The second SaudiFood Manufacturing show, set for April 13-15 in Riyadh, will spotlight industry innovation, sustainability, and emerging business models in the Kingdom’s food sector. With over 550 international brands and thought leaders, the event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, driving growth and local food production.
Telr has partnered with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) to enhance payment services and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal for a cashless economy. This collaboration provides merchants with advanced payment solutions, including BNPL and digital invoicing, while improving transaction speed, security, and compliance with local regulations.
Saudi Awwal Bank and United Pharmaceuticals have completed Saudi Arabia’s first digital Islamic supply chain finance transaction. The initiative streamlines payments and enhances working capital management for suppliers through a Shariah-compliant, automated platform. This marks a significant step in integrating Islamic finance and digital transformation in the Kingdom.
Pakistan is exploring the use of excess electricity to power Bitcoin mining and AI data centres, leveraging its surplus energy while tapping into the growing tech economy. The initiative aims to optimize underutilized power generation, boost digital infrastructure, and create jobs through blockchain and AI technology.
Pakistan is preparing for a major spectrum auction to enhance mobile broadband capacity and support next-gen services. With mobile data consumption rising, the government plans to auction 567 MHz of spectrum. The auction aims to promote investment, improve network coverage, and ensure long-term telecom sector sustainability.
SalamAir has launched a new WhatsApp service that enables passengers to receive tickets and boarding passes directly via the messaging app. This digital innovation is part of the airline’s broader strategy to enhance customer experience and streamline the booking-to-boarding process, with more features planned for the future.
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has resolved the 2100 MHz payment issue with Ncell, allowing the company to resume its expansion and network upgrades. This facilitation clears the way for Ncell to continue infrastructure development, including equipment imports and tower installations, vital for its role in Nepal’s digital growth.
PayTic, a Moroccan fintech startup, has secured $4 million in funding to enhance its payment automation solutions and expand into North and Sub-Saharan African markets. The investment will help the company address the growing demand for efficient payment processing in Africa’s rapidly expanding digital payments economy.
The marketing world is shifting from third-party cookies to AI-driven, privacy-first technologies. Google’s Privacy Sandbox, Apple’s App Tracking Transparency, and Meta’s losses reflect this transformation. Brands like Netflix, Sephora, and Spotify are leading the way with personalized AI experiences. Emerging tech includes biometric logins, emotional AI, and predictive interfaces.
Jordan has launched a strategic partnership with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development to finance development projects from 2025 to 2029. The initiative will target key sectors like water, energy, and digital transformation, and is expected to boost private sector growth and enhance Jordan’s economic infrastructure.
