LG Electronics (LG) — a global leader and technology innovator, unveiled a lineup of premium products for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region at the company’s annual two-day innovation event — InnoFest 2018.
Held in Cape Town, South Africa, and attracting over 300 retailers, partners and customers from across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), Innofest 2018 represents an ideal platform to showcase latest products and ground-breaking technologies.
Speaking at Innofest 2018, Kevin Cha, president, LG Electronics Middle East and Africa, said: “Today businesses are evolving at a rapid pace more than ever before and it is during these testing times, that we adapt and keep up with the changes to be able to prosper and achieve sustainability. Building on our premium products strategy for the region, we remain committed to working and engaging with our various channel partners to ensure LG innovation and technology remains at the forefront of our business strategy to increase profitability and growth in the MEA.”
The key highlights included the latest OLED TV with the 65-inch LG W8 with a built-in a9 Intelligent Processor, which made its debut at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES); the TwinWashTM washing machine with the capability to wash two loads simultaneously; the InstaView Refrigerator, which has won exceptional reviews for its high-end design and aesthetic; LG’s most talked about LG Signature lineup with the LG Signature OLED TV, LG Signature Refrigerator, the LG Signature TwinWash washing machine and the LG Signature Air Purifier.
The latest air conditioning solutions with the cutting edge Inverter Technology also formed a key highlight. While regular air conditioners can only turn on and off, LG’s Inverter Technology can control rotation frequency to produce cooling more efficiently.
Another key highlight at Innofest 2018 focused on the company’s ground-breaking lineup of intelligent robots and innovations in artificial intelligence and developments in the IoT ecosystem.
“LG is a world leader in electronics and appliances and is now proud to usher in technological change that has gone beyond improving lives to offering seamless everyday experiences for consumers. We are driven and motivated by a philosophy that is innovation-led, sustainable and ultimately creates premium products,” said Derek Sim, marketing director, LG Electronics Middle East and Africa.
Premium products for MEA take center stage at LG Innofest 2018
Premium products for MEA take center stage at LG Innofest 2018
Saudi Awwal Bank becomes first Middle East bank to earn 7-star CinOrg innovation accreditation
Saudi Awwal Bank has become the first bank in the Middle East to receive a 7‑star Certified Innovative Organization rating from the Global Innovation Institute, the highest recognition awarded by the institute.
The accreditation marks a significant step in SAB’s innovation strategy and follows an innovation maturity assessment conducted by the institute in December 2025. The review, which built on an earlier assessment in December 2023, raised the bank’s maturity level from “Champion” to “Leader.” The new rating reflects SAB’s institutionalized approach to innovation, its enterprise-wide impact and its ability to consistently deliver measurable results.
With the 7‑star rating, SAB becomes the first bank in the region to reach the highest innovation maturity level, strengthening its position as a regional reference point for innovation-led and future-ready banking.
In 2025, the bank opened its flagship Innovation Centre and secured six internationally recognized innovation awards, along with a lab accreditation. The centre has supported SAB’s efforts to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, encourage cross-functional collaboration and reinforce its standing as a regional leader in financial innovation.
Saeed Assiri, chief innovation banking officer at SAB, said the recognition reflects years of focused work to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem.
“By investing in SAB’s culture, governance and talent, innovation enables the bank to remain future-ready,” he said. “This milestone reinforces our role in accelerating financial innovation in Saudi Arabia and delivering long-term value for our customers.”
The certification adds to SAB’s broader efforts to strengthen its innovation capabilities as the Kingdom’s banking sector continues to evolve.
