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Defense Aircraft Maintenance Focal Interest of Saudi Companies

A part of the agreements that took place on the sidelines of the World Defense Show (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A part of the agreements that took place on the sidelines of the World Defense Show (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Defense Aircraft Maintenance Focal Interest of Saudi Companies

A part of the agreements that took place on the sidelines of the World Defense Show (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A part of the agreements that took place on the sidelines of the World Defense Show (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Defense aircraft maintenance dominated the interests of Saudi companies at the World Defense Show (WDS) in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. Companies emphasized efforts to commit to localizing defense industries and technical investment, at a time when cooperation agreements and memoranda of partnerships for building military ships and helicopter platforms were a prominent focus in deals signed on the WDS’ last day.

The four-day WDS 2022, which began on March 6, witnessed the signing of a deal between the Saudi-based Overhaul and Maintenance Company (OMC) and the Saudi Technology Development and Investment Company (TAQNIA).

OMC also signed another deal with the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA). Its deal with SDAIA aims to develop innovative geospatial products and services that contribute to enhancing local content and serving the Saudi market, to enhance the Kingdom's global position in the fields of data and artificial intelligence.

BAE Systems Saudi Arabia and SDAIA signed a deal to provide information technology services, cybersecurity services, as well as professional services and manpower for institutions.

A second deal was signed between the two. It aims to develop operational and technical capabilities, advance security operations centers and network security, as well as support data management analysis systems by participating with specialized experts, developing strategies for future improvement.

Abdulatif Al-Sheikh, CEO of OMC, confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that the company is continuing to localize the defense industry in the Kingdom, indicating that the company owns three companies in the defense field.

“Companies in Riyadh and Jeddah have invested in qualitative capabilities and national competencies working in training Saudi technicians through a package of training programs, most of which are internationally accredited by the European International Safety Organization,” Al-Sheikh told Asharq Al-Awsat.

International Systems Engineering (ISE) CEO Majid AlMuzairi told Asharq Al-Awsat that his company was working to expand the scope of its projects, in addition to signing many agreements and strategies with a number of government agencies and related companies on the sidelines of the WDS.

AlMuzairi stressed that cybersecurity is one of the Kingdom’s priorities and noted that ISE is launching a pivotal action plan in the digital transformation process.

He revealed the company's vision to be the first provider of information services and technology management for companies operating in the defense and national security sectors.

Saudi Maintenance and Supply Chain Management Company (SMSCMC) CEO Jeremy Charmak told Asharq Al-Awsat that his company is using its capabilities to push the local industry in the Kingdom, as it currently has eight branches, six of which are in Saudi Arabia.

He revealed that the Saudization rate at his company is up to 72%.

Charmak pointed out that SMSCMC is launching very important training programs in the transportation of sensitive and dangerous equipment and safety equipment, indicating that the company specializes in supply chains and logistics services, and was established in 2006.

International Maritime Industries (IMI) , the largest shipyard in the MENA region, has expanded its partnership with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to enable the construction of naval vessels at its yard in Saudi Arabia.

The extension of the existing memorandum of understanding (MoU) between IMI and HHI will lead to further cooperation between the two partners in areas including naval vessel research, development and construction, and the localization of engine manufacturing for naval ships in the kingdom.

It will also deliver further knowledge transfer through the training of IMI’s Saudi team members at HHI facilities, providing them with new skills and future career opportunities, as well as the development of further commercial relations, said a statement.

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Saudi Arabia Makes History with Adoption of Riyadh Treaty on Design Law

Photo of the Riyadh Diplomatic Conference on the Design Law Treaty (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Photo of the Riyadh Diplomatic Conference on the Design Law Treaty (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Makes History with Adoption of Riyadh Treaty on Design Law

Photo of the Riyadh Diplomatic Conference on the Design Law Treaty (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Photo of the Riyadh Diplomatic Conference on the Design Law Treaty (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has made history by uniting the 193 member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to adopt the Riyadh Treaty on Design Law. This landmark achievement, realized after two decades of deliberation, underscores the Kingdom’s leadership in enhancing the global intellectual property system.

The announcement came at the conclusion of the Riyadh Diplomatic Conference on the Design Law Treaty, a rare event for WIPO, which has not held a diplomatic conference outside Geneva for more than a decade. It was also the first such event hosted in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, representing the final stage of negotiations to establish an agreement aimed at simplifying and standardizing design protection procedures across member states.

Over the past two weeks, intensive discussions and negotiations among member states culminated in the adoption of the Riyadh Treaty, which commits signatory nations to a unified set of requirements for registering designs, ensuring consistent and streamlined procedures worldwide. The agreement is expected to have a significant positive impact on designers, enabling them to protect their creations more effectively and uniformly across international markets.

At a press conference held on Friday to mark the event’s conclusion, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property Abdulaziz Al-Suwailem highlighted the economic potential of the new protocol.

Responding to a question from Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Suwailem noted the substantial contributions of young Saudi men and women in creative design. He explained that the agreement will enable their designs to be formally protected, allowing them to enter markets as valuable, tradable assets.

He also emphasized the symbolic importance of naming the convention the Riyadh Treaty, stating that it reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing influence as a bridge between cultures and a global center for innovative initiatives.

The treaty lays critical legal foundations to support designers and drive innovation worldwide, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s vision of promoting international collaboration in the creative industries and underscoring its leadership in building a sustainable future for innovators.

The agreement also advances global efforts to enhance creativity, protect intellectual property, and stimulate innovation on a broader scale.

This achievement further strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for groundbreaking initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing creativity, safeguarding designers’ rights, and driving the development of creative industries on an international scale.

The Riyadh Diplomatic Conference, held from November 11 to 22, was hosted by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property and attracted high-ranking officials and decision-makers from WIPO member states.