Beyond Technology: How KaarTech’s MENA Summit 2025 is Redefining Digital Transformation in Riyadh

A Historic Gathering in Riyadh

In the heart of **Riyadh, Saudi Arabia**, history was made as KaarTech hosted its first-ever **digital transformation summit** — the groundbreaking **KaarTech MENA Summit 2025**. For more than two decades, KaarTech has been guiding global enterprises through the labyrinth of enterprise transformation. Yet this event signaled something more — a bold reimagining of what transformation truly means.  

The summit brought together visionary leaders, industry pioneers, and innovators from across the GCC, uniting them in their shared mission to bridge the growing gap between digital ambition and tangible business outcomes. Transitioning from mere technology adoption to **outcome-driven transformation**, KaarTech showcased its dedication to crafting **impactful, reliable, and valuable** customer experiences. This wasn’t just a series of keynote speeches — it was a collaborative stage where real-world lessons were shared, assumptions challenged, and new, sustainable paths forward illuminated.  

Conversations that Shape the Future

From the opening keynote by Shahinsha Abdul Basheer, MENA CEO, to the fireside chats featuring distinguished guests like Rakan Alotaishan, Mohammed Alyousef, and Yaqoob Al-Hattali, the summit sparked thought-provoking dialogue. Shahinsha warned against viewing transformation as a checklist of tools, instead advocating for the **Vision-to-Value** framework — a strategic approach that weaves governance, customer-centricity, and disciplined execution into every initiative.  

Meanwhile, Maran Nagarajan, Global CEO of KaarTech, guided discussions that dove deep into the transformative power of AI-first strategies. With an emphasis on strong data foundations, leaders explored how enterprises could embrace artificial intelligence not as a passing trend, but as a compass for sustainable growth and resilience. His words echoed the spirit of the summit: technology must be guided by purpose, governed by outcomes, and executed with reliability.  

The Power of Collaboration

What truly distinguished the **KaarTech MENA Summit 2025** was its vibrant spirit of collaboration. Throughout the day, conversations transcended the boundaries of industries and geographies, all gravitating toward a common goal — aligning **people, processes, and technology** to serve customer needs. Attendees left with actionable insights, a renewed confidence in their transformation journeys, and an understanding that the future of business lies in **AI-enabled, outcome-driven change**.  

As the curtain closed, Shahinsha summed up the essence of the day: “We help enterprises turn their digital ambitions into lasting results that truly impact everyone.” With this, KaarTech has not only set a precedent for transformation summits in the region, but also laid the foundations for deeper, enduring partnerships across the GCC. 

The **KaarTech MENA Summit 2025** in Riyadh wasn’t just an event — it was the birth of a movement. A movement powered by AI-first strategies, framed by governance, fueled by reliability, and inspired by customer-centric visions. The GCC’s digital future is being written today, and KaarTech is holding the pen.  

Tiny Apples, Big Ambitions: Rockit's Family Pack Arrives in the Middle East

Innovative New Zealand snack sized apple brand, Rockit has gone big with its miniature apples and launched a new Family Pack in the Middle East to meet strong consumer demand for every day sharing occasions.

Rockit's recent product launch exemplifies strategic innovation in response to consumer behaviour. Moreover, the new Family Pack builds upon the brand’s occasion-based marketing strategy by offering an accessible, shareable format that suits contemporary family life. Consequently, retailers and consumers alike should anticipate heightened interest during the upcoming Back-to-School season.

Furthermore, the Family Pack mirrors the well‑established attributes of the iconic Rockit Daily Pack. Just like the iconic Rockit Daily Pack, the Family Pack features a resealable lid keeping each Rockit™ apple in peak, ready-to-eat condition, and a grab-and-go handle made for sharing during all of life's little moments. Therefore, it preserves freshness while enabling convenient distribution at events, picnics, and school activities.

Market Position and Strategic Timing

Rockit General Manager Global Marketing, Julian Smith says the Family Pack has arrived just in time for the peak Back-to-School selling period and is expected to drive strong sales, open new distribution channels and introduce Rockit to new consumers. He explains that launching during this key period will satisfy increasing consumer demand by providing a sharing option tailored for diverse consumption occasions.

