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Salam taps Oracle to optimize business operations

Ahmed Al-Anqari, CEO of Salam (left) with Ajay Goyal, group vice president, Oracle Communications.

Updated 28 July 2024

Arab News

July 28, 2024 22:32

Salam, a leading Saudi telecom provider, has awarded Oracle a managed services agreement to support its ongoing digital transformation. The collaboration will help Salam expedite operational excellence and enhance the experience it provides customers. These efforts will also further Salam’s contributions to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 mission, which includes making Saudi Arabia a more connected and digitized nation.
Oracle Communications Consulting will provide critical support and guidance for managed IT operations, performance management, and service quality improvement. Using an Information and Communication Technology-focused approach, Oracle will help Salam increase operational efficiencies, proactively identify and address potential issues, and enable seamless service delivery to its end customers.
“Oracle’s technologies and managed services are accelerating our time to market for 5G,” said Ahmed Al-Anqari, CEO of Salam. “As a Saudi-born company, Salam is at a digital transformation milestone in its journey. Our focus is on contributing to the advancement of KSA’s ICT sector by enhancing our managed services among many other strategic initiatives. This will enable us to better serve the unique demands of our broad and growing customer base and be future-proof starting today.”
Salam recently implemented components of Oracle Cloud Scale Monetization and Oracle Unified Operations, plus Oracle Sales CRM, to replace its legacy systems with a modular pre-integrated stack. This integration helps avoid the costly and time-consuming process of complex integrations with a high level of customization. With Oracle,
Salam can launch, orchestrate, and monetize new offerings as the market demands. Future phases will take advantage of other Oracle Communications solutions to fast-track new digital services, such as 5G-enabled streaming, AR/VR gaming, and IoT-connected devices.
“Our close collaboration with Salam will help to diversify the company’s revenue streams and strengthen its reputation as an innovator in the Middle East,” said Ajay Goyal, group vice president, Oracle Communications.
“In the fast-changing telco landscape, a cohesive managed services approach to systems, processes, and integrations is critical to the delivery of profitable services and, ultimately, a superior customer experience. We are dedicated to supporting Salam’s business transformation goals by providing exemplary operational service, and product and network expertise.”

Topics: Salam oracle

SAB and HSBC to power Riyadh Air’s expansion across Mideast, Asia

Updated 19 sec ago

Arab News

May 22, 2025 10:02

SAB and HSBC to power Riyadh Air’s expansion across Mideast, Asia

Updated 19 sec ago

Arab News

May 22, 2025 10:02

Saudi Awwal Bank, one of the leading banks in Saudi Arabia, and HSBC, the global banking and financial services organization, have together been awarded the Middle East and Asia cash management mandate for Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s digital native carrier, as it prepares to commence operations this year.

For more than 70 years, HSBC and SAB’s banking partnership has enabled clients in the Kingdom to grow domestically and expand internationally.

Together, SAB and HSBC will work closely with Riyadh Air to provide an integrated and seamless cash management program to manage all payment and liquidity needs across the two regions.

As a domestic house bank, SAB will oversee operations within Riyadh Air’s home market of Saudi Arabia when it begins operations, including facilitating payments and liquidity management. Additionally, SAB has been mandated as one of the acquirers for Riyadh Air’s e-commerce transactions, further enhancing the airline’s operational capabilities.

Simultaneously, HSBC will support Riyadh Air with its planned expansion in markets across the wider Middle East and Asia. The mandate will enable Riyadh Air to leverage HSBC’s award-winning payments solutions including Virtual Accounts, Omni Collect and automated sweeping solutions, ensuring efficient cash management and seamless liquidity across their international operations.

Executives from SAB and HSBC joined Riyadh Air at its new head office at the GACA Campus on Airport Road, for a signing ceremony to mark the partnership.

Yasser Albarrak, chief corporate and institutional banking officer at SAB, said: “We are proud to support Riyadh Air as it embarks on a journey to redefine aviation travel in the Kingdom. This partnership highlights our commitment to providing innovative banking solutions that empower groundbreaking projects in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that Riyadh Air can achieve its vision of transforming the travel experience.”

Adam Boukadida, CFO of Riyadh Air, said: “We are proud to be partnering with SAB and HSBC as we embark on our journey to revolutionize air travel. This collaboration will enable us to manage our financial operations effectively, ensuring a smooth launch and seamless service delivery.”

