Bahrain’s “MyGov” app launches its first phase, offering easy access to ID card and birth certificate services. It supports over 700,000 transactions annually and integrates biometric authentication for enhanced security. The app is set to expand with additional government services in future phases.
Bahrain’s Shura Council has approved amendments to strengthen theft laws for mobile phones and laptops, focusing on protecting sensitive data. The legislation, part of Decree No. 7 of 2024, will address legal gaps and introduce tougher penalties for tech-related crimes. A final vote is scheduled for the council’s next session.
e& has partnered with DE-CIX to create a major interconnection hub in the UAE, connecting SmartHub IX data centers to DE-CIX’s global network. This collaboration aims to enhance the Middle East’s digital infrastructure, providing low-latency connectivity and boosting the region’s position as a key interconnection ecosystem.
PTCL has acquired Telenor Pakistan for Rs108 billion, marking a significant consolidation in Pakistan’s telecom sector. This strategic move aims to enhance service quality and coverage, supporting Pakistan’s economic growth and digital transformation. The acquisition will strengthen PTCL’s market position and create a robust telecom infrastructure.
Alstom has inaugurated its regional headquarters in Riyadh, aimed at advancing sustainable mobility and railway development in the Gulf region. The new office, led by Mohamed Khalil, will serve as a hub for innovation and digital services, supporting Alstom’s global operations and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
MoroccoAI will host its fourth annual conference virtually on December 4-5, 2024, focusing on AI’s transformative role. The event will feature discussions on AI-driven research, innovation, and its application in industries like energy and healthcare. An InnovAI Hackathon with 30,000 MAD in prizes will also be held.
In 2024, Algeria’s FGAR funded 386 SMEs with a total of USD 427 million, creating over 8,000 jobs. The fund provided loans and financial guarantees across various sectors and regions, supporting business growth. Additionally, it recently expanded loan offerings to include both investment and operating loans.
SettleMint and The Hashgraph Group have formed a strategic partnership within the Qatar Financial Centre’s Digital Assets Lab to drive the adoption of distributed ledger technologies (DLT) and digital assets globally. This collaboration aims to foster innovation, improve accessibility, and contribute to Qatar’s digital economy goals.
MBZ-SAT, the UAE’s most advanced satellite, is set to launch tonight from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Developed by Emirati engineers at MBRSC, the satellite boasts cutting-edge Earth observation capabilities, offering rapid data delivery and precise imaging for applications like environmental monitoring and disaster relief.
CST’s Digital Regulatory Academy held a 4-day training program on “Navigating the Regulatory Landscape,” featuring international experts and ICT sector beneficiaries. The program aimed to raise awareness, introduce digital regulation, and enhance knowledge on regulatory principles and local issues, as part of DRA’s initiatives to develop national capabilities and expand leaders’ expertise.
