‘Ready for Today & Tomorrow’ Concludes Successfully with KSA IT Leaders Gaining in Depth Knowledge on How Analytics are Driving Digital Transformation

Brought by Enterprise Adviser and powered by Dell EMC and Redington Value, the ‘Ready for Today and Tomorrow’ roundtable was held successfully on 29th July at Burj Rafal Kempinski, Riyadh. The roundtable witnessed the top IT decision makers of Riyadh from various verticals who engaged in interesting conversations on Dell EMCs’ capabilities in IoT, Analytics and digital transformation.

As the Middle East region keeps pace with its agenda to develop cities and enterprises that are intelligent and cohesive, safety, security and data management has become paramount. Modern enterprises are prepping up to gain an edge over the IoT future and there is a huge demand for unlocking the full potential of IoT data to take more accurate decisions.

Enterprise Advisor in association with Dell EMC and Redington Value explored in depth how organization’s leaderships can stay competitive by moving analytics to the edge.

Dan Sithambaram, Director, Citrus Consulting) and Wissam Wehbe, OEM & IOT Sr. Engineer – META, Dell Technologies put forward some excellent presentations on the digital transformation topics

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IDC MarketScape Names SAP S/4HANA Cloud as a Leader in Global SaaS and Cloud-Enabled Manufacturing ERP Applications

SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) announced it has been named a Leader in “IDC MarketScape: Worldwide SaaS and Cloud-Enabled Manufacturing ERP Applications 2019 Vendor Assessment”.
The report recognizes SAP S/4HANA Cloud as an intelligent ERP solution, which enables various business processes critical to manufacturers, including idea to design, procure to pay, plan to production, order to cash, offer to project, and core finance. Key strengths are listed as the following:
* SAP S/4HANA Cloud has a single in-memory, columnar data model for transactions and analytics. This eliminates redundant data and provides real-time insight, tied to an AI-powered set of functionalities within ERP to automate routine work and flag exceptions for human action. SAP has made a strong commitment to automating half of all ERP activities in SAP S/4HANA Cloud in the next three years.
* SAP S/4HANA Cloud offers a hands-free, conversational user experience with SAP CoPilot, an intelligent digital assistant for the enterprise.
* SAP has one code line, one data model and one user experience for cloud and on-premise deployments, making it easier and cheaper for companies to manage hybrid scenarios.
The latest recognition from IDC follows SAP’s position as a Leader in the “IDC MarketScape: Worldwide SaaS and Cloud-Enabled Operational ERP Applications 2019 Vendor Assessment,” released earlier this year. Built on the same SAP S/4HANA platform, the SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing solution for planning and scheduling and SAP S/4HANA Manufacturing solution for production engineering and operations deliver an enhanced, comprehensive and simplified user experience for enterprise-wide manufacturing collaboration within an integrated SAP S/4HANA environment.
View “IDC MarketScape: Worldwide SaaS and Cloud-Enabled Manufacturing ERP Applications 2019 Vendor Assessment” (June 2019) here.
Visit the SAP News Center. Follow SAP on Twitter: @SAPMENA and @sapnews.
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HYATT REGENCY RIYADH OLAYA WELCOMES WALID EL AWADLY AS GENERAL MANAGER Leading the team of the first Hyatt Regency branded hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Walid El Awadly is a seasoned hotelier with over 25 years of experience in the industry. In his new role, Walid will be taking over and looking after the entire operations of Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya.

Walid El Awadly began his career with Hyatt in the year 2000 as part of the opening team leading Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh, and soon made his way to Phuket, Beijing, Cairo, Dar es Salaam and Edmonton. During his 17-year journey with Hyatt, he was part of the opening of several Hyatt hotels around the world. In addition to Hyatt, he gained vast experience working with various hospitality organizations and brands. In his recent role as the Regional Director of Operations for Westmont Hospitality Group (Western Canada), he was closely involved in formulating hospitality strategies in business acquisition and development in various segments such as leisure, sports and conventions. In June 2019, he decided to return to Hyatt as General Manager of Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya.

 “Riyadh is one of the largest cities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It is a major convention and exhibition destination for the government and corporate sectors,” said Walid El Awadly. “After learning about Vision 2030 and observing the development process that Riyadh is undergoing, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead and define Hyatt Regency in this GCC city. Riyadh continues to grow and expand in the tourism sector, and our main aim at Hyatt is to continue being the first choice for business and leisure travelers in the forthcoming years.”

Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya opened its doors to guests in January 2017. The hotel offers 260 spacious guestrooms, including 39 suites, spread across 28 floors. All guestrooms and suites feature panoramic views of the vibrant city of Riyadh. Conveniently located at Olaya Street and King Fahad Road, a growing financial district in Riyadh, and in close proximity to the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) and the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, Hyatt Regency is a business and leisure brand that offers the business traveler convenience in location, modern technology to ensure that they are always connected to what matters to them most, well-equipped meeting facilities and authentic restaurants in a stylish and comfortable environment. Hyatt’s strategy is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses on stimulating tourism and boosting the Kingdom’s economy. The current Hyatt portfolio in the country comprises Park Hyatt Jeddah, Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, Hyatt Place Riyadh Al Sulaimania and Hyatt House Jeddah Sari Street.

 

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HP Commits to Everything-as-a-Service, Growing Contractual Channels Announces breakthrough solutions, expanded A3 and A4 portfolio, industry leading security offerings for the channel

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ), the global leader in printing, today unveiled its next wave of Office Printing innovations empowering partners with seamless integration into the modern workplace. 

“We continue to lead and innovate around products and solutions for our partners – no matter where they are in their journey with HP,” said Narayanan Venkataraman, Managing Director of HP Saudi Arabia. “Our robust portfolio – with smarter solutions and services, security, and the strongest printer and MFP lineup in the industry – is evolving, delivering on what businesses need today and in the future.” 

Highlights

  • New solutions and services illustrate company’s commitment to growing contractual channels, growing A3 and A4 categories
  • Expanded portfolio of managed LaserJet A3 and A4 devices 
  • New EcoSmart LaserJet, the world’s most efficient printer with EcoSmart black toner for lower melt temps and less energy consumption
  • Industry-first accomplishments including Cartridge Access Control, Predictive Sensors and Fixed tray guides enabling managed partners to increase their services margin
  • Devices feature best-in-class security with new SOL firmware 

Smarter Solutions and Services 

At the heart of HP’s innovation announcement, is a suite of enhanced solutions and services that improve the customer experience.

    • JetAdvantage Apps: A simple to use toolset for the creation and deployment of cloud-based document workflows. JetAdvantage Apps enable’s HP approved resellers to customise how HP MFP’s support a user by providing a personalised set of services aligned to their individual way or working – saving businesses time and money by making paper information as simple to handle as digital data. HP is on track to provide the broadest range of workflow integrations with 35 apps and 200 development partners

  • Smart Device Services (SDS): Cloud-based, HP SDS technology dramatically reduces service costs, maximises device uptime and delivers an exceptional service to millions of devices around the world. Partners who have adopted the SDS solution are reporting average service cost reductions of 15 percent. SDS can remotely resolve some problems and arms service techs with the information to achieve 5-10% higher first visit fix rates, often achieving 95% of first visit fixes. SDS can now predict failures of key components just before they happen, enabling a fix before the device fails, giving users a no-downtime experience

The Print Security Leader

According to a recent HP study, while 83 percent of respondents had secured their PCs, and 55 percent their mobile devices, only 41 percent had either network security, access control, data protection or end point security on their printers. With this in mind, more and more RFI and RFQs are increasing their requirements for print security, an area where HP’s leadership in security solutions and standalone services give partners a winning edge. HP is the only print company that meets NIST requirements for cyber resiliency, has a Bug Bounty program and an embedded inbound and outbound malware monitoring system with self-healing capabilities. 

  • HP is the only print vendor with SD-PAC Certified firmware and software with robust and secure software development lifecycle best practices incorporated into a solutions’ design, development and testing. Certification includes HP FutureSmart firmware, HP JetAdvantage Security Manager, HP Access Control, HP JetAdvantage SecurePrint and HP JetAdvantage Insights. 
  • Extending HP’s commitment to partner-focused security training, certification and sales tools, HP is now expanding sales tools to easily assess customer endpoints, develop proposals and build out revenue-generating security practices. To date, HP has delivered security training to more than 700 partners. Get endpoint security certified now and request access to the security assessment tools

Even Stronger Multifunction Printer Portfolio 

Today, HP is also debuting the strongest multifunction and copier printer lineup in the industry, a portfolio that minimises users’ time to manage and deploy productivity solutions.