Kyle Boag, head of global payments solutions, HSBC Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye, said: “Connecting clients across the world is at our core. This mandate underscores HSBC’s world-leading payments solutions, our expertise in the aviation sector and our commitment to Saudi Arabia’s growth. As the largest international bank across Asia and the Middle East, we will provide Riyadh Air with seamless cash solutions as they take flight to new markets.”

PIF strengthens leadership with key appointments

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 22:18

PIF strengthens leadership with key appointments

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 22:18

PIF announced the appointment of Saad Alkroud as head of the local real estate investment division. Alkroud has served as chief of staff since 2021. This move follows the appointment of Aiman Al-Mudaifer as managing director and chief executive of NEOM. Maram Al-Johani has been named acting chief of staff, in addition to being appointed as secretary-general to the PIF board of directors.

In his new role, Alkroud will be responsible for developing PIF’s local real estate and infrastructure investment portfolio, which includes the giga-projects and several other strategic developments.

Alkroud joined PIF in 2016 as head of stakeholder management, overseeing PIF board and committees affairs and international relations, as well as managing relationships with Saudi entities to deliver strategic initiatives and objectives. In 2021, he was appointed as chief of staff, and in 2022, he took on additional responsibilities as secretary-general to the PIF board of directors. In that position, he supervised corporate strategy and business plans, PIF’s project management office, including the establishment of new companies, and the affairs of PIF’s portfolio companies, stakeholders and committees. He also serves on the boards of several PIF companies.

Meanwhile, Al-Mudaifer has led the local real estate investment division since 2018, helping to drive significant growth and transformation. As of 2023, the portfolio included more than 35 real estate companies, with investments in Saudi real estate and infrastructure continuing to deliver sustainable returns. The advancement of and investment in landmark developments and infrastructure projects have helped position PIF at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification, including the creation of tourism and cultural destinations. Al-Mudaifer has served as the acting CEO of NEOM since November 2024 and is a board member of several PIF portfolio companies.

In her new role, Al-Johani will lead organization-wide strategic planning, data and committees governance, and the project management office. In addition, she will oversee portfolio company affairs and manage international and local stakeholders. Al-Johani joined PIF in 2017 after working for PricewaterhouseCoopers. She brings extensive experience to both roles, having served as PIF’s head of data and committees governance and advisory department since 2021.

These appointments reinforce PIF’s strong leadership foundation and support the delivery of its unique mandate and long-term strategy, within the organization and across its portfolio of more than 220 companies, to create opportunities for the global economy and drive the economic transformation of Saudi Arabia.

Bateel gives back to customers with new loyalty program

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 22:17

Bateel gives back to customers with new loyalty program

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 22:17

Bateel International has launched Bateel Rewards, the company’s loyalty program designed to offer exclusive benefits to its customers. Spanning across Bateel Boutique, Café Bateel, and El’an in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the program provides members with rewarding experiences across both online, app and in-store purchases and in cafes, adding an extra touch of appreciation.

According to recent market data, 84 percent of consumers say they are more likely to stick with a brand that offers a customer loyalty scheme. Bateel has accordingly introduced its loyalty program to ensure customers not only receive exclusive benefits but also meaningful engagement. The Bateel Rewards program is now live, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing all customers with unparalleled value.

Bateel is always looking for new ways to enhance its customers’ experience, with innovation at the heart of everything it does. The brand’s loyalty program is a testament to this commitment, designed to go beyond just rewards and create a deeper, more personal connection with its valued customers.

Nurtaç Afridi, CEO at Bateel, said: “We wanted to give back to our loyal customers whose happiness is our biggest motivation. We want to ensure that every interaction with our customers is as rewarding as it is exceptional.”

Designed to integrate effortlessly with customers’ shopping journeys, Bateel Rewards offers a smooth omnichannel experience, allowing members to earn and redeem points both in-store and online. Whether visiting a Bateel Boutique, Café Bateel, Bateel El’an, or shopping via the Bateel online store, members enjoy the same seamless benefits.

Bateel Rewards is a three-tiered membership program designed to offer increasing benefits as customers engage with the brand via three options:

• Silver membership, where customers earn 10 percent back in points on their purchases.

• As they continue to shop, they progress to a Gold membership, earning 15 percent back in points.

