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MDLBEAST 2023 Report Shows Growing Impact on Three Main Economic Sectors: Advancing Vision 2030 Goals

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Boosting the Saudi economy with SAR 1.45 billion.
Three main sectors benefited from MDLBEAST’s audiences- travel, accommodation, and entertainment.
Creating Over 18,000 jobs.
Supporting 1125 businesses.
Showcasing KSA as a pivotal global acclaim and instilling pride worldwide.
MDLBEAST, the leading Saudi music entertainment company, has released its 2023 Socio-Economic Impact Report, underscoring its significant role in advancing Vision 2030. The report reveals that the direct and indirect impact of MDLBEAST contributed in total SAR 1.45 billion to the local economy, supported 1125 businesses, and created over 18,000 job opportunities in 2023. The impact stems from the increasing spending of event visitors and was achieved without an increase in MDLBEAST’s expenditure, achieving benefits for three main economic sectors: travel, accommodation, and entertainment.
By fostering economic growth and cultural development, MDLBEAST is helping to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the creative economy and music industry, showcasing KSA as a pivotal global acclaim and instilling pride worldwide.
Ramadan Alharatani, CEO of MDLBEAST, commented, “At MDLBEAST, we are committed to driving impact and inspiring change across Saudi Arabia and the region. Our work goes beyond music—it’s about creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and aligning with the Vision 2030 objectives. By empowering local talent and fostering a creative economy, we are proud to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s transformation as a global hub for culture, music, and innovation.”
As per the study, MDLBEAST is not only reshaping the local and regional music industry but also helping to positively influence how the global community views the image of Saudi Arabia by breaking stereotypes about the Kingdom and showcasing cultural richness through its events and festivals to global audiences.
As indicated in the report, by attracting international audiences, showcasing Saudi culture, and promoting cultural exchange, MDLBEAST is a key player in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions to become a thriving global tourism and music entertainment hub.
Key Findings from the MDLBEAST 2023 Impact Report:
Supporting Local Businesses and Artists: In 2023, MDLBEAST spent 60% of its funds locally, with 90% of that amount benefiting Saudi suppliers, giving back to the Saudi economy. The company supported 1125 businesses in 2023, empowering the local economy and fueling growth.
Creating Jobs in Saudi Arabia: MDLBEAST created over 18,000 job opportunities, including full-time jobs and part-time and temporary positions, significantly contributing to employment across the Kingdom.
Economic Boost and Visitor Spending: MDLBEAST’s events contributed SAR 1.45 billion to the local economy in 2023, primarily benefiting travel (39%), entertainment (17%), and accommodation (16%).
Advancing Vision 2030 Through Cultural and Economic Development
MDLBEAST is actively contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and enhance its cultural offerings. By driving 26% of household spending on cultural and entertainment activities within the Kingdom, MDLBEAST’s events are at the heart of efforts to create a thriving creative economy.
MDLBEAST’s commitment to empowering Saudi entrepreneurs is equally impactful, helping retain SAR 131 million in the local economy as 72% of Saudi residents chose to stay in the Kingdom for entertainment rather than travel abroad during MDLBEAST events.
Empowering Saudi Talent and Entrepreneurs
‘Nurturing local talent’ emerges as a top-3 impact driver in 2023, through talent discovery initiatives such as XPERFORM and Storm Shaker, alongside education-driven initiatives like BEAST Education, XCHANGE, and Artist Management Bootcamp.
MDLBEAST is committed to growing Saudi Arabia’s music ecosystem by creating opportunities for local talent. In 2023, the company signed over 125 local artists, reflecting a 25% growth from the previous year. Through initiatives like XP Music Futures and its artist development programs, MDLBEAST is positioning Saudi artists on a global stage, while also driving entrepreneurship in the music, hospitality, and creative sectors.
Driving Social Change and Empowering Women in Music
The report revealed that MDLBEAST continues to champion social change by empowering women in the music industry. The company’s mentorship programs, inclusive spaces, and advocacy initiatives provide greater representation and opportunities for women in the creative field.
As per the findings of the report, 54% of people noted that MDLBEAST greatly encourages women’s participation in the music industry.
“MDLBEAST, as a catalyst in the music industry, continues to shape the landscape and generates a positive impact across various facets of the local Saudi society in 2023. Key stakeholders within the KSA music industry recognize MDLBEAST’s positive impacts, benefiting artists, individuals, and businesses alike across areas, such as national vibrancy, empowering businesses, entrepreneurship, nurturing local talent, expanding career horizons, and empowering women in the music industry”, Alharatani explained.
By encouraging creativity and providing career development opportunities, MDLBEAST is also inspiring students to pursue careers in the music and entertainment industries, helping build a sustainable creative future for Saudi Arabia.
Positioning Saudi Arabia as a Global Music and Tourism Destination
Drawing attention from international media, tourists, and music industry professionals worldwide, MDLBEAST’s events have the power to create ripples that extend far beyond local borders.
The global exposure garnered by MDLBEAST’s events is invaluable, serving as a catalyst for shaping a positive perception of the nation on an international scale.  In 2023, the primary catalyst for changing overall global perception about KSA is the “positioning of Saudi Arabia as a music destination” (46%), followed by “positioning
KSA as a tourism destination” (27%) and “positioning KSA as a business/ employment destination” (27%).
“As we look ahead, our focus remains on expanding opportunities for local talent and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s presence on the global cultural stage. We are excited to continue pushing boundaries, creating world-class music experiences, and playing our part in shaping the Kingdom’s vibrant future. With each new festival, initiative, and partnership, we’re not just building events—we’re building a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”, Alharatani added.
MDLBEAST initiated its first socio-economic Impact in 2022 and aimed to measure it again in 2023 with a commitment to driving more effective collaboration of the business with the community and the government in Saudi Arabia,  and promoting the growth of the music industry in the region and change the music scene in Saudi Arabia through events and investments.
The study, issued by MDLBEAST Foundation this year, conducted interviews with thousands of music pros, event attendees, and entrepreneurs on Soundstorm, Balad Beast, and XP Music Futures