  • Reinvigorated A4 Portfolio further extending our offerings.
    • Updated 400 series features best in class security, with new SOL firmware and best carbon footprint in class, delivering18- 22% energy savings with new toner vs. predecessor.
    • 500 series delivers 30% improvement of energy efficiency over predecessors
    • 600 series features industry-first accomplishments, enabling our managed partners to increase their services margin:
      • Cartridge Access Control – or Locking toner cartridges, ensures all toner is used before a cartridge is replaced
      • Predictive Sensors combined with cartridge access control can save partners an incremental 12% in service costs
      • Fixed tray guides – help reduce a managed partner highest call generator – paper jams – by 25%
    • New HP EcoSmart LaserJet joins HP’s environmentally aware printer portfolio as the world’s most efficient LaserJet printer with the lowest energy consumption – with up to 29% more energy-efficiency than its predecessor. HP EcoSmart black toner – for lower melt temps and less energy consumption –arriving on the 400 and500 series monochrome LaserJets.

  • Refreshed and Expanded LaserJet A3 Portfolio
    • Expanded LaserJet 700 and 800 lineups with new models designed for SMB customers, featuring the industry’s strongest print security to help protect customer’s devices, data, and documents. 
    • New LaserJet A3 printers – with both Enterprise and contractual Managed versions (M751 & E75245) – are the first A3 LaserJet single function printers featuring energy saving JetIntelligence toner technology. 
    • Enhanced firmware features to complement our growing hardware portfolio and address the copier market, including individual user quotas for embedded job accounting, advanced copy features, and configuration cloning to simplify fleet installations. 

Availability

The new HP A4 EcoSmart LaserJet 500 and 600 series and expanded A3 LaserJet 700 and 800 series and HP’s Reinvigorated A4 400 series will be available through qualified channel partners, or directly through HP.

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Experience the best #BottleCapChallenge with the HUAWEI Dual-View Camera Mode

It’s time to experience the trendiest #BottleCapChallenge with HUAWEI P30 series using the exciting and innovative camera feature; the Dual-View Camera Mode.

How about you capture the whole challenge from both perspectives a close up and a zoomed out one where you are capable to create split screen videos by simultaneously using the phone’s primary camera on the spin kick shot and  make the zoom lens focused on the bottle cap, therefore you can show the two perspectives in one screen and produce a unique video for this challenge.

Speaking of that Huawei always brings professional-grade photography and videography to users especially with the latest flagship and award-winning phone the HUAWEI P30 Series. Pioneering this advanced camera technology, Huawei’s continued innovation and focus opens the doors for users to further experience the creative possibilities within videography.

Top features of the dual-view mode in the P30 and P30 Pro include:

  • Capturing a wide view with more of the background and surrounding objects
  • Simultaneously zooming in on desired subjects via the split screen
  • Shooting two different angles, panoramic and close up, at the same time
  • Ability to adjust the magnification level
  • Taking artsy and creative shots for a vivid recollection of special moments

Huawei is a leader in bringing technologically-advanced camera capabilities to market and continues to grow its user base overseas with the launch of the HUAWEI P30 Series, which has embedded next-level technology. Along with dual-view mode enabled through the EMUI 9.1 update, the HUAWEI P30 Pro features SuperZoom Lens supporting 5x optical zoom, 10x hybrid zoom and 50x digital zoom, and SuperSpectrum Sensor delivering 40 percent more light input for stellar low light photography with a high ISO of 409,600.

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Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company and Deutsche Gulf Finance signs partnership agreement

 

  • SRC and DGF signed a partnership agreement which consists of a portfolio purchase programme and short-term financing facility, providing a mortgage refinancing facility totaling SAR2.25 billion
  • DGF secures access to the funding it requires to implement its ambitious development plan targeting affordable mortgages to citizens.
  • SRC continues its emerging role as a catalyst to boosting the Kingdom’s secondary mortgage market

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 21 July 2019: Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company (SRC) , a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Deutsche Gulf Finance (DGF), announced today that they signed a partnership agreement. As part of the partnership agreement, SRC will regularly acquire portfolio of mortgages originated by DGF, thanks to a portfolio purchase programme as well as a short-term Murabaha financing facility that allows warehousing the loans. The programme will be deployed over the next 12 months.

