about buying property in Saudi Arabia: Where can foreigners buy property in Saudi Arabia? Starting January 2026, international buyers will gain access to the Saudi real estate market within designated areas. While Riyadh and Jeddah are likely to be prioritised for foreign ownership, Makkah and Madinah will have specific conditions or restrictions. Not all areas will be open to foreign ownership. The Real Estate General Authority, the regulatory body for real estate in Saudi Arabia, will define the permitted zones and their conditions in the forthcoming executive regulations. 'The law includes geographic restrictions to maintain cultural, religious and regulatory sensitivities. These measures aim to balance international investment with national interests and community integrity,' says Amar Hussain, associate partner, research – Middle East, at real estate consultancy Knight Frank. The law is expected to permit ownership of various asset types, including residential and commercial properties and possibly agricultural land, subject to specific location-based conditions and oversight, Mr Hussain adds. Most of Saudi Arabia's future projects are in Riyadh and Jeddah as the kingdom prepares for the Fifa World Cup in 2034. In addition, the 2029 Asian Winter Games will be another opportunity to showcase the development work in the kingdom, according to Junaid Ansari, director of investment strategy and research at Kamco Invest. Who can buy under the new scheme? The new law is understood to include both foreign residents and non-resident foreigners, effectively opening the kingdom to a global investor base, Matthew Green, head of research at CBRE Mena, says. In other similar moves within the region − namely the UAE, Qatar and Oman − this has led to the start of a new real estate cycle and subsequent positive value growth in the preceding years, as 'improved ownership title, new regulations, bigger addressable market and wider source markets' help to transform the real estate landscape, he explains. Why buy in Saudi Arabia? The local demand is significant and there is an undersupply in the residential sector. Also, prices in Saudi Arabia are still broadly lower than similar property prices in the UAE, according to Mr Ansari. House prices in the designated international investment zones are likely to perform better, or grow faster than the rest of the market, where the rate of house price growth is likely to slow as domestic households move into longer holding patterns before they are able to transact, according to Faisal Durrani, head of research Mena at Knight Frank. Can foreigners buy property in the kingdom today? International buyers and investors are already able to access the property market in the kingdom under the property-ownership linked premium residency visa, which was launched in January 2024, Mr Durrani says. The conditions attached to this are a minimum spend of 4 million Saudi riyals ($1.1 million) and that the properties must be fully completed and mortgage-free, he informs. Separately, this January, laws were amended to permit international investors to access property markets in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah through listed property development companies. 'In the wake of Vision 2030 and the subsequent giga project announcements, demand from international buyers for homes in the kingdom has been building on the sidelines,' Mr Durrani says. 'This demand is strongest among global Muslim high-net-worth individuals who are non-residential in the kingdom. In fact, 86 per cent of global Muslim HNWIs are keen to own a home in the kingdom, with the majority focused on the Makkah and Madinah.' Mr Green of CBRE says ownership in the kingdom is currently restricted to those participating in the premium residence scheme through licensed foreign developers and other indirect ownership vehicles, including real estate funds or through shares in a publicly listed company. What can you buy? The new law is expected to permit a broader scope for foreign ownership, with individual units and buildings across designated areas, Mr Green says. 'Opening the market up to international buyers and investors is something that has been long anticipated,' Mr Durrani says. This will facilitate greater international investment, while ensuring that Saudi nationals aspiring to own a home are not necessarily competing directly with global buyers Faisal Durrani, head of research Mena, Knight Frank 'This is an exceptionally positive move and will facilitate greater international investment in the real estate market, while ensuring that Saudi nationals aspiring to own a home are not necessarily competing directly with global buyers.' What hurdles are investors likely to face? The biggest hurdle would be the residency issue, but the kingdom is expected to ease the golden visa programme and other ways to attract talent and people, says Mr Ansari from Kamco Invest. 'Even the UAE opened its market very gradually. We believe the UAE's experience would also play a key role in drafting future residency rules,' he reckons. The executive regulations defining ownership procedures, eligibility and restrictions are still pending in the kingdom. 'It is highly likely that the Real Estate General Authority regulations will include updated terms and fees related to acquiring the new property title, and that some of the historical taxations may be amended to encourage foreign investors to enter the market,' CBRE's Mr Green says. 'However, preparations have already begun, with REGA now working to finalise the finer details of the law, including clarification on the designated areas, related restrictions, refinement of the registration process, and related fees.' However, the Saudi real estate market is still maturing, and processes may not be as streamlined as in neighbouring countries, according to Knight Frank. Will foreign ownership make house prices more unaffordable? The decision to allow international buyers access to real estate markets in the kingdom in specific investment zones is likely to be confined to the major giga projects, which will have the impact of creating a two-tiered market – one for international buyers and one for domestic buyers, says Harmen de Jong, regional partner – head of consulting at Knight Frank. As a result, prices within giga projects are likely to accelerate faster than the rest of the more mainstream market, he estimates. The acceleration of house prices in Saudi Arabia over the past five years has been 'exceptional', with prices for apartments in Riyadh, for instance, up by nearly 82 per cent since 2019. However, salaries have not risen by a commensurate level and affordability challenges have begun to emerge, according to Knight Frank. Mr Ansari from Kamco Invest also expects property supply to 'increase gradually' as regional and international real estate companies boost their presence in the kingdom, similar to the gradual growth recorded in the UAE and other GCC countries that opened their real estate sector. Is property tax levied in Saudi Arabia? Historically, Saudi Arabia has not imposed property taxes in the same way as some other countries, but this may change with the new regulations, according to Mr Hussain from Knight Frank. Detailed provisions regarding legal protections, rights of inheritance and dispute resolution mechanisms are not yet available. More clarity will come with the release of executive regulations, he adds. Saudi Arabia levies a 5 per cent real estate transaction tax, which is applied to the ownership transfer of an asset based on the property's sale value. This is normally paid by the seller in advance, CBRE's Mr Green says. However, there are multiple exceptions, such as for inheritance, when the transfer is to a first degree relative. Similarly for other government and special interest cases, the tax is sometimes exempted. 'There is also 15 per cent VAT, which is sometimes applied to the sale and lease of commercial properties (including office, retail and industrial properties), but residential properties are exempted,' he says. 'Other fees are also applied, including title deed registration, service connection fees, permitting fees, etc. 'Finally, there is a capital gains tax that can be applied on the sale of a business asset (real estate, shares, etc.) if it is traded for a profit over and above the original purchase value. The application of this tax can vary, with a 2.5 per cent zakat or 20 per cent tax on ordinary income. However, the CGT is not currently being applied to an individual buying or selling property.'

