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

Riyadh, KSA – 23 October 2025: OPPO today launched the OPPO A6 Pro in Saudi Arabia, featuring a massive 6,500 mAh battery with 80 W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge technology for a more confident user experience. Backed by IP69 water and dust protection and Military-Grade Shock Resistance, the OPPO A6 Pro is a rugged and reliable companion for everyday use, while its slim, streamlined design, flagship 120 Hz AMOLED display and ColorOS 15-powered Trinity Engine and Luminous Rendering Engine ensure exceptionally smooth experiences in everything from remote work and gaming to travel and entertainment.

“The OPPO A6 Pro is the most powerful A-series ever, pushing the series to new limits across everything from design and screen quality to camera, battery, and overall performance,” said Eason Xu, Product Marketing Manager at OPPO. “By bringing these advanced specifications and features to the OPPO A6 Pro, even more users can now enjoy a next-level mobileexperience at an accessible price point.”

Ultra-Large Battery with Lightning-Fast Charge

Based on a high-density graphite cell design, the 6,500 mAh battery sets a new standard for smartphone battery life. OPPO A6 Pro can provide long-lasting power that users can count on, supported by reverse wired charging for added convenience on the go.

“Long-lasting battery technology has long been a focus of our commitment to deliver exceptional user experiences on the OPPO A Series,” said Lee Du, Senior Hardware Project Manager at OPPO. “With the A6 Pro, we’ve boosted battery capacity while ensuring superior safety and efficiency, offering an all-round improved experience for all users.”

Alongside its large capacity, the battery also maintains peak performance for longer. Tests show the battery maintaining over 80 % of its original capacity after 1,830 charge cycles — equivalent to more than five years of typical use. Accompanied by OPPO’s 80 W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charge technology, the A6 Pro can be charged to 100 % in just 50 minutes, enabling users to quickly get their phone back up and running when needed.

All-Round Durability for Whatever the Day Brings

The OPPO A6 Pro continues the A Series’ legacy of durability and rugged performance. By incorporating a unibody mid-frame and shielding key components with foam and glue sealing, the A6 Pro has achieved IP69 water and dust resistance, ensuring effective protection against various kinds of liquid damage while also guarding against dust in tough environments.

On the exterior, AGC DT-Star D+ Crystal Shield Glass provides further protection against scratches and impacts, while inside, OPPO’s AM04 high-strength aluminum alloy, tested to withstand up to 1,000 bends, protects the motherboard and other core components. Thanks to these material and design innovations, the A6 Pro has also been certified for Military-Grade Shock Resistance.

Flagship Visuals Meet Effortless Smoothness

Defying its rugged build, the A6 Pro features a sleek 120 Hz AMOLED screen delivering captivating visuals with every glance. The Ultra Bright Display features a 1,080 × 2,374 resolution and a high refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, promising not only fluid performance but also fine, crisp visual quality free from motion blur and shuttering. With up to 1,400 nits peak brightness, the display performs exceptionally even under bright light, presenting every color in vivid, lifelike detail.

This outstandingly smooth display is matched by a seamless lag-free user experience. Through system-level optimization within ColorOS 15, OPPO’s proprietary Trinity Engine enhances overall fluency and stability, while the Luminous Rendering Engine enables flagship-level animation and visual effects.

With AI Game Boost and AI LinkBoost 3.0, the A6 Pro ensures faster response times, more stable connectivity, and optimized performance across gaming and multitasking scenarios.

Boosted Connectivity for Life Without Limits

With reliable connectivity built from the ground up, the OPPO A6 Pro is ready for any occasion. AI LinkBoost 3.0 — OPPO’s AI-powered technology for improving connection stability and intelligent network switching — delivers enhanced performance even in challenging environments.

AI LinkBoost 3.0 detects and prioritizes online game traffic to reduce latency, while the AI Game Antenna improves signal reception when the phone is held horizontally, avoiding grip-related obstruction. Paired with 4G+ network support, this innovation ensures smoother, faster connectivity across daily use.

Flagship Design and Premium Appeal

Measuring just 8 mm in thickness and weighing only 188 g with a chic unibody metal-textured frame, the OPPO A6 Pro is both sleek and comfortable to hold. Its four-sided bezel design, with the thinnest side as slim as 1.67 mm and a 93 % screen-to-body ratio, elevates gaming and cinematic viewing alike.

This stunning design is further brought to life in two colorways —Stellar Blue, and Rosewood Red — each combining natural inspiration with meticulous craftsmanship in a refined aesthetic.

Availability

The OPPO A6 Pro is available in 8 GB + 256 GB storage, priced at SAR 1,199 in the Saudi market.

Customers who purchase the A6 Pro between October 24 and November 24 will receive a complimentary pair of earbuds along with water damage and screen warranty coverage.

Starting November 25, buyers will instead receive an exclusive OPPO Cup together with water damage and screen warranty coverage.