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منتدى “فيناسترا” للخدمات المصرفية المؤسسية: الذكاء الاصطناعي والمعايير البيئية والاجتماعية والحوكمة المؤسسية والتحول الرقمي عوامل رئيسة لإحداث التغيير

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خبراء عالميون يحددون استراتيجيات تسريع التحول في الإقراض ورقمنة تمويل التجارة وسلاسل التوريد وتعزيز الاستدامة في الخدمات المصرفية

دبي، الإمارات العربية المتحدة، 15 يناير 2025 – استضافت شركة “فيناسترا”، أحد أبرز المزودين العالميين لتطبيقات البرمجيات المالية وأسواقها الإلكترونية، منتدى الخدمات المصرفية المؤسسية في دبي، حيث سلطت الضوء على سبل إحداث التحوّل في تقنيات الذكاء الاصطناعي والرقمنة الشاملة ضمن مشهد الخدمات المصرفية المؤسسية على مستوى العالم.

واستقطب الحدث أصواتًا بارزة من عالم الخدمات المصرفية والتقنيات المالية والمجالات التقنية ذات الصلة، كاشفًا عن استراتيجيات قابلة للتنفيذ يمكن عبرها التغلب على التحديات واغتنام الفرص في سوق الخدمات المصرفية دائمة التطور. وضم المتحدثون في منتدى “فيناسترا” للخدمات المصرفية المؤسسية قادة من وحدة أعمال الإقراض في “فيناسترا”، مثل مانيش جوشي وأرفيند فايرافان وكارلوس تيكسيرا ومانيكاندان غانيسان، ومسؤولين من مؤسسات مثل مؤسسة دبي للمستقبل و”كريدابل” والبنك العربي المتحد ومايكروسوفت.

وتناول المنتدى عدة مواضيع من أبرزها:

  • قدرة الذكاء الاصطناعي على إعادة تشكيل مشهد الخدمات المصرفية المؤسسية بحلول عام 2030

رأى المتحدثون في المنتدى أن للذكاء الاصطناعي تأثيرًا كبيرًا في الخدمات المصرفية المؤسسية خلال العقد المقبل، حين يحل محل الأدوار التقليدية بوكلاء مستقلين قادرين على إدارة المعاملات وتقديم المشورة المالية لحظة بلحظة، وإثراء تجارب العملاء. كما أشاروا إلى قدرة الذكاء الاصطناعي التوليدي على “التخصيص الفائق”، الذي يسمح للبنوك بتقديم توصيات تنبؤية وفق رؤية فائقة التخصيص للعملاء من الشركات، بناءً على بياناتهم التاريخية والحالية، وأن من المتوقع، بحلول عام 2030، أن يسهم الذكاء الاصطناعي بما قيمته 1.5 تريليون دولار في الاقتصاد العالمي، ما قد يؤدي إلى دفع النمو والابتكار بشكل كبير في القطاع المالي.

