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.
Cartona, a B2B platform digitizing Egypt’s traditional trade market, raised $8.1 million in a Series A extension. The funds will accelerate growth, expand market share, and support regional expansion. The company’s asset-light model and strong unit economics have driven substantial growth, now serving over 188,000 retailers across 17 Egyptian cities.
The Global AI Summit 2024 in Riyadh, hosted by SDAIA, will bring together over 300 global AI leaders to explore advancements in AI, including Generative AI and ethical governance. The event aims to foster international collaborations and drive innovation, with high-profile sessions and agreements expected to shape the future of AI globally.
Ericsson has partnered with e& Egypt to integrate advanced 20-port antennas, enhancing Egypt’s ICT infrastructure and preparing for 5G. This collaboration supports high-order site sharing, improves network performance, and aligns with Egypt Vision 2030, enabling new opportunities for businesses and consumers through expanded 4G and future 5G capabilities.
Madayn has launched a new interface for its ‘Murasalat’ digital document management system, featuring electronic signatures and advanced document classification, supporting Oman’s national digital transformation goals.
bKash collaborates with Grameenphone and City Bank to make smartphones more affordable in Bangladesh, offering instant nano-loans for purchases, facilitating greater digital connectivity.
Veon subsidiary Banglalink has agreed to sell around a third of its tower portfolio in Bangladesh to Summit Towers for $100 million. This strategic move, involving the transfer of over 2,000 towers, aligns with Veon’s shift towards a digital operator model and will help Banglalink focus on digital services expansion.
Orange Jordan’s 11th season of the BIG program, launched under Orange Digital Centers, is empowering entrepreneurs to establish their startups. Through interactive sessions with investment experts like Fahed Qteishat from Middle East Venture Partners, participants are learning essential skills for attracting investments and transitioning from ideation to practical implementation in Jordan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Telecom operators in Egypt have confirmed that there will be no price hikes for recharge cards or internet packages. While new categories of recharge cards have been introduced, the prices for existing categories remain unchanged, dispelling social media rumors about potential increases.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Tawasal Information Technology to create a dedicated digital channel on the Tawasal SuperApp. This initiative aims to enhance communication between the business community in Abu Dhabi and global markets, offering advanced digital features to support business activities and promote economic development.
