Pakistan assembled 20.44 million mobile phones from January to August 2024, with 12.73 million smartphones and 7.71 million 2G devices. Despite a decline in production due to economic challenges, smartphone usage in Pakistan has risen to 62%, reflecting the growing reach of internet services.
Salam, a Saudi telecommunications and IT company, has partnered with Publicis Groupe Middle East to enhance customer experience through advanced digital services. The collaboration will integrate services from Publicis’ Digitas agency to strengthen Salam’s digital presence and transformation efforts in the kingdom.
The UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority has launched the ICT Regulatory Sandbox to test new tech products and services. This initiative allows for a controlled environment to assess impacts before market release, fostering innovation and enhancing legal frameworks to support rapid technological advancements.
Mobily participated as a founding partner at the Connected World KSA conference, strengthening its role in advancing regional and global connectivity. The company signed multiple MoUs with IQNET, China Telecom, and Supercell Iraq to expand its international reach, enhance digital infrastructure, and align with Saudi Vision 2030.
SUPARCO is launching the PakSat MM1 satellite today with Chinese support, enhancing Pakistan’s communication infrastructure and digital connectivity. This marks a significant step towards a digitally connected Pakistan, following the historic iCube-Q lunar mission. The new satellite will provide various communication services and support socio-economic development.
Visa has introduced several digital payment innovations in Qatar, including the launch of ‘Click to Pay’, a biometric-enhanced solution, in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. These initiatives aim to boost digital payment adoption, support the fintech sector, and facilitate secure, user-friendly financial services for both consumers and businesses in the country.
Kuwaiti fintech startup Kem has secured a $3 million investment from Tether, raising its total funding to $4.5 million. Kem’s platform enables QR code-based P2P payments, simplifying transactions. Tether’s investment aims to promote the adoption of USD₮ and expand digital financial services in the region.
Revibe, a UAE-based startup specializing in refurbished electronics, raised $7 million in Series A funding to expand its business. The company, which has sold over 80,000 devices, plans to accelerate growth in emerging markets and enhance customer service. It currently operates in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.
Pakistan is establishing state-of-the-art IT parks to drive digital growth and economic development. These parks will support young professionals and entrepreneurs, create jobs, attract foreign investment, and bolster the tech sector. The Islamabad IT park, supported by Korea, will provide resources to foster innovation, research, and industry collaboration.
Moroccan Panafsat has partnered with Thales Alenia Space to deploy a satellite communications system for Africa. This initiative will provide very-high-throughput services to 26 countries, enhancing internet access and bridging the digital divide, ultimately supporting economic growth and digital transformation across the continent.
