years: 2024

Sherpa Communications is happy to help facilitate the announcement that Yango Maps, the feature-rich app for seamless navigation, has been selected as the official navigation partner for Liwa Village, the highly anticipated event returning as part of the Liwa International Festival 2025. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), this 23-day celebration offers visitors an unforgettable experience of adventure, culture, and entertainment across six dynamic zones, including Souk, Wanasa the family friendly zone, and the breathtaking Shams Liwa.

To elevate the visitor experience Yango Maps has developed an exclusive detailed digital festival map, which will be accessible both in the app and a browser version, enabling seamless interaction for all attendees.

Liwa Village promises an exceptional lineup of activities, including the Hot Air Balloon Glow Show, thrilling FMX motocross stunts, the Hollywood Circus, and live performances by regional and international artists. Guests can also explore immersive attractions such as the Horror Escape Room, 360 degree projection mapping in the Immersive Museum, and adrenaline-pumping adventures like go-karting. All locations offering these activities are highlighted in Yango Maps. To bring the venue to life, colourful 3D models of iconic Village spots and activities like the Ferris Wheel, Souk, Concert Stage, and Monster Jam Track have been created, offering an engaging visual representation of the festival grounds.

Sherpa Communications is pleased to help Gias Srl, thhe leading Italian company in the frozen food industry, announce its partnership with Swisslog to construct an advanced automated warehouse for frozen, semi-finished, and finished products. Specializing in frozen vegetables, Gias supplies its products to retail, industrial, and catering customers worldwide.

This strategic investment marks a significant step in Gias’ automation journey, with the company’s vision for sustained growth. The new facility will be key in supporting anticipated demand and enhancing operational efficiency.

The initial concept for this project was developed seven years ago under the leadership of President Gloria Tenuta. The project evolved through multiple phases to reach its final configuration, selected by the Gias Board of Directors. New land was acquired adjacent to the production site, allowing the new facility to be constructed without interrupting existing operations. The new automated warehouse will be seamlessly integrated with production, enhancing service levels and reducing energy consumption.

In November 2022, Swisslog was selected by Gias to design the structural components of the new warehouse, establishing a partnership based on trust and Swisslog’s expertise in temperature-controlled automation. The project includes a high bay warehouse system featuring three Vectura S42 multi-deep stacker cranes, each reaching to a height of 40 metres. A 150-metre monorail system will link the warehouse to production, incoming goods, and a shipping buffer in an adjacent facility.

The entire solution is managed by Swisslog’s proprietary SynQ software, and the contract includes a two-year maintenance agreement. Work commenced in July 2024, with completion expected by June 2026. This project further solidifies Swisslog’s leadership in temperature-controlled facility solutions, emphasizing the value of automation in advancing sustainable, efficient, frozen food operations.

With the assistance of Sherpa Communications, Yango Maps, the feature-rich navigation app, has announced the launch of a new feature in Dubai, enabling users to view real-time locations of public buses and marine transport on the map. Live public transportation icons now display the transport location at any given moment, saving the users’ time and making daily commutes more efficient. This has been made possible by RTA adopting an open data policy to provide precise data on public transport locations in real time through a smart system that monitors and continuously updates the locations of public transportation.

By switching to the “Transport” tab, users can now find out exactly where their bus or ferry is and plan their routes with greater accuracy. Finding a specific bus now is just a matter of entering its number in the search field. The map will then highlight the route, displaying the bus’s progress and all of its stops.

To add to that, when the user clicks on a particular bus or marine transport station, the app shows the estimated time of arrival of the upcoming public transportation. This way, users can choose the best time to head out to the station to get to it right on time and avoid spending time waiting. That’s especially relevant in extremely hot weather.

The new feature is yet another addition to Yango Maps’ powerful navigation toolset, which includes a detailed map of Dubai, real-time traffic updates and camera alerts, turn-by-turn guidance, and much more. The app’s regular updates and advanced algorithms ensure that users always have access to accurate public transportation locations and estimated arrival times, all accounting for real-time traffic conditions. Yango Maps continues to innovate with features that simplify urban navigation, keeping users informed and in control of their everyday journeys.

With support from Sherpa Communications, GGTech has announced that registration is now open for the first split of the 2024/25 season of UNIVERSITY Esports. Youth interested in participating and demonstrating their competitive skills can now sign up for the two games of this season, VALORANT and League of Legends, starting the early week of November until mid-November. 

