In a remarkable leap forward in the realm of green technology collaboration, Zain KSA has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with tech giant Huawei. This pivotal agreement was formalized amid Zain KSA's active participation in the esteemed Global Mobile Broadband Forum (MBB Forum 2023), which unfolded under the auspices of Huawei in conjunction with industry luminaries such as GSMA, GTI, and the SAMENA Telecommunications Council. The pivotal gathering took place in Dubai on October 10-11, 2023.
The core tenet of this accord revolves around both companies collaborating to propel the adoption of green technology throughout their networks and operational endeavors. This strategic union serves as a linchpin in Zain KSA's overarching corporate sustainability strategy, eloquently attesting to the organization's unwavering commitment to addressing climate change challenges and wholeheartedly embracing state-of-the-art clean energy solutions.
Emphasizing the depth of Zain KSA's commitment and seamless integration of robust Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, this partnership will operate as an accelerant for Zain KSA's ongoing sustainability initiatives and environmental objectives. The overarching ambition is to catalyze the widespread adoption of green technology across the expanse of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a commitment that underscores the company's forward-thinking approach.
A groundbreaking achievement within this overarching commitment to sustainability is Zain KSA's recent unveiling of the world's first zero-emission 5G network, strategically positioned at the Six Senses Desert Dunes resort in the Red Sea. This groundbreaking innovation is the fruit of collaboration with Red Sea Global (RSG) and is powered exclusively by solar energy harnessed from over 760,000 solar panels. This cutting-edge network leverages purpose-designed towers and employs state-of-the-art 3D printing technology to minimize visual distortion.
Commenting on this transformative milestone, Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Mufadda, Chief Technology Officer of Zain KSA, remarked, "Our unwavering commitment to seamlessly intertwine technology with sustainability is driven by an unrelenting pursuit of innovation and the evolution of a modern digital infrastructure. Our ultimate aim is to act as stewards of the environment, ensuring its viability for generations to come. Our corporate DNA is now intricately interwoven with the promotion of sustainability at all organizational strata, with an unwavering aspiration to set industry benchmarks in technical sustainability. Through our concerted efforts, we have assumed a leadership role in the realm of telecommunications and digital services. This partnership with the global powerhouse Huawei serves as a natural extension of our strategic alliances and our overarching corporate sustainability strategy, a strategy that harmoniously aligns with Saudi Vision 2030. By doing so, we aim to enhance the quality of life and well-being for the citizens of our nation by substantially reducing carbon emissions – a goal exceeding 278 million tons annually by 2030 – and, in the long run, achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Importantly, the vision we share with Huawei is one of building a smarter and more environmentally conscious world. Together, we embark on a journey to mitigate the adverse global impact on our planet, with a specific focus on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to empower humanity to fulfill its aspirations by harnessing the transformative power of technology for the sustainable well-being of our planet for future generations."
Additionally, Zain KSA has achieved a monumental milestone by obtaining an "A" rating on the MSCI ESG Index, a substantial upgrade from its prior BBB rating. This rating serves as a resounding endorsement of the company's steadfast endeavors in environmental preservation, social responsibility, and the efficient governance of its operational, financial, and administrative processes. In summary, this collaborative venture between Zain KSA and Huawei epitomizes a resolute commitment to sustainability, green technology adoption, and environmental stewardship within the telecommunications sector, thereby underscoring the joint commitment to advancing sustainability on a global scale.