IDeaS accelerates expansion in Saudi Arabia with Elaf Group Partnership
IDeaS accelerates expansion in Saudi Arabia with Elaf Group Partnership

Tourism Breaking News

timea day ago

  • Tourism Breaking News

IDeaS accelerates expansion in Saudi Arabia with Elaf Group Partnership

Post Views: 49 IDeaS announced a new partnership with Elaf Group for the implementation of IDeaS' G3 Revenue Management System across an initial four hotels in the Elaf Group portfolio. With this agreement, IDeaS continues to expand its footprint in Saudi Arabia whose ambitious Vision 2030 goals include 362,000 new hotels rooms by 2030 under the Kingdom's US$110 billion hospitality expansion initiative. Currently, IDeaS' solutions have been implemented in 144 hotels across the Kingdom, with strong and growing demand projected for the future. Elaf Group is preparing to double the size of its hotel portfolio in the coming years. By partnering with IDeaS, they will be able to scale their operations effectively and optimize their revenue strategies. The partnership will enable Elaf Group to leverage advanced data-driven insights, enhance their decision-making processes, and ultimately achieve their growth objectives more efficiently. The Group Pricing capabilities of G3 RMS, with its ability to quickly determine a group's entire value and the value of any potential business being displaced, are a key component of Elaf Group's decision to partner with IDeas. As hotels in Madinah rely heavily on both pilgrimage-driven groups and leisure business, the ability to accept the most profitable business is crucial. Balancing their demand needs helps hotels optimize occupancy and revenue, ensuring sustainable growth and guest satisfaction. Mohamed Abbas, Commercial & Revenue Director at Elaf Group said: 'We have chosen IDeaS because of their system's accurate forecasting capabilities, strong pricing tools and inventory controls that can all be managed by a small, centralized team. IDeaS is a reliable partner who will help us drive the revenue growth needed for us to continue our planned expansion in Saudi Arabia.' Ibrahim Saba, Principal Sales Director – Europe, Middle East & Africa at IDeaS commented: 'The G3 Revenue Management System will empower Elaf Group to navigate complex, seasonally dynamic markets like Jeddah and Madinah, while optimizing revenue capture from the growing demand in Riyadh.'

