REALM CEO: Supporting Mobile Technology in MENA Markets
The mobile landscape across the MENA region is changing, with 3G, 4G and 5G coverage having grown significantly since 2017.
According to the GSMA, almost one-third of the population within the MENA region lives within the footprint of a mobile broadband network, but does not currently own a mobile device. In response, companies like REALM are committed to enhancing regional connectivity across MENA to get more people connected and bolster the networks for those that are.
With this in mind, Mobile Magazine sat down with REALM CEO Gary Knight about bolstering mobile technology within the MENA region and how REALM confronts connectivity challenges.
Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at REALM
I’m Gary Knight, CEO of REALM. My education was in marketing, business, and sports which initially led me to a successful career in video games.
During my career I held senior global roles at EA Sports and SEGA before transitioning to lead tech startups, using my expertise in games and gamification to enhance online social communities.
In my role as CEO of REALM, I set the strategic vision and direction for the business, ensuring we meet the needs of our board members, staff, users, clients and partners.
I also oversee the executive teams at REALM and consumer offering WOLF Qanawat, making sure that our annual and quarterly goals are on track while exploring new innovations and implementing them where they align with our strategy.
Tell us about REALM and the services it offers
REALM is a leader in community engagement, gamification and monetisation. We are a digital community engagement business that connects people through online platforms based on shared geographical locations or interests. Founded in the UK in 2006, the team behind REALM are pioneers in the digital space, launching the first chat app on the app store in 2008, which gained traction in Saudi Arabia.
Today, REALM operates its well-established B2C community entertainment platform, WOLF Qanawat and develops B2B online community solutions for large organisations and consumers in KSA.
How is REALM supporting mobile technology in the MENA market?
As pioneers in mobile technology for over 16 years, we’ve demonstrated that we are consistently staying ahead of the curve in the MENA market. We create highly engaging and enjoyable community experiences where users form friendship groups and compete through our gamification systems.
This approach drives hundreds of thousands into millions of people to contribute to increased mobile revenue spend.
What are some of the challenges REALM faces and how do you manage them?
Our biggest challenge is managing the sheer volume of creativity and ideas we have while staying patient in their implementation. For example, we’ve already introduced VR and AI features for WOLF Qanawat, but we’re eager to roll out an innovative AR solution for one of our KSA city partners.
To meet these demands, we’ve been expanding our team in the MENA region, adding talent in design, UX, UI and software development.
What does the future of mobile look like for MENA?
Where do we start! MENA, especially KSA and the GCC, have unprecedented ambition and potential in the mobile space which is incredibly exciting for us at REALM.
Consumers in the MENA region are extremely heavy users of mobile apps and mobile technology to create and contribute to online communities. It is a very future-facing market to be in and we want to be at the forefront of providing the enjoyable experiences and the community belonging that means so much to consumers in the region.
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