Etisalat Group: Spearheading the digital future while achieving record results - Telecom Review
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THE TELECOMS INDUSTRY MEDIA PLATFORM
Etisalat
Group:
Spearheading
the digital
future while
achieving
record results
Eng. Hatem Dowidar,
CEO, Etisalat Group
The sky’s the limit: It’s all about the chips: Navigating the
Space welcomes Opportunities in times data processing
Arab satellites in orbit of crisis highway
HUAWEI IdeaHub Know More
MAY 2021 CONTENTS 2
TH E TE L E CO M S INDUST RY MEDI A P L AT FO R M
6 14
Etisalat Group: Spearheading the digital future ICT now a foundation to ensure sustainable
while achieving record results development
18 22
Nokia’s network expertise and software solutions Women empowerment at the heart of Zain Group’s
helping telcos carry out their 5G evolution initiatives
20 The sky’s the limit: Space welcomes Arab
satellites in orbit
24 How the Unified Billing facilitates digital
transformation: A story from Nexign and 40 It’s all about the chips: Opportunities in times of
MegaFon crisis
26 Growth trends in fiber optic cable use 42 Network automation and SD-WAN discussed at
Telecom Review virtual panel
28 Tedmob CEO: “We don’t just build your digital
business, we accelerate it” 50 Navigating the data processing highway
34 How telcos will succeed with 5G campus
networks 52 What does the surge in electric vehicles mean for
the ICT industry?
MAY 2021 EDITORIAL 3
Toni Eid,
Editor in Chief & Senior ICT Analyst founder
Toni Eid editor in chief
toni.eid@tracemedia.info Telecom Review International
Senior Journalist & Content Manager
Christine Ziadeh
Digital pass:
christine@tracemedia.info
Journalists
Elvi Correos
elvi@tracemedia.info
Jonathan Pradhan
jonathan@tracemedia.info
Editorial Team
Christine Ziadeh (Lebanon), Corrine Teng
(Singapore), Elvi Correos (UAE), Jeff
Seal (USA), Jennifer Saade (Lebanon),
A call to the WHO
Jonathan Pradhan (UAE), Marielena For over a year now, the whole world is grappling with the repercussions of a
Geagea (Lebanon), Toni Eid (UAE) serious pandemic. The travel industry has been affected more than anything else.
The events’ business is also one of sectors that are bearing the brunt despite
Advertising Enquiries the organization of virtual events that have been a good solution but never an
Mohammed Ershad
ershad@tracemedia.info
alternative to in-person events.
Graphic Designer The talk of a global digital pass which includes our Covid19 medical records
Tatiana Issa comprising of PCR tests results and vaccination update, was promising but
unfortunately hasn’t materialized yet.
Responsible Manager
Joseph Bou Daher
As this is a new pandemic, confusion reigned around who is the right authority to
News approve this pass - is it the WHO, the IATA, or each airline in coordination with the
Provided in cooperation with country’s health authority?
AFP, the global news agency
Trials were conducted between UK and Singapore flights and the Emirates and
Published by Dubai Health Authority will have their own pass soon so whereby vaccinated
residents can fly without presenting any documents or waiting for confirmation
ahead of travel.
Trace Media Ltd.
The EU health chief said in statement that as of June, vaccinated travelers will be
Zouk Mikael, Lebanon eligible to travel without having to undergo quarantines within the union countries,
Kaslik Sea Side Road, but strictly for the vaccines approved by the EU.
Badawi Group Building, 4th Floor,
P.O. Box 90-2113, Jdeidet el Metn Why haven’t all the efforts deployed to launch a unified global pass borne fruit?
Tel. +961 9 211741
M. +961 70 519 666
The WHO has been very slow and this delay was pushing many local authorities to
take independent actions.
Trace Media FZ.LLC.
Dubai Media City, UAE The United Nations should push the WHO to take responsibility and save the
Building 7, 3rd Floor, Office 341
P.O. Box 502498, Dubai, UAE
economy and millions of jobs around the world whether in the airlines business,
Tel. +971 4 4474890 hotels or even ground staff at airports.
M. +971 55 639 7080
The technology is available and it has proven its success in global digital platforms,
Printing therefore, immediate action should be taken.
United Printing and Publishing
© All rights reserved
Publication of any of the contents
is prohibited
Year 16 | Issue 173
1 month free rental on Free Office 365 Free eStore solution Internet Bundles support Free Video calls and Free Video Surveillance Free TV with Online meetings installation Digital Signage
MAY 2021 COVER STORY 6
The telecom industry
is undergoing an
unprecedented digital
transformation. With
evolving technologies
such as 5G, artificial
intelligence (AI), big data,
Internet-of-Things (IoT),
autonomous vehicles,
machine-to-machine
(M2M) communication,
cloud, robotics, and
blockchain, as well as
the introduction of new
business models to cater
to the changing customer
demands, Etisalat Group
remains at the forefront
of digital innovation in
Eng. Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Etisalat Group telecommunications.
Etisalat Group:
F
ocusing on end-to-end
digitization, Etisalat
underpins the digital
revolution by adapting
to an increasingly
Spearheading the
tech-reliant lifestyle,
supporting businesses
on the way they operate and deliver
value, and providing smarter solutions
toward government and cities. 2020 has
digital future while
been a challenging year and yet Etisalat’s
journey was transformational as it
braces the “new normal” and accelerates
further toward the future.
achieving record
Among its outstanding feats are a robust
financial performance, recognition
as the strongest brand in the Middle
East and Africa region, brand new
results
investments for telecom infrastructure
and technological advancements, and
extended efforts for achieving massive
digital transformation.
MAY 2021 COVER STORY 7
Etisalat recorded the highest annual “In this time of uncertainty, our primary
results with net profits touching Dh9 goal is to keep our valuable customers,
billion & 3.8% YoY growth employees, and society fully connected.”
