Samsung Electronics Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has unveiled its vision of open innovation and purposeful collaboration to create seamless, synchronized and smart experiences that aim to simplify consumers’ lives. At its eighth annual MENA Forum, Samsung elaborated on its strategy of enhancing its IoT propositions through the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) and SmartThings which will unify Samsung’s connected devices.
In addition to its commitment to make all Samsung products IoT-ready by 2020, Samsung announced that its devices will also be intelligent. Through the integration of Bixby across select home and smart devices, Samsung is bringing its personalized intelligence to more devices.
During the forum, key new products were announced, which included the new 85-inch 8K QLED TV, the connected QuickDrive washing machine, and the Galaxy A8 smartphone. In addition to its new product lineup, Samsung showcased how the SmartThings platform will be integrated across its devices, seamlessly connecting devices under one simple platform, managed by one ubiquitous cloud, and accessible through one universal app.
“Our drive to continuously innovate stems from the desire to turn concepts into reality,” said Sungwan Myung, president of Samsung Electronics Middle East and North Africa. “IoT has made significant progress in recent years, and it is our role as a leading innovator to contribute toward the acceleration of IoT adoption. What we have shown today is an actual use-case of an IoT experience, and how it can seamlessly be intertwined into everyday life.
“By infusing intelligence into IoT, we aim to make smart simplified and enrich the lives of consumers. We are taking meaningful steps toward building an entirely connected world that is intelligent and personalized,” added Myung.
Samsung introduced its new IoT-ready QuickDrive washing machine, which allows users to start, stop, and monitor their wash cycle from their other connected devices. The QuickDrive washer also features Samsung’s intelligent laundry assistant, which uses AI to provide automatic recommendations for optimal washing cycles.
Samsung’s Wind-Free air conditioner uses a first-of-its-kind two-step cooling system that dramatically reduces energy consumption and, thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity, can be controlled remotely.
Samsung unveils a simple, seamless IoT experience at MENA Forum 2018
Samsung unveils a simple, seamless IoT experience at MENA Forum 2018
LuLu expands specialty coffee footprint in KSA with Sulalat
LuLu Group has signed a landmark MoU with Sulalat Coffee during the 5th edition of World of Coffee Dubai trade show. This exclusive retail partnership is designed to enhance the specialty coffee offerings across LuLu Hypermarkets in Saudi Arabia, meeting the growing demand for premium coffee experiences within the region.
The agreement was signed by Mohamed Haris, director, Saudi Arabia, LuLu Group, and Abdulelah Al-Murqi, marketing director, Sulalat Coffee. Through this collaboration, LuLu Group will provide a dedicated platform for Sulalat’s specialty-grade beans, which are globally sourced and roasted in Riyadh. This initiative ensures that world-class coffee quality, previously reserved for niche aficionados, is now readily accessible to coffee lovers throughout the Kingdom.
By partnering with Sulalat Coffee, LuLu Group is integrating artisanal expertise with large-scale retail excellence. Sulalat has been a pioneer in the specialty coffee movement in the region, and this partnership allows LuLu to showcase unique varieties and professional-grade roasting. The collaboration reflects a shared vision to celebrate the thriving local coffee culture and deliver an unparalleled selection of premium products to everyday consumers.
In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, this partnership reinforces LuLu Group’s commitment to empowering homegrown brands and fostering economic diversification within the Kingdom. By providing a global stage for local excellence at events like World of Coffee Dubai, LuLu continues to support the growth of a vibrant private sector and a sustainable retail ecosystem.
As the premier platform for the industry, World of Coffee Dubai 2026 highlights the rapid growth and innovation within the regional coffee scene. With the event attracting more than 17,000 visitors and hundreds of global exhibitors, it provides a vital stage for industry leaders to connect.
