Smart Link creates Saudi jobs, invests in KSA skills development with Avaya

Smart Link is the largest business process outsourcing center in the Middle East.
Updated 19 May 2017
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Smart Link creates Saudi jobs, invests in KSA skills development with Avaya

Smart Link Contact Centers, a business process and contact center outsourcing provider in Saudi Arabia, has announced the completion of an expansion project for its contact center in the Kingdom.
The project, undertaken with Avaya, resulted in the addition of 600 agent seats creating employment opportunities for Saudi citizens.
The company is deploying contact center solutions from Avaya to meet growing demand from public-sector organizations to engage more effectively with citizens, as the Kingdom launches a range of initiatives in line with Vision 2030.
Smart Link delivers flexible solutions and services to more than 50 organizations in the Kingdom, and the expansion of its operations will enable the government to increase the deployment of digital services.
Smart Link, the largest business process outsourcing center in the Middle East, is committed to the recruitment and training of Saudi women, with over 70 percent of its workforce being women.
Smart Link is a subsidiary of Al-Khaleej Training & Education, the largest network of training centers in Saudi Arabia.
Safwan Al-Khatib, senior vice president of Al-Khaleej Group and managing director of Smart Link, said: “At Smart Link, we aim to support the vision of the government by providing the latest communication solutions to connect government and private organizations to their customers.”
He added: “This offering is elevated by building strategic alliances with leading companies in this industry. Leveraging our strategic partnership with Avaya, we have further expanded to meet the growing communication needs of our government customers, raising the citizen experience in Saudi Arabia to new heights.”
He said: “The addition of 600 new agent seats will significantly contribute to raising customer services to the highest international quality standards.”
Nidal Abou-Ltaif, president, Avaya International, said: “We at Avaya take pride in this partnership with Smart Link, making sure that our joint efforts have an impact on the customer experience level in the Kingdom ... Smart Link has a unique competitive advantage with Al-Khaleej Training and Education, which supports them contribute significantly to Vision 2030. With the hiring of women in the workforce, the company is committed to training and developing the Kingdom’s talent.”


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
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Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action. 

From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season. 

Key sporting events taking place during DSF: 

Dubai Racing Carnival 

  • Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13. 
  • Location: Meydan Racecourse 

The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys. 

More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday 

Silver Cup 

  • Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24 
  • Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club 

Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup 

Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4 

  • Date: Jan. 4 
  • Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track 

The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4 

Hood to Coast Dubai 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve 

Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast 

Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k) 

  • Date: Jan. 10 
  • Location: Meydan 

Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run 

Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026 

  • Date: Jan. 11 
  • Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026. 

  • More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon 

A citywide sporting season 

With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.