Saudi Arabia’s point-of-sale transactions surged 20.4% in the last week of August, with telecommunications leading the growth at 42%. Total transactions amounted to $3.7 billion. The education sector saw a 38.6% decline, while food and beverages spending rose by 40.8%.
Morocco has launched a digital training program aimed at equipping 15,000 young people with digital skills by 2026. This initiative, part of the “JobinTech” program, focuses on socio-economic development in rural areas and offers free courses in software development and data analysis.
Jaffer Group has completed Pakistan’s second-largest RISE with SAP implementation in just eight months, enhancing operational efficiency and digital infrastructure across its 14 companies. This partnership underscores Jaffer Group’s commitment to innovation, supported by SAP and JBS Consulting.
stc Group played a crucial role in the successful debut of the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to become a global esports hub. With robust infrastructure and innovation, stc provided seamless connectivity and an ecosystem of services, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position in the global gaming industry.
The Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) have signed an MOU to strengthen collaboration between telecommunications and financial services. This partnership aims to enhance financial inclusion, secure telecom networks, and support economic development, marking a significant step in advancing Liberia’s digital economy.
Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has enhanced its Mobile App with new features, including UPI transfers to India, Mobile Wallet Payments to Egypt, and EDAA NIN & IBAN linking for dividend payments. These updates provide greater convenience, control, and security for customers, making QIB’s app a comprehensive digital banking solution.
Sony has launched the MENA Hero Project, an incubator program designed to support game developers in the Middle East and North Africa. The initiative offers mentorship, training, and project-based investment to developers in several MENA countries, aiming to lower entry barriers and showcase emerging talent in the region’s gaming market.
Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by government support and digital innovation. The sector is projected to reach €12.222 billion by 2023, with significant contributions from SMEs. This expansion aligns with the country’s broader economic transformation goals, positioning Saudi businesses as key players in the global digital marketplace.
Google’s Director for Pakistan, Farhan S Qureshi, highlighted the growth potential of Pakistan’s app and gaming sector at Think Apps 2024 in Lahore. The event focused on equipping developers with AI tools to drive innovation. Pakistani studios are leading the field, contributing to the country’s potential $6.6 billion digital export revenue by 2030.
Muscat Municipality is advancing its digital transformation by implementing a new fleet management system in collaboration with OPAL. The system will use advanced technologies like GPS and sensors to optimize vehicle tracking, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency, supporting the government’s vision of smart and sustainable cities.
