Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly close to taking a 10% stake in DAZN for US$1 billion. The sports streaming service, which has ties to Saudi sports, plans to break even this year after accumulating $5 billion in losses. DAZN also aims to acquire Foxtel for $2.2 billion.
CSSL has unveiled its 2030 strategy to position Sri Lanka as a leader in the global digital economy. The plan focuses on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability, aiming to create a $15 billion digital economy. Key initiatives include fostering emerging technologies, bridging the digital divide, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has engaged in discussions with the Abu Dhabi government and Binance founder Changpeng Zhao on digital finance policy, focusing on digital innovation, data centers, and AI. He emphasized the importance of Malaysia staying competitive and developing a strong digital finance strategy through collaboration with the UAE.
Ooredoo has partnered with Al Buraimi Governorate to enhance digital skills, foster AI and IT innovation, and support sustainable development in alignment with Oman Vision 2040. This collaboration will equip local communities with advanced technology and training, empowering them for future economic opportunities and workforce development.
Google Pay is set to launch in Pakistan by March 2025, allowing users to link debit and credit cards for contactless payments through the Google Wallet app. The service will initially focus on basic payments, with advanced features like loyalty cards and transport passes to follow in future phases.
Africa’s gaming industry is set to reach $1 billion in revenue in 2024, with mobile gaming driving nearly 90% of the market. South Africa leads, while Nigeria shows the most growth. The region also sees a rise in game studios, particularly in West, Southern, and East Africa.
Dubai has launched the Creators HQ at Emirates Towers, supported by an AED 150 million ($40.8 million) Content Creators Support Fund, to attract 10,000 influencers. The initiative, unveiled during the 1 Billion Followers Summit, offers comprehensive services to creators, including UAE Golden Visa support, training, and strategic partnerships with Meta.
Qatar’s e-services market is expected to grow significantly, driven by digital transformation and increased online usage. The online service market is forecasted to generate $1.628 billion by 2025, with steady growth through 2029. The online food delivery sector is also projected to see significant revenue growth in the coming years.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched a new version of the Nusuk portal, offering over 100 additional services to streamline Hajj and Umrah planning. This digital advancement aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience, with over 18.5 million pilgrims served in 2024 alone.
Qatar Airways Cargo has partnered with Unilode Aviation Solutions to digitalise its fleet of over 42,000 Unit Load Devices (ULD). This collaboration will provide real-time visibility and data analytics, helping streamline operations, optimise resources, and improve asset utilisation, contributing to greater sustainability and efficiency in the aviation sector.