With an international footprint that
extends to 16 countries across Asia, Following this, the unveiled Q1 2021
the Middle East, and Africa, Etisalat results display a continuation of the
continued its focus on enhancing the strong performance the company has
core business and exploring new growth achieved over the past year. In detail,
opportunities, while being well-equipped consolidated revenues for the first
for delivering its digital capabilities and quarter amounted to Dh13.2 billion,
solutions. representing an increase of 0.8%
As a result, Etisalat’s dedication
YOY and 1.2% quarter-over-quarter.
Moreover, the consolidated net profit
Etisalat recorded
to building a robust, agile, and
transformative business allows a strong,
after Federal Royalty amounted to Dh2.3
billion, representing a 7.9% increase YoY
the highest annual
sustainable, and profitable shareholder and 14.7% quarter over quarter, resulting
value and returns. In retrospect, Etisalat in a net profit margin of 18%. results with net profits
Group announced its consolidated
net profit for the year 2020 of Dh9 In terms of Earnings Before Interest, touching Dh9 billion &
billion, recording a 3.8% year-on-year Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization
(YOY) growth that has been attributed
to strong growth in international
(EBITDA), it is stable compared to the
prior year with a 51% EBITDA margin,
3.8% YoY growth
operations. Since 2016, these results amounting to Dh 6.8 billion, representing
are among the highest annual profits an increase of 0.7% YOY and 7.4%
recorded by the Group. quarter over quarter.
Eng. Hatem Dowidar, CEO, Etisalat Group The company’s generated first-quarter
emphasized that Etisalat’s advanced results are the outcome of its efforts to
network, recognised for being the serving consumers in the new work-
fastest mobile network in 2020, and its and-learn-from-anywhere scenario,
ability to adapt and implement plays an according to Hatem Dowidar. Besides,
instrumental role during the pandemic. the leading telco will continue to focus
MAY 2021 COVER STORY 8
on capitalizing on opportunities and reflecting investors’ confidence in globally in the strongest brands index.
enhancing the overall customer Etisalat Group’s performance, strong Etisalat achieved this global brand
experience while delivering long-term financial profile, and credit ratings. strength through its continuous efforts
value for all shareholders. Specifically, Aa3 stable (Moody’s) and and investments in accelerating value
AA- Stable (S&P Global) are considered to its consumers across markets
In fact, during the Annual General within the highest ratings in the with the launch of many successful
Meeting (AGM), the Etisalat Group industry. innovative global branding initiatives.
shareholders agreed to distribute a full-
year cash dividend of 80 fils per share More so, Morocco-based Maroc This recognition put Etisalat up 17
for the FY 2020 and additional one- Telecom, the first global telecom spots in the global 500 brand value
time special dividends of 40 fils per operator in the country, continuously ranking from 225th to 208th and is
share. This brings the total dividend per expands its 4G mobile network ranked among the top five strongest
share to AED 1.20. Not only that, but coverage that reached 99% of the telecom brands across global markets
shareholders also approved raising the Moroccan population in 2020. This and the strongest telecom brand in the
non-UAE national (foreign) ownership is one of the impacts of the signed MEA region.
limit from 20% to 49%. deal worth Dh10 billion dirhams
between the telco and the Moroccan For the fifth year in a row, Etisalat has
Etisalat Group’s new bonds issuance government in 2019 to develop retained its title of the most valuable
aims to maximise shareholders value telecoms infrastructure over the next telecom portfolio of brands, touching
by reducing the cost of funding three years. over AED 40 billion, including Etisalat
Etisalat Group has announced the Misr, Mobily, Ufone, Maroc Telecom,
successful completion of a bond Etisalat made history becoming the PTCL and is also the only telecom
issuance worth one billion euros to strongest telecom brand in MEA brand to retain AAA brand rating.
refinance the maturing bond it had region and ranked among the top 5
issued in 2014 for the acquisition of telecom brands globally Commenting on Etisalat’s
a controlling stake (53%) in Maroc In January 2021, Etisalat made history achievements, David Haigh, CEO, Brand
Telecom. Issued in two tranches, the when Brand Finance, the world’s Finance commented saying, “When
first is a 7-year tranche amounting to leading independent brand valuation COVID struck in 2020, Etisalat led from
500 million euros with an annual yield and strategy consultancy, named it the the front ensuring business continuity,
of 0.4 percent while the second tranche strongest brand across all categories digital and innovative solutions…
is for a 12-year period worth 500 in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) staying relevant and enabling the
million euros with a 1 percent annual region. The Group scored a Brand nation with the fastest network on the
yield. Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.4 planet, Etisalat has earned its place as
out of 100 and a corresponding AAA the region’s ‘Strongest Brand.’”
The bond issuance was very successful brand strength rating – the only brand
as it witnessed a remarkable demand in the region to achieve this rating. It Etisalat’s 5G network will play an
from local and international investors, put Etisalat among the top 25 brands important role in delivering the fastest,MAY 2021 COVER STORY 9
smartest and best connectivity to Expo Etisalat’s services in the 5G network will
2020 play an important role in delivering the
Focusing on its vision to ‘drive the digital fastest, smartest and best connectivity
future to empower societies,’ Etisalat to ensure that the massive security and
has been at the forefront to bring digital logistical readiness is in place for the
ambitions to reality by spearheading mega world expo.
