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
Alfanar Engineering signs MoU with Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia
Alfanar Engineering Services announced the signing of a strategic MoU with Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia during its participation in the Saudi Arabia Smart Grid Conference. Both Schneider Electric and Alfanar Engineering have committed to further enhancing operational excellence and customer-centric service delivery thereby ensuring long-term asset reliability of their clients in the Kingdom.
Alfanar Engineering brings to the collaboration a strong in-Kingdom service footprint, supported by extensive operations and maintenance capabilities, advanced testing and commissioning equipment, and a network of specialized service centers and labs strategically located across Saudi Arabia. These capabilities enable the delivery of responsive, high-quality technical support tailored to the needs of critical infrastructure and industrial operations. Schneider Electric, with its extensive installed base of energy management and automation solutions, plays a key role in supporting mission-critical facilities and national industries across the Kingdom.
The collaboration was signed by Sattam Al-Motairi, chief operating officer of Alfanar Engineering Services, and Mohamed Shaheen, cluster president — Saudi Arabia, Schneider Electric. It brings together Alfanar’s local operational expertise and service reach with Schneider Electric’s global technologies and service standards. Together, the two companies will enhance service reliability, improve response efficiency, and deliver greater value through sustainable solutions that optimize asset lifecycles. The MoU also supports the development of localized technical services, contributing to the Kingdom’s objectives for sustainable infrastructure, localization, and industrial resilience.
Al-Motairi said: “At Alfanar Engineering Services, we believe that true value is created long after equipment is installed, through reliable service, fast response, and teams that understand the realities of the field. This collaboration with Schneider Electric enables us to enhance the delivery of after-sales services across the Kingdom, combining deep local expertise with world-class technology. Our focus is clear: keeping critical operations running, supporting our customers’ long-term success, and contributing meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s industrial and infrastructure ambitions.”
Oday Al-Aithan, vice president of field services for Schneider Electric in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Yemen, and Bahrain, said: “At Schneider Electric, we are turning advanced energy management and digital solutions into tangible outcomes through our partnership with Alfanar Engineering Services. By combining our integrated technologies, extensive installed base, and global expertise as a leading energy technology partner with Alfanar’s strong in-Kingdom field services, we deliver smarter, faster, and more reliable solutions that optimize asset performance, accelerate response times, and support resilient, sustainable infrastructure, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”
