Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has enhanced its Mobile App with new features, including UPI transfers to India, Mobile Wallet Payments to Egypt, and EDAA NIN & IBAN linking for dividend payments. These updates provide greater convenience, control, and security for customers, making QIB’s app a comprehensive digital banking solution.
The UAE National Pavilion will participate in SOFEX 2024 in Jordan, showcasing advanced defence technologies from leading UAE companies. Supported by the Ministry of Defence and Tawazun Council, the pavilion aims to foster international cooperation, form strategic partnerships, and highlight the UAE’s role as a regional hub for defence innovation and manufacturing.
Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has issued the fifth version of the Class License for Short-Range Devices, introducing new frequency bands and increased flexibility for transmit power values. This update aligns with international standards and supports Qatar’s National Vision 2030 by enhancing communication technology services across the country.
Apple Pay has officially launched in Egypt, enabling users to make secure, contactless payments using Apple devices. The initial rollout includes partnerships with major banks like the National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr, and CIB. This marks a significant step toward Egypt’s digital payment transformation and financial inclusion.
Zension Technologies has raised $30 million in Series A funding, led by Wa’ed Ventures and Sumitomo Corporation. The investment will support Zaam, a subscription-based model for tech devices, offering flexibility and sustainability by promoting a circular economy. Zension aims to reduce e-waste while providing affordable tech upgrades to consumers.
Core42, a G42 company, has launched the JAIS Chat mobile app for iOS, offering bilingual English and Arabic AI-driven communication. Built on the powerful JAIS 30B model, JAIS Chat excels in both languages and is designed to enhance government communications, customer service automation, and workforce enablement across various sectors.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), along with KAUST and “Hello Tomorrow,” has launched a report highlighting Saudi Arabia’s deep tech sector. Focused on innovation, AI, and IoT, the report outlines growth and investment opportunities in line with Vision 2030’s digital economy goals.
Saudi Arabia will implement mandatory USB-C charging for mobile devices starting January 1, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance user experience, reduce electronic waste, and cut costs for consumers. The first phase will cover various devices, with laptops included in a second phase starting April 1, 2026.
Zoho Corp and Telr have partnered to advance the digital economy in the MENA region, offering SMEs access to enterprise-grade technology. The collaboration includes special rates for Zoho’s 55+ applications and Telr’s payment integration, supporting regional e-commerce growth and digital transformation.
Panel discussions highlighted the role of AI in expanding decentralized finance applications across various sectors.
