Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 99 | Page 19

NEWS

ZainTECH opens ICT hub with NOC , SOC , centre of excellence in Dubai Internet City

ZainTECH , the integrated digital solutions provider of Zain Group , has announced the completion of a substantial investment with establishment of its state-of-the-art ICT Hub and the expansion of its operations at Dubai Internet City . Spanning over 13,000 sqft , the ICT hub will not only serve as an operational centre of excellence , but also drive technological initiatives .

Hosting over 300 employees , the UAE Centre of Excellence launch event was attended by Bader Al-Kharafi Vice-Chairman and Group CEO of Zain ; Abdulla Belhoul CEO of TECOM Group ; Andrew Hanna CEO of Zain TECH ; Ammar Al Malik , Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group ; and the company ’ s leadership team in Dubai .
ZainTECH ’ s office is equipped with a Network Operation Centre , that strategically supports its expansive cloud footprint across the GCC , serving as a gateway to its managed services . This seamless setup extends premium support to over 500 customers , ensuring they have access to high levels of assistance . Furthermore , the facility boasts a newly established Security Operating Centre , the fourth in ZainTECH ’ s growing regional footprint – dedicated to efficiently detecting and responding to cyber threats .
ZainTECH ’ s Experience Centre offers a customer-focused environment , showcasing several live demos and the company ’ s expertise in internet-of-things , IoT , drones , robotics , and data solutions . Emphasising sustainability , a core focus for Zain Group , the ICT hub incorporates energy-efficient technologies and advanced waste-reduction mechanisms .
“ Cross-functional collaboration is the cornerstone for unleashing the full potential of innovation at a scale that transforms the way industries operate ,” said Ammar Al Malik , Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group , on behalf of Dubai Internet City .
Andrew Hanna , CEO of ZainTECH , said : “ As the mission critical centre for ZainTECH ’ s operations , the new ICT Hub will drive technological initiatives and synergies across the business , empowering us to expand and target new markets .”

Bahrain Steel syndicates $ 450 million loan for world ’ s largest yard with solar panels

Bahrain Steel , a producer and global supplier of high grade iron ore pellets , announced the successful syndication of a $ 450 million Sustainability-Linked Loan , SLL .

This milestone transaction , spanning seven years , underscores the company ’ s unwavering dedication to Environmental , Social , and Governance principles . It also highlights the collective commitment of the lending consortium toward fostering tangible environmental impacts in tandem with their clients .
The proceeds from this loan will be directed towards constructing the world ’ s largest stockyard shed with rooftop solar panels , in addition to fulfilling working capital requirements . This strategic financing initiative illustrates Bahrain Steel ’ s drive to incorporate sustainability within its operations .
Bahrain Steel has set emission reduction targets , and have launched comprehensive employee training programmes to bolster climate change and environmental risk knowledge . The loan will be tracked against a set of relevant Key Performance Indicators , and ambitious Sustainable Performance Targets , throughout its sevenyear tenure .
Meshary Al-Judaimi , Chairman of Bahrain Steel said , “ This strategic financing enables us to accelerate our efforts toward significant carbon footprint reduction and reinforces our commitment to sustainable practices in the steel industry .”
The loan incorporates relevant KPIs and improvement targets in the facility structure .
This approach ensures that Bahrain Steel meets the expectation of its key stakeholders , especially in the current age of conscious consumers and investors who are mindful about environmental , social , and governance practices .
The SLL ’ s framework incentivizes Bahrain Steel to exceed mandatory greenhouse gas , GHG emissions reductions , facilitating the company ’ s transition toward lower carbon operations .
Moreover , the SLL is incentivising the company to roll out an adoption programme focused on climate change and environmental risks , bolstering internal capacity building for a more informed and responsible corporate culture . p
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