Etihad Salam Telecom’s next leap: AI, 5G, and Saudi Vision 2030

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation under Vision 2030, Etihad Salam Telecom Company is at the forefront of shaping the kingdom’s telecommunications landscape.

At LEAP 2025, the company showcased its strategic advancements in AI, 5G, and digital infrastructure, reinforcing its role in driving innovation across key sectors. Gulf Business spoke with Abdullah Mohammad Khorami, Chief Business Officer at Etihad Salam Telecom Company, to discuss emerging industry trends, strategic partnerships, and how the company is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving digital ecosystem.

In your view, what are the emerging trends in telecommunications, and how is Etihad Salam Telecom Company positioning itself to lead in these areas under your leadership? 

The telecommunications sector is currently undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by the emergence of ground-breaking technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G. Etihad Salam Telecom Company is actively positioning itself as a leader in this transformative phase, strategically leveraging AI to drive sustainability and efficiency throughout its operations. The company’s participation in LEAP 2025 underscores its commitment to incorporating these emerging technologies to fuel future growth and innovation. Etihad Salam Telecom Company is not only looking to bolster its core services but is also aiming to play a pivotal role in the broader digital transformation touching critical sectors, including transport, healthcare, utilities, and retail. This ambition is in collaborative synch with the initiatives of the Saudi government, underlining Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s visionary approach to influencing the digital landscape domestically and possibly beyond.

With over 20 years of experience in IT, networking, and telecommunications, what key lessons have you learned, and how are you applying them in your role as Chief Business Officer at Etihad Salam Telecom Company? 

Key lessons have been learned about the significance of adaptability, strategic foresight, and the value of partnerships. In my current role, these insights guide a proactive approach towards embracing technological advancements and emphasize the importance of strategic collaborations. This strategy is essential in securing Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s competitive edge in the market, allowing us to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. We constantly refine our operations and strategies to ensure sustained success and leadership in the telecommunications sector.

Given your strength in building strategic partnerships, what types of collaborations are you looking to establish to drive Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s mission forward? 

Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s strategic approach to partnerships concentrates on aligning with entities that can strengthen its mission and enrich its service offerings. Pursuing additional data center partnerships is a key aspect of this strategy, highlighted by the company’s strategic collaboration with TLS, which aims to broaden its service spectrum and bolster the national digital infrastructure. Moreover, Etihad Salam Telecom Company is setting its sights on collaborations with global tech giants to introduce advanced AI capabilities to the region, and to develop AI-ready data centers. 

At the forefront of Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s collaborative efforts is its partnership with EdgeNext, unveiled at LEAP 2025, which aims to boost EdgeNext’s service delivery and network capabilities in Saudi Arabia. This partnership will take advantage of Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s data center colocation and internet services, along with enhanced connectivity offered through the Saudi Internet Exchange. Additionally, Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s collaboration with ACES is set to revolutionize internet speeds in residential areas, promising up to 25 gigabits per second, facilitated by an Open Access Agreement that will augment network services and digital empowerment in Riyadh. 

Etihad Salam Telecom Company is also extending its advanced connectivity and ICT solutions to revolutionize the operational efficiency, resource management, and service delivery of the National Water Company, in line with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious digital and economic transformation goals. Another significant partnership is with Genesys, aimed at transforming customer interactions through the integration of AI, automation, and cloud-based technologies into a comprehensive telecommunications solution, tailored to meet the evolving demands of Saudi consumers.  

We have partnered with ServiceNow to accelerate SME growth in Saudi Arabia by offering integrated digital solutions and workflows, streamlining business operations to foster innovation and efficiency within the fast-growing sector. We announced a strategic partnership with Elm to deliver innovative smart city solutions and digital transformation services by combining Elm’s technological expertise with Salam’s telecommunications infrastructure, enhancing urban living and sustainability in Saudi Arabia. 

Etihad Salam Telecom Company is advancing SME growth in Saudi Arabia through strategic partnerships with Applivary for Mobile Device Management and Dahua for CCTV surveillance, providing SMEs with scalable, innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency, security, and customer service, thus reinforcing its commitment to SME digital transformation and support.

How does Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s digital transformation strategy align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, and what initiatives are you spearheading to contribute to this vision? 

Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s digital transformation strategy is intricately woven into the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, with a particular focus on accelerating digital transformation across critical sectors. By operating pivotal data centers in major cities such as Riyadh, Al Khobar, and Jeddah, and actively seeking out strategic partnerships, Etihad Salam Telecom Company is laying down the infrastructure foundation essential for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious digital leap forward. The company’s efforts in boosting AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud services infrastructure are making significant contributions towards achieving the comprehensive digital transformation goals set forth in Saudi Vision 2030. This alignment not only underscores Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s role as a catalyst in the nation’s digital evolution but also highlights its commitment to fostering a technologically empowered future for Saudi Arabia.

You’ve emphasized empowering teams and delivering impactful results. What approaches are you implementing to foster a culture of innovation and high performance within Etihad Salam Telecom Company? 

Emphasizing the empowerment of teams and the delivery of impactful results, Etihad Salam Telecom Company is implementing several approaches to foster a culture of innovation and high performance. Initiatives aimed at skill development and career advancement are key components of this strategy, ensuring that the team remains competitive and well-informed about the latest industry trends and technologies. 

Furthermore, Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s Saudization strategy is aligned with the broader goals of the national vision, making strides in attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. Etihad Salam Telecom Company is cultivating a work environment that values diversity, fresh perspectives, and innovative thinking by placing a strong focus on inclusivity and representation of women and youth. These efforts demonstrate a clear commitment to developing a workforce that not only reflects the demographic makeup of Saudi Arabia but also contributes to the dynamic, knowledge-based economy envisioned for the future.