The strategic agreement was signed by SRC’s CEO Fabrice Susini and Mohammad Al Dowesh, acting CEO of DGF at a press conference in Riyadh. DGF, after the agreement, will increase its offer of long term, fixed-rate (LTFR) mortgages with a maturity of up to 25 years, providing citizens with stability and safety throughout the tenure of the loan.

The partnership agreement is a testament to SRC’s commitment to injecting more liquidity into Saudi Arabia’s housing market, as well as ensuring the stability and growth of the Kingdom’s secondary mortgage market.

Commenting on the signing, Fabrice Susini said: “This agreement epitomises the strong and active partnership built with DGF. It is also a clear demonstration of our purpose, as well as our pledge to increasing home ownership among Saudis. While the housing market in the Kingdom is thriving, we must ensure that more Saudi citizens can afford homes. Through improved funding and liquidity conditions, we have started to reshape the market and to create the conditions of an effective secondary mortgage market in the Kingdom, therefore contributing to make home financing more accessible to aspiring Saudi homeowners.”

The partnership agreement follows SRC’s recent announcement on reducing rates by 40 basis points (bps) for its long-term fixed-rate (LTFR) mortgages, and extending its maturity offering till 25 years. This is the second rate decrease in less than three months with the previous one amounting to approximately 100bp.

Mohammad Al Dowesh, acting CEO of DGF said: “This agreement reflects the ongoing cooperation between the two companies in terms of achieving the objectives of the Kingdom Vision 2030 in raising the percentage of suitable housing ownership among the citizens. Today, we sign this Partnership Agreement as an extension of the series of initiatives aimed to develop the housing sector and providing the best financing solutions suitable for borrowers.”

As result of the agreement, DGF will reduce its rates by 36% as a show of commitment to provide affordable housing solutions to the citizens of Saudi Arabia.

SRC aims to refinance 20 per cent of Saudi Arabia’s mortgage market that is forecast to grow to SAR500 billion by 2020 and to SAR800 billion over the next ten years. Since its inception in 2017, SRC has been working relentlessly to promote the development of the housing finance market, as well as standardization within the sector and the development of best practices.

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HONOR 20 PRO sets the temperature soaring with its premium Moschino Edition

HONOR, the leading smartphone e-brand, is all set to unveil its latest flagship smartphone HONOR 20 PRO which will also be made available with a high-fashion twist. As part of HONOR’s partnership with luxury Italian fashion house Moschino, the two brands are ready to make a splash together with the HONOR 20 PRO Moschino Edition. The premium edition will include Moschino-designed charming set of phone cases available in a variety of options. With a classic color combination of gold and black, the summers couldn’t get hotter than this!

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In celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Burj Rafal Hotel Launched Social Responsibility Initiatives

Burj Rafal Hotel believes that its responsibility extends beyond its employees and guests, into the communities in which it operates. The Hotel launched a series of charity activities that demonstrate its strong belief in the importance of social responsibility.

One of the most prominent initiatives that Burj Rafal Hotel undertakes annually during the holy month of Ramadan is the cooperation with Etaam, Saudi Food Bank, in drive to prevent food waste during Ramadan, nourish those in need and help feed the underprivileged by distributing excess food from the hotel where the Saudi Food Bank collects surplus food daily from the Ramadan tent buffet, re-box in a safe and hygienic way, and distribute it to families in need.

Burj Rafal Hotel also held a suhoor event in cooperation with the Zahra Foundation, which was called “Pink Suhoor”, to represent the color of the association. The patients and the staff of Zahra foundation received a warm welcome and they enjoyed top-quality service.

Mr Saeed Al Aseeri, Hotel Manager of Burj Rafal Hotel, stated that “This is a celebration that we are keen on organising every year to create a state of spiritual happiness and cheerfulness in the hearts of people who are in need or endured difficult emotional times. Further I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all local community institutions that cooperate with the Hotel. We have always held initiatives to be central to our policy of demonstrating real CSR.”

It is worth mentioning that Burj Rafal Hotel recently organized a blood donation drive in association with King Faisal Hospital, Riyadh just before Ramadan, as a part of their CSR initiative. The hotel appreciates all the people and employees who participated in the activities and support such noble and worthy initiatives.

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Everything you need to know about TikTok and its safety features!

Following its international success, TikTok, the world’s leading destination for short-form mobile videos, has seen an increase in popularity in the UAE / Egypt / KSA. If you are not familiar with the application – it is all the rage at the moment!