the deployment of the 5G network
and setting a major benchmark in the Commenting on Etisalat’s participation,
industry. Dr. Ahmed Bin Ali, Group Senior Vice
President, Corporate Communication,
“Etisalat has become a key regional and Etisalat, commented saying, “As the Etisalat driving the
international player in 5G especially with Official Telecommunications and
one of the biggest world expo powered
by 5G to be held next year”, said Etisalat
Digital Services Premier Partner of
Expo 2020 Dubai, Etisalat is proud to
digital future to
Group CEO. have supported Pavilions Premiere and
the debut of Terra – The Sustainability
empower societies
The upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai is Pavilion. We delivered state-of-art
being seen as an event that will foster telecommunications and digital services, bringing it to the
global trade and bring countries providing a superior visitor experience
together to come up with real-life thanks to the fastest network on earth.” forefront of digital
solutions to business challenges
worldwide. The UAE has been lauded
by the participating countries for its
Innovative customer service strategy
and adoption of the digital-first
innovation
technological infrastructure to host such marketplace has been the key driver
massive world events. As the country’s for Etisalat’s success and growth
leading telecommunication company, in leading the 5G revolution and the
Etisalat is the preferred premier digital successful launch of global brand-
services and telecommunications building initiatives. Etisalat has tirelessly
partner of Expo 2020 Dubai and it is led digital innovation in the country by
prepared to deliver the 5G connectivity working on several digital initiatives in
for the millions of delegates and visitors infrastructure, entertainment, and smart
participating in the event. cities.MAY 2021 COVER STORY 10
Etisalat’s vision to ‘Drive the digital enterprises (SMEs) by creating an deployment of its 5G network that
future to empower societies’ brings it abundance of opportunities in the UAE. enables applications in areas such
to the forefront of digital innovation in as AI, IoT, virtual reality (VR), and
telecommunications To ease the pain points of the SME augmented reality (AR). It strives to
Etisalat launched a slew of services sector in times of the pandemic, Etisalat address Industry 4.0 opportunities
in the first quarter of 2021. “Striking partnered with Etihad Airways to to benefit enterprises from various
the right partnerships with technology provide mobile and digital solutions for technological use cases in areas
leaders and entrepreneurs in close the SMB and startup community. Under such as energy, healthcare, education,
partnership with government and the agreement, Etihad and Etisalat transport, and entertainment, providing
private sector were key factors to push aim to jointly design special products, new revenue opportunities.
us to innovate and lead in this space,” offers, and activities that support SMB’s
Dowidar pointed out. to start and grow their business with In the B2B segment, Etisalat has
the latest innovative and convenient partnered with Nokia to launch a
In February, Etisalat launched the solutions. 5G network for enhanced mobile
Smiles food order and delivery broadband (eMBB) services, expand
services in the UAE as part of its effort Similarly, Etisalat’s Digital Financial 5G coverage, and unlock new revenue
to innovate and enhance customer Services (DFS) partnered with opportunities. Under the arrangement,
experience. In April, Etisalat vowed Al-Futtaim to enable secure and Nokia has deployed its AirScale radio
to donate 5% of all food orders contactless payment options for platform, based on 3GPP 5G New
placed on its Smiles app, to UAE’s eWallet customers across the country. Radio (NR) standards, utilizing massive
‘100 Million Meals’ campaign. The Additionally, as part of its commitment Multiple Input Multiple Output (ma-
donations provided food parcels for to support and empower people of MIMO) radio technology.
disadvantaged individuals and families determination, Etisalat partnered
across 20 countries in the Middle East, with the Ministry of Community To support next-gen networks, Etisalat
Asia, and Africa during the Holy Month Development to launch a web extension and Cisco are building the region’s first
of Ramadan. to make accessing the web autistic open and autonomous, and secured
friendly. Etisalat collaborated with network. Etisalat will leverage Cisco
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Brussels-based IT company Bliss AI/ML automation to simplify Etisalat
Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and to come up with a web extension Emirates Internet Exchange (EMIX)
Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of aimed at empowering autistic people operations with a set of innovative use
Dubai honored Etisalat along with other and personalizing their browsing cases aimed at providing intent-based
contributors for its role in raising over experience. and closed-loop automation solutions
Dh188 million from the humanitarian to the EMIX network.
campaign. The ‘Fourth Industrial Etisalat has been prominent in
Revolution’ solutions will be led by the growing global ecosystem of Additionally, Etisalat Misr and Huawei
entrepreneurs and small and medium telecommunication with the rapid completed the first VoLTE call usingMAY 2021 COVER STORY 11
Huawei’s Virtual IMS which allow the technologies such as 5G, AI, cloud, strengthened through the partnership
Single Voice Core solution support and blockchain of Nokia and Mobily in deploying
for 2G/3G/LTE/5G/VoBB all in one The Middle East is among the leading narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT)
core to avoid the complex integration, regions for digital transformation, technology across its infrastructure.
operations, and maintenance for the CS and Etisalat contributes to this by More than 4,000 LTE base stations have
core and IMS coexistence. focusing on creating more value in been enabled to support enhanced
the lives of customers and the growth NB-IoT cell connectivity. This will help
Key investments for telecom of businesses, as well as utilizing a businesses including energy, transport,
infrastructure combination of technologies such and health to deliver improved
The UAE was ranked first in the Gulf as 5G, AI, cloud, and blockchain in customer experience through Mobily’s
and the wider region on its telecom empowering digital societies. network.
infrastructure, according to a United
Nations (UN) e-government survey. Cloud and data centers are among “With communication and connectivity
The Telecommunications and Digital the innovative solutions that Etisalat gaining more significance and demand
Government Regulatory Authority Digital has to offer. Providing traditional more than ever during the pandemic,
(TDRA) previously mentioned that colocation and managed services for telcos play a critical role in closing this
telecom operators in the country have more than two decades, Etisalat’s cloud gap of digital readiness by becoming
allotted a huge budget for infrastructure services have been operational for four the engines of resilience and innovation.
investment, making the UAE’s years and are growing exponentially. Moving ahead, network modernization
infrastructure among the best in the It has 11 data centers within the UAE and digital transformation play a key
world in terms of fiber optic services with 18,500 m2 of raised floor and 23 role in bringing this change to society,”
and overall network coverage. MW of power, with colocation services Hatem Dowidar remarked.
from six data centers in Dubai, three
Etisalat plays a major role in these in Abu Dhabi, and one each in Al Ain Taking all this into consideration, the
investments. By being the first national and Fujairah that are mainly used for all-inclusive digital transformation
telecom provider, initiator of the first international carriers. provides the telecom industry with
rollout of commercial Internet services significant growth opportunities.
