
Du becomes the first operator in the region to partner with FreeMove Alliance to enhance global connectivity solutions
Dubai, UAE: du, the leading telecom and digital services provider, today announced a partnership with FreeMove Alliance, the global mobile telecommunications alliance between Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telia, and TIM. du is the first in the region to partner with FreeMove, marking a significant enhancement in its service offerings to multinational corporations (MNCs). The collaboration aims to expand accessibility to premier telecommunication services worldwide, ensuring MNCs have the best possible support as they navigate global markets.
Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer at du, said: "We are thrilled to join forces with the FreeMove Alliance, marking a milestone in our journey to provide comprehensive global connectivity solutions. This partnership will help us enhance our service portfolio and strengthens our mission to serve the international business community with unparalleled telecommunications support."
The partnership heralds an exciting expansion of FreeMove Alliance's reach into the Middle Eastern market, offering substantial benefits to both the alliance's operators and their international clientele engaging in business activities within the region. Furthermore, it propels du into the global arena, enabling the company to grant its multinational customers unparalleled access to some of the foremost mobile networks and services across Europe and globally, all while maintaining a robust relationship with their trusted telecommunications partner.
Selma Avdagic Tisljar, General Manager of FreeMove Alliance, said: 'We are very excited to welcome du as part of our alliance, a trusted partner that will help us strengthen our presence in the Middle East and ensure that our multinational customers enjoy seamless, top-notch mobile connectivity.'
Through this partnership, du extends FreeMove Alliance's influence in the Middle East, creating a gateway for enhanced global connectivity. du's multinational customers can tap into the elite tier-one operators in Europe and the USA, benefitting from FreeMove Alliance's expansive global network. In addition, customers will gain from the alliance's advanced enterprise mobility solutions, offering centralized management benefits and comprehensive global business support.
About du
du adds life to life with a comprehensive portfolio of mobile, fixed, broadband, entertainment services, and fintech solutions. Through a digital-first approach powered by ultra-reliable fiber and 5G technology, du delivers bespoke solutions leveraging cloud computing, AI-driven analytics, advanced cybersecurity, and IoT integration. As a trusted digital telco enabler spearheading the UAE's digital transformation, we collaborate with a dynamic partner ecosystem to propel industries and society toward operational excellence, shaping a more connected and digitally advanced future across the region.
About FreeMove Alliance
Established in 2003, FreeMove Alliance is the mobile telecommunications alliance between Deutsche Telekom, Orange, TIM and Telia. It serves as a mobile services hub that helps multinationals to optimize their investment in mobile connectivity by offering global access to the most reliable networks though a central point of management. FreeMove Alliance promotes the power of global mobility by enabling collaboration between multinational companies and local operators. It offers best-in-class connectivity across 90% of its footprint via its members' award-winning networks, as well as streamlined commercial arrangements, dedicated account support and value-added services in more than 125 countries.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Emirates Woman
10 hours ago
- Emirates Woman
Dubai Flights Cancelled: Here's your ultimate guide to travelling smoothly
International air travel across the Middle East faces unprecedented disruptions as major carriers worldwide suspend services to Gulf hubs, including Dubai flights. British Airways, United Airlines, and American Airlines have all halted flights to Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain – marking the first large-scale cancellations in the region since 2023. These measures come alongside extended flight suspensions by UAE-based airlines, creating a perfect storm of travel disruptions affecting thousands of passengers daily. Live: Several flights cancelled, UAE launches emergency airport response plan Emirates Airline has extended its suspension of flights to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra through June 30, with strict policies prohibiting transit passengers bound for these destinations. The Dubai-based carrier continues to monitor the situation hourly, prioritizing passenger safety while working to minimize inconvenience. Similarly, flydubai maintains its complete suspension of services to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria through month's end, including its St. Petersburg route. Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways faces its own challenges, having suspended all Tel Aviv flights until July 15 while maintaining reduced service to Amman and Beirut. The airline emphasizes that transit passengers attempting to reach suspended destinations via Abu Dhabi International Airport will be denied boarding at their original departure points. Low-cost carriers face particularly severe disruptions. Air Arabia continues its suspension of flights to Iran, Iraq, Russia, and several Caucasus nations through June 30, with Jordan services paused until June 25. Wizz Air has taken the most drastic measures, cancelling all Tel Aviv and Amman flights until September 15 while rerouting numerous other services. Important Notice from #UAEMoFA to UAE nationals, residents, and visitors regarding flight schedules. #Twajudi — MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) June 14, 2025 The ripple effects extend beyond Middle Eastern carriers. British Airways has suspended all Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain flights through June, while United Airlines has indefinitely paused its Dubai operations. American Airlines cancelled Doha services, and several other international carriers including Air Canada and Air France-KLM have suspended select Gulf routes. Dubai Airports authorities confirm ongoing delays and disruptions at both DXB and Al Maktoum International, advising travelers to arrive at least three hours before scheduled departures. All airlines strongly recommend passengers verify their flight status directly through official websites or mobile apps before heading to airports, as third-party platforms may not reflect real-time changes. With transit passengers to suspended destinations being turned away at originating airports, travelers are urged to review their itineraries carefully. Airlines universally emphasize the importance of updating contact information in bookings to ensure receipt of critical updates. As the situation remains fluid, carriers maintain that passenger and crew safety remains their absolute priority, with operational teams working around the clock to monitor developments and adjust schedules accordingly. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images & Feature Image: Pinterest


Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Arabian Post
Barclays Taps Ex‑HSBC Banker to Accelerate Middle East Push
Barclays has appointed Farzad Billimoria as head of its private bank for the United Arab Emirates, strengthening its foothold in a region experiencing rapid wealth creation. Based in Dubai, Billimoria will report directly to Annabelle Bryde, head of Private Bank International, commencing his role on 1 July pending regulatory approval. Billimoria brings 30 years of financial services expertise, most recently serving as Senior Executive Officer and head of private banking at HSBC in the UAE. He led the establishment of HSBC Private Bank in key financial hubs such as the DIFC and ADGM, and notably launched the bank's first onshore private banking booking centre within the UAE. His deep-rooted presence in Dubai, with over two decades of local experience, positions him to drive growth within Barclays' expanding wealth management ambitions. This move occurs amid a resurgence of private banking across the Gulf, fuelled by rising regional GDP, intensifying investment from sovereign wealth and increasing interest in bespoke financial services. For Barclays, marking its 50th year of operations in the region, securing Billimoria represents a strategic play to challenge entrenched rivals and capture market share across both Middle Eastern and Asian private banking landscapes. ADVERTISEMENT Barclays has 'significant growth opportunities' in the Gulf, Bryde said, emphasising the bank's strategy to elevate the region's importance within its global private banking operations. Billimoria's leadership is expected to accelerate initiatives focused on ultra-high-net-worth individuals and high-net-worth families, aligning with broader shifts in regional wealth dynamics. Economic projections show that the UAE's economy is set to expand by approximately 3.5 per cent in 2025, underpinned by technology, real estate, and infrastructure investments. Billimoria's departure from HSBC, part of a broader simplification drive, signals changing strategic priorities within global banks. HSBC has been reshaping its regional model, consolidating operations to enhance efficiency and digitalisation. His transition also reflects a wider trend of prominent private banking leaders moving across institutions, as banks vie to differentiate through personalised, tech-enabled services. Barclays' hiring aligns with senior leadership changes at the bank in the Gulf. Rasha Badawi, appointed earlier this year to lead private bank efforts in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, aims to capitalise on cross-border synergies. Under her direction, Barclays is placing greater emphasis on sustainability-driven investment products and ESG-compliant offerings, responding to demand from increasingly values-conscious UHNW clients. Competition in Gulf wealth management is intensifying. Regional players like Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and QNB have ramped up their wealth divisions, while global institutions such as UBS and Credit Suisse introduce digital platforms tailored to Gulf clientele. Barclays will also challenge global peers by leveraging its UK-based banking infrastructure and cross-market services—a value proposition for Gulf clients seeking diversification beyond the region. Yet the Gulf banking landscape is not without challenges. Banks are navigating stringent anti-money‑laundering regulations and heightened transparency in tax and compliance regimes. To maintain profitability, providers must balance regulatory adherence with flexible service models. Barclays' success with Billimoria will hinge on its ability to blend local expertise with international scaffolding in a cost-effective way. Billimoria's credentials are well aligned with the trends reshaping Gulf private banking. He oversaw the onboarding of ultra-high-net-worth non-resident Indian clients during his tenure at HSBC, a segment increasingly in demand across the region. His track record in setting up offshore and onshore operations offers Barclays practical experience in integrating multi-jurisdictional banking platforms. The appointment also underscores the growing importance of the UAE as a regional wealth hub. Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to draw family offices, investment firms, and global capital, bolstered by regulatory reforms and a diversified, digitised economy. Barclays' strategy involves positioning its UAE operations as a gateway for wealth originating across India, Africa, Europe, and the broader Middle East. Inside Barclays, Billimoria will lead a team focused on designing customised wealth solutions, integrating digital advisory tools and sustainability-linked offerings. Bryde has signalled that the bank will prioritise growth in Asia and the Middle East, with the UAE serving as a strategic linchpin for regional expansion.


Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
Infobip named among Top 75 in Fortune's Europe's Most Innovative Companies 2025
Global communications platform Infobip has been recognized among the top 75 companies in Fortune's inaugural ranking of Europe's Most Innovative Companies for 2025. It holds the position of number 68, placing it in the top 25% of all listed companies. This distinction reflects Infobip's ongoing commitment to advancing Europe's IT sector and digital infrastructure through cutting-edge innovation. The first Fortune Europe's Most Innovative Companies list, created in collaboration with Statista, evaluated 300 companies from 21 countries and 16 industries based on innovation culture, product development, and process improvements. Infobip is at the forefront of Europe's digital transformation. Infobip participates in the IPCEI-CIS project, which aims to build the next-generation global communications platform, thereby reinforcing Europe's competitiveness in the tech sector. Infobip's involvement in the IPCEI-CIS project, along with partnerships with Deutsche Telekom AG, NVIDIA, Telefónica, and others, demonstrates its continuous commitment to progress with innovation. Silvio Kutić, CEO at Infobip, said: 'Being recognised among Europe's Most Innovative companies by Fortune highlights our ongoing commitment to the cutting-edge. At Infobip, we foster an environment that values experimentation and collaboration, viewing failure as a stepping stone to innovation, which has enabled us to redefine omnichannel communications. As companies strive to enhance their engagement strategies, we frequently play the role of innovation executor, helping businesses across industries advance their conversational adoption journey and keep pace with AI innovation.' Infobip's technology powers customer engagement for leading brands, from enabling WhatsApp ride-booking for Uber in India to deploying advanced AI assistants for European fintech and retail leaders. The company's omnichannel solutions help businesses worldwide deliver secure, personalized, and seamless customer experiences. Recent projects with customers like NEXT, Digitaleo, and AXA showcase the company's innovative work with AI and RCS to elevate their engagement strategies. Infobip also drives industry dialogue through initiatives like the annual SHIFT Conference, which brings together developers and tech executives to explore the future of AI and digital transformation. This year's event will be held from September 14-16 in Zadar, Croatia, with a focus on AI's impact on software development and creativity. Grethe Schepers, Lists Director, Europe at Fortune, said: 'This list isn't just about who's ahead today—it's a spotlight on the bold thinkers across Europe who are redefining industries from the inside out. Innovation isn't just a buzzword here; it is a core and defining strength for Europe.' See Europe's Most Innovative Companies List 2025 here: About Infobip Infobip is a global cloud communications platform that enables businesses to build connected experiences across all stages of the customer journey. Accessed through a single platform, Infobip's omnichannel engagement, identity, user authentication and contact centre solutions help businesses and partners overcome the complexity of consumer communications to grow business and increase loyalty. It offers natively built technology with the capacity to reach over seven billion mobile devices and 'things' in 6 continents connected to over 9,700+ connections of which 800+ are direct operator connections. Infobip was established in 2006 and is led by its co-founders, CEO Silvio Kutić, Roberto Kutić and Izabel Jelenić. Recent award wins include: Infobip named among Top 75 in Fortune's Europe's Most Innovative Companies 2025, placing it in the top 25% of all listed organizations (June 2025) Infobip ranked as a Leader in the Omdia CPaaS Universe Report for the third time (April 2025) Infobip ranked an Established Leader in the Juniper Research Conversational AI Leaderboard (Feb 2025) Infobip named a CPaaS Leader for the third time in the IDC MarketScape (Feb 2025) Infobip named one of the top CPaaS providers in Metrigy's CPaaS MetriRank Report (Dec 2024) Infobip named number one among Established Leaders in RCS Business Messaging in Juniper Research's RCS Business Messaging Competitor Leaderboard 2024 (Nov 2024) Infobip recognized as the number one provider in the AIT Fraud Prevention market by Juniper Research (Oct 2024) Infobip named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) 2024 for the second year running (June 2024) Infobip named to Fast Company's Annual List of the World's Most Innovative Companies (March 2024)