Iran and Saudi Arabia are strengthening ICT cooperation, focusing on regional data transit, cybersecurity, e-government, and infrastructure development. The countries aim to boost mutual collaboration through joint projects in AI, messaging platforms, and optical fiber, while leveraging their private sectors for ICT advancements, contributing to economic and technological growth.
stc has signed an SR32.64 billion ($8.71 billion) contract to build and operate telecom infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The deal spans 18 months for preparation and execution, followed by 15 years of operational management. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals and supports the country’s growing telecom sector.
Qatar has launched the 2024 Digital Inclusion Index to ensure equal access to digital services, highlighting the nation’s achievements in digital infrastructure and education. The initiative supports Qatar’s Digital Agenda 2030, aiming to increase digital access, competencies, and trust through targeted programs and investments in emerging technologies.
Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched a mobile app allowing consumers to submit complaints about product quality, services, and pricing. The app offers various complaint categories and requires users to provide specific details. This initiative is part of MoCI’s efforts to protect consumer rights and market standards.
Easypaisa has become Pakistan’s first Digital Retail Bank after receiving approval from the State Bank of Pakistan. This transition from a microfinance bank to a digital bank marks a significant milestone in the country’s financial services landscape, offering comprehensive banking solutions entirely online to millions of Pakistanis.
Algeria and Oman have launched educational platforms ‘فضاء الأولياء’ and ‘تطبيق ولي الأمر’ to enhance communication between schools and parents. These platforms allow parents to track their children’s academic performance, access exam results, and monitor school activities, ensuring active involvement in their children’s educational progress for the 2024-2025 school year.
At the 8th REFRAM conference, HACA President Latifa Akharbach emphasized the need for digital platforms to take accountability for content moderation and user protection. She expressed concern over relaxed rules, particularly affecting African users, and called for greater commitment to fighting disinformation. A leadership transition marked the conference’s conclusion.
Kuwait has seen a 25% reduction in traffic violations following the implementation of AI-powered road surveillance cameras. These cameras have successfully detected violations like mobile phone use and seatbelt non-compliance, recording over 40,000 infractions in just 20 days, contributing to improved road safety and compliance with traffic laws.
Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub, home to 1,600 IT companies, is making global strides with projects like the Alaqan palm print recognition system, Higgsfield AI, and Codiplay. These initiatives, along with others, are being exported internationally, showcasing Kazakhstan’s growing influence in the tech and education sectors.
CITRA achieved remarkable success in 2024, with record revenues, new digital infrastructure projects, and strategic partnerships. Key initiatives included launching a regional communications corridor, advancing 5G, and collaborating with Google and Huawei to enhance Kuwait’s digital transformation and ICT sector. The authority is poised for further growth in 2025.
