Mobily, Huawei announce plan to bring 5G to KSA

The announcement was made at Huawei’s global headquarters in Shenzhen, China, during a recent visit by Maziad Al-Harbi, chief technology officer at Mobily.
Updated 17 October 2018
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Mobily, Huawei announce plan to bring 5G to KSA

Mobily and Huawei have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand their collaboration in network evolution. The companies announced a five-year plan to upgrade Mobily’s networks and accelerate the arrival of 5G to the Kingdom. The announcement was made at Huawei’s global headquarters in Shenzhen, China, during a recent visit by Maziad Al-Harbi, chief technology officer at Mobily. 

Mobily and Huawei’s five-year plan, named Network 2023, will see an end-to-end (E2E) network evaluation and evolution strategy to upgrade Mobily’s existing infrastructure and help Saudi Arabia capitalize from 5G from both industry and consumer perspectives.

As a network evolution strategy consultant, Huawei will assist Mobily with its 4.5G to 5G evolution, and its target network planning (including spectrum and user experience). The companies will collaborate to fully cloudify Mobily’s network to make it ready for 5G, in addition to cooperating on IT and data center strategy and planning. Huawei will also act as Mobily’s consultant from an industry and consumer perspective, offering market and business insights and strategy. 

Ultimately, the aim of the MoU is to strengthen the relationship between Huawei and Mobily in order to bring the most updated and advanced E2E networks to Saudi Arabia. 

Al-Harbi said: “We are excited to combine forces with Huawei to ensure that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of the latest trends and technologies in 5G. Innovation is vital to enabling the Kingdom to transform into a digital country, and at Mobily we are committed to deploying the most advanced technologies to provide the people of Saudi Arabia with a high standard of living and a modern environment. Our collaboration with Huawei will surely help us reach this goal.”


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.