Ariika, an Egyptian home furnishing e-commerce startup, has raised $3 million in Series A extension funding, led by Beltone Venture Capital and Citadel International Holdings. The new capital will fuel its expansion in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, with Ariika poised for significant growth in the MENA home décor market.
Contact Pay has expanded its partnership with eKhales, a digital payment platform, enabling customers to pay installments and bills through eKhales’ network of over 600,000 point-of-sale (PoS) terminals across Egypt. This collaboration, announced at Cairo ICT 2024, enhances flexibility and accessibility for Contact customers nationwide.
Dubai’s Crown Prince, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has approved the “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033,” aiming to make Dubai a top 10 global gaming city, create 30,000 jobs, and boost GDP by $1 billion by 2033. The initiative will support developers, designers, entrepreneurs, and startups in the gaming sector, focusing on talent, content, and technology. Three metaverse initiatives were also launched to cement Dubai’s leadership in metaverse development. The move aligns with Dubai’s vision to be a future-ready city, emphasizing technology and innovation.
NTRA and NTI have renewed their agreement to monitor electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from cell towers in Egypt. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with global safety standards, leveraging advanced technologies to measure radiation levels and support telecom infrastructure development.
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) has released the 3rd edition of the “Digital and Space Sustainability in Saudi Arabia” report. It highlights key initiatives and 13 success stories in environmental, economic, and social sustainability, showcasing the pivotal role of IT and space technologies in achieving sustainable development goals.
SharkNinja, a leading home technology company, will occupy 32,000 sq ft at Battersea Power Station’s 50 Electric Boulevard for its new EMEA headquarters. The office will accommodate up to 320 employees, featuring modern amenities and state-of-the-art testing facilities. This move supports SharkNinja’s growth and innovation goals.
Oman’s telecom providers have issued warnings against the illegal sharing of Wi-Fi and internet services, outlining severe consequences including service termination and legal action. This crackdown aims to ensure compliance with the laws regulated by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
Astra Tech announces a strategic partnership with the World Economic Forum to propel global digital transformation. This collaboration highlights the UAE’s role in advancing AI and fintech, aligning with the global agenda for ethical technological development.
Beyon’s telecommunications subsidiary, Sure, has completed its acquisition of Airtel Vodafone, aligning with its strategy to expand international investments. The move includes a £48 million investment in a new 5G mobile network, enhancing connectivity and digital standards for Channel Islanders while promising improved services and faster speeds.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has revoked the licences of 334 internet and telecommunications service providers for failing to renew their licences on time. The companies, including ISPs and call centres, were found non-compliant with BTRC’s rules, leading to licence cancellations and potential penalties for continued operations.
