Arthur D. Little’s report highlights Bahrain’s potential in video games and renewable energy. The gaming sector is the second fastest-growing in the Gulf, while renewable energy investments are surging. Bahrain’s strategic position in cloud services, financial transparency, real estate, and manufacturing further enhances its investment appeal.
Batelco has launched Basma, an AI-powered digital assistant designed to enhance customer experience. Available 24/7 in English and Arabic, Basma assists with bill inquiries, usage tracking, package installments, and more. This initiative marks a significant step in Batelco’s digital transformation and technological advancement in Bahrain’s telecom sector.
Nepal’s 4G user base has surpassed 20 million, with mobile broadband holding a 66.28% market share, per the NTA’s latest report. Despite a minor decline of 204,548 users from Falgun to Chaitra 2080, Nepal Telecom and Ncell continue to dominate the 4G landscape, driving digital transformation and connectivity.
Algeria’s government is launching a five-year digital transformation strategy aimed at shifting from paper-based to digital management, enhancing transparency, and boosting economic performance. The plan includes a new digitization law and strengthened cybersecurity measures, positioning Algeria to overcome bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate ICT development by 2029.
Zain KSA announced impressive H1 results with a 60% increase in net profit to SAR172 million ($45.8 million) and revenue of SAR5 billion ($1.3 billion). The growth was driven by enhanced customer experience, expanded 5G coverage, and increased demand during the Hajj season, alongside strong sustainability practices.
Orange Jordan and the Public Security Directorate conducted a session on AI’s role in transforming public security operations. The session aimed to enhance knowledge on AI applications, including crime prediction and cyber threat detection, promoting digital culture and improving security strategies and responses across various departments.
Sri Lanka has become the fastest adopter of digital payments in South Asia, with a 20% increase in digital transactions since 2019. Visa Corporation highlights significant growth, particularly in tap-and-pay transactions. Despite high consumer spending, there remains a need for education on cashless payments for merchants and consumers.
stc has partnered with MEW to supply 500,000 smart electricity meters in Kuwait, supporting the country’s Vision 2035. This project aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce wastage, and improve electricity management. The collaboration underscores stc’s commitment to digital transformation and sustainable development in Kuwait.
Mawhiba has partnered with UNESCO to enhance STEM education for 6th to 12th-grade students in Arab countries. The initiative focuses on empowering Arab girls and young women, training science teachers, and creating a global platform for science fairs, aiming to tackle global challenges and promote sustainable development.
Grid Telecom and Dawiyat Integrated have partnered to build a subsea cable system connecting Greece to Saudi Arabia. The project aims to enhance network resiliency and expand reach, leveraging Crete’s strategic position. Details and timelines are yet to be announced, with potential synergies for additional projects like hyperscale-ready data centers.
