By 2031, Dubai Police will fully integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into all services, including security, crime forecasting, traffic management, and disaster response. The AI Strategic Plan 2018-2031 aims to enhance policing through AI-assisted customer service centers, smart stations, and advanced tools, aligning with Dubai’s vision for a safe, smart city.
ICAEW and UAE Banks Federation have partnered to guide companies through the UAE’s evolving digital assets landscape, with a focus on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). The collaboration emphasizes the UAE’s leadership in financial innovation, the importance of cybersecurity, and the need for standardized accounting practices to ensure secure, compliant digital integration.
Egyptian fintech Lucky ONE has raised $3 million in a convertible note, aiming for profitability by Q1 2025. The funds will expand its credit lending services, aligning with Egypt’s financial inclusion goals. Co-founders Momtaz Moussa and Ayman Essawy emphasize sustainable growth, with plans for regional expansion and a comprehensive financial services offering.
Bahrain’s telecommunications sector showed strong growth in Q1 2024, with a 13.8% increase in mobile subscribers and a 10.2% rise in data consumption. Mobile and broadband sectors thrived, while fixed telephony saw a slight decline. The steady progress in fibre broadband infrastructure indicates a promising future for the sector.
Qatar Development Bank (QDB), in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Agency, launched the “Cyber Security Manual for SMEs” to enhance cybersecurity awareness and provide practical guidelines for small and medium-sized enterprises in Qatar. The manual addresses common cyber risks, basic security controls, and employee training, aiming to strengthen the national entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Afghanistan’s IT Minister, Maulvi Najibullah Hayat Haqqani, met with Paktika Province tribal leaders to discuss communication issues. He announced plans to build 25 new communication sites across the province, aiming to improve connectivity and address local challenges. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing communication infrastructure in the region.
Damac Capital, the investment arm of Damac Group, reports strong ROI from its strategic investments in SpaceX and Stripe. These investments highlight the group’s commitment to advancing global technology and innovation. Damac Capital is also expanding into AI, supporting high-growth companies poised to lead in their industries and drive global economic progress.
Zain Group’s Q2 2024 results show a 79% net profit increase, with revenue growing 4% YoY to KD 479 million (USD 1.6 billion). Customer base soared 13% to 47.8 million. Key highlights include growth in 5G revenues, fintech services, and digital operator entities, despite challenges in Sudan.
Orange Jordan celebrated the one-year anniversary of its 5G services with a panel discussion at the Innovation Hub, featuring experts discussing the transformative impact of 5G on various sectors. The event emphasized the role of 5G in driving innovation and growth, aligning with Orange Jordan’s commitment to raising awareness and fostering technological advancements.
### AOI Localizes Cellular Tower Manufacturing in Egypt
The Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI) has inaugurated the Cellular Tower Manufacturing Center at its Aircraft Factory, marking a significant step in localizing the manufacturing of cellular towers in Egypt. Mokhtar Abdel Latif, Chairperson of the AOI, led the inauguration, which was attended by Abdul Rahman Osman, General Manager of AOI; Tarek Hassan, Chairperson of the Aircraft Factory; and several industry leaders.
This initiative is part of AOI’s ongoing efforts to localize technology, increase the percentage of local manufacturing, and produce items under the “Made in Egypt” banner. Abdel Latif highlighted the focus on localizing mobile phone communication tower technology and upgrading production lines with the latest digital manufacturing machines. The center features some of the world’s most advanced production lines for angle forming and cutting, with engineers and technicians trained to the latest Fourth Industrial Revolution standards.
The Aircraft Factory of AOI has successfully achieved 100% local manufacturing of mobile phone communication towers. The factory has begun supplying towers to Etisalat&e, fulfilling the company’s increasing demands. By June 2024, 67 communication towers had been manufactured and supplied to Etisalat&e, with 70 more towers in production for delivery by the end of September 2024.
Abdel Latif noted ongoing coordination to sign memorandums of understanding with Telecom Egypt and other major telecom companies to expand mass production of communication towers. He emphasized AOI’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with all Egyptian telecom companies and developing integrated smart solutions in design, manufacturing, and assembly, driven by Egyptian creativity and national manufacturing capabilities. This initiative aims to meet local market needs and expand exports to African and Arab countries.