in the region, up to the first launch of At Help AG, unmatched technical Standing still as a leading telecom
commercial 5G in the region, Etisalat expertise and industry-leading network, Etisalat serves as a backbone
has been focused on establishing a cybersecurity solutions are made of the digital economy, bringing digital
well-connected network that could be available. As Nicolai Solling, chief transformation and innovation across
the difference in achieving a long- technology officer at Help AG explained markets.
lasting digital transformation. in line with the State of the Market
Report 2021, cybersecurity takes
In detail, the network coverage today collaboration amongst all responsible
reaches across the country with 4G actors in the government and private
LTE network coverage touching 99.70% sectors. This is a must to improve the
and 3G covering 99.82%, while fiber-to- region’s digital security landscape.
the-home (FTTH) has reached 95.7% of
homes across the UAE. Along with this, Citing an example, the UAE Trade
network deployments in 5G reached Connect (UTC) is a unique platform that
over 35% covering the main cities in
UAE.
will enable UAE banks and the supply
chain industry to join the platform to
Etisalat is a leading
combat fraud and duplication in the
The UAE, particularly Fujairah, is trade finance space. Banks such as telecom player with
ranked as the biggest location for Commercial Bank International (CBI),
submarine landings in the region. Thus, Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD), the fastest network in
Etisalat has invested in data centers to Emirates NBD, FAB, Mashreq Bank,
complement its telecom infrastructure
called SmartHub. Known as the biggest
National Bank of Fujairah (NBF), and
Rakbank can send invoice information
the world & ranked as
carrier hotel, it minimizes latency
and delivers outstanding end-user
into a private permissioned blockchain
network. This information is then run
the strongest telecom
performance. Also, it includes direct
access to a major cloud platform,
through Etisalat’s fraud detection
system, which uses AI to check the brand in MEA
Etisalat’s IP network, and the Middle authenticity of the invoice data.
East’s largest Internet Exchange.
At the same time, fostering informed
Etisalat contributes to creating decisions based on real-time
more value in the lives of customers information for business success,
and the growth of businesses with Etisalat’s IoT solutions have beenMAY 2021 INTERVIEW 14
ICT now a
foundation
to ensure
sustainable
development
Following a string of recent conferences and the release
of its 2020 Annual Report, Telecom Review catches up
Charles Yang, President of Huawei with Charles Yang, President of Huawei Middle East, on
Middle East
plans for the region.
A
s a key driver users with the best customer region, is relatively good. Traffic
of digital experiences. In addition, we will across the Middle East increased
transformation work with operators and partners to approximately 40% last year due to
and larger explore 5G commercial use cases. the pandemic, because almost all
socio-economic For example, in Saudi Arabia, we activities are online now, such as
development, work with stc and Aramco to use 5G online meetings, online education,
what are Huawei’s technologies to improve efficiency and online shopping. Last year’s
current plans for the development of and reduce costs. Now we have just pandemic has affected many
5G in the region? signed a 5G port in Oman. In the UAE, industries, raised more demands on
What we see is that the combination we cooperate with ADNOC in oil and the ICT communications industry,
of 5G, cloud, and AI has become a gas, as well as Abu Dhabi Airports, to and brought more opportunities as
significant development trend and a develop 5G use cases. well.
new engine for the expansion of the
digital economy. Through all this, we provide the best But as you said, there are factors
technologies and services to our that affect operators’ growth and
From the perspective of 5G, the customers, in turn promoting the profitability. I think it’s mainly from
Middle East has experienced the development of the digital economy. two sides. Many countries’ entire
first wave of 5G construction thanks economy declined to a certain extent
to the joint efforts of governments With 5G on the fast track, what do due to the impact of the pandemic,
and operators. Huawei is one of the you think is the main obstacle to the which may affect the profitability of
most important 5G solution providers growth and profitability of telecom operators. Second, due to the impact
in the region. We will continue to operators today? of the pandemic, international flows
support operators in 5G construction, The situation of operators in the between countries are restricted,
build the best networks, and provide Middle East, especially in the GCC and some expatriates working in theMAY 2021 INTERVIEW 15
region left. I think this has brought In the past 30 years, Huawei has
some impact on the revenue of deployed 1,500 networks worldwide,
operators. serving 3 billion people in more pandemic. In this regard, what is
than 170 countries and regions. Huawei’s plan to support economic
We have heard a lot of news So far, no major incident related to recovery in the Middle East?
about Huawei’s contribution to cybersecurity privacy protection has Ultimately, the pandemic has
the automotive business. Can you occurred. accelerated digital transformation.
clarify the company’s plans in this During the pandemic, global network
regard? Huawei recently joined OIC-CERT, a traffic has increased by approximately
Electric cars and smart cars are leading international cybersecurity 50%. Cloud migration has become
certainly a trend for the future. In the platform. This is the first time Huawei the first choice for enterprises, and
meantime, core technologies such as has joined the cybersecurity platform 85% of enterprises have chosen
artificial intelligence, 5G, and cloud of the Islamic world, and Huawei is cloud services. At the same time,
services will play a big role. the organization’s first leading ICT demand for home broadband has
member. OIC-CERT is committed to increased by more than 20% in the
To confirm, Huawei is not building providing expertise in cyber crisis last year. All these changes indicate
its own vehicles. Instead, we management and continuously that ICT will become a new engine of
focus on using our ICT solutions protecting cybersecurity through digital economic growth in the post-
as a component supplier for global cooperation. As a member of pandemic era.
smart vehicles, helping traditional this organization, we will work with
manufacturers build better vehicles. all cybersecurity stakeholders on an The pandemic has also made us
We provide smart components to our open and transparent platform to realize the importance of globalization
customers, including cloud services ensure end-to-end cybersecurity. and diversification for the future. To
for smart cars, smart cockpits, smart face the challenges posed by the
networking, and smart electrics. That said, I believe that cybersecurity pandemic, we must work together to
is not the responsibility of only one build a solid foundation to ensure the
Huawei’s smart vehicle solutions enterprise, nor can it be achieved by sustainable development of the digital
have unique advantages. For one enterprise alone. Cybersecurity economy.
