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.
Ericsson has partnered with Ooredoo Qatar to accelerate digital transformation in key industries using 5G solutions. The collaboration aims to drive efficiencies, unlock revenue streams, and support sustainability initiatives through private 5G networks, mission-critical applications, and knowledge-sharing.
e& UAE and evision have launched STARZ ON Business, an OTT TV service tailored for SMBs and enterprise clients. The service offers a curated mix of live TV and VoD content, digital signage, and solutions for industries like restaurants, retail, and hospitality, enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency.
Niantic has sold its gaming division, including Pokémon Go, to Scopely for $3.5 billion, as part of a strategic pivot toward AI and geospatial technology. Niantic will spin off its AR technology into Niantic Spatial, an AI mapping company, while Scopely expands its portfolio with popular IP-based games.
beIN MEDIA GROUP has extended its partnership with F1 ACADEMY™ to broadcast the all-female motorsport series across MENA and Türkiye until 2033. The 2025 season will feature 18 drivers across seven rounds, showcasing beIN’s commitment to women’s sports through its beINSPIRED initiative, with live coverage in multiple languages.
Sri Lanka is advancing its digital transformation to enhance competitiveness and revitalize the economy. The government has launched the “GovPay” initiative to digitize payments and reduce inefficiencies. With international support, Sri Lanka aims to achieve a $15 billion digital economy, investing in infrastructure and promoting innovation across sectors.
Pakistan is working to officially recognize e-sports as a sport, developing a structured framework to support its growth. Key initiatives include establishing gaming arenas, offering specialized internet packages, and fostering university involvement. Committees will be formed to drive policy development, aiming to nurture talent and enhance competitive gaming opportunities.
Visa has partnered with Fonepay to introduce Scan to Pay in Nepal, allowing international travelers to make secure payments at over 1.5 million merchants using their Visa cards via Fonepay’s QR code system. This collaboration enhances the digital payment experience for tourists and supports financial inclusion in Nepal.
Batelco has become an early adopter of eKey 2.0, enhancing Bahrain’s digital transformation by integrating biometric-based identity solutions into its services. This adoption simplifies customer onboarding and improves security, aligning with Bahrain’s vision for a digitally advanced economy and reinforcing Batelco’s commitment to innovation and service delivery.
UMT has become Pakistan’s first university to launch a fully immersive virtual campus in the Metaverse. This groundbreaking initiative allows students and visitors to explore the campus interactively, access admissions portals, and engage with faculty. UMT is redefining education for the digital age, fostering global collaboration and career development.
