The Middle East smartphone market experienced strong growth in 2024, with a 14% increase in shipments driven by rising demand for premium devices. However, growth slowed in Q4, reflecting macroeconomic challenges. Looking ahead, brands will face challenges as consumer behavior shifts towards longer replacement cycles and cautious spending.
Iraq’s Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, has launched the Digital Transformation and Automation Center as part of a national plan to enhance digital business and AI. This initiative aligns with Iraq’s economic and administrative reforms, strengthening its digital capabilities and collaboration with the Digital Cooperation Organization.
Mindware has partnered with VMware to distribute VMware’s advanced IT solutions across Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan, helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation. This collaboration will offer regional enterprises cutting-edge cloud, security, and infrastructure technologies to enhance scalability, agility, and security in their IT environments.
Bayut Egypt has launched a new marketing campaign to enhance the property search experience in Egypt, showcasing luxurious properties and design excellence. The platform has experienced significant growth, attracting 1.15 million monthly active users and increasing lead generation. Bayut’s advanced technology ensures a seamless and personalized real estate experience.
Qme, an AI-driven platform from Egypt, raised $3 million in seed funding to revolutionize queuing and appointment booking systems in MENA. With its partnership with AHOY, Qme has already improved efficiency for over 100,000 customers, reducing waiting times and no-show rates. The funding will enhance technology and expand its reach.
EdVentures and the Mastercard Foundation launched the EdTech Fellowship to support innovation and expand access to education in Egypt. The program has successfully impacted 147,200 learners, empowered youth and women, and created jobs. Eleven startups received equity-free investment to scale their operations and drive Egypt’s EdTech transformation.
Vodafone Egypt launched a digital platform for journalists to enhance communication and support Egypt’s digital transformation. The platform offers real-time information, interview requests, and press releases, improving media interactions. The launch event featured prominent media figures and discussions on the impact of digital transformation on Egypt’s media landscape.
TikTok, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), hosted the ‘Digital Safety Summit Bangladesh 2025’ in Dhaka. The summit brought together experts and policymakers to discuss digital safety, highlighting TikTok’s new safety features and its partnership with BTRC to strengthen online security in Bangladesh.
MetLife Bangladesh has expanded its ‘One by MetLife’ app, now available across iOS, Android, and web platforms. Offering 24/7 telemedicine, online medicine delivery, health assessments, and financial planning, the app has surpassed 1.3 million downloads. This expansion supports the company’s goal to provide accessible digital healthcare and financial services in Bangladesh.
Bahrain has launched an online platform for small vessel registration and licensing, reducing processing times by up to 50%. The platform offers services like registration, renewals, and ownership transfers, and is integrated with the Coastguard. It aligns with Bahrain’s digital transformation goals under the Economic Vision 2030.