example, we have mature full-stack needs to be built by the whole
ICT development capabilities in the society. I have always stressed
to-business market, as well as an that Huawei is willing to sign
understanding of experience design cybersecurity agreements with any
in the consumer market. Overall, our country in the region.
solid understanding of consumers
can be reflected in the innovation of Can you share with us your
smart car parts to make consumers expectations for Huawei’s business
more comfortable. Second, our growth in the Middle East in 2021?
consumer-facing design capabilities In general, we are very confident in
are very strong, especially process the Middle East business this year. In the past 30 years,
design. Therefore, we hope to make This is because we have gained the
smart cars more competitive through trust and support from governments, Huawei has deployed
joint efforts between Huawei and operators, and enterprise partners in
traditional auto manufacturers. the Middle East over more than 20
years. I think operators’ businesses
1,500 networks
With so many projects in hand, what
do you see as Huawei’s contribution
are stable, and I think the enterprise
network market will grow rapidly.
worldwide, serving
to enhancing network cybersecurity
in the Middle East? As for the impact of US sanctions
3 billion people in more
First, Huawei has 30 years of practice on Huawei, the US has had no
in cybersecurity. We have an end-to- impact on our ICT infrastructure than 170 countries
end process, from procurement to business locally. First, we have
R&D to production to final operations. inventory. Second, our supply chain and regions
Huawei Middle East often invites is diversified. Therefore, we are
global cybersecurity experts to confident that the ICT infrastructure
communicate with governments of of telecom operators and enterprise
countries to share their experience businesses will not be affected.
in cybersecurity governance, to
help build cybersecurity processes, We know that countries around
and to improve the cybersecurity the world have different plans
capabilities of countries overall. to overcome the impact of theMAY 2021 REGIONAL NEWS 16
Saudi Arabia: 5G leader within GCC region, 127% faster 5G
speed globally
countries and faster 5G speed than around the world during Q1 2021,
the global average. the Kingdom’s 5G emerged as 127%
faster at 322.42 Mbps.
The maturity of the 5G market is
said to be measured from the ratio In retrospect, Saudi Arabia has
of samples from devices that are a new plan to allocate 23 GHz of
connected to 5G to the number of spectrum to boost 5G speeds and
samples from all 5G-capable devices coverage. The Communications and
per country. Within the GCC region, Information Technology Commission
Saudi Arabia had the highest ratio (CITC) released the 3-year “Outlook
(83.4%) during the first quarter of the for Commercial and Innovative Use
year. Qatar is ranked second (80.9%), of the Spectrum in Saudi Arabia”
followed by the United Arab Emirates that elaborates how the spectrum
(UAE) with 77.4%, Kuwait (68.5%), and allocation can support a wide range
Bahrain (57.9%). Oman, which is the of technologies including mobile,
most recent one to have launched satellite, and Wi-Fi.
In the Q1 2021 findings of the Internet commercially-available 5G this year
performance analyst firm Ookla, has the lowest ratio of only 6.1%. On the other hand, the UAE records
Saudi Arabia is ahead of the 5G the fastest mobile speed in the GCC,
network landscape across the Gulf As a result of Ookla’s speed test with 100.99 Mbps. Moreover, mobile
Cooperation Council (GCC) region and comparing Saudi Arabia’s median users with 5G-capable devices in
around the world. The Kingdom has download speed over 5G with an Qatar had the highest 5G availability
the highest 5G adoption among GCC average of 5G download speeds (38.1%).
UAE leads in world’s mobile network speed race
of 183.03 Mbps and 177.10 Mbps, Etisalat has contributed to the UAE
respectively. ranking first in terms of mobile network
speed. This is yet another milestone
The Speed Test Global index, which achievement for the UAE as well as
assesses over 135 countries, Etisalat’s testament to its relentless
compares internet speed data from efforts towards its strategy and vision
around the world on a monthly basis. to ‘Drive the digital future to empower
Data for the index comes from the societies’.
hundreds of millions of tests taken by
real people using the speed test every As the country’s leading mobile
month. operator and world’s fastest mobile
network, Etisalat is uplifting the
Mobile network speed is regarded national performance, enabling the ICT
The UAE has ranked as a leader in a as a major contributing factor to aspirations of the country’s leadership.
global mobile index as the country the well-being, economic wealth
with the fastest mobile network speed and social prosperity of a nation. Ookla had recognised Etisalat for
in the first quarter of 2021, according This achievement has a lot of being the fastest mobile network
to the latest data from Ookla, a global favourable implications for a enabling operator worldwide in 2020 providing
leader in fixed broadband and mobile environment for future aspirations, its subscribers the most superior
network testing applications, data country’s ICT agenda, productivity of experience with the fastest mobile
and analysis. businesses, amongst others. speeds from anywhere in the world.
With a download speed of 178.52 This significant achievement adds Just recently Etisalat has partnered with
Mbps in March, the country overtook one more feather to the UAE’s cap, Nokia to deploy 5G network, providing
South Korea and Qatar in the mobile and comes at an opportune time enhanced mobile broadband services
broad speedtest in the Global Country with the recent declaration of 2021 and expanding 5G coverage and revenue
Mobile rankings. The UAE also as “Year of the 50th” as the nation opportunities. Nokia’s 5G portfolio
overtook both countries in January celebrates its milestone Golden supports Etisalat’s mission of driving the
and February, with download speeds Jubilee. digital future to empower societies.MAY 2021 INTERVIEW 18
Dalia Nabil, Head of Pre-sales, Cloud
and Network Services, Nokia MEA
Nokia’s network expertise and
software solutions helping telcos
carry out their 5G evolution
OSS/BSS modernization is important in the era of 5G and digital transformation. Dalia
Nabil, Head of Pre-sales, Cloud and Network Services, Nokia MEA explains to Telecom
Review all about the transformative impact of 5G on OSS/BSS systems and the role
that Nokia is playing in that space.
