Elevating Gender Equality: KONE's Commitment to Women in the Workplace

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate responsibility, KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, has garnered significant recognition for its unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). For the second consecutive year, KONE has been named one of the Top 10 Best Companies for Women in the Gulf, an esteemed accolade awarded by Avtar and Seramount. This recognition highlights KONE's dedication to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees, particularly women, are empowered to thrive, lead, and succeed in their careers.

KONE’s approach to diversity is not merely a corporate strategy; it is a fundamental aspect of its operational philosophy. The company’s RISE strategy 2025–2030 places people and culture at the forefront of its mission. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, KONE positions itself as one of the most desirable companies to work for in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Maria Manzoor, People & Communications Director for KONE Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, emphasizes that diversity and inclusion are integral to their daily operations and innovation efforts. Consequently, this recognition serves to reinforce KONE’s ongoing initiatives and inspires further growth in gender inclusivity within the organization.

A Vision for Gender Equity in the GCC

KONE's ambitious vision extends beyond recognition; it encompasses tangible goals aimed at achieving gender equity within its ranks. The company has set a global target of ensuring that 35% of director-level positions are held by women by the year 2030. This commitment demonstrates KONE's proactive stance in addressing gender disparities in leadership roles. In the GCC, the organization is implementing various initiatives, including mentorship programs, emerging leader tracks, and equitable recruitment practices. These programs are designed to empower women, providing them with the necessary tools and support to ascend to senior positions.

Loay Dajani, Managing Director for KONE Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa, articulates that this recognition as one of the Top 10 Best Companies for Women in the Gulf reflects KONE's dedication to its RISE strategy. By manifesting a workplace culture that prioritizes support and empowerment, KONE aims to create the best People Flow® experiences not only for customers but also for its employees. As KONE continues to invest in its workforce and cultivate an environment rich in equal opportunities, it plays a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and innovative future across the GCC and beyond.

KONE's recognition as a leading advocate for women in the workplace resonates deeply within its corporate ethos and strategy. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, KONE not only enhances its organizational culture but also contributes to the broader goal of gender equity in the corporate landscape. As KONE pursues its ambitious objectives, it sets a valuable precedent for other companies in the region, proving that commitment to gender inclusion is not just a moral imperative but a catalyst for innovative growth and success.

Revolutionizing Remittances: Thunes and Barq Join Forces in Saudi Arabia

In a significant advancement for the digital finance landscape, **Thunes**, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, has partnered with **barq**, the rapidly-growing digital wallet in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration heralds the launch of barq's enhanced remittance services, enabling millions of consumers in the Kingdom to transfer funds seamlessly across borders. Through Thunes' trusted Direct Global Network, barq customers can now send money instantly, with transactions delivered in real-time to billions of mobile wallets and bank accounts worldwide. This innovative service not only strengthens barq's position as a leading mobile wallet in the region but also showcases the potential of digital wallets in facilitating international remittances.

The significance of this launch cannot be overstated. It comes in the wake of the partnership formed between Thunes and barq in 2024, which aimed to provide growth, expanded reach, and a consistently reliable service to Saudi customers. The Saudi Arabian remittance market, recognized as one of the largest globally, is undergoing remarkable transformation, spurred by the country's ambitious Vision 2030 program aimed at digitizing payments. By merging barq's local expertise with Thunes' extensive international network, this alliance aims to offer a best-in-class service that meets the evolving needs of consumers.

Empowering Customers with Innovative Solutions

Thamer Alharbi, Director of International Partnerships at barq, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Our partnership with Thunes has moved from vision to reality." The successful launch of these remittance services empowers barq's customers with faster, more reliable transactions, enhancing the user experience and solidifying barq's role as the digital wallet of choice in Saudi Arabia. This initiative represents a critical step in the journey to deliver innovative and accessible financial services, with Thunes' trusted solutions playing a pivotal role in achieving this mission.

Furthermore, Ahmad Yaacoub, VP MENA and Country Head for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Thunes, remarked, "We are proud to see our partnership with barq delivering impact at scale." This launch not only reaffirms their commitment to providing efficient and customer-focused payment experiences but also supports Saudi Arabia's vision for a digital-first financial ecosystem. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic collaboration, Thunes and barq are poised to redefine the remittance landscape, making financial transactions simpler and more accessible for all consumers in the Kingdom.

Subsea7 Secures Key Contract: A New Chapter in Offshore Operations

In a significant advancement for the offshore oil and gas sector, Subsea7 recently announced the awarding of a major contract with Aramco, signifying a continued commitment to the development of critical infrastructure offshore Saudi Arabia. This project, executed under a long-term agreement (LTA) with the esteemed company, emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships in enhancing global energy operations. With the scope encompassing engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of substantial infield and export pipelines, this contract not only highlights Subsea7's capabilities but also its role as a pivotal player in the region's energy landscape.

Furthermore, the project entails modifications to existing topsides alongside associated hook-up activities, underscoring the complexity and scale of operations involved. According to David Bertin, Senior Vice President for Subsea7 Global Projects Centre East, the initiation of project management and engineering phases at Subsea7’s offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE indicates a robust start. The offshore activities are projected to commence in 2027 and continue into 2028, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes both efficiency and safety in execution.

Strategic Engagement: Building for the Future 

As work progresses, the collaborative relationship between Subsea7 and Aramco stands as a testament to the significance of strategic engagement in the energy sector. This project exemplifies a shared vision for sustainable development and operational excellence. By leveraging advanced technological solutions and expertise, Subsea7 aims to implement innovative methods that meet the demanding standards of offshore engineering. 

Moreover, this project marks another milestone in Subsea7's strategic journey, further entrenching its position within the Saudi Arabian market. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Subsea7's commitment to quality and safety remains unwavering. The expectation is that this venture will not only enhance operational efficiencies but also contribute positively to the region’s economic fabric, paving the way for future collaborations and advancements in offshore technologies. 

The awarding of this contract to Subsea7 signals a promising initiative to bolster offshore capabilities in Saudi Arabia, positioning both Subsea7 and Aramco at the forefront of innovative energy solutions. The ongoing partnership is poised to achieve remarkable successes in the years ahead, ensuring a robust and sustainable offshore energy industry.