Moreover, Rockit’s omnichannel promotional plan promises robust in-store and digital activations. "Launching the Family Pack during this key period will help meet increasing consumer demand for Rockit, by providing a new sharing option to cater for a wider range of consumption occasions. From the busy weekday hustle to exciting weekend adventures, our Family Pack makes all of life's special little moments even better – whether it's a refreshing healthy snack in the school lunchbox, on the sports sideline, or at picnics, parties and events."

Brand Momentum and Consumer Engagement

Global consumer awareness and engagement for Rockit is continuing to improve each year, with Rockit brand sentiment recently reaching a record 90 percent (up four percent on Q4, 2024). Rockit Global Brand Manager, Hannah de Valda says this trend looks set to continue with the Family Pack featuring in its annual Back-to-School campaign, launching across the GCC countries from mid-August.

She adds that the campaign will emphasise shared experiences and participatory activations. "Focusing on sharing special moments, the Back-to-School campaign capitalises on the momentum of the 'Rockit Every Little Moment' promotion delivered earlier this year. The omnichannel campaign includes strong promotional activity including instore activations, giveaways, consumer events, gift with purchase and influencer collaborations to drive consumer engagement and sales."

Ultimately, Rockit seeks to consolidate its position as a leading premium apple brand while responding to regional consumer needs. The Rockit Family Pack is now available in stores and online across many GCC countries. Accordingly, families and retailers in the UAE and beyond can now enjoy a fresh, portable and shareable snacking solution that aligns with modern lifestyles.

Redefining Risk Management: The Strategic Alliance Between Presight and Dow Jones Factiva

In an era characterized by rapid change and increasing complexity within the financial landscape, the collaboration between Presight, a leading global AI and big data analytics firm based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Dow Jones Factiva, a trusted source of regulatory-grade risk intelligence, represents a significant advancement in the realm of risk and compliance solutions. Recently, the two industry leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-develop a new class of AI-native applications tailored specifically for financial institutions, regulators, and sovereign entities. This partnership aims to navigate the multifaceted challenges of today's financial ecosystem by integrating their respective strengths in intelligence and infrastructure.

The partnership leverages Dow Jones Factiva's extensive repository of risk, regulatory, legal, and sustainability intelligence alongside Presight's innovative sovereign AI capabilities. By merging these resources, the collaboration aims to unlock sophisticated systems purpose-built for the intricate requirements of the global financial ecosystem. This strategic alliance not only reflects a commitment to enhancing compliance and risk management but also positions both companies at the forefront of technological evolution within the industry.

Transforming Compliance from Reactive to Predictive

A key focus of the joint endeavor is to shift the paradigm of compliance from a reactive stance to a proactive one. The innovative offerings will utilize generative AI, explainable models, and real-time contextual reasoning. This transformative approach empowers compliance, legal, and risk teams to anticipate and mitigate threats before they materialize, thereby fostering a more resilient financial infrastructure. The solutions will operate within sovereign-grade environments, ensuring adherence to national data residency and security requirements—an increasingly critical consideration for both regulators and regulated entities.

The initial suite of flagship solutions promises to address pressing challenges faced by financial institutions. For instance, the KYC & UBO Agent will streamline the mapping of hidden ownership structures, while the Sustainability Tracker will enable real-time monitoring of compliance breaches and evolving regulatory expectations. Furthermore, the Legal & Policy Risk Agent will detect enforcement trends and subtle shifts in legal landscapes, and the Sanctions Intelligence Engine will identify indirect exposure to sanctioned actors. Together, these capabilities will significantly enhance the ability of organizations to manage risk effectively.

A Regional Launchpad for Global Influence

As the collaboration takes root in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, it will initially focus on serving sovereign wealth funds, central banks, Tier 1 banks, and supervisory authorities across the UAE and the broader Gulf area. However, the vision does not end there. Discussions are already underway to expand into strategic corridors such as Southeast Asia, Central Asia, North Africa, and even the UK and the United States. This broader outreach underscores the growing demand for secure, auditable, and intelligent compliance tools in an increasingly interconnected world.

