Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale transactions surged 20.4% in the last week of August, with telecommunications leading the growth at 42%. Total transactions amounted to $3.7 billion. The education sector saw a 38.6% decline, while food and beverages spending rose by 40.8%.
Oman’s telecommunications sector saw RO221.9 million in investments during 2023, with significant growth in 5G infrastructure and fiber optic networks. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority also expanded postal services and created over 1,600 new jobs. Key achievements include multiple digital excellence awards and initiatives to engage the public through consultations.
Morocco has launched a digital training program aimed at equipping 15,000 young people with digital skills by 2026. This initiative, part of the “JobinTech” program, focuses on socio-economic development in rural areas and offers free courses in software development and data analysis.
Egypt’s digital strategy, aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, focuses on expanding digital infrastructure and accessibility. At the Indonesia-Africa Forum, Egypt shared its digital transformation experience, aiming to enhance bilateral cooperation with Indonesia in communications and IT.
EDOTCO Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Air Force, is providing crucial relief to flood-affected communities in the Feni, Noakhali, and Cumilla Districts. As part of its CSR initiative, EDOTCO is delivering food, medicine, and supplies to 2,500 people while ensuring mobile connectivity in impacted areas.
Dubai-based fintech startup Ziina has raised $22 million in a Series A funding round to accelerate its growth and expand product offerings. The company, known for its innovative payment solutions, plans to use the funds to develop new features and explore market expansion in the UAE and beyond.
IFS will showcase its AI-powered cloud and asset management solutions at the World Utilities Congress 2023 in Abu Dhabi. Highlighting innovation and operational efficiency, IFS aims to empower utility companies to optimize performance and address sector challenges, supporting their journey toward net-zero targets.
Zain has been awarded the Best Corporate Governance Award 2024 for Kuwait by World Finance for the fourth consecutive year. This recognition highlights Zain’s commitment to transparency, compliance, and ethical standards, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in corporate governance and sustainable growth.
New research by Strategy& Middle East reveals that Generative AI could significantly transform key sectors in Saudi Arabia, such as telecom, media, and technology, driving substantial profit margin increases by 2028. Early adopters of GenAI stand to gain a decisive competitive edge through innovation and operational efficiency.
During the Esports World Cup (EWC), stc revolutionized the gaming experience through its platforms, stc play and stc tv, providing real-time updates, interactive features, and extensive event coverage. The company’s innovative approach reshaped fan engagement and supported Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global gaming hub.
