How entertainment is boosting Saudi Arabia’s next growth cycle
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in gaming, film and entertainment as part of Vision 2030, positioning creative industries as key drivers of economic diversification and job creation.
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in gaming, film and entertainment as part of Vision 2030, positioning creative industries as key drivers of economic diversification and job creation.
JazzWorld has partnered with the GSMA Innovation Fund to co-finance Pakistani startups and accelerate mobile-driven digital innovation with social and economic impact across the country.
Oman’s digital economy reached $7.7 billion between 2021 and 2024, with the country’s 11th Five-Year Plan targeting 4 percent GDP growth and expanded private sector participation.
VEON has partnered with the GSMA Innovation Fund to co-finance and support startups in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Through JazzWorld and Banglalink, the initiative will provide funding and capacity-building assistance to digital innovators driving social and economic impact.
Charikaty, Morocco’s first fully digital legaltech platform, simplifies company formation and business lifecycle management. Serving founders, SMEs, and ecosystem partners, it centralizes legal and administrative services, reduces bureaucracy, and aims to expand across emerging markets by 2030.
Arbisoft and Thakaat have signed an MOU to scale digital education in Saudi Arabia through open learning platforms, teacher development, and workforce readiness initiatives aligned with Vision 2030 and the Human Capability Development Program.
Jordan launches a €1.83 million EU-backed ReTour initiative to enhance digital readiness and resilience among tourism SMEs across six Mediterranean countries. The 30-month project will introduce AI, blockchain, smart tools, and training to support sustainability and business continuity.
Oman has launched OTECH, a specialized technology company under Omantel, to drive digital transformation across government and private sectors. OTECH offers advanced solutions in cloud computing, AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and systems integration, while focusing on training Omani talent, localizing data, and strengthening national tech infrastructure. The initiative supports Oman’s goal to diversify its economy beyond oil, create high-quality jobs, and position the country as a regional digital hub.
Morocco is investing $3.9 million to digitize its handicrafts sector, introducing an artisan ID card, national registry, and online services. The reform aims to improve efficiency, expand market access, and strengthen competitiveness. The sector employs 22% of the workforce and contributes 7% to national GDP.
Truecaller has partnered with AnyMind Group to boost its advertising sales across MENA and Southeast Asia. AnyMind will exclusively manage ad inventory in key markets, enabling brands to access premium ad formats. The collaboration aims to enhance monetisation, expand regional presence, and drive measurable growth in emerging digital economies.