• Customers ultimately reach Platinum status, where they receive 20 percent back in points.

Points can be accumulated and later redeemed for discounts on future purchases, ensuring that every interaction with Bateel is both rewarding and enjoyable.

The Bateel Rewards program is now live and free to download from the Apple Store or Google Play, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing all customers with unparalleled value. The program will be rolled out to other countries where Bateel operates in the next phase.

Areeb Capital signs SR5.8bn financing agreement with SNB

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 22:16

Areeb Capital signs SR5.8bn financing agreement with SNB

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 22:16

Areeb Capital, a prominent real estate fund management company, announced signing a new financing agreement with the Saudi National Bank, worth SR5.8 billion ($1.5 billion). This agreement will enhance the company’s financing capabilities for its ambitious investment projects in the Saudi real estate market.

The agreement represents a strategic step that supports the company’s efforts to expand its investment portfolio and develop innovative real estate projects that meet the local market’s needs, contributing to lucrative returns for investors and strengthening its status as a leading asset management company in the real estate funds sector.

In a statement, Areeb Capital said that the deal reflects the confidence of prominent banks in the Kingdom, led by the SNB, in its efficient performance and ability to manage and implement remarkable investment projects, particularly in emerging real estate sectors.

Headquartered in Riyadh, Areeb Capital is a leading real estate asset management company with assets under management exceeding SR20 billion. The company targets institutions, family businesses, and high-net-worth individuals, offering Shariah-compliant investment opportunities based on a deep understanding of client needs and risk factors.

Regulated by the Saudi Capital Market Authority, the company provides innovative investment solutions that contribute to developing the real estate sector in the Kingdom.

Escape the ordinary: Celebrate Eid Al-Adha at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 14:51

Escape the ordinary: Celebrate Eid Al-Adha at Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Updated 21 May 2025

Arab News

May 21, 2025 14:51

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers an exclusive opportunity to celebrate Eid in a secluded island setting within the Ummahat Islands in the Red Sea. Surrounded by one of the world’s most untouched marine environments, the resort combines refined luxury with natural beauty. With spacious villas, uninterrupted sea views, and personalized service, Nujuma is designed for guests seeking a peaceful and private holiday experience.

An Eid Al-Adha celebration like no other

To mark Eid Al-Adha, Nujuma is inviting guests to enjoy a thoughtfully curated stay that combines elevated dining, family-friendly moments, and opportunities for rest and renewal. The seasonal offer includes:

Daily breakfast and dinner for two: Guests can delight in exquisite dining each day, including two signature experiences — Arabian Surf and Turf at SITA Restaurant on June 7 and a “beach dinner under the stars” on June 8 — creating an atmosphere of celebration and culinary delight.
Family-friendly elegance: Children aged 6–12 can join the festivities for an additional SR275++ per child, making this the perfect escape for families seeking a meaningful holiday together.
20 percent savings at Neyrah Spa: Guests can rejuvenate with exclusive savings on luxurious spa treatments, tailored to restore and renew in a tranquil setting.

This offer is valid for stays from June 4–8, with a minimum three-night stay required. Guests can use the promotional code “E4000” to access the offer.

“Let Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve be the place where your Eid Al-Adha becomes more than a getaway — a time to reconnect with loved ones, reflect on the season, and enjoy the rare stillness of an island sanctuary,” a press statement said.

Tucked away in the remote Ummahat Islands along Saudi Arabia’s ecologically rich Red Sea coast, Nujuma is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East.

This secluded sanctuary features 65 elegantly designed beach and overwater villas, each offering expansive living spaces, panoramic sea views, and private pools. Inspired by the natural curves of seashells and built with locally sourced materials, the architecture pays homage to the region’s heritage and environment.

Guests can indulge in curated culinary journeys across four distinctive dining venues, where modern gastronomy is elevated by thoughtful storytelling and authentic flavors. Every experience at Nujuma, from wellness at the Neyrah Spa, to stargazing and marine exploration is crafted to connect guests to the rhythms of nature and the spirit of Saudi Arabia.

With a deep commitment to regenerative tourism, cultural authenticity, and meaningful connection, Nujuma is not simply a destination — it is a rare journey into the heart of refined discovery.

For reservations and inquiries, please call +966 1-45040000, email reservations.nujuma@ritzcarlton.com, or visit the website here.

Salam taps Oracle to optimize business operations