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“India Global Forum’s mission more relevant than ever,” says Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ahead of IGF Middle East and Africa 2024

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India Global Forum’s flagship event in UAE kicks off in Dubai on 25 November with IGF ForumPolicymakers, politicians, business figures and celebrities from India, UAE, Africa to converge at inaugural session

DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ahead of India Global Forum’s (IGF) flagship Middle East & Africa 2024 (ME&A 2024) in Dubai on Monday, 25 November, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman commended the role of the organisation in fostering global partnerships.

“Through their impactful and outcomes driven work, India Global Form has consistently provided a platform that fosters a better understanding of modern India and its vast opportunities for the global audience. It has also played an important role in building meaningful cross-border connections.

“India Global Forum’s mission to build corridors of technology, talent, investment and trust is more relevant than ever,” she said.

Under the theme of ‘Limitless Horizons’, IGF ME&A 2024 will foster new partnerships and collaborations between India, the Middle East, and Africa, unlocking opportunities in sectors such as technology, finance, sustainability and innovation.

The two-day event will begin with a special address by India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.

The inaugural session will also witness UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, Omar al Olama, delve into the policies and reforms driving technological innovation in the UAE.

Looking forward to IGF ME&A, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sunjay Sudhir said: “The India-UAE relationship has entered an exciting new phase of exponential growth. We are at a moment in history where India-UAE relations are driving the synergy between our regions which has never been greater, and IGF serves as a beacon for harnessing this potential.”

Manoj Ladwa, Founder and Chairman, India Global Forum (IGF), said: “India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, aptly noted during his recent visit to Dubai that the India-UAE ties are in an era of new milestones. These ties are not just about trade figures or agreements – they represent a deeper alignment of values, aspirations, and shared visions for the future. IGF Middle East and Africa is an opportunity to channel this momentum into actionable outcomes that benefit not just our nations but the wider region.”

Featuring over 200 speakers and 1,000 participants across nine streams, IGF ME&A 2024 includes:

IGF Dialogues: An exclusive gathering of industry leaders and policymakers engaging in peer-to-peer roundtable discussions.IGF Forum: A Deep dive into how India, the Middle East, and Africa can embrace limitless horizons in a changing worldLeaders Dinner: An exclusive by-invite only dinner at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu DhabiFounders and Funders Forum: Spotlighting the possibilities and pitfalls of the growing role of AI in India, the Middle East, and Africa.Climate and Business Forum (ClimB) – Exploring how businesses can achieve growth while prioritising sustainability and climate actionIGF Focus Forum – Discussions across diverse event streams, including leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, skilling and cultureDisruptors in the Desert – Demystifying emerging trends and technologies across key sectors poised to shape the next decade of the Global South. 

These engagements will tackle pressing global challenges, from climate change and energy transition to the future of AI and digital economies, bringing together a diverse lineup of global leaders, business pioneers, policymakers, and innovators.

Key Speakers across the event include:

H.E. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work ApplicationsH.E. Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to UAEMahesh Bhupathi, Indian Tennis LegendYusuf Tambawala, Vice President of Growth & Business Support, DP WorldLeander Paes, Indian Tennis LegendAbhimanyu Munjal, Managing Director and CEO, Hero FincorpHarsh Jain, Co-Founder, Dream11Monish Shah, Founder and CEO, DreamSetGoSanjay Nayyar, Founder and Chairman, Sorin AdvisorsAmnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, MastercardNeeraj Makin, Senior Executive Vice President, Group Head – Strategy, Analytics & Venture Capital, Emirates NBDSiddharth Shah, Co-founder, PharmeasyFaizal Kottikollon, Chairman, KEF HoldingsRola Abu Manneh, CEO Middle East, Standard CharteredSiddharth Balachandran, Executive Chairman & CEO, Buimerc CorporationKuppulakshmi Krishnamoorthy, Global Head, Zoho for StartupsMina Liccione, Comedian, Dubomedy

About India Global Forum
India Global Forum tells the story of contemporary India. The pace of change and growth India has set itself is an opportunity for the world. IGF is the gateway for businesses and nations to help seize that opportunity.  To know more, click here

Social Media Handles & Hashtag to Follow
Twitter: @IGFUpdates & @manojladwa
LinkedIn: India Global Forum
#IGFUAE

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

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SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

on

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Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

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Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

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