  • إطلاق العنان لإمكانات تمويل سلاسل التوريد في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي

ما زالت سوق تمويل سلاسل التوريد في منطقة دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي، بحسب المشاركين في المنتدى، دون الاستغلال الأمثل، بالرغم من وجود فرص كبيرة متاحة أمام البنوك لتعزيز الكفاءة والشمولية. ورأى المشاركون أن ضعف استغلال السوق يترك مجالًا واسعًا للمنصات الرقمية والذكاء الاصطناعي لدعم عمليات تمويل سلاسل التوريد، ودعم نمو الشركات الصغيرة والمتوسطة، وتبسيط حلول رأس المال العامل.

  • أنظمة الإقراض الرقمية تضع تعريفًا جديدًا للكفاءة

وقال المشاركون في منتدى “فيناسترا” للخدمات المصرفية المؤسسية إن التحول الرقمي الشامل يتيح سبلًا أسرع لمعالجة الإقراض، والارتقاء بتجارب المستخدمين، وتحقيق الامتثال السلس للوائح مثل تلك المتعلقة بالمعايير البيئية والاجتماعية والحوكمة المؤسسية. وتجسد منصة Loan IQ من “فيناسترا” هذا التحول، مقلّلة خطوات المعاملات بنسبة تصل إلى 50% ودامجة المعايير البيئية والاجتماعية والحوكمة المؤسسية لتتوافق مع أهداف التمويل المرتبطة بالاستدامة. وتسهم أنظمة التقنيات المالية التي تدعمها مبادئ التمويل المفتوح، في تسريع جهود التحول الرقمي عبر تعزيز التعاون بين المؤسسات المالية وشركات التقنيات المالية لدفع الابتكار وتيسير الوصول إلى الحلول التقنية.

  • التقنيات الناشئة محفزات للنمو

واعتبر المنتدى أن تقنيات مثل البلوك تشين وتعلم الآلات والتعرف الضوئي على الحروف، تعزز الكفاءة التشغيلية والابتكار، وتمكن البنوك من تطوير منتجات مالية مخصصة وتحسين وظائف الخزانة وإدارة المخاطر بفاعلية أكبر.

  • التكامل بين الاستدامة والمعايير البيئية والاجتماعية والحوكمة المؤسسية مسألة راسخة

كذلك حثت “فيناسترا” البنوك، خلال المنتدى، على إيلاء التمويل المرتبط بالاستدامة والمعايير البيئية والاجتماعية والحوكمة في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وإفريقيا، أهمية أكبر، في ضوء زيادة الاستثمارات المدفوعة بهذه المعايير. وأصبح الذكاء الاصطناعي يسهم بصورة ملحوظة في تطوير الطرق التي تتتبّع عبرها المؤسسات المالية الالتزامات المرتبطة بالاستدامة، وتعد التقارير بشأنها وتنفذها، ما يساعد في معالجة مخاوف التضليل في شأن المعايير البيئية، ويسهم في تعزيز النمو المسؤول.

عن فيناسترا
“فيناسترا” هي مزود عالمي لتطبيقات برمجيات الخدمات المالية التي تغطي مجالات الإقراض، والمدفوعات، والخزانة وأسواق رأس المال، والمصرفية الشاملة (التجزئة والرقمية). تلتزم الشركة بإطلاق إمكانات الأفراد والشركات والمجتمعات في كل مكان. تهدف رؤيتها إلى تسريع مستقبل التمويل المفتوح من خلال التكنولوجيا والتعاون. بفضل نهجها الرائد، تحظى “فيناسترا” بثقة حوالي 8,100 مؤسسة مالية، بما في ذلك 45 من أكبر 50 بنكاً على مستوى العالم.

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Finastra Corporate Banking Forum spotlights AI, ESG, and digital transformation as key drivers of industry change

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Global experts outline strategies to accelerate lending transformation, digitize trade and supply chain finance, and advance sustainability in banking

Dubai, UAE – January 15, 2025 – Finastra, a global provider of financial services software applications, hosted its Corporate Banking Forum in Dubai, spotlighting how technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and end-to-end digitization are transforming the global corporate banking landscape. The event attracted top voices from banking, technology, and fintech, revealing actionable strategies to overcome challenges and capture opportunities in an evolving market.

The speakers included leaders from Finastra’s Lending business unit, such as Manish Joshi, Arvind Vairavan, Carlos Teixeira, Manikandan Ganesan, as well as from institutions such as Dubai Future Foundation, CredAble and Microsoft.

Key insights from the event include:

  • AI has the power to reshape corporate banking by 2030

Artificial intelligence (AI) could have a significant impact on corporate banking within the next decade, replacing traditional roles with autonomous agents capable of managing transactions, providing real-time financial advice, and enhancing customer experiences. Generative AI (Gen AI) can enable hyper-personalization, allowing banks to offer corporate customers predictive recommendations and tailored insights based on their historic and current data. By 2030, AI is expected to contribute $1.5 trillion to the global economy, potentially driving significant growth and innovation in the financial sector.

