Mastercard and Amazon Payment Services have partnered to enhance digital payment acceptance across nine countries in the Middle East and Africa. The collaboration will implement Mastercard Gateway technology, enabling seamless transactions while supporting emerging payment methods, benefiting thousands of merchants and promoting digital transformation in the region.
The 74th ICT Governance Committee meeting in Bahrain, chaired by Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, reviewed significant digital initiatives, including a virtual court project, an EV charger payment app, and an animal registration system. Bahrain also celebrated its ranking of 18th in the UN’s eGovernment Development report 2024.
Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, inaugurated the General Directorate of Public Security building in Riyadh. He also opened the Innovation Center and the Indicators and Artificial Intelligence Center, launching new services on the Absher platform to enhance digital transformation in security operations.
Mastercard and Amazon Payment Services have signed a multi-year partnership to digitize payment acceptance across the Middle East and Africa. This collaboration will utilize Mastercard Gateway to enhance transaction security and speed, benefiting thousands of merchants and consumers across the region.
Bahrain Network (BNET) has launched initiatives to enhance job welfare and mental health, particularly for female employees. The measures include designated parking, a drop-off service, and a “Pink Room” for working mothers. These efforts aim to create a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has launched a new electronic licensing management system to streamline the application process for telecom services. Users can now submit and track applications online, enhancing cooperation among regulatory bodies.
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Pakistan’s IT and telecom sectors at the Tech Festival ITCN Asia. The event emphasized collaboration among government, private sector, and academic institutions, with forecasts suggesting IT exports may grow from $10 billion to $18 billion by 2028.
Arab Advisors Group has released a new series of reports analyzing the 5G market in the GCC, focusing on data-only plans and pricing strategies. The reports highlight trends from 2020 to 2024, aiding telecom operators in understanding competitive positioning and driving innovation in the region’s digital economy.
Zain Group has been awarded the Cloudera Data Impact Award for its Data Office’s innovative work in developing advanced data architectures. This recognition highlights Zain’s commitment to a data-driven strategy, fostering a culture of data literacy, and leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency and business outcomes.
In 2024, the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields remains a critical issue, with women making up only 34% of the workforce. Initiatives like Hatch’s partnership with the Lankan Angel Network and the “She Loves Tech” competition aim to empower female entrepreneurs and bridge the gender gap in technology.