Zain Iraq CEO Emre Gurkan on empowering Iraq's digital future
Zain Iraq CEO Emre Gurkan on empowering Iraq's digital future

Gulf Business

timea day ago

  • Gulf Business

Zain Iraq CEO Emre Gurkan on empowering Iraq's digital future

Image: Supplied As Iraq accelerates its digital transformation, Zain Iraq is emerging as a key architect of this new future. From pioneering 5G readiness and network modernization to investing in youth empowerment, tech entrepreneurship, and eSports, the telecom giant is leveraging its capabilities and partnerships to redefine connectivity and innovation in the country. In this exclusive interview, Emre Gurkan, CEO of Iraq's digital transformation is gaining momentum. How is Zain Iraq driving this journey forward? Iraq's digital transformation presents significant opportunities, and at Zain Iraq, we are committed to playing a pivotal role in its advancement. We are investing in network modernisation, with a focus on Beyond connectivity, our ecosystem companies such as Horizon Scope and Next Generation are delivering ICT services, cloud and data center solutions, cybersecurity, and distribution. These efforts, combined with government collaboration, are reshaping Iraq's telecom experience and enabling a digitally inclusive future. What challenges does Iraq's digital ecosystem face, and how is Zain Iraq addressing them? Zain Iraq plays a strategic role in Iraq's public-private partnership framework. We leverage regional expertise and our ecosystem of sister companies to bridge infrastructure gaps and support the digital economy. We also advocate for forward-looking policies and introduce digital tools that benefit sectors like education and healthcare. A major priority is youth skills development. Through our Zain Youth programme and partnerships with organisations like The Station, we offer mentorship, digital literacy training, and innovation platforms to prepare young Iraqis for future careers in tech. Tell us what initiatives you have launched to empower youth and foster innovation? Iraqi youth are at the heart of our transformation strategy. Under our Zain Youth program, we have launched coding bootcamps, innovation labs, and entrepreneurship competitions in partnership with The Station, Google Developers, and others. We also support digital literacy initiatives in schools and universities to build a more inclusive, future-ready society. How is Zain Iraq using innovation to ensure digital inclusion across sectors? Innovation is embedded in everything we do. Whether it's data analytics for public service improvement or tailored telecom products like the Kafoo plan, our approach is to adapt global tech to local needs. We are enabling smart cities, supporting SMEs, and delivering customer-centric platforms to ensure no one is left behind in Iraq's digital journey. How is the company supporting Iraq's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem? We are deeply invested in fostering tech entrepreneurship. Zain Iraq supports incubation programs, co-working spaces, and mentorship platforms in partnership with educational institutions and government bodies. We also back events like ITEX Iraq and the Baghdad International Fair, in collaboration with Horizon Scope. Additionally, our tailored connectivity and cloud solutions help startups scale their operations, with the goal of expanding their reach regionally and globally. How is Zain Iraq collaborating with the government and global tech firms to support 5G and broader digital expansion? Public-private collaboration is central to our strategy. We work with regulators to shape digital policy and partner with global tech leaders such as Huawei, Nokia, and Ericsson. We are technically ready to launch 5G services across all Iraqi governorates and are focused on initiatives that unlock digital value across sectors like healthcare, education, and fintech. With eSports on the rise in Iraq, how is the company nurturing this space? eSports is one of Iraq's fastest-growing sectors, and we are supporting it with low-latency connectivity, local tournament sponsorships, and dedicated gaming platforms. Through our Zain eSports arm, we are bringing Iraqi talent to regional and global platforms. In 2024 alone, Zain eSports held 50 activations across our operations, reflecting our commitment to building a vibrant gaming ecosystem.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store