UAE's Thuraya is After Saudi Satellite Communication Market

The security and defense sectors depend on satellite communications solutions to maintain information security and quality of service (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The security and defense sectors depend on satellite communications solutions to maintain information security and quality of service (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UAE's Thuraya is After Saudi Satellite Communication Market

The security and defense sectors depend on satellite communications solutions to maintain information security and quality of service (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The security and defense sectors depend on satellite communications solutions to maintain information security and quality of service (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Thuraya, UAE's mobile satellite services company, is looking to seize new opportunities and expand its activities in the Saudi market.

Thuraya has been operating in the Saudi market for more than 20 years and provides the Kingdom's military sectors with all services related to mobile satellite communications.

Thuraya's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sulaiman Al Ali, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the company wants to boost its partnership with the Saudi government and defense sectors.

The current communications developments seek to provide services that include capabilities, information security, and equipment development, said Al Ali.

He noted the importance of the Kingdom's orientation to localize the military sectors after years of experience during the past years.

The CEO stated that the current generation is familiar with technology and capable of taking the next step, stressing that his company is working with its Saudi partners to localize specific areas to support local industries, especially since investors are interested in the local market.

The company continues to look for new investment opportunities in the Kingdom and other countries, especially in communication services and solutions, according to Al Ali.

He pointed out that the company is engaged in promising discussions with several Saudi institutions to achieve its goals.

Al Ali said that the World Defense Show, recently held in Riyadh, constitutes an important platform that brings regional and international operators together to create significant opportunities for dialogue.

Several new devices that serve the military and defense sectors are being developed, said Al Ali, noting that the company primarily focuses on helping government agencies and international relief organizations.

He indicated that satellite communication devices are widely used, noting that they are also required in the commercial sector that suffers from poor communication networks.

Defense institutions are always looking for reliable partners to obtain comprehensive solutions based on interoperability, said Al Ali, stressing that Thuraya provides safety, security, and flexibility.

It can add a variety of solutions and applications that meet customer needs, including voice and data communications and push-to-talk (PTT), remote monitoring and disaster recovery, and border control.

Thuraya expanded its current commercial activities regionally and globally and provided new services.

It is preparing to launch top solutions, including next-generation satellite internet devices, said Al Ali, adding that it is cooperating with new distributors, such as Cobham, to provide satellite internet services in Libya, the Philippines, and Sudan.

He touched on Thuraya's new PTT radio communications over the Internet, indicating that it will interest the Saudi market as it supports many in need sectors.

Al Ali added that the service would achieve a fundamental transformation in the sector and enable users to extend their voice communications to wherever their equipment or teams are.



Türkiye TPAO, Shell Sign Deal to Carry out Exploration Work offshore Bulgaria

A Shell logo is seen at a gas station in Buenos Aires, Argentina, March 12, 2018. (Reuters)
A Shell logo is seen at a gas station in Buenos Aires, Argentina, March 12, 2018. (Reuters)
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Türkiye TPAO, Shell Sign Deal to Carry out Exploration Work offshore Bulgaria

A Shell logo is seen at a gas station in Buenos Aires, Argentina, March 12, 2018. (Reuters)
A Shell logo is seen at a gas station in Buenos Aires, Argentina, March 12, 2018. (Reuters)

Türkiye Petrolleri (TPAO) has signed a partnership agreement with Shell to carry out exploration work in Bulgaria's maritime zone, the Turkish energy ministry and British oil major said on Wednesday.

European Union member Bulgaria, which had been totally dependent on Russian gas until 2022, has been seeking to diversify its gas supplies and find cheaper sources, Reuters reported.

TPAO and Shell will jointly explore the Khan Tervel block, located near Türkiye's Sakarya gas field, and will hold a five-year licence in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.

Shell will continue as operator of the block, while TPAO will take a 33% interest in the licence, a Shell spokesperson said.

Since the start of this year, TPAO has signed energy cooperation agreements with ExxonMobil, Chevron and BP for possible exploration work in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

In April, Shell signed a contract with Bulgaria's government to allow the oil major to explore 4,000 square metres in the block.