In summary, the alliance between Presight and Dow Jones Factiva is poised to set a new benchmark for the modern risk function. By fostering an environment that encourages auditable, autonomous, and future-proof solutions, this collaboration not only addresses the current complexities within the financial sector but also redefines the standards of governance. In a world where threats evolve rapidly, Presight and Dow Jones Factiva are leading the charge toward a more intelligent and foresighted approach to risk management.

Strengthening Cybersecurity in the GCC: A Strategic Alliance Between Kalaam Telecom Group and SecurityHQ

In an era where digital transformation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, the significance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, stands at the forefront of this evolution as Kalaam Telecom Group, a prominent regional Digital Solutions Provider, enthusiastically announces its partnership with SecurityHQ, a global leader in Managed Security Services (MSSP). This collaboration aims to enhance the cybersecurity landscape within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, thereby empowering local enterprises against the rising tide of cyber threats.

A Comprehensive Approach to Cybersecurity

This strategic partnership merges SecurityHQ's extensive global expertise in managed security services with Kalaam Telecom's formidable regional presence. Together, they seek to deliver advanced Security Operations Centers (SOCs) and tailored Managed Security Services across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Bahrain, Kuwait, and other GCC locations. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and employing local talent, this alliance is poised to create a unique offering that meets the specific needs of the region's enterprises. 

Moreover, the initiative is designed to adhere to the highest local regulatory requirements, ensuring that the services provided are not only world-class but also compliant with the standards set by the National Cybersecurity Authority in KSA. This meticulous attention to local nuances signifies a commitment to delivering cybersecurity solutions that resonate with the operational realities of businesses within the GCC.

Veer Passi, Group CEO of Kalaam Telecom, articulated the vision behind this partnership, stating, "Our collaboration with SecurityHQ marks a pivotal step in our mission to empower businesses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain with cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions." His words underscore the importance of utilizing industry-leading technologies and matured processes to provide enterprises with unparalleled protection against evolving cyber threats.

A Commitment to Excellence

Furthermore, Aaron Hambleton, Senior VP, MEA at SecurityHQ, highlighted the strategic importance of this alliance, noting that it represents a milestone in enhancing cybersecurity capabilities in the GCC region. By combining their global MSSP expertise with Kalaam Telecom's local insights, the partnership aims to tackle the unique challenges faced by enterprises, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to excellence in threat detection and response. 

As a recognized leader in the 2024 IDC Marketspace for Middle East Managed Detection and Response Services, SecurityHQ's establishment of its seventh global SOC in KSA further reinforces its dedication to raising the bar for cyber defense throughout the region. This partnership not only exemplifies the commitment of both organizations to address the evolving landscape of cyber threats but also reaffirms Kalaam Telecom's ongoing endeavor to empower local businesses with the necessary tools and expertise.

The partnership between Kalaam Telecom Group and SecurityHQ marks a significant advancement in the GCC's cybersecurity framework. By combining their strengths, both entities are well-equipped to provide future-ready solutions that not only protect enterprises but also foster a culture of security within the digital landscape of the region. This collaboration is indeed a promising stride toward a more secure and resilient digital future for all.

Revolutionizing Returns: Asyad Express Launches a Groundbreaking Reverse Logistics Platform in Oman

Introduction to a New Era in E-Commerce Logistics

MUSCAT, Oman - In a remarkable advancement for the logistics sector, Asyad Express, a prominent entity within the Asyad Group, has unveiled its innovative 'Reverse Logistics Platform.' This strategic, technology-driven initiative aims to transform how businesses across Oman and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) manage product returns, exchanges, and refunds. By streamlining these often-complex processes, Asyad Express positions itself as a crucial ally for e-commerce businesses seeking a competitive edge in an increasingly digital marketplace.