Furthermore, the 2024/25 season of UNIVERSITY Esports is coming with the company of a new partner. ExitLag, the first AI-powered game optimization platform that maps out various data routes to enhance and improve the gamer experience, joins as the new official sponsor of the competition in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, also reinforcing its international presence in the MENA region. 

From now on, ExitLag will be visible in all the competitions and activities organized, both in physical events and in their streaming broadcasts. In addition, the brand will also be present in the communications of UNIVERSITY Esports through social networks and on their websites.

ExitLag is a technology that uses AI to optimize data routing by instantly mapping multiple routes and sending the packet through the optimal route. In the event that one route becomes unstable, the others spring into action to keep the game connection uninterrupted.

ExitLag has a worldwide network of servers spread across all continents that optimize connections from anywhere to anywhere. In this way, no one will be disadvantaged by a bad connection and fair play is guaranteed from anywhere in the world.

College students, integrated within Generation Z, have an undeniable interest in gaming, which is positioned as one of the fastest growing forms of entertainment globally. According to different international studies, young people represent around one third of the world’s population and their influence on the industry is becoming important. It is estimated that more than 3 billion people will be gamers in 2025 worldwide.

The statistical portal Statista indicates that the UAE will exceed 1.7 million video game fans in 2027. This same source also indicates that the annual revenue of the national gaming market will be €421 million in 2024 and forecasts that turnover will grow to over €493 million by 2027.

Sherpa Communications has recently helped Mappable, a global provider of highly customizable and locally relevant geospatial and mapping solutions, spread the world around the release of a new product — the Isochrone API, now available to all clients in the GCC region.

The Isochrone API identifies accessible areas from a specific location — such as a warehouse or point of sale — within a set timeframe. It takes into account factors like road conditions, traffic, and weather forecasts across various transportation modes, including car, public transport, walking, biking, or scootering, to provide accurate and dynamic results. This solution is highly adaptable, making it suitable for both real-time route planning and advanced route preparations.

With the last-mile delivery market in the MEA region expected to reach a projected revenue of US$2.44 billion by 2030, the Isochrone API serves as a powerful tool for various industries that have in-house last-mile delivery or use third party logistics operators. For last-mile delivery services, restaurants, and aggregators, it helps determine delivery zones based on the time needed to fulfill customer orders. In the quick-commerce sector, it enables companies to define from which branches or dark stores the couriers can reach the desired location fastest, which ultimately optimizes their work and reduces customer wait times. Additionally, Isochrone API’s versatility allows businesses in other sectors to incorporate tailored features that cater to their specific industry demands. For example, car manufacturers can leverage Isochrone API to assist electric vehicle drivers in locating charging stations they can reach within a designated timeframe.

In addition to the Isochrone API, Mappable offers a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to multiple business needs: 

• Interactive, data-rich maps for clients’ websites, apps, or CRM. 
• AI-powered geocoding and easy search by address, coordinates, and other parameters. 
• Navigation and route planning tools to help drivers, couriers, and other professionals efficiently move around. 

All Mappable solutions provide extensive customization opportunities, and a wide range of licensing choices. The company has also launched an online self-service desk, which gives easy and fast access to its APIs — for trial or license purchase.

Sherpa Communications is proud to assist Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world leader in lifelong learning, in announcing its strategic partnership with King Saud University (KSU) in Saudi Arabia, aimed at equipping students and residents with cutting-edge English language testing solutions. This partnership marks a significant step in Pearson’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting English proficiency across the region. 

KSU’s “Common First Year” program, a preparatory year designed to equip students with essential skills for academic and future success, has now recognized Pearson Test of English (PTE) as an official entry requirement. To further support students, KSU and Pearson are setting up an on-campus PTE Testing Centre in the Common First Year building, enabling students to take the PTE test directly at KSU, streamlining the process for students to demonstrate their English proficiency for admission. With thousands of applicants each intake, KSU continues to strengthen its position as a leading institution in the region and beyond. 

According to Pearson’s recent study, “How English empowers your tomorrow”, 93% of Saudi respondents view English proficiency as crucial for boosting earning potential. The study reveals that those proficient in English often secure higher-paying jobs, with effective communicators earning up to 60-100% more than their less proficient peers. Additionally, only 11% of respondents with limited English skills earn over 300,000 SAR annually, compared to 42% of those with advanced proficiency. The data also shows a correlation between English skills and leadership roles, with 82% of proficient English speakers holding management positions, underscoring the language’s role in professional advancement and personal growth within the Saudi workforce. 