Saudia Signs Strategic Partnership Agreement with Six Flags and Aquarabia Qiddiya City

udia will develop special travel packages designed to enable visitors to experience world-class attractions - SPA
udia will develop special travel packages designed to enable visitors to experience world-class attractions - SPA
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Saudia Signs Strategic Partnership Agreement with Six Flags and Aquarabia Qiddiya City

udia will develop special travel packages designed to enable visitors to experience world-class attractions - SPA
udia will develop special travel packages designed to enable visitors to experience world-class attractions - SPA

Saudia Airlines has signed a five-year strategic partnership with Six Flags and Aquarabia Qiddiya City, becoming the official premier partner exclusively in the airline category.

As part of the partnership, Saudia will develop special travel packages designed to enable visitors to experience world-class attractions. The collaboration also brings the spirit of Six Flags and Aquarabia Qiddiya City to the skies through special aircraft branding across Saudia’s fleet, SPA reported. 

Chief Marketing Officer of Saudia Group Khaled Tash said in a press release: "Saudia is committed to supporting national development projects as part of its contribution to Vision 2030, aligned with our strategy to bring the world to the Kingdom. Partnerships of this scale with national partners play a key role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leading global destination for entertainment and tourism."

Park President of Six Flags and Aquarabia Qiddiya City Brian Machamer added: "Our partnership with Saudia not only reflects a shared ambition to connect the Kingdom to the world through world-class entertainment experiences, but strengthens our ability to attract visitors from around the world and realize our vision of setting a new global benchmark for immersive, world-class theme park entertainment and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global tourism stage."

Six Flags Qiddiya City sets a new benchmark for exceptional entertainment regionally and globally. Spanning six iconic themed lands, the theme park takes visitors on an immersive journey across 28 rides and attractions designed to world-class standards. Beyond the scale and diversity of its offerings, Six Flags Qiddiya City stands out for pushing the boundaries of engineering and entertainment, featuring five exclusive, record-breaking rides that have redefined global benchmarks. Leading these innovations is Falcons Flight, the roller coaster that has captured global attention as the fastest, tallest, and longest in the world.

Aquarabia Qiddiya City delivers a distinctive aquatic entertainment experience, offering 22 rides and water attractions, along with a man-made river designed for both relaxation and family-friendly water fun. For guests seeking privacy and elevated comfort, Aquarabia features 91 luxury cabanas, positioning the destination as a fully integrated leisure offering that redefines water-based entertainment to the highest international standards.

Located in the Tuwaiq Mountains near Riyadh, Qiddiya City is an emerging destination bringing together entertainment, sports, and culture. Six Flags and Aquarabia Qiddiya City form part of its entertainment offering.


Moody’s Establishes Regional HQ in Riyadh, Deepening Presence in Region

(FILES) Signage for Moody's Corporation is displayed at their headquarters at 7 World Trade Center on March 18, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)
(FILES) Signage for Moody's Corporation is displayed at their headquarters at 7 World Trade Center on March 18, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)
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Moody’s Establishes Regional HQ in Riyadh, Deepening Presence in Region

(FILES) Signage for Moody's Corporation is displayed at their headquarters at 7 World Trade Center on March 18, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)
(FILES) Signage for Moody's Corporation is displayed at their headquarters at 7 World Trade Center on March 18, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)

Moody’s Corporation announced that it has established its regional headquarters in Riyadh, reflecting ongoing commitment to support the development of the Kingdom’s capital markets and economy.

“This investment aligns to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 initiative and underscores its dynamism and growth,” Moody’s said in a statement this week.

The new regional headquarters marks an expansion of Moody’s presence in Saudi Arabia, where the company first opened an office in 2018, and reflects its longstanding commitment to the Middle East.

“The headquarters will strengthen Moody’s engagement with Saudi institutions and enable broader access to Moody’s decision grade data, analytics and insights,” said the statement.

“Our decision to establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh reflects our confidence in Saudi Arabia’s strong economic momentum, as well as our commitment to helping domestic and international investors unlock opportunities with our expertise and insights,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Moody’s Rob Fauber.

“We are well positioned to provide the analytical capabilities and market intelligence that investors and institutions need to navigate evolving markets across the Middle East,” the statement quoted him as saying.

Mahmoud Totonji will lead the regional headquarters as General Manager.