With a smartphone penetration rate of , an increased access to data, shorter attention spans and a significant change in behavior when it comes to creating and consuming content, we are witnessing a new way of expression. Available in over 150 countries across 75 languages, the TikTok app is the ultimate outlet for this sort of expression. It gives its users a platform to unleash and share their creativity with the world.

In line with TikTok’s mission, the mobile application allows users to capture and present their creativity, knowledge, and moments that matter in everyday life, while empowering them to be a content creator by only using their smartphones. Through an easy-to-use interface, TikTok content creators can let down their inhibitions and show off their talents.

Users can create and post short videos by using a vast array of filters, special effects, gestures, stickers and features at their disposal, including a library of music to supplement their videos to make some of the most innovative or funny videos. The only requirements are: passion, a smartphone and a data plan!  

To maintain this fun, expressive and creative nature for its users, it is crucial for TikTok to focus on maintaining a safe and positive in-app environment and introduce industry-leading features such as:

  • Restricted Viewing Mode: This feature limits the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for all audiences, once activated. This tool, powered by AI, let users take control of the content they watch.
  • Comment Filters: TikTok’s comment control feature allows users to better manage comments, by filtering those containing words they deem undesirable. Users can filter almost any keyword they want, blocking comments about race, religion, gender, politics and more. The feature is currently not available in Arabic but is being looked into.
  • Screen Time Management: The Screen Time Management feature offers a new way to give TikTok users and parents more options to select from in terms of the time spent on the app. Users and parents can select new time limits of 40, 60, 90 or 120 minutes and decide how much time they want to spend on the app per day. This feature is password protected, valid for 30 days. If users reach their screen time limit they will need to enter a password to continue to use TikTok.
  • In-app reporting: This in-app function allows users to report any objectionable content or behavior for TikTok to action in real-time.
  • Privacy controls: All users can choose to set an account as private which means that only users approved as followers can see the user’s content. Additionally, users can also choose to make a specific video private, which will become visible only to the creator. TikTok is constantly optimizing its privacy features allowing users to have better control over their online activities by deciding who can send them comments, messages or block specific users.
  • TikTok Safety Center: The Safety Centre is a localized website that consists of safety policies, tools and resources to equip users with product education and protection measures when using TikTok.
  • Age Gate: TikTok has a minimum age requirement of 13 years old to login and create an account on TikTok, to ensure that underage users do not use the platform.

Additionally, the TikTok team has a moderation team who works around the clock to remove inappropriate content and terminate the accounts that violate their Terms of Service.

 

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An Authentic Taste of Old Dubai at Avani Deira Dubai Hotel this Eid al-Fitr and for the upcoming summer season

Avani Deira Dubai Hotel, a vibrant upscale property of Avani Hotels & Resorts, invites travellers to get acquainted with Dubai’s unique history and culture this Eid al-Fitr and for the upcoming summer season.

Unwind and explore the eclectic city of Dubai while staying at Avani Deira, which is situated in one of the most diverse and culturally rich parts of the city. Conveniently located just 4km from Dubai International Airport, it is also within walking distance of the world-famous Gold and Spice Souks, affording guests a true taste of the more genuine side of Dubai.

Stroll through the recently regenerated Al Fahidi Historical neighbourhood at Dubai Creek to take in the old wind towers or get lost in one of the old souks. Behind Dubai’s shiny façade you’ll discover the city’s roots and get a real feel of the country’s cultural heritage and its soul.

Avani Deira is also located near to Deira City Centre Mall and the Dubai Metro, while offering easy access to other famous sights including the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab to experience the more glittering side of Dubai.

The upscale hotel has 215 guest rooms including 24 spacious suites, all contemporarily designed to create a relaxed setting. Its all-day dining restaurant, Jigsaw, offers innovative culinary journeys with chefs whipping up new creations every day at live cooking stations. With a range of facilities on offer to help you to make the most of your stay, work up a sweat at the fully-equipped gym, or cool off and relax at the hotel’s rooftop pool after you had your fill of sightseeing and exploring.  

What’s more, with the hotel’s special offer, you can extend your stay for a few more days.  Guests booking their staycation can use the Avani special offer “Book now, Stay now” and avail up to 45% discount for the Eid al-Fitr break and summer season – Rates starts from AED165++ on Room only basis.

 

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