Under this collaboration, residents of KSA will have the opportunity to take the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic directly on the university campus, a move set to streamline the testing process and offer unprecedented access to global educational and professional opportunities. Students will benefit from a suite of free learning resources, including three hours of live training, 11 hours of online training, and comprehensive study materials. KSU applicants can access exclusive PTE test discounts by contacting the Common First Year admissions.  

PTE Academic is an innovative, computer-based, AI-powered English proficiency test designed by Pearson for those who wish to study, work or migrate abroad. The exam leverages leading automated scoring technology to assess speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a single, two-hour assessment, ensuring accuracy and impartiality in results. With a result turnaround of just two days, it offers candidates a fast, fair, and accurate test of English language proficiency.   

PTE Academic is recognized by over 3,500 institutions globally and can be taken across Pearson’s existing network of more than 445 PTE centers in 117 countries. The UK, Australian, Canadian and New Zealand governments recognize PTE Academic for all visa applications, while universities across Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, and the USA also accept it, making it widely acknowledged for study and immigration purposes.  

Sherpa Communications is supporting Yango Group, a global tech company headquartered in Dubai specializing in everyday services, in announcing its participation in GITEX Global 2024—one of the world’s largest and most influential technology events. Operating in over 25 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and beyond, Yango Group celebrates its sixth anniversary of growth and innovation this year.

At GITEX 2024, visitors to the Yango Group exhibit can experience Yasmina, a human-like bilingual AI assistant available on Bluetooth speakers and other smart home devices. They will explore how Yasmina interacts with smart home systems like climate control and lighting. In addition, Yango Autonomy’s last-mile delivery robots will be showcased at the event, representing an innovative delivery solution for everyday needs that operates in any weather, designed to enhance the efficiency and convenience of urban logistics. 

Attendees can also learn more about Yango Ride’s newest corporate rides option in the UAE, Yango Rides for Business, which provides companies with a seamless solution for managing their corporate transportation needs through a single, centralized platform. At the event, the company will also highlight its ongoing ride-hailing expansion into key markets such as Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Rabat and Tangier in Morocco, Beira in Mozambique, and several locations across Latin America, demonstrating how it continues to push the boundaries of technological innovation globally.

Other services that will be present at the main stand include Yango Maps, a GPS navigation solution that provides users with detailed maps and precise routes for driving, walking, and public transport; Yango Ads, which delivers innovative, tech-driven advertising solutions designed to enhance business growth; and Yango Tech, a provider of proprietary technologies and expertise tailored for the retail and e-commerce sectors. Additionally, Yango Robotics provides AI-driven robotics solutions that automate all stages of order fulfilment in warehouse environments. Yango for Education offers expertise in AI and machine learning through practical, hands-on study programs, and the recently launched Yango Commo features a diverse range of over 300 unique mobile electronic products.

GITEX attendees can also look forward to engaging discussions led by Yango’s leadership team. Adeniyi Adebayo, Chief Business Officer of Yango Ride, will participate in a panel discussion under the title “Public Transport, Digital Cities, Infrastructure, Public-Private Partnerships, and Future Mobility,” where he will discuss the role of public-private partnerships in fast-tracking the development and expansion. Other representatives from the company include Roman Karlash, Chief Executive Officer of Yango Ride, and Shashi Singh, Head of Operations, Yango Ride – MENAP & Africa.

Attendees can visit Yango’s booth at Hall 3, Stand H3-B20. As the company continues to expand its footprint across the MENA, Africa, Latin America, and other regions globally, its presence at GITEX 2024 underscores its dedication to driving innovation and creating smarter, more connected urban environments.

Sherpa Communications is pleased to support Shaffra, the leading deep-tech company in the Middle East pioneering AI-driven workforces and metaverse workplace solutions, in announcing the appointment of Mohammed Al Mutairi as its new General Manager for Saudi Arabia. With over 30 years of experience in business development and project management across influential sectors, Mohammed brings a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. His career began at Saudi Airlines, where he led sales operations in the Eastern Province for 24 years, before moving to Khusheim Industrial Group as Business Development Director, where he built strategic partnerships to drive sustained growth.

