Saudi Arabia’s TAWAL enters Pakistan with full acquisition of AWAL Telecom
Pakistan is an exciting market with high growth potential, says CEO Tawal
Pakistan has seen double-digit growth in mobile broadband subscriptions in recent years
Updated 10 February 2022
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s TAWAL, one of stc subsidiaries, has entered Pakistan’s market through the full acquisition of AWAL Telecom, in a move that marks the company’s first International expansion outside the Kingdom.
The deal is to see AWAL rebranded as TAWAL Pakistan and form the launchpad of TAWAL’s operations in the country following the regulatory approval from the Pakistani authorities.
“Pakistan is an exciting market with high growth potential, and TAWAL is looking forward to extending our digital transformation and ICT infrastructure development capabilities to the country,” Mohammed Alhakbani, CEO at TAWAL, said.
This photo shows the ceremony of acquiring Pakistani compnay AWAL by Saudi telecom compnay Tawal on Feb 9, 2022. (Photo courrest: social media)
“The country is witnessing growing mobile service penetration, which is creating infrastructural demand that TAWAL is ideally placed to address,” he added.
TAWAL announces the acquisition of the Pakistani telecom company “AWAL Telecom” as part of its international expansion drive. This deal will see TAWAL bring capital investment, processes, and expertise to the market.
Pakistan has seen its mobile voice and mobile broadband subscriptions witnessing double-digit growth in recent years, with the expansion of 4G LTE and 5G mobile networks expected to drive its market and revenue growth.
Launched in 2019, TAWAL is a subsidiary of Saudi telecom giant stc that owns a portfolio of over 15,500 telecom towers in the Kingdom.
International brands turn to Riyadh to expand cooperation
Capital cements role as hub at World Defense Show
Updated 6 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's capital is cementing its role as a rising hub in the global defense industry, and the World Defense Show has attracted international brands eager to showcase advanced technologies and expand partnerships in the Kingdom and beyond.
Held under the patronage of the Saudi leadership, the show — which runs until Feb. 12 — has brought together defense manufacturers, technology innovators and government representatives from around the world.
Arab News spoke to several international exhibitors who underscored the show’s growing importance as a gateway to pursue regional and global cooperation.
Among the returning participants is Passtech Machine Tools, represented by Syed Zahid, its sales manager.
Passtech Machine Tools is participating in the World Defense Show in Riyadh for the third time, says sales manager Syed Zahid. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
The company collaborates with various international brands, providing tools, machines and gauges, including advanced CNC (computer numerical control) machinery from South Korea.
For Zahid, WDS has proved to be a strategic platform, and he said: “This is our third time. We see it as very, very useful.”
From China, Jihua Group Co. Ltd. showcases advanced navigation devices and integrated systems. Peter Wang, its senior product manager, expressed optimism about expanding cooperation.
At the company’s booth, Arab News was introduced to several technologies, including what Wang described as a “true-color navigation device.”
Highlighting a wearable system, Wang said it was designed to enhance mobility and operational efficiency.
Jihua Group Co. Ltd. of China, another participant ad WDS Riyadh, showcased advanced navigation devices and integrated systems. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
He emphasized the diversity of visitors and the potential for cross-border cooperation, and added: “I meet different countries’ customers here. I’m very happy and I want to get some opportunities for cooperation.”
Turkiye is also represented at the event. Masttech, which is attending WDS for the first time, is showcasing its products for visitors.
Deputy General Manager Sitki Tuzun said: “We are here to show all our products. We are producing electromechanical, mechanical and pneumatic mast systems here.”
While the company does not yet have Saudi clients, Tuzun made it clear that the show was a strategic leap toward entering the market.
“We are here for connection and new business cooperation,” he said.
First-time WDS participant Masttech hopes to capture a portion of the Saudi defense market soon. (AN photo by Rahaf Jambi)
The World Defense Show has demonstrated its increasing influence as a platform from which global brands meet regional opportunity.
Beyond static displays, the show serves as a dynamic networking arena, connecting manufacturers, suppliers, and defense stakeholders under one roof.
As Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to localize its defense industry and invest in advanced technologies, WDS continues to facilitate partnerships, technology transfer and international collaboration — reinforcing Riyadh’s emergence as a central node in the global defense ecosystem.
