Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has launched a digital platform through the Saudi Business Center to streamline key entertainment services, boosting business activity and investment. The initiative supports the Kingdom’s entertainment sector, part of Vision 2030, which saw a 130% rise in visitor numbers and increased licensing activity in 2024.
Abu Dhabi has launched the “Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027” with a focus on AI-driven government services. The strategy includes significant investments in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, aiming to establish the emirate as a global leader in digital innovation, contribute to the economy, and create thousands of jobs.
King Abdulaziz University has launched an AI-focused student exchange program with the University of Oxford, covering cybersecurity, data science, and software development, aiming to equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and real-world solutions.
Iran and Saudi Arabia are strengthening ICT cooperation, focusing on regional data transit, cybersecurity, e-government, and infrastructure development. The countries aim to boost mutual collaboration through joint projects in AI, messaging platforms, and optical fiber, while leveraging their private sectors for ICT advancements, contributing to economic and technological growth.
Orange Egypt has won the 2024 Telecom Review Excellence Award for Corporate Social Responsibility in the telecommunications sector, recognized for its efforts in environmental protection and climate action. Key achievements include a net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2040, reducing carbon emissions by 18%, and pioneering sustainability initiatives in the region.
The Moroccan Ministry of Interior has launched a project to digitize civil registry records across the country with a budget of MAD 194 million. The initiative will centralize over 38 million records, enhancing service delivery, accelerating procedures, and advancing the digital transformation of public administration.
In Q1 2024, 200 Emiratis were trained in app development under the ‘Create Apps in Dubai’ initiative by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. The initiative aims to train 1,000 Emiratis and triple Dubai’s app developers by 2025. The ‘App Olympics’ competition saw 1,100 participants in February.
Falcon 3, the latest open-source LLM from the Technology Innovation Institute, sets new performance benchmarks for small AI models. With its ability to run efficiently on lightweight infrastructures, including laptops, it offers powerful reasoning and fine-tuning capabilities. This model is poised to revolutionize AI accessibility globally.
Qvantel’s BSS expertise will support Banglalink’s digital operator strategy, enabling them to expand digital offerings and enhance customer service.
Pakistan and Qatar have pledged to deepen collaboration in IT, startups, and cybersecurity, following a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister of IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Qatar’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Ali Mubarak Ali Essa Al-Khater. The countries discussed MoUs, student exchanges, and facilitating market access for Pakistani IT firms.