From 2013 to 2023, Mohammed served as the General Manager for Special Projects at Middle East Investment Company (MIC Group) for over a decade. During his tenure, he successfully managed and delivered several high-impact projects, including the Jawa Petroleum & Saipem Gizan Gasification Packages Project with Aramco in 2014, and Larsen & Toubro’s Riyadh Metro Project in 2016. His strategic leadership was also crucial in driving innovation and technology integration across the group’s key subsidiaries, including STME, a leader in enterprise IT solutions, and CTC, where he enhanced collaborative initiatives with the Saudi Telecom Company (STC), overseeing the execution of large-scale projects essential to the Kingdom’s digital transformation.

Shaffra is positioned to drive innovation in the Middle East, where AI and metaverse technologies are expected to help boost the region’s GDP per capita by 46% over the next 30 years, contributing to a long-term economic gain of at least $1.6 trillion. The deep-tech company’s intelligent AI Employees seamlessly integrate into existing systems to automate repetitive tasks, streamline operations, and contribute to decision-making through data-driven insights. Shaffra has seven patents currently in progress and its rapid growth is fueled by a strong network of investors, including Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and other global partners.

Sherpa Communications is pleased to support Trascent, a global leader in facilities management advisory services, and Gulaid Holding, a prominent investor in Saudi Arabia’s facilities management sector, as they join forces to launch Trascent Arabia—a joint venture aimed at delivering value-added, differentiated services tailored to the Kingdom’s facilities management (FM) industry. This new entity will offer innovative solutions aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on transforming the delivery of FM services across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.

Trascent is globally established for thought leadership and expertise in structuring and governing the delivery of best-in-class FM services, drawing from Trascent’s experience in advising more than 20% of the Fortune 500 on outsourcing FM across diverse markets. Complemented by Gulaid Holding’s 15-year deep understanding of the Saudi market and local capabilities, Trascent Arabia aims to enhance FM service quality and efficiency through best practices in contracting and managing FM services. The joint venture aims to address unmet market demands by offering cutting-edge advisory, contract management, and program management services.

According to a recent report by Fortune Business Insights, the FM sector in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach US$56.33 billion by 2032, growing at a compounded annual rate of 10.3% from 2023. With the Kingdom undergoing a transformation for Vision 2030, the FM industry faces increasing pressure to move beyond traditional manpower-based services to more sophisticated, customer experience-led solutions. Trascent Arabia will help clients achieve advanced FM services tailored to support key national mega projects, such as NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project.

Trascent Arabia will focus on three core service areas: management consulting services – advising clients on how to structure FM contracts, develop service specifications and deploy best practices in commercial models; contract execution and management – providing a single point of contact for ensuring compliance performance across FM contracts; and program management – overseeing key client initiatives, including energy efficiency and sustainability projects, ensuring their effective and timely implementation. 

The joint venture aims to position Trascent Arabia as a key FM resource to clients in Saudi Arabia. Trascent Arabia will be led by an experienced executive team with deep knowledge of local dynamics and global FM best practices.

Sherpa Communications is proud to support Yango Robotics, a subsidiary of the global tech leader Yango Group, as it showcases its latest AI-driven warehouse automation innovations at GITEX 2024—one of the world’s largest and most influential technology events. Yango Robotics is transforming warehouse optimization through autonomous robotic piece-picking and AI-powered mobile robots. At GITEX, the company will present a range of groundbreaking solutions designed to meet the rising demand for warehouse automation across industries such as warehousing, e-commerce, and logistics in the MENA region.

Attendees will see live demonstrations of innovative computer vision technology, which enhances overall productivity in warehouse settings. They will also gain insight into the advanced, intuitive, and reliable robotic technologies that Yango Robotics’ brings. These technologies have human-like capabilities that seamlessly integrate into various environments, enabling companies to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. This includes a range of AI-driven and ML-powered innovations that optimize various aspects of warehouse automation. Additionally, attendees will learn about specific applications such as the Picker Robot and the Inventory Tracking Robot, which enhance object handling and monitoring in dynamic environments.

The UAE’s robotics market is on a strong upward path, with projections indicating a market volume of around $360.10 million by 2029, representing a growth rate of 11.02%. This trend is part of a larger regional movement, as the robotics market across the Middle East is expected to reach $2.84 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.74%. This growth underscores the rising adoption of robotic solutions in various sectors, particularly in warehouse operations, where businesses are tackling labor shortages while enhancing fulfilment quality and safety, optimizing space utilization, and increasing throughput.

Visitors can understand how the technology can be customized for their specific needs and see the demonstrations firsthand at the Yango Group stand at Hall 3, Stand H3-B20.