5
G is a transformative One of the many challenges to world, especially after the pandemic,
technology. How will it overcome to fully realize the future of expectations for new use cases
transform and impact 5G, is the complexity of the current and opportunities are exponentially
OSS/BSS systems? operations and business support increasing. Much of the promise of
5G, which is systems (BSS). For decades, service these new use cases will come with
fundamentally providers have been implementing the implementation of new 5G core
different from previous complicated and customized layers and technologies that enhance the ability
technologies, is all about use cases silos, which led to a platform far from to deliver dynamic end-to-end network
and new business opportunities. being agile and dynamic. slicing and automated operations.
5G networks is a platform for value
creation, to support new business With the acceleration of the launch of Service providers must maximize
models (B2B2B and B2B2C). commercial 5G services around the their return on investment by enablingMAY 2021 INTERVIEW 19
dynamic new business capabilities uphold will be too dynamic for static, how are you addressing the security
to capture every revenue opportunity open-loop operational systems and aspect?
brought by 5G. That cannot be processes to keep up. Automation Nokia has the network expertise,
achieved with static legacy business and AI need to be “designed-in” to software solutions and global services
and operations support systems 5G service and network operations to help telecommunications companies
(OSS/BSSs), having old architectures, from the start. This will help service plan for and carry out their 5G
limited flexibility and lack of real-time providers with four concerns in evolution. Our deep understanding of
monetization capabilities. particular: cost, quality, agility and 5G operations and our end-to-end 5G
security. portfolio provide a clear path forward
Monetization solutions must also to connect the network to the business,
be open to enable CSPs to digitally For service providers to address monetize using new business model,
interact with customers and partners. those challenges and automate adopt closed-loop processes and
In addition, business agility is required successfully, service providers will need establish a truly outside-in approach to
so that highly dynamic digital services to put in place an automation-native innovation.
can seamlessly be brought to market architecture.
rapidly. All of these must be delivered Nokia has extensive references around
with greater operational efficiency than What impact does network slicing the globe and is trusted by 270+
ever to support the massive growth in have on OSS/BSS? service providers supporting 1.8 billion
data and devices at lower costs. In the 5G era, the network-as-platform subscribers for monetization and
will act as enabler of enterprise OSS. For reference, Nokia deployed 5G
How important is it to modernize innovation – for use by enterprises CHF, that is already live in Tier-1 NAM
OSS/BSS in the 5G era? What are the to develop and deliver solutions to operator’s multivendor 5G SA Core
challenges here? their own markets. By leveraging serving millions of customers. Other
A wise man once said, “You cannot the software-based capabilities of reference is with Singtel, based on a
keep doing the same things over and the 5G network, service providers Network as a Service (NaaS) approach
over and expect different results”. will create virtualized portions of the that provides customers with highly
Capitalizing on 5G opportunities will network (“slices”) that they can sell customizable services for a variety of
require a complete rethinking of the to third parties who can then build 5G 5G use cases and applications enabled
traditional approaches to both network capabilities into their own enterprise by Nokia’s next-generation operations
and service operations, including the and consumer offerings. suite.
people and processes that power
them. But that evolution should happen The service provider network will Security remains a key consideration
incrementally, with automation and AI consist of many slices, each can be for all service providers as they move
essential to getting service providers adapted to a different industry set towards 5G. What’s essential is that
from where they are today to where of requirements in terms of latency, security be built into 5G services by
they want to be - a fully integrated, throughput and other parameters. design, not as an afterthought. It
outside-in, market-driven approach to Whether it is a university campus, a needs to be in place any time a new
operations. mining company or a multi country service is launched, or new partners
logistics player, each enterprise could and customers are connected to the
Modernization is critical to be able to have a “slice” of the network to deliver network. Without it, the massive new
dynamically turn network, technology its use cases. These slices will then revenue opportunities of 5G will be at
and other assets into business. The need to be orchestrated, operated, risk.
challenges are many including: and assured in closed-loop cycles so
• Legacy customized systems with ad agreed-upon service-level agreements There are three key things service
hoc point-to-point integrations (SLAs) are upheld. providers would require for security
• Complex IT architectures with no operations in the 5G era: 1) a holistic
open interfaces According to Analysis Mason, security management approach; 2)
• Siloed organizations with manual enterprise-focused business use cases, implementation of the SOAR model
steps and no close loop processes such as mobile edge computing and (security orchestration, analytics and
• Legacy offering with existing network slicing, will require modern, response); and 3) digital trust.
customer base not used to digital scalable, real-time charging systems.
channels Further, the report states that, “…it By connecting silos, enabling “cross-
• Long time to market (TTM) in order will be beneficial for service providers slice visibility”, harnessing AI, SOAR
to define new service/offering to deploy all new stacks to support systems and maintaining digital trust,
these use cases rather than investing service providers can ensure the
What role does automation play in the in enhancing legacy billing/charging highest degree of assurance for all
modernization and optimization of systems.” network activities, all while relieving
OSS/BSS? human beings from tasks they won’t
5G network-based services with Where is Nokia in OSS/BSS otherwise be able to keep up with in the
multiple slices and diverse SLAs to modernization for 5G networks? And complex, dynamic 5G environment.MAY 2021 ICT FEATURE 20
pan-Arab satellite communications
organization. Founded by the 21
members of the Arab League, Arabsat
— considered as the leading satellite
services provider in the region — has
been serving the needs of the Arab
world for over 40 years.
Similar to other regions, the Middle
East and North Africa (MENA) is
rich in experience and unique in its
perspective regarding satellites. Here
are some of the groundbreaking Arab
satellites launched:
Arabsat-1A. In February 1985, the first
Arabsat satellite launched into orbit.
This signals the Arab world’s entry into
space. Due to malfunction, it was soon
followed by the deployment of Arabsat-
1B. The latter is done alongside Saudi
Prince Sultan bin Salman’s historic
space trip aboard NASA’s Discovery
The sky’s the limit:
shuttle.
