Jordan’s Association of Banks has launched FinApp.jo, the country’s first Financial Awareness Platform, to improve financial literacy and inclusion. The platform, developed with the Central Bank of Jordan and local institutions, focuses on banking, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and fintech to promote responsible financial behavior and economic growth.
Apple has launched Tap to Pay on iPhone in the UAE, enabling businesses to accept in-person, contactless payments using just their iPhone. The feature supports payments via credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets, offering a secure, hardware-free solution for merchants, backed by encryption and privacy protection.
Ooredoo has partnered with Infobip and Microsoft to introduce AI Hub to Qatar, enhancing customer engagement through conversational AI. The AI-driven tool integrates OpenAI with messaging platforms, empowering local businesses to provide efficient, secure, and modern communication, supporting Qatar’s digital transformation and Vision 2030.
Egypt’s four telecom companies have signed agreements to improve service quality, with new penalties for failing to meet standards. The penalties, double the previous amount, will now be reinvested into network improvements. The initiative aims to enhance mobile service quality, especially in remote areas, and improve Egypt’s global telecom ranking.
Batelco has partnered with Almoayyed Contracting Group to build Bahrain’s first White Space Data Center at the Beyon Data Oasis. The facility will be the largest and most power-dense in the kingdom, integrating sustainability with a nearby solar farm and offering scalable, flexible infrastructure to meet growing digital sector demands.
Algeria’s Minister of Health, Abdelhak Saihi, met with UNDP Resident Representative Natasha Van Rijn to discuss strengthening the partnership forged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussions focused on enhancing healthcare for refugees, establishing an international vaccination center, and aligning Algeria’s health priorities with global health security efforts.
The Saudi Journalists Association and Dar Alyaum For Media have launched a pioneering training program in collaboration with the University of Missouri. The program focuses on AI journalism and the Metaverse, offering 100 training seats to media professionals and graduates, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of digital media innovation.
Capestone, a division of OptConnect, has acquired Next Era, a French distributor specializing in 4G/5G and critical communications, expanding its presence in the EMEA region. This acquisition enhances Capestone’s IoT and 5G solutions, providing access to new growth opportunities in the fast-evolving 5G and IoT marketplace.
Worldline and Telr have partnered to launch an e-commerce payment solution tailored for the UAE market, simplifying online payments and offering global businesses optimized transactions. Meanwhile, MoneyGram and Comera Pay have teamed up to enable seamless cross-border remittances via the Comera app, boosting the UAE’s fintech ecosystem.
Telecom operators in Pakistan have set out key conditions for 5G rollout, including local currency payments, reduced taxes, and adequate spectrum in the 2600 MHz band. They are also pushing for a phased “4G for all” approach and a formal industry recognition to support sustainable growth and investment in the telecom sector.