 

  • Unleashing supply chain finance (SCF) potential in the GCC
    The GCC region’s supply chain finance market remains largely untapped, with significant opportunities for banks to drive efficiency and inclusion. Only a fraction of the market has been penetrated, leaving room for digital platforms and AI to enhance SCF processes, support SME growth, and streamline working capital solutions.
  • Digital lending ecosystems redefining efficiency
    End-to-end digitization is enabling faster loan processing, enhanced user experiences, and seamless compliance with regulations like ESG mandates. Finastra’s Loan IQ platform exemplifies this transformation, potentially reducing transaction steps by up to 50%, and integrating enhanced covenant monitoring as well as the tracking of ESG metrics to align with sustainability-linked financing goals. Fintech ecosystems, underpinned by the principles of Open Finance, are accelerating digitalization efforts by fostering collaboration between financial institutions, fintechs, and technology providers to push innovation and accessibility.
  • Emerging technologies as catalysts for growth
    Technologies such as blockchain, machine learning, and optical character recognition (OCR) are driving operational efficiency and innovation. These tools empower banks to develop customized financial products, improve treasury functions, and manage risks more effectively.
  • Sustainability and ESG integration are non-negotiable

As the MEA region sees a surge in ESG-driven investments, Finastra urged banks to prioritize sustainability-linked financing and robust ESG metrics. AI is revolutionizing how financial institutions track, report, and deliver on sustainability commitments, helping to tackle greenwashing fears and drive responsible growth.

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Nokia and Zain KSA to implement unique indoor solutions for enterprise customers

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  • First 4G/5G Femtocell solution in the Middle East and Africa region.
  • Enhances end user experiences, enriches B2B offering and reduces time to market.
  • Provides robust and secure connectivity for enterprises across the Kingdom.

15 January 2025

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Nokia and Zain KSA today announced a partnership to address mobile coverage gaps and optimize connectivity for enterprise customers. The two partners will achieve this by delivering the first 4G/5G Femtocell solution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region

The Femtocell solution involves the deployment of 4G and 5G Smart Nodes, as well as a comprehensive package of Nokia’s innovative products and services such as IP Security Gateway, Femto Manager and End to End Delivery services. Powered by Nokia’s technology, the deployment aligns with Zain KSA’s business case to offer a slim and highly optimized system that seamlessly integrates into the Zain KSA network. It features a plug-and-play setup that minimizes reliance on customer infrastructure, delivering a simple, cost-effective solution with impressive coverage results.

The deployment of Nokia’s Smart Nodes will significantly improve indoor coverage for Zain KSA’s enterprise customers. This initiative is expected to boost customer loyalty by ensuring robust and secure 4G and 5G network availability across various enterprise locations.

Haitham Baba, Head of Enterprise Mobile Networks, Saudi at Nokia, said: “This solution unlocks countless opportunities for enterprise customers thanks to the trusted performance of Nokia’s technology. Our Smart node solution is uniquely positioned to help Zain KSA improve B2B time to market, enhance customer experience and offload traffic from Marco RAN. This partnership marks a significant step in our ongoing collaboration with Zain KSA, as we continue to drive network excellence enabling B2B business growth.”

Sultan Abdullah AlHadlag, Vice President of Marketing & Business Development at Zain KSA, said: “Zain KSA continues to lead with groundbreaking network solutions. Our collaboration with Nokia to introduce the region’s first Smart Nodes solution builds on this legacy. This enterprise-centric solution empowers our customers by elevating productivity and security while reducing costs. Aligned with our commitment to sustainable, future-proof technologies, this partnership supports the Kingdom’s digital transformation under Saudi Vision 2030, cementing our role in building a robust and secure tech ecosystem.”

Nokia’s Smart Node and femtocell solutions effectively address businesses’ need for high-performance, private networks to support existing applications and enable new services.

The optimized indoor solution can be tailored to the unique demands of enterprise customers, enhancing Zain KSA’s B2B portfolio and strengthening its position as a leading provider of cutting-edge digital solutions.

About Nokia

At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

About Zain KSA

Zain KSA is a leading digital services and solutions provider in Saudi Arabia, offering its customers award winning and value-added services including Telecom services, 5G network and applications, Fintech services, Cloud computing, IoT solutions, Fiber services, Drones, Digital entertainment and many others while championing corporate sustainability and ensuring that ESG goals and principles continue to remain at the core of our business.

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