As part of OPPO’s ongoing Peace of Mind Commitment to consumers, A6 Pro users will also enjoy extended regional warranty coverage across the GCC, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – October 21, 2025 – Groq, the inference-first AI company, is proud to partner with Aljammaz Technologies, the region's leading value-added distributor, to bring Groq's high-performance LPU technology to enterprises, governments, and developers across the region.

The partnership comes at a critical inflection point in AI adoption. As organizations move from experimentation to production, deployment, inference speed, cost, and energy efficiency have emerged as defining constraints. Groq's LPU technology is purpose-built for AI inference rather than adapted from graphics processing, and it enables a new class of real-time AI applications that were previously impractical with traditional GPU architectures.

Under the collaboration, Aljammaz will distribute Groq’s full suite of AI inference solutions — including GroqCloud, Groq’s full-stack cloud platform, and GroqRack, its on-premises compute cluster — through its extensive network of system integrators and resellers. Together, the companies aim to enable real-time AI deployment at scale, reducing latency, cost, and energy consumption for organizations adopting large-scale models.

"The Middle East is experiencing unprecedented demand for AI solutions across every sector, from financial services to healthcare to smart city initiatives," said Fahad AlTurief, VP and MENA Managing Director at Groq. "Together, we're positioned to help organizations throughout MENA harness AI's full potential without the latency and cost barriers that have historically limited deployment."

“For almost 30 years, Aljammaz Technologies has been driving innovation and enabling our partners across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle

East to adopt cutting-edge technologies,” said Asim Aljammaz, CEO of Aljammaz Technologies. “As AI moves from experimentation to real-world implementation, our mission is to empower partners with the infrastructure, expertise, and ecosystem support needed to unlock its full potential. Partnering with Groq perfectly aligns with our AI-First strategy and strengthens our ability to deliver AI-ready solutions that make high-performance, real-time applications achievable and sustainable across industries.”

Yerevan, Armenia – October, 2025 – The Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia will host the World Tourism Communication Forum from 23–25 October 2025 in Yerevan. The international event, titled “Tourism Talks: Connecting People, Places, and Perspectives”, will gather global leaders, policymakers, and communication experts to explore how strategic communication shapes the future of tourism.

“Through this forum, Armenia aims to highlight the essential role of communication in fostering trust, inclusion, and sustainable tourism growth,” said Lusine Gevorgyan, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Armenia. “We are creating a global platform where different industry voices can come together to share insights, strengthen cooperation, and promote responsible narratives that build lasting connections between people and destinations.”

The forum will serve as a hub for meaningful dialogue, exchange of best practices, and collaboration across the public and private sectors. It will bring together ministers, representatives of international organizations, industry leaders, researchers, and media professionals to discuss how effective communication can inspire confidence, inclusivity, and sustainable growth in tourism.

Forum Highlights

The two-day program will feature a series of keynotes, high-level panel discussions, TED-style talks, workshops, and interactive dialogues, covering key themes such as:

• “Who Shapes the Story? Intercultural Communication, Media Narratives, and the Power to Define a Destination” - exploring how intercultural communication, media narratives, and government messaging influence national perception and the competitiveness of destinations

• “Telling Our Story Right: Aligning Narratives for Stronger Destination Branding” – exploring how coherent storytelling strengthens national and regional tourism identities.

• “Media, Messaging & MICE: Shaping Narratives Together” – discussing collaboration among the media, business events sector, and tourism boards to deliver impactful communication.

• “Local Voices, Global Impact: Empowering Communities Through Authentic Communication” – focusing on inclusivity and the importance of community-driven narratives in destination storytelling.

• “Travel with Trust: Communicating Safety, Access, and Sustainability in a Changing World” – examining strategies for building traveler confidence through transparent and responsible communication.

The sessions will be moderated by a distinguished group of communication and tourism experts, including Ms. Cordula Wohlmuther, UN Tourism Regional Director for Tourism, Mathew Zein, Founder and Chief Editor of Life in Armenia Magazine; Pr. Alessandra Priante, President of the Italian Tourism Board, ENIT SpA; Dochka Andreeva, International Sustainable Tourism Consultant; Sergey Stanovkin, Head of BBC Studios Commercial Representative in Eurasia at BBC Studios, and Nora Mirzoyan, WB Urban Specialist. Their diverse experience and perspectives will ensure insightful discussions and meaningful takeaways for all participants.

More information and registration: https://events.armenia.travel/

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About the Forum

The World Tourism Communication Forum will create a space for governments, international organizations, private sector actors, and academia to collaborate on communication strategies that advance tourism as a driver of sustainable development.

Dates: 23–25 October 2025

Location: Yerevan, Armenia

More information and registration: https://events.armenia.travel/

Media Contact

Paul Estorffe, Black Watch Communications

paul@blackwatchcomms.com

90% of Consumers Rate GROHE Blue Home Water as “Refreshing” in Independent Taste Test

Findings Reflect the UAE’s Increasing Awareness of Water Conservation and Smart Hydration Solutions

Saudi Arabia, October 2025: A new independent double-blind taste test has found that 90% of participants rated the carbonated water from the GROHE Blue Home water system as refreshing, while 88% described it as thirst-quenching and 87% as invigorating. The study places GROHE Blue Home among the top performers across ten taste categories, confirming its reputation as a premium, sustainable alternative to bottled water.

