STC digitization plans on show at GITEX

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, toured the STC booth at GITEX 2019 in Dubai.
Updated 07 October 2019
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STC digitization plans on show at GITEX

The 39th GITEX Technology Week, the largest regional IT exhibition and conference, kicked off on Sunday at the Dubai World Trade Centre showcasing the latest trends and product innovations from across the world.

The event, which runs until Thursday, was officially opened by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai and chairman of Dubai Executive Council.

Saudi Telecom Company (STC), which is participating in the exhibition, welcomed Sheikh Hamdan to its booth, in the presence of STC Chairman Mohammed bin Khaled Abdullah Al-Faisal and STC Group CEO Nasser Al-Nasser. 

Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the company’s latest ICT sector services and solutions, in line with its role as an enabler of digital services and transformation in the Kingdom.

Riyadh Muawad, senior vice president of B2B at STC, said the company chose the theme “Tomorrow’s Solutions Today” for this year to showcase its services and innovative solutions in the digitization of government and private sectors, cloud computing, big data analysis and cybersecurity solutions, in addition to its journey toward customer experience enrichment. The telecom giant is also showcasing solutions related to 5G, the last of which were rolled out during the Hajj this year.

Muawad pointed out that these services reflect the valuable role of the STC Group in enabling digital solutions and the digital transformation of the Kingdom in line with Vision 2030. 

STC will also be outlining future digitization plans, the role of data centers in improving service efficiency, and the analysis of big data and its importance, helping it deliver tomorrow’s solutions today.

It will also be shedding light on its major cloud, IoT, digital, and IT services, and updates to its telecom infrastructure, making it one of the most powerful networks delivering digital services.

During the exhibition, STC will be highlighting the Kingdom’s progress in digital transformation as one of the Saudi Vision 2030 programs, where STC is considered to be a key enabler of the Kingdom’s transformation in the public and private sectors.

Through its strategy, STC works primarily on the growth of services, platforms and digital infrastructure, taking into account the greater value of its existing assets — its employees, brand, customer base, technological assets, and business partners — to ensure that available resources are sufficient to invest in future opportunities.

This year’s GITEX edition features 4,500 companies representing 100 countries. The event offers global suppliers a unique opportunity to enter fast-growing markets.


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.