Huawei delves into faster digitalization

Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Altheneyan and Eric Yang presented awards to the six winners of the Huawei ICT Competition finals in Saudi Arabia.
Short Url
Updated 07 December 2021
Follow

Huawei delves into faster digitalization

Huawei Day KSA 2021 was held in Riyadh on Nov. 30, bringing together industry leaders, ICT experts, ecosystem partners and consultants to delve into the experience and implementation of digital transformation.

Participants, comprising high-level customers and government officials, also discussed how to solve customers’ core business difficulties and seize digital economy opportunities.

Saudi Arabia is driving government and industry digitalization through robust government policies. Guided by Vision 2030, the country is rolling out ambitious plans and initiatives such as smart government, cloud-first, new energy, and Industry 4.0. ICT, as the key enabler of industry digitalization is accelerating these efforts. Technologies such as 5G, AI, cloud, and optical are vital technologies for digitalization in government, energy, education, and healthcare industries.

Eric Yang, CEO of Huawei in Saudi Arabia, delivered the keynote speech titled “Innovating Nonstop for Faster Digitalization.” He said that Huawei’s commitment is to support Saudi public and private organizations with innovative technologies to enable new business models and deliver superior customer experiences. Huawei’s technologies such as 5G, cloud and digital energy are helping businesses in various verticals such as energy, finance, and the public sector by digitizing their operations, securing their data and, more broadly, promoting national economic development.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Altheneyan, deputy minister for Future Jobs and Digital Entrepreneurship, Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said: “Huawei is a long-term strategic partner for MCIT, for which we are grateful. The company’s support in talent development through Seeds for the Future, the annual ICT Competition and other initiatives have inspired thousands of Saudi youth to pursue careers in the digital field and contributed to the continued digital transformation of our industries.”

Altheneyan and Yang later presented awards to the six winners of the Huawei ICT Competition finals in Saudi Arabia.

Organizations can only embrace digitization if they have the required digital talent. Partnerships with universities and governments to cultivate talents for the future is therefore crucial.


Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action

Updated 31 December 2025
Follow

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.