Developed in Germany, the GROHE Blue Home water system transforms ordinary tap water into filtered, chilled, and sparkling water, all at the touch of a button. Combining smart technology with elegant design, it delivers convenience, sustainability, and taste directly from the kitchen faucet.

Conducted by a renowned German testing and analysis institute, the study invited 60 participants to compare water from two tap-based systems and eight leading bottled water brands (both PET and glass). Neither the participants nor the supervisors knew which sample they were evaluating. Across all parameters,  from refreshing and sparkling to neutral taste and pleasant fizz , GROHE Blue Home achieved consistently high scores, with 80% of testers praising its fine bubbles and clean, balanced flavor.

Beyond taste, the GROHE Blue Home water system provides a convenient and eco-friendly way to enjoy filtered, chilled, and carbonated water straight from the faucet. Delivering up to three liters per hour, it eliminates the need for bottled water, helping households reduce both CO₂ emissions and plastic waste. The tested model featured the GROHE Blue Magnesium + Zinc filter, which purifies water in five stages,  removing limescale, heavy metals, and unwanted odors,  while enriching it with essential minerals such as magnesium and zinc.

According to the GROHE Water Insights 2025, the Middle East, and particularly the UAE,  stands out globally for its awareness and action on water conservation:

• 72% of respondents identify water scarcity as a major issue.

• 80% view efficient water use as a personal responsibility.

• 60% have already installed water-saving fittings in their homes , the highest rate among all surveyed regions.

This growing consciousness supports the UAE’s national sustainability goals and reflects consumers’ readiness to embrace smart solutions such as GROHE Blue Home water system, which combine premium taste with environmental responsibility.

To inspire healthier hydration, GROHE has also introduced a collection of easy-to-make water recipes using fresh fruits, herbs, and spices, from lemon-basil infusions to energizing ginger teas,  all perfectly paired with still or sparkling GROHE Blue water.

The facility further strengthens Qatar’s position as a strategic hub for global logistics and trade

Doha, Qatar, 22 October, 2025: Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and DHL Global Forwarding, the global freight forwarding arm of DHL Group, have officially inaugurated the group’s new logistics facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone. The inauguration marks an important expansion of DHL’s presence in the State of Qatar and reinforces Qatar’s free zones status as a premier destination for global logistics operators.

The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of Al Faisal Holding - Shareholder of DHL Global Forwarding Qatar & Chairman of the Qatari Businessmen Association, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of QFZ, and Mr. Samer Kaissi, CEO – Gulf Cluster, DHL Global Forwarding. The event was also attended by senior officials from both entities and stakeholders from across the public and private sectors.

The new DHL Global Forwarding facility spans more than 1,200 square meters and will serve as a regional distribution warehouse specializing in air freight consolidation services, supporting both regional and global distribution networks. Strategically located within close proximity to Hamad International Airport, the facility is ideally positioned to capitalize on Qatar’s world-class transport infrastructure and streamlined customs processing.

The facility further strengthens Qatar’s appeal as a competitive base for high-value logistics operations. DHL Global Forwarding will offer a suite of services from the new facility, including air, sea and land logistics services, marine shipping agent operations, general warehousing, and customs brokerage.  

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of QFZ stated: “The inauguration of DHL Global Forwarding in Ras Bufontas Free Zone reflects a strategic step to reinforce Qatar’s stature as a high-value logistics hub, reducing time to markets and enhancing the supply chain flexibility across the region. As a global logistics leader, DHL will improve the operational capacity, enhance specialized warehousing capabilities, and reinforce multimodal connectivity, benefitting from the proximity to Hamad International Airport, and creating an attractive footprint for partners and suppliers across various economic sectors. This investment will also drive our transition from a transit hub to an integrated solutions platform supported by a flexible regulatory framework and advanced digital infrastructure, ensuring new growth prospects and connecting the region to markets in Africa and Asia.”

Mr. Samer Kaissi, CEO – Gulf Cluster, DHL Global Forwarding, said: “Qatar plays a key role in our regional logistics strategy, particularly as we expand our multimodal capabilities across the GCC. Hamad Port has long been a vital part of our network, supporting east-west trade flows. Thanks to our collaboration with the Qatar Free Zones Authority, we now also benefit from improved connectivity to the Hamad International Airport: With our new facility in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, located close to the airport, we are enhancing our airfreight capabilities, which enables us to deliver even more resilient and scalable logistics solutions, especially for the growing GCC-Africa corridors. This provides us with enhanced flexibility and continuity across critical sectors such as life sciences, energy, and e-commerce.”

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Qatar Free Zones Authority remains committed to accelerating Qatar’s logistics growth and enabling strategic investment that aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, positioning the state as a hub for sustainable, innovation-led industrial activity.