Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed launched the ‘MyDubai Communities’ platform to strengthen social bonds in Dubai. The initiative connects citizens, residents, and visitors through over 100 interest-based communities. This digital platform aligns with Dubai’s broader goals for social inclusion and community engagement, promoting the city’s role as a global hub.
Maroc Telecom and Inwi have signed a strategic agreement to expand fiber-optic infrastructure and deploy 5G technology across Morocco. The partnership includes the creation of FiberCo and TowerCo, aimed at improving internet access and strengthening Morocco’s digital infrastructure. This initiative represents a major step in the country’s digital transformation.
JoPACC’s 2024 report shows a 77.2% increase in digital payments in Jordan, with significant growth in instant payments and mobile wallet usage. The total value of transactions reached 79.95 billion JOD, reflecting the country’s shift towards a more digital financial ecosystem, with a focus on inclusivity and efficiency.
Mobile gaming in Bangladesh is booming, with affordable smartphones and internet packages driving growth. Popular games like PUBG Mobile and Free Fire have led to a thriving eSports industry, with local teams gaining international recognition. The rise of gaming hubs and tournaments is creating new opportunities for young professionals.
The IMF report outlines the GCC nations’ ambitious digital transformation plans, aiming to boost the digital economy’s share of GDP and enhance government service digitalization. Targets include significant growth in digital economy contributions, with the UAE aiming for full government digitalization by 2025 and other nations setting similar goals.
Algeria’s Minister of Higher Education, Kamel Baddari, launched three new digital platforms at CERIST in Algiers: a cloud computing system, a drone platform, and a business incubator. These initiatives aim to drive innovation, support startups, and enhance Algeria’s digital economy, with plans to expand to 100 startups annually by 2027.
The Algerian government has launched two initiatives: a 2025 unemployment grant to support job seekers and a digital platform called “Parents’ Space” to improve communication between parents and schools. These programs aim to enhance citizens’ welfare and modernize the education sector through clear registration guidelines and accessible services.
Telecom Egypt has partnered with Truecaller to improve customer communication and experience. The collaboration features Truecaller’s Verified Business Caller ID and Video Caller ID capabilities, enabling customers to easily recognize incoming calls and engage with customized videos. This partnership enhances security, trust, and personalization for Telecom Egypt’s users.
The CDA plans to transform Islamabad into Pakistan’s first fully digital city, focusing on advanced traffic management, cashless transactions, and high-speed internet. Key initiatives include AI-based congestion analysis, QR code digital payments, and phased free Wi-Fi. These steps aim to enhance transparency, convenience, and modernize city infrastructure.
Despite reaching a $7.7 billion valuation in 2024, Pakistan’s e-commerce sector faces challenges, including unreliable internet, digital payment issues, and consumer skepticism. SMEs struggle to access global markets, and slow progress on government initiatives highlights the need for improvements in internet access and logistics infrastructure.
