Salam is at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, bridging global innovation with local impact. Under the leadership of its CEO, Ahmed Al Anqari, Salam is driving innovation by being the fastest fiber provider in KSA and by offering cutting-edge mobile and wholesale services.
In an exclusive interview with Telecom Review ahead of its much-anticipated Telecom Review Leaders’ Summit, Al Anqari elaborated on Salam’s transformative initiatives, which are enhancing connectivity for gamers and fostering innovation in alignment with Vision 2030.
How is Salam advancing global innovations to benefit the Saudi market?
Salam is deeply committed to bringing global technological advancements into the Saudi market. This commitment is evident in our partnerships with leading technology companies, which enable us to adopt and integrate cutting-edge solutions, particularly in areas such as 5G, cloud services, and digital infrastructure. These efforts focus on localizing these advancements to meet the unique needs of Saudi businesses and consumers, bridging global innovation with local relevance. By doing so, Salam is not only driving progress but also playing a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of creating a more connected and digitally advanced society.
In a recent milestone, Riot Games, in collaboration with Salam, announced the relocation of its existing League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics Middle East servers from Dubai to Riyadh. This strategic move to an AWS outpost powered by Salam will enhance gaming experiences across the Middle East region by delivering improved connectivity, reduced latency, and a seamless competitive environment.
The relocation of Riot’s server to Riyadh is a testament to Saudi Arabia's rapid ascent as a global gaming hub. At Salam, we are proud to support this evolution by providing the Kingdom's fastest fiber network, ensuring gamers experience unparalleled speed and minimal latency. We are also glad to welcome Riot’s servers onto our CDN initiative, reinforcing our commitment to empowering the gaming community in the region.
What steps is Salam taking to align with the rapid transformation of telecom through technologies like AI and 5G?
The telecom sector is evolving rapidly, driven by innovations like generative AI (GenAI), IoT, and 5G, and Salam is fully embracing this transformation. We are expanding our portfolio of digital services to enhance connectivity and deliver tailored experiences for individuals and businesses. Salam’s robust 5G infrastructure is enabling emerging technologies and supporting advancements in smart cities, logistics, and e-commerce, while also driving innovation in manufacturing and industrial automation.
Additionally, Salam has positioned itself at the forefront of redefining connectivity and enabling unmatched possibilities through our wholesale services and advanced data centers. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in a recent long-term agreement with stc Group, which involves enhancing infrastructure enablement across Saudi Arabia, starting with 2,700 km of essential routes. This collaboration ensures fast and secure data transmission, providing businesses with greater control and efficiency. Through initiatives like these, Salam is driving digital transformation and reinforcing its position as a leader in creating a digitally empowered society.
What defines Salam’s transformation journey, and what advice do you have for telecom leaders?
Salam’s transformation is rooted in Vision 2030, focusing on innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence. This transformation is evident in our evolution from a B2B telecom provider to a full-service, human-centered technology company. By investing in robust infrastructure, such as our extensive fiber network and state-of-the-art data centers, we are enhancing our ability to deliver seamless and secure connectivity across the Kingdom.
For telecom leaders, my advice is clear: prioritize innovation, customer needs, and meaningful partnerships. The ability to adapt to the fast-changing landscape while building collaborative ecosystems is key to sustainable growth. Salam exemplifies this approach, leveraging advanced technologies and strategic alliances to redefine the telecom sector and set new standards for excellence.
Salam is actively expanding its digital infrastructure, cloud services, and 5G network to meet the growing demand for advanced connectivity. By fostering innovation and building essential routes in collaboration with strategic partners, Salam is empowering businesses and individuals across the region and the world. Our wholesale services and advanced data centers exemplify our commitment to providing unmatched possibilities, underscoring our vision that #SalamConnectstheWorld.
On the human resources front, Salam is proud to celebrate several prestigious awards that highlight its dedication to excellence. Ms. Samar Al Salem, Senior Vice President of Human Capital, was honored as the ‘HR Leader in the Kingdom’. This accolade recognizes her outstanding contributions to the human resources sector, particularly in developing and implementing strategies that align with Salam’s digital transformation goals. Her innovative approach to talent development and leveraging cutting-edge technologies has set a benchmark in HR leadership.
In recognition of its efforts to foster a culture of responsibility and create meaningful social impact, Salam also won the ‘Celebrating Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility’ award. This achievement celebrates changemakers who are redefining the workplace and highlights Salam’s dedication to driving positive change in the community. Additionally, Salam received the ‘Best CSR Practice’ award in Bahrain. These accolades underscore Salam’s commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities it serves while supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives.
Salam’s focus on innovation, robust infrastructure, and human-centric strategies positions the company as a leader in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey. Through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge connectivity solutions, and a commitment to excellence in human resources and corporate social responsibility, Salam is shaping the future of telecommunications and digital lifestyles. From driving technological advancements like Riot Games’ server relocation to Riyadh to earning accolades for HR leadership and CSR practices, Salam continues to empower businesses and individuals, reinforcing its mission to connect the world and create a brighter, more connected future for Saudi Arabia.
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