Inmarsat GX5. Launched in November
2019, this satellite delivers roughly
Space welcomes
double the combined capacity of the
entire existing GX fleet. Equipped
with a significantly expanded ground
Arab satellites in orbit
station network and enhanced cloud-
based processing, GX5 supports the
rapid growth in customer demand
for GX services in the Middle East,
“Space is the gateway to science, and science is the particularly for aviation connectivity
and government/commercial maritime
driver to the future economy,” said His Highness Sheikh services.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and FalconEye. Launched in December
2020 in line with the UAE’s 49th
Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE. national day, FalconEye is the fourth
T
reconnaissance satellite launched by
he Middle East Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the United this country. Developed together with
is known as a Arab Emirates (UAE) have established Airbus Defence and Space and Thales
frontrunner for space agencies and operate their own Alenia Space, the satellite is specifically
innovation, and this satellites. designed for mapping, agricultural and
is not only limited environmental monitoring, and urban
to technological By definition, satellites establish secure planning, as well as to support the
advancements and reliable communication networks needs of the UAE’s Armed Forces.
that we can benefit from in a tangible and overcome connectivity gaps in
manner. Space science and technology remote or rural areas. The multi- KhalifaSat: the first Emirati satellite
have become an essential field for billion-dollar satellite industry has built from the ground up was launched
countries seeking to develop their seen phenomenal growth for the past into orbit in October 2018. This
terrestrial infrastructures and human decades and is anticipated to prosper heralded a new era in global space
resources in various areas. further as the interest for space exploration within the Emirates.
innovation surges. Developed by a team of young Emirati
As a matter of fact, Arabs have invested engineers from the Mohammed
billions of dollars in various programs A preview on Arab satellites Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC),
that will benefit academic, technical, The beginning of the Arab space KhalifaSat is equipped with the latest
and economic fields. Algeria, Egypt, age can be credited to Arabsat, the in space and imaging technology,MAY 2021 ICT FEATURE 21
intended to be used in urban planning Alcomsat-1: Launched in December communications industry is booming
and designing smart cities. 2017, the successful broadcasting of in terms of development due to
public television and radio channels is globalization and a myriad of factors
MeznSat: This 3U CubeSat developed made possible from the new Algerian such as cultural, technological,
by students from Khalifa University satellite Alcomsat-1. It successfully financial, and geographical. As more
and the American University in Ras Al carried out the broadcasting of five satellites are launched and more
Khaimah was launched in September public television channels (National services are available to a wider
2020. This satellite would provide data Programme, Canal Algerie, TVA3, audience, the regional satellite
on greenhouse gas concentrations TV4, and TV5) and 57 radio channels, regulation may very well undergo
using a shortwave infrared previously broadcasted by foreign further adaptation in the current
spectrometer. It also collects data on satellites. generation.
the red tide phenomenon in the UAE.
Maroc-TUBSAT/Mohammed VI-A and Among the key factors in the growth
DMSat-1: Launched in March 2021, VI-B: Morocco launched the country’s of the MENA small-satellite market
Dubai Municipality collaborated with first microsatellite Maroc-TUBSAT are the increasing need for earth
MBRSC to develop the Emirate’s first in 2001. Aside from this, Morocco’s observation operations, growth
nanometric environmental satellite that two earth observation satellites, of small satellite launch vehicles,
will map air quality and monitor climate Mohammed VI-A and Mohammed emerging telecom sector as well as
change in the UAE. The data provided VI-B are the most capable optical increased investment by venture
by the satellite will be used to find surveillance satellites owned by any firms. Additionally, climate change and
solutions to confront the challenges African nation. The two satellites, their rising terror threats are some of the
of urban pollution and climate change. launch services, and ground support, other major factors which are driving
Moreover, it explores the future reportedly cost Morocco between 500 the demand for small satellites in the
environmental reality within the UAE. million and 600 million euros. region.
Thus, the launch of the satellite is part
of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy The current state of the Middle East According to 6Wresearch, the Arab
2050 and UAE Energy Strategy 2050. satellite market region has substantial growth
“The UAE’s potential and varied prospects until 2025. The governments
Shaheen Sat: This locally-made programs in the space sector under are taking several initiatives to upgrade
satellite was successfully launched the leadership’s long-term vision the communication and navigation,
in March 2021. The satellite will can reinvigorate the rich history of broadcast, and remote sensing
photograph Earth from space and track Arab-Islamic scientific contributions applications through the launch of
ships from low orbits. Being among the to humanity. It is time for the Arab low-cost small satellites in space.
new generation of small-size satellites, world to return to the age of scientific The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Africa
it includes a high-resolution imaging developments, achievements, are the key growing regions of the
telescope that provides satellite images and contributions for the sake of overall MENA small satellite market;
to serve Saudi Arabia’s development humankind’s progress. Through these particularly the latter as it has relatively
goals of employing artificial intelligence programs and more, we can once low connectivity rates.
techniques and big data. again welcome the Arab-Muslim
nations to the forefront of scientific Currently, leading satellite operators
EgyptSat 1/MisrSat-1: This is Egypt’s leadership,” said His Excellency Hamad include the Thuraya Satellite
first Earth remote sensing satellite Obaid Al Mansoori, Head of the UAE Communication Company, Al Yah
launched in 2007. It is currently defunct Digital Government and Director Satellite Communications Company,
now as the contact with the satellite General of the Telecommunications and MBRSC. These operators are
has been lost since 2010. On the other and Digital Government Regulatory destined to provide more advanced
hand, a series of Egyptian satellites Authority. satellite services over the years.
