Saudi Arabia has installed 152 automated e-gates at major airports in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah. The e-gates integrate with digital systems for visas, biometrics, and airline operations, speeding up border-control procedures and contributing to the Kingdom’s digital transformation efforts in various sectors, especially in aviation.
JazzCash has integrated its debit cards with Google Wallet, allowing users to make secure and seamless tap-to-pay transactions. This enhancement strengthens JazzCash’s payment solutions portfolio and provides millions of Pakistanis with more convenient, digital financial services. The feature offers added security through tokenization technology and account protection options.
The Universal Service Fund (USF) has allocated Rs 9.5 billion for telecommunication projects across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) from 2021 to 2025. The funding enhances 2G, 3G, and 4G services and deploys optic fiber infrastructure, supporting over 1,600 mauzas and several road segments, aimed at improving connectivity in the region.
Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan met with OCCI Chairman Faisal Abdullah Al Rawas in Muscat to discuss enhancing trade between Pakistan and Oman. The meeting was followed by a B2B networking session to explore business opportunities. Both sides agreed to strengthen ties through the Joint Business Council and enhanced connectivity.
Morocco’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) has mandated telecom operators to share their fiber optic infrastructure. The new regulation requires Infrastructure Operators to lease networks to competitors and publish pricing structures, aiming to enhance competition and network accessibility across the country’s telecom market.
Jordan’s imports of mobile devices in 2024 totaled approximately JD176 million, with 1.855 million devices entering the market. Purchases using debit cards reached JD60.2 million, and tablet imports amounted to JD45 million. This marks significant growth in mobile device sales, reflecting increasing demand and the shift towards digital transactions.
Careem Pay has expanded its remittance service to Egypt, allowing UAE residents to send money directly to Egyptian bank accounts with competitive rates and near-instant transfers. This service, which offers a 50% cost saving over banks, is launched in time for Ramadan, when remittances typically see an increase.
Bahrain’s Parliament has approved a proposal to expand AI use across government ministries to improve efficiency and governance. The initiative aims to automate public services, enhance transparency, and optimize decision-making through data analysis. AI’s role in reducing administrative burdens and combating corruption is central to this transformation.
The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications in Bahrain organized a workshop on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The session aimed at enhancing national capacity to achieve SDGs, aligning with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. Efforts include developing infrastructure, supporting digital transformation, and promoting sustainable transport solutions in coordination with relevant ministries.
Telenor Pakistan has invested over $5 billion in the country, contributing more than Rs500 billion in taxes over 20 years. The company continues to serve 44 million customers while enhancing connectivity in northern Pakistan through 4G services and technological innovations, including achieving record-breaking data speeds and conducting a 5G trial.