The new reverse logistics service addresses a growing demand from retailers and digital-first brands for agile, transparent, and consumer-centric return processes. With a focus on delivering a seamless 'end-to-end' reverse logistics experience, Asyad Express offers comprehensive coverage throughout the GCC. This includes convenient doorstep pickup, thorough quality checks, and the efficient reintegration of returned goods into inventory, all facilitated by complete visibility and tracking throughout the entire lifecycle of the return.

Enhancing Customer Experience and Business Efficiency

Moreover, Asyad Express's reverse logistics solution is engineered for effortless integration into existing e-commerce and retail workflows. This adaptability ensures that businesses of all sizes, from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to large corporations, can implement more flexible return policies. Consequently, companies can significantly shorten turnaround times, which directly enhances customer satisfaction. By adopting this forward-thinking approach, businesses not only simplify their operations but also build trust with their customers, reinforcing the overall shopping experience.

This launch is a testament to Asyad Express's unwavering commitment to e-commerce logistics excellence in the region. The company offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet diverse customer needs, with a strong emphasis on express delivery, e-commerce solutions, and warehousing. Utilizing an extensive global network, Asyad Express efficiently processes, packages, and ships thousands of deliveries across 220 destinations and territories. This commitment to customer-centric services is further complemented by the ability to ensure rapid deliveries and in-house customs clearance for international shipments.

Asyad Express's new Reverse Logistics Platform not only redefines the approach to managing returns in Oman and the GCC but also sets a new benchmark for e-commerce logistics in the region. By focusing on building trust and enhancing efficiency, this innovative service paves the way for a more customer-friendly future in the retail landscape.

Cainiao’s Strategic Expansion into the GCC

In a significant development for the logistics sector, Cainiao, a global leader in smart logistics, has recently launched its global-to-global express delivery service across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This expansion, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of cross-border e-commerce logistics. By enabling e-commerce platforms to fulfill their logistics requirements in as little as three days, Cainiao is not merely enhancing its services; it is propelling the entire logistics landscape forward, addressing the escalating demand for expedited delivery options in both local and cross-border markets.

As the first Chinese logistics provider to establish a unified express network throughout the Middle East, Cainiao's initiative comes at a time when the region is experiencing unprecedented growth in economic activity and consumer expenditure. The Middle East, projected to witness its e-commerce market surge to $50 billion by 2025, serves as a fertile ground for innovative logistics solutions. Within this context, Cainiao's layered logistics strategy—offering both rapid air freight and economical overland shipping options—positions the company as a pivotal player in the regional logistics ecosystem.

Tailored Solutions for a Dynamic Market

Cainiao's strategic approach to logistics in the Middle East encompasses a comprehensive array of air and ground shipping alternatives designed to cater to the diverse needs of e-commerce platforms. Notably, the air freight option promises deliveries in as little as three days between countries, ensuring that businesses can meet customer expectations for swift service. Conversely, the overland shipping option provides a cost-effective solution for reaching any city within 6-8 days, thereby accommodating a broader spectrum of logistical requirements.

Moreover, the affordability of Cainiao's services further enhances its appeal. By keeping shipping costs comparable to the price of a cup of coffee—approximately $1 less per kilogram than the market average—Cainiao ensures that efficient delivery remains accessible to a wide range of businesses. This commitment to affordability and reliability reflects the company's deep understanding of local market dynamics and its dedication to fostering growth within the region's e-commerce sector.

William Xiong, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cross-border at Cainiao Group, emphasizes the importance of this expansion. "Building a global smart parcel network is central to Cainiao's core strategy, and the Middle East is a key region within our global footprint," he states. Such insights underline Cainiao's commitment to not only expanding its global network but also actively engaging with local partners to enhance the efficiency of cross-border logistics solutions.

Cainiao's launch of its express delivery service in the GCC represents a transformative step in logistics, promising to bridge gaps in e-commerce delivery across the region. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of global trade, Cainiao stands poised to empower them with the tools and solutions necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected marketplace. For more information about Cainiao and its services, potential partners and businesses can visit [cainiao.com](http://cainiao.com) or reach out through designated contact channels.