dubbed “Next” will be launched starting SES’ research shows that 30% of the
from December 2021. In the MENA region, there are a Middle East’s population will have 5G
few organizations that provide networks by 2025. This technological
MisrSat-2/EgyptSat 2: To demonstrate guidance and regulate the satellite advancement will affect satellite
Egypt’s capacity for space exploration, telecommunications industry. These innovation in the future. Hussein Oteifa,
the MisrSat-2 satellite will be 100% include the ITU’s Arab Regional General Manager, Sales, Middle East,
manufactured locally and is scheduled Office (ARO) in Egypt, established in SES Networks commented: “Given
for completion by August 2022. While 1991; Arabsat; and the Arab States the diverse geographical landscape
in September 2022, the EgyptSat Broadcasting Union (ASBU) which give of the region, and satellite’s unique
2 satellite will be launched to be certain rights and responsibilities that ability to connect remote areas, there
used in sensor applications with a are tantamount to regulation. is definitely huge potential to integrate
photographic accuracy of two meters. By and large, the satellite industry high-performance satellite seamlessly
This is designed in cooperation with is as diverse as it is complicated. into 5G networks and accelerate the
China. In the MENA region, the satellite rollout.”MAY 2021 WOMEN IN ICT 22
Women empowerment
at the heart of Zain
Group’s initiatives
Women are excelling in the ICT industry which proves
the need to bridge the gender gap in order to give Jennifer Suleiman, chief
sustainability officer, Zain Group
women more opportunities to prove their skills in
the field. Zain Group has recently published a report
entitled “Women in Tech - Bridging the Gender Gap in economies from reaching their
STEM Fields” to highlight this matter. In an exclusive full potential as it omits half of the
population’s potential and talent to
interview with Telecom Review, Jennifer Suleiman, chief contribute to the economy.
sustainability officer, Zain Group explains more about How is Zain addressing the gender
gap in STEM?
the report’s outcomes and her influencing role as a Zain is continually driving equality
leading woman in the ICT field. programs, recognizing the need to
Z
push an agenda that is cohesive,
ain Group released gap is considered “the unfinished inclusive, and fair to all. This thought
its thought business of our time.” leadership report is another tool to
leadership report highlight the extent of the exclusion
2021 entitled As the number of girls gaining an of women from STEM-related fields,
“Women in Tech education increases, disparities and what is needed to close the
- Bridging the associated with access to gender gap across the region and
Gender Gap in opportunities, quality and topics beyond.
STEM Fields.” What are the main they choose to study becomes more
highlights of the report? And what evident. It is imperative for girls to The company established a number
impact did it have on the industry? further develop themselves in STEM of initiatives that aim to close
The report focuses on exploring education, as careers in these areas the gender gap in STEM where
important issues regarding the cause, are seen as the jobs of the future, it supported the Women in Data
nature, and effects of the challenges driving innovation, social well-being, Science Conference (WiDS), which
faced by women as related to STEM. inclusive growth, and sustainable emphasized the importance of
Zain’s 2021 Thought Leadership development. women’s participation in the global
Report provides insights on the digital economy. The company then
gender gap in STEM, highlighting Women are underrepresented in committed and achieved its target of
its impact on socio-economic the technology sector and even certifying over 100 women across its
development across the board. though large strides have been country operations in the field of data
made in STEM education, it has science and data analytics.
Women account for half of not translated into employment.
the world’s population and Studies have shown that even though In Bahrain, Zain launched Girls for
are fundamental to ensuring a countries have largely invested in Tech Camp in partnership with the
sustainable future and peaceful improving girls’ education including Supreme Council for Women and
societies. There has been some STEM education, cultural and Clever Play, which is an organization
progress made towards achieving societal constraints have hindered that aims to inspire children’s
a more equitable society, however, this needed transition, impacting curiosity and passion for STEM.
there is still a long way to go and societies in a dramatic manner. This Established in October 2019, the
according to the UN, the gender gap in STEM employment prevents program aims to equip 1,000 girlsMAY 2021 WOMEN IN ICT 23
between the ages 8 and 14 years
with 10 hours of training in coding.
As a woman in the ICT field, what
are the challenges that you faced
to reach a leadership position? And
how did you overcome them?
The company’s evolution and
its effort to continue to drive the
agenda of sustainability provided
the opportunity to really understand
the role sustainability plays within
the context of digital services and
technological advancements. This
gave me the opportunity to grow
with the company and continued to
encourage me to drive and lead in
this realm. It is extremely important
to set the vision of what the function
does and consistently revise, adapt
and evolve with the upcoming trends
and ever-changing landscape. I was
able to leverage on the symbiotic
relationship of technology and social
movements and how they help one
another.
In your opinion, how can the status
of gender inclusion in the ICT
industry be improved?
ICT as an industry must set proper
targets in place and ensure that
it integrates the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) as a
framework and guiding principle
as it will ensure gender inclusion is
embedded within all functions of the
business. By creating a clear strategy
and end-goal that actively combats
gender biases will help in building
an efficient ecosystem that has an
inclusive, resilient, and equitable
direction. What message can you relay movement for others to join and
to women aspiring to join the advocate for inclusion.
As women bring a unique perspective ICT workforce? And to the ICT
to problems, marginalizing them companies in our region? Find mentors who inspire you
from certain fields leads to negative Determination and drive are key and nurture those relationships.
consequences. This risk is evident in to driving change. We must work Connecting with other people
STEM, as some technologies might collectively as men and women who have been in your position
be developed with unconscious to see change and development. especially in the ICT industry, can
biases integrated within those As ICT companies, it is part of our really help with achieving your goals
solutions. As such, the inclusion social contract to be as inclusive as and aspirations and overcoming
of women must start in the design possible - not only from and gender obstacles. ICT companies must
process of products, services and perspective but also of people with continue to drive gender inclusion
policy creation. With the world disabilities and other marginalized as they have an opportunity to
migrating towards a digital economy, communities. Companies in the address the digital gender divide.
we must ensure that when digital region must invest in programs that Technological adoption is moving at
solutions are created, women’s promote inclusivity, monitor and an extremely rapid pace, as such the
perspectives and viewpoints are assess impact, leverage on cross- industry must make sure that it is
considered from inception. sector partnerships, and spark a leaving no one behind.You can also read
